Steering sensor

Abstract

A steering sensor according to the present invention comprises a case having a first portion including an at least partially cylindrical shape and a second portion extending from one side of the first portion, a stator disposed inside the first portion of the case, a rotor disposed on the inner side of the stator, a collector disposed on the outer side of the stator, and a collector shield provided in the second portion of the case so as to surround the collector, wherein the collector shield is integrally coupled to the case by insert molding.

Description

steering sensor

[0001] The present invention is applicable to the field of vehicle steering technology and, for example, relates to a vehicle steering sensor.

[0002] Generally, a steering system assisted by a separate power source is used to complement the steering stability of a vehicle. Conventionally, hydraulic systems were used as such auxiliary steering devices, but recently, Electric Power Steering Systems (EPS), which offer low power loss and excellent accuracy, are widely used.

[0003] The electric power steering (EPS) includes steering sensors, such as a torque only sensor (TOS) or a torque angle sensor (TAS), to precisely measure the driver's steering motion. The electric power steering includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls motor operation according to driving conditions detected by the torque angle sensor or torque sensor, and assists the driver in safe driving by ensuring cornering stability and providing rapid restoring force.

[0004] Among these various types of steering sensors, magnetic steering sensors typically include a collector to measure changes in the magnetic field between the rotor and the stator caused by torsion between the input and output shafts. However, the collector can also be affected by magnetic fields entering from the outside of the steering sensor. If the collector is affected by the external environment, errors may occur in the operation of the steering sensor, which may consequently reduce the reliability of the electric power steering system.

[0005] To address this issue, attempts are being made to shield external magnetic fields by installing a collector shield on the steering sensor case. However, assembling the collector shield to the steering sensor case requires numerous additional processes. Specifically, the collector shield must be assembled manually and secured to the case through multiple heat fusion steps. This manual assembly process necessitates skilled personnel and carries the risk of deformation or damage to the shield during the operation. Furthermore, once the collector shield is secured to the steering sensor case via heat fusion, internal component replacement becomes impossible, making it impossible to take corrective action upon detecting a defect.

[0006] The present invention relates to a steering sensor including a collector shield, and aims to improve workability and productivity by improving the assemblability of the collector shield and enabling the replacement of internal parts even after the collector shield is assembled.

[0007] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] The present invention relates to a steering sensor comprising: a case having a first portion having at least a partially cylindrical shape and a second portion extending from one side of the first portion; a stator disposed inside the first portion of the case; a rotor disposed inside the stator; a collector disposed outside the stator; and a collector shield provided in the second portion of the case to surround the collector, wherein the collector shield is integrally joined to the case by insert injection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the case includes a first case and a second case that are joined together to form the first part and the second part, and the collector includes a first collector and a second collector disposed across at least one side of the circumferential portion of the stator and the second part, and the collector shield may include a first collector shield and a second collector shield disposed on the second part of the case so as to be located on the outside of the first collector and the second collector, respectively.

[0010] The first collector shield can be integrally joined to the first case by insert injection, and the second collector shield can be integrally joined to the second case by insert injection.

[0011] The first collector shield and the second collector shield may each have a first end and a second end that come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case and the second case.

[0012] The first end and the second end each have a first bend and a second bend, and the first bend and the second bend can come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case and the second case.

[0013] The first and second bending portions can each be bent toward the inside of the first case and the second case.

[0014] The first collector shield may have a first shield portion that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first collector, and the second collector shield may have a second shield portion that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second collector.

[0015] The first shield portion may be positioned to overlap at least a portion with the first collector, and the second shield portion may be positioned to overlap at least a portion with the second collector.

[0016] The above case further includes a third case located on the outside of the second case, and can be integrally joined by at least one screw that penetrates the second case from the third case and is fastened to the first case.

[0017] According to the present invention, the steering sensor of the present invention, having the above-described configuration, has a collector shield integrally coupled inside the case by insert injection molding. Accordingly, the conventional process of separately assembling the collector shield into the case is eliminated, thereby removing the risk of defects caused by manual work, resolving the takt time bottleneck problem caused by manual processes, and enabling the efficient allocation of manpower in the manufacturing process.

[0018] The present invention also provides that a pair of collector shields are integrally joined by insert injection into a pair of cases that are separable and connectable. Accordingly, even if a defect is detected in the steering sensor after assembly, subsequent measures such as replacing internal parts after disassembling the case can be taken. This improves productivity in the steering sensor manufacturing process.

[0019] In addition, there are additional technical effects not mentioned herein. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand these technical effects from the full context of the specification and drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a plan view of the steering sensor of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first case.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second case.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating embodiments of first and second collector shields, each having a bent end.

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0026] "And / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more.

