JP2021012077A - Sensor device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sensor device that can suppress an increase in the number of components.SOLUTION: A sensor device is provided on a shaft. In the shaft, an input shaft and an output shaft are coupled together via a torsion bar. A subassembly 23 of the sensor device is formed by combining a first holder 51 provided with a magnetic collecting ring 64 and a base plate 55 and a second holder 52 provided with a magnetic collecting ring 84, driven gears 53 and 54, and a cover 56 in a direction along an axial line O of the shaft. The driven gears 53 and 54 are mounted on the second holder 52 from the side opposite to the first holder 51 and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the input shaft. The cover 56 is mounted on the second holder 52 from the side opposite to the first holder 51. The base plate 55 is provided with magnetic sensors 104-107 that detect magnetic flux corresponding to the twist of the torsion bar induced to the magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 and the rotation angles of the driven gears 53 and 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor device.

Conventionally, for example, the sensor device described in Patent Document 1 is known. This sensor device detects both the steering torque applied to the steering wheel and the steering angle, which is the rotation angle of the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. The sensor device is provided on the pinion shaft that constitutes the steering shaft. The pinion shaft is formed by connecting an input shaft and an output shaft via a torsion bar.

The sensor device has a permanent magnet fixed to the input shaft and a yoke unit fixed to the output shaft. The yoke unit is one in which two yokes are integrated via a resin portion. When torque is applied to the input shaft and the torsion bar is twisted and deformed, the relative positions of the permanent magnet and the yoke in the rotational direction change. The sensor device detects the torque applied to the torsion bar based on the change in the magnetic flux of the yoke due to the change in the relative position between the permanent magnet and the yoke.

The sensor device includes an external gear that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the pinion shaft, and two driven gears that mesh with the external gear. Since the number of teeth of the two driven gears is different, the rotation angles of the two driven gears due to the rotation of the external gears are different from each other. The sensor device detects the rotation angles of the two driven gears, respectively, and detects the rotation angle of the output shaft based on the detected rotation angles.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-073364

Since the sensor device of Patent Document 1 has both a configuration for detecting steering torque and a configuration for detecting steering angle, there is a concern that the number of parts may increase.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device capable of suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

A sensor device capable of achieving the above object is provided on a shaft in which an input shaft and an output shaft are connected to each other via a torsion bar. The sensor device includes two magnetic collecting members that induce magnetic flux according to the twist of the torsion bar, and two holders that hold the two magnetic collecting members and are combined with each other in a direction along the axis of the shaft. , At least one driven gear that is mounted on one of the two holders from the side opposite to the side to be combined with the other holder and that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input shaft, and the other. The holder is provided with a detector for detecting the magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting member and the rotation angle of the driven gear.

According to this sensor device, one of the two holders has both a function as a holder for holding one of the two magnetic collecting members and a function as a holder for holding the driven gear. Therefore, as a sensor device, for example, a holder for holding the magnetic collecting member and a holder for holding the driven gear are separately provided, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed as compared with the case where a configuration in which these holders are combined is adopted. ..

By the way, according to the above-mentioned sensor device, it is possible to detect both the torque applied to the torsion bar and the rotation angle of the input shaft. That is, the magnetic collecting member induces a magnetic flux corresponding to the twist of the torsion bar. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the torque applied to the torsion bar in the magnetic flux of the magnetic collecting member detected through the detector. Further, the driven gear rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input shaft. Therefore, the rotation angle of the input shaft can be obtained based on the rotation angle of the driven gear detected through the detector.

In the above sensor device, there is a holding member which is mounted on the side where the driven gear is mounted with respect to the one holder, holds the driven gear in the one holder, and connects the two holders to each other. It is preferable to do.

According to this sensor device, the driven gear is held by the holding member in one of the two holders. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driven gear from falling off from one of the holders. Also, the two holders are connected to each other via a holding member. That is, the holding member has a function of holding the driven gear and a function of connecting the two holders. Therefore, the number of parts as the sensor device can be further reduced as compared with the case where the configuration for holding the driven gear and the configuration for connecting the two holders are separately provided.

In the above sensor device, the holding member may be a cover that covers a part of the driven gear. In this case, the cover has a first engaging claw that engages with a part of the one holder so as to prevent the two holders from moving in a direction that separates them from each other, and a direction in which the two holders separate from each other. It is preferable to have a second engaging claw that engages with a part of the other holder so as to prevent the movement of the holder.

According to this configuration, the driven gear is prevented from falling off from one of the two holders by engaging the first engaging claw of the cover with a part of the holder to which the driven gear is mounted. can do. Further, the two holders can be connected to each other via the cover by engaging the second engaging claw of the cover with a part of the other holder to which the driven gear is not mounted. By utilizing the engagement relationship between the cover and the two holders, the two holders can be easily connected while suppressing the driven gear from falling off.

