Sensing device

Abstract

One embodiment provides a sensing device including: a magnet; a first collector disposed to correspond to a path along which the magnet moves; and a first sensor disposed on one side of the first collector, wherein the first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion, each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion including a facing surface disposed to face the magnet, and the sensing device includes a region in which a gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion increases in a direction from one side toward the other, or a facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion has a width that decreases in a direction from one side toward the other. Therefore, the sensing device can reduce the influence of an external magnetic field to improve sensing accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensing device. Background Art

[0002] The electric power steering structure includes a rack bar that converts the rotational motion of the input shaft into linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the wheels of the vehicle. In addition, the electric power steering structure includes a sensing device that detects the position of the rack bar to measure the steering angle.

[0003] The sensing device consists of a magnet mounted on a rack rod, a tubular member through which the magnet passes, and multiple coils wound around the tubular member. The sensing device can detect the rack rod's position using the induced magnetic field between the coils and the magnet. However, the sensing device suffers from nonlinear variations in magnetic flux density and increased manufacturing costs due to the numerous components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a sensing device which improves sensing accuracy by reducing magnetic leakage and the influence of an external magnetic field, and has simple components.

[0006] Technical Solutions

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device, which includes a magnet, a first collector arranged to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves, and a first sensor arranged at one side of the first collector, wherein the first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion, and the gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes an area where the size of the gap increases from one side toward the other side.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device including a magnet, a first collector and a second collector arranged to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves, a first sensor arranged on the first collector, and a second sensor arranged on the second collector, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at opposite sides relative to the magnet, the magnet includes a first portion and a second portion arranged in one direction, the first collector is arranged adjacent to the first portion of the magnet, the second collector is arranged adjacent to the second portion of the magnet, and a gap between the first collector and the second collector is smaller than a height of the magnet in a third direction. In this case, the one direction in which the first portion and the second portion are arranged may be a direction in which the first collector and the second collector are arranged to be spaced apart from each other with a predetermined gap, or a first direction.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device, which includes a magnet, a first collector arranged around the upper end portion of the magnet, and a second collector arranged around the lower end portion of the magnet, wherein the position of the magnet is determined by the difference between the position of the magnet detected using the first collector and the position of the magnet detected using the second collector.

[0010] The sensing device may include a second sensor arranged at one side of a second collector, wherein the second collector may include a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion, and the gap between the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include an area where the size of the gap increases from one side of the second sensor toward the other side.

[0011] The sensing device may include a second collector arranged adjacent to the first collector and a second sensor arranged at a side of the second collector, wherein the second collector may include a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion, the gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion may include an area where the size of the gap increases from the first sensor toward the second sensor, and the gap between the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include an area where the size of the gap increases from the second sensor toward the first sensor.

[0012] The first collector and the second collector may be respectively provided at one side and the other side in a symmetrical manner with respect to the magnet.

[0013] The first sensor may be disposed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion.

[0014] Each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion may be provided to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a moving direction of the magnet.

[0015] The tilt angle may be in the range of 1 to 10 degrees.

[0016] A direction from the N pole toward the S pole of the magnet may be perpendicular to the first direction, and a direction from the N pole toward the S pole of the magnet may be perpendicular to a moving direction of the magnet.

[0017] The position of the magnet can be detected by the difference between the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector and the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector.

[0018] The sensing device may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the position of the magnet may be detected by a difference between a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the first sensor and a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the second sensor.

[0019] The sensing device may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein an initial position of the magnet may be a center between the first sensor and the second sensor, and a distance from the initial position to the first collector may increase when viewed from above.

[0020] The shortest distance between the magnet and the first collector may increase from an initial position in a direction opposite to the first sensor.

[0021] Each of the first and second leg portions may include a facing surface disposed to face the magnet, and the facing surface of each of the first and second leg portions may include a region where a width of the facing surface decreases from one side toward the other side.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device, which includes a magnet, a first collector arranged to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves, and a first sensor arranged at one side of the first collector, wherein the first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion, each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, and the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface decreases from one side toward the other side.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device, which includes a magnet, a first collector and a second collector arranged to correspond to the path through which the magnet moves, a first sensor arranged on the first collector, and a second sensor arranged on the second collector, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at opposite sides relative to the magnet, the magnet includes a first part and a second part arranged along a third direction, the first collector is arranged to be adjacent to the first part of the magnet, the second collector is arranged to be adjacent to the second part of the magnet, the first collector has a first thickness in the third direction, the second collector has a second thickness in the third direction, the first collector includes an area where the first thickness decreases from one side toward the other side, the second collector includes an area where the second thickness increases as much as the first thickness decreases, and the gap between the first collector and the second collector is smaller than the height of the magnet in the third direction.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sensing device, which includes a magnet, a first collector arranged around the upper end portion of the magnet, and a second collector arranged around the lower end portion of the magnet, wherein the first collector includes a first surface facing the upper end portion of the magnet, and the width of the first surface continuously decreases in the movement direction of the magnet, the second collector includes a second surface facing the lower end portion of the magnet, the width of the second surface continuously increases in the movement direction of the magnet, and the position of the magnet is determined by the difference between the position of the magnet detected using the first collector and the position of the magnet detected using the second collector.

[0025] The sensing device may include a second collector arranged adjacent to the first collector and a second sensor arranged at a side of the second collector, wherein the second collector may include a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion, and the magnet is placed between the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion, each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, and the facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface increases from one side toward the other side.

[0026] The width of the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion can decrease at a constant rate, and the width of the facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion can increase as much as the width of the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion decreases.

[0027] The sensing device may include a first sensor arranged on a first collector and a second sensor arranged on a second collector, wherein the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface decreases from the first sensor toward the second sensor, and the facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface increases from the second sensor toward the first sensor.

[0028] The sensing device may include a first sensor arranged on a first collector and a second sensor arranged on a second collector, wherein the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface decreases from the first sensor toward the second sensor, and the facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion may include an area where the width of the facing surface increases from the second sensor toward the first sensor.

[0029] The first collector and the second collector may be respectively disposed at one side and the other side of the initial position in a symmetrical manner with respect to the magnet.

[0030] The sum of the first thickness and the second thickness in the moving direction of the magnet may be constant.

