Torque sensor

Abstract

To provide a torque sensor with which the work of locating a detection element between a pair of extension sections while inserting a first protrusion into a first insertion hole is facilitated.SOLUTION: A torque sensor 24 comprises: a pair of magnetism collecting members 43, 44; a substrate 47 on which a detection element 49 for detecting a magnetic flux induced to the magnetism collecting members 43, 44 is provided; and a housing having a second accommodation part that holds the pair of magnetism collecting members 43, 44 and accommodates the substrate 47. Each of the pair of magnetism collecting members 43, 44 has a ring, and an extending section 62 that extends in a first direction on the outside of the outer circumferential surface of the ring. The detection element 49 is located between the respective extending sections 62 of the magnetism collecting members 43, 44. The housing includes a first protrusion 81 that protrudes from an inner face 721a of a wall part 721 that defines the second accommodation part in a second direction in which the magnetism collecting members 43, 44 are juxtaposed. The substrate 47 has a first insertion hole 91 through which the first protrusion 81 is inserted. The first insertion hole 91 is a slot extending in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor.

Background Art

[0002] A torque sensor includes a pair of magnetic flux concentrating members, a substrate provided with a detection element, and a housing. Each magnetic flux concentrating member has a ring and two extending portions extending in parallel outwardly of the outer peripheral surface of the ring. The detection element is disposed between the respective extending portions of the magnetic flux concentrating members. The detection element detects magnetic flux induced in the magnetic flux concentrating members. The housing holds the pair of magnetic flux concentrating members. Further, the housing has a housing portion for housing the substrate.

[0003] In the sensor device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the housing has a protrusion protruding in the direction in which the magnetic flux concentrating members are arranged from the surface partitioning the housing portion. The substrate has an insertion hole which is a round hole. By inserting the protrusion into the insertion hole, the substrate is positioned with respect to the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When assembling the substrate in a state where the extending portions of the pair of magnetic flux concentrating members face each other, it is necessary to dispose the detection element between the extending portions while inserting the protrusion into the insertion hole. However, when moving the substrate along the protruding direction of the protrusion in order to insert the protrusion into the insertion hole, it is difficult to dispose the detection element between the extending portions because the detection element interferes with the extending portions. On the other hand, when moving the substrate while tilting it in order to dispose the detection element between the pair of extending portions, for example, it is difficult to insert the protrusion into the insertion hole because the protrusion interferes with the substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A torque sensor for solving the above problems comprises a pair of magnetic collecting members, a substrate on which a detection element for detecting the magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting members is provided, and a housing having a housing portion that holds the pair of magnetic collecting members and houses the substrate, wherein each magnetic collecting member has a ring and an extension portion extending in a first direction outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring, the detection element is arranged between the respective extension portions of the magnetic collecting members, the housing has a first projection that protrudes in a second direction which is the direction in which the magnetic collecting members are aligned from the surface that partitions the housing portion, and the substrate has a first insertion hole through which the first projection is inserted, and the first insertion hole is an elongated hole extending in the first direction.

[0007] The first through-hole is an elongated hole extending in a first direction. Therefore, even when the first projection is inserted into the first through-hole, the substrate can move in the first direction within the range in which the first projection can move within the first through-hole. Thus, the work of arranging the detection element between the pair of extensions while inserting the first projection into the first through-hole becomes easier.

[0008] In the torque sensor described above, the housing has a second projection that protrudes in the second direction from the surface defining the housing portion and extends in the first direction, the substrate has a second insertion hole through which the second projection is inserted, the tip surface of the second projection has an inclined surface that approaches the surface defining the housing portion as it approaches the magnetic collecting member in the first direction, and the second insertion hole may be an elongated hole extending in the first direction.

[0009] In addition to the first projection being inserted into the first through-hole, the second projection is also inserted into the second through-hole. The second through-hole is an elongated hole extending in the first direction. Therefore, even when the second projection is inserted into the second through-hole, the substrate can move in the first direction to the extent that the first projection can move within the first through-hole and the second projection can move within the second through-hole. Thus, the work of inserting the first projection into the first through-hole and the second projection into the second through-hole while arranging the detection element between the pair of extensions becomes easier.

[0010] When inserting the detection element between the pair of extensions, the substrate is tilted to avoid interference with the first and second protrusions. After the first protrusion is inserted into the first insertion hole and the second protrusion is inserted into the second insertion hole, the substrate is returned to a horizontal position. The tip surface of the second protrusion has an inclined surface that slopes closer to the surface that defines the housing as it approaches the magnetic collecting member in the first direction. Therefore, by moving the substrate along the inclined surface of the second protrusion, the orientation of the substrate from the tilted state to the horizontal position can be set to a desired position, thus suppressing interference between the detection element and the magnetic collecting member.

[0011] In the torque sensor described above, the housing includes two of the second projections, and the second projections may be located on both sides of the first projection in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0012] The substrate is supported at two points in the third direction by the second projection. Therefore, it is less likely that the substrate will tilt in such a way that one end of the substrate is positioned above or below the other end in the third direction.

[0013] In the torque sensor described above, the first projection has a first end which is the end closer to the magnetic collecting member in the first direction and a second end which is the end further away from the magnetic collecting member in the first direction, and the second projection has a first end which is the end closer to the magnetic collecting member in the first direction and a second end which is the end further away from the magnetic collecting member in the first direction, and when the detection element is positioned between the respective extensions of the magnetic collecting member, the second end of the first projection may abut against the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole, and the first end of the second projection may abut against the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole.

[0014] The above configuration can restrict the movement of the substrate in the first direction. In the torque sensor, the substrate is fixed to the housing by heat caulking the first protrusion. The first protrusion has a base portion extending in the first direction and a pin portion extending from the tip surface of the base portion. The tip surface of the base portion may be flush with the substrate.

