torque angle sensor

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a torque angle sensor. The torque angle sensor, or an electric power steering device including the torque angle sensor, comprises: a housing having a through-hole through which a steering shaft passes; a gear assembly fixed to and rotating with an input-side shaft of the steering shaft; an input-side rotor coupled to and rotating with the gear assembly; a printed circuit board mounted to the housing and detecting the torque applied to the steering shaft; and an output-side rotor positioned on a side opposite to the input-side rotor, wherein the printed circuit board is located between the input-side rotor and the output-side rotor, the output-side rotor being fixed to and rotating with an output-side shaft, wherein the output-side rotor is configured by a laminate in which a plurality of plates made of electro-galvanized cold-rolled commercial steel sheet (SECC) are laminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to torque angle sensors and electric power steering systems including the torque angle sensors, and more specifically to torque angle sensors configured to detect torque and rotation angle based on rotation of the steering shaft, and electric power steering systems including the torque angle sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, vehicles are equipped with power steering systems, which are devices that ensure steering stability by reducing the steering force required to turn the steering wheel. When the frictional resistance applied to the vehicle's wheels is high and the operating force required to turn the steering wheel is large, the power steering system provides auxiliary operating force to achieve smooth steering of the steering wheel and support the driver.

[0003] In related technologies, hydraulic power steering (HPS) has been widely used as an auxiliary steering device, but recently, electric power steering (EPS), which uses a motor to assist steering, has been widely adopted. EPS can have the advantages of low power consumption and excellent precision.

[0004] EPS provides optimal steering conditions to the driver by ensuring steering stability based on the vehicle's driving conditions detected by speed sensors, torque angle sensors, angle sensors, etc., and provides rapid restoring force by driving the motor in the electronic control unit (ECU).

[0005] A torque angle sensor (TAS) can integrate the functions of a torque sensor and an angle sensor included in the vehicle's sensors to detect information about the torque applied to the steering shaft and the rotation angle of the steering shaft through a single device.

[0006] However, conventional torque angle sensors may have the problem of increased printed circuit board (PCB) size, which increases the size of the product, or the combination or connection structure between components becomes complex and multi-layered. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the torque angle sensor and the electric power steering including the torque angle sensor can be manufactured by simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs by improving the output-side rotor mounted on the output-side shaft of the steering shaft.

[0008] Furthermore, certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a structure that enables the printed circuit board to be secured to the housing of the torque angle sensor in a more improved manner than conventional methods. More specifically, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the torque angle sensor and the electric power steering device including the torque angle sensor can improve the fixation strength between the printed circuit board and the housing, and achieve product miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating protruding structures of the printed circuit board.

[0009] Furthermore, certain embodiments of this disclosure can simplify the structure and assembly process of the torque angle sensor, and increase the robustness of the anti-rotation structure by eliminating the existing metal springs included in conventional technologies and replacing them with a single plastic material, thereby achieving an anti-rotation structure for the torque angle sensor mounted in the main housing of the electric power steering.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a torque angle sensor may be provided, comprising: a housing having a through-hole through which a steering shaft passes; a gear assembly housed within the housing, fixed to an input-side shaft of the steering shaft, and rotating with the input-side shaft; an input-side rotor housed within the housing, coupled to the gear assembly, and rotating with the gear assembly; a printed circuit board mounted on the housing and detecting torque applied to the steering shaft; and an output-side rotor positioned on a side opposite to the input-side rotor, the printed circuit board located between the output-side rotor and the input-side rotor, the output-side rotor being fixed to an output-side shaft of the steering shaft and rotating with the output-side shaft, wherein the output-side rotor is configured by a laminate in which a plurality of plates made of electro-galvanized cold-rolled commercial steel sheet (SECC) are laminated.

[0011] Multiple boards can be pressed together using a pressing process.

[0012] The thickness of the plate can be from 0.4mm to 1.5mm.

[0013] The output-side rotor may include a laminate anti-separation structure to prevent the laminates of multiple plates from separating.

[0014] The plates may include an embossing structure, and multiple vertically laminated plates may be connected through the embossing structure.

[0015] Specifically, the plate may have recessed portions formed on the upper or lower surface by embossing, and protrusions formed in the vertical direction on the lower or upper surface of the plate corresponding to the recessed portions, and when multiple plates are laminated, the protrusions may be inserted into and connected to the recessed portions.

[0016] The embossed structure can have a circular cross-section with a diameter of 1 mm or larger.

[0017] The output-side rotor may include multiple couplings that protrude from the outer periphery in a wing-like shape along the circumferential direction.

[0018] The connector can be formed in some of the plates, including the topmost plate among multiple plates laminated into multiple layers.

[0019] Grooves can be vertically formed in the outer surface of some of the connectors, and laser welding is performed along the grooves to provide joint strength between multiple plates laminated into multiple layers.

[0020] Alternatively, the groove may be formed vertically in the outer surface of some of the connectors, and the torque angle sensor may also include an anti-separation strip mounted along the extension direction of the groove.

[0021] The anti-separation strip can be configured to protrude outward from the topmost plate of a plurality of laminated plates, and the anti-separation strip can be configured to be flexible and press-fit into a groove.

[0022] The output-side rotor may also include a key formed to protrude inward from the inner surface and engage with a keyway formed in the output-side shaft of the steering shaft.

[0023] The embossing structure can also be formed on the periphery of the output rotor in the portion corresponding to the key.

[0024] The input-side rotor includes multiple connectors that protrude from the outer periphery in a wing shape along the circumferential direction, and the printed circuit board detects the change in magnetic flux caused by the difference in the amount of rotation between the input-side rotor and the output-side rotor based on the rotation of the steering shaft, in order to detect the torque applied to the steering shaft.

