JP2010223656A - Angle sensor and turning angle detecting device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an angle sensor mainly used for the detection of a turning angle of an accelerator pedal and the like of a vehicle and a turning angle detecting device using the same, with a simple configuration, capable of detecting the turning angle with high accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: The angle sensor is formed so that a gap between a core 15 in which a magnetic detecting element 6 is disposed and a substantially circular yoke 13 and a gap between a core 15 and a magnet 14 disposed between both ends of the yoke 13 are varied depending on the rotation of a rotor 12. Locking portions 11B and 12B for keeping the rotor 12 at a specific angle are formed in a case 11 and the rotor 12, respectively. Thus, the rotation angle of the rotor 12 is detected by using largely changing magnetic flux density values of the magnetic detecting element 6. Therefore, the angle sensor 17 with a simple configuration for detecting a turning angle with high accuracy, and the turning angle detecting device using the angle sensor can be provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an angle sensor mainly used for detecting a rotation angle of an accelerator pedal of an automobile, and a rotation angle detection device using the same.

  In recent years, as the functions of automobiles have advanced, the number of vehicles that perform various controls by detecting the rotation angle of an accelerator pedal or the like using various angle sensors and rotation angle detection devices is increasing.

  Such a conventional angle sensor and a rotation angle detection apparatus using the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

  6 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional angle sensor, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation angle detector. In FIG. 6, 1 is a case made of an insulating resin having a top opening and a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotating body 2 is provided with a rotating shaft 2A protruding upward on the upper surface of the rotating body 2, and the rotating body 2 is rotatably housed in the case 1.

  Further, 3 is a substantially arc-shaped yoke made of a magnetic material, and 4 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped magnet. A pair of yokes 3 are mounted on the lower surface of the rotating body 2, and two magnets are provided between both ends of the pair of yokes 3. 4 are fixed to each yoke 3 with the same poles in contact therewith.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a substantially semicircular core made of a magnetic material, and a pair of cores 5 are placed on a substantially cylindrical protrusion 1A in the center of the case 1 so that a predetermined gap is provided between the inner periphery of the yoke 3 and the magnet 4. They are arranged opposite each other.

  Further, reference numeral 6 denotes a magnetic detection element such as a Hall element that detects magnetism in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface. The two magnetic detection elements 6 are housed in the protrusion 1A at the center of the case 1 and are located between the pair of cores 5. The angle sensor 7 is configured by being arranged in the above.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a wiring board having a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) formed on the upper and lower surfaces, and the terminals 6A of the magnetic detection element 6 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the case 1 are mounted on the wiring pattern by soldering or the like. ing.

  Further, a control means 9 is formed on the wiring board 8 by electronic parts such as a microcomputer, and the magnetism detecting element 6 is electrically connected to the control means 9 via a wiring pattern to constitute a rotation angle detecting device. Has been.

  The rotation angle detecting device configured as described above is generally mounted on an accelerator pedal of an automobile so that the rotation shaft 2A of the angle sensor 7 can rotate, and the control means 9 has a lead wire and a connector (not shown). Etc., and is connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle.

  That is, when the accelerator pedal is not depressed, the core 5, the lower yoke 3, and the S pole of the magnet 4 through the center of the upper yoke 3 from the N pole of the left and right magnets 4 as shown in FIG. The magnetic detection element 6 disposed between the cores 5 detects a magnetic field perpendicular to the detection surface, that is, the left-right direction. The magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection element 6 is 0 as shown in the waveform diagram of FIG.

  In the above configuration, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the rotating shaft 2A attached to the accelerator pedal rotates, and accordingly, as shown in the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. Since the yoke 3 and the magnet 4 rotate clockwise, for example, from the north pole of the rotated magnet 4, the upper yoke 3 center, the core 5, the lower yoke 3, the magnet 4 and the south pole From left to right, and the direction of the magnetic field changes.