[0015] Since the base portion is located in the first insertion hole, it is possible to prevent a part of the melted pin portion from flowing into the first insertion hole during heat caulking. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixing state of the substrate to the housing from being weakened due to heat caulking.

[0016] In the torque sensor, in the housing, a portion that holds one of the magnetic flux concentrating members and a portion that holds the other magnetic flux concentrating member may be integrally formed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the operation of arranging the detection element between the pair of extended portions while inserting the first protrusion into the first insertion hole becomes easy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of a steering device on which a torque sensor is mounted. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a torque sensor and a first pinion shaft. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of a torque sensor. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a torque sensor. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a torque sensor. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing a torque sensor during assembly.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the torque sensor is embodied will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 13. The torque sensor of this embodiment is applied to a steering device of a vehicle. <<Steering Device>> As shown in FIG. 1, the steering device 10 has a steering wheel 11, a steering shaft 12, a first pinion shaft 13, and a steering shaft 14.

[0020] One end of the steering shaft 12 is connected to the steering wheel 11, and the other end of the steering shaft 12 is connected to the first pinion shaft 13. The steering shaft 14 extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the first pinion shaft 13. The first pinion teeth 13a of the first pinion shaft 13 are meshed with the first rack teeth 14a of the steering shaft 14. Tie rods 15 are connected to both ends of the steering shaft 14 via tie rods 15.

[0021] Further, as a configuration for generating steering assist force, the steering device 10 has a motor 21, a reduction mechanism 22, a second pinion shaft 23, a torque sensor 24, and a control device 25. The steering assist force is a force transmitted to the steering shaft 14 through a path different from the force transmitted from the first pinion shaft 13 to the steering shaft 14.

[0022] <Motor> Motor 21 is the source of steering assist force. Motor 21 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor. Motor 21 is connected to the second pinion shaft 23 via a reduction mechanism 22. The second pinion teeth 23a of the second pinion shaft 23 mesh with the second rack teeth 14b of the steering shaft 14. The rotation of motor 21 is reduced by the reduction mechanism 22. The reduced rotational force is then transmitted as steering assist force from the second pinion shaft 23 to the first pinion shaft 13 via the steering shaft 14.

[0023] <torque sensor> The torque sensor 24 is located on the first pinion shaft 13. Specifically, the torque sensor 24 is located in the gear housing that accommodates the first pinion shaft 13 together with the steering shaft 14. The torque sensor 24 detects the torque applied to the first pinion shaft 13 through the rotational operation of the steering wheel 11 as the steering torque Th. The configuration of the torque sensor 24 will be described later.

[0024] <Control device> The control device 25 receives the steering torque Th detected by the torque sensor 24. The control device 25 also receives the vehicle speed V detected through the vehicle speed sensor 26 installed on the vehicle. The control device 25 performs assist control by controlling the power supply to the motor 21 to generate a steering assist force corresponding to the steering torque Th and vehicle speed V.

[0025] <<Configuration of the first pinion shaft>> As shown in Figure 2, the first pinion shaft 13 has an input shaft 31, a torsion bar 32, and an output shaft 33. The input shaft 31 and the output shaft 33 are connected to each other via the torsion bar 32. The input shaft 31, the torsion bar 32, and the output shaft 33 are located on the same axis O.

[0026] <<Torque Sensor Configuration>> The torque sensor 24 includes a permanent magnet 41, a yoke 42, a pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44, a housing 45, a cover 46, and a substrate 47.

[0027] <Permanent Magnet> The permanent magnet 41 is cylindrical. The permanent magnet 41 is magnetized alternately with south poles and north poles along its circumference. The permanent magnet 41 is fixed to the input shaft 31.

[0028] <York> The yoke 42 is cylindrical. The permanent magnet 41 is inserted inside the yoke 42. The yoke 42 is fixed to the output shaft 33. The yoke 42 has annular yoke bodies 51, 52 and a holder 53.

[0029] The yoke bodies 51 and 52 are made of a magnetic material. The axes of the yoke bodies 51 and 52 extend along the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13. The yoke bodies 51 and 52 are aligned along the direction of the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13. The yoke bodies 51 and 52 have a plurality of teeth 51a and 52a. The plurality of teeth 51a and 52a are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the yoke bodies 51 and 52. The teeth 51a and 52a are positioned alternately in the circumferential direction of the yoke bodies 51 and 52. The teeth 51a and 52a extend in opposite directions along the direction of the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13.

[0030] The yoke bodies 51 and 52 are molded from a synthetic resin material. The holder 53 is formed from the same synthetic resin material used to mold the yoke bodies 51 and 52. The holder 53 maintains the relative position of the yoke bodies 51 and 52. When the torsion bar 32 is not subjected to twisting deformation, the centers of the teeth 51a and 52a in the circumferential direction of the yoke bodies 51 and 52 coincide with the boundary between the north and south poles of the permanent magnet 41.

[0031] Each magnetic collecting member 43 and 44 has a C-shaped ring 61 and two extensions 62 that extend parallel to the outer surface of the ring 61. In this embodiment, the ring 61 and the extensions 62 are integrally formed. The extensions 62 extend from the outer surface of the ring 61.

[0032] <Housing and cover> The housing 45 includes a first housing component 71, a second housing component 72, and a fitting portion 73. The first housing component 71, the second housing component 72, and the fitting portion 73 are integrally formed from a synthetic resin material.

[0033] The first housing structure 71 is hollow and cylindrical. The interior of the first housing structure 71 is a first housing section 74 that houses the permanent magnet 41, the yoke 42, and the rings 61 of the pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44. The first housing structure 71 has communication holes 75 that connect the first housing section 74 to the outside of the housing 45. The communication holes 75 are located at both ends of the first housing structure 71 in the axial direction.

[0034] The first pinion shaft 13 passes through the first housing component 71. More specifically, the first pinion shaft 13 is inserted through the communication hole 75 and housed in the first housing component 74. The axis of the first housing component 71 extends along the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13.