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the torque angle sensor may further include an angle gear housed within a housing, configured as a ring gear, and rotatably connected by meshing with a gear portion of a gear assembly. A printed circuit board can detect changes in magnetic flux based on the rotation of a magnet included in the angle gear, thereby detecting the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electric power steering device can be provided, the electric power steering device comprising: a torque angle sensor, the torque angle sensor comprising: a housing having a through hole through which a steering shaft passes; a gear assembly housed within the housing, fixed to an input side shaft of the steering shaft and rotating with the input side shaft; an input side rotor housed within the housing, coupled to the gear assembly and rotating with the gear assembly; a printed circuit board mounted on the housing and detecting torque applied to the steering shaft; and an output side rotor positioned on a side opposite to the input side rotor, wherein the printed circuit board is located between the output side rotor and the input side rotor, the output side rotor being fixed to an output side shaft of the steering shaft and rotating with the output side shaft, wherein the output side rotor is configured by a laminate in which a plurality of plates made of electro-galvanized cold-rolled commercial steel sheet (SECC) are laminated.

[0027] The output-side rotor may include a laminate anti-separation structure to prevent the laminates of multiple plates from separating.

[0028] The laminate anti-separation structure may include at least one of the following structures: a structure in which embossed structures formed in a plurality of plates are connected to each other; and a structure in which laser welding is performed along a groove formed in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the output rotor or individual components are mounted in the groove to surround the plurality of plates.

[0029] The torque angle sensor may also include an angle gear housed within a housing, configured as a ring gear and rotatably connected by meshing with a gear portion of a gear assembly, and the printed circuit board may detect changes in magnetic flux based on the rotation of a magnet included in the angle gear, thereby detecting the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the electric power steering device may also include: an electronic control unit that generates a control signal based on a torque signal output from a torque angle sensor; a motor that generates auxiliary power based on the output signal of the electronic control unit; and a reducer that reduces the power of the motor and transmits the reduced power to the steering shaft.

[0031] The torque angle sensor according to certain embodiments of the present invention can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs by improving the output-side rotor mounted on the output-side shaft of the steering shaft.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the torque angle sensor according to this disclosure, the printed circuit board can be fixed to the housing using a hook-and-fasten structure. Therefore, the fixing strength between the printed circuit board and the housing can be improved, and structures protruding from the printed circuit board can be eliminated, thereby enabling product miniaturization and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0033] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the anti-rotation structure of the torque angle sensor installed in the main housing of the electric power steering device can simplify the structure and assembly process of the torque angle sensor, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase the robustness of the anti-rotation structure by replacing the existing metal springs included in conventional technologies with a single plastic material.

[0034] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned above will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0035] The purpose achieved by this disclosure, the apparatus for achieving the above purpose, and the above effects of this disclosure do not specify the essential features of the claims; therefore, the scope of the claims is not limited to the content of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electric power steering system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an input-side rotor mounted on a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the output-side rotor of a conventional torque sensor;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the output-side rotor of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0043] Figure 7 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 An enlarged view of the portion of the second connector formed in the output-side rotor;

[0044] Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 An enlarged view of another portion formed on the inner surface of the output-side rotor;

[0045] Figure 9A and Figure 9B These are perspective and side views of the output-side rotor according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9A A perspective view of the output-side rotor is shown before the anti-separation belt is bent, and Figure 9B A perspective view of the output-side rotor after the anti-separation belt has been bent is shown;

[0046] Figure 10A and Figure 10B These are perspective and side views of the output-side rotor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the state in which a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the housing of a torque angle sensor;

[0048] Figure 12 It is shown by Figure 11 A magnified view of the part indicated by "B" in the image;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an anti-rotation structure disposed in the housing of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0050] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an anti-rotation structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. For descriptive purposes, the components shown in the drawings are at scale different from actual scales, and the scales are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0052] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are presented to fully convey the ideas of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented herein and may be embodied in other forms. To clarify the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description may be omitted from the drawings, and the dimensions of components may be exaggerated to some extent to aid understanding.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electric power steering system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure. (Reference) Figure 1The vehicle includes a steering wheel 1 that can be operated or rotated by the driver and wheels 2 that contact the ground and move or steer the vehicle. A steering shaft 5 may have one side connected to the steering wheel 1 and the other side connected to a pinion shaft 4 via a pair of universal joints 3. The pinion shaft 4 is operably connected to a rack rod 7 via a rack and pinion mechanism 6, and the rack rod 7 is operably connected to the vehicle's wheels 2 via a connecting mechanism such as a tie rod and a hinge arm.

[0054] Furthermore, the vehicle may have an electric power steering (EPS) system configured to assist steering. The EPS according to certain embodiments of this disclosure may include a torque angle sensor 100, an electronic control unit 200, a motor 300, and a reducer 400. The torque angle sensor 100 may detect the torque applied to the steering shaft 5 and / or the rotation angle of the steering shaft 5, and output the torque and / or rotation angle as an electrical signal. The electronic control unit 200 may generate a control signal based on the electrical signal output from the torque angle sensor 100. For example, the electronic control unit 200 may include a memory and / or one or more processors configured to control various electronic components included in the vehicle. The motor 300 may generate auxiliary power based on the output signal of the electronic control unit 200. The reducer 400 may be configured to reduce the power of the motor 300 and transmit the reduced power to the steering shaft 5.

[0055] An EPS system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to detect the torque applied to the steering shaft 5 and the rotation angle of the steering shaft 5 by integrating the functions of the torque sensor and the angle sensor into a single device, via the torque angle sensor 100.

