JP2014029304A - Torque detecting device and steering device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a torque detecting device capable of suppressing the generation of major thermal stress on a sensor housing, and a steering device including the same.SOLUTION: A torque detecting device includes: an annular magnetism collection unit 50 having a magnetism collection holder 70 formed in an annular shape by resin molding, a first magnetism collection ring 51 installed on an inner peripheral surface 70X of the magnetism collection holder 70 and a magnetic shield 60 formed by folding a metal plate and installed on an outer peripheral surface 70Y of the magnetism collection holder 70; and a sensor housing 80 formed integrally with the magnetism collection unit 50 by resin poured in the outer peripheral side of the magnetism collection unit 50. The sensor housing 80 includes an inner surface 81C which does not come into contact with a corner part 61C formed by an outside surface 61B and an end surface 61A of a first shield end part 61 of the magnetic shield 60.

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque detection device having a magnetic flux collecting unit that collects magnetic flux from a magnetic yoke, a sensor housing formed integrally with the magnetic flux collecting unit, and a steering device including the same.

  A conventional torque detector includes a magnetism collecting unit having a magnetism collecting ring, a ring holder, and a magnetic shield, and a sensor housing. This torque detector has a configuration in which the magnetic flux collecting unit is fixed to the sensor housing in a state where the magnetic flux collecting unit is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the sensor housing. Patent Document 1 shows an example of a conventional torque detection device.

JP 2008-249598 A

  In the conventional torque detection device, water may enter the device from between the magnetism collecting unit and the housing. Therefore, in order to improve the waterproofness of the torque detection device, as shown in FIG. 15, the sensor housing 220 is integrally formed with the magnetic flux collecting unit 210 by pouring resin into the outer peripheral side of the magnetic flux collecting unit 210. A torque detection device 200 is conceivable.

  The magnetic flux collecting unit 210 includes a magnetic flux collecting holder 211, a magnetic flux collecting ring 212, and a magnetic shield 213. The magnetism collecting unit 210 has a configuration in which a magnetism collecting ring 212 is attached to the inner peripheral surface 211 </ b> X of the magnetism collecting holder 211 and a magnetic shield 213 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 211 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 211.

  The magnetic shield 213 is formed of a metal plate. The magnetic shield 213 has a C shape in plan view. In the magnetic shield 213, the inner peripheral surface 213 </ b> X contacts the outer peripheral surface 211 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 211.

  The sensor housing 220 is in close contact with the magnetism collecting holder 211 and the magnetic shield 213. In the sensor housing 220, the inner surface 221 contacts the outer peripheral surface 213Y of the magnetic shield 213 and the corner portion 213B of the shield end 213A of the magnetic shield 213.

  In the torque detection device 200, the linear expansion coefficient of the sensor housing 220 is larger than the linear expansion coefficient of the magnetic shield 213. For this reason, the amount of thermal expansion of the sensor housing 220 accompanying the temperature change of the torque detection device 200 is larger than the amount of thermal expansion of the magnetic shield 213, and the amount of thermal contraction of the sensor housing 220 is larger than the amount of thermal contraction of the magnetic shield 213.

  Therefore, the corner portion 213 </ b> B of the shield end 213 </ b> A of the magnetic shield 213 is pressed against the inner surface 221 of the sensor housing 220 as the temperature of the torque detection device 200 changes. Therefore, a large thermal stress is generated in the sensor housing 220 as the temperature of the torque detection device 200 changes.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a torque detection device capable of suppressing occurrence of a large thermal stress in a sensor housing, and a steering device including the device.

  (1) The first means is: “a permanent magnet, a magnetic yoke that is disposed in a magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet and changes a relative position with the permanent magnet, and an annular shape formed by resin molding. A magnetic flux collecting holder that surrounds the magnetic yoke, a magnetic flux collecting ring that is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the magnetic flux collecting holder and collects the magnetic flux of the magnetic yoke, and is formed by bending a metal plate and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the magnetic flux collecting holder An annular magnetic flux collecting unit having a magnetic shield, a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux of a magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet, the magnetic yoke, and the magnetic flux collecting ring, and an outer surface of a shield end portion of the magnetic shield And an inner surface that does not contact the corner portion formed by the end surface, and is molded integrally with the magnetism collecting unit by a resin poured into the outer peripheral side of the magnetism collecting unit. Having a torque detector "and a sensor housing.

  In the torque detector, the inner surface of the sensor housing does not contact the corner portion of the shield end of the magnetic shield. For this reason, it is suppressed that the corner portion of the shield end is pressed against the inner surface of the sensor housing due to the temperature change of the torque detector due to the fact that the linear expansion coefficient of the sensor housing is larger than the linear expansion coefficient of the magnetic shield. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing due to a temperature change of the torque detection device.

(2) The second means includes the “torque detection device according to claim 1, wherein the shield end portion is bent toward the magnetism collecting holder”.
(3) The third means includes the “torque detection device according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic flux collecting holder has an accommodating portion for accommodating the shield end portion”.

  In the torque detection device, since the shield end portion of the magnetic shield is accommodated in the accommodating portion, the corner portion of the shield end portion is separated from the inner surface of the sensor housing. For this reason, it becomes the structure which the corner | angular part of a shield edge part does not contact the inner surface of a sensor housing.

(4) The fourth means includes the “torque detection device according to claim 1, wherein the shield end portion protrudes outside the sensor housing”.
In the torque detection device, since the shield end portion protrudes outside the sensor housing, the corner portion of the shield end portion is separated from the inner surface of the sensor housing. For this reason, it becomes the structure which the corner | angular part of a shield edge part does not contact the inner surface of a sensor housing.

  (5) The fifth means is that “the sensor housing is a housing main body that covers the magnetic flux collecting unit from the outer peripheral side, and a cylindrical portion that extends outward from the housing main body in the radial direction of the housing main body. A board support portion for supporting a circuit board to which the magnetic sensor is attached, the board support portion having an internal space for housing the magnetic sensor and a board support surface for supporting the circuit board. The torque detection device according to claim 4, wherein the shield end is adjacent to the substrate support portion and is located at the same position as the substrate support surface in the radial direction or closer to the housing body than the substrate support surface. Have

  In the torque detection device, the shield end portion is adjacent to the outer surface of the substrate support portion, and thus covers a part of the magnetic sensor accommodated in the internal space of the substrate support portion. For this reason, the magnetic shield suppresses the external magnetic field from affecting the magnetic sensor. In addition, since the shield end in the radial direction is located at the same position as the substrate support surface or closer to the housing body side than the substrate support surface, the circuit substrate is brought into contact with the substrate support surface by contacting the shield end with the circuit board. Is suppressed from tilting.

  (6) The sixth means is that “the sensor housing is a housing body that covers the magnetic flux collecting unit from the outer peripheral side, and a portion that is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends outward from the housing body in the radial direction of the housing body. A substrate support portion for supporting a circuit board to which the magnetic sensor is attached, the substrate support portion having an internal space for accommodating the magnetic sensor, and the shield end portion including the internal space and the internal space. The torque detecting device according to claim 1 that overlaps in a radial direction.

  In the above torque detection device, since at least a part of the shield end portion overlaps the inner space of the substrate support portion of the sensor housing in the radial direction, the configuration is based on the assumption that the shield end portion does not overlap the inner space in the radial direction. The area where the magnetic shield covers the magnetism collecting ring is increased. For this reason, the effect which suppresses that an external magnetic field influences a magnetism collection ring increases.

  (7) The seventh means includes the “steering device having the torque detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6”.

