External non-contact torque sensor, assembly system and assembly method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external non-contact torque sensor and an assembly system, which is used to be installed on the outside of an electric power steering system housing; it includes a torque conversion angular displacement component, a magnetic force generating component and a magnetic force sensing element; the magnetic force sensing element is parallel to the magnetizing plane of the magnetic force generating component and an air gap is axially arranged between the two; when assembling the device, first, insert the bearing of the torque conversion angular displacement component into the annular groove of the slip ring in the steering column; then, rotate the torque conversion angular displacement component to the mechanical zero position, and tighten the bolts to fix the sensor on the outside of the electric power steering system housing to complete the installation and mechanical alignment of the sensor; secondly, start the programming operation to realize the linear input and output characteristics and electronic zero point calibration of the sensor. The present invention has reasonable design, compact structure and convenient use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an external non-contact torque sensor, an assembly system and an assembly method, in particular to an external non-contact position sensor for measuring torque in an electric power steering system. Background Art

[0002] The performance of the vehicle steering system plays an important role in ensuring the vehicle's safe driving, handling stability, and improving driving comfort. In the power steering system of the vehicle, a torque sensor is required to measure the torque of the steering shaft in the steering system. The power steering controller determines the magnitude of the steering assist according to the torque output signal of the torque sensor, and the output signal of the controller controls the actuator to realize the power steering function. For the electric power steering system, the power steering controller controls the power motor according to the torque of the steering shaft to realize the power steering function according to the output signal of the controller, and the torque is measured by the torque sensor.

[0003] Torque sensors are usually classified into contact and non-contact types according to the sensor structure of torque measurement. However, since contact torque sensors have the problems of noise generation and poor durability, non-contact torque sensors are currently preferred. As for non-contact torque sensors for electric power steering systems, we have not seen any reports on built-in non-contact torque sensor products.

[0004] In the prior art, Chinese patent CN101002078A describes a prior art sensor, which has a first magnetic rotor structure, which is composed of a multi-pole magnetic ring with an outer circumference magnetized by a plurality of radially directed magnets uniformly distributed along the same outer circumference; a second stator structure, which includes two annular yokes, which have a plurality of axially directed teeth, and the two annular yokes have the same number of teeth, which are uniformly staggered along the same circumference.

[0005] This structure results in multiple teeth of the two annular yokes being evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the multi-pole magnetic ring, which results in the tooth surfaces of the two annular yokes being set at 90 degrees to the annular plane of the yoke. This technical solution requires an expensive magnetic conductive material, which increases the complexity of the mechanical structure of the sensor and leads to an increase in the cost of the sensor. This built-in non-contact sensor is not convenient for disassembly and replacement. In addition, when installing this built-in non-contact sensor, the mechanical and electronic centering operations are highly complex. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the problems of complex mechanical structure, high cost, inconvenient disassembly and assembly, and inconsistency between mechanical alignment and electronic alignment of the above-mentioned existing torque sensors, the present invention proposes a new external non-contact torque sensor, which may be referred to as a torque sensor or sensor hereinafter.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] The invention is installed outside the housing of the electric power steering system; it includes a torque conversion angular displacement component that uses a torsion bar and a slider device arranged in the steering column to convert the torque of the steering shaft T The torque conversion angular displacement component converts the axial displacement of the steering shaft into an angular displacement α perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering column; wherein the slip ring key is connected to the steering shaft;

[0009] Furthermore, the angular displacement α is related to the torque of the steering shaft T It is an inverse sine function relationship, that is:

[0010] α=karcsinT

[0011] in k is the gain coefficient;

[0012] The magnetic force generating component is a magnet with an axial end face magnetized; the magnetic force generating component is coaxially arranged on the outer end face of the torque conversion angular displacement component; according to the magnitude of the measured torque, the torque conversion angular displacement component drives the magnetic force generating component and the torque conversion angular displacement component to rotate coaxially, that is, according to the torque of the steering shaft T The magnitude of the magnetic force generating component rotates the corresponding angle α;

[0013] The magnetic sensing element is a magnetic sensing element; the magnetic sensing element generates a corresponding torque measurement output signal according to the rotation angle of the magnetic force generating component.

[0014] Furthermore, the magnetic sensing element is parallel to the magnetizing plane of the magnetic force generating component; an air gap is provided in the axial direction between the magnetic sensing element and the magnetizing plane of the magnetic force generating component. The magnetic sensing element can be a programmable device, and the output signal of the sensor can be programmed by software. V It is set to be a sinusoidal function relationship with the rotation angle α of the magnetic force generating component, that is:

[0015] V=hsinα

[0016] in h is the gain coefficient. Through software programming, the output signal of the sensor V Torque on steering axis T Approximately a direct proportional relationship.

