Angle sensor and rotating apparatus

Abstract

An angle sensor (1) is provided with: a rotor (2) having a plurality of protrusions (11) extending in the radial direction; a base (3); and a lead wire (4) that is covered. A lead wire (4) provided on a structural surface (3a) of a base (3) has a planar shape having a plurality of undulations in the radial direction, and a protrusion (11) faces the lead wire (4) in the direction of an axis (x).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to angle sensors and rotating devices, and particularly to inductive angle sensors and rotating devices equipped with inductive angle sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, various sensors have been used to detect the rotation angle of motors, etc. Among such angle sensors for detecting rotation angles are inductive sensors (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-200106 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] There is room for improvement in the detection accuracy of traditional inductive sensors.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an angle sensor and a rotation device that can improve detection accuracy.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] An angle sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rotor having a plurality of protrusions extending radially; a base; and a wire, which is covered and disposed on the surface of the base, the wire forming a planar shape having a plurality of undulations radially, the protrusions being opposite the wire in the direction of rotation axis. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the structure of an angle sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a side view that roughly represents the structure of the angle sensor.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a front view that roughly represents the structure of the rotor in the angle sensor.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a front view that roughly represents the structure of the base in the angle sensor.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a front view of a rotor, representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a front view of a rotor, representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a front view of a rotor, representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of a rotor representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of a rotor representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of a protrusion.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of a protrusion.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a raised cross-sectional view representing a modified example of a metallic body.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of a rotor, representing a modified example of a rotor.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a front view of a base, representing a variation of the base.

[0025] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of a specific example of a rotating device used as an angle sensor.

[0026] Figure 16 It means Figure 15 A perspective view of the front end of the rotating shaft and its vicinity in the rotating device shown.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a specific example of the rotor of an angle sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the drawings, for multiple components, sometimes not all components are labeled, and some of the labels for multiple components are omitted. Figure 1 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the structure of an angle sensor 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view that schematically represents the structure of angle sensor 1. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a front view that roughly represents the structure of the rotor 2 in the angle sensor 1. Figure 4 This is a front view that roughly represents the structure of the base 3 in the angle sensor 1. (Example) Figures 1-4As shown, the angle sensor 1 includes: a rotor 2 having a plurality of radially extending protrusions 11; a base 3; and a wire 4, which is covered. The wire 4, provided on the surface 3a of the base 3 (hereinafter referred to as the structural surface), forms a planar shape with a plurality of radial undulations, and the protrusions 11 are opposite to the wire 4 in the x-direction of the rotation axis (hereinafter referred to as the axis). The structure of the angle sensor 1 will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the x-axis is the rotation axis of the angle sensor 1. Furthermore, the radial direction is orthogonal to the x-axis. Figure 1 The rotor 2 and base 3 are shown in a defined positional relationship. This defined positional relationship is an example of the positional relationship between rotor 2 and base 3 when angle sensor 1 is assembled in the application state. In the use state of angle sensor 1, rotor 2 and base 3 are opposite each other in the x-axis direction.

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, rotor 2 is a disc-shaped component having, as described above, a plurality of protrusions 11 extending radially. Furthermore, for example... Figures 1-3 As shown, the rotor 2 has a ring 12. The ring 12 is a portion extending in a ring shape around the axis x. Multiple protrusions 11 are connected to the outer periphery 12a of the ring 12. Furthermore, the ring 12 has an inner peripheral surface 12b. The inner peripheral surface 12b is a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x, opposite to the outer peripheral portion 12a. A through hole extending along the axis x is formed in the inner peripheral surface 12b within the ring 12. Figures 1-3 As shown, an opening 13 is provided between two adjacent protrusions 11 of a plurality of protrusions 11. The opening 13 forms a space between two adjacent protrusions 11 that extends through the rotor 2 along the x-axis. The plurality of protrusions 11 are arranged, for example, at equal or approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction about the x-axis. Figure 3 As shown, the multiple protrusions 11 have a fan-shaped or roughly fan-shaped shape.