  The present invention provides a torque detection device capable of suppressing the occurrence of a large thermal stress in a sensor housing, and a steering device including the device.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the steering device of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the disassembled perspective structure of the torque detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the torque detector of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the disassembled perspective structure of the magnetic flux collecting unit of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the perspective structure of the magnetic flux collection unit of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the sensor unit of 1st Embodiment, (a) is sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of a sensor housing, and its surrounding sectional structure, (b) is an enlarged structure of the dashed-dotted line circle of (a). FIG. FIG. 3 is a development view showing a positional relationship between a permanent magnet, each magnetic yoke, and each magnetism collecting ring in the torque detection device of the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the magnetic shield of the torque detector of 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a top view which shows the planar structure of a magnetic shield, (b) is an enlarged view which shows the enlarged structure of the dashed-dotted line circle | round | yen (a). (C) is an enlarged view which shows the enlarged structure of the dashed-two dotted line circle of (a). It is a perspective view which shows the sensor unit of 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows the perspective structure of a sensor unit, (b) is an enlarged view which shows the enlarged structure of the dashed-dotted line of (a). Sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of the sensor housing in the sensor unit of 2nd Embodiment, and the cross-sectional structure of the periphery. Sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of the sensor housing in the sensor unit of 3rd Embodiment, and the cross-sectional structure of the periphery. Sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of the sensor housing in the sensor unit of 4th Embodiment, and the cross-sectional structure of the periphery. Sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of the sensor housing in the sensor unit of other embodiment, and the cross-sectional structure of the periphery. Sectional drawing which shows the board | substrate support part of the sensor housing in the sensor unit of other embodiment, and the cross-sectional structure of the periphery. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of a part of the torque detection apparatus of a comparative example.

(First embodiment)
The configuration of the steering device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The steering device 1 includes a steering device body 10, an assist device 20, and a torque detection device 30. The steering device 1 has a configuration as a dual pinion assist type electric power steering device that assists the operation of the steering wheel 2 by the assist device 20.

  The steering device body 10 includes a column shaft 11, an intermediate shaft 12, a pinion shaft 13, a rack shaft 14, a rack and pinion mechanism 15, two tie rods 16, and a rack housing 17. The steering device body 10 integrally rotates the column shaft 11, the intermediate shaft 12, and the pinion shaft 13 as the steering wheel 2 rotates. The steering device body 10 causes the rack shaft 14 to move straight in the longitudinal direction by the rotation of the pinion shaft 13. The steering device body 10 changes the turning angle of the steered wheels 3 by causing the rack shaft 14 to advance straight.

  The pinion shaft 13 includes a first shaft 13A, a second shaft 13B, and a torsion bar 13D. In the pinion shaft 13, a torsion bar 13D connects the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B between the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B.

The first shaft 13 </ b> A is connected to the intermediate shaft 12. The first shaft 13 </ b> A rotates integrally with the intermediate shaft 12.
The second shaft 13B has a pinion gear 13C. In the second shaft 13B, the pinion gear 13C meshes with the first rack gear 14A of the rack shaft 14.

  The rack shaft 14 has a first rack gear 14A and a second rack gear 14B. The first rack gear 14 </ b> A has a plurality of rack teeth formed over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the rack shaft 14. The second rack gear 14B is formed in a portion of the rack shaft 14 that is separated from the first rack gear 14A. The second rack gear 14 </ b> B has a plurality of rack teeth formed over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the rack shaft 14.

  The rack and pinion mechanism 15 includes a pinion gear 13 </ b> C of the pinion shaft 13 and a first rack gear 14 </ b> A of the rack shaft 14. The rack and pinion mechanism 15 converts the rotation of the pinion shaft 13 into straight travel of the rack shaft 14.

  The rack housing 17 is formed of a metal material. The rack housing 17 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the rack shaft 14. The rack housing 17 accommodates a part of the pinion shaft 13, the rack shaft 14, and the tie rod 16 in the internal space.

  The assist device 20 includes an assist motor 21, a worm shaft 22, a worm wheel 23, and a pinion shaft 24. In the assist device 20, the output shaft of the assist motor 21 is connected to the worm shaft 22. In the assist device 20, the worm shaft 22 and the worm wheel 23 are engaged with each other. In the assist device 20, the worm wheel 23 rotates integrally with the pinion shaft 24. In the assist device 20, the pinion gear 24A of the pinion shaft 24 meshes with the second rack gear 14B. The assist device 20 acts in the longitudinal direction of the rack shaft 14 by transmitting the rotation of the assist motor 21 to the pinion shaft 13 in a state of being decelerated through the worm shaft 22 and the worm wheel 23 and rotating the pinion shaft 13. To the rack shaft 14.

  The torque detection device 30 is located around the pinion shaft 13. The torque detection device 30 is fixed to the fixed component 17 </ b> A of the rack housing 17. The torque detection device 30 detects the torque applied to the pinion shaft 13.

With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the structure of the torque detection apparatus 30 is demonstrated. In FIG. 2, the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted is shown.
Here, as the respective directions related to the torque detection device 30, “axial direction ZA”, “upward direction ZA1”, “downward direction ZA2”, “radial direction ZB”, “inward direction ZB1”, “outward direction ZB2”, and “ "Circumferential direction ZC" is defined.

The circumferential direction ZC indicates a direction around the rotation center axis of the pinion shaft 13 (see FIG. 3).
The axial direction ZA indicates a direction along the rotation center axis of the pinion shaft 13. The axial direction ZA is defined by an upward direction ZA1 and a downward direction ZA2 indicating directions opposite to each other. An upward direction ZA1 indicates a direction in which the second shaft 13B and the first shaft 13A (both refer to FIG. 3) pass in order. The downward direction ZA2 indicates a direction passing through the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B in this order.

  The radial direction ZB indicates a normal direction of the axial direction ZA. The radial direction ZB is defined by an inner direction ZB1 and an outer direction ZB2 indicating directions opposite to each other. The inward direction ZB1 indicates a direction approaching the rotation center axis of the pinion shaft 13. The outward direction ZB2 indicates a direction away from the rotation center axis of the pinion shaft 13. The radial direction ZB corresponds to the “radial direction of the housing body”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the torque detection device 30 includes a sensor unit 40, a magnet unit 100, and a magnetic yoke unit 110. The torque detection device 30 has a configuration in which the magnet unit 100 and the magnetic yoke unit 110 are accommodated in the internal space 85 of the sensor unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the torque detection device 30, a gap between the torque detection device 30 and the first shaft 13 </ b> A is sealed with an oil seal 31. In the torque detection device 30, a gap between the torque detection device 30 and the fixed component 17 </ b> A of the rack housing 17 is sealed by an O-ring 32.

  The magnet unit 100 is fixed to the first shaft 13A. The magnet unit 100 includes a permanent magnet 101 and a core 102. The magnet unit 100 is configured as an assembly in which a permanent magnet 101 and a core 102 are coupled to each other.

  The permanent magnet 101 has a cylindrical shape. The permanent magnet 101 has an N pole and an S pole adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC (see FIG. 2). The permanent magnet 101 forms a magnetic field around the first shaft 13A.

  The core 102 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the permanent magnet 101. The core 102 is press-fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 13A. The core 102 suppresses leakage of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 101 in the inward direction ZB1 from the core 102.

  The magnetic yoke unit 110 is disposed so as to surround the magnet unit 100. The magnetic yoke unit 110 is fixed to the second shaft 13B. The magnetic yoke unit 110 includes a first magnetic yoke 111, a second magnetic yoke 112, a yoke holder 113, and an intermediate part 114.

  The yoke holder 113 is resin-molded integrally with the first magnetic yoke 111 and the second magnetic yoke 112. The yoke holder 113 has an annular shape. The yoke holder 113 is fixed to the second shaft 13B via the intermediate part 114.

  The first magnetic yoke 111 has an annular shape. The first magnetic yoke 111 is positioned in the upward direction ZA1 of the yoke holder 113. The first magnetic yoke 111 has a plurality of tooth portions 111A and a plurality of connection portions 111B (see FIG. 7). The first magnetic yoke 111 has a tapered shape in which the tooth portion 111A tapers as it goes in the downward direction ZA2 (see FIG. 7). The first magnetic yoke 111 has a configuration in which tooth portions 111A adjacent in the circumferential direction ZC are connected to each other by a connecting portion 111B. The first magnetic yoke 111 receives the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 101. The first magnetic yoke 111 forms a magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux density changes according to a change in the relative position with the permanent magnet 101 due to the twist of the torsion bar 13D.