[0017] An assembly system for an external non-contact torque sensor is used to assemble the external non-contact torque sensor; it includes an assembly method for a carrier assembly with a sensor, a transmission strip to achieve the connection of each station, and a gear lever is provided at each station to block the forward movement of the carrier assembly;

[0018] The carrier assembly includes a carrier support; a carrier flip positioning groove seat is rotatably provided on the carrier support, a carrier lower assembly method hole is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat, a carrier fixing baffle is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat, carrier end clamping V-shaped seats are provided oppositely at both ends of the carrier flip positioning groove seat, and a carrier V-seat upper pressure plate is provided above the carrier end clamping V-shaped seats in linkage; a rocker arm assembly method notch is provided on the rocker arm;

[0019] Each workstation includes the following workstations,

[0020] The swing arm assembly station is used to place the swing arm on the carrier assembly, and clamp the outer arc parts of both ends of the swing arm through the V-shaped clamping seats at the ends of the carrier; the upper pressure plate of the carrier V-seat and the carrier fixed baffle press down the upper surface of the swing arm, and the swing arm is located in the carrier flip positioning slot seat; after assembling the swing arm, the carrier flip positioning slot seat is rotated and turned over;

[0021] The spring piece assembly station is provided with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the gap adjustment spring piece onto the rocker arm;

[0022] The bearing assembly station is equipped with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the pre-installed bearing and bearing pin to the rocker arm, and fix them to the bearing pin through the blocking end plate and bolts;

[0023] The flipping station is used to flip the carrier to the positioning slot and then rotate it to turn it over;

[0024] A shaft assembly station, used to install the shaft on the rocker arm;

[0025] A pressing station, having a pressing mechanical head, to install the shaft in place on the rocker arm;

[0026] The magnet assembly station has an electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head to mount the magnetic force generating component on the end face of the rotating shaft;

[0027] The test station has a manipulator and a test mechanical shaft with a slip ring, and the test mechanical shaft has an axial movement and / or swing pair;

[0028] A test-compatible inclined surface is provided on the slip ring for rolling contact with the bearing.

[0029] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0030] A rocker arm falling channel is vertically arranged above the rocker arm assembly station;

[0031] A rocker arm is stacked in the rocker arm drop channel, the rocker arm has a jacket that contains at least part of the outer wall of the rotating shaft, and has an outer edge at at least one end of the jacket; the rocker arm has an L-shaped shape, and has a keyway for accommodating a positioning key portion;

[0032] A rocker arm driving gear shaft is arranged outside the rocker arm falling channel, and rocker arm moving racks of the rocker arm mating moving assembly are respectively meshed on the upper and lower sides of the rocker arm driving gear shaft to realize the rocker arm mating moving assembly to synchronously move in the opposite direction;

[0033] A rocker arm swing gear shaft is also meshed and driven on the rocker arm moving rack through a gear set, and a root of a swing lower U-shaped rocker arm is arranged on the rocker arm swing gear shaft;

[0034] A rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame is meshed on the rocker arm swing gear shaft; the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame is higher than the swing lower U-shaped swing arm, and the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame moves laterally to engage with the neck of the rocker arm at the second bottom layer of the rocker arm drop channel, and the lower hem of the swing lower U-shaped swing arm gradually opens to place the rocker arm at the bottom layer into the carrier flip positioning slot seat;

[0035] When the rocker arm is linked to the U-shaped upper rack frame, the lower U-shaped rocker arm is swung downward; when the rocker arm is linked to the U-shaped upper rack frame, the lower U-shaped rocker arm is swung upward to receive the rocker arm of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame and falls.

[0036] A shaft dropping channel in which the shaft is pre-stored is vertically arranged above the shaft assembly station;

[0037] Reverse moving side walls moving in opposite directions on both sides below the rotating shaft falling channel, the number of the reverse moving side walls being two and the structure being identical;

[0038] The reverse moving side wall includes a linkage guide side inclined plate; a linkage rubbing side vertical plate and a linkage U-shaped side arc plate are respectively arranged on both sides of the linkage guide side inclined plate; a linkage high-position supporting plate is arranged above the linkage U-shaped side arc plate to support the side ears on the outer side of the rotating shaft;

[0039] Linked guide side inclined plate to adjust the side wall of the positioning key portion;

[0040] The side vertical plates are rubbed and aligned to adjust the positioning key parts;

[0041] The linked U-shaped side arc plates embrace to form a channel for vertically passing the rotating shaft of the lowest layer, and at the same time, support the rotating shaft of the second lowest layer.

