JP2002031573A - Reference position adjusting method of torque sensor and reference position adjusting positioning jig of torque sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reference position adjusting method of a torque sensor and a reference position adjusting jig of the torque sensor capable of executing reference position adjustment of the torque sensor easily and surely, and improving the work efficiency by reducing greatly the load of a worker. SOLUTION: By executing a process for arranging a cylindrical body 5 forming a first member coaxially on the circumference of axial direction grooves 21 and axial direction projection parts 22 forming a second member, a process for inserting an insertion part 10a of this positioning jig 10 having the opening shape of a window 5a of the cylindrical body 5 respectively into the window 5a of the cylindrical body 5 and the axial direction groove 21 of the second member, to thereby execute positioning on the reference position, and a process for fixing the cylindrical body 5 forming the first member on the output axis 3 side, the relative position relation between the window 5a and a residual part 5c of the cylindrical body 5 forming the first member and the axial direction groove 21 and the axial direction projection part 22 forming the second member is adjusted on the reference position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor or the like provided in an electric power steering device or the like.
The present invention relates to a reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor for detecting a torque generated on a rotating shaft and a reference position adjusting tool for the torque sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional torque sensors are disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2-102428 and JP-A-2-132.
Various types are disclosed, for example, in JP-A-336, JP-A-9-189625 and the like.
That is, in these torque sensors, the two members fixed to both ends of the torsion bar are provided with concavities and convexities or windows at mutually opposing portions, and the two members are relatively rotated by the torsion of the torsion bar. Thereby 2
Since the relative position of the window and the unevenness of the member changes, the relative position change amount is detected by a separately provided coil or the like, and the amount of torsional torque generated in the torsion bar between the two members from the relative position change amount, That is, the torque acting on the rotating shaft is detected. When manufacturing these torque sensors, in a no-load state where the torque acting on the rotating shaft is 0, the two members are connected and fixed at a predetermined position with the relative positional relationship between the unevenness and the window portion adjusted to the reference position. Conventionally, positioning adjustment to the reference position has been performed while incorporating an electric circuit and visually observing an electric signal.

[0003]

However, in the conventional method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor, the positioning adjustment to the reference position is performed while visually observing the electric signal as described above. This not only imposes a heavy burden on the operator, but also has a problem that the accuracy is low and the work efficiency is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems. The reference position of the torque sensor can be easily and reliably adjusted, and the burden on the operator is greatly reduced to improve the working efficiency. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor and a positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of the torque sensor.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a method of adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an elastic body interposed between an input shaft and an output shaft. A first member and a second member which are fixed to the output shaft and the input shaft, respectively, and have convex portions and concave portions or windows alternately arranged in a circumferential direction on surfaces facing each other with a predetermined gap. And detecting a change in the degree of overlap between the convex portion, concave portion, or window of the first member and the convex portion, concave portion, or window of the second member based on a change in impedance. A reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor including a detection coil that detects torque generated between the first member and the second member; and a step of arranging the first member and the second member coaxially. The concave part of the second member A step of inserting an insertion portion of a positioning jig which can be simultaneously inserted into a window portion into a recessed portion or a window portion of the first member and the second member to position it at a reference position, and positioning the first member and the second member at the output position. And a step of fixing the shaft to the input shaft to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member to a reference position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first member is formed of a conductive and non-magnetic material into a cylindrical body. In the cylindrical body, a plurality of windows are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the convex portion is formed by a cylindrical portion between the windows adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction,
The second member is formed of a magnetic material, is disposed in the cylindrical body of the first member, and has a concave portion formed by a circumferentially extending groove formed in an axial direction. The window and the groove of the first member and the second member overlap with each other, and the circumferential end of the window of the first member and the circumferential end of the groove of the second member coincide with each other. In this state, the insertion portion of the positioning jig is inserted into the window and the groove to determine the position, and in this state, the first member and the second member are fixed to both ends of the elastic body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to the second aspect, wherein the cylindrical portion between the two circumferentially adjacent windows of the first member. A reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor, wherein the circumferential width of the convex portion formed by the step (c) is made to match the circumferential width of the convex portion formed between two circumferentially adjacent grooves in the second member, The positioning jig is formed in a substantially U-shape with a bifurcated insertion portion having a concave portion formed in a circumferential width of the convex portion of the second member, and the two insertion portions of the positioning jig are connected to the second Positioning by simultaneously inserting into the two circumferentially adjacent windows in the first member and the two circumferentially adjacent grooves in the second member so as to sandwich the protrusion of the one member and the protrusion of the second member. Then, in this state, the first member and And to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member to the reference position by respectively securing the second member to the end portions of the elastic body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor, wherein an elastic body interposed between an input shaft and an output shaft is fixed to the output shaft and the input shaft. First and second members in which convex portions and concave portions or windows are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction on surfaces opposing each other with a gap, and a convex portion, concave portion or window of the first member And a detection coil that detects a torque generated between the first member and the second member by detecting a change in the degree of overlap between the first member and the second member based on the impedance change. A positioning jig used for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor provided, wherein positioning at a reference position is possible by simultaneously inserting the recess or window of the first member into the recess or window of the second member. And a means is provided with a insertion portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein a tip of an insertion portion of the positioning jig is tapered. The means is formed in a tapered shape.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein a base of an insertion portion of the positioning jig is provided at a base of the insertion portion. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided means having a locking portion that contacts the first member or the second member.