[0031] The first thickness and the second thickness may be the same at a midpoint between the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0032] The first collector may include a first inclined surface formed on a surface facing the second collector and having a predetermined inclination angle relative to the direction of movement of the magnet, and the second collector may include a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface and having a predetermined inclination angle relative to the direction of movement of the magnet.

[0033] The first inclined surface may have a first inclined angle relative to the moving direction of the magnet, the second inclined surface may have a second inclined angle relative to the moving direction of the magnet, and the first inclined angle and the second inclined angle may be provided in opposite directions.

[0034] Each of the first tilt angle and the second tilt angle may be in the range of 1 degree to 5 degrees.

[0035] The position of the magnet can be detected by the difference between the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector and the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector.

[0036] The sensing device may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the position of the magnet may be detected by a difference between a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the first sensor and a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the second sensor.

[0037] The sensing device may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the initial position of the magnet may be the center between the first sensor and the second sensor, and as the magnet moves from the initial position of the magnet, the width of the first surface facing the magnet may continuously decrease and the width of the second surface facing the magnet may continuously increase.

[0038] Even when the magnet moves from an initial position of the magnet, the sum of the width of the first surface and the width of the second surface may be constant.

[0039] The first collector may include a pair of first parts between which the magnet moves, a pair of third parts between which the first sensor is disposed, and a pair of second parts connecting the pair of first parts and the pair of third parts.

[0040] Each of the first portions may have a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness, and the maximum thickness of the first portion may be greater than a thickness of each of the second portion and the third portion.

[0041] A distance between the pair of third portions may be smaller than a distance between the pair of first portions.

[0042] A distance between the pair of first portions may be greater than a width of the magnet, and a distance between the pair of third portions may be greater than a width of the first sensor.

[0043] The gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion may include a region where the size of the gap increases from one side toward the other side.

[0044] Beneficial effects

[0045] The sensing device according to the embodiment can improve sensing accuracy by reducing magnetic leakage and the influence of the external magnetic field.

[0046] In addition, the manufacturing cost of the sensing device can be reduced by simplifying the components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sensing device according to a first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the sensing device according to the first embodiment is installed in the steering structure of a vehicle.

[0049] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a first collector, a first sensor, and a magnet of the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a first sensor of a first collector provided in the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 6 It's a picture Figure 4 Magnified view of part A in FIG.

[0053] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the magnet in the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 9 is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the first embodiment in a state where an external magnetic field is not introduced into the sensing device.

[0056] Figure 10 is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the first embodiment in a state in which an external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device.

[0057] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment.

[0058] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a sensing device according to a second embodiment is installed in a vehicle steering structure.

[0059] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment.

[0060] Figure 14 It's a picture Figure 13 Magnified view of part B.

[0061] Figure 15 is a plan view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment.

[0062] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a side view illustrating a first collector of the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0063] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a side view illustrating a second collector of the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0064] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a path through which a magnet moves in the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0065] Figure 21 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a magnetic field due to a magnet in the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0066] Figure 22 : is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state where an external magnetic field is not introduced into the sensing device.

[0067] Figure 23 is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state in which an external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described and can be implemented using various other embodiments, and at least one component of these embodiments can be connected or replaced in an optional manner.

[0069] In addition, when any element is described as being formed or disposed “on” or “under” another element, such description includes both the case where the two elements are formed or disposed in direct contact with each other and the case where one or more other elements are interposed between the two elements. In addition, when an element is described as being formed “on or under” another element, such description includes the case where one element is formed at the upper side or the lower side relative to the other element.

[0070] Hereinafter, in a detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, components that are the same or correspond to each other will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0071] The sensing device according to the embodiment may be installed in a steering structure of a vehicle, but is not limited thereto. The sensing device may be applied in various ways to measure the displacement of a linearly moving structure.

[0072] First embodiment

[0073] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sensing device according to a first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the sensing device according to the first embodiment is installed in the steering structure of a vehicle.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensing device 100 may include a magnet 110 , a first collector 120 , a second collector 130 , a first sensor 140 , and a second sensor 150 . In addition, the steering structure 20 of the vehicle may include a driving member 21 and a fixing member 22 .

[0075] The drive member 21 can move linearly. Alternatively, the position of the fixed member 22 can be fixed. Alternatively, the fixed member 22 can support the drive member 21. In this case, the drive member 21 can be arranged to move relative to the fixed member 22. In this case, a rack bar can be illustrated as the drive member 21. Alternatively, the fixed member 22 can be a rack housing that surrounds one side of the rack bar, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The driving member 21 may be coupled to the magnet 110 . In addition, the fixing member 22 may be coupled to the first collector 120 , the second collector 130 , the first sensor 140 , and the second sensor 150 .

[0077] The magnet 110 generates a magnetic field. The magnet 110 has an N pole and an S pole. In addition, the N pole and the S pole can be arranged in one direction. The magnet 110 can move linearly together with the driving member 21. In this case, the movement direction of the magnet 110 can be perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the N pole and the S pole. For example, when viewed from above, the arrangement direction from the N pole toward the S pole of the magnet 110 can be perpendicular to the movement direction of the magnet 110. In this case, the direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the N pole and the S pole is referred to as the third direction, the direction parallel to the movement direction of the magnet 110 is referred to as the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to the third direction and the second direction is referred to as the first direction or the vertical direction.

[0078] The first collector 120 and the second collector 130 are provided to correspond to a path through which the magnet 110 moves.

[0079] In this case, since each of the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 can be formed as two members with a gap formed therebetween, and the magnet 110 is movably disposed within the gap, the magnet 110 can move within the gap and generate a magnetic field, and the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 can collect the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 110.

[0080] Each of the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can detect the density of the magnetic field, that is, the magnetic flux density collected by one of the first collector 120 and the second collector 130. The first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can detect the position of the magnet 110 by the difference between the magnetic flux density detected by the first collector 120 and the magnetic flux density detected by the second collector 130. In this case, the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can be provided at opposite sides relative to the magnet 110. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the magnet 110 may be disposed between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 along the second direction. For example, the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. In this case, the first sensor 140 may be disposed so as to correspond to the first collector 120, and the second sensor 150 may be disposed so as to correspond to the second collector 130.