[0030] The protrusion 11 has a conductor in at least a portion thereof. The conductor can be any component with a conductive linear member, such as a metal body 10 formed of metal. It should be noted that a component with a conductive member is one capable of generating so-called eddy currents or induced currents (currents) in one plane. As an example, the protrusion 11 is entirely formed of metal. That is, the protrusion 11 is entirely a metal body 10. Furthermore, as an example, the ring 12 is formed of the same metal as the plurality of protrusions 11; as an example, the rotor 2 is an integrally formed metal body 10. It should be noted that it is also possible for the plurality of protrusions 11 and the ring 12 to be formed separately, with the plurality of protrusions 11 connected to the ring 12 to form the rotor 2. In this case, the ring 12 can also be formed of a different material than the protrusions 11. For example, the ring 12 can also be formed of a resin material.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the base 3 is a plate-shaped component with portions opposite to the plurality of protrusions 11 of the rotor 2 in the x-axis direction. The base 3 is an insulating component, for example, a component made of resin. The base 3 is made of, for example, resin material, non-magnetic material, non-conductive material, etc. It should be noted that non-magnetic materials may also be non-conductive.

[0032] The base 3 has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, a surface, and a back surface, which serve as side surfaces. Prescribed structures (e.g., multiple protrusions 21, annular protrusions 22, etc., described later) are formed on the surface of the base 3. The surface of the base 3 is the aforementioned structural surface 3a. This structural surface 3a is the surface facing the rotor 2 in the x-axis direction. Multiple protrusions 21 extending from the base 3 toward the rotor 2 are provided on the structural surface 3a. The multiple protrusions 21 are located on the portion of the structural surface 3a that faces the multiple protrusions 11 or multiple openings 13 of the rotor 2 in the x-axis direction. For example, the multiple protrusions 21 extend along the x-axis, and their radial positions overlap with the radial positions of the protrusions 11.

[0033] For example Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, multiple protrusions 21 are formed around axis x and arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals (equiangular or approximately equiangular intervals in the illustrated example). Furthermore, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the base 3 has an annular protrusion 22 radially outward of a plurality of protrusions 21 in the structural surface 3a. The protrusion 22 is an annular cylindrical portion protruding from the structural surface 3a. An excitation circuit 5, described later, is formed in the protrusion 22. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the base 3 has an opening 23 on the radially inner side of a plurality of protrusions 21. The opening 23 forms a hole through the base 3.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the base 3 includes, for example, a substrate 24. The substrate 24 is, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate 24 has electronic components 24a, wiring 24b, and terminals 24c, etc. The electronic components 24a and terminals 24c are disposed on the substrate 24. In addition, wiring 24b, which electrically connects the wires 4, electronic components 24a, and terminals 24c, is formed on the substrate 24. Terminals 24c are used to electrically connect the wires 4 and the substrate 24 to an external device.

[0035] As described above, the conductor 4 is formed on the structural surface 3a of the base 3 with a planar shape having multiple undulations in the radial direction. The conductor 4 is, for example, a magnetic conductor. Figure 4 As shown, the conductor 4 is wound around each protrusion 21, thereby forming a planar shape with multiple undulations in the radial direction. For example, the conductor 4 forms multiple loop coils 31 around the axis x along the multiple protrusions 21, forming a coil structure 30 on the base 3. The coil structure 30 is a cylindrical planar shape formed by multiple coils 31 arranged and connected in the circumferential direction around the axis x. The conductor is electrically insulated, for example, by being covered with an insulating material (insulating film or coating).

[0036] Specifically, for example, on one side facing circumferentially, for each of two adjacent protrusions 21, the wire 4 is alternately wound around the protrusion 21 from one radial side and the other radial side, folded back after one revolution around the multiple protrusions 21, and the wire 4 is wound around the protrusion 21 in the same manner on the other side facing circumferentially, forming a coil structure 30. In this case, each coil 31 is formed around two protrusions 21.

[0037] For example Figure 4 As shown, the angle sensor 1 has two coil structures 30 (30a, 30b). Coil structure 30a has a coil 31a, which is the aforementioned coil 31, and coil structure 30b has a coil 31b, which is the aforementioned coil 31. Coil structures 30a and 30b form the same or substantially the same planar shape. In the base 3, coil structures 30a and 30b overlap in the x-axis direction. In coil structures 30a and 30b, a portion of the space enclosed by coil 31a is offset circumferentially from a portion of the space enclosed by coil 31b, and another portion of the space enclosed by coil 31a overlaps circumferentially with another portion of the space enclosed by coil 31b. Specifically, the space enclosed by coil 31a is located at a position offset circumferentially from the space enclosed by coil 31b by half the width of the space enclosed by coil 31a. It should be noted that the number of coils 31 in the coil structure 30 corresponds to the axial multiple angle set in the angle sensor 1. Furthermore, the number of coil structures 30 corresponds to the number of detection signals output by the angle sensor 1.