[0027] The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, "comprising" and / or "comprising" does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0028] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly" or "electrically connected" with other members or elements interposed between them.

[0029] Additionally, throughout the specification, the description that each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure is formed "on" or "under" the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad, or pattern includes both direct formation and formation through another layer. The criteria for "on" or "under" each layer are described based on the drawings.

[0030] Furthermore, expressions such as 'first, second,' etc., are used solely to distinguish multiple compositions and do not limit the order or other characteristics between the compositions.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering sensor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the steering sensor (10) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the internal configuration of the steering sensor (10) of FIG. 1.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the overall configuration of a steering sensor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the external shape of a steering sensor (10). The steering sensor (10) may include a case (100) having a first part (101) having a cylindrical shape and a second part (102) extending from one side of the first part (101). A stator (200) and a rotor (300) are disposed in the first part (101) of the case (100), which has at least a partially cylindrical shape.

[0035] The case (100) may include a second part (102) that extends from one side of the first part (101) and has an approximate cuboidal shape. A pair of collectors (400, 410) and a corresponding pair of collector shields (500, 510) are disposed in the second part (102).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a stator (200) is disposed inside a first part (101) of a case (100). In an embodiment, the stator (200) may include a first stator (210) having teeth in a circular shape and a second stator (220) having teeth that intersect and are coupled to the first stator (210). A rotor (300) may be concentrically coupled to the inside of such a stator (200). Such a rotor (300) may be coupled to a steering shaft (not shown) of a vehicle. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the case (100) may have a coupling hole (108) that exposes the rotor (300).

[0037] An extension shaft (104) coupled to a rotor (300) may be installed in the first part (101) of the case (100). A steering shaft may be mechanically coupled to the extension shaft (104) and connected to the rotor (300). A ring-shaped magnet (310) having alternating N and S poles may be coupled to the rotor (300). A main gear (not shown) may be coupled to the rotor (300), and two sub-gears (not shown) each meshed with the main gear may be provided.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a first collector (400) and a second collector (410) may be disposed on at least a portion of the circumference on the outer side of the stator (200). For example, a steering sensor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a magnetic field steering sensor, and such a steering sensor (10) can measure the magnitude and direction of the torque resulting from the twist between the input shaft (steering shaft) and the output shaft by detecting the change in magnetic flux formed by a magnet (310) coupled to the rotor (300) on the teeth of the first stator (210) and the second stator (220). The first collector (400) and the second collector (410) serve to detect such changes in the magnetic field.

[0039] On the other hand, the exemplary steering sensor (10) may be configured as a torque angle sensor (TAS) to detect changes in magnetic flux and to measure the magnitude and direction of the steering angle. The steering sensor (10) of the illustrated embodiment may include a main gear (not shown) coupled to the rotor (300) and two sub-gears (not shown) each meshed with the main gear. The magnitude and direction of the steering angle can be measured by detecting the rotation of the two sub-gears coupled to the main gear. Since such a magnetic torque angle sensor is a known technology, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, a pair of collectors (400, 410) may include a first collector (400) located on one side of the circumference of the stator (200) and a second collector (410) located on the other side of the circumference of the stator (200). Here, the one side and the other side of the circumference of the stator (200) may be the upper side and the lower side, respectively. Specifically, the first collector (400) may overlap with at least a part of the circular shape of the first stator (210), and the second collector (410) may overlap with at least a part of the circular shape of the second stator (220).

[0041] For example, the first collector (400) may include a first collector body (402) that overlaps with a portion of the circumference of the first stator (210) and a first extension (404) extending from the first collector body (402). Similarly, the second collector (410) may include a second collector body (412) that overlaps with a portion of the circumference of the second stator (220) and a second extension (414) extending from the second collector body (412).

[0042] As an example, the first extension part (404) and the second extension part (414) are each extended and bent to face each other from the first collector body (402) and the second collector body (412), respectively, and can be joined to each other through a Hall sensor inserted between them.

[0043] Meanwhile, a pair of collector shields are arranged on the outside of a pair of collectors (400, 410) and are integrally coupled to a second part (102) of the case (100). Specifically, the pair of collector shields (500, 510) may include a first collector shield (500) that magnetically shields a first collector (400) and a second collector shield (510) that magnetically shields a second collector (410). Magnetic shielding is achieved by the pair of collector shields (500, 510) wrapping around the pair of collectors (400, 410), thereby suppressing and attenuating the adverse effects of a magnetic field introduced from the outside on the steering sensor (10).

[0044] Specifically, the first collector shield (500) may be provided with a first shield portion (502) that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first collector (400), and the second collector shield (510) may be provided with a second shield portion (512) that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second collector (410). The first shield portion (502) may be arranged so as to overlap at least a portion with the first collector (400), and the second shield portion (512) may be arranged so as to overlap at least a portion with the second collector (410).