[0056] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the torque angle sensor 100 can be coupled to, mounted around, or disposed adjacent to the steering shaft 5. More specifically, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the torque angle sensor 100 can be coupled between the input-side shaft 5a and the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5. The steering shaft 5 may include an input-side shaft 5a connected to the steering wheel 1 and an output-side shaft 5b connected to the wheel 2. Rotation of the input-side shaft 5a can be transmitted to the output-side shaft 5b via a torsion bar, the two ends of which are fixedly coupled to or mounted on the input-side shaft 5a and the output-side shaft 5b.

[0057] Below, examples of the structure and detailed configuration of a torque angle sensor 100 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0058] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Reference) Figure 2The torque angle sensor 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing 110, a gear assembly 120, an input-side rotor 130, an output-side rotor 140, an angle gear 150, and a printed circuit board 160.

[0059] The housing 110 may be made of a wear-resistant material such as resin and has an internal space therein to accommodate one or more of the following components: gear assembly 120, input-side rotor 130, angle gear 150, and printed circuit board 160.

[0060] The housing (or upper part of the housing) 110 may be coupled to a separate cover (or lower part of the housing) 111 to form a casing for the product. The cover 111 may be used to cover and protect components housed within the housing 110. Alternatively, the cover 111 may be part of the housing 110.

[0061] The housing 110 may include a circular through-hole 110a and a circular gear recess 110b. The steering shaft 5 passes through the circular through-hole 110a of the housing 110, and the gear assembly 120 is coupled to or disposed in the circular through-hole 110a of the housing 110. The circular gear recess 110b accommodates the angular gear 150.

[0062] A snap-fit ​​for engagement with the gear assembly 120 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 110a formed in the housing 110. The structure of the through hole 110a for engagement of the gear assembly 120 with the housing 110 will be described in more detail later.

[0063] The angular gear 150 is rotatably received in a gear groove 110b formed in or on a surface of the housing 110. Additionally, a gear cover 112 can be attached to the upper side of the housing 110. The gear cover 112 covers and protects gear components or devices, such as the gear assembly 120 and the angular gear 150 described below.

[0064] The printed circuit board 160, which is equipped with various electronic components for detecting the torque and rotation angle of the steering shaft 5 by the rotation of the rotors 130 and 140, can be mounted on the underside of the housing 110 or located below the underside of the housing 110.

[0065] The gear assembly 120 may include a cylindrical sleeve 121 and a gear mold 122. The cylindrical sleeve 121 may be fixed to the steering shaft 5 so as to rotate together with the steering shaft 5. The gear mold 122 may be attached to or formed on the outside of the sleeve 121.

[0066] Sleeve 121 is a metal-processed component and may be made of metal (although not required) and can be securely connected to the input side shaft 5a of steering shaft 5 by various methods such as caulking, press fitting and welding, and rotates together with the rotation of steering shaft 5.

[0067] Gear mold 122 is a gear for transmitting angle or torque to angular gear 150, which will be described later, and can be supported by and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of sleeve 121. Gear mold 122 can be rotatably coupled to through hole 110a of housing 110 and fixedly coupled to input side rotor 130 to rotate together.

[0068] The gear mold 122 may include a gear portion 122a and a retainer portion 122b. The gear portion 122a is rotatably engaged with and gear-coupled to the angular gear 150. The retainer portion 122b may be formed below the gear portion 122a and may be rotatably coupled to a through-hole 110a of the housing 110.

[0069] The gear portion 122a of the gear mold 122 can be configured as a gear with an integral annular shape, wherein gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear. The gear teeth formed on the gear portion 122a can be rotatably connected to the gear teeth formed on the outer periphery of the angle gear 150.

[0070] At least one fastening ring may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the retainer portion 122b of the gear mold 122 so as to be rotatably engaged with a snap fastener formed in the through hole 110a of the housing 110. When the snap fastener formed in the through hole 110a of the housing 110 is engaged with the fastening ring of the retainer portion 122b, the snap fastener can rotate freely on the fastening ring in the circumferential direction, while preventing the housing 110 and the gear mold 122 from separating in the axial direction along the steering shaft 5. Therefore, the gear mold 122 can be rotatably engaged with the through hole 110a of the housing 110.

[0071] The gear mold 122 is connected to the input-side rotor 130. For example, the gear mold 122 may include hooks formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the retainer portion 122b and support ribs protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer portion 122b. The hooks and support ribs of the gear mold 122 may be integrally injection molded with the retainer portion 122b.

[0072] The gear mold 122 can be fixed to the input side rotor 130 in the axial and rotational directions using the hooks and support ribs of the gear mold 122, and the connection structure between the gear mold 122 and the input side rotor 130 will be described in more detail later.

[0073] The gear portion 122a and the retainer portion 122b of the gear mold 122 can be integrally formed and connected to and supported by the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 121. Alternatively, the sleeve 121 and the gear mold 122 can also be manufactured as an integral part by means of insert molding or the like. In other words, the gear assembly 120 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be provided with an integral configuration.

[0074] Therefore, when a steering operation is performed, the entire gear assembly 120 and the input-side rotor 130 rotate together. That is, when the steering shaft 5 rotates, the gear assembly 120 and the input-side rotor 130 rotate together, and this rotation means a relative rotation with respect to the housing 110.

[0075] The input-side rotor 130 may be made of metal and configured to transmit torque signals to the printed circuit board 160. The input-side rotor 130 is coupled to and can rotate with the gear assembly 120, and can be mounted to rotate relatively freely relative to the housing 110.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the input-side rotor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (See reference...) Figure 3 The input-side rotor 130 can be configured as a hollow annular structure, through which the steering shaft 5 can be inserted.