[0042] An external non-contact torque sensor assembly method, which has an assembly method transmission strip of a carrier assembly carrying the sensor to achieve the connection of each station; comprising the following steps;

[0043] S1, swing arm assembly station, first, place the swing arm into the carrier flip positioning slot seat; then, clamp the outer arc parts of both ends of the swing arm through the carrier end clamp V-shaped seats; secondly, the carrier V seat upper pressure plate and the carrier fixed baffle press down the upper surface of the swing arm; thirdly, after assembling the swing arm, the carrier flip positioning slot seat is rotated and turned over;

[0044] S2, assembling station of spring pieces, assembling the gap adjusting spring piece on the rocker arm;

[0045] S3, bearing assembly station, assemble the pre-installed bearing and bearing shaft pin to the rocker arm, and fix it to the bearing shaft pin through the blocking end face baffle and bolts;

[0046] S4, a turning station, turns the carrier over to position the slot seat and then rotates it over;

[0047] S5, shaft assembly station, install the shaft on the rocker arm;

[0048] S6, pressing station, installs the shaft on the rocker arm in place by pressing the mechanical head;

[0049] S7, magnet assembly station, the magnetic force generating component is installed on the end surface of the rotating shaft through the electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head;

[0050] S8, test station, the manipulator controls the test mechanical axis to conduct a simulation test and collects signals through the matching magnetic induction elements.

[0051] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0052] In S1, first, when the rocker arm linked with the U-shaped upper rack frame approaches each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm is swung downward; then, when the rocker arm linked with the U-shaped upper rack frame moves away from each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm is swung upward to receive the rocker arm of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm linked with the U-shaped upper rack frame and falls.

[0053] In S5, first, the guiding side inclined plate is linked to adjust the side wall of the positioning key part; secondly, the rubbing side vertical plate is linked to adjust the positioning key part; thirdly, the U-shaped side arc plate is linked to form a channel so that the lowest layer of the rotating shaft can pass vertically, and at the same time, the high-position support plate is linked to lift the side ears on the outside of the rotating shaft.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the magnetic force lines of the magnetic force generating component start from the N pole, pass through the air gap between the magnetic force generating component and the magnetic induction element, pass through the magnetic induction element, and then pass through the air gap between the magnetic induction element and the magnetic force generating component to reach the S pole of the magnetic force generating component, thus forming a closed magnetic circuit. The angle of the magnetic force lines generated by the magnetic force generating component is detected by the magnetic induction element, and the torque of the steering shaft is measured. The present invention has reasonable design, low cost, strong and durable, safe and reliable, simple operation, time-saving and labor-saving, money-saving, compact structure and convenient use.

[0055] Since the torque sensor has a simple structure and small geometric size, the material cost and manufacturing cost of the sensor are reduced. Since the torque sensor is external, the sensor is very convenient to disassemble and replace. Since the torque sensor is external and the magnetic sensing element is a programmable device, the mechanical centering and electronic centering of the torque sensor can be set independently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Attached Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0057] Attached Figure 2 The structure of the torque conversion angular displacement component of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 .

[0058] Attached Figure 3 The structure of the magnetic force generating component of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 2 .

[0059] Attached Figure 4 The principle of measuring the steering shaft torque when the rotation angle of the magnetic force generating component 2 is zero.

[0060] Attached Figure 5 It is the measurement principle of the steering shaft torque when the magnetic force generating component 2 rotates counterclockwise.

[0061] Attached Figure 6 It is the measurement principle of the steering shaft torque when the magnetic force generating component 2 rotates clockwise.

[0062] Attached Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the local installation structure of the sensor of the present invention.

[0063] Attached Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the present invention.

[0064] Attached Fig. 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the assembly and use structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0065] Attached Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly and use structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0066] Attached Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the carrier structure of the present invention.

[0067] Attached Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the rocker arm assembly structure of the present invention.

[0068] Attached Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly and use structure of the rotating shaft of the present invention.

[0069] Attached Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of the test structure of the present invention.

[0070] Among them: 1. Torque conversion angular displacement component; 2. Magnetic force generating component; 3. Magnetic induction element; 4. Air gap; 5. Slip ring; 6. Magnetic induction element programmer; 7. Conical roller sleeve; 8. Blocking end face baffle; 9. Gap adjustment spring sheet; 10. Positioning key; 11. Bearing; 12. Bearing shaft pin; 13. Rocker arm; 14. Rotating shaft; 15. Assembly method transmission strip; 16. Rocker arm assembly station; 17. Shrapnel assembly station; 18. Bearing assembly station; 19. Turning station; 20. Rotating shaft assembly station; 21. Pressing station; 22. Magnet assembly station; 23. Testing station; 24. Carrier assembly; 25. Shift lever; 26. Carrier support; 27. Carrier flip positioning slot seat; 28 , assembly method hole below the carrier; 29, carrier fixed baffle; 30, carrier end clamping V-shaped seat; 31, carrier V-seat upper pressure plate; 32, rocker arm falling channel; 33, rocker arm driving gear shaft; 34, rocker arm matching moving assembly; 35, rocker arm moving rack; 36, rocker arm swinging gear shaft; 37, swinging lower U-shaped rocker arm; 38, rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame; 39, shaft falling channel; 40, reverse moving side wall; 41, linked rubbing side vertical plate; 42, linked guide side inclined plate; 43, linked U-shaped side arc plate; 44, linked high-position support plate; 45, pressing down mechanical head; 46, electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head; 47, test mechanical axis; 48, test compatible inclined surface; 49, rocker arm assembly method notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] like Figure 1-14 As shown, the assembly system of the external non-contact torque sensor of this embodiment is used to assemble the external non-contact torque sensor; it includes an assembly method transmission strip 15 having a carrier assembly 24 carrying the sensor to achieve the connection of each station, and a gear lever 25 is provided at each station to block the forward movement of the carrier assembly 24;