[0081] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0082] The magnet 110 can be divided into a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. Figure 3As shown in the figure, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be arranged along the first direction. In this case, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can have the same size. For example, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be arranged to have the same size relative to the center of the magnet 110 in the first direction. In this case, the first portion P1 can be arranged on the second portion P2.

[0083] The first collector 120 and the second collector 130 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0084] The first collector 120 is disposed adjacent to the first portion P1 of the magnet 110. In addition, the second collector 130 is disposed adjacent to the second portion P2 of the magnet 110. In this case, the gap G1 between the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 may be smaller than the length L of the magnet 110 in the first direction. In this case, the length L of the magnet 110 in the first direction may be referred to as the height of the magnet 110. In addition, as Figure 3 As illustrated in FIG, a portion of the first portion P1 and a portion of the second portion P2 may be disposed within the gap G1 .

[0085] Reference Figure 1 , the first collector 120 may include a first leg portion 121 and a second leg portion 122. The first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction, and the first sensor 140 may be provided on the facing surface. In this case, the gap between the first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122 may include a region where the size of the gap increases from the first sensor 140 toward the second sensor 150. Figure 1 , since the first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122 are provided to be spaced apart from each other to have a predetermined gap in the third direction, the magnet 110 can move in the second direction between the first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122. In this case, the gap formed between the first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122 can increase away from the first sensor 140.

[0086] The second collector 130 may include a third leg portion 131 and a fourth leg portion 132. The third leg portion 131 and the fourth leg portion 132 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction so that the second sensor 150 may be provided on the facing surface. In this case, the gap between the third leg portion 131 and the fourth leg portion 132 may include a region where the size of the gap increases from the second sensor 150 toward the first sensor 140. Figure 1As shown in FIG, since the third leg portion 131 and the fourth leg portion 132 are provided to be spaced apart from each other to have a predetermined gap in the third direction, the magnet 110 can move in the second direction between the third leg portion 131 and the fourth leg portion 132. In this case, the gap formed between the third leg portion 131 and the fourth leg portion 132 can increase away from the second sensor 150.

[0087] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a first collector, a first sensor, and a magnet of a sensing device according to a first embodiment, Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a first sensor of a first collector provided in the sensing device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 6 It's a picture Figure 4 Specifically, Figure 4 It's a picture Figure 3 A plan view of the first collector, the first sensor and the magnet as shown in FIG. Figure 5 It's a picture Figure 4 a plan view of the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the first sensor as shown in FIG. Figure 6 It's a picture Figure 4 An enlarged view of portion A shown in FIG.

[0088] The first collector 120 and the second collector 130 may be formed in the same shape. In this case, the first collector 120 is arranged above the second collector 130, but when viewed from above, the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 may be arranged in a symmetrical manner. In addition, the first sensor 140 may have the same shape and function as the second sensor 150. For convenience in the description, the first collector 120 and the first sensor 140 may be mainly described, and these descriptions can also be applied to the second collector 130 and the second sensor 150.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 The first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122 are disposed to face each other along the third direction. In addition, a gap 120G may be formed between the first leg portion 121 and the second leg portion 122.

[0090] The magnet 110 can move in the second direction within the gap 120G. In this case, the width of the gap 120G in the third direction can be greater than the width W1 of the magnet 110 in the third direction. In this case, the width of the gap 120G in the third direction can vary depending on the position of the gap 120G in the second direction.

[0091] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first leg portion 121 may include a 1A portion 121a, a 1B portion 121b, a 1C portion 121c, and a 1D portion 121d. Additionally, the second leg portion 122 may include a 2A portion 122a, a 2B portion 122b, a 2C portion 122c, and a 2D portion 122d. In this case, the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122a, the 1B portion 121b and the 2B portion 122b, the 1C portion 121c and the 2C portion 122c, and the 1D portion 121d and the 2D portion 122d may be arranged to face each other, with a gap 120G interposed therebetween. In this case, in the first leg portion 121, the 1A portion 121a may be referred to as a first inclined portion, the 1B portion 121b may be referred to as a first main body portion, the 1C portion 121c may be referred to as a first curved portion, and the 1D portion 121d may be referred to as a first facing portion. In addition, in the second leg portion 122, the 2A portion 122a may be referred to as a second inclined portion, the 2B portion 1221b may be referred to as a second body portion, the 2C portion 122c may be referred to as a second curved portion, and the 2D portion 122d may be referred to as a second facing portion.

[0092] The path through which the magnet 110 moves is set between the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122a. In this case, the gap formed between the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122a can have a longest width G2 and a shortest width G3 in the third direction. In addition, the position of the longest width G2 can be farther from the first sensor 140 than the position of the shortest width G3. In addition, the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122a can be respectively arranged to have predetermined inclination angles ∠a and ∠b relative to the second direction. In this case, each of the inclination angles ∠a and ∠b can be in the range of 1 degree to 30 degrees, preferably 1 degree to 15 degrees, and more preferably 1 degree to 10 degrees.

[0093] 1B portion 121b and 2B portion 122b extend from 1A portion 121a and 2A portion 122b, respectively. In this case, the length of each of 1B portion 121b and 2B portion 122b may be less than the length of 1A portion 121a or 2A portion 122a. In this case, 1B portion 121b and 2B portion 122b may be arranged parallel to each other in the second direction. Alternatively, 1B portion 121b may be arranged between 1A portion 121a and 1C portion 121c. That is, 1A portion 121a may extend from one side of 1B portion 121b, and 1C portion 121c may extend from the other side. Alternatively, 2B portion 122b may be arranged between 2A portion 122a and 2C portion 122c. That is, 2A portion 122a may extend from one side of 2B portion 122b, and 2C portion 122c may extend from the other side.

[0094] In addition, the 1B portion 121b and the 2B portion 122b may be provided with a predetermined angle ∠a' relative to the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122b, respectively. In this case, the angle ∠a' may be an obtuse angle ranging from 150 to 179 degrees, preferably from 165 to 179 degrees, and more preferably from 170 to 179 degrees.

[0095] 1C portion 121c and 2C portion 122c extend from 1B portion 121b and 2B portion 122b in the third direction, respectively. In this case, the length of each of 1C portion 121c and 2C portion 122c may be smaller than the length of 1B portion 121b or 2B portion 122b.