[0011]

According to the method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, when the relative position of the first member and the second member in the circumferential direction at the reference position of the torque sensor is determined. By simultaneously inserting the insertion portions of the positioning jig into the recesses or windows of the first member and the second member, it is possible to easily and surely position at the reference position. That is, in the case of a structure in which the circumferential width of both the concave portion or the window portion of the first member and the second member is the same, the first member and the second member are inserted by inserting the positioning jig into the concave portion or the window portion. Positioning is performed in a state where the two concave portions or the window portions of the two members completely match. Further, in the case of a structure in which the circumferential width of both the concave portion or the window portion of the first member and the second member is different, the insertion portion of the positioning jig is aligned with the smaller one of the concave portions or the window portion in the circumferential width. When the insertion portion of the positioning jig is inserted into both the recesses and the window, the end of the recess or window having the larger circumferential width contacts the end of the insertion portion of the positioning jig. By rotating the first member and the second member in a predetermined direction until they come into contact with each other, the first member and the second member are positioned. Accordingly, the reference position of the torque sensor can be easily and reliably adjusted, and the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved.

In the method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the second member is arranged as described above, the second member is arranged inside the first member formed in a cylindrical body. Since a predetermined gap is formed between the first member and the second member, it is difficult to accurately grasp the position of the axial groove when viewed from the radial direction. When viewed, the shape of the window of the first member is difficult to grasp, so that the window formed in the cylindrical body is aligned with the axial groove of the second member disposed inside the cylindrical body. In such a case, it is very difficult to visually confirm that, even in such a structure, the windows and the grooves of the first member, the second member overlap and the circumferential direction of the window of the first member. Positioning the window and the groove in a state where the end is aligned with the circumferential end of the groove of the second member. By positioning the insertion section inserts the same time, it is possible to perform the reference position adjustment of the torque sensor easily and reliably.

In the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the third aspect, as described above, the circumferential width of the convex portion formed by the cylindrical portion between the two circumferentially adjacent windows in the first member. In the torque sensor, which has the same width as the circumferential width of the convex portion formed between two circumferentially adjacent grooves in the second member, the torque sensor has a concave portion formed in the circumferential width of the convex portion of the second member. Also, the two insertion portions are provided so as to sandwich the convex portion of the first member and the convex portion of the second member, two windows adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in the first member and two windows adjacent in the circumferential direction to the second member. By simultaneously inserting the grooves into the grooves, the pressing force from both insertion portions of the positioning jig is evenly applied from both sides in the circumferential direction of the convex portion of the second member, so that more accurate positioning is performed. Further, even when the circumferential width of the axial groove of the second member is larger than the circumferential width of the window of the first member, as described above, the two window portions adjacent to the two forked portions are provided. Just by simultaneously inserting them into the two grooves, accurate positioning can be performed.