[0072] The carrier assembly 24 includes a carrier support 26; a carrier flip positioning groove seat 27 is rotatably provided on the carrier support 26, a carrier lower assembly method hole 28 is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27, a carrier fixing baffle 29 is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27, carrier end clamping V-shaped seats 30 are provided opposite to each other at both ends of the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27, and a carrier V-seat upper pressure plate 31 is provided on the upper side of the carrier end clamping V-shaped seat 30; a rocker arm assembly method notch 49 is provided on the rocker arm 13;

[0073] Each workstation includes the following workstations,

[0074] The swing arm assembly station 16 is used to place the swing arm 13 on the carrier assembly 24, and clamp the outer arc portions of both ends of the swing arm 13 through the carrier end clamping V-shaped seats 30; the carrier V-seat upper pressure plate 31 and the carrier fixed baffle 29 press down the upper surface of the swing arm 13, and the swing arm 13 is located in the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27; after assembling the swing arm 13, the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27 is rotated and turned over;

[0075] The spring piece assembly station 17 is provided with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the gap adjustment spring piece 9 onto the rocker arm 13;

[0076] The bearing assembly station 18 is provided with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the pre-installed bearing 11 and the bearing shaft pin 12 onto the rocker arm 13, and fix them onto the bearing shaft pin 12 by blocking the end face baffle 8 and bolts;

[0077] The flipping station 19 is used to flip the carrier to the positioning slot seat 27 and then rotate it to turn it over;

[0078] The rotating shaft assembly station 20 is used to install the rotating shaft 14 on the rocker arm 13;

[0079] The pressing station 21 has a pressing mechanical head 45 to install the rotating shaft 14 on the rocker arm 13 in place;

[0080] The magnet assembly station 22 has an electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head 46 to mount the magnetic force generating component 2 on the end surface of the rotating shaft 14;

[0081] The test station 23 has a manipulator and a test mechanical shaft 47 with a slip ring 5, and the test mechanical shaft 47 has an axial movement and / or swing pair;

[0082] A test-compatible inclined surface 48 for rolling contact with the bearing 11 is provided on the slip ring 5 .

[0083] A rocker arm falling channel 32 is vertically provided above the rocker arm assembly station 16;

[0084] The rocker arm 13 is stacked in the rocker arm drop channel 32. The rocker arm 13 has a jacket that contains at least part of the outer wall of the rotating shaft 14, and has an outer edge at at least one end of the jacket. The rocker arm 13 is L-shaped, and has a keyway for accommodating the positioning key portion 10.

[0085] A rocker arm driving gear shaft 33 is arranged outside the rocker arm falling channel 32, and rocker arm moving racks 35 of the rocker arm matching moving assembly 34 are respectively meshed on the upper and lower sides of the rocker arm driving gear shaft 33 to realize the rocker arm matching moving assembly 34 to synchronously move in the opposite direction;

[0086] A rocker arm swing gear shaft 36 is also meshed and driven on the rocker arm moving rack 35 through a gear set, and a root of a swing lower U-shaped rocker arm 37 is arranged on the rocker arm swing gear shaft 36;

[0087] A rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame 38 is meshed on the rocker arm swing gear shaft 36; the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame 38 is higher than the swing lower U-shaped swing arm 37, and the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame 38 moves laterally to engage with the neck of the rocker arm 13 at the bottom layer of the rocker arm drop channel 32, and the swing lower U-shaped swing arm 37 gradually opens to lower the rocker arm 13 at the bottom layer into the carrier flip positioning slot 27;

[0088] When the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 approaches, the lower U-shaped rocker arm 37 is swung downward; when the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 moves away from each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm 37 is swung upward to receive the rocker arm 13 of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 and falls.

[0089] A shaft dropping channel 39 in which the shaft 14 is pre-stored is vertically arranged above the shaft assembly station 20;

[0090] The reverse moving side walls 40 move in opposite directions on both sides below the rotating shaft falling channel 39, and there are two reverse moving side walls 40 with the same structure;

[0091] The reverse moving side wall 40 includes a linkage guide side inclined plate 42; a linkage rubbing side vertical plate 41 and a linkage U-shaped side arc plate 43 are respectively arranged on both sides of the linkage guide side inclined plate 42; a linkage high-position supporting plate 44 is arranged above the linkage U-shaped side arc plate 43 to support the side ears outside the rotating shaft 14;

[0092] Linked guide side inclined plate 42 to adjust the side wall of positioning key portion 10;

[0093] The side vertical plate 41 is rubbed and aligned to adjust the positioning key portion 10;

[0094] The linked U-shaped side arc plates 43 embrace and form a passage for vertically passing the rotating shaft 14 of the lowest layer, and at the same time, support the rotating shaft 14 of the second lowest layer.