  The second magnetic yoke 112 has an annular shape. The second magnetic yoke 112 is located in the downward direction ZA2 of the yoke holder 113. The second magnetic yoke 112 has a plurality of tooth portions 112A and a plurality of connection portions 112B (see FIG. 7). The second magnetic yoke 112 has a tapered shape in which the tooth portion 112A tapers as it goes in the upward direction ZA1 (see FIG. 7). The second magnetic yoke 112 has a configuration in which tooth portions 112A adjacent in the circumferential direction ZC are connected to each other by a connection portion 112B. In the second magnetic yoke 112, the tooth portion 112A is located between the tooth portions 111A adjacent in the circumferential direction ZC. The second magnetic yoke 112 receives the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 101. The second magnetic yoke 112 forms a magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux density changes according to a change in the relative position with the permanent magnet 101 due to the torsion bar 13D being twisted.

  The sensor unit 40 is fixed to the fixing component 17A of the rack housing 17 by a first bolt (not shown). The sensor unit 40 includes a Hall IC as two magnetic sensors 41, a magnetism collecting unit 50, a sensor housing 80, and a substrate unit 90.

  The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 has an annular shape surrounding the magnet unit 100 and the magnetic yoke unit 110. The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 includes a first magnetic flux collecting ring 51, a second magnetic flux collecting ring 54, a magnetic shield 60, and a magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 is configured as an aggregate in which the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54 and the magnetic shield 60 are attached to the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 collects the magnetic flux of the magnetic yoke unit 110 and causes the magnetic flux to flow toward the magnetic sensor 41.

  The two magnetic sensors 41 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC. The magnetic sensor 41 detects the magnetic flux of the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet 101, the magnetic yokes 111 and 112, and the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54. The magnetic sensor 41 outputs a voltage corresponding to the magnetic flux density of the magnetic circuit. The output voltage of the magnetic sensor 41 is transmitted to a control device (not shown) of the steering device 1 (see FIG. 1).

  The sensor housing 80 is resin-molded integrally with the magnetism collecting unit 50 as shown in FIG. The sensor housing 80 includes a housing main body 81, a substrate support portion 82, a substrate attachment portion 83, a device attachment portion 84, and an internal space 85. The sensor housing 80 has a configuration in which a housing main body 81, a substrate support portion 82, a substrate attachment portion 83, and a device attachment portion 84 are integrally formed of the same resin material.

  The housing body 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an internal space 85 penetrating in the axial direction ZA. The housing body 81 has a base portion 81A and a magnetism collecting portion 81B. The housing body 81 has a configuration in which a base portion 81A and a magnetism collecting housing portion 81B are integrally formed of the same resin material. In the housing main body 81, the magnetism collecting portion 81B is positioned in the upward direction ZA1 of the base portion 81A. In the housing main body 81, the base portion 81 </ b> A is formed in an elliptical shape in the plan view of the sensor housing 80.

  The board attachment portions 83 are located on both sides of the board support portion 82 in a plan view of the sensor housing 80. The board attachment portion 83 has a through hole into which a second bolt (not shown) is inserted.

  The device mounting portions 84 are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 81 </ b> A of the housing body 81 in the plan view of the sensor housing 80. The device attachment portion 84 has a through hole into which the first bolt is inserted.

  The substrate support portion 82 has a cylindrical shape. The substrate support portion 82 is formed in the magnetic flux collection portion 81B of the housing body 81. The substrate support portion 82 protrudes from the housing body 81 in the outward direction ZB2. The substrate support portion 82 has a stepped portion 82A, a substrate support surface 82B, and an internal space 82C. The board support portion 82 supports the circuit board 91 (see FIG. 3) of the board unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the board unit 90 includes a circuit board 91, a board support 92, a lead wire 93, a bush 94, and an O-ring 95. The board unit 90 is configured as an assembly in which a circuit board 91, a board support 92, a lead wire 93, and a bush 94 are coupled.

  The circuit board 91 has a flat plate shape. A magnetic sensor 41 is attached to the circuit board 91. In the circuit board 91, the lead wire 93 is attached on the surface opposite to the surface to which the magnetic sensor 41 is attached. The circuit board 91 is attached to the board support 92.

  The substrate support 92 is made of a resin material. The substrate support 92 has a flat plate shape. The substrate support 92 is fixed to the substrate attachment portion 83 by the second bolt. The substrate support 92 holds the circuit board 91. The substrate support 92 holds the lead wire 93 via the bush 94.

A detailed configuration of the magnetic flux collecting unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 includes a first magnetic flux collecting ring 51, a second magnetic flux collecting ring 54, a magnetic shield 60, and a magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 is configured as an aggregate in which the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51, the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54, the magnetic shield 60, and the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 are coupled.

  The first magnetism collecting ring 51 is formed by bending a long metal plate. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 faces the outer peripheral portion of the first magnetic yoke 111 (see FIG. 3) via a gap in the radial direction ZB. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 has a ring main body 52 and two magnetism collecting projections 53. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 has a configuration in which a ring body 52 and two magnetism collecting projections 53 are integrally formed. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 collects the magnetic flux of the first magnetic yoke 111.

  The ring body 52 has an annular shape with a gap. The ring main body 52 has a first end 52A, a second end 52B, and a separation portion 52C. The ring main body 52 has a configuration in which the separation portion 52C is formed as a discontinuous portion of the ring main body 52 in the circumferential direction ZC. The ring main body 52 has a configuration in which the first end 52 </ b> A forms one end of the ring main body 52, and the second end 52 </ b> B forms the other end of the ring main body 52.

  The magnetic flux collecting protrusions 53 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC. The magnetic flux collecting protrusion 53 has a shape bent from the lower end portion of the ring main body 52 toward the outward direction ZB2. The magnetic flux collecting projection 53 faces the upper surface of the magnetic sensor 41 (see FIG. 3) in the axial direction ZA.

  The second magnetism collecting ring 54 is formed by bending the same long metal plate as the first magnetism collecting ring 51. The second magnetism collecting ring 54 faces the outer peripheral portion of the second magnetic yoke 112 (see FIG. 3) via a gap in the radial direction ZB. The second magnetism collecting ring 54 has a ring main body 55 and two magnetism collecting projections 56. The second magnetism collecting ring 54 has a configuration in which a ring main body 55 and two magnetism collecting projections 56 are integrally formed. The second magnetism collecting ring 54 collects the magnetic flux of the second magnetic yoke 112.

  The ring body 55 has an annular shape with a gap. The ring body 55 has a first end 55A, a second end 55B, and a separating portion 55C. The ring body 55 has a configuration in which the separation portion 55C is formed as a discontinuous portion of the ring body 55 in the circumferential direction ZC. The ring body 55 has a configuration in which the first end 55 </ b> A forms one end of the ring body 55 and the second end 55 </ b> B forms the other end of the ring body 55.

  The magnetic flux collecting projections 56 are adjacent in the circumferential direction ZC. The magnetic flux collecting projection 56 has a shape bent from the upper end portion of the ring main body 55 toward the outward direction ZB2. The magnetic flux collecting projection 56 faces the lower surface of the magnetic sensor 41 in the axial direction ZA.

  The magnetic shield 60 is formed by bending a single metal long plate serving as a magnetic body. The magnetic shield 60 has a first shield end 61, a second shield end 62, a shield body 63, and a separation portion 64. The magnetic shield 60 has a configuration in which a shield body 63 is formed in a C shape. The magnetic shield 60 has a configuration in which the first shield end 61 forms one end of the long plate and the second shield end 62 forms the other end of the long plate. The magnetic shield 60 has a configuration in which a separation portion 64 is formed as a portion between the first shield end portion 61 and the second shield end portion 62 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC. The magnetic shield 60 is connected to a magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54, the magnetic yokes 111 and 112, and the permanent magnet 101 (both see FIG. 3) by the external magnetic field of the torque detector 30 (see FIG. 3). To reduce the impact.

