Steering angle sensor

Abstract

A steering angle sensor, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a case including an upper case and a second case; a shaft holder disposed inside the case; a main gear coupled to the shaft holder; a plurality of sub gears engaged with the main gear; and a substrate on which a plurality of hall sensors are disposed, wherein the upper case comprises a plurality of bosses protruding toward the second case, and the plurality of bosses can penetrate the substrate and come into contact with one surface of the sub gears.

Description

steering angle sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering angle sensor.

[0002] A steering angle sensor is a device that detects and measures the angle of a rotating part or mechanical movement and converts it into an electrical signal, playing an important role in a vehicle steering system.

[0003] The performance of a steering angle sensor is significantly affected by the precision of the internal components. If the rotating shaft, magnet, circuit board, and other components within the sensor are not properly connected, errors in measurements or reliability may occur. For example, misalignment or uneven connection between the rotating shaft and magnet can cause errors in the sensor's electrical signal conversion. Furthermore, over the long term, wear between components can shorten the sensor's lifespan.

[0004] In vehicle steering systems, steering angle sensors can be highly exposed to shock and vibration from the vehicle. Therefore, if there is play in the internal components of the steering angle sensor or they are not firmly attached, shock or vibration from the vehicle can cause greater play, reducing the reliability of the steering angle sensor. Therefore, securing the connection strength and assembly precision between internal components are essential concerns in steering angle sensor technology.

[0005] One of the technical tasks of the present invention is to provide a steering angle sensor that improves the reliability of steering angle measurement.

[0006] Additionally, a steering angle sensor is provided to reduce backlash between the main gear and sub gear.

[0007] A steering angle sensor according to an embodiment includes a first case and a second case coupled to each other, a shaft holder disposed inside the first and second cases and coupled to a steering shaft of a vehicle and rotating together, a main gear fixed to an outer surface of the shaft holder, a plurality of sub-gears rotating in conjunction with the main gear, and a substrate having a plurality of through holes formed therein, wherein the first case may include a plurality of bosses penetrating the through holes to support the sub-gears.

[0008] In addition, the substrate may have a Hall sensor disposed on each surface facing the plurality of sub-gears, and the plurality of bosses may include a first boss, a second boss, a third boss, and a fourth boss, and the Hall sensor may be disposed between the first boss and the second boss, and between the third boss and the fourth boss, respectively.

[0009] Additionally, the lower surfaces of the first boss and the second boss can support the upper surface of the first sub-gear, and the lower surfaces of the third boss and the fourth boss can support the upper surface of the second sub-gear.

[0010] Additionally, the plurality of bosses protrude further in the direction of the sub-gear than the plurality of hall sensors, and the hall sensors and the sub-gear can be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

[0011] In addition, the sub-gear may include a first sub-gear and a second sub-gear, and the second case may include a first mounting portion on which the first sub-gear is mounted and a second mounting portion on which the second sub-gear is mounted, and the first mounting portion may include a pressurizing portion that applies pressure to the first sub-gear in the direction of the main gear.

[0012] In addition, the first fixing portion includes a first portion and a second portion, and includes a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion, and the pressing portion is disposed at one end of the groove and can press the first sub-gear in the direction of the main gear.

[0013] In addition, the shaft holder includes an input shaft that receives steering input and a flange portion connected to the main gear, the flange portion includes a plurality of protrusions coupled to the main gear, the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed spaced apart from the first protrusion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion can form a pair.

[0014] In addition, the main gear may include a coupling portion to which a flange portion of the shaft holder is connected, and the coupling portion may include a plurality of recessed portions to which the plurality of protrusions are coupled and a convex portion disposed between the plurality of recessed portions.

[0015] In addition, the convex portion includes at least one protrusion protruding in the direction of the concave portion, and the protrusion can be fastened to the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0016] In addition, it includes at least one protrusion protruding from the side of the concave portion in the direction of the convex portion, and the protrusion can be fastened to the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0017] The steering angle sensor of the embodiment of the invention can prevent a problem in which a play occurs between the substrate and the sub-gear by having the first case penetrate the substrate and come into contact with the sub-gear.

[0018] In addition, since the steering angle sensor according to the embodiment does not provide a separate intermediate case, the weight is reduced and the process is simplified.

[0019] In addition, the steering angle sensor according to the embodiment has the effect of reducing backlash between the sub-gear and the main gear due to the structure of the mounting portion formed in the second case.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a steering angle sensor according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a steering angle sensor according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3' of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 3.

[0024] Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of an upper substrate according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a substrate according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second case according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second case of the embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a shaft holder according to an embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the joint portion of the shaft holder according to the embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are given or used interchangeably for the sake of ease of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, the attached drawings are intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the attached drawings. In addition, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as existing "on" another element, this includes that it may be directly on the other element, or that other intermediate elements may exist therebetween.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering angle sensor according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a steering angle sensor according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a 3-3' cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows a part of an upper substrate according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows a substrate according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a steering angle sensor (10) according to an embodiment may include a first case (100), a second case (200), a shaft holder (300), a main gear (400), a sub gear (500), and a substrate (600).