[0095] The assembly method of the external non-contact torque sensor of this embodiment, which has an assembly method of a carrier assembly 24 carrying the sensor and a conveying strip 15 to achieve the connection of each station, comprises the following steps:

[0096] S1, swing arm assembly station 16, first, place the swing arm 13 into the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27; then, clamp the outer arc portions of both ends of the swing arm 13 through the carrier end clamping V-shaped seat 30; secondly, the carrier V-seat upper pressure plate 31 and the carrier fixed baffle 29 press down the upper surface of the swing arm 13; thirdly, after assembling the swing arm 13, the carrier flip positioning groove seat 27 is rotated and turned over;

[0097] S2, the spring piece assembly station 17, assembling the gap adjustment spring piece 9 onto the rocker arm 13;

[0098] S3, the bearing assembly station 18, assembles the pre-installed bearing 11 and the bearing shaft pin 12 onto the rocker arm 13, and fixes them onto the bearing shaft pin 12 by blocking the end surface baffle 8 and bolts;

[0099] S4, the turning station 19 turns the carrier over to position the slot seat 27 and then rotates it over;

[0100] S5, the shaft assembly station 20, the shaft 14 is installed on the rocker arm 13;

[0101] S6, pressing station 21, installing the rotating shaft 14 on the rocker arm 13 in place by pressing mechanical head 45;

[0102] S7, the magnet assembly station 22, the magnetic force generating component 2 is mounted on the end surface of the rotating shaft 14 by the electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head 46;

[0103] S8, at the test station 23, the manipulator controls the test mechanical axis 47 to perform a simulation test and collects signals through the matching magnetic induction element 3.

[0104] In S1, first, when the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 approaches, the lower U-shaped rocker arm 37 is swung downward; then, when the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 moves away from each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm 37 is swung upward to receive the rocker arm 13 of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm linked U-shaped upper rack frame 38 and falls.

[0105] In S5, first, the guiding side inclined plate 42 is linked to adjust the side wall of the positioning key part 10; secondly, the rubbing side vertical plate 41 is linked to adjust the positioning of the positioning key part 10; thirdly, the U-shaped side arc plate 43 is linked to form a channel so that the lowest layer of the rotating shaft 14 can pass vertically, and at the same time, the high-position support plate 44 is linked to lift the side ears on the outside of the rotating shaft 14.

[0106] As a preferred embodiment, the magnetic sensing element is a programmable device. When installing an external non-contact torque sensor, only the mechanical centering, electronic centering and linear input and output characteristics of the sensor need to be adjusted through software programming. The details are as follows:

[0107] Figure 11 shows a view of the sensor structure of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the non-contact torque sensor is installed outside the housing of the electric power steering system, and includes a torque conversion angular displacement component 1, a magnetic force generating component 2 and a magnetic sensing element 3. An air gap 4 is provided between the magnetic force generating component 2 and the magnetic sensing element 3.

[0108] Figure 2 1 shows a view of the structure of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1. Figure 2 As shown, the torque conversion angular displacement component includes a bearing 11, a bearing shaft pin 12, a rocker arm 13 and a rotating shaft 14.

[0109] Figure 3 2 shows a view of the structure of the magnetic force generating component 2. Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic force generating component 2 is a cylindrical magnet with two end faces magnetized at two poles.

[0110] The rotating shaft 14 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 and the magnetic force generating component 2 are coaxially installed or fixed on the same framework of non-magnetic conductive material, and an air gap 4 is provided between the magnetized end surface of the magnetic force generating component 2 and the magnetic induction element 3.

[0111] The magnetic force lines of the magnetic force generating component 2 start from the N pole, pass through the air gap 4 between the magnetic force generating component 2 and the magnetic sensing element 3, pass through the magnetic sensing element 3, and then pass through the air gap 4 between the magnetic sensing element 3 and the magnetic force generating component 2 to reach the S pole of the magnetic force generating component 2, forming a closed magnetic circuit. The magnetic sensing element 3 receives the direction change of the magnetic force lines in the closed magnetic circuit in real time, thereby measuring the torque of the two shafts (output shaft and input shaft) of the steering shaft.

[0112] Figure 4 and Figure 5 and 6 A schematic diagram showing the geometric structure of the magnetic force generating and magnetic field line conducting parts of the claimed sensor and the relationship between the magnetic force changes between the main components.