[0096] The 1D portion 121d and the 2D portion 122d extend from the 1C portion 121c and the 2C portion 122c, respectively, in the second direction. The length of each of the 1D portion 121d and the 2D portion 122d may be shorter than the length of either the 1C portion 121c or the 2C portion 122c. In this case, the first sensor 140 is disposed on the 1D portion 121d. Furthermore, the gap G4 formed between the 1D portion 121d and the 2D portion 122d is smaller than the shortest width G3 formed between the 1A portion 121a and the 2A portion 122a. Furthermore, the gap G4 formed between the 1D portion 121d and the 2D portion 122d may be greater than the width W2 of the first sensor 140 in the third direction. Therefore, since the first sensor 140, which is disposed in contact with the 1D portion 121d, is spaced apart from the 2D portion 122d, the first sensor 140 does not contact the 2D portion 122d.

[0097] The 1A portion 121a, the 1B portion 121b, the 1C portion 121c, and the 1D portion 121d can be formed by bending a rod member formed in a rod shape with a uniform thickness. Alternatively, the 2A portion 122a, the 2B portion 122b, the 2C portion 122c, and the 2D portion 122d can be formed by bending another rod member with a uniform thickness. In this case, the rod member can have a first thickness T1 and a second thickness T2 in the first direction. The first thickness T1 can be smaller than the second thickness T2. That is, in consideration of the amount of magnetic flux collected, the second thickness T2 can be greater than the first thickness T1. According to this embodiment, the first thickness T1 can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and the second thickness T2 can be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0098] At the same time, as described above, each of the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 has a shape in which the size of the gap varies according to the position of the magnet 110. The structure of the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 can provide an effect of improving the sensing accuracy of the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 by minimizing magnetic leakage. Therefore, the sensing device 100 can accurately measure the position of the magnet 110.

[0099] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 , the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 have a first overlapping area C1 and a second overlapping area C2 where the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 overlap along the first direction. The distance from each of the first overlapping area C1 and the second overlapping area C2 to the first sensor 140 may be the same as the distance from each of the first overlapping area C1 and the third overlapping area C2 to the second sensor 150. That is, each of the first overlapping area C1 and the second overlapping area C2 may be formed at a midpoint between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 along the second direction.

[0101] When an imaginary straight line passing through the first overlapping region C1 and the second overlapping region C2 and extending in the third direction is defined as an imaginary line CL, the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 are arranged in a symmetrical manner relative to the imaginary line CL. In addition, the first collector 120 and the second collector 130 can be divided into a first area A1 and a second area A2 relative to the imaginary line CL. In this case, in the first area A1, in the third direction, the shortest distance from the magnet 110 to the first collector 120 is shorter than the shortest distance from the magnet 110 to the second collector 130. In addition, in the second area A2, the shortest distance from the magnet 110 to the second collector 130 is shorter than the minimum distance from the magnet 110 to the first collector 120. Therefore, in the first area A1, the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector 120 may be greater than the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector 130, and in the second area A2, the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector 130 may be greater than the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector 120. That is, in the first area A1, the sensing value measured by the first sensor 140 may be greater than the sensing value measured by the second sensor 150, and in the second area A2, the sensing value measured by the second sensor 150 may be greater than the sensing value measured by the first sensor 140.

[0102] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the magnet in the sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0103] Reference Figure 8 , the magnet 110 can move linearly along the second direction. In this case, the initial position S1 of the magnet 110 can be set in the middle between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150. In addition, when viewed from above in the vertical direction, the following shape may exist: in this shape, the distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 120 can increase at the initial position. In this case, the vertical direction can be a direction parallel to the first direction. In addition, the magnet 110 can move from the initial position S1 in a direction toward the first sensor 140 or in the opposite direction to the first sensor 140. Therefore, the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 130 can vary depending on the position of the magnet 110 in the second direction. In this case, the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 130 can be the distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 130 in the third direction.

[0104] According to the reference Figure 8In an embodiment, the shortest distance D2 between the magnet 110 and the first collector 120 at the displaced position S2 may be greater than the shortest distance D1 between the magnet 110 and the first collector 120 at the initial position S1. That is, as the magnet 110 moves from the initial position S1 toward the displaced position S2, the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 120 may increase.

[0105] At the same time, the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the second collector 130 at the displaced position S2 may be smaller than the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the second collector 130 at the initial position S1. That is, as the magnet 110 moves from the initial position S1 to the displaced position S2, the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the second collector 130 may decrease.

[0106] In this case, regardless of the position of the magnet 110 in the second direction, the sum of the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the first collector 120 and the shortest distance between the magnet 110 and the second collector 130 may be constant.

[0107] Figure 9 is a graph showing the results of measuring magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the first embodiment in a state where no external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device, and Figure 10 is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the first embodiment in a state in which an external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device.

[0108] In each of these graphs, the vertical axis represents magnetic flux density, and the horizontal axis represents the displacement of the magnet in the second direction. In this case, the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector 120 is represented by the first flux F1, and the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector 130 is represented by the second flux F2.

[0109] Reference Figure 9 , in the sensing device 100 according to the present embodiment, as the first flux F1 increases, the second flux F2 decreases. In addition, it can be seen that as the displacement of the magnet 110 in the second direction increases, the difference (F2-F1) between the first flux F1 and the second flux F2 increases linearly. In addition, referring to Figure 10 , it can be seen that, although both the first flux F1 and the second flux F2 are shifted due to the introduction of the external magnetic field, the difference (F2−F1) between the first flux F1 and the second flux F2 is not affected.

[0110] The sensing device according to the present embodiment can minimize the influence of the external magnetic field and accurately detect the displacement of the magnet.

[0111] Second embodiment

[0112] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment, and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a sensing device according to a second embodiment is installed in a vehicle steering structure.

[0113] When comparing the sensing device 100 according to the first embodiment with the sensing device 100a according to the second embodiment, the collector of the sensing device 100a according to the second embodiment has a different shape. Therefore, the sensing device 100a according to the second embodiment differs from the sensing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the sensing device 100a according to the second embodiment includes a facing surface of the collector disposed to face the magnet 110, and uses the magnetic flux detected by the increase or decrease in the width of the facing surface to measure the position of the magnet 110.