[0077] The first connector 131 may be formed on the outer periphery of the input-side rotor 130. The first connector 131 may be made of a metallic material, have an airfoil shape, be arranged in the circumferential direction, and protrude from the outer periphery of the input-side rotor 130.

[0078] Additionally, the input-side rotor 130 may include at least one fastening member or fastener for engaging the input-side rotor 130 with the gear mold 122. The fastening member or fastener may include a hook rib 132 and / or a press-fit rib 133. The hook rib 132 may be formed in the retainer portion 122b of the gear mold 122 to be hooked and engaged. The press-fit rib 133 is configured to press-fit and engage with both sides of a support rib formed in the retainer portion 122b of the gear mold 122.

[0079] The hook rib 132 can protrude from one side of the input-side rotor 130 along the axial direction of the steering shaft 5 (in an exemplary embodiment). Figure 3 In the process, the hook rib 132 can be formed to extend upward, and can include a hole or hook groove 132a that penetrates or recesses in the radial direction, so that the hook of the gear mold 122 can be inserted and engaged in the hole or hook groove 132a.

[0080] The end of the hook formed in the gear mold 122 is inserted into the hook groove 132a formed in the input side rotor 130 and hooked to the hook rib 132, so that the gear mold 122 and the input side rotor 130 can be firmly fixed in the axial direction.

[0081] Furthermore, the hook rib 132 can be configured to be elastically deformable, so that the hook of the gear mold 122 can be easily or flexibly inserted into and secured to the hook groove 132a formed in the hook rib 132 of the input side rotor 130.

[0082] Press-fit ribs 133 can be provided in pairs as a set on both sides of the support ribs formed in the gear mold 122, and press-fit and connect to the side surface of the support ribs of the gear mold 122.

[0083] The press-fit rib 133 can protrude from one side of the input-side rotor 130 along the axial direction of the steering shaft 5 (in an exemplary embodiment). Figure 3 In the middle, the press-fit rib 133 can be formed to extend upward, and can include a plurality of fastening protrusions 133a that protrude in the circumferential direction and press-fit into the side surface of the support rib of the gear mold 122.

[0084] Hook ribs 132 and press-fit ribs 133 can be arranged in multiple quantities along the circumferential direction of the input-side rotor 130, corresponding to the position, shape, and configuration of multiple hooks and support ribs of the gear mold 122. In an exemplary embodiment... Figure 3 In the middle, three hook ribs 132 are formed at equal angles along the circumferential direction of the input side rotor 130, and a pair of press-fit ribs 133 are formed between two adjacent hook ribs 132.

[0085] The hook rib 132 and the press-fit rib 133 can be integrally formed with the input side rotor 130.

[0086] Meanwhile, the input-side rotor 130 is connected to the input-side shaft 5a, which is operatively connected to the steering wheel 1 of the steering shaft 5. The torque angle sensor 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may also include an output-side rotor 140, which is positioned relative to the printed circuit board 160 on the side opposite to the input-side rotor 130 and is connected to the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the output-side rotor of a conventional torque sensor. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the output-side rotor of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0088] Figure 7 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 An enlarged view of the portion of the second connector formed in the output-side rotor. Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 An enlarged view of another portion formed on the inner surface of the output-side rotor.

[0089] The output-side rotor 140 is disposed on the side opposite to the input-side rotor 130, relative to the printed circuit board 160. The printed circuit board 160 is disposed between the input-side rotor 130 and the output-side rotor 140. Furthermore, the output-side rotor 140 may include a second connector 141, which is made of a metal material and protrudes in a wing shape and is formed along the outer periphery of the output-side rotor 140 in a manner similar to that of the input-side rotor 130.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 The output-side rotor included in a conventional torque sensor can be configured in a similar manner to the input-side rotor 130. The conventional output-side rotor is configured to invert the input-side rotor 130, except that it does not include the fastening members or fasteners of the embodiments of this disclosure for connecting the input-side rotor 130 to the gear mold 122. This conventional output-side rotor requires complex processes such as machining and welding during manufacturing, thus incurring disadvantages in terms of higher manufacturing costs and more complex manufacturing processes.

[0091] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional structure as described above, some embodiments of this disclosure can change the processing method and materials of the output side rotor 140 connected to the output side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5, thereby achieving the effect of simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

[0092] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8 The structure of the output-side rotor 140 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the output-side rotor 140 may be made of different materials and have an optimized thickness applied to improve machinability and prevent corrosion caused by the external environment.

[0094] Specifically, unlike conventional rotors manufactured using the representative stainless steel material “SUS304”, the output-side rotor 140 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be manufactured using steel electro-galvanized cold commercial (SECC) material.

[0095] More specifically, the output-side rotor 140 can be manufactured by laminating multiple layers of thin sheets 140a made of SECC material. Multiple sheets 140a can be pressed together by a pressing process to form the output-side rotor 140, and the thickness of each sheet 140a forming each layer of the output-side rotor 140 can be, for example, but not limited to, 0.4 to 1.5 mm.

[0096] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may have an embossed structure to prevent multiple laminated layers from separating from each other when the output-side rotor 140 is press-fitted into the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5. Alternatively, another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may have a structure in which the outer side of the output-side rotor 140 is joined by laser welding or wrapped with a separate part or component. In the following, exemplary structures of the output-side rotor 140 for preventing lamination separation according to some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0097] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiments of this disclosure may have an embossing structure to prevent the laminations of the output-side rotor 140 from separating.

[0098] Each plate 140a of the output-side rotor 140 can be imprinted in a circular shape, and vertically stacked or laminated plates 140a can be connected or arranged to each other through this imprinting structure.