[0014] The positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the fourth aspect is configured as described above.
By inserting both insertion portions of the positioning jig into the recesses or windows of the first member and the second member, respectively, the positioning can be easily and reliably performed at the reference position.

In the positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the distal end of the insertion portion of the positioning jig is formed into a tapered shape, so that the two concave portions or the concave portion are formed. The insertion operation into the window can be easily performed.

In the positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, as described above, since the base portion of the insertion portion has the locking portion abutting on the first member or the second member, The insertion completion position of the insertion portion with respect to the concave portion or the window portion can be easily confirmed, and the member is prevented from being damaged by inserting the insertion portion more than necessary.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment of the Invention) First, the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an electric power steering apparatus to which a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. As shown in this figure, a steering wheel SW is manually operated. When rotated,
The rotation is converted into linear motion of the rack L by the rack L & pinion P, whereby the directions of the left and right front wheels TL, TR can be changed (steered). Further, the pinion P is configured to be rotatable by the electric motor M via the reduction gear G, so that the manual steering force is assisted.

The drive of the electric motor M is controlled by a microcomputer incorporated in a control unit ECU mounted on the vehicle, based on a signal from a torque sensor TS for detecting a manual steering force. Assist control of the steering force is performed. In the figure, R is a fail-safe relay, and B is a vehicle-mounted battery.

Next, the structure of the torque sensor TS in the electric power steering device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a torque sensor TS of the electric power steering device for a vehicle. In this figure, 1 is a housing, 2 is an input shaft, 3 is an output shaft,
Is a torsion bar (elastic body), 5 is a cylindrical body, 6 and 7 are detection coils, 8 is an output shaft side worm wheel, and 9 is a motor shaft side worm.

More specifically, the input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are rotatably supported in the housing 1 via bearings 1a, 1b, and 1c, respectively, and are coaxially arranged.

The torsion bar 4 is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 2a of the input shaft 2, one end of which is fixed to the input shaft 2 at the back of the shaft hole 2a, and the other end is The output shaft 3 is spline-coupled to a shaft hole 3a.

A steering wheel SW is connected to the input shaft 2, and the steering force of the steering wheel SW is transmitted via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, and the output shaft 3 to the output shaft 3. Is converted into a linear motion of the rack L by a rack L & pinion P provided at one end of the rack L and transmitted to the left and right front wheels TL and TR.

[0025] The cylindrical body 5 is provided in the first part of the claims.
The output shaft 2 is formed in a thin cylinder made of a conductive and non-magnetic material (for example, aluminum) and is coaxially arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the output shaft 2. It is provided in a state fixed to the part.

Then, as shown in the perspective view of the main part of FIG.
On the input shaft 2 side of the cylindrical body 5, at equal circumferential intervals,
A plurality (nine in the first embodiment of the present invention) of rectangular windows (recesses) 5a are formed, and the output shaft 3 side of the cylindrical body 5 is shifted by 180 degrees from the windows 5a. A plurality of (nine in the first embodiment of the present invention) windows (recesses) 5b having the same shape (rectangular shape) as the window 5a at equal circumferential intervals.
Are formed. The remaining portions 5c and 5d of the cylindrical body 5 remaining between the adjacent windows 5a and 5a and between the windows 5b and 5b constitute the convex portions in the claims.

