JPH1030909A - Rotary angle detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease the hysteresis in angle detection by axially supporting an arm, wherein an operating piece is provided an one end part, connecting a working member to the arm, area turning the working member through the arm. SOLUTION: When an operating piece 12a of an arm 12 is slidden in a spiral groove 2a, an arm 12 is turned, and a slider, which is fixed to a slider receiver 11d through a detecting shaft 11 of a supporting shaft, is driven. A coil spring 13 is engaged wish an engaging member 14 protruding from a base member and an engaging hole 12c of the arm 12. The engaging member 14 is engaged with a cutout part 15 and forms the positioning member of a printed wiring board 15. The operating piece 12a is energized in the direction to the center of a disc 2 by the spring force of the coil spring 13. Therefore, the operating piece 12a inserted into the spiral groove 2a is always pushed to one wall of the spiral groove 2a by the energizing of the spring force. Fluctuation does not occur at the time of rightward rotation and at the time of leftward rotation of the disc 2. The position in the direction of the diameter at the same rotary angle can be made equal, and hysteressis can be decreased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotation angle detecting device used for detecting a steering angle of an automobile, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of rotation angle detecting device, there is one disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 60-56213. This configuration is a vehicle steering angle detection device, which will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing a steering angle detecting device as one form of a conventional rotation angle detecting device, and FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the same. In the figure, a rotating shaft 1 such as a steering shaft is directly connected to a handle (not shown), and is configured to make approximately two rotations (all four rotations) left and right in accordance with the rotation of the handle. A disk 2 is held on the rotating shaft 1 coaxially as a base, and the disk 2 has, for example, a spiral groove 3 as a spiral portion. A rotating shaft 1 is rotatably supported on the vehicle body fixed side (not shown) around an axis. On the fixed side of the vehicle body, there is disposed a detection device 6 held by a bracket 4 and formed of, for example, a linear variable resistor. The detecting device 6 includes a resistor board (not shown) in which a resistor is formed on one surface of the case 7 by printing or the like, and a slider (FIG. 1) that slides on the resistor board along its longitudinal direction. (Not shown), and an operating element 9 integral with the slider receiver 8 protruding out of the case 7. The resistance value between one end (terminal) of the resistor formed on the resistance board and the slider housed in the slider receiver 8 corresponding to the sliding position of the slider receiver 8. Is output in an analog manner.

The detecting device 6 is provided with the bracket 4
Thus, the disc 2 is disposed at a position in the diameter direction passing through the center of the rotating shaft 1 and the tip of the operation element 9 is inserted into the spiral groove 3 of the disc 2. Therefore, the disk 2 is rotated by the rotation of the rotating shaft 1 such as a steering shaft, and the operation element 9 is guided by the spiral groove 3,
It slides in a direction crossing the spiral groove 3. Then, when the slider of the slider receiver 8 slides on the resistance substrate,
The rotation angle of the rotation shaft 1 is detected as a change in the resistance value together with the direction of left rotation or right rotation, and these are output to the display unit 10 and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 1 is zero degree, the operator 9 of the detecting device 6 is provided at substantially the middle of the entire length along the spiral groove 3 of the disk 2. , And at this time, the resistance value of the detection device 6 is set in advance so as to be substantially an intermediate value of the total resistance value change. In this state, when the rotary shaft 1 is rotated clockwise, for example (arrow A), the slider receiver 8 is guided by the spiral groove 3 of the disk 2 and slides on the resistor (arrow a). The resistance value at this time sequentially increases (or decreases) from the intermediate portion resistance value, and the resistance value detects the rotation angle when the rotation direction is rightward. When the rotating shaft 1 is rotated leftward by the operation of the rotating shaft 1 (arrow B) from the above-mentioned state where the rotation angle is zero degree, the slider 8 is guided by the spiral groove 3 and the resistor 8 is moved in the opposite direction to the above. Sliding upward (arrow b), the resistance value at this time sequentially decreases (or increases) from the intermediate resistance value, and the resistance value detects the rotation angle when the rotation direction is set to the left.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, however, the slider receiver 8 which is interlocked with the operating element 9 of the linear detection device 6 which engages with the spiral groove 3 formed in the disk 2.
The slider held in the case 7 is rotated left and right by the rotation shaft 1, and the slider receiver 8 moves right and left in the case 7 due to a dimensional difference (clearance) between the case 7 and the slider receiver 8. Tilt,
Cause rocking. Hysteresis is generated in the resistance value between the left rotation and the right rotation by this swing. Therefore, there is a problem that a resistance value without hysteresis cannot be obtained from the linear detection device 6 that is interlocked with the left-right rotation of the rotating shaft 1.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a rotation angle detecting device comprising: a rotation shaft; a base surrounding the rotation shaft and having a spiral member rotatably provided by the rotation shaft; And a detection device provided with an operating member. The operating member is coupled to the arm, and the swirling portion of the base and the operation of the arm are provided. The operating element is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the operating member is rotated via the arm.