[0099] More specifically, a recessed portion with a circular cross-section can be formed on the upper surface of the plate 140a constituting the output-side rotor 140, and a protrusion with a circular cross-section can be formed on the lower surface of the plate 140a vertically corresponding to the recessed portion. In other words, the protrusion formed on one surface of the plate 140a is inserted into the recessed portion formed on the other surface of the other plate 140a.

[0100] Furthermore, when multiple plates 140a are stacked or laminated in the vertical direction, the protrusions formed on the lower surface of the plate 140a positioned on the upper side can be fitted into and connected to the recessed portion formed on the upper surface of the plate 140a positioned on the lower side.

[0101] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can prevent the separation of laminates of the manufactured output-side rotor 140 by increasing the connection strength between plates 140a stacked or laminated in the vertical direction using an embossing structure.

[0102] Furthermore, the embossing structure, including protrusions and recesses, as described above, can be configured such that the upper and lower portions are opposite to each other. That is, when multiple plates 140a are laminated in the vertical direction, the protrusions formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 140a can be fitted into and connected to the recesses formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 140a.

[0103] The embossed structure described above can be positioned approximately in or around the center of the portion of the second connector 141 formed in the output-side rotor 140, and near the key 143 described below, and can be formed to have a diameter of at least 1 mm to increase the strength for connecting multiple laminates.

[0104] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The following will describe an embodiment with a structure in which the outer side of the output-side rotor 140 is joined by laser welding or wrapped with a separate component or member to prevent separation of the laminate.

[0105] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the output-side rotor 140 may include a groove 142 formed in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the portion forming the second connector 141.

[0106] At this time, it is possible to move along the groove 142. Figure 7 The dashed lines in the diagram indicate lines for laser welding to provide joint strength between boards 140a that are stacked or laminated into multiple layers.

[0107] Alternatively, individual plate components or members can be inserted or mounted along the groove 142 such that the plate components or members surround the plate 140a stacked or laminated into multiple layers, thereby providing or increasing the connection strength for the multiple layers. The plate components or members can be mounted by insertion or fitting into the groove 142 and have lettering. Or a "U" shaped cross section to support the upper and lower ends of the output-side rotor 140.

[0108] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of second connectors 141 are formed in the output-side rotor 140. In this embodiment, the structure for preventing lamination separation by performing laser welding or installing individual plate members as described above does not need to be applied to each of the second connectors 141, and sufficient connection strength can be provided even when laser welding or individual plate members are applied to only some of the plurality of second connectors 141.

[0109] Furthermore, in order to prevent the separation of the laminates of the output-side rotor 140, the embodiments using laser welding and the embodiments using the aforementioned individual plate components or parts can be combined or applied together.

[0110] Meanwhile, the output-side rotor 140 according to the embodiments of this disclosure may have a key structure for optimizing the inner diameter size, so as to press-fit the output-side rotor 140 into the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5 and for position alignment.

[0111] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the output-side rotor 140 of a laminate comprising a plurality of plates 140a may include a key 143 protruding inward from the inner surface of the output-side rotor 140. The key 143 formed on the inner surface of the output-side rotor 140 may engage with a keyway formed on the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5.

[0112] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the output-side rotor 140 is connected to the output-side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5 via a key structure, thereby eliminating the cogging process for fixing the position of the output-side shaft 5b.

[0113] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a perspective view showing the output-side rotor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A A perspective view of the output-side rotor is shown before the anti-separation belt is bent. Figure 9B A perspective view of the output-side rotor after the anti-separation belt has been bent is shown.

[0114] refer to Figure 7 Individual plate components or members can be inserted or mounted along grooves 142 formed on the outer surface of the output-side rotor 140 to increase or provide the connection strength between the multi-layered plates 140a.

[0115] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Another embodiment shown is an embodiment for making this easier to achieve, and the uppermost of the plurality of plates 140a may include an anti-separation strip 140b formed to protrude in an outward direction.

[0116] The anti-separation strip 140b formed on the uppermost plate 140a can be configured or set to be flexible, and after multiple plates 140a are stacked or laminated into multiple layers, the anti-separation strip 140b, as a protruding structure, bends downward and presses into the grooves 142 of the other plates 140a located below the uppermost plate 140a, thereby effectively preventing the stacked or laminated structure of the output side rotor 140 from being separated.

[0117] The anti-separation band 140b can be formed at or on the second connector 141 of the output side rotor 140, and in this case, the anti-separation band 140b and the corresponding groove 142 can be formed at or on all or some of the multiple second connectors 141.

[0118] like Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the three anti-separation strips 140b can be formed at a position that forms a 120° angle with each other, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and the anti-separation strips 140b can be provided in two or more quantities.

[0119] Figure 10A and Figure 10B These are perspective and side views of the output-side rotor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Additional or alternative implementations for minimizing the weight of the output-side rotor 140 are shown.

[0121] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B Among the plurality of plates 140a forming the output-side rotor 140, only some of the plates 140a positioned at the upper part or upper side of the output-side rotor 140 (hereinafter referred to as "first type plates") may include a second connector 141, and the remaining plates 140a (hereinafter referred to as "second type plates") may have a simple annular shape without a connector structure (e.g., a wing structure), thereby minimizing the weight of the output-side rotor 140.

[0122] In this case, a first-type plate located on the upper part or upper side of the output-side rotor 140a, which is one of a plurality of plates 140a forming multiple layers, may include a second connector 141, and the second connector 141 may be optional for the second-type plate 140a. In other words, a second-type plate 140a located on the lower part or lower side of the output-side rotor 140 may or may not include the second connector 141.

[0123] For example, to provide mechanical rigidity, the top plate 140a and one or two plates 140a located directly below the top plate 140a may include a second connector 141.