An input shaft 2 located inside the cylindrical body 5
On the outer peripheral surface of the window 5a,
The same number (nine) of the axial grooves (recesses) 21 as 5b are formed, and the remaining axial ridges 22 constitute the protrusions in the claims. A predetermined gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the axial ridge 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 5. That is, the axial groove 21 and the axial ridge 22 constitute a second member of the present invention.
In addition, a portion constituting the second member is formed of a magnetic material.

And, both windows 5 in the cylindrical body 5
a, 5b and the axial groove 21 have the same circumferential width, and the remaining portions 5c, 5d of the cylindrical body 5 and the axial ridge 22 have the same circumferential width.

The detection coils 6, 7 are connected to the respective windows 5a.
The first member (the output shaft 3 side) and the second member (the input shaft 2 side) by detecting a change in the degree of overlap between the (or 5b) and each axial groove 21 based on a change in impedance.
The yoke 61, 71 is fixed to the housing 1 to cover the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 5 corresponding to the positions of the windows 5a, 5b. It is provided in a state.

Next, the structure of the positioning jig 10 used in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor TS according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning jig 10 has, at its tip end, the same width as the circumferential width of the window 5a and the axial groove 21 in the cylindrical body 5, and an axial length that can be inserted into the window 5a. The insertion portion 10a is formed in a tapered shape in which both edges in the width direction of the insertion portion 10a are cut into a tapered shape so that the insertion portion 10a can be simultaneously inserted into the window 5a and the axial groove 21. It is configured.

Next, a method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor TS using the positioning jig 10 will be described. That is, the reference position adjustment of the torque sensor TS is performed before the assembly to the casing 1 and before the cylindrical body 5 is fixed to the output shaft 3 side.

First, as described above, one end of the cylindrical body 5 constituting the first member is mounted on the outer periphery of the output shaft 3 so that the cylindrical body 5 is connected to the second member (the axial ridge). 22)
Are arranged coaxially on the outer periphery of.

Next, as shown in FIG.
By inserting the zero insertion portion 10a into the window 5a and the axial groove 21 at the same time, the mutual positional relationship between the first member and the second member is positioned at the reference position. In this positioning state, each window 5a and the axial groove 21 completely overlap, and each window 5b and the axial ridge 22 completely overlap.

Therefore, in this positioning state, the cylindrical body 5
Is fixed to the output shaft 3, the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member can be adjusted to the reference position. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the axial groove 21 and the axial ridge 22 that constitute the second member are provided.
Are formed integrally with the input shaft 2, so that the operation of fixing the second member after positioning is omitted.

As described above in detail, the method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor and the positioning jig 10 for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
According to this, the reference position of the torque sensor TS can be easily and reliably adjusted, and the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced, and the working efficiency can be improved.

That is, especially in the structure in which the second member is arranged inside the first member formed on the cylindrical body 5 as in the first embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical member 5 Since a predetermined gap is formed between the projection and the axial ridge portion 22, it is difficult to accurately grasp the position of the axial groove 21 when viewed from the radial direction, and when viewed from the axial direction. In this case, the shape of the window 5a formed in the cylindrical body 5 is difficult to grasp, so that the window 5a formed in the cylindrical body 5 and the
It is very difficult to visually match the axial groove 21 disposed inside the torque sensor TS. However, even with such a structure, by using the positioning jig 10, the torque sensor TS The reference position can be easily and reliably adjusted.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In describing other embodiments of the present invention,
The same components as those in the first embodiment of the invention are omitted from the drawings and description, or the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted, and only different points will be described.

(Embodiment 2) Windows 5a and 5b are formed as a structure of a torque sensor TS of an electric power steering apparatus to which a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied. An axial groove 21 constituting the second member is provided inside the cylindrical body 5 constituting the first member.
The basic configuration including the axial ridges 22 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, but differs in the following points.

That is, in the torque sensor TS according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the circumferential width of each axial groove 21 is larger than the circumferential width of each window 5a, 5b. And the circumferential width of each of the remaining portions 5e formed between the one window 5a and the other window 5b adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 5 is set in the axial direction of the second member. It has a structure that matches the circumferential width of the ridge 22.