[0034] The first case (100) includes a plurality of fastening parts (101, 102), and the plurality of fastening parts (101, 102) can be fastened to a plurality of catch parts (201, 202) of the second case (200). For example, the first case can be an upper case, and the second case can be a lower case.

[0035] Next, referring to FIG. 3, a first hole (H1) through which the input shaft of the shaft holder (300) passes may be formed in the first case (100). A second hole (H2) may be formed in the second case (200) at a position corresponding to the first hole (H1).

[0036] The first case (100) may include a plurality of bosses (110) protruding toward the second case (200). In detail, the bosses (110) may include a first boss (111), a second boss (112), a third boss (113), and a fourth boss (114). The first boss (111), the second boss (112), the third boss (113), and the fourth boss (114) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. The lower surfaces of the plurality of bosses (110) may be in contact with the upper surfaces of the plurality of sub-gears (500). The plurality of bosses (110) may apply pressure to prevent play from occurring in the plurality of sub-gears (500).

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the hall sensor (650) can be spaced apart from the sub gear (500) by a certain thickness (D) by the boss (110) structure.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 2, the shaft holder (300) may include an input shaft (310) connected to a steering shaft and a flange portion (320) coupled with the main gear (400). The input shaft (310) and the flange portion (320) may be formed integrally. The input shaft (310) may pass through the first hole (H1) of the first case (100).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the sub-gear (500) can rotate in conjunction with the main gear (400). The sub-gear (500) can include a first sub-gear (510) and a second sub-gear (520). For example, both the first sub-gear (510) and the second sub-gear (520) can mesh with the main gear (400). In another example, the first sub-gear (510) and the second sub-gear (520) can mesh, and the main gear (400) and the first sub-gear (510) can mesh. The sub-gear (500) can rotate while being seated on the seating portion of the second case (200). The detailed configuration of the seating portions (210, 220) will be described later.

[0040] Referring briefly to FIG. 6, the substrate (600) may be placed between the sub-gear (500) and the first case (100). A hall sensor (650) may be placed on the substrate (600) at a position vertically overlapping the first sub-gear (510) and the second sub-gear (520).

[0041] The above substrate (600) may include a plurality of fixing holes (620) through which a fastening member for fixing the first case (100) and the second case (200) to the substrate (600) passes.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, the substrate (600) may include a plurality of through holes (610) through which the plurality of bosses (110) pass. In detail, the plurality of through holes (610) may include a first through hole (611), a second through hole (612), a third through hole (613), and a fourth through hole (614). The first boss (111) may pass through the first through hole (611), the second boss (112) may pass through the second through hole (612), the third boss (113) may pass through the third through hole (613), and the fourth boss (114) may pass through the fourth through hole (614).

[0043] The first through hole (611), the second through hole (612), the third through hole (613), and the fourth through hole (614) may be formed at a predetermined distance from each other. The hall sensor (650) may be placed between the first through hole (611) and the second through hole (612), and between the third through hole (613) and the fourth through hole (614).

[0044] The plurality of bosses (110) can be inserted into the plurality of through holes (610) to fix the substrate (600) and prevent play from occurring. As a result, the play of the substrate (600) is reduced, and the position of the hall sensor (650) is also fixed, so that the reliability of the steering angle sensor can be improved.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower surfaces of the plurality of bosses (110) may be in contact with the upper surfaces of the plurality of sub-gears (500). In detail, the lower surfaces (S1) of the first boss (111) and the second boss (112) may be in contact with the upper surface (S2) of the second sub-gear (520) to reduce the vertical play of the second sub-gear (520). In addition, the upper surface of the first sub-gear (510) may be in contact with the lower surfaces of the third boss (113) and the fourth boss (114) to reduce the vertical play of the first sub-gear (510). Grease may be applied to the surfaces where the bosses (110) and the sub-gear (500) are in contact to reduce friction.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second case according to an embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8' of Fig. 7.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the second case (200) may include a mounting portion (210, 220) on which the sub-gear (500) is mounted. The mounting portion (210, 220) may have a structure that protrudes from the second case (200) to the first case (100). For example, the mounting portion (210, 220) may be inserted into the inside of the sub-gear (500).

[0048] The above-described mounting portion may include a first mounting portion (210) and a second mounting portion (220). The first sub-gear (510) may be arranged in the first mounting portion (210), and the second sub-gear (520) may be arranged in the second mounting portion (220). The first mounting portion (210) and the second mounting portion (220) may be formed with grooves (213, 223) to facilitate the mounting of the first sub-gear (510) and the second sub-gear (520). The mounting portions (210, 220) may be divided into a first portion (211, 221) and a second portion (212, 222) by the grooves (213, 223).