The sensor device comprises a sensor housing having an insertion slot into which the two magnetizing members, the two holders, the driven gear, the detector and the subassembly in which the cover is assembled are inserted. May be good. In this case, the cover is provided with a closing wall that closes a gap formed between the inner surface of the insertion port and the outer surface of the subassembly when the subassembly is inserted into the insertion port. It is preferable to have.

When the subassembly is inserted into the insertion slot of the sensor housing, a gap may be formed between the inner surface of the insertion slot in the sensor housing and the outer surface of the subassembly. In this regard, according to the above sensor device, even when a gap is formed between the inner surface of the insertion port in the sensor housing and the outer surface of the subassembly, this gap is closed by the closing wall provided on the cover. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust or liquid from entering through the gap formed between the inner surface of the insertion port in the sensor housing and the outer surface of the subassembly.

In the above sensor device, the shaft may rotate in response to a steering operation.

According to the sensor device of the present invention, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

The perspective view which disassembled one Embodiment of a sensor device. The perspective view which disassembled the partial assembly of one Embodiment. The perspective view of the cover of one Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which attached the substrate to the 1st holder of one Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which attached the driven gear to the 2nd holder of one Embodiment. The side view which shows the state which attached the cover to the 2nd holder of one Embodiment. A cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of a second holder to which a cover of one embodiment is attached. A cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of the sensor device of one embodiment. A side view of the sensor device of one embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state of attaching the subassembly to the sensor cover of one Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which attached the subassembly to the sensor cover of one Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the positional relationship between the magnetic yoke and the magnetic collecting ring in one Embodiment. The plan view which shows the positional relationship between the driving gear and the driven gear in one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the sensor device is embodied as a torque angle sensor will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 10 is provided on the shaft 11. The shaft 11 has an input shaft 12, a torsion bar 13, and an output shaft 14. The input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 are connected to each other via a torsion bar 13. The input shaft 12, the torsion bar 13, and the output shaft 14 are located on the same axis O.

The sensor device 10 includes a permanent magnet 21, a magnetic yoke 22, a subassembly 23, and a sensor housing 24.
The permanent magnet 21 has a cylindrical shape. The permanent magnet 21 has S poles and N poles alternately magnetized along its circumferential direction. The permanent magnet 21 is fixed to the input shaft 12.

The magnetic yoke 22 has a cylindrical shape. A permanent magnet 21 is inserted inside the magnetic yoke 22. The magnetic yoke 22 is formed by molding two annular yokes 31 and 32 made of a magnetic material with a synthetic resin material. The portion of the magnetic yoke 22 formed of the synthetic resin material functions as a holder 33 that holds the positional relationship between the two yokes 31 and 32. A driving gear 34 is integrally molded at the end of the holder 33. The two yokes 31 and 32 are aligned along the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. The magnetic yoke 22 is fixed to the output shaft 14.

A plurality of tooth portions 31a, 32a, respectively, are provided on the two yokes 31 and 32 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. These tooth portions 31a and 32a extend toward opposite sides in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. The two yokes 31 and 32 are held so that their tooth portions 31a and 32a are alternately positioned in the circumferential direction. The two yokes 31 and 32 have their centers in the circumferential direction of the plurality of tooth portions 31a and 32a coincide with the boundary between the north and south poles of the permanent magnet 21 in a state where the torsion bar 13 is not twisted and deformed. It is provided in.

The subassembly 23 is made to be able to be handled integrally by attaching a part for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 11 and a part for detecting the torque applied to the shaft 11 to the holder 50. The subassembly 23 will be described in detail later.

A shaft 11 is passed through the sensor housing 24. Further, the permanent magnet 21, the magnetic yoke 22, and a part of the subassembly 23 are housed inside the sensor housing 24. The sensor housing 24 is made of a synthetic resin material and is provided in a stepped tubular shape. The sensor housing 24 has a semi-cylindrical large diameter portion 41 and a cylindrical small diameter portion 42. The input shaft 12 of the shaft 11 is inserted into the small diameter portion 42. The large diameter portion 41 accommodates a permanent magnet 21, a magnetic yoke 22, and a part of the subassembly 23.

The large diameter portion 41 is provided with a rectangular insertion port 43 into which the subassembly 23 is inserted so as to open sideways. The large diameter portion 41 is provided with two mounting walls 44, 45 for fixing the subassembly 23. The two mounting walls 44 and 45 extend toward opposite sides in a direction orthogonal to the axis O of the shaft 11. The two mounting walls 44 and 45 are provided so as to be flush with each other with respect to the peripheral edge portion 43a of the insertion port 43. The subassembly 23 is fixed to the sensor housing 24 with a part thereof inserted into the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24.