  The magnetism detecting element 6 disposed between the cores 5 detects this magnetism, and the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetism detecting element 6 depends on the rotation angle of the rotating body 2 as shown in FIG. When the rotation angle of the rotating body 2 is 90 degrees, that is, when the center of the pair of yokes 3 is perpendicular to the magnetic detection element 6, the magnetic flux density is maximized, as in the waveform L Characteristics.

  However, since the amount by which the accelerator pedal is actually depressed, that is, the rotation angle of the rotating body 2 is about 20 degrees, the rotating angle of the rotating body 2 is in the range of θ, and the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection element 6 is 0. The value changes linearly in a range of about 50 mT, and a predetermined voltage value corresponding to the magnetic flux density is output from the magnetic detection element 6 to the control means 9.

  Then, the control means 9 calculates the rotation angle of the rotating body 2, that is, the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal, from the strength of the magnetism detected by the magnetism detecting element 6, and this is output to the electronic circuit of the automobile body. The throttle valve is controlled according to the amount of depression.

  That is, the magnetism detecting element 6 detects the magnetism of the magnet 4 from the center of the yoke 3 whose direction changes with the rotation of the rotating body 2 through the core 5 arranged opposite to the magnet 4 with a predetermined gap therebetween. The control means 9 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 2, that is, the depression amount of the accelerator pedal, by the magnetic flux density changing linearly within the range of the rotation angle θ.

As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.
JP 2001-317909 A

  However, in the above conventional angle sensor 7 and rotation angle detection device, the magnetism detection element 6 detects the magnetism of the magnet 4 from the center of the yoke 3 accompanying the rotation of the rotating body 2 via the core 5, and this linear shape. Since the control unit 9 detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 2 from the magnetic flux density with little change in the magnetic field, the change in the magnetic flux density within the range of the rotation angle θ is small, and the rotation angle can be detected with high accuracy. There was a problem that it was difficult.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an angle sensor capable of detecting a rotation angle with high accuracy with a simple configuration, and a rotation angle detection device using the same. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the gap between the core provided with the magnetic detection element, the substantially arc-shaped yoke, and the magnet mounted between both ends of the yoke is in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body. The angle sensor is configured by providing a locking portion for holding the rotating body at a predetermined angle on the case and the rotating body, and forming the core, the yoke, and the rotor with the rotation of the rotating body. While changing the gap between the magnets and holding the rotating body at the locking part at a large angle, the rotating density of the rotating body can be rotated by holding the rotating body at a large angle. Since the angle can be detected, an angle sensor capable of detecting a rotation angle with high accuracy and a simple configuration can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means is connected to the magnetic detection element of the angle sensor according to the first aspect, and the control means detects the rotation angle of the rotating body by the magnetism detected by the magnetic detection element. Thus, the rotation angle detection device is configured, and the rotation angle detection device capable of detecting the rotation angle with high accuracy and with a simple configuration can be realized.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that an angle sensor capable of detecting a rotation angle with high accuracy and a rotation angle detection device using the angle sensor can be realized with a simple configuration. .

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part of the structure same as the structure demonstrated in the term of background art, and detailed description is simplified.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an angle sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation angle detection device, and 11 in the figure, 11 is a top opening and a substantially cylindrical polybutylene terephthalate or the like. A case 12 made of insulating resin is a substantially cylindrical and rotating body made of insulating resin. A rotating shaft 12A is provided on the upper surface of the rotating body 12 so as to protrude upward. The rotating body 12 can be rotated in the case 11. It is stored in.

  13 is a substantially arc-shaped yoke made of a magnetic material such as permalloy, iron, Ni-Fe alloy, and 14 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped magnet such as ferrite or Nd-Fe-B alloy, and the pair of yokes 13 is a rotating body. The two magnets 14 are fixed to the yokes 13 with the same poles in contact with each other between the ends of the pair of yokes 13.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes a semi-circular core made of a magnetic material such as permalloy, iron, or Ni—Fe alloy. The pair of cores 15 is placed on a substantially cylindrical protrusion 11A at the center of the case 11, and the yoke 13 The inner periphery and the magnet 14 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap.