[0038] In the above example, each coil 31a and 31b is formed around two protrusions 21. Furthermore, coil configurations 30a and 30b are offset from each other by one protrusion 21 in the circumferential direction. However, each coil 31a and 31b is not limited to being formed around two protrusions 21; it can also be formed around other numbers of protrusions 21. Furthermore, the case where the wire 4 is wound once has been described, but the winding method of the wire 4 is not limited to this; it can also be wound twice or more. In other words, the coil formed by winding the wire 4 can have multiple layers, such as two, three, four, or five layers, in addition to having one layer in the radial or axial x-direction. In this case, compared to the case of one layer or one coil, the output signal or the detected signal (e.g., the amplitude of the signal waveform) can be amplified.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, an excitation circuit 5 is mounted on the protrusion 22 of the base 3. The excitation circuit 5 is formed by winding a wire around the protrusion 22. The wire is made of a conductive component. The excitation circuit 5 is a magnetic circuit that generates periodically changing magnetic flux acting on multiple coils 31 respectively, and the wire forming the excitation circuit 5 is electrically connected to the substrate 24 or the electronic component 24a. The wire is electrically insulated, for example, by being covered with an insulating material (insulating film or coating). The electrical insulation of the wire allows it to be wound in contact with each other, reducing the area of ​​the winding portion.

[0040] The rotor 2 and base 3 form an inductive angle sensor, and multiple coils 30 form detection coils. Furthermore, a magnetic space or gap is formed between the rotor 2 and base 3. In the angle sensor 1, a magnetic flux of periodically varying magnitude in the x-axis direction acts from the excitation circuit 5 onto the multiple coils 31. On the other hand, multiple protrusions 11 (metal bodies 10), as described above, are arranged circumferentially around the x-axis and traverse the magnetic flux generated by the excitation circuit 5 as the rotor 2 rotates. Furthermore, the projection of the protrusions 11 (metal bodies 10) with radially extending portions onto the coils 31 in the x-axis direction moves as the rotor 2 rotates. Therefore, the magnetic flux from the excitation circuit 5 acting on the multiple radial undulations of the planar shape formed by the wire 4, i.e., the multiple coils 31, is canceled out by the eddy currents generated by the protrusions 11 (metal bodies 10), thus causing the magnetic flux to change periodically with the rotation of the rotor 2. Thus, through electromagnetic induction, an electromotive force that varies with the rotation of the rotor 2 is generated in the multiple coils 31, and the signal that varies with the rotation of the rotor 2 is detected from the wire 4. Based on the detection signal from the wire 4, the rotation angle of the rotor 2 is detected in the circuit device.

[0041] Next, a modified example of the metal body 10 will be described. In the example above, the protrusion 11 is integrally formed into the metal body 10, but as mentioned above, it is also possible for the protrusion 11 to have a conductor in at least a portion thereof, and for a portion of the protrusion 11 to be a metal body 10. For example, the rotor 2 has a plurality of metal bodies 10, which are respectively mounted on the portions of the plurality of protrusions 11 that are opposite to the base 3 in the x-axis direction. Specifically, for example, the plurality of metal bodies 10 are respectively located in portions (hereinafter referred to as opposing portions) 11a of the plurality of protrusions 11. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the opposing portions 11a of the plurality of protrusions 11 have a surface facing the base 3 in the x-axis direction. This surface of the opposing portion 11a is, for example, a plane or a substantially plane. Furthermore, specifically, for example, a plurality of metal bodies 10 are respectively embedded inside the plurality of protrusions 11 or form part of the surface of the plurality of protrusions 11 opposite the base 3 and protrude from the protrusions 11. Alternatively, the plurality of metal bodies 10 may be respectively provided on the surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 11 opposite the base 3. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 11 and the ring 12 are insulating members. The plurality of protrusions 11 and the ring 12 are made, for example, of resin material, non-magnetic material, non-conductive material, etc. It should be noted that the non-magnetic material may also be non-conductive.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a front view of a rotor 2, representing an example of a metal body 10. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of metal bodies 10 are plate-shaped and have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The plurality of metal bodies 10 are respectively fixed to the opposing portions 11a of the protrusions 11. The radial positions of the plurality of metal bodies 10 overlap with the radial positions of the plurality of protrusions 21 of the base 3.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a front view of a rotor 2, representing an example of a metal body 10. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of metal bodies 10 are plate-shaped. The plurality of metal bodies 10 are respectively fixed to the opposing portions 11a of the protrusions 11. The radial positions of the plurality of metal bodies 10 overlap with the radial positions of the plurality of protrusions 21 of the base 3. Each metal body 10 has an outer peripheral surface (hereinafter referred to as an end face) 10a facing radially outward and an inner peripheral surface (hereinafter referred to as an end face) 10b facing radially inward. Figure 6 As shown, end face 10a is bent in a manner that protrudes radially outward, as... Figure 6 As shown, end face 10b is bent in a manner that protrudes radially inward. Furthermore, the two ends of end face 10a in the circumferential direction and the two ends of end face 10b in the circumferential direction are connected at acute angles at end 10c and end 10d, respectively.