[0035] The second housing component 72 is rectangular in shape. The second housing component 72 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first housing component 71. The second housing component 72 is located at one end of the first housing component 71 in the axial direction. The axis of the second housing component 72 extends in a direction intersecting the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13.

[0036] The interior of the second housing structure 72 is a second housing section 76 that accommodates the extended portions 62 of the pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 and the substrate 47. The second housing section 76 is in communication with the first housing section 74 because a portion of the circumferential direction of the first housing structure 71 is interrupted at the point where it connects to the second housing structure 72. The second housing structure 72 has an opening 72a that opens on the side opposite to the first housing structure 71. The cover 46 closes the opening 72a of the second housing structure 72.

[0037] The fitting portion 73 is rectangular in shape. The fitting portion 73 is connected to the outer surface of the second housing component 72. More specifically, the fitting portion 73 is connected to the outer surface of the wall portion 721 of the second housing component 72. The axis of the fitting portion 73 extends in the direction in which the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13 extends.

[0038] Multiple terminals 48 are housed inside the mating portion 73. The multiple terminals 48 protrude from the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721. The inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 is the surface that demarcates the second housing portion 76. One end of the multiple terminals 48 is exposed to the second housing portion 76. A connector (not shown) is mated into the mating portion 73. The other ends of the multiple terminals 48 are connected to the connector. The connector electrically connects the terminals 48 to the control device 25.

[0039] The rings 61 of the pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 are held on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing structure 71. The pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 are aligned in a direction along the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13. Each extension 62 of each magnetic collecting member 43 and 44 extends toward the second housing 76. The direction in which each extension 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 extends is the same as the direction in which each extension 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44 extends. The direction in which the axis of the second housing structure 72 extends coincides with the direction in which the extensions 62 extend.

[0040] Hereinafter, the direction in which each extension portion 62 of each magnetic collecting member 43, 44 extends will be referred to as the first direction. The direction in which the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 are aligned will be referred to as the second direction. The direction perpendicular to the first and second directions will be referred to as the third direction. One extension portion 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and one extension portion 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44 are aligned in the second direction. The other extension portion 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and the other extension portion 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44 are aligned in the second direction. One extension portion 62 of each magnetic collecting member 43, 44 and the other extension portion 62 are aligned in the third direction.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second housing structure 72 has a first projection 81 and two second projections 82. The first projection 81 and the two second projections 82 each protrude in a second direction from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721. The first projection 81 and the two second projections 82 are located between the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 and the plurality of terminals 48 in a first direction. The second projections 82 are located on both sides of the first projection 81 in a third direction. One of the second projections 82 is aligned with one extension 62 of each magnetic collecting member 43, 44 in a first direction. The other second projection 82 is aligned with the other extension 62 of each magnetic collecting member 43, 44 in a first direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the first projection 81 has a base portion 83 and a pin portion 84 extending from the tip surface 83a of the base portion 83. The base portion 83 is elliptical in shape. When viewed from the second direction, the base portion 83 is elliptical in shape. The longitudinal direction of the base portion 83 coincides with the first direction. The short direction of the base portion 83 coincides with the third direction. The amount of protrusion of the base portion 83 from the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 is approximately the same as the thickness of the substrate 47. The pin portion 84 is cylindrical.

[0043] The first projection 81 has a first end 81a and a second end 81b as its two ends in the first direction. The first end 81a is the end closer to the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. The second end 81b is the end further away from the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. The second end 81b is the end closer to the multiple terminals 48 in the first direction. The pin portion 84 is provided on approximately half of the first projection 81 on the side of the second end 81b.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the second projection 82 has a tapered shape. The length from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 to the tip of the second projection 82 is longer than the thickness of the substrate 47. The length from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 to the tip of the second projection 82 is approximately the same as the length from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 to the tip of the first projection 81. The length from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 to the tips of each projection 81, 82 is longer than the length of the portion of the terminal 48 located above the inner surface 721a of the wall 721.

[0045] The second projection 82 is elliptical when viewed from the second direction. The longitudinal direction of the second projection 82 coincides with the first direction. The short direction of the second projection 82 coincides with the third direction. The second projection 82 has a first end 82a and a second end 82b as its ends in the first direction. The first end 82a is the end closer to the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. The second end 82b is the end further away from the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. The second end 82b is the end closer to the multiple terminals 48 in the first direction.

[0046] The amount of protrusion of the second projection 82 from the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 decreases in the first direction as it moves from the second end 82b towards the first end 81a. The tip surface of the second projection 82 has an inclined surface that slopes closer to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as it moves from the second end 82b towards the first end 81a in the first direction. In other words, the tip surface of the second projection 82 has an inclined surface that slopes closer to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as it moves closer to the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 in the first direction.

[0047] The tip surface of the second projection 82 in this embodiment has three inclined surfaces: a first inclined surface 85a, a second inclined surface 85b, and a third inclined surface 85c. The first inclined surface 85a, the second inclined surface 85b, and the third inclined surface 85c are provided in this order from the tip to the base of the second projection 82. The first inclined surface 85a, the second inclined surface 85b, and the third inclined surface 85c are arranged in this order in the direction approaching the magnetic collecting members 43, 43 in the first direction. The inclination angles of each inclined surface 85a, 85b, and 85c with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 are third inclined surface 85c > first inclined surface 85a > second inclined surface 85b. The inclination angles of each inclined surface 85a, 85b, and 85c with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 are the smaller of the angles formed between the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 and each inclined surface 85a, 85b, and 85c. Each inclined surface 85a, 85b, and 85c extends in a straight line when viewed from a third direction.