Next, the subassembly 23 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the subassembly 23 has a first holder 51 and a second holder 52 constituting the holder 50. Further, the subassembly 23 has two driven gears 53 and 54, a substrate 55, and a cover 56 as a holding member.

The first holder 51 is integrally molded with a synthetic resin material. The first holder 51 has a yoke insertion portion 61 having an arcuate contour and a substrate accommodating portion 62 having a rectangular contour.

The yoke insertion portion 61 is provided with a circular insertion hole 63 into which the magnetic yoke 22 is inserted. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 63 is set to be slightly longer than the outer diameter of the magnetic yoke 22. An annular magnetic collecting ring 64 as a magnetic collecting member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 63. The magnetic collecting ring 64 is a portion of the magnetic yoke 22 corresponding to the yoke 31. Further, the yoke insertion portion 61 is provided with two engaging claws 65 and 66. These engaging claws 65 and 66 are provided at intervals along the peripheral edge portion of the yoke insertion portion 61 opposite to the substrate accommodating portion 62. The two engaging claws 65 and 66 extend along the axis O of the shaft 11, respectively. Engagement protrusions 65a and 66a are provided at the tips of the two engaging claws 65 and 66. These engaging protrusions 65a and 66a project inward in the radial direction of the insertion hole 63.

The substrate accommodating portion 62 is provided with a recess 71. Two magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b provided on the magnetic collecting ring 64 are exposed in the vicinity of the insertion hole 63 on the inner bottom surface of the recess 71. These magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b are portions provided so as to project outward from the annular portion of the magnetic collecting ring 64 in the radial direction thereof. Further, two substrate support portions 72 and 73 having a stepped columnar shape are provided near the center of the inner bottom surface of the recess 71. Further, a plurality of terminals 74 are provided so as to project from the portion of the inner bottom surface of the recess 71 opposite to the insertion hole 63. The plurality of terminals 74 are arranged in a row along the inner edge opposite to the insertion hole 63 in the recess 71. The plurality of terminals 74 are connected to an arithmetic circuit (not shown) provided outside the sensor device 10 via wiring 75.

The substrate accommodating portion 62 is provided with two rectangular plate-shaped fixing portions 76 and 77. The two fixing portions 76 and 77 are provided on two side surfaces of the substrate accommodating portion 62 located opposite to each other in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the yoke insertion portion 61 and the substrate accommodating portion 62. The two fixing portions 76 and 77 are provided so as to be orthogonal to the bottom wall of the substrate accommodating portion 62. Further, the substrate accommodating portion 62 is provided with two engaging portions 78 and 79. The two engaging portions 78, 79 are the two side surfaces of the substrate accommodating portion 62 and the two fixing portions 76, 77 located on opposite sides of each other in the direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the yoke insertion portion 61 and the substrate accommodating portion 62. It is provided at the corner formed by. The two engaging portions 78 and 79 are located on the opposite sides of the insertion holes 63 with respect to the fixed portions 76 and 77. The two engaging portions 78 and 79 are provided with rectangular engaging holes 78a and 79a.

The second holder 52 is integrally molded with a synthetic resin material. The second holder 52 is basically provided corresponding to the shape of the first holder 51. The second holder 52 has a yoke insertion portion 81 having an arcuate contour and a substrate accommodating portion 82 having a rectangular contour.

The yoke insertion portion 81 is provided with a circular insertion hole 83 into which the magnetic yoke 22 is inserted. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 83 is set to be slightly longer than the outer diameter of the magnetic yoke 22. The insertion hole 83 coincides with the insertion hole 63 of the first holder 51 when the sensor device 10 is assembled. An annular magnetic collecting ring 84 as a magnetic collecting member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 83. The magnetic collecting ring 84 is a portion of the magnetic yoke 22 corresponding to the yoke 32. Further, the yoke insertion portion 81 is provided with two engaging recesses 85 and 86. The two engaging recesses 85 and 86 are provided at intervals along the peripheral edge portion of the yoke insertion portion 81 opposite to the substrate accommodating portion 62. The two engaging recesses 85 and 86 are provided on the peripheral edge of the yoke insertion portion 81 on a portion opposite to the first holder 51 in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. The two engaging recesses 85, 86 correspond to the two engaging claws 65, 66 in the first holder 51. Further, in the yoke insertion portion 81, two engaging holes 87 and 88 are provided near the boundary with the substrate accommodating portion 82. The two engaging holes 87 and 88 are provided at a predetermined interval along the insertion hole 83.