[0044] like Figure 6As shown, regarding the circumferential direction of the metal body 10, for example, in a direction orthogonal to a circle of a predetermined radius centered on the axis x, the width (width W) of the end 10c is smaller than the width of the intermediate portion 10e located between the end 10c and the end 10d, and the width of the end 10d is smaller than the width of the intermediate portion 10e. For example, regarding the width W of the metal body 10, the width of the two ends 10f and 10g in the radial direction of the metal body 10 (the width of the intermediate portion 10e (width W0)) is the largest, and the width W decreases as it approaches the end 10c in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the width W decreases as it approaches the end 10d in the circumferential direction. The end faces 10a and 10b extend along mutually opposing curved surfaces (e.g., sine waves). In other words, the end faces 10a and 10b extend in directions that are inclined toward the end 10c or the end 10d and intersect.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a front view of rotor 2, representing an example of metal body 10. Alternatively, it could be... Figure 5 , Figure 6 The plurality of metal bodies 10, which are fixed to the opposing surfaces 11a of the plurality of protrusions 11, are electrically connected to each other via conductive components. Specifically, for example, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the rotor 2 has a connecting body 14, which is a ring-shaped conductive member fixed to the ring 12. Multiple metal bodies 10 are radially connected to the connecting body 14. The connecting body 14 is formed, for example, of the same metal as the metal bodies 10, and the multiple metal bodies 10 and the connecting body 14 are integral. It should be noted that the connecting body 14 may not be formed of the same metal as the metal bodies 10, but rather of a different conductive material. Alternatively, the multiple metal bodies 10 and the connecting body 14 may be formed separately and connected to each other. Furthermore, the connecting body 14 may not be a continuous ring-shaped member, but rather a member that extends intermittently in a ring shape and connects adjacent metal bodies 10 respectively. Additionally, the connecting body 14 may also be provided on multiple protrusions 11.

[0046] Figure 8 , Figure 9 This is a perspective view of rotor 2, representing another example of metal body 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, alternatively, multiple metal bodies 10 may be embedded within multiple protrusions 11. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, alternatively, a portion of the metal body 10 may protrude from the surface of the protrusion 11; alternatively, the entire metal body 10 may be embedded within the protrusion 11. Furthermore, the metal body 10 can be as follows: Figure 8 Extending flat as shown, or as Figure 9 It extends in a curved manner, as shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the metal body 10 is bent in a manner that protrudes toward the base 3.