  The magnetism collecting holder 70 is formed of a resin material. The magnetism collecting holder 70 has an annular shape that is open on both sides in the axial direction ZA. The magnetic flux collecting holder 70 has an internal space for accommodating the magnet unit 100 and the magnetic yoke unit 110 (both see FIG. 3). The magnetic flux collecting holder 70 includes a holding convex portion 71, an upper through hole 74, a lower through hole 75, an insertion portion 76, a shield holding portion 77, and an accommodation portion 78. The magnetism collecting holder 70 holds the first magnetism collecting ring 51, the second magnetism collecting ring 54, and the magnetic shield 60.

  The holding protrusion 71 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 70X of the magnetism collecting holder 70 toward the inner direction ZB1. The holding convex portion 71 has a plurality of first holding portions 72 and a plurality of second holding portions 73. The holding convex portion 71 has a function of holding the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54 by the first holding portion 72 and the second holding portion 73.

  The first holding portion 72 is positioned on both sides in the axial direction ZA with respect to the second holding portion 73 on the inner peripheral surface 70 </ b> X of the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The 1st holding | maintenance part 72 is spaced apart and formed in the circumferential direction ZC.

  The second holding portion 73 is formed in an arc shape in plan view of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The second holding portion 73 is located at the center portion in the axial direction ZA on the inner peripheral surface 70 </ b> X of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The second holding portion 73 is formed to be separated in the circumferential direction ZC.

  The upper through hole 74 penetrates the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 in the radial direction ZB. The upper through hole 74 is located in a portion between the upper first holding portion 72 and the second holding portion 73 in the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The upper through-hole 74 is formed because a slide core (not shown) that forms the first holding portion 72 is located in a mold for forming the magnetic flux collecting holder 70.

  The lower through hole 75 penetrates the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 in the radial direction ZB. The lower through-hole 75 is located in a portion between the lower first holding portion 72 and the second holding portion 73 in the magnetism collecting holder 70. The lower through-hole 75 is formed because the slide core that forms the second holding portion 73 is located in the mold for forming the magnetic flux collecting holder 70.

  The insertion portion 76 penetrates the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 in the radial direction ZB. The insertion portion 76 is formed in a rectangular shape in which the circumferential direction ZC is a longitudinal direction and the axial direction ZA is a short direction in a side view of the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The insertion portion 76 has an insertion hole 76A, an upper projection 76B, and a lower projection 76C.

The upper protrusion 76 </ b> B serves as a mark for determining the position in the circumferential direction ZC of the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51 with respect to the magnetic flux collecting holder 70.
The lower protrusion 76C serves as a mark for determining the position in the circumferential direction ZC of the second magnetism collecting ring 54 with respect to the magnetism collecting holder 70.

  The shield holding portion 77 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The shield holding portion 77 has an upper wall 77A, a lower wall 77B, and an end wall 77C. The shield holding portion 77 restricts the movement of the magnetic shield 60 relative to the magnetism collecting holder 70.

The upper wall 77A is located at the upper end of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The upper wall 77A restricts the movement of the magnetic shield 60 in the upward direction ZA1.
The lower wall 77B is located at the lower end of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The lower wall 77B restricts the movement of the magnetic shield 60 in the downward direction ZA2.

  The end walls 77C are formed at positions adjacent to both ends of the insertion portion 76 in the circumferential direction ZC and the circumferential direction ZC in the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. The end wall 77C restricts the movement of the magnetic shield 60 in the circumferential direction ZC.

  The accommodating portion 78 is formed in a portion adjacent to the end wall 77 </ b> C on the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The accommodating portion 78 has a groove shape that is recessed in the inward direction ZB1 on the outer peripheral surface 70Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The accommodating portion 78 extends along the axial direction ZA. The accommodating portion 78 is formed from the lower surface of the upper wall 77A to the upper surface of the lower wall 77B on the outer peripheral surface 70Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70.

With reference to FIG. 5, a configuration in which the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54 and the magnetic shield 60 are attached to the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 will be described.
The first magnetism collecting ring 51 is sandwiched between the upper first holding portion 72 and the second holding portion 73 in the magnetism collecting holder 70. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 covers the upper through hole 74 from the inner direction ZB1 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. In the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51, the magnetic flux collecting projection 53 protrudes in the outward direction ZB 2 from the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 through the insertion portion 76.

  The second magnetism collecting ring 54 is sandwiched between the lower first holding portion 72 and the second holding portion 73 in the magnetism collecting holder 70. The second magnetism collecting ring 54 covers the lower through hole 75 from the inner direction ZB1 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. In the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54, the magnetic flux collecting projection 56 protrudes in the outward direction ZB 2 from the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 through the insertion portion 76.

  In the magnetic shield 60, the inner peripheral surface 63 </ b> X (see FIG. 4) of the shield body 63 contacts the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y (see FIG. 4) of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The magnetic shield 60 covers the upper through hole 74 and the lower through hole 75 from the outward direction ZB2 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. In the magnetic shield 60, the shield end portions 61 and 62 are inserted into the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetism collecting holder 70.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the detailed configuration of the first shield end portion 61 of the magnetic shield 60 and the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetism collecting holder 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the configurations of the second shield end 62 and the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetic shield 60 are the same as the configurations of the first shield end 61 and the accommodating portion 78. Description is omitted. FIG. 6 shows the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the accommodating portion 78 has two side walls 78A, a bottom wall 78B, and a curved surface portion 78C. The accommodating portion 78 has a structure in which a bottom wall 78B connects two side walls 78A spaced apart in the circumferential direction ZC. In the accommodating portion 78, the bottom wall 78B is located at the end of the side wall 78A in the inward direction ZB1. In the accommodating portion 78, the curved surface portion 78 </ b> C is located at a connecting portion between the side wall 78 </ b> A and the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y continuous with the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y portion of the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 that contacts the shield body 63. In the accommodating portion 78, the curved surface portion 78 </ b> C has the same shape as the curved surface portion 65 that connects the shield body 63 and the first shield end portion 61 to each other.

  In the first shield end portion 61, the projecting dimension PD from the inner peripheral surface 63 </ b> X of the shield body 63 in the inward direction ZB <b> 1 is smaller than the depth dimension HD of the housing portion 78. That is, at the first shield end 61, the end face 61A is separated from the bottom wall 78B. In the first shield end portion 61, the outer surface 61B contacts the side wall 78A. In the first shield end portion 61, the corner portion 61 </ b> C does not contact the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81 of the sensor housing 80. The corner portion 61C is formed by the end surface 61A and the outer surface 61B of the first shield end portion 61.

  The housing body 81 of the sensor housing 80 has an inner surface 81C and an end cover surface 81D. In the housing main body 81, the inner surface 81C is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 63Y of the shield main body 63, and the end cover surface 81D is in close contact with the outer side surface 61B of each shield end portion 61. In the housing main body 81, when the sensor housing 80 is molded, the molding material of the sensor housing 80 is formed by the side wall 78 </ b> A of the housing portion 78 and the outer surface 61 </ b> B of each shield end portion 61. Inflow into the space between the end surface 61A of 61 is suppressed. That is, the housing body 81 is not located in the space between the bottom wall 78 </ b> B of the accommodating portion 78 and the end surface 61 </ b> A of each shield end 61.

With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
Since the linear expansion coefficient of the sensor housing 80 is larger than the linear expansion coefficient of the magnetic shield 60, the thermal expansion amount of the sensor housing 80 in the circumferential direction ZC is larger than the thermal expansion amount of the magnetic shield 60 in the circumferential direction ZC. The amount of heat shrinkage in the circumferential direction ZC of the sensor housing 80 is smaller than the amount of heat shrinkage in the circumferential direction ZC of the magnetic shield 60.