[0049] The above sub-gear (500) and the mounting portion (210, 220) must be assembled without any play, and a lubricant is applied to reduce friction when the sub-gear (500) rotates. If the groove (213, 223) is not formed in the mounting portion (210, 220), internal pressure may be generated in the sub-gear (500), making assembly difficult.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 8, a pressing portion (219) that applies force to the first sub-gear (510) toward the main gear (400) may be formed on one side of the groove (213) of the first mounting portion (210). By the pressing portion (219) pressing the first sub-gear (510) toward the main gear (400), backlash occurring between the gear teeth of the first sub-gear (510) and the gear teeth of the main gear (400) can be reduced.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a shaft holder according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a joint portion of the shaft holder according to an embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a shaft holder (300) according to an embodiment may include an input shaft (310) and a flange portion (320). The flange portion (320) is formed to extend radially outward from the input shaft (310). The flange portion (320) may include a plurality of protrusions (322) that protrude radially outward from an end of the flange portion (320). The plurality of protrusions (322) may include a first protrusion (322a) and a second protrusion (322b). The first protrusion (322a) and the second protrusion (322b) may form a pair. The flange portion (320) may be formed with a plurality of first protrusions (322a) and second protrusions (322b) that form a pair.

[0053] The main gear (400) may include a gear portion (410) in which gear teeth are formed and a coupling portion (420) that is coupled to the shaft holder (300). The coupling portion (420) may protrude from the gear portion (410). The coupling portion (420) may have a ring shape along the circumference of the gear portion (410).

[0054] The above-mentioned connecting portion (420) may have a plurality of concave portions (421) and a plurality of convex portions (422) for fastening with a plurality of protruding portions (322) of the above-mentioned flange portion (321).

[0055] The protruding portions (322) may be respectively coupled to the recessed portions (421). For example, the recessed portions may include a first recessed portion (421a) and a second recessed portion (421b). The protruding portion between the first recessed portion (421a) and the second recessed portion (421b) may form one configuration. The first protruding portion (322a) may be coupled to the first recessed portion (421a), and the second protruding portion (322b) may be coupled to the second recessed portion (421b).

[0056] A plurality of protrusions (423) protruding from the protruding portion toward the recessed portion may be formed between the protruding portion and the recessed portion. The protrusions (423) may fix the protruding portion (322) when the protruding portion (322) is fastened to the recessed portion. Accordingly, the coupling force between the main gear (400) and the shaft holder (300) may be improved.

[0057]

[0058] The steering angle sensor according to the embodiment can be widely used in steering control systems of automobiles, airplanes, ships, and other moving bodies. In particular, it can precisely measure the steering wheel angle of a vehicle and improve the stability of the steering system based on this. In addition, by combining with technologies such as the vehicle's active safety system (ADAS), autonomous driving system, steering assist system, and electronic steering system (EPS), the control performance and driving safety of the vehicle can be greatly improved.

[0059]

[0060] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present examples. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the embodiments set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A case comprising a first case and a second case that are coupled to each other; A shaft holder disposed inside the case and coupled with the vehicle's steering shaft to rotate together; A main gear fixed to the outer surface of the above shaft holder; A plurality of sub-gears that rotate in conjunction with the main gear; and A substrate provided between the first case and the sub-gear and having a plurality of through holes formed therein, The above first case is a steering angle sensor including a plurality of bosses that penetrate the through hole and support the sub-gear.

2. In paragraph 1, On the above substrate, a Hall sensor is arranged on each surface facing the plurality of sub gears, The above multiple bosses are, Includes the 1st boss, 2nd boss, 3rd boss and 4th boss, A steering angle sensor in which the Hall sensor is respectively positioned between the first boss and the second boss, and between the third boss and the fourth boss.

3. In paragraph 2, The lower surfaces of the first boss and the second boss support the upper surface of the first sub-gear, The lower surfaces of the third boss and the fourth boss are steering angle sensors that support the upper surface of the second sub-gear.

4. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of bosses protrude further in the sub-gear direction than the above plurality of hall sensors, The above Hall sensor and the above sub gear are steering angle sensors spaced apart at a certain interval.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above sub-gear includes a first sub-gear and a second sub-gear, The second case above is, A first mounting portion on which the first sub-gear is mounted; and It includes a second mounting portion on which the second sub gear is mounted, The first fixing portion includes a steering angle sensor that applies pressure to the first sub-gear in the direction of the main gear.

6. In paragraph 5, The first fixing portion includes a first portion and a second portion, Including a groove formed between the first part and the second part, A steering angle sensor wherein the pressurizing portion is arranged at one end of the groove and presses the first sub-gear in the direction of the main gear.

7. In paragraph 1, The above shaft holder, Input shaft that receives steering input and Includes a flange portion connected to the main gear, The above flange portion, comprising a plurality of protrusions coupled to the main gear; The above plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, A steering angle sensor in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion form a pair.

8. In paragraph 7, The above main gear is, Includes a connecting portion to which the flange portion of the shaft holder is connected, The above joint is, A plurality of recessed portions to which the above plurality of protrusions are joined, and Including a convex portion arranged between the plurality of concave portions, Steering angle sensor.

9. In paragraph 8, The above convex portion includes at least one protrusion protruding in the direction of the concave portion, The above protrusion is a steering angle sensor connected to the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

10. In paragraph 8, It includes at least one protrusion protruding from the side of the concave portion in the direction of the convex portion, The above protrusion is a steering angle sensor connected to the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

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