[0047] Next, a modified example of the protrusion 11 will be described. In the example above, the opposing portion 11a of the protrusion 11 has a plane or a substantially plane, but the opposing portion 11a may also be as follows: Figure 10 , Figure 11 The diagram shows a surface that curves in a manner that protrudes towards the three sides of the base. It should be noted that... Figure 10 , Figure 11 A cross-section formed by the radially orthogonal surfaces of protrusion 11 is shown. Furthermore, Figure 10 The middle shows with Figures 5-7 Metal body 10 corresponding to metal body 10, Figure 11 The middle shows with Figure 9 The metal body 10 corresponding to the metal body 10. In the protrusion 11 of this modified example, as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the metal body 10 is bent along the opposing portion 11a. It should be noted that the curvature of the radially orthogonal section of the bent metal body 10 can be the same as or different from the curvature of the radially orthogonal section of the opposing portion 11a of the bent protrusion 11. In the case where the curvature of the radially orthogonal section of the bent metal body 10 is different from the curvature of the radially orthogonal section of the opposing portion 11a of the bent protrusion 11, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the ends 10c and 10d of the bent metal body 10 may also be embedded inside the opposing portion 11a of the bent protrusion 11. This structure prevents the metal body 10 from detaching from the rotor 2. Furthermore, since the ends 10c and 10f of the bent metal body 10 are embedded inside the opposing portion 11a of the bent protrusion 11, a portion of the bent metal body 10 is exposed, allowing for more precise adjustment of the air gap with the coil structure. This improves the detection accuracy of the angle sensor 1.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing another variation of rotor 2. Alternatively, the rotor 2 described above may be wholly or partially covered by insulating member 6. Insulating member 6 is, for example, a resin component. Insulating member 6 may be made of, for example, resin material, non-magnetic material, or non-conductive material. It should be noted that non-magnetic materials may also be non-conductive. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the insulating member 6 has a shape that covers the entire rotor 2 in the radial direction, for example, it has a disc-shaped shape. Furthermore, for example... Figure 13 As shown, the insulating member 6 covers the rotor 2 with multiple protrusions 11 exposed on its surface opposite the base 3. It should be noted that the insulating member 6 can also have other shapes.

[0049] Next, a modified example of the base 3 will be described. In the example described above, the wire 4 is wound around the surface of the plurality of protrusions 21 and exposed to the outside in the base 3, but the wire 4 wound around the plurality of protrusions 21 may also be surrounded or covered by the insulating member 25. For example Figure 14 As shown, the insulating member 25 is a covering layer that encloses the conductor 4 wound around the plurality of protrusions 21. In this case, the plurality of protrusions 11 are radially opposed to the conductor 4 across the insulating member 25.

[0050] The angle sensor 1 has the aforementioned structure, allowing for free design of the shape and number of protrusions 21, thereby enabling adjustment of the shape of the coil structure 30. This adjustment improves the accuracy of the angle sensor. Furthermore, the conductor 4, located on the structural surface 3a of the base 3, forms a planar shape with multiple radial undulations, creating a coil structure 30 formed by connecting multiple coils 31. Thus, the angle sensor 1 can form various coil structures 30 depending on the winding method of the conductor 4, increasing the freedom in arranging the multiple coils 31. Therefore, the angle sensor 1 can form desired coil structures 30 corresponding to various configurations, making the output waveform obtained from the detection signal detected from the conductor 4 approach a sine wave, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0051] Furthermore, the base 3 of the angle sensor 1 is formed of a different material than the substrate 24, which can reduce the size of the printed circuit board used in the angle sensor 1.

[0052] Furthermore, by embedding the metal body 10 and the wire 4 in components such as resin components, the durability of the metal body 10 and the wire 4 against oil, heat, and sand can be improved.

[0053] Next, the application of angle sensor 1 will be explained. Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of a specific example of a rotating device used as an angle sensor 1. Figure 15 In the diagram, a rotating device 50, as a specific example of a rotating device, is shown in a decomposed state. Furthermore, in... Figure 15 In the image, a portion of the structure of the rotating device 50 is shown in perspective.

[0054] like Figure 15 As shown, the rotating body 52 of the rotating device 50 includes an angle sensor 1, a rotating shaft 51, and a rotor 53. The rotating shaft 51 is fixed to the rotor 2 of the angle sensor 1, and the rotor 53 is fixed to the rotating shaft 51. In the rotating device 50, the axes of the rotating shaft 51 and the rotating body 52 are aligned with or approximately aligned with the axis x of the angle sensor 1. Therefore, in the following description, the axis of the rotating device 50 (rotating body 52) is defined as axis x, and the axes of the angle sensor 1 and the rotating shaft 51 are defined as axis x.

[0055] The rotating body 52 is, for example, an electric motor, which includes a rotor 53 and a stator 54, with a rotating shaft 51 fixed to the rotor 53. Furthermore, the electric motor 52 includes a frame 55. The frame 55 houses the rotor 53 and the stator 54. Additionally, the frame 55 has an opening 55a.