[0113] Figure 4 The figure shows the case where the rotation angle of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 is zero, and the direction of the magnetic force lines generated by the corresponding magnetic force generating component 1 is zero relative to the magnetic sensing element 3. In this case, the magnetic sensing element 3 outputs a logic signal of zero, and the corresponding steering shaft torque is zero.

[0114] Figure 5It shows that the bearing 11 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 moves downward, thereby causing the rotating shaft 14 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 to rotate counterclockwise, and the direction of the magnetic force lines generated by the corresponding magnetic force generating component 2 is greater than (less than) zero relative to the rotation angle of the magnetic sensing element 3. In this case, the logic output signal of the magnetic sensing element 3 is a positive (negative) value, and the corresponding steering shaft torque is greater than (less than) zero at this time, that is, the steering wheel rotates to the left (right) to generate a steering shaft torque greater than (less than) zero, wherein the direction of the magnetic force lines generated by the magnetic force generating component 2 is proportional to the rotation angle of the magnetic sensing element 3 relative to the logic output signal of the magnetic sensing element 3.

[0115] Figure 6 It shows that the bearing 11 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 moves upward, thereby causing the rotating shaft 14 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 to rotate clockwise, and the direction of the magnetic force lines generated by the corresponding magnetic force generating component 2 is less than (greater than) zero relative to the rotation angle of the magnetic sensing element 3. In this case, the logical output signal of the magnetic sensing element 3 is a negative (positive) value, and the corresponding steering shaft torque is less than (greater than) zero at this time, that is, the steering wheel rotates to the right (left) to generate a steering shaft torque less than (greater than) zero, wherein the direction of the magnetic force lines generated by the magnetic force generating component 2 is proportional to the rotation angle of the magnetic sensing element 3 and the logical output signal of the magnetic sensing element 3.

[0116] Figure 7 A view showing the sensor mounting structure of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 As shown, when installing the external non-contact torque sensor, the first step is to insert the bearing 11 of the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 into the annular groove of the slip ring 5 in the steering column, the second step is to rotate the torque conversion angular displacement component 1 to the mechanical zero position, and tighten the bolts to fix the sensor on the outside of the electric power steering system housing, completing the installation and mechanical alignment of the sensor, and the third step is to connect the pins of the magnetic induction element 3 to the magnetic induction element programmer 6, and start the programming operation to realize the linear input and output characteristics of the sensor and the electronic zero point (electronic alignment) calibration.

[0117] The present invention realizes the connection of each station through the assembly method transmission strip 15, and realizes automatic assembly. Among them, the swing arm assembly station 16 and the rotating shaft assembly station 20 realize one by one loading, which is ingenious in design, saves space, and requires less driving power.

[0118] The present invention realizes automated streamlined operation through the shrapnel assembly station 17, the bearing assembly station 18, the flip station 19, the pressing station 21, the magnet assembly station 22, and the testing station 23, realizes positioning and double-sided assembly through the carrier assembly 24, the gear lever 25 realizes longitudinal positioning, the carrier end clamps the V-shaped seat 30, the carrier V-seat upper pressure plate 31 realizes centering positioning, the swing lower U-shaped swing arm 37, the rocker arm links the U-shaped upper rack frame 38 to realize the combination of rapid reciprocating movement and swinging reciprocating, the side wall 40 is moved in the reverse direction, the side vertical plate 41 is linked to the rubbing side, and the guide side inclined plate 42 is linked to realize automatic alignment and positioning. In order to supplement the differential problem of swinging and moving, the U-shaped action delay supplement is realized, and the design is ingenious. The test mechanical axis 47 simulates various working conditions, and the test compatible inclined surface 48 is used to increase versatility and eliminate gap errors.

Claims

1. An external non-contact torque sensor, characterized in that: It is used to be installed outside the housing of an electric power steering system; it comprises a torque conversion angular displacement component (1), a magnetic force generating component (2) and a magnetic induction element (3); The magnetic sensing element (3) is parallel to the magnetizing plane of the magnetic force generating component (2), and an air gap (4) is axially arranged between the two; The torque conversion angular displacement component (1) comprises a bearing (11) for rolling contact with the annular groove of the slip ring (5); the bearing (11) is inserted with a bearing shaft pin (12); the bearing shaft pin (12) is rotatably arranged at one end of a rocker arm (13); and a positioning key portion (10) of a rotating shaft (14) is arranged at the other end of the rocker arm (13); The magnetic force generating component (2) is a cylindrical magnet with two end-face magnetized poles; The magnetic force generating component (2) is coaxially mounted on the end surface of the rotating shaft (14); The magnetic force lines of the magnetic force generating component (2) start from the N pole, pass through the air gap (4) to reach the magnetic sensing element (3), and then pass through the air gap (4) to reach the S pole of the magnetic force generating component (2), thereby forming a closed magnetic circuit; the magnetic sensing element (3) receives the direction change of the magnetic force lines in the closed magnetic circuit in real time, so as to measure the torque of the output shaft and the input shaft of the steering shaft; A conical roller sleeve (7) is sleeved on the outer wall of the bearing (11) for rolling contact with the groove of the slip ring (5); a blocking end face baffle (8) is provided at the end of the bearing shaft pin (12) to prevent the conical roller sleeve (7) from escaping; and a clearance adjustment spring sheet (9) is provided between the large end of the conical roller sleeve (7) and the rocker arm (13); The torque conversion angular displacement component (1) converts the torque of the steering shaft into the axial displacement of the steering shaft by using a torsion bar and a slider device arranged in the steering column. The torque conversion angular displacement component (1) converts the axial displacement of the steering shaft into an angular displacement whose axis is perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering column. The angular displacement is in an inverse sine function relationship with the torque of the steering shaft. Right now: α = k arcsin T; wherein k is a gain coefficient; the magnetic force generating component (2) comprises a magnet with an axial end face magnetized; the magnetic force generating component (2) is coaxially arranged on the outer end face of the torque conversion angular displacement component (1); according to the magnitude of the measured torque, the torque conversion angular displacement component (1) drives the magnetic force generating component (2) to rotate coaxially with the torque conversion angular displacement component (1), that is, according to the magnitude of the torque of the steering shaft, the magnetic force generating component rotates a corresponding angle.