In the substrate accommodating portion 82, two support holes 91 and 92 are provided in the vicinity of the insertion hole 83. Further, two magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b provided on the magnetic collecting ring 84 are exposed in the vicinity of the insertion hole 83 on the side surface (lower surface in FIG. 2) of the substrate accommodating portion 82 on the first holder 51 side. doing. The two magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b are portions provided so as to project outward from the annular portion of the magnetic collecting ring 84 in the radial direction thereof. The two magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b of the shaft 11 with respect to the two magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b of the magnetic collecting ring 64 held in the first holder 51 in the state where the sensor device 10 is assembled. They face each other in the direction along the axis O. Further, two engaging protrusions 93 and 94 are provided on the two side surfaces of the substrate accommodating portion 82 located opposite to each other in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the yoke insertion portion 81 and the substrate accommodating portion 82. .. The two engaging protrusions 93, 94 are located on opposite sides of the insertion holes 83 with respect to the two support holes 91, 92.

The driven gears 53 and 54 are rotatably supported with respect to the second holder 52. The driven gear 53 has a shaft portion 53a, a gear portion 53b, and a permanent magnet 53c. The driven gear 54 also has a shaft portion 54a, a gear portion 54b, and a permanent magnet 54c. The permanent magnets 53c and 54c are fixed to the tip portions of the shaft portions 53a and 54a. The shaft portion 53a of the driven gear 53 is inserted into the support hole 91 of the second holder 52, and the shaft portion 54a of the driven gear 54 is inserted into the support hole 92 of the second holder 52. The gear portions 53b and 54b are provided with respect to the side surface of the second holder 52 opposite to the first holder 51 (upper surface in FIG. 2) in a state where the shaft portions 53a and 54a are inserted into the support holes 91 and 92. It is supported so that it can slide and rotate. The number of teeth of the gear portions 53b and 54b is different. In the assembled state of the sensor device 10, the two driven gears 53 and 54 mesh with the main gear 34 provided on the magnetic yoke 22.

The substrate 55 is provided in a rectangular shape. The substrate 55 is attached to the recess 71 of the first holder 51. Two support holes 101 and 102 are provided near the center of the substrate 55. The tip portions of the two substrate support portions 72 and 73 provided on the inner bottom surface of the recess 71 are inserted into the support holes 101 and 102. Further, the substrate 55 is provided with the same number of connection holes 103 as the terminals 74 in a row. Terminals 74 are inserted into these connection holes 103, respectively. By soldering or the like with each terminal 74 inserted in each connection hole 103, a wiring pattern (not shown) of the substrate 55 and each terminal 74 are connected.

Further, two magnetic sensors 104 and 105 as detectors are provided on the side surface (upper surface in FIG. 2) of the substrate 55 on the second holder 52 side. The two magnetic sensors 104 and 105 are provided side by side along the long side edge of the substrate 55. In the assembled state of the sensor device 10, the two magnetic sensors 104 and 105 face the permanent magnets 53c and 54c of the driven gears 53 and 54 in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. As the magnetic sensors 104 and 105, for example, MR (magnetic resistance) sensors are adopted. The two magnetic sensors 104 and 105 generate an electric signal according to a change in the magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the driven gears 53 and 54.

Further, two magnetic sensors 106 and 107 as detectors are provided on the side surface (upper surface in FIG. 2) of the substrate 55 on the second holder 52 side. The two magnetic sensors 106, 107 are located between the two magnetic sensors 104, 105 in the direction along the long side edge of the substrate 55. Further, the magnetic sensor 106 is interposed between the magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 84a of the magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 in a state where the sensor device 10 is assembled. The magnetic sensor 107 is interposed between the magnetic collection protrusions 64b and 84b of the magnetic collection rings 64 and 84 in a state where the sensor device 10 is assembled. As the magnetic sensors 106 and 107, for example, a hall sensor is adopted. The magnetic sensors 106 and 107 detect the magnetic flux induced from the two yokes 31 and 32 of the magnetic yoke 22 to the two magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84. The magnetic sensors 106 and 107 generate an electric signal according to the strength of the applied magnetic field.

The cover 56 is attached to the second holder 52. The cover 56 is integrally molded with a synthetic resin material. The cover 56 has a flat plate-shaped pressing portion 111 and two side walls 112 and 112.

An arc surface 111a corresponding to the contour of the insertion hole 83 is provided on one of the four side edges of the pressing portion 111. In the pressing portion 111, engaging claws 113 and 114 are provided at the two corner portions where the arcuate surface 111a and the two side surfaces of the pressing portion 111 intersect, respectively. The two engaging claws 113 and 114 extend in a direction orthogonal to the pressing portion 111. Engagement protrusions 113a and 114a are provided at the tips of the two engaging claws 113 and 114, respectively. The engaging protrusions 113a and 114a project outward in the direction along the alignment direction of the two engaging claws 113 and 114, respectively. The two engaging claws 113, 114 correspond to the two engaging holes 87,88 provided in the second holder 52.