Therefore, the structure of the positioning jig 11 used in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor TS according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 (a plan view of the positioning jig 11) and FIG. The description will be made based on a vertical sectional view along line IX-IX). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the positioning jig 11 has a concave portion 1 formed in the circumferential width of the axial ridge 22 of the second member (and the circumferential width of the remaining portion 5e).
A pair of windows 5a, 5b circumferentially adjacent to each other, and a pair of axial grooves adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. 21 and 21 can be inserted simultaneously.
Further, on the outer peripheral surface side of the base portion of each of the insertion portions 11b and 11c, an engaging protrusion (an engaging portion) 11 which comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 5 is provided.
d and 11e are formed.

Therefore, in the method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor TS according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, both the insertion portions 11b and 11c of the positioning jig 11 are connected to the two windows which are circumferentially adjacent to each other. By simultaneously inserting the grooves 5a, 5b and the circumferentially adjacent axial grooves 21, 21, both the windows 5a, 5b overlap with the respective axial grooves 21,
In addition, the circumferential ends of the windows 5a, 5b and the axial grooves 21, 2
1 may be in a state where the end portions in the circumferential direction coincide with each other, that is, in a state where the torque sensor TS is positioned at the reference position.

Therefore, in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the positioning jig 11 for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention are obtained. can get.

(Third Embodiment of the Invention) A torque sensor TS of an electric power steering apparatus to which the reference position adjusting method of a torque sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied is the same as that of the first embodiment. The structure is different from the structure in which the first member and the second member are opposed in the radial direction, while the structure is opposed in the axial direction.

That is, in the torque sensor TS according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an input of a cylindrical body (first member) 50 having a base end fixed to the output shaft 3 is provided. By forming square cuts (recesses) 50a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the end surface of the opening on the shaft 2 side, the cuts 50 are formed.
The protrusion 50b having the same width as the circumferential width of the cut portion 50a is formed in the remaining portion 50b of a.

On the input shaft 2 side, a cylindrical body 51 having an opening end face facing the input shaft 2 side opening end face of the cylindrical body 50 in the axial direction via a predetermined gap is fixed. A cylindrical body 52 having an open end face facing in the axial direction is fixed to the other open end face side of the cylindrical body 51 via a predetermined gap.

In the cylindrical body 51, the output shaft 3 side opening end face of the cylindrical body 50 facing the input shaft 2 side opening end face of the cylindrical body 50 and the output shaft 3 side opening end face of the cylindrical body 52 in the axial direction. Are the same size and the same number of cut portions (recesses) as the cut portions 50a and the convex portions 50b of the cylindrical body 50.
51a and 52a and convex portions 51b and 52b are formed, respectively.

The cut portions 51a, 52a and the convex portions 51b, 52b are formed at the same circumferential position. On the other hand, when the torque is not acting on the torque sensor TS, the cut portion 51a of the cylindrical body 51 and the convex portions 50b of the cylindrical body 50, and the convex portion 51b of the cylindrical body 51 and the cylindrical body 50 are connected. Notch 50a
Positioning is performed so that they are at the same position in the circumferential direction (reference position).

The detection coils 6 and 7 are provided so as to straddle both the open ends of the cylindrical body 50 and the cylindrical body 51 and the open ends of the cylindrical bodies 51 and 52, respectively. Have been.

The structure of the positioning jig 12 used in the torque sensor reference position adjusting method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. That is,
As shown in FIG. 12, the positioning jig 12 includes a notch 51 a of the cylindrical body 51 and a convex 50 b of the cylindrical body 50, and a convex 51 b of the cylindrical body 51 and the cylindrical body 50.
At the reference position of the torque sensor TS where the notches 50a are located at the same position in the circumferential direction, the notches 5
0a and two insertion portions 12a and 12b formed so as to be able to be simultaneously inserted into the cut portion 51a of the cylindrical body 51.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, both the insertion portions 12a and 12b of the positioning jig 12 are simultaneously inserted into the cut portion 50a of the cylindrical body 50 and the cut portion 51a of the cylindrical body 51. , The torque sensor TS is positioned at the reference position.