[0114] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The sensing device 100a may include a magnet 110 , a first collector 1120 , a second collector 1130 , a first sensor 140 , and a second sensor 150 . In addition, the steering structure 20 of the vehicle may include a driving member 21 and a fixing member 22 .

[0115] The driving member 21 can move linearly. In addition, the position of the fixed member 22 can be fixed. In addition, the fixed member 22 can support the driving member 21. In this case, the driving member 21 can be configured to move relative to the fixed member 22. In this case, a rack bar can be illustrated as the driving member 21, and the fixed member 22 can be a rack housing that surrounds one side of the rack bar, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the driving member 21 can be coupled to the magnet 110, and the fixed member 22 can be coupled to the first collector 1120, the second collector 1130, the first sensor 140, and the second sensor 150.

[0116] The magnet 110 generates a magnetic field. The magnet 110 has an N pole and an S pole. The N pole and the S pole may be arranged in one direction. The magnet 110 may move linearly together with the driving member 21.

[0117] The first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 are arranged to correspond to the path through which the magnet 110 moves. Therefore, each of the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 can be formed as two members with a gap formed therebetween. In addition, the magnet 110 is movably arranged in the gap.

[0118] The first collector 1120 includes a first surface 1120a, which is a surface facing the magnet 110. In this case, the width of the first surface 1120a can decrease at a predetermined rate in the direction of movement of the magnet 110. Furthermore, the second collector 1130 includes a second surface 1130a, which is a surface facing the magnet 110. In this case, the width of the second surface 1130a can increase at a predetermined rate in the direction of movement of the magnet 110. In this case, the magnet 110 can move within the gap and generate a magnetic field, and each of the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 can collect the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 110. In this case, the magnitude of the magnetic field, that is, the magnetic flux collected by the first collector 1120, can vary depending on the area of ​​the first surface 1120a. Furthermore, the magnitude of the magnetic field, that is, the magnetic flux collected by the second collector 1130, can vary depending on the area of ​​the second surface 1130a.

[0119] The first surface 1120a and the second surface 1130a are arranged to be spaced apart from the magnet 110 in the third direction. Furthermore, the width of each of the first surface 1120a and the second surface 1130a facing the magnet 110 can vary depending on the direction of movement of the magnet 110. The first surface 1120a may include a region where the width decreases from one side toward the other. Conversely, the second surface 1130a may include a region where the width increases from one side toward the other. For example, in the direction in which the magnet 110 moves, the width of the first surface 1120a may increase, while the width of the second surface 1130a may decrease. In other words, the width of the second surface 1130a may decrease by the same amount as the width of the first surface 1120a increases. Therefore, even when the magnet 110 moves in the second direction and is positioned at any position, the sum of the widths of the first surface 1120a facing the magnet 110 and the second surface 1130a facing the magnet 110 can remain constant.

[0120] Each of the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can detect the magnitude of the magnetic field, that is, detect the magnetic flux density collected by one of the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130. The first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can detect the position of the magnet 110 by the difference between the magnetic flux density detected by the first collector 1120 and the magnetic flux density detected by the second collector 1130. In this case, the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can be set at opposite sides relative to the magnet 110. Figure 11As illustrated in FIG, the magnet 110 may be disposed between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 along the second direction. The first sensor 140 may be disposed to correspond to the first collector 1120, and the second sensor 150 may be disposed to correspond to the second collector 1130.

[0121] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment, and Figure 14 It's a picture Figure 13 Magnified view of part B.

[0122] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the magnet 110 may be divided into a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be arranged along a first direction. In this case, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may have the same size.

[0123] The first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 can be arranged along the first direction. The first collector 1120 can be arranged adjacent to the first portion P1 of the magnet 110. For example, the first collector 1120 can be arranged to surround the first portion P1, which serves as the upper end portion of the magnet 110. In this case, the first surface 1120a of the first collector 1120 can be arranged to face the first portion P1. In addition, the second collector 1130 can be arranged adjacent to the second portion P2 of the magnet 110. For example, the second collector 1130 can be arranged to surround the second portion P2, which serves as the lower end portion of the magnet 110. The second surface 1130a of the second collector 1130 can be arranged to face the second portion P2.

[0124] The first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. In this case, a first gap G11 may be formed between the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130. The size of the first gap G11 may be smaller than the length (height) of the magnet 110 in the first direction. In addition, the sum T of the thickness of the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 in the first direction and the size of the first gap G11 may be smaller than the length of the magnet 110 in the first direction (see FIG. Figure 13 ). Therefore, end portions of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be exposed from the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 .

[0125] Figure 15 is a plan view illustrating a sensing device according to a second embodiment.

[0126] Reference Figure 15, the first collector 1120 may include a first leg portion 1121 and a second leg portion 1122 .

[0127] The first leg portion 1121 and the second leg portion 1122 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. A gap G12 can be formed between the first leg portion 1121 and the second leg portion 1122. In addition, the magnet 110 can be arranged in a movably manner within the gap G12. Therefore, the magnet 110 can move along the third direction within the gap G12. In this case, the width W1 of the magnet 110 can be less than the width of the gap G12. According to this embodiment, the width W1 of the magnet 110 in the third direction can be in the range of 15mm to 25mm. In addition, the width of the gap G12 can be in the range of 17mm to 27mm. In addition, each of the first leg portion 1121 and the second leg portion 1122 can include a first surface 1120a arranged to face the magnet 110. In this case, the first surface 1120a can be spaced apart from the magnet 110.

[0128] Meanwhile, the second collector 1130 may include a third leg portion 1131 and a fourth leg portion 1132 .

[0129] The third leg portion 1131 and the fourth leg portion 1132 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. A gap can be formed between the third leg portion 1131 and the fourth leg portion 1132. In addition, the magnet 110 can be movably arranged in the gap. The gap between the third leg portion 1131 and the fourth leg portion 1132 can be the same size as the gap between the first leg portion 1121 and the second leg portion 1122. In addition, each of the third leg portion 1131 and the fourth leg portion 1132 can include a second surface 1130a arranged to face the magnet 110. The second surface 1130a can be spaced apart from the magnet 110. Therefore, a portion of the first collector 1120 can overlap with the second collector 1130 along the first direction.