The two side walls 112, 112 are directed in the same direction as the two engaging claws 113, 114 from the two side edges located on opposite sides of the two engaging claws 113, 114 in the holding portion 111. It is extending. The two side walls 112 and 112 are located near the side edge portion of the pressing portion 111, which is located on the side opposite to the arc surface 111a. Engagement claws 115 and 116 are provided at the tip portions of the two side walls 112 and 112, which are the ends opposite to the pressing portion 111, respectively. Engagement protrusions 115a and 116a are provided at the tips of the two engaging claws 115 and 116, respectively. The engaging protrusions 115a and 116a project outward in the alignment direction of the two side walls 112 and 112, respectively. The two engaging claws 115 and 116 correspond to the two engaging holes 78a and 79a provided in the first holder 51.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface of the tips of the two side walls 112 and 112 of the cover 56, in other words, the inner surface of the boundary portion of the side walls 112 and 112 with the engaging claws 115 and 116, respectively, has an engaging protrusion. 117 and 118 are provided. These engaging protrusions 117 and 118 face each other in the alignment direction of the two side walls 112 and 112. Further, a closing wall 119 is provided on the holding portion 111 of the cover 56. The closing wall 119 is provided on the side surface of the holding portion 111 opposite to the direction in which the two side walls 112 and 112 extend. The closing wall 119 is provided over the entire length of the holding portion 111 in the alignment direction of the two side walls 112 and 112.

<Assembly procedure of sensor device>
Next, the procedure for assembling the sensor device 10 will be described. When assembling the sensor device 10, the subassembly 23 is first assembled. The first holder 51 in which the magnetic collecting ring 64, the terminal 74 and the wiring 75 are integrally provided, the second holder 52 in which the magnetic collecting ring 64 is integrally provided, and the magnetic sensors 104, 105 and the magnetic sensor 106. , 107 is provided on the substrate 55, which is prepared in advance.

As shown in FIG. 4, the substrate 55 is attached to the recess 71 of the first holder 51. The tips of the substrate support portions 72 and 73 are inserted into the support holes 101 and 102 of the substrate 55. Further, terminals 74 are inserted into the plurality of connection holes 103 of the substrate 55, respectively. With the substrate 55 attached to the recess 71, the torque detection magnetic sensors 106 and 107 face the two magnetic collection protrusions 64a and 64b of the magnetic collection ring 64 in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. To do.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, two driven gears 53 and 54 are attached to the second holder 52. That is, the second from the direction in which the shaft portions 53a, 54a of the driven gears 53, 54 are on the side opposite to the first holder 51 (upper side in FIG. 5), that is, on the side opposite to the side combined with the first holder 51. It is inserted into the two support holes 91 and 92 of the holder 52 (see FIG. 2). The movement of the driven gears 53 and 54 with respect to the support holes 91 and 92 in the insertion direction is restricted by the gear portions 53b and 54b coming into contact with the peripheral portions of the support holes 91 and 92 in the second holder 52. The driven gears 53 and 54 are rotatably supported with respect to the second holder 52 by inserting the shaft portions 53a and 54a into the support holes 91 and 92. The gear portions 53b and 54b can slide and rotate with respect to the side surface of the second holder 52 opposite to the first holder 51.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 56 is then attached to the second holder 52 in the direction opposite to the first holder 51, that is, from the side on which the driven gears 53 and 54 are mounted. As the cover 56 is brought closer to the second holder 52, the engaging protrusions 117 and 118 provided on the side wall 112 of the cover 56 get over the engaging protrusions 93 and 94 of the second holder 52, so that the cover 56 The engaging protrusions 117 and 118 engage with the engaging protrusions 93 and 94 of the second holder 52 in the direction in which the cover 56 disengages from the second holder 52 (upper part in FIG. 6). That is, the engaging protrusions 117 and 118 are a part of the second holder 52 so as to prevent the cover 56 from moving in the direction in which the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are separated from each other. Engage with 93,94.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, as the cover 56 is brought closer to the second holder 52, the engaging claws 113 and 114 are gradually inserted into the engaging holes 87 and 88 of the second holder 52. Eventually, at the timing when the engaging protrusions 117 and 118 of the cover 56 engage with the engaging protrusions 93 and 94 of the second holder 52, the engaging protrusions 113a and 114a of the engaging claws 113 and 114 are second. Engage with the holder 52 of. In the engaging protrusions 113a and 114a, the cover 56 is second with respect to the peripheral portion of the engaging holes 87 and 88 on the side surface (lower surface in FIG. 7) of the second holder 52 on the side of the first holder 51. Engage in the direction away from the holder 52 (upper part in FIG. 7). That is, the engaging claws 113 and 114 are the engaging holes 87, which are a part of the second holder 52 so as to prevent the cover 56 from moving in the direction in which the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are separated from each other. Engage with the peripheral portion of 88. As a result, the cover 56 is connected to the second holder 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, next, the surface of the first holder 51 on the side where the substrate 55 is attached and the surface of the second holder 52 on the side opposite to the surface on which the cover 56 is attached are shafts. The first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are combined by bringing them close to each other in a state where they face each other in the direction along the axis O of 11. As the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 approach each other, the engaging claws 115 and 116 of the cover 56 mounted on the second holder 52 with respect to the engaging holes 78a and 79a of the first holder 51. Is gradually inserted. Eventually, the engaging protrusions 115a and 116a of the engaging claws 115 and 116 engage with the first holder 51. The engaging protrusions 115a and 116a are the engaging holes 78a and 79a on the side surface (lower surface in FIG. 8) opposite to the second holder 52 of the engaging portions 78 and 79 provided in the first holder 51. The second holder 52 engages with the peripheral edge portion in a direction away from the first holder 51 (upward in FIG. 8). That is, the engaging claws 115 and 116 are the engaging portions 78, which are a part of the first holder 51 so as to prevent the cover 56 from moving in the direction in which the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are separated from each other. Engage with 79. As a result, the cover 56 is connected to the first holder 51.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, at the timing when the engaging claws 115 and 116 of the cover 56 engage with the first holder 51, the engaging protrusions 65a and 66a of the engaging claws 65 and 66 of the first holder 51 Is engaged with the engaging recesses 85 and 86 of the second holder 52 in the direction in which the first holder 51 is separated from the second holder 52 (downward in FIG. 9). As a result, the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are connected to each other.