  Furthermore, the magnet 14 protrudes slightly inward and is fixed between the yoke 13, and the core 15 is formed in a slightly vertically long semicircular shape. When the rotating body 12 rotates, the inner periphery of the core 15 and the yoke 13 is The gap between the magnets 14 is formed so as to change according to the rotation.

  Reference numeral 6 denotes a magnetic detection element such as a Hall element that detects magnetism in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface. The two magnetic detection elements 6 are accommodated in the protrusion 11A at the center of the case 11 and are located between the pair of cores 15. It is arranged.

  Further, a locking portion 11B that is recessed in a concave shape is provided on the side wall of the case 11, and a locking portion 12B that protrudes in a convex shape is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating body 12, and the rotating body 12 is predetermined by the locking portions 11B and 12B. The angle sensor 17 is configured to be held by the case 11 while being rotated clockwise at an angle, for example, around 40 degrees.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a wiring board such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. A plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces, and the terminals 6A of the magnetic detection element 6 projecting downward from the bottom surface of the case 11 are provided. It is mounted on the wiring pattern by soldering or the like.

  Further, a control means 19 is formed on the wiring board 8 by electronic parts such as a microcomputer, and the magnetism detecting element 6 is electrically connected to the control means 19 via a wiring pattern to constitute a rotation angle detecting device. Has been.

  The rotation angle detection device configured as described above is generally mounted on an accelerator pedal of an automobile so that the rotation shaft 12A of the angle sensor 17 can be rotated, and the control means 19 has a lead wire or a connector (not shown). Etc., and is connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle.

  In the above configuration, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the rotating shaft 12A attached to the accelerator pedal rotates, and accordingly, the rotating body 12 and the pair of yokes 13 and magnets 14 fixed to the lower surface of FIG. As shown in the partial sectional view of a), it further rotates clockwise.

  At this time, in the present embodiment, as described above, the rotating body 12 is held by the case 11 in a state where the rotating body 12 is rotated about 40 degrees clockwise by the locking portions 11B and 12B. When these locking portions 11B and 12B are not provided, the components are arranged as shown in FIG. 3B when the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 is 0 degrees.

  In other words, when the rotation angle is 0 degree, the core 15 is formed in a slightly vertically long semicircular shape, so that the gap between the inner periphery of the yoke 13 and the outer periphery of the core 15 is large in the left-right direction and small in the vertical direction. Thus, a vertical magnetic field is generated from the N pole of the left and right magnets 14 to the core 15, the lower yoke 13, and the S pole of the magnet 14 through the center of the upper yoke 13.

  However, since the magnetic detection element 6 disposed between the cores 15 detects the magnetism in the direction perpendicular to the detection surface, that is, in the left-right direction, the gap between the yoke 13 and the core 15 is small. As shown in the waveform diagram of FIG. 4, the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection element 6 is zero.

  Further, when the rotating body 12 is rotated clockwise from this state, the pair of yokes 13 and the magnets 14 fixed to the lower surface also rotate clockwise. 13 From the upper right to the lower left, magnetism occurs in the center, the core 15, the lower yoke 13, and the S pole of the magnet 14 to change the direction of the magnetic field.

  The magnetism detection element 6 disposed between the cores 15 detects this magnetism, and the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetism detection element 6 depends on the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 as shown in FIG. When the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 is 90 degrees, that is, the angle between the center of the pair of yokes 13 perpendicularly to the magnetic detection element 6, the gap between the inner periphery of the yoke 13 and the outer periphery of the core 15. Therefore, the characteristic becomes like the waveform M, which is a small value but has the maximum magnetic flux density.