  On the other hand, in the torque detection device 30, the corner portion 61 </ b> C of the first shield end 61 of the magnetic shield 60 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. Therefore, the corner portion 61C of the first shield end 61 is separated from the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81 in the inward direction ZB1. Accordingly, the corner portion 61 </ b> C of the first shield end portion 61 does not contact the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81. For this reason, the corner portion 61 </ b> C of the first shield end 61 is suppressed from being pressed against the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81 in accordance with the temperature change of the torque detection device 30. Therefore, compared with the torque detection apparatus 200 (refer FIG. 15), it is suppressed that a big thermal stress arises in the sensor housing 80. FIG. In addition, since the effect | action of the 2nd shield end part 62 is the same as that of the 1st shield end part 61, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

With reference to FIG. 7, the detection of the magnetic flux density of the torque detector 30 will be described.
FIG. 7A shows a state where torque is not applied between the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B (both see FIG. 1) (hereinafter, “neutral state”). FIG. 7B shows a state in which a clockwise torque is applied between the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B (hereinafter, “right-rotation state”). FIG. 7C shows a state in which a counterclockwise torque is applied between the first shaft 13A and the second shaft 13B (hereinafter, referred to as “counterclockwise rotation state”).

  As the relationship between the magnetic yokes 111 and 112 and the permanent magnet 101, “first N pole facing area”, “first S pole facing area”, “second N pole facing area”, and “second S pole facing area” are defined. .

  The first N-pole facing area indicates the facing area between the first magnetic yoke 111 and the N pole of the permanent magnet 101. The first S pole facing area indicates the facing area between the first magnetic yoke 111 and the S pole of the permanent magnet 101.

  The second N-pole facing area indicates the facing area between the second magnetic yoke 112 and the N pole of the permanent magnet 101. The second S-pole facing area indicates the facing area between the second magnetic yoke 112 and the S-pole of the permanent magnet 101.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, in the neutral state, the tip portion of the tooth portion 111A of the first magnetic yoke 111 and the tip portion of the tooth portion 112A of the second magnetic yoke 112 are the N pole and S of the permanent magnet 101. Located at the boundary with the pole. At this time, the first N pole facing area and the first S pole facing area are equal to each other. Further, the second N-pole facing area is equal to the second S-pole facing area. Thereby, no magnetic flux is generated between the magnetic flux collecting protrusions 53 of the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51 and the magnetic flux collecting protrusions 56 of the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54. For this reason, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 41 indicates “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, in the right rotation state, the torsion bar 13D (see FIG. 1) is twisted from the neutral state, so that the relative positions of the magnetic yokes 111 and 112 and the permanent magnet 101 are increased. Changes. Thereby, the first N pole facing area is larger than the first S pole facing area. Further, the second N-pole facing area is smaller than the second S-pole facing area. For this reason, the amount of magnetic flux entering the first magnetic yoke 111 from the N pole of the permanent magnet 101 is larger than the amount of magnetic flux emerging from the first magnetic yoke 111 toward the S pole of the permanent magnet 101. Further, the amount of magnetic flux entering the second magnetic yoke 112 from the N pole of the permanent magnet 101 is smaller than the amount of magnetic flux emerging from the second magnetic yoke 112 toward the S pole of the permanent magnet 101. For this reason, a magnetic flux flows from the magnetic flux collecting protrusion 53 of the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51 to the magnetic flux collecting protrusion 56 of the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54. The magnetic sensor 41 outputs a voltage corresponding to the magnetic flux.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, in the left rotation state, the torsion bar 13D is twisted in the opposite direction to the right rotation state, so that the relative positions of the magnetic yokes 111 and 112 and the permanent magnet 101 are increased. Changes in the opposite direction to when it is rotating clockwise. As a result, the first N-pole facing area is smaller than the first S-pole facing area. Further, the second N pole facing area is larger than the second S pole facing area. For this reason, the amount of magnetic flux entering the first magnetic yoke 111 from the N pole of the permanent magnet 101 is smaller than the amount of magnetic flux emerging from the first magnetic yoke 111 toward the S pole of the permanent magnet 101. Further, the amount of magnetic flux entering the second magnetic yoke 112 from the N pole of the permanent magnet 101 is larger than the amount of magnetic flux entering the S pole of the permanent magnet 101 from the second magnetic yoke 112. For this reason, a magnetic flux flows from the magnetic flux collecting protrusion 56 of the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54 to the magnetic flux collecting protrusion 53 of the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51. The magnetic sensor 41 outputs a voltage corresponding to the magnetic flux.

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) In the torque detection device 30, the first shield end 61 is inserted into the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. According to this configuration, the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing main body 81 of the sensor housing 80 does not contact the corner portion 61 </ b> C of the first shield end 61 of the magnetic shield 60. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 due to the temperature change of the torque detection device 30. The same applies to the second shield end 62.

  In addition, the position of the magnetic shield 60 in the circumferential direction ZC with respect to the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 is determined by inserting the shield end portions 61 and 62 into the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. For this reason, the operator can easily determine the position in the circumferential direction ZC of the magnetic shield 60 with respect to the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 when the magnetic flux collecting unit 50 is assembled.

  (2) In the torque detector 30, the accommodating portion 78 of the magnetism collecting holder 70 has a bottom wall 78B. According to this configuration, the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 is located between the shield end portions 61 and 62 and the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54. For this reason, the contact between the shield end portions 61 and 62 and the magnetism collecting rings 51 and 54 is suppressed.

  (3) In the magnetism collecting holder 70, the upper wall 77A is formed on the upper side ZA1 side of the housing part 78, and the lower wall 77B is formed on the lower side ZA2 side of the housing part 78. According to this configuration, when the sensor housing 80 is molded, the molding material of the sensor housing 80 is suppressed from flowing into the space between the accommodating portion 78 and the shield end portions 61 and 62.

  (4) In the magnetic flux collecting unit 50, the shield end portions 61 and 62 are in contact with the side wall 78A of the accommodating portion 78. According to this configuration, when the sensor housing 80 is molded, the molding material of the sensor housing 80 is suppressed from flowing into the space between the accommodating portion 78 and the shield end portions 61 and 62.

(Second Embodiment)
FIGS. 8-10 shows the torque detection apparatus 30 of 2nd Embodiment. The torque detector 30 has the following differences as main differences from the torque detector 30 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the shapes of the shield end portions 121 and 122 of the magnetic shield 120 are different. In the sensor housing 80, the shapes of the portions corresponding to the shield end portions 121 and 122 are different. The housing body 81 has a configuration in which the end cover surface 81D is omitted. In the following, details of differences from the torque detection device 30 of the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to components common to the first embodiment, and a part or all of the description will be omitted. FIG. 9 shows the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic shield 120 is formed by bending a single metal long plate that becomes a magnetic body. The magnetic shield 120 has a first shield end 121, a second shield end 122, a shield body 123, a first bent portion 124, a second bent portion 125, and a separation portion 126. The magnetic shield 120 has a configuration in which a shield body 123 is formed in a C shape. The magnetic shield 120 has a configuration in which the first shield end 121 forms one end of the long plate and the second shield end 122 forms the other end of the long plate. The magnetic shield 120 is formed by bending the shield end portions 121 and 122 from the shield body 123 in the outward direction ZB2. The magnetic shield 120 has a configuration in which a separation portion 126 is formed as a portion between the first shield end 121 and the second shield end 122 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the first bent portion 124 is formed as a connecting portion between the shield body 123 and the first shield end 121. The first bent portion 124 has a curved surface shape.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, the second bent portion 125 is formed as a connecting portion between the shield body 123 and the second shield end 122. The second bent portion 125 has a curved surface shape.

As shown in FIG. 9, the housing body 81 of the sensor housing 80 has two shield insertion holes 86.
The shield insertion hole 86 is formed as a through hole that penetrates the housing body 81 in the radial direction ZB. The shield insertion hole 86 is formed at a location adjacent to the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80 in the circumferential direction ZC.