[0130] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a side view illustrating a first collector of the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0131] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17, the first collector 1120 may include a pair of first portions 1120-1, a pair of second portions 1120-2, and a pair of third portions 1120-3. In this case, the first portion 1120-1, the second portion 1120-2, and the third portion 1120-3 may be arranged along the second direction. In addition, each of the pair of first portions 1120-1, the pair of second portions 1120-2, and the pair of third portions 1120-3 may be arranged to face each other.

[0132] A pair of first parts 1120-1 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. A pair of first parts 1120-1 can be arranged to be parallel to each other. In this case, the magnet 110 can move between the pair of first parts 1120-1. The thickness of each first part in the first part 1120-1 varies according to its position in the second direction. That is, the width of the first part 1120-1 in the first direction varies according to its position in the second direction. Therefore, the thickness of the first part 1120-1 can vary linearly. In this case, the thickness of the first part 1120-1 of the first collector 1120 can be referred to as the first thickness, and the first collector 1120 can include an area where the first thickness decreases from one side toward the other side.

[0133] Meanwhile, the first portion 1120-1 may have a maximum thickness T11 and a minimum thickness T12. Figure 16 As shown in FIG, the thickness of the end portion of the first portion 1120-1 connected to one of the second portions 1120-2 may be a maximum thickness T11. Furthermore, the thickness of the end portion of the first portion 1120-1 located on the opposite side of the second portion 1120-2 may be a minimum thickness T12. According to this embodiment, the maximum thickness T11 may be in the range of 10 mm to 15 mm. Furthermore, the minimum thickness T12 may be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0134] Since the thickness of the first portion 1120-1 changes linearly, the first portion 1120-1 may include a first inclined surface 1120S. In this case, the first inclined surface 1120S may be disposed to face the second collector 1130. In addition, the first inclined surface 1120S may have a first inclination angle ∠a1 relative to the second direction. According to the present embodiment, the first inclination angle ∠a1 may be in the range of 1 to 5 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] The second portion 1120-2 extends from the first portion 1120-1. The second portion 1120-2 may connect the first portion 1120-1 to one of the third portions 1120-3. The thickness of the second portion 1120-2 may be smaller than the maximum thickness T11 of the first portion 1120-1.

[0136] The third portion 1120-3 extends from the second portion 1120-2. In this case, the first sensor 140 can be disposed between the pair of third portions 1120-3. The thickness T13 of the third portion 1120-3 can be less than the maximum thickness T11 of the first portion 1120-1. The distance between the pair of third portions 120-2 can be less than the distance between the pair of first portions 1120-1. In addition, the distance between the pair of third portions 1120-3 can be greater than the width of the first sensor 140.

[0137] The length L1 of the first portion 1120-1 in the second direction may be greater than the length L2 of the second portion 1120-2 in the second direction. In addition, the length L2 of the second portion 1120-2 in the second direction may be greater than the length L3 of the third portion 1120-3 in the second direction. In this case, the length L1 of the first portion 1120-1 in the second direction may correspond to the movement distance of the magnet 110. According to this embodiment, the length L1 of the first portion 1120-1 in the second direction may be in the range of 250 mm to 350 mm.

[0138] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a side view illustrating a second collector of the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0139] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 , the second collector 1130 may be formed to have the same shape as the first collector 1120 .

[0140] The second collector 1130 may include a pair of fourth portions 1130-1, a pair of fifth portions 1130-2, and a pair of sixth portions 1130-3. In this case, the fourth portion 1130-1, the fifth portion 1130-2, and the sixth portion 1130-3 may be arranged along the second direction.

[0141] A pair of fourth portions 1130-1 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. A pair of fourth portions 1130-1 can be arranged to be parallel to each other. In this case, the magnet 110 can move between the pair of fourth portions 1130-1. The thickness of each fourth portion in the fourth portion 1130-1 varies according to its position in the second direction. That is, the width of each fourth portion in the fourth portion 1130-1 in the first direction varies according to its position in the second direction. Therefore, the thickness of the fourth portion 1130-1 can vary linearly. In this case, the thickness of the fourth portion 1130-1 of the second collector 1130 can be referred to as the second thickness, and the second collector 1130 can include as many regions in which the second thickness increases as the first thickness decreases. Therefore, the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness in the direction of motion of the magnet 110 is constant.

[0142] Meanwhile, the fourth portion 1130-1 may have a maximum thickness T14 and a minimum thickness T15. The thickness of the end portion of the fourth portion 1130-1 connected to one of the fifth portions 1130-2 may be the maximum thickness T14. Furthermore, the thickness of the end portion of the fourth portion 1130-1 located on the opposite side of the fifth portion 1130-2 may be the minimum thickness T15. According to this embodiment, the maximum thickness T14 may be in the range of 10 mm to 15 mm. Furthermore, the minimum thickness T15 may be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0143] The fourth portion 1130-1 may include a second inclined surface 1130S. The second inclined surface 1130S may be disposed to face the first collector 1120. The second inclined surface 1130S may have a second inclined angle ∠a2 relative to the second direction. The second inclined angle ∠a2 may be formed in the opposite direction of the first inclined angle ∠a1. The second inclined angle ∠a2 may be the same as the first inclined angle ∠a1. According to the present embodiment, the second inclined angle ∠a2 may be in the range of 1 degree to 5 degrees, but is not limited thereto. Figure 14 , the first inclined surface 1120S and the second inclined surface 1130S may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other and face each other. In this case, a first gap G11 may be formed between the first inclined surface 1120S and the second inclined surface 1130S.

[0144] The fifth portion 1130-2 extends from each of the pair of fourth portions 1130-1. In this case, the fifth portion 1130-2 can connect the fourth portion 1130-1 with one of the sixth portions 1130-3. The thickness of the fifth portion 1130-2 can be less than the maximum thickness T14 of the fourth portion 1130-1.

[0145] The sixth portion 1130-3 extends from the fifth portion 1130-2. In this case, the second sensor 150 can be disposed between the pair of sixth portions 1130-3. The thickness T16 of the sixth portion 1130-3 can be less than the maximum thickness T14 of the fourth portion 1130-1. Furthermore, the distance between the pair of sixth portions 1130-3 can be less than the distance between the pair of fourth portions 1130-1. However, the distance between the pair of sixth portions 1130-3 can be greater than the width of the second sensor 150.