[0056] The opening 55a of frame 55 opens the interior space of frame 55 to the outside. Rotor 53 and stator 54 are housed within the interior space of frame 55. Furthermore, rotating shaft 51 protrudes from the opening 55a of frame 55. Figure 15 As shown, the frame 55 is, for example, a cylindrical component. The frame 55 has an annular end 55b surrounding the opening 55a, with the end 55b facing the x-axis.

[0057] The rotor 2 of the angle sensor 1 is fixed to the rotating shaft 51. One end of the rotating shaft 51 (hereinafter referred to as the front end) 51a passes through the rotor 2 and through the opening 23 of the base 3. The front end 51a of the rotating shaft 51 is supported, for example, in a rotatable manner by a bearing (not shown). Furthermore, the base 3 of the angle sensor 1 is supported, for example, by a support member (not shown). In the rotating device 50, as described above, the rotor 2 is located at a predetermined position relative to the base 3. The opposing surfaces 11a of the plurality of protrusions 11 of the rotor 2 are opposed to the plurality of coils 31 formed by the protrusions 21 of the base 3 and the planar shape of the wire 4, separated by a gap in the x-axis direction (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 4 It should be noted that, alternatively, the angle sensor 1 can be supported on the rotating device 50 with the base 3 positioned on the side of the rotating body 52 closer to the rotor 2. Furthermore, the rotating device 50 can have a cup-shaped protective cover (not shown), and the angle sensor 1 can be covered by this protective cover. Being covered by the protective cover provides additional waterproof and dustproof performance.

[0058] The rotating device 50 has the structure described above. When the rotating body 52 is driven to rotate and the rotating shaft 51 rotates, the rotor 2 of the angle sensor 1, which is fixed to the rotating shaft 51, rotates together with the rotating shaft 51 about the axis x. As a result, the metal body 10 of the rotor 2 rotates towards the coils 31 (31a, 31b) formed by the wires 4 of the base 3 of the angle sensor 1, and the magnetic flux from the excitation circuit 5 acting on the multiple coils 31 changes periodically. As a result, a signal that changes with the rotation of the rotor 2 is detected from the wires 4 that form the multiple coils 31. Based on the detection signal from the wires 4, the rotation angle of the rotor 2 is detected in a circuit device that is connected to the angle sensor 1.

[0059] Next, the fixing structure between the rotating shaft 51 in the rotating device 50 and the rotor 2 of the angle sensor 1 will be described. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the front end 51a of the rotation shaft 51 and its vicinity. Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a specific example of the rotor 2 of the angle sensor 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 16 As shown, a recess 51b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 51a of the rotating shaft 51. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown, the rotor 2 has a protrusion 15 that is accommodated in the recess 51b of the rotating shaft 51.

[0060] Specifically, for example Figure 16 As shown, a step is formed at the front end 51a of the rotating shaft 51. The rotating shaft 51 has a first outer peripheral surface 51c, a second outer peripheral surface 51d, and a third outer peripheral surface 51e. The first outer peripheral surface 51c is the main outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 51, and is a cylindrical surface extending from the front end 51a along the axis x to the other end of the rotating shaft 51. The second outer peripheral surface 51d and the third outer peripheral surface 51e are formed at the front end 51a. The second outer peripheral surface 51d is a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x and is adjacent to the first outer peripheral surface 51c. Furthermore, the third outer peripheral surface 51e is a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x and is adjacent to the second outer peripheral surface 51d on the opposite side of the first outer peripheral surface 51c.

[0061] like Figure 16 As shown, the second outer peripheral surface 51d has a radial width smaller than that of the first outer peripheral surface 51c, and a stepped surface 51f, which is an annular surface, is formed between the first outer peripheral surface 51c and the second outer peripheral surface 51d. Furthermore, the third outer peripheral surface 51e has a radial width smaller than that of the second outer peripheral surface 51d, and a stepped surface 51g, which is an annular surface, is formed between the second outer peripheral surface 51d and the third outer peripheral surface 51e. The stepped surfaces 51f and 51g face the x-axis.