  The shield end portions 121 and 122 of the magnetic shield 120 are inserted into the shield insertion holes 86, respectively. Each shield end 121, 122 protrudes from the housing body 81 in the outward direction ZB2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the magnetic shield 120, the inner peripheral surface 123 </ b> X of the shield body 123 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70. In the magnetic shield 120, the shield end portions 121 and 122 are adjacent to the substrate support portion 82 in the circumferential direction ZC. In the magnetic shield 120, the end surfaces 121 A and 122 A of the shield end portions 121 and 122 are located at the same position as the substrate support surface 82 B of the substrate support portion 82 in the radial direction ZB.

  In the housing main body 81, the inner surface 81C is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 123Y of the shield main body 123. In the housing body 81, the shield insertion hole 86 is in close contact with the shield end portions 121 and 122.

  The corner portions 121C and 122C of the shield end portions 121 and 122 of the magnetic shield 120 do not contact the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81. The corner portion 121C is formed by the end surface 121A and the outer surface 121B of the first shield end 121. The corner portion 122C is formed by the end surface 122A and the outer surface 122B of the second shield end portion 122.

The operation of the torque detection device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
The torque detection device 30 has a first function to a third function. The first function is a function of suppressing a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 as the temperature of the torque detection device 30 changes. The second function is a function of suppressing the influence on the magnetic sensor 41 from the external magnetic field. The third function is a function for confirming the presence or absence of the magnetic shield 60 after the molding of the sensor housing 80.

A first function of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
The corner portions 121C and 122C of the shield end portions 121 and 122 of the magnetic shield 120 do not contact the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81. For this reason, the corner portions 121C and 122C do not exert a force on the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81 due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the sensor housing 80 and the magnetic shield 120 accompanying the change in temperature of the torque detection device 30. Therefore, compared with the torque detection apparatus 200 (refer FIG. 15), it is suppressed that a big thermal stress arises in the sensor housing 80. FIG.

  Further, the housing main body 81 of the sensor housing 80 applies a force to the bent portions 124 and 125 of the magnetic shield 120 by the thermal expansion and contraction of the sensor housing 80 and the magnetic shield 120 in accordance with the temperature change of the torque detection device 30. .

  By the way, the part corresponding to each bending part 124 and 125 of the housing main body 81 is formed in the curved surface shape of the same shape as the outer surface of each bending part 124 and 125. For this reason, compared with the torque detection apparatus 200, the force which each bending part 124,125 acts on the inner surface 81C of the housing main body 81 becomes small. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 due to the bent portions 124 and 125.

The second function of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
Each shield end 121, 122 covers the substrate support portion 82 from the circumferential direction ZC. For this reason, the magnetic sensor 41 is covered from the circumferential direction ZC by the shield end portions 121 and 122. Therefore, the influence on the magnetic sensor 41 by the external magnetic field of the torque detection device 30 is reduced as compared with the configuration in which the magnetic sensor 41 is assumed not to be covered from the circumferential direction ZC by the shield end portions 121 and 122.

A third function of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
Each shield end 121, 122 protrudes in the outward direction ZB2 from the housing body 81. For this reason, the operator can visually recognize the shield end portions 121 and 122 from the outside of the sensor unit 40. Therefore, after assembling the sensor unit 40, the operator confirms whether or not the magnetic shield 120 is located in the sensor unit 40 by checking the presence or absence of each shield end 121, 122 from the outside of the sensor unit 40. To do.

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) In the torque detection device 30, the shield end portions 121 and 122 of the magnetic shield 120 protrude from the housing body 81 of the sensor housing 80 in the outward direction ZB <b> 2. According to this configuration, the corner portions 121 </ b> C and 122 </ b> C of the shield end portions 121 and 122 do not contact the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 due to the temperature change of the torque detection device 30.

  In addition, the operator can visually recognize the shield end portions 121 and 122 after the sensor housing 80 is formed. For this reason, the operator can confirm whether or not the magnetic shield 120 is positioned in the sensor unit 40 after the sensor unit 40 is assembled.

  (2) The magnetic shield 60 has the bent portions 124 and 125. According to this configuration, the occurrence of large thermal stress in the sensor housing 80 due to the bent portions 124 and 125 due to the temperature change of the torque detection device 30 is suppressed.

  (3) In the torque detection device 30, the shield end portions 121 and 122 cover the substrate support portion 82 in the circumferential direction ZC. According to this configuration, the influence of the external magnetic field of the torque detection device 30 on the magnetic sensor 41 is reduced as compared with the configuration in which the magnetic sensor 41 is assumed not to be covered from the circumferential direction ZC by the shield end portions 121 and 122. Is done.

  (4) In the torque detection device 30, the end surfaces 121 </ b> A and 122 </ b> A of the shield end portions 121 and 122 are at the same position as the substrate support surface 82 </ b> B of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80 in the radial direction ZB. According to this configuration, the inclination of the substrate unit 90 with respect to the substrate support surface 82B is smaller than the configuration in which the end surfaces 121A and 122A of the shield end portions 121 and 122 are assumed to protrude in the outward direction ZB2 from the substrate support surface 82B. It is suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 shows a torque detection device 30 of the third embodiment. The torque detector 30 has the following differences as main differences from the torque detector 30 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the shapes of the shield end portions 131 and 132 of the magnetic shield 130 are different. The magnetism collecting holder 70 has a configuration in which the end wall 77 </ b> C is omitted from the shield holding portion 77. The housing body 81 has a configuration in which the end cover surface 81D is omitted. In the following, details of differences from the torque detection device 30 of the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to components common to the first embodiment, and a part or all of the description will be omitted. FIG. 11 shows the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted.

  The magnetic shield 130 is formed by bending a single metal long plate serving as a magnetic body. The magnetic shield 130 has a first shield end 131, a second shield end 132, a shield body 133, and a separation portion 134. The magnetic shield 130 has a configuration in which a shield body 133 is formed in a C shape. In the magnetic shield 130, the inner peripheral surface 133 </ b> X of the shield main body 133 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70, and the outer peripheral surface 133 </ b> Y of the shield main body 133 is in close contact with the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing main body 81 of the sensor housing 80. The magnetic shield 130 has a configuration in which the first shield end 131 forms one end of the long plate and the second shield end 132 forms the other end of the long plate. The magnetic shield 130 has a configuration in which a separation portion 134 is formed as a portion between the first shield end 131 and the second shield end 132 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC.

  Each of the shield end portions 131 and 132 overlaps the internal space 82C of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80 in the radial direction ZB. Each shield end portion 131 and 132 is adjacent to the magnetic flux collecting projection 53 of the first magnetic flux collecting ring 51 in the circumferential direction ZC. At the shield end portions 131 and 132, the end surfaces 131A and 132A of the shield end portions 131 and 132 are opposed to the magnetism collecting projection 53 in the circumferential direction ZC. The relationship between the shield end portions 131 and 132 and the magnetic flux collecting projections 56 of the second magnetic flux collecting ring 54 (both see FIG. 5) is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The corner portions 131C and 132C of the shield end portions 131 and 132 do not contact the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81. The corner portion 131C is formed by the end surface 131A and the outer surface 131B of the first shield end portion 131. The corner portion 132C is formed by the end surface 132A and the outer surface 132B of the second shield end portion 132.

The operation of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
The torque detection device 30 has a first function and a second function. The first function is a function of suppressing a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 as the temperature of the torque detection device 30 changes. The second function is a function for confirming the presence or absence of the magnetic shield 60 after the molding of the sensor housing 80.

A first function of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
The corner portions 131C and 132C of the shield end portions 131 and 132 do not contact the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81. Accordingly, the corner portions 131C and 132C do not act on the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81 due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the sensor housing 80 and the magnetic shield 130 accompanying the temperature change of the torque detection device 30. For this reason, compared with the torque detection apparatus 200 (refer FIG. 15), it is suppressed that a big thermal stress arises in the sensor housing 80. FIG.

