JP3831657B2 - Rotation position detection sensor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rotational position detection sensor, and more particularly to a rotational position detection sensor used in an actual use angle range narrower than a rotatable range.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In this type of conventional rotational position detection sensor, a lever member is fixed to a rotating shaft protruding from the case, and a detecting means for detecting the rotation of the rotating shaft is housed in the case. The shaft rotates integrally, and the detecting means detects the rotation, and the detecting means converts the rotation amount of the rotating shaft into an electrical signal and outputs it.
[0003]
In this case, the detection means often uses a variable resistor in which a slider fixed to the rotating shaft is slid on a resistor provided in the case.
[0004]
Such a rotational position detection sensor is used, for example, for vehicle height control and throttle valve opening control of an internal combustion engine. The actual use angle range is a fraction of that, and it is rarely used at full scale.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the rotational position detection sensor described above, if an impact force is applied to the lever member due to vibration during conveyance after manufacture is completed or careless handling in an assembly process to a vehicle or the like, the lever member There was a problem that would rotate.
[0006]
This problem appears when the variable resistor is used as the detection means, and it appears as a resistor wear phenomenon due to sliding contact with the slider, especially when this wear phenomenon occurs in the actual operating angle range. It will adversely affect the lifespan.
[0007]
In addition, the problem that the lever member rotates due to the impact force also appears as a wear phenomenon of the rotating shaft and the bearing portion that rotatably holds the rotating shaft, and this also has a problem of adversely affecting the product life. In addition, when attaching the rotational position detection sensor to the vehicle, it is necessary to engage the lever member with the link, but the lever member takes various angles within the rotatable range by the impact force. There is also a problem that the angle of the member is not constant and the operation of attaching the lever member to the link becomes complicated.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a high-quality rotational position detection sensor capable of maintaining good rotational position detection over a long period of time.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a rotational position detection sensor according to the present invention includes a rotating shaft protruding from a case, a detecting means provided in the case for detecting the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the rotation outside the case. And a stopper member for defining a rotatable range of the lever member on the outer wall of the case , and within a rotatable range of the lever member and within an actual use angle range. A locking member that locks the lever member on the outside is provided on the outer wall of the case, and the lever member is locked by the locking member at a position where the lever member is in contact with the stopper member. Main features.
[0010]
The rotational position detection sensor of the present invention is characterized in that the locking member is engaged with a surface of the lever member on the side facing the case.
[0011]
Further, the rotational position detection sensor of the present invention is characterized in that the locking member is constituted by a protrusion integrally formed on the outer wall of the case.
[0012]
The rotational position detection sensor of the present invention is characterized in that the lever is brought into a non-contact state with the case after the locking by the locking member is released.
[0013]
Further, the rotational position detecting sensor of the present invention, before projecting kiss stopper member to the outer wall of the case, the height of the stopper member is characterized by is set higher than the height of the locking member.
[0014]
In the rotational position detection sensor of the present invention, the detection means is constituted by a substrate having a resistor formed on a surface thereof and a slider that is in sliding contact with the resistor, and one of the substrate and the slider Is fixed to the case and the other is fixed to the rotating shaft.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a rotational position detection sensor of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 are for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rotational position detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the rotational position detection sensor. 3 is a bottom view of the rotational position detection sensor, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of the rotational position detection sensor, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the locked state, and FIG.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the rotational position detection sensor according to the present embodiment includes a case 1, a rotary shaft 6 protruding from the case 1, and a lever member 9 fixed to the rotary shaft 6 outside the case 1. The detection means 10 for detecting the rotation of the rotary shaft 6 is provided in the case 1.
[0017]
Next, a specific configuration of each member constituting the rotational position detection sensor will be sequentially described.
[0018]
The case 1 is made of a plastic material and is formed in a cylindrical shape that is opened up and down. A metal bearing 2 is attached to the inside by insert molding, a notch hole 1a is provided at a lower end portion, and an upper end outer wall is provided. A protrusion 1b as a locking member and a stopper member 1c having a height higher than this are integrally formed. A back cover 3 is fitted to the lower end of the case 1, and a housing 3b having a through hole 3a communicating with the cutout hole 1a is formed on the back cover 3 so as to protrude upward. In addition, one end portion of the lead wire 4 introduced into the housing portion 3 b through the through hole 3 a is embedded with the adhesive 5. In addition, three attachment portions 1d are provided on the side surface, and a concave portion 1e is formed on the lower surface of each attachment portion 1d.
[0019]
The rotating shaft 6 is formed of a metal material in a cylindrical shape, and is rotatably supported by the bearing 2 of the case 1. The rotating shaft 6 is embedded with a metal reinforcing material 7 having an L-shaped cross section. The rubber shielding member 8 is inserted and the airtightness in the case 1 is maintained.
[0020]
The lever member 9 is formed of a metal material in a flat plate shape, and is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 6 with a gap C from the case 1 by caulking. A long hole 9a is provided on the other end, and an arcuate cutout portion 9b that can contact the stopper member 1c is formed on the other end side so as to extend to one end side. The lever member 9 is formed by the cutout portion 9b and the stopper member 1c. The rotatable range A is regulated.