[0124] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, by changing the processing method and materials of the output rotor 140, the manufacturing process can be simplified and costs reduced.

[0125] The angular gear 150 can be configured as a substantially annular gear and can be rotatably received in a gear groove 110b formed in the housing 110. The angular gear 150 is rotatably connected to the gear mold 122 of the gear assembly 120 by meshing with the gear mold 122.

[0126] Angle gear 150 is a gear that includes a magnet for measuring the steering angle and rotates through the gear mold 122 of gear assembly 120.

[0127] A magnet included in the bevel gear 150 can be used to obtain the rotation angle signal required for steering control. A Hall element, such as a Hall sensor, can be disposed on a printed circuit board 160 to sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the bevel gear 150. The magnet can be attached to or mounted to the bevel gear 150.

[0128] The printed circuit board 160 may include an oscillating coil and a receiving or receiving coil for generating and receiving magnetic flux to detect torque applied to the steering shaft 5, as well as a magnetic element for detecting changes in magnetic flux. The magnetic element may be a magnetic sensor or a Hall sensor. For example, a pair of linear Hall elements (e.g., a linear Hall IC) may be used as the magnetic element. The printed circuit board 160 may detect the angles of rotors 130 and 140 to measure the torque applied to the steering shaft 5, and more specifically, may detect the magnetically induced current reflected from rotors 130 and 140 to measure the torque.

[0129] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 160 may include a Hall element (e.g., a Hall IC) and a microcomputer (MYCOM). The Hall element detects the magnetic field or a change in the magnetic field, as well as the rotation direction of the magnet rotating with the angle gear 150, to measure the rotation angle of the steering shaft 5. The microcomputer receives signals from the Hall element and calculates the rotation angle. The value calculated in the microcomputer can be transmitted to the electronic control unit 200 via a controller area network (CAN).

[0130] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the state in which a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the housing of a torque angle sensor, and Figure 12 It is shown by Figure 11 The "B" in the image is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the letter "B". Note that... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The printed circuit board 160 is shown in an inverted configuration connected to the underside of the housing 110.

[0131] The torque angle sensor 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a hook fastening structure to secure the printed circuit board 160 to the housing 110.

[0132] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12The housing 110 may include first hook members 113 that support and secure the edge of the printed circuit board 160. The first hook members 113 may be formed to protrude from the inner wall surface of the housing 110, and a plurality of first hook members 113 may be formed to face the left and right sides of the housing 110.

[0133] The first hook member 113 may include an inclined surface and a support surface. The inclined surface facilitates installation when the printed circuit board 160 is inserted into the housing 110, and the support surface contacts and supports the edge of the printed circuit board 160 after it is installed into the housing 110.

[0134] Additionally, when the printed circuit board 160 is assembled or secured to the housing 110, the torque angle sensor 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a guide structure.

[0135] For example, the housing 110 also includes a guide member 115 that protrudes from the inner bottom surface in a direction opposite to the direction in which the printed circuit board 160 is inserted into the housing 110, and correspondingly, the printed circuit board 160 may include an inwardly formed guide groove 161 such that the guide member 115 can be inserted into the guide groove 161.

[0136] The portion of the guide member 115 forming the housing 110 and the guide groove 161 forming the printed circuit board 160 may be located outside an imaginary circle having a radius (R), which is the distance from the center of the through hole 110a formed in the housing 110 to the end formed circularly in the printed circuit board 160 (e.g., the shortest length from the center of the through hole 110a to the edge of the printed circuit board 160 closest to the center of the through hole 110a).

[0137] Additionally, the torque angle sensor 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a second hook member 114 formed adjacent to the guide member 115. The second hook member 114 may be formed to protrude from the inner bottom surface of the housing 110 together with the guide member 115.

[0138] The second hook member 114 can be attached to and support the portion of the printed circuit board 160 with the guide groove 161, thereby preventing the printed circuit board 160 from separating from the housing 110. Similar to the first hook member 113, the second hook member 114 may include an inclined surface that facilitates installation when the printed circuit board 160 is inserted, and a support surface that contacts and supports the edge of the printed circuit board 160 after the printed circuit board 160 is installed into the housing 110.

[0139] The torque angle sensor 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the fixing strength between the printed circuit board 160 and the housing 110 because the printed circuit board 160 is fixed to the housing 110 by a hook fastening method, and in addition, the structure protruding from the printed circuit board 160 can be eliminated, thereby achieving product miniaturization and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0140] In related technologies, devices are configured to use a press-fit structure called a "press rib" to secure a printed circuit board (PCB) to a housing, thus forming a protrusion extending outward from the PCB. However, the PCB 160 according to embodiments of this disclosure can have a smooth shape without the outwardly protruding structure. Therefore, the external dimensions of the PCB 160 can be reduced, as can the overall package size of the torque angle sensor 100 and the electric power steering (EPS) including the torque angle sensor 100. Furthermore, the material cost of the PCB 160 can be reduced, thereby increasing PCB array yield.

[0141] The torque angle sensor 100 may also include a connector 170, which is mounted on one side of the housing 110 and configured to supply power and transmit signals.

[0142] The following describes an operation for detecting the torque and rotation angle of the steering shaft 5 using a torque angle sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] When the driver turns the steering wheel 1 during a steering operation, the input-side shaft 5a of the steering shaft 5, which is connected to the torsion bar, rotates, and the rotation of the torsion bar causes the output-side shaft 5b, which is connected to the torsion bar, to rotate. Furthermore, when the steering shaft 5 rotates, the gear assembly 120 connected to the steering shaft 5, as well as the input-side rotor 130 and the output-side rotor 140, rotate together.