2. The external non-contact torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end surface of the magnetic force generating component (2) has an N pole and an S pole, and the magnetic force generating component (2) has a corresponding magnetic sensing element (3); the magnetic sensing element (3) generates a corresponding torque measurement output signal according to the rotation angle of the magnetic force generating component (2); The magnetic sensing element (3) is a programmable device. Through software programming, the output signal of the sensor is set to have a sinusoidal function relationship with the rotation angle V of the magnetic force generating component, that is: V = hsinα; Where h is the gain coefficient; when installing an external non-contact torque sensor, only the mechanical alignment needs to be adjusted, and the electronic alignment and the linear input and output characteristics of the sensor can be achieved through software programming.

3. An assembly system for an external non-contact torque sensor, characterized in that: Used for assembling an external non-contact torque sensor; it comprises an assembly method of a carrier assembly (24) having a sensor, a transmission strip (15) to achieve the connection of various workstations, and a gear lever (25) is provided at each workstation to block the forward movement of the carrier assembly (24); The carrier assembly (24) comprises a carrier support (26); a carrier flip positioning groove seat (27) is rotatably provided on the carrier support (26); a carrier lower assembly method hole (28) is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat (27); a carrier fixing baffle (29) is provided on the carrier flip positioning groove seat (27); carrier end clamping V-shaped seats (30) are provided opposite to each other at both ends of the carrier flip positioning groove seat (27); a carrier V-shaped seat upper pressure plate (31) is provided in linkage with the carrier end clamping V-shaped seats (30); and a rocker arm assembly method notch (49) is provided on the rocker arm (13); Each workstation includes the following workstations, The swing arm assembly station (16) is used to place the swing arm (13) on the carrier assembly (24), and clamp the outer arc portions of the two ends of the swing arm (13) through the carrier end clamping V-shaped seats (30); the carrier V-seat upper pressure plate (31) and the carrier fixed baffle (29) press down the upper surface of the swing arm (13), and the swing arm (13) is located in the carrier flip positioning slot seat (27); after the swing arm (13) is assembled, the carrier flip positioning slot seat (27) is rotated and turned over; The spring piece assembly station (17) is provided with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the gap adjustment spring piece (9) onto the rocker arm (13); The bearing assembly station (18) is provided with a manipulator and a corresponding feeding channel to assemble the pre-installed bearing (11) and the bearing shaft pin (12) onto the rocker arm (13), and fix them onto the bearing shaft pin (12) via a blocking end face baffle (8) and bolts; A turning station (19) is used to turn the carrier over to the positioning slot seat (27) and then rotate it to turn it over; A rotating shaft assembly station (20) is used to install the rotating shaft (14) on the rocker arm (13); A pressing station (21) having a pressing mechanical head (45) for installing the rotating shaft (14) on the rocker arm (13) in place; A magnet assembly station (22) has an electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head (46) for mounting the magnetic force generating component (2) on the end surface of the rotating shaft (14); The testing station (23) has a manipulator and a testing mechanical shaft (47) with a slip ring (5) mounted thereon, wherein the testing mechanical shaft (47) has an axially movable and / or swinging pair; A test compatible inclined surface (48) for rolling contact with the bearing (11) is arranged on the slip ring (5).