[0021]
The detection means 10 is held by the substrate 11 fixed to the case 1, the resistor 12 and the conductor 13 formed on the surface of the substrate 11, the rotor 14 fixed to the lower end of the rotating shaft 6, and the rotor 14. The resistor 12 and the conductor 13 have an arc shape centered on the rotating shaft 6, and the slider 15 is provided on both the resistor 12 and the conductor 13. It is in sliding contact.
[0022]
Terminals 16 (only one is shown in the figure) are fixed to one end of the resistor 12 and both ends of the conductor 13, and these terminals 16 are opposite to the surfaces of the substrate 11 on which the resistor 12 and the conductor 13 are formed. The lead wires 4 are soldered to each other.
[0023]
The rotational position detection sensor according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.
[0024]
This rotational position detection sensor is used, for example, for vehicle height control or throttle valve opening control of an internal combustion engine, and as shown in FIG. 5, changes in vehicle height or throttle valve opening provided in the vehicle or internal combustion engine. The joint 17a of the link 17 that is displaced according to the engagement is engaged with the elongated hole 9a of the lever member 9 and used.
[0025]
When the link 17 is displaced, the lever member 9 rotates with a gap C between the case 1 and the rotary shaft 6 rotates in conjunction with this, so that the slider 15 is connected to the resistor 12 and the conductor 13. The resistance value thus changed is taken out from the lead wire 4 through the terminal 16 as an electric signal corresponding to the rotation amount of the lever member 9.
[0026]
At this time, the actual use angle range B in which the lever member 9 is rotated by the link 17 is sufficiently smaller than the rotatable range A shown in FIG.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotational position detection sensor that operates in this way, after the manufacturing is completed, abuts the notch 9 b of the lever member 9 against the stopper member 1 c, and the case 1 of the lever member 9. Is engaged with the projection 1b in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 6, and the projection 1b locks the lever member 9 within the rotatable range A and outside the actual use angle range B. It is assumed that
[0028]
Therefore, until the lever member 9 is rotated counterclockwise and the locking by the protrusion 1b is released, the lever member 9 is subjected to an impact force by being transported and handled in this locked state. In this case, it is possible to prevent the detection member 10 from being damaged by suppressing the rotation of the lever member 9, and the lever member 9 is held at a predetermined angle. Can be improved.
[0029]
Since the lever member 9 is always maintained outside the actual use angle range B until the locking of the lever member 9 is released, this is a resistor in the case where the detecting means 10 is constituted by a variable resistor. 12 is particularly effective in preventing wear. Further, since the sliding between the rotary shaft 6 and the bearing 2 does not occur until the actual use, this portion prevents wear.
[0030]
Next, a specific mounting operation when the rotational position detection sensor of the present invention is used as a vehicle height sensor will be described.
[0031]
First, the tire is lifted from the ground, and the vehicle body is held so that a damper such as a coil spring of the suspension is not bent. Next, the joint 17a of the link 17 connected to the suspension is engaged with the long hole 9a of the lever member 9 held at a predetermined position. And the recessed part 1e formed in the attachment part 1d of the case 1 in this state is designed so that it may be located in the attachment hole of a vehicle main body, and the case 1 is screwed and hold | maintained at the attachment hole of a vehicle main body.
[0032]
Then, when the tire is put on the ground, the suspension is deflected by the weight of the vehicle main body, the link 17 is displaced, the lever member 9 is rotated counterclockwise, and the locking by the protrusion 1b is released. And when actually used, since the lever member 9 operates in the actual use angle range B not related to the protrusion 1b, there is no hindrance to the operation when used for detecting the vehicle height.
[0033]
In addition, when the tire is placed on the ground as described above, the locking by the protrusion 1b may be automatically released. However, after the link 17 is engaged with the lever member 9, the case 1 is rotated in the clockwise direction. Then, the locking by the protrusion 1b may be released and attached to the vehicle body. In this case, the lever member 9 operates in the actual use angle range B that does not reach the protrusion 1b even when the tire floats from the ground.
[0034]
Thus, the rotational position detection sensor is mounted and used in a vehicle or the like. However, since the case 1 is provided with the stopper member 1c, the rotatable range A of the lever member 9 can be defined, and the detection means When the slider 10 is composed of a variable resistor, the slider 15 can be prevented from climbing onto the terminal 16 due to the rotation of the lever member 9, so that the rotatable range A of the lever member 9 can be detected by the detection means 10. Can be adjusted.
[0035]
Further, since the locking member is configured by the protrusion 1b integrally formed with the case 1, an inexpensive rotational position detection sensor can be provided while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.
[0036]
In addition, since the height of the protrusion 1b is set lower than the height of the stopper member 1c, the lever member 9 can be locked with a simple configuration, and the rotatable range A of the lever member 9 can be regulated and detected. When the means 10 is composed of a variable resistor, it is possible to prevent the slider 15 from climbing on the terminal 16 as the lever member 9 rotates.
[0037]
Further, since the protrusion 1b and the stopper member 1c are arranged side by side on the upper end outer wall of the case 1, the lever member 9 can be locked by the protrusion 1b in a state of contacting the stopper member 1c. The position of locking by 1b can be accurately adjusted, and the unlocking direction of the lever member 9 can always be set to be the same direction.