[0062] like Figure 16As shown, a recess 51b is formed on the second outer peripheral surface 51d, and the second outer peripheral surface 51d has a recess 51b that serves as a groove recessed into the inner side of the rotation shaft 51. Furthermore, the recess 51b extends along the axis x. The recess 51b extends to the step surface 51g and opens at the step surface 51g. The recess 51b does not extend to the step surface 51f; that is, the recess 51b extends from the step surface 51g to the midway between the step surface 51g and the step surface 51f. The inner peripheral surface 12b of the rotor 2 is fixed to the second outer peripheral surface 51d. For example, a portion of the second outer peripheral surface 51d of the rotation shaft 51 is pressed into the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 12b of the rotor 2, and the inner peripheral surface 12b of the rotor 2 is fixed to the second outer peripheral surface 51d. The structure for fixing the rotor 2 to the outer peripheral surface 51d of the rotation shaft 51 is not limited to the structure described above that is fixed by pressing. For example, a portion of the second outer circumferential surface 51d of the rotating shaft 51 may enter the space enclosed by the inner circumferential surface 12b of the rotor 2, and the inner circumferential surface 12b of the rotor 2 may be bonded to the second outer circumferential surface 51d using an adhesive or the like, thereby fixing the inner circumferential surface 12b of the rotor 2 to the second outer circumferential surface 51d. Alternatively, the rotor 2 may be fixed by pressing in other components such as a metallic ring (not shown) between the stepped surface 51f of the rotating shaft 51 and the ring. When the ring is made of a metallic material, it can be made of the same material as the rotating shaft 51. In this case, the linear expansion coefficient of the ring is the same as that of the rotating shaft 51, thus preventing it from detaching due to thermal deformation. Furthermore, the ring may also be made of a different material than the rotating shaft 51.

[0063] As described above, the recess 51b does not extend to the stepped surface 51f, thus shortening the cutting time. Furthermore, the cutting area is reduced, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the rotating shaft 51.

[0064] like Figure 16 As shown, in the circumferential direction, portions of the first outer peripheral surface 51c and the third outer peripheral surface 51e at the location of the recess 51b are curved surfaces. The second outer peripheral surface 51d is, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface extending along the axis x, and the third outer peripheral surface 51e is, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface extending along the axis x.

[0065] like Figure 17 As shown, the protrusion 15 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 12b of the rotor 2. The protrusion 15 is the portion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 12b toward the inner circumferential side, for example... Figure 17 As shown, it extends along the x-axis from end face 16 to the midway between end face 16 and end face 17. It should be noted that the protrusion 15 may also extend to end face 17. It should be noted that end faces 16 and 17 are the faces of ring 12 facing the x-axis, and end faces 16 and 17 are opposite to each other.

[0066] As described above, when the rotor 2 is molded from resin material, it is easy to achieve a structure in which the protrusion 15 extends from end face 16 to the midway between end face 16 and end face 17, that is, a structure in which the protrusion 15 is molded smaller in the x-axis direction. This reduces the x-axis length of the recess 51b that accommodates the protrusion 15. It should be noted that the rotor 2 may not be entirely molded from resin material. For example, a portion of the ring 12 may be formed of resin, while the rest may not be formed of resin; or a portion of the ring 12 may be formed of a material other than resin, while the rest may be formed of resin.

[0067] The front end 51a of the rotating shaft 51 is inserted into the rotor 2 by means that the protrusion 15 of the rotor 2 enters the recess 51b of the rotating shaft 51, thereby positioning the rotor 2 in the circumferential direction relative to the rotating shaft 51 in a predetermined position. Thus, in this specific example, it is easy to position the rotor 2 in the circumferential direction relative to the rotating shaft 51 when it is fixed to the rotating shaft 51. With the rotor 2 fixed to the rotating shaft 51, the end face 17 of the rotor 2 contacts the stepped surface 51f of the rotating shaft 51. Alternatively, with the rotor 2 fixed to the rotating shaft 51, the end face 17 of the rotor 2 may not contact the stepped surface 51f of the rotating shaft 51.

[0068] It should be noted that, as is self-evident, the rotating body of the rotating device of the present invention includes rotating components such as motors, but also includes rotating bodies other than motors. For example, the rotating body of the rotating device of the present invention includes rotating bodies such as power steering devices, accelerator pedals, brake pedals, seat reclining devices, and electric parking devices of automobiles.