4. The assembly system of the external non-contact torque sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: A rocker arm falling channel (32) is vertically arranged above the rocker arm assembly station (16); A rocker arm (13) is stacked in the rocker arm drop channel (32), the rocker arm (13) having a jacket that contains at least a portion of the outer wall of the rotating shaft (14), and having an outer edge at at least one end of the jacket; the rocker arm (13) is L-shaped in shape, and has a keyway for accommodating a positioning key portion (10); A rocker arm driving gear shaft (33) is arranged outside the rocker arm falling channel (32), and rocker arm moving racks (35) of a rocker arm mating moving assembly (34) are respectively meshed on the upper and lower sides of the rocker arm driving gear shaft (33) to achieve synchronous reverse movement of the rocker arm mating moving assembly (34); A rocker arm swing gear shaft (36) is also meshed and driven on the rocker arm moving rack (35) through a gear set, and a root of a swinging lower U-shaped rocker arm (37) is arranged on the rocker arm swing gear shaft (36); A rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame (38) is meshed on the rocker arm swing gear shaft (36); the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame (38) is higher than the swing lower U-shaped swing arm (37), and the rocker arm linkage U-shaped upper rack frame (38) moves laterally to engage with the neck of the rocker arm (13) at the second bottom layer of the rocker arm drop channel (32), and the swing lower U-shaped swing arm (37) gradually opens its lower hem to lower the rocker arm (13) at the bottom layer into the carrier flip positioning slot seat (27); When the rocker arm is linked to the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) to move closer to each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm (37) is swung downward; when the rocker arm is linked to the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) to move away from each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm (37) is swung upward to receive the rocker arm (13) of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm linked to the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) and falls.

5. The assembly system of the external non-contact torque sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: A rotating shaft dropping channel (39) in which the rotating shaft (14) is pre-stored is vertically arranged above the rotating shaft assembly station (20); Two reverse moving side walls (40) are provided on both sides below the rotating shaft falling channel (39) and move in opposite directions. The number of the reverse moving side walls (40) is two and the structures are identical. The reverse moving side wall (40) comprises a linkage guide side inclined plate (42); a linkage rubbing side vertical plate (41) and a linkage U-shaped side arc plate (43) are respectively arranged on both sides of the linkage guide side inclined plate (42); a linkage high-position supporting plate (44) is arranged above the linkage U-shaped side arc plate (43) to support the side ears on the outer side of the rotating shaft (14); A linkage guide side inclined plate (42) is used to adjust the side wall of the positioning key portion (10); The side vertical plate (41) is rubbed and aligned in a coordinated manner to adjust the positioning key portion (10) to a correct position; The linked U-shaped side arc plates (43) are formed to embrace a passage for vertically passing the rotating shaft (14) of the lowest layer, and at the same time, support the rotating shaft (14) of the second lowest layer.

6. A method for assembling an external non-contact torque sensor, characterized in that: The method for assembling a carrier assembly (24) having a sensor-carrying conveyor belt (15) is used to achieve the connection between various workstations; The steps include: S1, swing arm assembly station (16), first, place the swing arm (13) into the carrier flip positioning groove seat (27); then, clamp the outer arc portions of both ends of the swing arm (13) through the carrier end clamping V-shaped seats (30); secondly, the carrier V-seat upper pressure plate (31) and the carrier fixed baffle (29) press down the upper surface of the swing arm (13); thirdly, after assembling the swing arm (13), the carrier flip positioning groove seat (27) is rotated and turned over; S2, a spring piece assembly station (17), assembling the gap adjustment spring piece (9) onto the rocker arm (13); S3, bearing assembly station (18), assembling the pre-installed bearing (11) and the bearing shaft pin (12) onto the rocker arm (13), and fixing them onto the bearing shaft pin (12) by means of a blocking end face baffle (8) and bolts; S4, turning over the carrier at the turning station (19), turning over the positioning slot seat (27) and then rotating it over; S5, a rotating shaft assembly station (20), installing the rotating shaft (14) on the rocker arm (13); S6, pressing down the station (21), installing the rotating shaft (14) on the rocker arm (13) in place by pressing down the mechanical head (45); S7, a magnet assembly station (22), wherein the magnetic force generating component (2) is mounted on the end surface of the rotating shaft (14) by means of an electromagnetic adsorption mechanical head (46); S8, at the test station (23), the manipulator controls the test mechanical axis (47) to perform a simulation test and collects signals through the matching magnetic induction element (3).

7. The method for assembling an external non-contact torque sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: In S1, first, when the rocker arm and the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) are moving toward each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm (37) is swung downward; then, when the rocker arm and the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) are moving away from each other, the lower U-shaped rocker arm (37) is swung upward to receive the rocker arm (13) of the second bottom layer that is separated from the rocker arm and the U-shaped upper rack frame (38) and falls.

8. The method for assembling an external non-contact torque sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: In S5, first, the guide side inclined plate (42) is linked to adjust the side wall of the positioning key portion (10); Secondly, the side upright plate (41) is rubbed and aligned to adjust the positioning key portion (10); thirdly, the U-shaped side arc plate (43) is linked to form a channel so that the lowest layer of the rotating shaft (14) can pass vertically, and at the same time, the high-position supporting plate (44) is linked to lift the side ears on the outside of the rotating shaft (14).

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