[0038]
Further, since the lever member 9 is made of a metal material and the protrusion 1b is made of the same plastic material as that of the case 1, the lever 9 is not damaged by the locking by the protrusion 1b. Further, since the stopper member 1c is provided on the outer wall of the case 1 and is not in the space for housing the detecting means 10, the output signal of the detecting means 10 is affected even if the stopper member 1c is scraped or detached. There is nothing.
[0039]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a protrusion 9c that engages with the protrusion 1b is formed on the lower surface of the lever member 9 by pressing. In this way, when the lever member 9 and the protrusion 1b are superposed, the protrusion 9c rides on the protrusion 1b, so that the lever member 9 can be locked more firmly.
[0040]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the shape of the protrusion 1b is slightly changed, and a recess 9d that engages with the protrusion 1b is formed on the lower surface of the lever member 9 by pressing. If it does in this way, since the protrusion 1b will fit in the recessed part 9d when the lever member 9 and the protrusion 1b are overlap | superposed, the latching of the lever member 9 can be made reliable.
[0041]
In these embodiments, the detection means 10 has been described as a variable resistor. However, the detection means 10 can rotate by detecting the magnetic field of a permanent magnet attached to the rotary shaft 6 by a magnetic detection element. An angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft 6, an optical encoder, or the like can be used.
[0042]
In this embodiment, the resistor 12 and the conductor 13 are formed on the substrate 11 and the slider 15 is held on the rotor 14. However, the slider 15 is held on the substrate 11, and the rotor 14 is A configuration in which the resistor 12 and the conductor 13 are formed is also possible.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention is implemented in the form as described above, and has the following effects.
[0044]
In the rotational position detection sensor of the present invention, the locking member that locks the lever member within the rotatable range of the lever member and outside the actual use angle range is provided on the outer wall of the case. By carrying and handling in a state where the lever member is locked by the locking member, it is possible to prevent damage to the detection means when an impact force is applied to the lever member, and an actual use angle range. It is possible to prevent the rotation of the rotary shaft from being detected. Further, even if the locking member is detached from the case, it does not enter the case, so that the failure of the detecting means due to the locking member coming off can be taken together. .
[0045]
In addition, since the locking member is engaged with the surface of the lever member facing the case, the lever member can be reliably held outside the actual use angle range.
[0046]
In addition, since the locking member is constituted by a protrusion integrally formed on the outer wall of the case, the structure can be simplified to suppress an increase in the number of parts and to promote the cost reduction of the rotational position detection sensor.
[0047]
In addition, since the lever is brought into a non-contact state with the case after the locking by the locking member is released, the lever released from the locking by the locking member can be smoothly rotated. .
[0048]
In addition, a stopper member for defining the rotatable range of the lever member is projected on the outer wall of the case, and the height of the stopper member is set higher than the height of the locking member, so that the lever member can be rotated. The range can be defined by the stopper member, and the lever member can be locked by the locking member.
[0049]
Further, the detection means is constituted by a substrate having a resistor formed on the surface and a slider in sliding contact with the resistor, and one of the substrate and the slider is used as the case and the other is used as the rotating shaft. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating shaft can be detected in a state in which wear of the resistor due to impact force is eliminated using a variable resistor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rotational position detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the rotational position detection sensor.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the rotational position detection sensor.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the rotational position detection sensor.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the locking member locks the lever member.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part thereof.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a modification of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another modification of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Case 1a Notch hole 1b Projection (locking member)
1c Stopper member 1d Mounting portion 1e Recess 2 Bearing 3 Back cover 3a Through hole 3b Housing portion 4 Lead wire 5 Adhesive 6 Rotating shaft 7 Metal reinforcing material 8 Shield member 9 Lever member 9a Long hole 9b Notch 9c Protrusion 9d Recess 10 Detection means 11 Substrate 12 Resistor 13 Conductor 14 Rotor 15 Slider 16 Terminal 17 Link 17a Joint A Rotable range B Actual use angle range C Clearance

Claims (6)

A rotation shaft protruding from the case, a detection means provided in the case for detecting the rotation of the rotation shaft, and a lever member fixed to the rotation shaft outside the case,
A stopper member for defining a rotatable range of the lever member is provided on the outer wall of the case , and the lever member is locked within the rotatable range of the lever member and outside the actual use angle range. A rotation position detection sensor , wherein a member is provided on an outer wall of the case, and the lever member is locked by the locking member at a position where the lever member is in contact with the stopper member . The rotational position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is engaged with a surface of the lever member that faces the case. The rotational position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a protrusion integrally formed on an outer wall of the case. 4. The rotational position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the lever is brought into a non-contact state with the case after the locking by the locking member is released. 5. Before projecting kiss stopper member to the outer wall of the case, according to the height of the stopper member to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that set higher than the height of the locking member Rotation position detection sensor. The detection means is composed of a substrate having a resistor formed on the surface and a slider in sliding contact with the resistor,
6. The rotational position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein one of the substrate and the slider is fixed to the case and the other is fixed to the rotating shaft.

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