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the case (100) includes a first case (110) and a second case (120) that are joined together to form a first part (101) and a second part (102). Additionally, the first collector shield (500) is integrally joined to the first case (110) by insert injection, and the second collector shield (510) is integrally joined to the second case (120) by insert injection.

[0046] In this way, according to the structure in which the first collector shield (500) is integrally coupled to the first case (110) and the second collector shield (510) is integrally coupled to the second case (120), by combining the first case (110) and the second case (120) that form the first part (101) and the second part (102), magnetic shielding is completed in which a pair of collector shields (500, 510) surround a pair of collectors (400, 410). That is, in the steering sensor (10) of the present invention, the process of separately assembling the collector shield to the case (100) is eliminated, thereby eliminating the risk of defects caused by manual work.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first case (110), and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second case (120). According to an example of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first collector shield (500) and the second collector shield (510) may each have a first end (504) and a second end (514) that come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case (110) and the second case (120). By the first end (504) of the first collector shield (500) and the second end (514) of the second collector shield (510) coming into contact, a magnetic field flowing between the first collector shield (500) and the second collector shield (510) is formed, thereby enhancing the magnetic shielding effect by the pair of collector shields (500, 510).

[0048] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a first and second collector shield (500, 510) each having a bent end. Referring to FIG. 6, the first end (504) of the first collector shield (500) and the second end (514) of the second collector shield (510) may each have a first bent portion (506) and a second bent portion (516). In addition, the first bent portion (506) and the second bent portion (516) may come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case (110) and the second case (120). By making wide contact between the first collector shield (500) and the second collector shield (510) through the expanded area of ​​the first folded portion (506) and the second folded portion (516), the flow of the magnetic field becomes smoother, and as a result, the effect of magnetic shielding can be improved.

[0049] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first bend portion (506) and the second bend portion (516) can each be bent toward the inside of the first case (110) and the second case (120). With the first bend portion (506) and the second bend portion (516) sandwiched between the joining surfaces of the first case (110) and the second case (120), the bonding force between the first case (110) and the second case (120) acts, thereby ensuring that the first bend portion (506) and the second bend portion (516) make contact more securely.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the case (100) may further include a third case (130) located on the outside of the second case (120). The third case (130) is provided with at least one screw hole (not shown), and the plurality of cases (110, 120, 130) can be integrally joined by at least one screw (not shown) that passes through the second case (120) from the third case (130) and is fastened to the first case (110).

[0051] As described above, a pair of collector shields (500, 510) may be separated and integrally combined within a first case (110) and a third case (130) that can be separated and connected. Furthermore, according to the assembly structure of the case (100) by screws, even if a defect is found in the completed steering sensor (10), subsequent measures such as replacing internal parts after disassembling the case (100) can be taken.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be implemented in other forms while maintaining the technical concept and essential features of the invention.

[0053] The scope of the present invention shall be defined by the claims, but all modifications or variations derived from configurations directly derived from the descriptions in the claims, as well as configurations equivalent thereto, shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A case having a first part having at least a partially cylindrical shape and a second part extending from one side of the first part; A stator disposed inside the first part of the above case; A rotor disposed inside the stator above; A collector disposed on the outer side of the above stator; and A collector shield provided in a second part of the case to surround the collector; Includes, The above collector shield is a steering sensor that is integrally joined to the above case by insert injection.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above case includes a first case and a second case that are combined with each other to form the first part and the second part, and The collector comprises a first collector and a second collector disposed across at least one side of the circumferential portion of the stator and the second portion, and A steering sensor comprising a first collector shield and a second collector shield disposed in a second part of the case so as to be positioned on the outer side of the first collector and the second collector, respectively.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first collector shield is integrally joined to the first case by insert injection, and The steering sensor, wherein the second collector shield is integrally joined to the second case by insert injection.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned first collector shield and second collector shield are, A steering sensor having a first end and a second end that come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case and the second case.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above first end and second end are, Each is equipped with a first bending part and a second bending part, and A steering sensor in which the first bend portion and the second bend portion come into contact with each other by mutual coupling of the first case and the second case.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned first bend and second bend are, A steering sensor, each bent toward the inside of the first case and the second case.

7. In Paragraph 2, The first collector shield has a first shield portion that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first collector, and A steering sensor having a second collector shield that shields a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second collector.

8. In Paragraph 7, The first shield portion is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion with the first collector, and A steering sensor in which the second shield portion is positioned to overlap at least a portion with the second collector.

9. In Paragraph 2, The above case is, It further includes a third case located outside the second case, and A steering sensor integrally joined by at least one screw that penetrates the second case from the third case and is fastened to the first case.

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