Therefore, in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the positioning jig 12 for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention are obtained. can get.

(Embodiment 4) A torque sensor TS of an electric power steering apparatus to which a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is applied includes a first member and a second member arranged in the axial direction. The third embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that the structure is opposed to the first embodiment, but differs in the following points.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the torque sensor TS according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a disk-shaped portion 54 and a second disk-shaped portion 54 on the output shaft 3 side and the input shaft 2 side.
The disk-shaped portion 53 constituting the member is fixed in a state of facing each other via a predetermined gap. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, each of the disk-shaped members 53 and 54 has eight sector-shaped members on the opposing surfaces of the disk-shaped members 53 and 54 at equal circumferential intervals. Windows 53a and 54a are formed, respectively.
The circumferential width of these windows 53a, 54a is the remaining portion 53b,
It is formed to have the same width as 54b in the circumferential direction.

The positional relationship between the windows 53a, 54a in the disc-shaped members 53, 54 is determined by the window 53a when no torque is applied to the torque sensor TS.
Positioning is performed such that the phase is shifted (reference position) in the circumferential direction by half the circumferential width of a and 54a. The detection coils 6 are disposed on the input shaft 2 side of the disk-shaped members 53 and 54 in a state of facing the windows 53a and 54a.
Is provided.

The structure of the positioning jig 13 used in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor TS according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the positioning jig 13 has a structure including an insertion portion 13a having a fan-shaped cross section having a circumferential width obtained by dividing the cross section of the windows 53a and 54a into two in the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the disk 53 is fixed to the input shaft 2 side, and the disk 54 is rotatable at least with respect to the output shaft 3 while the positioning jig 13 is inserted as shown in FIG. The portion 13a is simultaneously inserted into both windows 53a, 54a, and in this state, the disk-shaped body 53 on the output shaft 3 side is rotated clockwise in the drawing, and both windows 53a,
The disc-shaped member 54a is placed in a state where the circumferential side edge of the
Is fixed to the output shaft 3 so that the torque sensor T
It is in a state where it is positioned at the reference position of S.

Therefore, in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the positioning jig 13 for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention are obtained. can get.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments of the present invention, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the present invention is applied to the torque sensor in the electric power steering device of the vehicle has been described. Can be applied.

[0060]