This completes the assembly work of the partial assembly 23. After that, the subassembly 23 is attached to the sensor housing 24. Specifically, it is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 10, the subassembly 23 is inserted into the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24 from the insertion holes 63 and 83 side thereof. However, at this time, the side surface of the cover 56 opposite to the second holder 52 of the holding portion 111 (upper surface in FIG. 10) and the inner side surface of the insertion port 43 closer to the small diameter portion 42 (upper surface in FIG. 10). A gap δ may be formed between the inner surface and the surface.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the subassembly 23 is further inserted into the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24, the closing wall 119 of the subassembly 23 eventually comes into contact with the peripheral portion 43a of the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24. At the same time, the fixing portions 76, 77 of the subassembly 23 come into contact with the mounting walls 44, 45 of the sensor housing 24. In this state, the bolt 121 is inserted into the insertion holes 76a, 77a of the fixing portions 76, 77 and the insertion holes 44a, 45a of the mounting walls 44, 45, and the nut 122 is tightened to the tip of the bolt 121 to form a partial assembly. 23 is fixed to the sensor housing 24. The gap δ between the subassembly 23 shown in FIG. 10 and the inner surface of the insertion port 43 is closed by the closing wall 119.

After that, the permanent magnet 21 fixed to the input shaft 12 and the magnetic yoke 22 fixed to the output shaft 14 are connected to the sensor housing in a state where the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 are connected via the torsion bar 13. It is housed inside 24.

This completes the assembly work of the sensor device 10.
<Positional relationship between permanent magnet, magnetic yoke and magnetic collecting ring>
Next, the positional relationship between the permanent magnet 21, the magnetic yoke 22, and the magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 in the assembled state of the sensor device 10 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, the permanent magnet 21 is inserted inside the magnetic yoke 22. The two magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 are provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the magnetic yoke 22. The magnetic collecting ring 64 is held at a position corresponding to the yoke 31 and the magnetic collecting ring 84 is held at a position corresponding to the yoke 32 in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. Further, in the radial direction of the magnetic yoke 22, gaps are formed over the entire circumference between the magnetic collecting ring 64 and the yoke 31 and between the magnetic collecting ring 84 and the yoke 32, respectively. Further, the two magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b of the magnetic collecting ring 64 and the two magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b of the magnetic collecting ring 84 face each other in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. Magnetic sensors 106 and 107 for torque detection are interposed between the magnetic collection protrusions 64a and 64b and the magnetic collection protrusions 84a and 84b.

When torque is applied to the input shaft 12 of the shaft 11 and the torsion bar 13 is twisted and deformed, a relative rotational displacement occurs between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 according to the torque applied to the input shaft 12. .. Then, the relative position of the permanent magnet 21 and the magnetic yoke 22 in the rotation direction and the relative position of the permanent magnet 21 and the magnetic yoke 22 in the rotation direction change. Along with this, the magnetic flux density guided from the permanent magnet 21 to the magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 through the magnetic yoke 22 changes. The magnetic sensors 106 and 107 generate an electric signal according to the magnetic flux leaking between the magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b of the magnetic collecting ring 64 and the magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b of the magnetic collecting ring 84. That is, the electric signals generated by the magnetic sensors 106 and 107 change according to the torsional deformation of the torsion bar 13 and the torsional angle. The calculation circuit calculates the torque acting on the torsion bar 13 based on the electric signals generated by the magnetic sensors 106 and 106.