The second function of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
The shield end portions 131 and 132 of the magnetic shield 130 overlap the inner space 82C of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80 in the radial direction ZB. Thereby, the operator can connect the shield end portions 131 and 132 from the outside of the sensor housing 80 via the internal space 82C in a state after the sensor housing 80 is molded and before the substrate unit 90 (see FIG. 3) is attached. It can be visually recognized. Thereby, the operator can confirm whether or not the magnetic shield 130 is located in the sensor unit 40 after the sensor housing 80 is molded.

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) In the torque detection device 30, the shield end portions 131 and 132 overlap the inner space 82 </ b> C of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80 in the radial direction ZB. According to this configuration, the corner portions 131 </ b> C and 132 </ b> C of the shield end portions 131 and 132 do not contact the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 due to the temperature change of the torque detection device 30.

  In addition, the operator can visually recognize the shield end portions 131 and 132 through the internal space 82 </ b> C of the substrate support portion 82 after the sensor housing 80 is formed. Therefore, the operator can confirm whether or not the magnetic shield 130 is located in the sensor unit 40 after the sensor housing 80 is molded.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 shows a torque detection device 30 of the fourth embodiment. The torque detector 30 has the following differences as main differences from the torque detector 30 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the shapes of the shield end portions 141 and 142 of the magnetic shield 140 are different. In the sensor housing 80, the shapes of the portions corresponding to the shield end portions 141 and 142 are different. In the following, details of differences from the torque detection device 30 of the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to components common to the first embodiment, and a part or all of the description will be omitted. FIG. 12 shows the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted.

  The magnetic shield 140 is formed by bending a single metal long plate serving as a magnetic material. The magnetic shield 140 has a first shield end 141, a second shield end 142, a shield body 143, and a separation portion 144. The magnetic shield 140 has a configuration in which a shield body 143 is formed in a C shape. In the magnetic shield 140, the inner peripheral surface 143 </ b> X of the shield body 143 contacts the outer peripheral surface 70 </ b> Y of the magnetism collecting holder 70. The magnetic shield 140 has a configuration in which the first shield end 141 forms one end of the long plate and the second shield end 142 forms the other end of the long plate. The magnetic shield 140 has a configuration in which a separation portion 144 is formed as a portion between the first shield end portion 141 and the second shield end portion 142 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction ZC.

  The shield end portions 141 and 142 are bent so as to be rounded from the shield body 143 toward the outward direction ZB2. In each shield end 141, 142, end surfaces 141A, 142A are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 143Y of the shield body 143. In each shield end portion 141, 142, the corner portions 141 C, 142 C do not contact the inner surface 81 C of the housing body 81. The corner portion 141C is formed by the end surface 141A and the outer surface 141B of the first shield end 141. The corner portion 142C is formed by the end surface 142A and the outer surface 142B of the second shield end 142.

  In the housing main body 81, the inner surface 81C is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 143Y of the shield main body 143. In the housing main body 81, the end cover surface 81D is in close contact with the outer surfaces 141B and 142B of the shield end portions 141 and 142, respectively.

The operation of the torque detection device 30 will be described.
The corner portions 141C and 142C of the shield end portions 141 and 142 do not contact the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81. Thus, the corner portions 141C and 142C do not act on the inner surface 81C of the housing body 81 due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the sensor housing 80 and the magnetic shield 140 accompanying the temperature change of the torque detection device 30. For this reason, compared with the torque detection apparatus 200 (refer FIG. 15), it is suppressed that a big thermal stress arises in the sensor housing 80. FIG.

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) In the torque detection device 30, the corner portions 141 </ b> C and 142 </ b> C of the shield end portions 141 and 142 do not contact the inner surface 81 </ b> C of the housing body 81. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a large thermal stress from being generated in the sensor housing 80 as the temperature of the torque detection device 30 changes.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention includes an embodiment different from the first to fourth embodiments. Hereinafter, modifications of the first to fourth embodiments as other embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following modifications can be combined with each other.

  In the magnetic flux collecting holder 70 according to the first embodiment, the accommodating portion 78 has a groove shape. On the other hand, the magnetism collecting holder 70 of the modified example is formed as a through hole in which the accommodating portion 78 penetrates the magnetism collecting holder 70 in the radial direction ZB.

-The magnetic flux collection holder 70 of 1st Embodiment has the end wall 77C. On the other hand, the magnetism collecting holder 70 of the modified example does not have the end wall 77C.
The magnetic shield 120 of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the end surfaces 121A and 122A of the shield end portions 121 and 122 are at the same position in the radial direction ZB as the substrate support surface 82B of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80. On the other hand, the magnetic shield 120 of the modified example has a configuration in which the end surfaces 121A and 122A of the shield end portions 121 and 122 are positioned in the inner direction ZB1 with respect to the substrate support surface 82B of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80.

  The magnetic shield 130 of the third embodiment has a configuration in which the shield end portions 131 and 132 extend toward the circumferential direction ZC in the insertion portion 76 of the magnetism collecting holder 70. On the other hand, the magnetic shields 150 and 160 of the modification have the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. 13 and 14 show the sensor unit 40 in which the substrate unit 90 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the magnetic shield 150 has a configuration in which the distal end portion of the first shield end portion 151 and the distal end portion of the second shield end portion 152 are bent from the shield body 153 toward the inward direction ZB1. End surfaces 151A and 152A of the shield end portions 151 and 152 are located in the outer direction ZB2 from the inner peripheral surface 70X of the magnetism collecting holder 70 and in the inner direction ZB1 from the outer peripheral surface 70Y.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the magnetic shield 160 has a configuration in which the first shield end portion 161 and the second shield end portion 162 are bent from the shield main body 163 toward the outward direction ZB2. End surfaces 161A and 162A of the shield end portions 161 and 162 are positioned in the inner direction ZB1 with respect to the substrate support surface 82B of the substrate support portion 82 of the sensor housing 80.

  The magnetic shield 140 according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which the end surfaces 141A and 142A of the shield end portions 141 and 142 are bent so as to face the inward direction ZB1. On the other hand, the magnetic shield 140 according to the modification has a configuration in which the end surfaces 141A and 142A of the shield end portions 141 and 142 are bent toward the outer direction ZB2.

  The magnetic flux collecting unit 50 according to the first to fourth embodiments has one magnetic shield 60, 120, 130, 140. On the other hand, the magnetic flux collecting unit 50 of the modified example has a magnetic shield divided into a plurality of pieces in the axial direction ZA.

  The first magnetism collecting ring 51 of the first to fourth embodiments has a separation portion 52C. On the other hand, the first magnetism collecting ring 51 of the modified example does not have the separation portion 52C. That is, the first magnetism collecting ring 51 of the modified example has an annular shape.

  The second magnetism collecting ring 54 of the first to fourth embodiments has a separation portion 55C. On the other hand, the second magnetism collecting ring 54 of the modified example does not have the separation portion 55C. That is, the second magnetism collecting ring 54 of the modification has an annular shape.

  In the magnetic flux collecting unit 50 of the first to fourth embodiments, the magnetic flux collecting rings 51 and 54 are attached to the holding convex portion 71 of the magnetic flux collecting holder 70. On the other hand, in the magnetism collecting unit 50 of the modified example, the magnetism collecting holder 70 is formed integrally with the magnetism collecting rings 51 and 54. The magnetism collecting holder 70 of the modified example does not have the holding convex portion 71, the upper through hole 74, and the lower through hole 75.

  The torque detection device 30 according to the first to fourth embodiments has two magnetic sensors 41. On the other hand, the torque detection device 30 of the modified example has one magnetic sensor 41. The first magnetism collecting ring 51 of the modified example has one magnetism collecting protrusion 53. The modified second magnetic flux collecting ring 54 has one magnetic flux collecting projection 56. In addition, the torque detection device 30 of another modified example includes a Hall element or an MR element as the magnetic sensor 41 instead of the Hall IC.