  Furthermore, the gap between the outer periphery of the magnet 14 and the core 15 that is fixed to both ends of the yoke 13 and protrudes slightly inward is formed so that the core 15 is slightly vertically long and substantially semicircular when the rotation angle is 0 degree. Therefore, the leakage magnetic flux from the magnet 14 is hardly detected by the magnetic detection element 6 as shown in FIG. 3B, but when the rotating body 12 rotates clockwise, the magnet 14 and the core 15 Since the gap becomes small, the magnetic detection element 6 also detects the leakage magnetic flux from the magnet 14 via the core 15 when the rotation angle is around 30 degrees.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the core 15 is formed in a slightly vertically long, substantially semicircular shape, and the gap between the core 15 and the yoke 13 and the magnet 14 changes as the rotating body 12 rotates. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic flux density detected by the element 6 has a waveform M whose value increases substantially linearly with the rotation angle, and the leakage magnetic flux whose value increases from about 30 degrees as described above. The angle between the rotation angle of 30 degrees and around 70 degrees is steep, and the magnetic flux density has a characteristic like a waveform N that changes greatly in a curved line.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the case where the rotating body 12 is rotated about 40 degrees clockwise by the locking portions 11B and 12B even when the accelerator pedal is not depressed. 11, the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection element 6 in this state is about 80 mT.

  Further, in this state where the accelerator pedal is depressed and the rotating body 12 is further rotated about 20 degrees from this state, the core 15, via the center of the upper yoke 13 from the N pole of the left and right magnets 14, The magnetic field from the upper right to the lower left direction to the south pole of the lower yoke 13 and magnet 14 and the leakage magnetic flux from the magnet 14 become stronger, and the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection element 6 is about 150 mT.

  Further, a predetermined voltage value corresponding to the magnetic flux density is output from the magnetic detection element 6 to the control means 19, and the control means 19 determines the rotation angle of the rotating body 12, that is, the depression amount of the accelerator pedal from the strength of the magnetism. This is calculated and output to the electronic circuit of the automobile body, and the throttle valve is controlled in accordance with the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal.

  That is, the magnetism of the magnet 14 from the center of the yoke 13 changing with the rotation of the rotating body 12 and the leakage magnetic flux from the magnet 14 are magnetically passed through the core 15 disposed opposite to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. The control means 19 detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 12, that is, the depression amount of the accelerator pedal, by the magnetic flux density detected by the detection element 6 and changing linearly in the range of the rotation angle θ from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees. Configured to detect.

  At this time, as described above, the core 15 is formed in a slightly vertically long semicircular shape, and the gap between the core 15 and the yoke 13 and the magnet 14 is formed to change according to the rotation of the rotating body 12. At the same time, the rotating body 12 is held by the case 11 in a state where the rotating body 12 is rotated about 40 degrees clockwise by the locking portions 11B and 12B in a state where the accelerator pedal is not depressed. The rotation angle of the rotating body 12 can be detected with high resolution by using the value of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic detection element 6 that varies greatly between before and after.

  That is, the amount by which the accelerator pedal is actually depressed, the detection of the rotation angle θ of the rotating body 12 around 20 degrees, is steeply inclined between the rotation angle 30 degrees and around 70 degrees as shown by the waveform N in FIG. The control means 19 detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 using a magnetic flux density value that varies greatly in a curved line, that is, a magnetic flux density of about 80 to 150 mT. The rotation angle can be detected.

  Although the present invention can be implemented even if there is only one magnetic detection element 6 housed in the protruding portion 11A between the pair of cores 15, two magnetic detection elements 6 are provided, The control means 19 detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 based on the detected magnetism, so that the rotation angle can be detected even if one of the magnetic detection elements 6 is damaged or malfunctioned. At the same time, the control means 19 compares these detected magnetisms to detect such breakage or failure.

  In the above description, the configuration using the magnetic detection element 6 such as a Hall element that detects magnetism in the direction perpendicular to the detection surface has been described. However, although the configuration is somewhat complicated, The present invention can also be implemented with a configuration using a GMR element or the like that detects horizontal magnetism.