As described above, in the method for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging the first member and the second member coaxially; A step of inserting an insertion portion of a positioning jig that can be simultaneously inserted into the concave portion or the window portion of the second member into the concave portion or the window portion of the first member and the second member, and positioning the insertion portion at the reference position; Fixing the two members to the output shaft and the input shaft, respectively, so as to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member to a reference position, thereby providing a reference for the torque sensor. It is possible to obtain the effect that the position can be adjusted easily and reliably, and the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced to improve the work efficiency.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first member is formed of a conductive and non-magnetic material in a cylindrical shape. In the cylindrical body, a plurality of windows are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the convex portion is formed by a cylindrical portion between the windows adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction,
The second member is formed of a magnetic material, and is disposed in the cylindrical body of the first member. The reference position adjusting method of the torque sensor includes an axially extending groove in which the recess is formed in a circumferential direction. The window and the groove of the first member and the second member overlap with each other, and the circumferential end of the window of the first member and the circumferential end of the groove of the second member coincide with each other. In this state, the insertion portion of the positioning jig is inserted into the window portion and the groove portion for positioning, and in this state, the first member and the second member are fixed to both end portions of the elastic body, respectively. The reference position of the torque sensor can be easily and reliably adjusted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method of adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the second aspect, the cylindrical portion between the two circumferentially adjacent windows of the first member is provided. A reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor, wherein the circumferential width of the convex portion formed by the step (c) is made to match the circumferential width of the convex portion formed between two circumferentially adjacent grooves in the second member, The positioning jig is formed in a substantially U-shape with a bifurcated insertion portion having a concave portion formed in a circumferential width of the convex portion of the second member, and the two insertion portions of the positioning jig are connected to the second Positioning by simultaneously inserting into the two circumferentially adjacent windows in the first member and the two circumferentially adjacent grooves in the second member so as to sandwich the protrusion of the one member and the protrusion of the second member. Then, in this state, the first member and By fixing the second member to both end portions of the elastic body to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member to the reference position, the position of the positioning jig from both insertion portions is reduced. The pressing force is second
Since it is uniformly applied from both sides in the circumferential direction of the convex portion of the member, more accurate positioning can be performed. further,
Even if the circumferential width of the axial groove of the second member is larger than the circumferential width of the window of the first member, as described above, the two forked portions are adjacent to the two windows and 2. Positioning can be performed accurately by simply inserting the grooves into the two grooves at the same time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor, wherein an elastic body interposed between an input shaft and an output shaft is fixed to the output shaft and the input shaft. First and second members in which convex portions and concave portions or windows are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction on surfaces opposing each other with a gap, and a convex portion, concave portion or window of the first member And a detection coil that detects a torque generated between the first member and the second member by detecting a change in the degree of overlap between the first member and the second member based on the impedance change. A positioning jig used for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor provided, wherein positioning at a reference position is possible by simultaneously inserting the recess or window of the first member into the recess or window of the second member. By inserting the two insertion portions of the positioning jig into the recesses of the first member and the second member, respectively, it is possible to easily and surely position the positioning jig at the reference position. become able to.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to the fourth aspect, wherein the tip of the insertion portion of the positioning jig is tapered. By adopting the means formed in the tapered shape, the insertion operation into both the concave portions can be easily performed.

The positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to claim 6 is the positioning jig for adjusting the reference position of the torque sensor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the base of the insertion portion in the positioning jig is provided. By using a means having a locking portion that comes into contact with the first member or the second member, it is possible to easily confirm the insertion completion position of the insertion portion with respect to the concave portion, and to insert the insertion portion more than necessary. This prevents the member from being damaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an electric power steering device to which a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to a first embodiment of the invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 1 of the invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is an essential part enlarged perspective view showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 1 of the invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a reference position adjusting positioning jig used in the torque sensor reference position adjusting method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a reference position adjusting method of the torque sensor according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an essential part enlarged perspective view showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 2 of the invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a reference position adjusting positioning jig used in a torque sensor reference position adjusting method according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 3 of the invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 3 of the invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is an essential part enlarged cross-sectional view showing a reference position adjusting method of the torque sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a torque sensor to which Embodiment 4 of the invention is applied.

14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the disk-shaped body taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the disk-shaped body taken along line XV-XV in FIG.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a method of adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 B Battery ECU Control Unit G Reduction Gear L Rack M Electric Motor P Pinion SW Steering Wheel TL Left Front Wheel TR Right Front Wheel TS Torque Sensor 1 Housing 1a Bearing 1b Bearing 1c Bearing 2 Input Shaft 2a Shaft Hole 3 Output Shaft 3a Shaft Hole 4 Torsion bar (elastic body) 5 Cylindrical body (first member) 5a Window (recess) 5b Window (recess) 5c Remaining portion (convex portion) 5d Remaining portion (convex portion) 5e Remaining portion 6 Detection coil 7 Detection coil 8 Output Shaft side worm wheel 9 Motor shaft side worm 10 Positioning jig 10a Insertion section 11 Positioning jig 11a Depression 11b Insertion section 11c Insertion section 11d Locking projection (locking section) 11e Locking projection (locking section) 12 Positioning Jig 12a Insertion part 12b Insertion part 13 Positioning jig 1 3a Insertion part 21 Axial groove (recess / second member) 22 Axial ridge (convex / second member) 50 Cylindrical body (first member) 50a Cut part (recess) 50b Remaining part (convex) ) 51 Cylindrical body (first member) 51a Notch (recess) 51b Remaining part (projection) 52 Cylindrical body (second member) 52a Notch 52b Remaining part 53 Disk-shaped body (second member) 53a Window (concave portion) 53b Remaining portion (convex portion) 54 Disc-shaped body (first member) 54a Window (concave portion) 54b Remaining portion (convex portion) 61 Yoke 71 Yoke