  The steering device 1 of the first to fourth embodiments has a configuration as a dual pinion assist type electric power steering device. On the other hand, the steering device 1 of the modified example has a configuration as a column assist type, pinion assist type, rack parallel type, or rack coaxial type electric power steering device.

  The steering device 1 of the first to fourth embodiments has a configuration as an electric power steering device having the assist device 20. On the other hand, the steering device 1 according to the modification has a configuration as a mechanical steering device in which the assist device 20 is omitted.

  In short, as long as the steering device has a rack shaft and a pinion shaft, the present invention can be applied to an electric power steering device other than the dual pinion assist type and a steering device other than the electric power steering device.

  ZA: axial direction, ZA1 ... upward direction, ZA2 ... downward direction, ZB ... radial direction, ZB1 ... inward direction, ZB2 ... outer direction, ZC ... circumferential direction, PD ... projecting dimension, HD ... depth dimension, 1 ... steering device DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Steering wheel, 3 ... Steering wheel, 10 ... Steering device, 11 ... Column shaft, 12 ... Intermediate shaft, 13 ... Pinion shaft, 13A ... 1st shaft, 13B ... 2nd shaft, 13C ... Pinion gear, 13D ... Torsion bar, 14 ... rack shaft, 14A ... first gear portion, 14B ... second gear portion, 15 ... rack and pinion mechanism, 16 ... tie rod, 17 ... rack housing, 17A ... fixed component, 20 ... assist device, 21 ... Assist motor, 22 ... worm shaft, 23 ... worm wheel, 24 ... pinion shaft 24A ... pinion gear, 30 ... torque detection device, 31 ... oil seal, 32 ... O-ring, 40 ... sensor unit, 41 ... magnetic sensor, 50 ... magnetic collecting unit, 51 ... first magnetic collecting ring, 52 ... ring body, 52A ... 1st end part, 52B ... 2nd end part, 52C ... Separation part, 53 ... Magnetic flux collection protrusion, 54 ... 2nd magnetic flux collection ring, 55 ... Ring main body, 55A ... 1st end part, 55B ... 2nd end part , 55C ... spaced portion, 56 ... magnetic flux collecting projection, 60 ... magnetic shield, 61 ... first shield end, 61A ... end face, 61B ... outer side, 61C ... corner, 62 ... second shield end, 63 ... shield Main body, 63X ... inner peripheral surface, 63Y ... outer peripheral surface, 64 ... separated portion, 65 ... bent portion, 70 ... magnetic flux collecting holder, 70X ... inner peripheral surface, 70Y ... outer peripheral surface, 71 ... holding convex portion, 72 ... first Holding part, 73 ... second holding 74 ... upper through hole, 75 ... lower through hole, 76 ... insertion part, 76A ... insertion hole, 76B ... upper projection, 76C ... lower projection, 77 ... shield holding part, 77A ... upper wall, 77B ... lower Wall, 77C ... End wall, 78 ... Housing part, 78A ... Side wall, 78B ... Bottom wall, 78C ... Curved surface part, 80 ... Sensor housing, 81 ... Housing body, 81A ... Base part, 81B ... Magnetic collecting housing part, 81C ... Inner surface, 81D ... end cover surface, 82 ... substrate support portion, 82A ... step portion, 82B ... substrate support surface, 82C ... inner space, 82X ... outer surface, 83 ... substrate attachment portion, 84 ... device attachment portion, 85 ... Internal space 86 ... Shield insertion hole 90 ... Board unit 91 ... Circuit board 92 ... Board substrate support 93 ... Lead wire 94 ... Bush 95 ... O-ring 100 ... Magnet unit 101 ... Permanent Magnet, 102 ... Core, 110 ... Magnetic yoke unit, 111 ... First magnetic yoke, 111A ... Teeth, 111B ... Connection portion, 112 ... Second magnetic yoke, 112A ... Teeth, 112B ... Connection portion, 113 ... Yoke holder 114 ... intermediate part, 120 ... magnetic shield, 121 ... first shield end, 121A ... end face, 121B ... outer face, 121C ... corner portion, 122 ... second shield end, 122A ... end face, 122B ... outer face, 122C ... Corner portion, 123 ... Shield body, 123X ... Inner peripheral surface, 123Y ... Outer peripheral surface, 124 ... First bent portion, 125 ... Second bent portion, 126 ... Separated portion, 130 ... Magnetic shield, 131 ... First shield End, 131A ... end face, 131B ... outer face, 131C ... corner, 132 ... second shield end, 132A ... end face, 132B ... outer face 132C ... Square portion, 133 ... Shield body, 133X ... Inner peripheral surface, 133Y ... Outer peripheral surface, 134 ... Separated portion, 140 ... Magnetic shield, 141 ... First shield end, 141A ... End surface, 141B ... Outer surface, 141C ... Corner part 142 ... second shield end part 142A ... end face 142B ... outer side face 142C ... corner part 143 ... shield body 143X ... inner peripheral face 143Y ... outer peripheral face 144 ... spaced apart part 150 ... magnetic shield 151 ... first shield end, 151A ... end face, 152 ... second shield end, 152A ... end face, 153 ... shield body, 160 ... magnetic shield, 161 ... first shield end, 161A ... end face, 162 ... first 2 shield ends, 162A ... end face, 163 ... shield body, 200 ... torque detector, 210 ... magnetic flux collecting unit, 211 ... magnetic flux collector 211X ... inner peripheral surface, 211Y ... outer peripheral surface, 212 ... magnetic collecting ring, 213 ... magnetic shield, 213A ... shield end, 213B ... corner portion, 213X ... inner peripheral surface, 213Y ... outer peripheral surface, 220 ... sensor housing 221 ... the inner surface.

Claims (7)

With permanent magnets,
A magnetic yoke disposed in a magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet and changing a relative position with the permanent magnet;
A magnetic flux collecting holder that is formed in an annular shape by resin molding and surrounds the magnetic yoke, a magnetic flux collecting ring that is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the magnetic flux collecting holder and collects the magnetic flux of the magnetic yoke, and a metal plate that is formed by bending An annular magnetism collecting unit having a magnetic shield attached to the outer peripheral surface of the magnetism collecting holder;
A magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux of a magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet, the magnetic yoke, and the magnetism collecting ring;
A sensor having an inner surface that does not come into contact with a corner portion formed by an outer surface and an end surface of the shield end portion of the magnetic shield, and is integrally molded with the magnetic flux collecting unit by a resin poured into the outer peripheral side of the magnetic flux collecting unit. A torque detection device comprising a housing. The torque detection device according to claim 1, wherein the shield end is bent toward the magnetism collecting holder. The torque detection device according to claim 2, wherein the magnetism collecting holder has a housing portion that houses the shield end. The torque detection device according to claim 1, wherein the shield end protrudes to the outside of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is a housing body that covers the magnetic flux collecting unit from the outer peripheral side, and a cylindrical portion that extends outward from the housing body in the radial direction of the housing body, and the circuit to which the magnetic sensor is attached A substrate support portion for supporting the substrate;
The substrate support portion has an internal space that houses the magnetic sensor, and a substrate support surface that supports the circuit board,
The torque detection device according to claim 4, wherein the shield end portion is adjacent to the substrate support portion, and is positioned at the same position as the substrate support surface in the radial direction or closer to the housing body than the substrate support surface. The sensor housing is a housing body that covers the magnetic flux collecting unit from the outer peripheral side, and a cylindrical portion that extends outward from the housing body in the radial direction of the housing body, and the circuit to which the magnetic sensor is attached A substrate support portion for supporting the substrate;
The substrate support portion has an internal space for accommodating the magnetic sensor,
The torque detection device according to claim 1, wherein the shield end portion overlaps the inner space in the radial direction. A steering device comprising the torque detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.