<Positional relationship between main gear and driven gear>
Next, the positional relationship between the main gear 34 and the driven gears 53 and 54 in the state where the sensor device 10 is assembled will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, in a state where the sensor device 10 is assembled, the two driven gears 53 and 54 mesh with the main gear 34 provided on the magnetic yoke 22. Therefore, when the shaft 11 rotates, the main gear 34 also rotates integrally, and the two driven gears 53 and 54 also rotate accordingly. Since the number of teeth of the two driven gears 53 and 54 is different from each other, when the main gear 34 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 11, the rotation angle of the two driven gears 53 and 54 with respect to the rotation angle of the main gear 34. Have different values.

Here, permanent magnets 53c and 54c are provided at the tips of the shaft portions 53a and 54a of the driven gears 53 and 54, and these permanent magnets 53c and 54c detect angles in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. Facing the magnetic sensors 104 and 105 for Therefore, the magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensors 104 and 105 changes with the rotation of the driven gears 53 and 54. When the magnetic sensors 104 and 105 generate an electric signal according to a change in the magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the driven gears 53 and 54, the rotation angles of the two driven gears 53 and 54 with respect to the main gear 34 are different from each other, so that the magnetic sensor 104 The phase of the electric signal generated by the 105 is corresponding to the rotation angle of the driven gears 53 and 54. The calculation circuit calculates the rotation angle of the shaft 11 over 360 ° in absolute value based on the electric signals generated by the magnetic sensors 104 and 105.

<Effect of embodiment>
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The holder 50 of the subassembly 23 is a magnetic collecting ring 64, 84 which is a component for detecting the torque applied to the shaft 11, and a driven gear 53, which is a component for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 11. Each of 54 is held. That is, the holder 50 (particularly, the second holder 52) has a function as a holder for holding a component for detecting the torque applied to the shaft 11 and a holder for holding a component for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 11. Also serves as a function. Therefore, as the sensor device 10, for example, a holder for holding a component for detecting the torque applied to the shaft 11 and a holder for holding a component for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 11 are separately provided, and these two holders are provided. It is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts of the sensor device 10 as compared with the case of adopting a configuration in which holders are combined.

(2) The subassembly 23 of the sensor device 10 is constructed by combining the first holder 51 to which the substrate 55 is attached and the second holder 52 to which the driven gears 53 and 54 and the cover 56 are attached. Will be done. At this time, the engaging claws 65 and 66 of the first holder 51 engage with the engaging recesses 85 and 86 of the second holder 52, and the engaging claws 115 and 116 of the cover 56 are the engaging claws 115 and 116 of the first holder 51. By engaging with the engaging portions 78 and 79, the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are connected to each other. Therefore, the subassembly 23 can be easily assembled.

(3) Further, when the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are combined, the engaging claws 115 and 116 of the cover 56 engage with the engaging portions 78 and 79 of the first holder 51. , The connected state of the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 is maintained in a good state. Further, when the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 are slightly pressed in a direction close to each other, the gap between the first holder 51 and the second holder 52 can be further reduced. It is possible.

(4) Further, the gear portions 53b and 54b of the driven gears 53 and 54 are interposed between the second holder 52 and the cover 56. Therefore, the movement of the driven gears 53 and 54 with respect to the support holes 91 and 92 in the detaching direction is restricted by the gear portions 53b and 54b coming into contact with the cover 56. Therefore, it is possible to improve the position accuracy of the driven gears 53 and 54 in the direction along the axis O by suppressing the movement of the positions of the driven gears 53 and 54 in the direction along the axis O of the shaft 11. Can be done. As a result, the driven gears 53 and 54 and the main gear 34 are maintained in an appropriately meshed state. Further, as described above, the distance between the magnetic sensors 104 and 105 and the permanent magnets 53c and 54c is increased by maintaining a good connection state between the first holder 51 and the second holder 52. It can be maintained in a state closer to the set value.

(5) The driven gears 53 and 54 are mounted on the second holder 52 from the side opposite to the first holder 51. Further, the cover 56 is attached to the second holder 52 to which the driven gears 53 and 54 are mounted from the side opposite to the first holder 51. That is, the driven gears 53 and 54 and the cover 56 may be mounted on the second holder 52 in this order so as to be overlapped with each other. Then, the second holder 52 to which the driven gears 53 and 54 and the cover 56 are mounted is mounted so as to be overlapped with the first holder 51 to which the substrate 55 is mounted. As described above, the subassembly 23 can be easily assembled by basically stacking the respective constituent members.