  Further, in the above description, the rotation shaft 12A is rotatably attached to the accelerator pedal, and the configuration in which the rotating body 12 rotates through the rotation shaft 12A has been described. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. The rotating body 12 may be provided with a swinging shaft 12C, and the swinging shaft 12C may be attached to an accelerator pedal to rotate the rotating body 12.

  That is, in the figure, a rotating body 12 is rotatably housed in a substantially box-shaped case 11 with an opening on the lower surface, with the swinging shaft 12C protruding outward, and extending opposite to the swinging shaft 12C. A coiled spring 20 is mounted in a slightly bent state between the protruding tip of the drive shaft 12D and the inner wall of the case 11.

  A cover 21 is fixed to the lower surface of the case 11 with screws (not shown) or the like, and a pair of yokes 13 and two magnets 14 fixed to both ends of the cover 11 are provided in the interior of the cover 11 in the same manner as described above. The protrusion 11A formed separately from the case 11, the two magnetic detection elements 6, the pair of cores 15 formed in a slightly vertically long semicircular shape, the wiring board 8 and the control means 19 are disposed. Yes.

  Also, a locking portion 11B that is recessed in a concave shape is provided on the side wall of the case 11, and the right end of the swing shaft 12C abuts on the right end of the locking portion 11B, so that the rotating body 12 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle, for example, about 40 degrees. The case 11 is held in a rotated state.

  That is, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the swing shaft 12C swings by a predetermined angle and the rotating body 12 rotates while bending the spring 20, and the center of the yoke 13 is rotated as in the case shown in FIGS. The magnetism detecting element 6 detects the magnetism of the magnet 14 and the leakage magnetic flux from the magnet 14 through the core 15 so that the control means 19 detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 12, that is, the depression amount of the accelerator pedal. It is configured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the gap between the core 15 in which the magnetic detection element 6 is disposed, the substantially arcuate yoke 13 and the magnets 14 mounted between the both ends of the yoke 13 is the rotating body 12. Magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 6 by providing the case 11 and the rotating body 12 with locking portions 11B and 12B that hold the rotating body 12 at a predetermined angle. Since the rotating body 12 can be held at an angle with a large change in density and the rotation angle of the rotating body 12 can be detected using the value of the magnetic flux density that varies greatly, the rotation can be performed with a simple configuration and high accuracy. An angle sensor 17 capable of detecting an angle and a rotation angle detection device using the angle sensor 17 can be obtained.

  The angle sensor according to the present invention and the rotation angle detection apparatus using the angle sensor can realize a sensor capable of detecting a rotation angle with high accuracy with a simple configuration, mainly detecting the rotation angle of an accelerator pedal of an automobile. Etc. are useful.

Sectional drawing of the angle sensor by one embodiment of this invention Exploded perspective view of the rotation angle detector Partial sectional view of the same Waveform diagram Exploded perspective view of a rotation angle detection device according to another embodiment Cross section of a conventional angle sensor Exploded perspective view of the rotation angle detector Waveform diagram Partial sectional view of the same

6 Magnetic detection element 8 Wiring board 11 Case 11A Protruding part 11B, 12B Locking part 12 Rotating body 12A Rotating shaft 12C Oscillating shaft 12D Driving shaft 13 Yoke 14 Magnet 15 Core 17 Angle sensor 19 Control means 20 Spring 21 Cover

Claims (2)

A substantially cylindrical or substantially box-shaped case, a rotating body housed rotatably in the case, a pair of substantially arcuate yokes mounted on the lower surface of the rotating body, and between the ends of the pair of yokes The magnet comprises a mounted magnet, a pair of cores disposed opposite to the yoke at a predetermined gap in the center of the case, and a magnetic detection element disposed between the pair of cores. And an angle sensor in which a gap between the magnets is formed so as to change according to the rotation of the rotating body, and a locking portion for holding the rotating body at a predetermined angle is provided on the case and the rotating body. A rotation angle detecting device for connecting a control means to the magnetic detection element of the angle sensor according to claim 1 and for detecting the rotation angle of the rotating body by the magnetism detected by the magnetic detection element.

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