[0146] The length L4 of the fourth portion 1130-1 in the second direction may be greater than the length L5 of the fifth portion 1130-2 in the second direction. In addition, the length L5 of the fifth portion 1130-2 in the second direction may be greater than the length L6 of the sixth portion 1130-3 in the second direction. In this case, the length L4 of the fourth portion 1130-1 in the second direction may correspond to the movement distance of the magnet 110. According to the present embodiment, the length L4 of the fourth portion 1130-1 in the second direction may be in the range of 250 mm to 350 mm.

[0147] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the first collector may be formed to include an area whose width of the facing surface increases as it moves away from the first sensor 140. In this case, the first portion may have a shape whose thickness increases as it moves away from the second portion. In addition, the maximum thickness of the first portion may be the thickness of the end portion provided at the opposite side of the second portion. The minimum thickness of the first portion may be the thickness of the end portion connected to the second portion. In addition, the second collector may also be formed to include an area whose width of the facing surface increases as it moves away from the second sensor 150, so as to correspond to the first collector. That is, the sensing device according to the present embodiment may be varied and modified as long as it has a shape in which the width of the facing surface of the first collector and the width of the facing surface of the second collector change linearly according to the movement of the magnet 110. The sensing device can improve sensing accuracy by reducing magnetic leakage and the influence of external magnetic fields, and reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying components.

[0148] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a path through which a magnet moves in the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0149] Reference Figure 20, the magnet 110 moves linearly along the second direction. In this case, the magnet 110 may start to move from an initial position that is the midpoint between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150. In this case, the position of the magnet 110 can be determined by the difference between the position of the magnet detected using the first collector 1120 and the position of the magnet detected using the second collector 1130. For example, the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 can detect the position of the magnet 110 by using the difference between the magnetic flux density detected by the first collector 1120 and the magnetic flux density detected by the second collector 1130.

[0150] The sensing device may be divided into a first area a1, a second area a2, and a third area a3.

[0151] The first area a1 may include a movement path of the magnet 110. In the first area a1, the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 may overlap along the first direction. The magnet 110 may move between a first position S11 and a second position S12.

[0152] The first position S11 may be located closest to the first sensor 140. In this case, the first position S11 and the first sensor 140 may be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, at the first position S11, the facing surface of the first collector 1120 may have its greatest width. In other words, the thickness of the first collector 1120 in the first direction may be greatest at the first position S11. Furthermore, the width of the facing surface of the first collector 1120 may decrease, and the thickness of the first collector 1120 in the first direction may decrease as it moves away from the first position S11. Meanwhile, the second position S12 may be located closest to the second sensor 150. The second position S12 and the second sensor 150 may be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, at the second position S12, the facing surface of the second collector 1130 may have its greatest width. In other words, the thickness of the second collector 1130 in the first direction may be greatest at the second position S12. The width of the facing surface of the second collector 1130 may decrease, and the thickness of the second collector 1130 in the first direction may decrease as it moves away from the second position S12. According to the present embodiment, the length of the first area a1 may be in the range of 250 mm to 350 mm.

[0153] The second area a2 is provided at one side of the first area a1. The first sensor 140 is provided in the second area a2. Only the first collector 1120 may be provided in the second area a2. In addition, the movement of the magnet 110 may be restricted in the second area a2. In this case, the length of the second area a2 may be less than the length of the first area a1.

[0154] The third area a3 is located on the other side of the first area a1. The third area a3 is spaced apart from the second area a2, with the first area a1 positioned between the third area a3 and the second area a2. The second sensor 150 is located in the third area a3. Only the second collector 1130 may be located in the third area a3. Furthermore, the movement of the magnet 110 may be restricted in the third area a3. In this case, the length of the third area a3 may be less than that of the first area a1.

[0155] The first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 may have a first point C11 and a second point C12 in the first area a1. At the first point C11 and the second point C12, the area of ​​the surface of the first collector 1120 that is arranged to face the magnet 110 and the area of ​​the surface of the second collector 130 that is arranged to face the magnet 110 may be the same. That is, at the midpoint between the first sensor 140 and the second sensor 150 in the second direction, the first thickness and the second thickness may be the same. In this case, when an imaginary straight line passing through the first point C11 and the second point C12 and extending along the third direction is defined as the imaginary line CL, the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130 are arranged in a symmetrical manner relative to the imaginary line CL. In addition, the initial position of the magnet 110 is set on the imaginary line CL.

[0156] Figure 21 : is a diagram showing a flow of a magnetic field due to a magnet in the sensing device according to the second embodiment.

[0157] Reference Figure 21 In the sensing device, magnetic field flows are generated in different directions according to the movement of the magnet 110. In this case, the first magnetic field M1 and the second magnetic field M2 may be formed in the first collector 1120 and the second collector 1130.

[0158] The first magnetic field M1 can be directed from the initial position of the magnet 110 along the first collector 1120 to the first sensor 140. In addition, the first magnetic field M1 can also be directed from the first sensor 140 along the first collector 1120 to the initial position of the magnet 110. In addition, the second magnetic field M2 can be directed from the initial position of the magnet 110 along the second collector 1130 to the second sensor 150. In addition, the second magnetic field M2 can also be directed from the second sensor 150 along the second collector 130 to the initial position of the magnet 110. In this case, the first magnetic field M1 and the second magnetic field M2 can be generated in opposite directions from the initial position of the magnet 110. For example, at the initial position, the first magnetic field M1 can be generated in a counterclockwise direction, and the second magnetic field M2 can be generated in a clockwise direction.

[0159] Figure 22is a graph showing the results of measuring magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state where no external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device, and Figure 23 is a graph showing the result of measuring the magnetic flux density using the sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state in which an external magnetic field is introduced into the sensing device.

[0160] In each of the graphs, the vertical axis may represent magnetic flux density, and the horizontal axis may represent displacement of the magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic flux density detected using the first collector 1120 is indicated by a first flux F11, and the magnetic flux density detected using the second collector 1130 is indicated by a second flux F12.