[0048] In the first direction, the distance from the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 to the first end 82a of the second projection 82 is longer than the distance from the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 to the first end 81a of the first projection 81. In the first direction, the distance from the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 to the second end 82b of the second projection 82 is longer than the distance from the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 to the second end 81b of the first projection 81. The first end 82a of the second projection 82 is located between the first end 81a and the second end 81b of the first projection 81 in the first direction. The second end 81b of the first projection 81 is located between the first end 82a and the second end 82b of the second projection 82 in the first direction. A portion of the first projection 81 on the second end 81b side and a portion of the second projection 82 on the first end 82a side overlap in the first direction. The first projection 81 is located on the lower side of the inclined surface of the second projection 82 in the first direction.

[0049] <Circuit board> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the substrate 47 has a first main surface 47a and a second main surface 47b, which is the surface opposite to the first main surface 47a in the thickness direction of the substrate 47. The substrate 47 has a first side surface 47c and a second side surface 47d. The first side surface 47c and the second side surface 47d are surfaces perpendicular to the thickness direction of the substrate 47. The second side surface 47d is the surface opposite to the first side surface 47c. The substrate 47 has a first corner portion 47e that connects the first side surface 47c and the second main surface 47b.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 47 has two recesses 471. Each recess 471 is a recessed portion from the first side surface 47c of the substrate 47. Each recess 471 is rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate 47. Two detection elements 49 are provided on the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. The detection elements 49 are rectangular plates. The detection elements 49 are, for example, Hall sensors. The detection elements 49 are arranged to cover the recesses 471.

[0051] The substrate 47 is positioned on the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 of the second housing structure 72. The second main surface 47b of the substrate 47 faces the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721. One detection element 49 is positioned between one extension portion 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and one extension portion 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44. The other detection element 49 is positioned between the other extension portion 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and the other extension portion 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44. The detection elements 49 detect the magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44. Note that "the detection elements 49 are positioned between the respective extension portions 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44" means that the position of the detection element 49 relative to each extension portion 62 is at a specified position required by design for the detection of the magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44. Of the pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44, the extended portion 62 of the magnetic collecting member 44 that is closer to the wall portion 721 in the second direction is located within the recess 471 of the substrate 47.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the substrate 47 has a first through hole 91, two second through holes 92, and a plurality of terminal through holes 93. The first through hole 91, the two second through holes 92, and the plurality of terminal through holes 93 each penetrate the substrate 47 in the thickness direction. The first through hole 91 and the two second through holes 92 are located between the two detection elements 49 and the plurality of terminal through holes 93 in the first direction. The second through holes 92 are located on both sides of the first through hole 91 in the third direction. One of the second through holes 92 is aligned with one of the detection elements 49 in the first direction. The other second through hole 92 is aligned with the other detection element 49 in the first direction.

[0053] The first through hole 91 is an elongated hole. The longitudinal direction of the first through hole 91 coincides with the first direction. The short direction of the first through hole 91 coincides with the third direction. The dimensions of the first through hole 91 in the first direction are larger than the dimensions of the base portion 83 in the first direction. The dimensions of the first through hole 91 in the third direction are slightly larger than the dimensions of the base portion 83 in the third direction.

[0054] The first through-hole 91 has a first end 91a and a second end 91b at both ends in the first direction. The first end 91a is the end closer to the detection element 49 in the first direction. The second end 91b is the end further away from the detection element 49 in the first direction. The second end 91b is the end closer to the terminal through-hole 93 in the first direction. The substrate 47 has a second corner portion 47f at the second end 91b of the first through-hole 91 that connects the surface that defines the first through-hole 91 with the first main surface 47a.

[0055] The second through hole 92 is an elongated hole. The longitudinal direction of the second through hole 92 coincides with the first direction. The short direction of the second through hole 92 coincides with the third direction. The dimensions of the second through hole 92 in the first direction are larger than the dimensions of the second projection 82 in the first direction. The dimensions of the second through hole 92 in the third direction are slightly larger than the dimensions of the second projection 82 in the third direction.

[0056] The second insertion hole 92 has a first end 92a and a second end 92b at both ends in the first direction. The first end 92a is the end closer to the detection element 49 in the first direction. The second end 92b is the end further away from the detection element 49 in the first direction. The second end 92b is the end closer to the terminal insertion hole 93 in the first direction. The substrate 47 has a third corner portion 47g at the first end 92a of the second insertion hole 92 that connects the surface that defines the second insertion hole 92 with the second main surface 47b.

[0057] In the first direction, the distance from the detection element 49 to the first end 92a of the second insertion hole 92 is longer than the distance from the detection element 49 to the first end 91a of the first insertion hole 91. In the first direction, the distance from the detection element 49 to the second end 92b of the second insertion hole 92 is longer than the distance from the detection element 49 to the second end 91b of the first insertion hole 91. The first end 92a of the second insertion hole 92 is located between the first end 91a and the second end 91b of the first insertion hole 91 in the first direction. The second end 91b of the first insertion hole 91 is located between the first end 92a and the second end 92b of the second insertion hole 92 in the first direction. That is, a portion of the first insertion hole 91 on the second end 91b side and a portion of the second insertion hole 92 on the first end 92a side overlap in the first direction.

[0058] The terminal insertion hole 93 is a round hole. The diameter of the terminal insertion hole 93 is larger than the outer diameter of the terminal 48. The first projection 81 is inserted into the first through hole 91. The first projection 81 is located on the second end 91b side within the first through hole 91. The first end 81a of the first projection 81 is separated from the inner circumferential surface that defines the first through hole 91. The second end 81b of the first projection 81 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first through hole 91. The base portion 83 is located within the first through hole 91. The tip surface 83a of the base portion 83 is flush with the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. The pin portion 84 is located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 47 is fixed to the housing 45 by crimping the tip of the first projection 81 which is inserted through the first insertion hole 91. In this embodiment, the substrate 47 is fixed to the housing 45 by heat crimping the pin portion 84. The heat crimping of the pin portion 84 will be described later. The housing 45 has a crimped portion 810 to which the tip of the first projection 81 is crimped.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the second projection 82 is inserted into the second through hole 92. The second projection 82 is located on the first end 92a side within the second through hole 92. The first end 82a of the second projection 82 abuts against the inner circumferential surface that defines the second through hole 92. The second end 82b of the second projection 82 is separated from the inner circumferential surface that defines the second through hole 92. The portion of the second projection 82 located on the tip side of the third inclined surface 85c is located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47.