[0144] However, in this case, the output side shaft 5b of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the wheel 2 in contact with the ground, so the frictional resistance of the wheel 2 generates torque in the torsion bar, and therefore there is a difference in the amount of rotation of the input side rotor 130 and the output side rotor 140.

[0145] Due to this difference in rotation, torsion occurs between the input-side rotor 130 and the output-side rotor 140, and consequently, displacement occurs in the positions of the first connector 131 included or coupled to the input-side rotor 130 and the second connector 141 included or coupled to the output-side rotor 140. This results in a change in the magnetic flux of the magnetic field, which is detected by the printed circuit board 160 to obtain the torque signal required for steering control.

[0146] Furthermore, the rotation of the steering shaft 5 causes the angle gear 150, which is rotatably engaged with the gear mold 122 of the gear assembly 120, to rotate. In this case, when a magnet included in or attached to the angle gear 150 rotates together with the angle gear 150, the change in the magnetic field can be detected by a Hall element disposed on the printed circuit board 160 to obtain a rotation angle signal.

[0147] The printed circuit board 160 can transmit the acquired torque signal and rotation angle signal to the electronic control unit 200, and the electronic control unit 200 can determine the auxiliary operating force required to steer the vehicle based on the received torque signal and rotation angle signal to drive the motor 300, etc.

[0148] According to this disclosure, the torque angle sensor 100 is mounted on the steering shaft 5 and housed within the main housing of the electric power steering (EPS). Here, the main housing is a component separate from the housing 110 that forms the body of the torque angle sensor 100, and is another outer housing component that houses the entire torque angle sensor 100, including the housing 110. Alternatively, the housing 110 of the torque angle sensor 100 may be integrally formed with the main housing of the EPS.

[0149] The main housing of the EPS can be fixedly mounted on the vehicle body. The main housing has a hole formed in the center to allow the steering shaft 5 to pass through the hole, and the torque angle sensor 100 is mounted and housed in the internal space.

[0150] However, since the torque angle sensor 100 rotates left and right at a predetermined angle according to the rotation of the steering shaft 5, the torque angle sensor 100 should have the durability of millions of rotation cycles.

[0151] Therefore, the torque angle sensor 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided with an anti-rotation structure to prevent rotation within the main housing of the EPS, and the anti-rotation structure provided in the torque angle sensor 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0152] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an anti-rotation structure disposed in the housing of a torque angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (See reference) Figure 13 The torque angle sensor 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a spring member 180 disposed outside the housing 110.

[0153] The spring member 180 can be inserted into and connected to a groove formed in the shape of a recess on the inner surface of the main housing of the EPS. The spring member 180 prevents the torque angle sensor 100 from rotating within the main housing of the EPS, absorbs the impact caused by changes in the rotation direction of the steering shaft 5, and ensures the radial and axial position of the steering shaft 5.

[0154] The spring member 180 may include a support portion 181, a connecting portion 182, and an elastic arm 183. The support portion 181 may be connected to one side of the housing 110 and is formed in a substantially vertical direction. The connecting portion 182 bends from the lower end of the support portion 181 and is formed in a substantially horizontal direction. The elastic arm 183 again extends upward from the connecting portion 182.

[0155] The support portion 181, the connecting portion 182, and the elastic arm 183 can be configured as an integral structure, and it is understood that the connecting portion 182 and the elastic arm 183 are formed to extend from the support portion 181. However, when the support portion 181 is connected to one side of the housing 110, the connecting portion 182 and the elastic arm 183 are not directly connected to the housing 110.

[0156] The elastic arm 183 is formed at a certain distance from the support portion 181 in the direction along the outer wall surface of the housing 110 where the spring member 180 is mounted, and thus a gap space is formed between the support portion 181 and the elastic arm 183.

[0157] The elastic arm 183 can be formed to tilt at a predetermined angle and have an elastic configuration such that when installed in a groove in the main housing of the EPS, the elastic arm can deform in the width direction of the groove.

[0158] According to the operation of the anti-rotation structure according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the torque angle sensor 100 rotates together with the steering shaft 5 in the main housing of the EPS at a predetermined angle, the elastic arm 183 of the spring member 180 inserted into the groove of the main housing of the EPS contacts the side wall of the groove, and the elasticity of the elastic arm 183 generates a restoring force, so that the torque angle sensor 100 can return to its original position.

[0159] Meanwhile, the spring device equipped in a conventional torque sensor includes a metal spring made of a metallic material. In contrast, some embodiments of this disclosure may not require a metal spring made of a metallic material, and the anti-rotation structure of the torque angle sensor 100 can be configured using a single plastic material, thereby simplifying the structure of the device and the component assembly process.

[0160] In order to achieve the anti-rotation structure using a single plastic material according to embodiments of the present disclosure, reinforcement is required due to the absence of a metal spring. Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a spring member 180 made of a single plastic material may be necessary as the anti-rotation structure for the torque angle sensor 100.

[0161] Embodiments of this disclosure may include rib structures to enhance the elasticity and stiffness of the spring member 180. Specifically, the spring member 180 may further include reinforcing ribs 184 formed on the inner surface of the spring member 180.

[0162] The reinforcing rib 184 may be formed to extend along the inner surface of the spring member 180, which includes the support portion 181, the connecting portion 182 and the elastic arm 183, and may be formed to protrude from the inner surface and have a predetermined thickness and height.

[0163] The reinforcing rib 184 can be a separate component or part and attached to the inner surface of the spring member 180, but it can also be integrally formed together with the support portion 181, the connecting portion 182 and the elastic arm 183 by injection molding.