[0069] Furthermore, the base 3 is rectangular in this embodiment, but is not limited to a rectangle. The shape of the base 3 may be circular when viewed from the front, or a rectangle connected to a circle. In this case, the shape of the base 3 can be freely changed according to the area used for the wire 4 and the area used for the substrate 24, thus reducing the amount of material used and making the angle sensor 1 lighter.

[0070] Alternatively, the base 3 may have a through hole for mounting rotating equipment or the like.

[0071] The present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is evident from the claims that such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0072] The embodiments described above are for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the scope of application of the present invention; the present invention can include all objects as its users. The components, their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions, etc., included in the above embodiments are not limited to those illustrated and can be appropriately modified. For example, the present invention includes manufacturing tolerances and other differences arising during implementation. Furthermore, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other to the extent that they do not create technical inconsistencies. Additionally, the various structures can be appropriately and selectively combined to achieve at least some of the aforementioned problems and effects.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 1: Angle sensor; 2: Rotor; 3: Base; 3a: Structural surface; 4: Wire; 5: Excitation circuit; 6: Insulating component; 10: Metal body; 10a, 10b: End face; 10c, 10d: End; 10e: Middle part; 11: Protrusion; 11a: Opposing surface; 12: Ring; 12a: Outer peripheral surface; 12b: Inner peripheral surface; 13: Opening; 14: Connector; 15: Protrusion; 16, 17: End face; 21: Protrusion; 22: Protrusion; 23: Opening; 24: Substrate; 24a: Electronic components; 24b: wiring; 24c: terminal; 25: insulating component; 30, 30a, 30b: coil structure; 31, 31a, 31b: coil; 50: rotating device; 51: rotating shaft; 51a: front end; 51b: recess; 51c: first outer peripheral surface; 51d: second outer peripheral surface; 51e: third outer peripheral surface; 51f, 51g: stepped surface; 52: motor; 53: rotor; 54: stator; 55: frame; 55a: opening; W, W0: width; x: axis.

Claims

1. An angle sensor, comprising: The rotor has multiple protrusions extending radially; Base; and The wire is covered. The conductors disposed on the surface of the base form a planar shape with multiple undulations in the radial direction. In the direction of rotation, the protrusion is opposite the wire.

2. The angle sensor according to claim 1, The surface of the base is provided with a plurality of protrusions extending from the base toward the rotor. The wire is wound around the plurality of protrusions.

3. The angle sensor according to claim 1 or 2, In the direction of rotation axis, the protrusion is opposite to the projection.

4. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An opening is provided between two of the plurality of protrusions.

5. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The rotor has a ring and the plurality of protrusions connected to the outer periphery of the ring.

6. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It includes a substrate having electronic components, wiring, and terminals electrically connected to the wires.

7. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The rotor has multiple metal bodies. The plurality of metal bodies are located inside the protrusion.

8. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The rotor has multiple metal bodies. The protrusion has a surface opposite to the wire. The plurality of metal bodies are located on the surface.

9. The angle sensor according to claim 7 or 8, The metal body has one end, another end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. In the circumferential direction, the width of one end of the metal body and the width of the other end of the metal body are smaller than the width of the middle part of the metal body.

10. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, The rotor has a connector that electrically connects the plurality of metal bodies to each other.

11. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The conductor is covered by an insulating component. The protrusion is positioned opposite the conductor, separated by the insulating member.

12. The angle sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The metal body is bent in a manner that protrudes toward the base side.

13. A rotating device, comprising: Angle sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; A rotating shaft, fixed to the rotor of the angle sensor; and A rotating body, fixed to the rotating shaft.

14. The rotating device according to claim 13, A recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft. The rotor of the angle sensor is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft.

15. The rotating device according to claim 14, The rotating shaft has a first outer peripheral surface, a second outer peripheral surface with a radial width smaller than the first outer peripheral surface, and a third outer peripheral surface with a radial width smaller than the second outer peripheral surface. The recess is formed on the second outer peripheral surface.

16. The rotating device according to claim 15, In the circumferential direction, portions of the first and third outer peripheral surfaces at the location of the recess are curved surfaces.

17. The rotating device according to claim 14, A protrusion is formed in the rotor of the angle sensor to accommodate the recess of the rotating shaft.

Images