[0061] Terminal 48 is inserted through terminal insertion hole 93. The outer surface of terminal 48 is separated from the inner surface that defines terminal insertion hole 93. <<How to assemble the torque sensor>> The assembly method of the torque sensor 24 will be explained along with the operation of this embodiment.

[0062] First, a pair of magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 are housed in the housing 45. The ring 61 passes through the second housing section 76 and is housed in the first housing section 74. The ring 61 is held on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing component 71. The extension 62 is housed in the second housing section 76. One extension 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and one extension 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44 face each other in a second direction within the second housing section 76. The other extension 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and the other extension 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44 face each other in a second direction within the second housing section 76.

[0063] Next, the substrate 47 is housed in the second housing section 76. At this time, one detection element 49 is positioned between one extension 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and one extension 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44. The other detection element 49 is positioned between the other extension 62 of one magnetic collecting member 43 and the other extension 62 of the other magnetic collecting member 44. The first projection 81 is inserted through the first insertion hole 91. The second projection 82 is inserted through the second insertion hole 92. The terminal 48 is inserted through the terminal insertion hole 93. In the following, the movement of the substrate 47 until each detection element 49 is positioned between the pair of extension sections 62, and until the first projection 81, the second projection 82, and the terminal 48 are inserted into the first insertion hole 91, the second insertion hole 92, and the terminal insertion hole 93, respectively, will be described in detail.

[0064] First, as shown in Figure 6, a portion of the detection element 49 provided on the substrate 47 is inserted between a pair of extensions 62, and the tip of the pin portion 84 of the first projection 81 is inserted into the first insertion hole 91. The tip of the pin portion 84 of the first projection 81 is located on the first end 91a side within the first insertion hole 91.

[0065] At this time, the substrate 47 is tilted with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721. More specifically, the substrate 47 is tilted such that the distance from the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 to the second main surface 47b of the substrate 47 in the second direction increases as it moves from the first side surface 47c to the second side surface 47d of the substrate 47. In other words, the substrate 47 is tilted such that the distance from the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 to the second main surface 47b of the substrate 47 in the second direction increases as it moves away from the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. The first corner 47e of the substrate 47 is in contact with the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the second projection 82 is not inserted into the second insertion hole 92. The terminal 48 is not inserted into the terminal insertion hole 93. As described above, a recess 471 is provided at the position on the substrate 47 corresponding to the detection element 49. This prevents the substrate 47 from interfering with the extension 62 of the magnetic collecting member 44 that is closer to the wall portion 721.

[0067] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the substrate 47 is moved in a direction that approaches the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in a first direction, and in a direction that approaches the wall portion 721 in a second direction. At this time, the substrate 47 is moved with its first corner portion 47e in contact with the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721.

[0068] As a result, the amount of insertion of the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62 increases. The amount of insertion of the pin portion 84 into the first through hole 91 increases. The pin portion 84 of the first projection 81 moves relative to the substrate 47 within the first through hole 91 from the first end 91a to the second end 91b. The tip of the second projection 82 is inserted into the second through hole 92. The tip of the second projection 82 is located on the first end 92a side within the second through hole 92. The third corner portion 47g of the substrate 47 contacts the first inclined surface 85a of the two second projections 82. The terminal 48 approaches the substrate 47 but is not inserted into the terminal through hole 93.

[0069] When the third corner portion 47g comes into contact with the first inclined surface 85a, the substrate 47 is moved in a direction toward the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, with the first corner portion 47e in contact with the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 and the third corner portion 47g in contact with the first inclined surface 85a.

[0070] Therefore, the substrate 47 is moved with its first corner 47e supported by the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 and its third corner 47g supported by the first inclined surface 85a. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the second direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that, for example, the end of the substrate 47 on the first side surface 47c side in the first direction moves away from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721. Furthermore, the substrate 47 is moved with its third corner 47g supported by the two first inclined surfaces 85a. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the third direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that one end of the substrate 47 in the third direction is positioned higher or lower than the other end in the second direction.

[0071] Furthermore, the substrate 47 is moved along the first inclined surface 85a. This makes it easier to maintain the desired orientation of the substrate 47. For example, if the inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 is greater than the inclination angle of the substrate 47 in Figures 8 and 9, when the substrate 47 moves in the first direction, the detection element 49 will come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 85a is set so that when the substrate 47 moves in the first direction, the detection element 49 does not come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction. Thus, contact between the detection element 49 and the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 is suppressed.

[0072] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the substrate 47 is moved further in a direction that brings it closer to the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. This increases the amount of insertion of the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62. The amount of insertion of the pin portion 84 into the first insertion hole 91 increases. The pin portion 84 of the first projection 81 moves relative to the substrate 47 within the first insertion hole 91 from the first end 91a to the second end 91b. The amount of insertion of the second projection 82 into the second insertion hole 92 increases. The second projection 82 moves relative to the substrate 47 within the second insertion hole 92 from the first end 92a to the second end 92b. The third corner portion 47g of the substrate 47 contacts the second inclined surface 85b of the two second projections 82. The terminal 48 approaches the substrate 47 but is not inserted into the terminal insertion hole 93.

[0073] When the third corner portion 47g comes into contact with the second inclined surface 85b, the substrate 47 is moved in a direction toward the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, with the first corner portion 47e in contact with the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 and the third corner portion 47g in contact with the second inclined surface 85b.

