Magnetostrictive torque sensor

Abstract

This magnetostrictive torque sensor offers enhanced reliability through redundancy while minimizing the need for additional installation space, resulting in a highly mountable sensor. [Solution] The magnetostrictive torque sensor 1, which detects torque applied to a rotating shaft 5 having magnetostrictive properties, comprises redundant first detection coils 201 and 202, a first drive detection circuit 41, and a second drive detection circuit 42. The first drive detection circuit 41 has a first drive circuit section 411 that supplies an AC voltage to the first detection coil 201 and a first detection circuit section 413 that detects changes in the permeability of the rotating shaft 5. The second drive detection circuit 42 has a second drive circuit section 421 that supplies an AC voltage to the second detection coil 202 and a second detection circuit section 423 that detects changes in the permeability of the rotating shaft 5. The first detection coil 201 and the second detection coil 202 are formed by a wiring pattern on a single flexible substrate 2 that is curved and arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5.

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