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An elastic body interposed between an input shaft and an output shaft, and circumferential surfaces respectively fixed to the output shaft and the input shaft and opposed to each other with a predetermined gap. A first member and a second member in which convex portions and concave portions or windows are alternately arranged, and an overlapping of the convex portion or concave portion or window of the first member with the convex portions, concave portions or window of the second member. A reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor, comprising: a detection coil configured to detect a change in condition based on a change in impedance to detect a torque generated between the first member and the second member. A step of arranging one member and the second member coaxially; and a step of inserting a positioning jig which can be simultaneously inserted into a recess or a window of the first member and the second member by a recess of the first member and the second member. Or insert it into the window By going through a step of positioning at a reference position and a step of fixing the first member and the second member to the output shaft and the input shaft, respectively, the relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member is determined. A reference position adjustment method for a torque sensor, wherein the reference position is adjusted to a position. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first member is formed of a conductive and non-magnetic material in a cylindrical body, and the cylindrical body has a plurality of windows formed at equal intervals in a circumferential direction. The convex portion is formed by a cylindrical portion between both window portions adjacent to each other, and the second member is formed of a magnetic material and is disposed in the cylindrical body of the first member, and the concave portion extends in a circumferential direction. A method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor comprising a formed groove extending in an axial direction, wherein a window portion of the first member, a window portion of the second member and a groove portion overlap with each other, and Positioning by inserting the insertion portion of the positioning jig into the window and groove with the circumferential end and the circumferential end of the groove of the second member aligned,
2. The reference position adjusting method for a torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are fixed to both ends of the elastic body in this state. 3. A circumferential width of a convex portion formed by a cylindrical portion between two windows adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the first member is set between a pair of circumferentially adjacent grooves of the second member. A method for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor, wherein the positioning jig has a concave portion formed in a circumferential width of the convex portion of the second member. The positioning jig is formed in a substantially U-shape with an insertion portion, and both insertion portions of the positioning jig are circumferentially adjacent to the first member so as to sandwich the projection of the first member and the projection of the second member. By simultaneously inserting and positioning the two windows and the two grooves adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in the second member, the first member and the second member are fixed to both ends of the elastic body in this state. The relative positional relationship between the first member and the second member Reference position adjustment method of a torque sensor according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting the reference position. 4. An elastic body interposed between an input shaft and an output shaft, and circumferential surfaces respectively fixed to the output shaft and the input shaft and opposed to each other with a predetermined gap. A first member and a second member in which convex portions and concave portions or windows are alternately arranged, and an overlapping of the convex portion or concave portion or window of the first member with the convex portions, concave portions or window of the second member. A positioning jig used for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor including a detection coil that detects a torque generated between the first member and the second member by detecting a change in condition based on an impedance change. A reference portion for a torque sensor, comprising: an insertion portion which can be positioned at a reference position by simultaneously inserting the recess portion or the window portion of the first member and the recess portion or the window portion of the second member. Positioning jig for position adjustment. 5. The positioning jig for adjusting a reference position of a torque sensor according to claim 4, wherein the tip of the insertion portion of the positioning jig is formed in a tapered shape. 6. The torque sensor according to claim 4, wherein a base portion of the insertion portion of the positioning jig has a locking portion that comes into contact with the first member or the second member. Positioning jig for reference position adjustment.