[0074] Therefore, the substrate 47 is moved with its first corner 47e supported by the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 and its third corner 47g supported by the second inclined surface 85b. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the second direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that, for example, the end of the substrate 47 on the first side surface 47c side in the first direction moves away from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721. In addition, the substrate 47 is moved with its third corner 47g supported by the two second inclined surfaces 85b. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the third direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that one end of the substrate 47 in the third direction is positioned higher or lower than the other end in the second direction.

[0075] Furthermore, the substrate 47 is moved along the second inclined surface 85b. This makes it easier to maintain the desired orientation of the substrate 47. For example, if the substrate 47 continues to move in the first direction while maintaining the same inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as when the substrate 47 moves along the first inclined surface 85a, the detection element 49 will come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 85b is set so that the detection element 49 does not come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction when the substrate 47 moves in the first direction. The inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 when the substrate 47 moves along the second inclined surface 85b is smaller than the inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 when the substrate 47 moves along the first inclined surface 85a. Therefore, interference between the detection element 49 and the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 is suppressed.

[0076] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the substrate 47 is further moved in a direction that approaches the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction. This increases the amount of insertion of the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62. The amount of insertion of the pin portion 84 into the first through hole 91 increases. The pin portion 84 penetrates the substrate 47, so the tip of the pin portion 84 is located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. A part of the tip surface 83a side of the base portion 83 is inserted into the first through hole 91. The first projection 81 moves relative to the substrate 47 within the first through hole 91 from the first end 91a to the second end 91b. The pin portion 84 comes into contact with the second corner portion 47f of the substrate 47. The amount of insertion of the second projection 82 into the second through hole 92 increases. The second projection 82 penetrates the substrate 47, so that the tip of the second projection 82 is located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. The second projection 82 moves relative to the substrate 47 within the second insertion hole 92, from the first end 92a to the second end 92b. The third corner 47g of the substrate 47 contacts the third inclined surface 85c of the two second projections 82. The tip of the terminal 48 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 93.

[0077] When the third corner portion 47g comes into contact with the third inclined surface 85c, the substrate 47 is moved in a direction toward the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, with the first corner portion 47e in contact with the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 and the third corner portion 47g in contact with the third inclined surface 85c.

[0078] Therefore, the substrate 47 is moved with its first corner 47e supported by the inner surface 721a of the wall 721 and its third corner 47g supported by the third inclined surface 85c. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the second direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that, for example, the end of the substrate 47 on the first side surface 47c side in the first direction moves away from the inner surface 721a of the wall 721. Furthermore, the substrate 47 is moved with its third corner 47g supported by the two third inclined surfaces 85c. By supporting the substrate 47 at two points in the third direction in this way, it is difficult for the substrate 47 to tilt in such a way that one end of the substrate 47 in the third direction is positioned higher or lower than the other end in the second direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the substrate 47 is moved along the third inclined surface 85c. This makes it easier to maintain the desired orientation of the substrate 47. For example, if the substrate 47 continues to move in the first direction while maintaining the same inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as when the substrate 47 moves along the second inclined surface 85b, the detection element 49 will come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the third inclined surface 85c is set so that the detection element 49 does not come into contact with the magnetic collecting member 43 that is further away from the wall portion 721 in the second direction when the substrate 47 moves in the first direction. The inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 when the substrate 47 moves along the third inclined surface 85c is smaller than the inclination angle of the substrate 47 with respect to the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 when the substrate 47 moves along the second inclined surface 85b. Therefore, interference between the detection element 49 and the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 is suppressed.

[0080] The substrate 47 is moved in a direction that approaches the wall portion 721 in the second direction. As a result, the third corner portion 47g of the substrate 47 detaches from the third inclined surface 85c, and the substrate 47 becomes horizontal.

[0081] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the placement of the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62 is completed. The first projection 81 is inserted into the first through hole 91 up to its base end. The entire base portion 83 of the first projection 81 is located inside the first through hole 91. The tip surface 83a of the base portion 83 is flush with the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. The second end portion 81b of the first projection 81 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first through hole 91. The second projection 82 is fully inserted into the second through hole 92 up to its base end. The first end portion 82a of the second projection 82 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the second through hole 92. The first inclined surface 85a and the second inclined surface 85b are located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47 in the second direction. Terminal 48 penetrates the substrate 47. The tip of terminal 48 is located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47 in the second direction.

[0082] Then, the pin portion 84 of the first projection 81 is heat-crimped. Specifically, the synthetic resin material forming the pin portion 84 is melted by pressing a heated jig against the tip surface of the pin portion 84 in a second direction. When the molten synthetic resin material has spread beyond the first insertion hole 91 at the second end 91b of the first insertion hole 91, the pressing of the jig against the pin portion 84 is stopped. The molten synthetic resin material cools and solidifies to form a crimped portion 810. The substrate 47 is fixed to the housing 45 by the crimped portion 810.

[0083] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The first projection 81 of the housing 45 is inserted into the first through-hole 91 of the substrate 47. The first through-hole 91 is an elongated hole extending in a first direction. Therefore, even when the first projection 81 is inserted into the first through-hole 91, the substrate 47 can move in the first direction within the range in which the first projection 81 can move within the first through-hole 91. Thus, the work of arranging the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62 while inserting the first projection 81 into the first through-hole 91 becomes easier.

[0084] (2) In addition to the first projection 81 being inserted into the first through hole 91, the second projection 82 of the housing 45 is also inserted into the second through hole 92 of the substrate 47. The second through hole 92 is an elongated hole extending in the first direction. Therefore, even when the second projection 82 is inserted into the second through hole 92, the substrate 47 can move in the first direction to the extent that the first projection 81 can move within the first through hole 91 and the second projection 82 can move within the second through hole 92. Thus, the work of inserting the first projection 81 into the first through hole 91 and the second projection 82 into the second through hole 92 while arranging the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62 becomes easier.