(6) The subassembly 23 is attached to the sensor housing 24 with the driven gears 53 and 54 covered by the cover 56. Therefore, for example, when the subassembly 23 is inserted into the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24, the driven gears 53 and 54 do not hit a part of the sensor housing 24. Therefore, when the subassembly 23 is attached to the sensor housing 24, the driven gears 53 and 54 can be protected. Further, the driven gears 53 and 54 are prevented from falling off from the second holder 52.

(7) The gap between the inner surface of the insertion port 43 of the sensor housing 24 and the subassembly 23 is closed by the closing wall 119 of the cover 56. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust or liquid from entering the inside of the sensor housing 24.

<Other embodiments>
The present embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the present embodiment, the magnetic collecting ring 64 is provided with two magnetic collecting protrusions 64a and 64b, and the magnetic collecting ring 84 is provided with two magnetic collecting protrusions 84a and 84b. Each of the 84 may be provided with one magnetic collecting protrusion. In this case, one magnetic sensor (106 or 107) may be interposed between one magnetic collecting protrusion of the magnetic collecting ring 64 and one magnetic collecting protrusion of the magnetic collecting ring 84.

In the present embodiment, the main gear 34 is integrally formed with the holder 33 of the magnetic yoke 22, but the main gear 34 and the magnetic yoke 22 may be provided as separate parts.
In the present embodiment, the annular magnetic collecting rings 64 and 84 are used as the magnetic collecting members for inducing the magnetic flux of the magnetic yoke 22, but the magnetic collecting members are, for example, C-shaped, semicircular, or quadrant. An annular magnetic collecting member may be adopted.

-In the present embodiment, two driven gears 53 and 54 that mesh with the main gear 34 are provided as a configuration for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 11, but a single driven gear 53 or a driven gear 54 is provided as the sensor device 10. You may adopt the structure which has. Even in this way, the rotation angle of the shaft 11 within 360 ° can be detected. Further, the sensor device 10 may adopt a configuration having three or more driven gears.

-An example of a mounting destination of the sensor device 10 is a vehicle steering device. The steering device of this vehicle is separated from an electric power steering device (EPS) that applies motor torque to the steering shaft or the steering shaft as an assist force, and power transmission between the steering wheel and the steering wheel. A steer-by-wire steering system is included. In this case, the steering shaft that rotates according to the operation of the steering wheel or the pinion shaft connected to the steering shaft of the vehicle corresponds to the shaft 11. Further, the sensor device 10 is not limited to in-vehicle use.

10 ... sensor device, 11 ... shaft, 12 ... input shaft, 13 ... torsion bar, 14 ... output shaft, 23 ... subassembly, 24 ... sensor housing, 43 ... insertion port, 51 ... first holder, 52 ... first 2 holders, 53, 54 ... driven gears, 56 ... covers (holding members), 64, 84 ... magnetic collecting rings (magnetic collecting members), 104, 105 ... magnetic sensors (detectors), 106, 107 ... magnetic sensors ( Detector), 113, 114 ... Engagement claw (first engagement claw), 115, 116 ... Engagement claw (second engagement claw), 119 ... Blocking wall.

Claims (5)

A sensor device provided on a shaft in which an input shaft and an output shaft are connected to each other via a torsion bar.
Two magnetic collecting members that induce magnetic flux according to the twist of the torsion bar,
Two holders that hold the two magnetic collecting members and are combined with each other in the direction along the axis of the shaft.
At least one driven gear that is mounted on one of the two holders from the side opposite to the side that is combined with the other holder and that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input shaft.
A sensor device provided in the other holder and having a detector for detecting a magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting member and a rotation angle of the driven gear. Claim 1 which is mounted on the side where the driven gear is mounted with respect to the one holder, and has a holding member which holds the driven gear in the one holder and connects the two holders to each other. The sensor device according to. The holding member is a cover that covers a part of the driven gear.
The cover comprises a first engaging claw that engages a portion of the one holder so as to prevent the two holders from moving apart from each other.
The sensor device according to claim 2, further comprising a second engaging claw that engages a portion of the other holder so that the two holders prevent movement in a direction away from each other. It comprises a sensor housing having an insertion slot into which the two magnetic collecting members, the two holders, the driven gear, the detector and the subassembly in which the cover is assembled are inserted.
The cover is provided with a closing wall for closing a gap formed between an inner surface of the insertion port and an outer surface of the subassembly when the subassembly is inserted into the insertion port. The sensor device according to 3. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaft rotates in response to a steering operation.