[0164] Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing rib 184 may be formed on the outer surface of the spring member 180 instead of the inner surface, or may be formed on both the inner and outer surfaces of the spring member 180.

[0165] Additionally, embodiments of this disclosure may include a stop structure that maintains the performance of the torque angle sensor 100 even if the elastic arm 183 of the spring member 180 is damaged. For example, the spring member 180 may also include a stop 185 formed to extend from a side end of the support portion 181 in a direction toward the elastic arm 183.

[0166] The stop 185 can be configured as a generally plate-like member with a generally square shape and a predetermined area, and when the elastic arm 183 is damaged, the stop 185 can contact the sidewall of the groove instead of the elastic arm 183 in order to maintain the performance of the torque angle sensor 100. The stop 185 can be formed in a direction parallel to the outer wall surface of the housing 110 on which the spring member 180 is mounted, and can be configured to partially cover the space formed between the support portion 181 and the elastic arm 183.

[0167] Similarly, the stop 185 can be integrally formed together with the support portion 181, the connecting portion 182, and the elastic arm 183 by injection molding. That is, the spring member 180 can be integrally formed by injection molding to form the support portion 181, the connecting portion 182, the elastic arm 183, the reinforcing rib 184, and the stop 185 as a single piece.

[0168] In addition, when the housing 110 constituting the main body of the torque angle sensor 100 is molded, the spring member 180 may be integrally formed, or it may be manufactured as a separate component and fixed to the outside of the housing 110.

[0169] Meanwhile, the spring member 180 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be optimized in size to maintain reaction force and elastic force, and specifically, the thickness of the elastic arm 183 can be designed to be within 1.8 mm to properly maintain reaction force and elastic force.

[0170] Furthermore, the spring member 180 according to embodiments of this disclosure may have dimensions with optimized ratios to maintain minimum elasticity when the spring member 180 is mounted in a slot in the main housing of the EPS. For example, the maximum width W of the spring member 180 may be designed to be at least 10% to at most 20% larger than the width of the slot formed in the main housing of the EPS. Here, the maximum width W of the spring member 180 refers to the widest width in the direction along the outer wall surface of the housing 110 where the spring member 180 is mounted, and may refer to the distance between the upper outer portion of the support portion 181 and the upper outer portion of the elastic arm 183.

[0171] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an anti-rotation structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment features a reinforcing plate 186 instead of a reinforcing rib 184 to enhance the elasticity and stiffness of the spring member 180, and other configurations are similar to... Figure 13 The implementation methods are the same or similar.

[0172] Specifically, the reinforcing plate 186 may be a thin plate with a corrugated cross section and may be configured to extend from the inner wall of the support portion 181 to the inner wall of the elastic arm 183.

[0173] In other words, the reinforcing plate 186 is configured to interconnect the support portion 181 and the elastic arm 183, and the overall elasticity and stiffness of the spring member 180 can be enhanced by the wave-like structure of the reinforcing plate 186.

[0174] The reinforcing plate 186 can be integrally formed together with the supporting part 181, the connecting part 182 and the elastic arm 183 by injection molding.

[0175] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, the anti-rotation structure of the torque angle sensor 100 installed in the main housing of the EPS may not include existing metal springs, but may include a single plastic material, thereby simplifying the structure and assembly process, resulting in reduced costs and increased robustness of the anti-rotation structure.

[0176] Cross-references to related applications

[0177] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0006981, filed on January 16, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A torque angle sensor, the torque angle sensor comprising: A housing having a through hole through which the steering shaft passes; A gear assembly disposed in the housing and fixed to the input side shaft of the steering shaft so as to be able to rotate together with the input side shaft; An input-side rotor, which is disposed in the housing and connected to the gear assembly to be able to rotate with the gear assembly; A printed circuit board, which is mounted to the housing and configured to detect the torque applied to the steering shaft; as well as An output-side rotor is positioned on the side opposite to the input-side rotor, wherein the printed circuit board is located between the output-side rotor and the input-side rotor, and the output-side rotor is fixed to the output-side shaft of the steering shaft to be able to rotate together with the output-side shaft. The output-side rotor is configured with a laminate in which multiple plates made of electro-galvanized cold-rolled commercial steel sheet (SECC) are laminated.

2. The torque angle sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple plates are pressed together by a pressing process.

3. The torque angle sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The output-side rotor includes a laminate anti-separation structure to prevent the laminates of the multiple plates from separating.

4. The torque angle sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The plate includes an embossing structure, and the vertically laminated plurality of plates are connected through the embossing structure.

5. The torque angle sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The plate has recessed portions formed on the upper or lower surface by embossing and protrusions formed in the vertical direction on the lower or upper surface of the plate corresponding to the recessed portions. When the plurality of plates are laminated, the protrusions are inserted into and connected to the recessed portions.

6. The torque angle sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The output-side rotor includes a connector that protrudes from the outer periphery in a wing-like shape along the circumferential direction.

7. The torque angle sensor according to claim 6, wherein, Grooves are vertically formed on the outer surface of some of the connectors, and Laser welding is performed along the grooves to provide bond strength between the multiple plates laminated into multiple layers.

8. The torque angle sensor according to claim 6, wherein, Grooves are vertically formed on the outer surface of some of the connectors, and The torque angle sensor also includes an anti-separation strip installed along the extension direction of the groove.

9. The torque angle sensor according to claim 8, wherein, The anti-separation strip is provided in the form of protruding outward from the uppermost plate of the plurality of plates laminated into multiple layers, and The anti-separation strip is configured to be flexible and press-fit into the groove.

10. The torque angle sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The output-side rotor also includes a key formed to protrude inward from the inner surface and engage with a keyway formed in the output-side shaft of the steering shaft.

Images