[0085] When inserting the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62, the substrate 47 is tilted so as not to interfere with the first projection 81 and the second projection 82. After the first projection 81 is inserted into the first insertion hole 91 and the second projection 82 is inserted into the second insertion hole 92, the substrate 47 is returned to a horizontal position. The tip surfaces of the second projection 82 have inclined surfaces 85a, 85b, and 85c that are tilted so as they approach the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in a first direction, they approach the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721. Therefore, as the substrate 47 moves along the inclined surfaces 85a, 85b, and 85c of the second projection 82, the orientation of the substrate 47 from the tilted state to the horizontal position can be set to a desired position. Thus, interference between the substrate 47 and the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 can be suppressed.

[0086] (3) The housing 45 has two second projections 82. The second projections 82 are located on both sides of the first projection 81 in the third direction. As a result, the substrate 47 is supported at two points in the third direction by the second projections 82. Therefore, it is unlikely that the substrate 47 will tilt in such a way that one end of the substrate 47 is positioned above or below the other end in the third direction.

[0087] (4) When the detection element 49 is positioned between the respective extensions 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44, the second end 81b of the first projection 81 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole 91. The first end 82a of each second projection 82 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole 92. Therefore, even if the substrate 47 tries to move toward the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, the movement of the substrate 47 is restricted because the first end 82a of the second projection 82 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole 92. Also, even if the substrate 47 tries to move toward the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, the movement of the substrate 47 is restricted because the second end 81b of the first projection 81 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole 91. Thus, the movement of the substrate 47 in the first direction can be restricted.

[0088] (5) The first projection 81 has a base portion 83 extending in a first direction and a pin portion 84 extending from the tip surface 83a of the base portion 83. The substrate 47 is fixed to the housing 45 by heat scribing of the pin portion 84 of the first projection 81. The tip surface 83a of the base portion 83 is flush with the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47. Since the base portion 83 is located inside the first insertion hole 91, it is possible to prevent a portion of the melted pin portion 84 from flowing into the first insertion hole 91 during heat scribing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixing state of the substrate 47 to the housing 45 from weakening due to heat scribing.

[0089] (6) When the detection element 49 is positioned between the respective extensions 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44, the second end 81b of the first projection 81 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole 91. The first end 82a of the second projection 82 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole 92. For this reason, the substrate 47 is positioned in the first direction relative to the housing 45. The thermal crimping of the pin portion 84 is performed with the substrate 47 positioned in the first direction relative to the housing 45. Therefore, when the pin portion 84 is thermal crimped, the movement of the substrate 47 in the first direction is restricted. As a result, when the pin portion 84 is thermal crimped, misalignment of the detection element 49 relative to the pair of extensions 62 can be suppressed.

[0090] (7) For example, if the ring 61 and extension 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 are separate, assembly can be performed in the following procedure. First, the ring 61 without the extension 62 is housed in the first housing 74. Next, the substrate 47 is housed in the second housing 76 while inserting the first projection 81 through the first insertion hole 91. Then, the extension 62 is connected to the ring 61 so that the detection element 49 is sandwiched between the pair of extension 62. In this case, it is possible to avoid placing the detection element 49 between the pair of extension 62 while inserting the first projection 81 through the first insertion hole 91.

[0091] In contrast, the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 of this embodiment have a ring 61 and an extension portion 62 extending from the outer circumferential surface of the ring 61. That is, the ring 61 and the extension portion 62 are integral. Therefore, when the ring 61 is housed in the first housing portion 74, the pair of extension portions 62 are facing each other in the second direction. Consequently, it is necessary to insert the first projection 81 into the first insertion hole 91 and position the detection element 49 between the pair of extension portions 62. Thus, the present invention is effective when the ring 61 and the extension portion 62 are integral.

[0092] (8) For example, if the housing 45 has separate parts for holding one magnetic collecting member 43 and the other magnetic collecting member 44, the assembly can be performed in the following procedure. First, the first projection 81 formed in the part that holds one magnetic collecting member 43 is inserted into the first insertion hole 91 of the substrate 47. Next, the part that holds one magnetic collecting member 43 and the part that holds the other magnetic collecting member 44 are integrated so that the detection element 49 is sandwiched between the pair of extensions 62. In this case, the detection element 49 can be placed between the pair of extensions 62 while the first projection 81 is inserted into the first insertion hole 91, thus avoiding the need to position the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62.

[0093] In contrast, in the housing 45 of this embodiment, the portion that holds one magnetic collecting member 43 and the portion that holds the other magnetic collecting member 44 are integrated. Therefore, the substrate 47 must be housed in the housing 45 with the pair of extensions 62 facing each other in the second direction. Thus, the present invention is effective in the case of a housing 45 in which the portion that holds one magnetic collecting member 43 and the portion that holds the other magnetic collecting member 44 are integrated.

[0094] (9) For example, the tip of the first projection 81 may be inclined to return the tilted substrate 47 to a horizontal position while inserting the first projection 81 into the first insertion hole 91. However, inclining the tip of the first projection 81 reduces the amount of material that makes up the crimped portion 810 when the tip of the first projection 81 is crimped. As a result, the fixing state of the substrate 47 to the housing 45 may be weakened. For this reason, it is preferable to make the first projection 81 cylindrical and to provide an inclination to the second projection 82, which is separate from the first projection 81.

[0095] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and its modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. In the housing 45, the first projection 81 and one of the two second projections 82 may be omitted. That is, the housing 45 may have only the other of the two second projections 82. In this case, the other second projection 82 corresponds to the first projection described in the section on means for solving the problem. The tip surface of the other second projection 82 does not have to have an inclined surface that approaches the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as it approaches the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 in the first direction.

[0096] The housing 45 may have two or more first protrusions 81. The housing 45 does not necessarily have to have two second protrusions 82. In this case, the tip surface of the first protrusion 81 may have an inclined surface that approaches the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as it approaches the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 in the first direction.