[0161] Reference Figure 22 In sensing device 100a according to this embodiment, it can be seen that the magnetic flux density of first flux F11 changes according to the displacement of the magnet, and second magnetic flux F12 changes inversely proportional to the change in the value of first flux F1. In this case, first flux F11 and second flux F12 can have shapes that are symmetrically curved relative to the point where the displacement of the magnet is zero. Therefore, it can be seen that the difference F11-F12 between first flux F11 and second flux F12 decreases or increases linearly according to the change in the magnet.

[0162] At the same time, refer to Figure 23 Although both the first flux F11 and the second flux F12 are offset by the introduction of the external magnetic field, the difference (F11-F12) between the first flux F11 and the second flux F12 is not affected. The sensing device according to this embodiment can maintain the linearity of the magnetic flux and more accurately detect the displacement of the magnet by improving the linearity of the magnetic flux even when an external magnetic field is applied.

[0163] The above embodiments have been described using examples applicable to, but not limited to, vehicle steering structures. The present invention relates to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and can be applied to various applications, such as buildings, facility management, home appliances, hydraulic machinery, measurement systems, aviation machinery, medical devices, manufacturing plants, inspection and testing systems, and mechanical equipment.

[0164] Reference numerals

[0165] 20: Vehicle steering structure, 21: Driving member, 22: Fixed member, 110: Magnet, 120, 1120: First collector, 130, 1130: Second collector, 140: First sensor, 150: Second sensor.

Claims

1. A sensing device comprising: magnet; a first collector disposed to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves; a second collector disposed to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves; a first sensor disposed at one side of the first collector; as well as a second sensor disposed at one side of the second collector, The first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion arranged along the moving direction of the magnet, The second collector includes a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion arranged along the movement direction of the magnet, Each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, Each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, The facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface decreases from one side toward the other side, and The facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface increases from one side toward the other side.

2. The sensing device according to claim 1, in, The third leg portion and the fourth leg portion of the second collector are arranged so that the magnet is interposed between the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion.

3. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein: the width of the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion decreases at a constant rate; and The width of the facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion increases as much as the width of the facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion decreases.

4. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein The first collector comprises: a pair of first portions, the magnet moving between the pair of first portions; a pair of third portions, the first sensor being disposed between the pair of third portions; and A pair of second parts connects the pair of first parts and the pair of third parts.

5. The sensing device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first portions has a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness, and The maximum thickness of the first portion is greater than a thickness of each of the second portion and the third portion.

6. The sensing device according to claim 4, wherein: A distance between the pair of third portions is smaller than a distance between the pair of first portions.

7. The sensing device according to claim 6, wherein: A distance between the pair of first portions is greater than a width of the magnet; and A distance between the pair of third portions is greater than a width of the first sensor.

8. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein The gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a region where the size of the gap increases from one side toward the other side.

9. A sensing device comprising: magnet; a first collector and a second collector, the first collector and the second collector being arranged to correspond to a path through which the magnet moves; a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed on the first collector; as well as a second sensor, the second sensor being disposed on the second collector, The first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion arranged along the moving direction of the magnet, The second collector includes a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion arranged along the movement direction of the magnet, The first sensor and the second sensor are disposed at opposite sides relative to the magnet, The magnet includes a first portion and a second portion arranged along a first direction, the first collector being disposed adjacent to the first portion of the magnet, the second collector being disposed adjacent to the second portion of the magnet, The first collector has a first thickness in the first direction, The second collector has a second thickness in the first direction, The first collector includes a region where the first thickness decreases from one side toward the other side, The second collector includes a region where the second thickness increases as much as the first thickness decreases, and A gap between the first collector and the second collector is smaller than a height of the magnet in the first direction.

10. The sensing device according to claim 9, in, Each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, Each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, The facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface decreases from the first sensor toward the second sensor, and The facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface increases from the second sensor toward the first sensor.

11. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein The first collector and the second collector are respectively disposed at one side and the other side in a symmetrical manner with respect to an initial position of the magnet.

12. The sensing device according to claim 9, wherein The sum of the first thickness and the second thickness in the moving direction of the magnet is constant.

13. The sensing device according to claim 12, wherein: The first thickness and the second thickness are the same at a midpoint between the first sensor and the second sensor.

14. The sensing device according to claim 12, wherein: the first collector includes a first inclined surface formed on a surface facing the second collector and having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the moving direction of the magnet; and The second collector includes a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface and having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the moving direction of the magnet.

15. The sensing device according to claim 14, wherein: The first inclined surface has a first inclination angle relative to the movement direction of the magnet; The second inclined surface has a second inclination angle relative to the movement direction of the magnet; and The first inclination angle and the second inclination angle are arranged in opposite directions.

16. A sensing device comprising: magnet; a first collector disposed around an upper end portion of the magnet; as well as a second collector disposed around a lower end portion of the magnet, The first collector includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion arranged along the moving direction of the magnet, The second collector includes a third leg portion and a fourth leg portion arranged along the movement direction of the magnet, The first collector includes a first surface facing the upper end portion of the magnet, the second collector comprising a second surface facing the lower end portion of the magnet, The width of the first surface continuously decreases along the movement direction of the magnet, The width of the second surface increases continuously along the movement direction of the magnet, and The position of the magnet is detected by a difference between a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by a first sensor and a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by a second sensor.

17. The sensing device according to claim 16, comprising: a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed on the first collector; as well as a second sensor, the second sensor being disposed on the second collector, wherein each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, Each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a facing surface arranged to face the magnet, The facing surface of each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface decreases from the first sensor toward the second sensor, and The facing surface of each of the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion includes a region where a width of the facing surface decreases from the second sensor toward the first sensor.

18. The sensing device according to claim 16, comprising: First sensor; as well as Second sensor, The position of the magnet is detected by a difference between a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the first sensor and a magnetic flux density of the magnet detected by the second sensor.

19. The sensing device according to claim 16, comprising: First sensor; as well as Second sensor, wherein the initial position of the magnet is the center between the first sensor and the second sensor, and As the magnet moves from the initial position of the magnet, the width of the first surface facing the magnet continuously decreases, and the width of the second surface facing the magnet continuously increases.

20. The sensing device according to claim 19, wherein Even when the magnet moves from the initial position of the magnet, the sum of the width of the first surface and the width of the second surface is constant.

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