[0097] The housing 45 may have either one of the two second projections 82. The housing 45 may have three or more second protrusions 82. Not only the tip surface of the second projection 82, but also the tip surface of the first projection 81 may be inclined such that it approaches the inner surface 721a of the wall portion 721 as it approaches the magnetic collecting members 43, 44 in the first direction.

[0098] The number of inclined surfaces may be changed as appropriate. The inclination angle of the inclined surface may be changed as appropriate. The inclination angle of the inclined surface is set considering the arrangement of the magnetic collectors 43 and 44 in the housing 45 and the thickness of the substrate 47, so that the detection element 49 does not come into contact with the magnetic collectors 43 and 44.

[0099] The first projection 81 does not necessarily have to have a base portion 83. In other words, the first projection 81 may be cylindrical. The tip surface 83a of the base portion 83 may be located above the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47, or it may be located below the first main surface 47a of the substrate 47.

[0100] The pin portion 84 does not necessarily have to be located on the second end portion 82b side in the first direction of the second projection 82. The statement "When the detection element 49 is positioned between a pair of extensions 62, the second end 71b of the first projection 81 abuts against the inner circumferential surface defining the first insertion hole 91, and the first end 82a of the second projection 82 abuts against the inner circumferential surface defining the second insertion hole 92" includes not only the case where they abut simultaneously, but also the case where slight movement of the substrate 47 relative to the housing 45 is permitted. In this case, when the substrate 47 moves in a first direction toward the magnetic collecting members 43, 44, the first end 82a of the second projection 82 abuts against the inner circumferential surface defining the second insertion hole 92, while the second end 81b of the first projection 81 does not abut against the inner circumferential surface defining the first insertion hole 91. When the substrate 47 moves away from the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 in the first direction, the second end 81b of the first projection 81 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole 91, while the first end 82a of the second projection 82 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole 92.

[0101] When the detection element 49 is positioned between the respective extensions 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44, the second end 81b of the first projection 81 does not have to contact the inner circumferential surface that defines the first through hole 91, and the first end 82a of the second projection 82 does not have to contact the inner circumferential surface that defines the second through hole 92.

[0102] The housing 45 may be divided in a direction along the axis O of the first pinion shaft 13. In this case, the housing 45 is formed by integrating a first member that holds one magnetic collecting member 43 and a second member that holds the other magnetic collecting member 44 and is separate from the first member. In this configuration as well, when attempting to house the substrate 47 in the housing 45 after integrating the first member and the second member, it is necessary to insert the first projection 81 through the first insertion hole 91 and position the detection element 49 between the pair of extensions 62.

[0103] The ring 61 and extension 62 of the magnetic collecting members 43 and 44 may be separate. In this configuration as well, if the extension 62 is connected to the ring 61 before the substrate 47 is housed in the housing 45, it is necessary to insert the first projection 81 through the first insertion hole 91 and place the detection element 49 between the pair of extension 62.

[0104] The pin portion 84 does not have to be crimped. The first projection 81 does not have to be a projection for fixing the substrate 47 to the housing 45. The first projection 81 may be, for example, a projection for positioning the substrate 47 relative to the housing 45.

[0105] The crimping of the pin portion 84 is not limited to heat crimping. For example, the pin portion 84 may be deformed by crushing it with a jig until the pin portion 84 is located outside the first insertion hole 91 at the second end 91b of the first insertion hole 91. The deformed pin portion 84 becomes the crimped portion 810. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 24... Torque sensor 43… Magnetic collecting member 44… Magnetic collecting member 45… Housing 47... Circuit board 49...Detection element 61... Ring 62…Extension part 76...Second containment unit (containment unit) 81...First Pier 81a...First end 81b…Second end 82...Second Pier 82a...first end 82b…Second end 83...Base section 83a…Tip surface 84...Pin section 85a...First slope (slope) 85b…Second slope (slope) 85c...Third slope (slope) 91...First insertion hole 92...Second insertion hole 721a...Inner surface (surface that partitions the containment area)

Claims

1. A pair of magnetic collecting members, A substrate is provided on which a detection element is provided for detecting the magnetic flux induced in the magnetic collecting member, A housing having a housing portion that holds the pair of magnetic collecting members and accommodates the substrate, Equipped with, Each of the magnetic collecting members comprises a ring and an extended portion extending in a first direction outward from the outer circumferential surface of the ring. The detection element is positioned between each of the extended portions of the magnetic collecting member. The housing has a first projection that protrudes from the surface defining the housing portion in a second direction, which is the direction in which the magnetic collecting members are aligned, and a second projection that protrudes from the surface defining the housing portion in the second direction and extends in the first direction. The tip surface of the second projection has an inclined surface that approaches the surface that partitions the housing portion as it approaches the magnetic collecting member in the first direction. The substrate has a first insertion hole through which the first projection is inserted, and a second insertion hole through which the second projection is inserted. The first through hole is an elongated hole extending in the first direction, The torque sensor is characterized in that the second insertion hole is an elongated hole extending in the first direction.

2. The housing includes two of the second projections, The torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second projection is located on both sides of the first projection in the first direction and in a third direction which is perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The first projection has a first end which is the end closer to the magnetic collecting member in the first direction, and a second end which is the end further away from the magnetic collecting member in the first direction. The second projection has a first end which is the end closer to the magnetic collecting member in the first direction, and a second end which is the end further away from the magnetic collecting member in the first direction. When the detection element is positioned between the respective extensions of the magnetic collecting member, The second end of the first projection abuts against the inner circumferential surface that defines the first insertion hole. The torque sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first end of the second projection abuts against the inner circumferential surface that defines the second insertion hole.

4. The substrate is fixed to the housing by the first projection being heat-crimped. The first projection has a base portion extending in the first direction and a pin portion extending from the tip surface of the base portion. The torque sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip surface of the base portion is flush with the substrate.

5. The torque sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the housing, the portion that holds one of the magnetic collecting members and the portion that holds the other magnetic collecting member are integrally formed.

Images