In the rotation angle detecting device according to the present invention, the support shaft is an operating member. In the rotation angle detecting device according to the present invention, the operating member is a slider. Still further, in the rotation angle detecting device according to the present invention, the operating element provided at one end of the arm is urged against the spiral part. Further, in the rotation angle detection device according to the present invention, the detection device is a variable resistor.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing a rotation angle detecting device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the same. In the figure, a disk 2 is held coaxially as a base at an intermediate portion of a rotating shaft 1 such as a steering shaft, and the disk 2 has a spiral part, for example, a groove-shaped spiral groove 2a.
Are formed in the spiral groove 2a so that the rotating shaft 1 can rotate about five and a half turns. The length of this groove is formed with a margin more than the rotation range of the rotating shaft 1 (about 4 rotations). The disc 2 may be directly fixed to the rotating shaft 1 and rotated, but may not be in direct contact with the rotating shaft 1 and may be rotated by a hub portion of a handle disposed near the upper end of the rotating shaft 1. Many. A base plate 16 for holding the detection device 11 of the present invention extends from a fixed side of a vehicle body (not shown) or the like. A printed wiring board 15 serving as a so-called mother board is held on the base plate 16.
5, a detection device 11 including, for example, a rotary variable resistor is disposed at a position outside the range of rotation of the disk 2.

The detecting device 11 includes a resistance board 11c having a resistor (not shown) formed on one surface thereof by printing or the like as an actuated member in a case 11b, and a resistance board 11c as an actuation member. Slider receiver 11 having a slider (not shown) that slides along the circumferential direction thereof
d and the slider receiver 1 protruding out of the case 11b.
1d and an integral detection shaft 11a. And
When the detection shaft 11a, which is the operating member, is rotated, the slider held by the slider receiver 11d slides on the resistance board 11c. The terminal 11e is electrically connected to the resistor on the resistance substrate 11c, and is accommodated in one end of the resistance substrate 11c and the slider receiver 11d corresponding to the sliding position of the slider receiver 11d of the detection device 11. The change in the resistance value between the slider and the connected slider is output from the terminal 11e in an analog manner. As described above, the detection device 11 has a configuration equivalent to a so-called general rotary type variable resistor.

The arm 12 has one end formed in a substantially triangular shape, and a shaft-like operating element 12a to be inserted into the spiral groove 2a of the disk 2 is disposed at the tip of the triangle. At substantially the center of the arm 12, an engagement hole 12 b that engages with and fixes to the detection shaft 11 a of the detection device 11 is formed. The detection shaft 11 a also serves as a support shaft of the arm 12. Further, at the other end of the arm 12, a substantially fan-shaped portion 12d formed in a substantially fan shape is disposed.
A locking hole 12c for locking the coil spring 13 is formed at one end of 2d. As described above, the detection device 11 and the arm 12 are integrated with the detection shaft 11a engaged with the engagement hole 12b. Therefore, the operator 1 of the arm 12
When the slider 2a slides in the spiral groove 2a, the arm 12 rotates, and the slider fixed to the slider receiver 11d is driven via the detection shaft 11a which is the support shaft of the arm 12. The coil spring 13 is locked by a locking member 14 protruding from the base member 16 and a locking hole 12 c of the arm 12. The locking member 14 has a notch 15 formed at one end of the printed wiring board 15.
a, and also constitutes a positioning member for the printed wiring board 15.

The operating element 12a is urged toward the center of the disk 2 (in the direction of the rotating shaft 1) by the spring force of the coil spring 13. Therefore, the operating element 12a inserted into the spiral groove 2a is always pressed against one wall of the groove-shaped spiral groove 2a by the urging force of the spring force, so that the disk 2 is rotated at the same time when rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. The radial position at the rotation angle can be the same.

Next, the operation will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 1 is zero degree,
The manipulator 12a of the arm 12 is positioned at substantially the middle of the entire length of the disk 2 along the spiral groove 2a, and the resistance value from the detection device 11 is set to be substantially the middle value of the total resistance change. Set in advance. In this state, when the rotary shaft 1 is rotated clockwise, for example (arrow A), the operating element 12a is guided by the spiral groove 2a of the disk 2, and the arm 12 is formed in a substantially arc shape around the detection shaft 11a. The detection shaft 11a is rotated (arrow a), and the resistance value of the detection device 11 is sequentially increased (or decreased) from the intermediate resistance value. The rotation angle at the time of performing is detected. When the operator rotates the rotation shaft 1 counterclockwise from the above-mentioned state where the rotation angle is zero degree (arrow B), the operator 12a is guided by the spiral groove 2a and moves the arm 12 toward the opposite direction. Rotates in a substantially arc shape around the detection shaft 11a (arrow b), and at this time, the resistance value of the detection device 11 sequentially decreases (or increases) from the intermediate portion resistance value, and the rotation direction is changed by the change in the resistance value. The rotation angle when is set to the left is detected.

As described above, the rotation of the rotating shaft 1 such as the steering shaft causes the operation member 1 of the arm 12 to rotate.
2a is guided by the spiral groove 2a and slides in a direction crossing the spiral groove 2a with an arc centered on the detection shaft 11a, and the rotation of the detection shaft 11a causes the slider receiver 1 to slide.
The 1d slider is slid on the resistance substrate 11c, and the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 1 is detected as a change in the resistance value along with the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, and these are output to the display unit 17, for example. ,Is displayed.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the plan view of FIG. This second embodiment,
About the same form as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same numerals are attached and detailed explanation is omitted. In FIG.
Is erected from the base member 16, and
The arm 12 is rotatably held by a bearing 20 which is engaged and arranged at a substantially central portion thereof. Detector 11
The resistor substrate 19, which is an actuated member, has a resistor 19a and a conductor 19b formed in a substantially arc shape on one surface thereof by printing or the like. Then, terminals 19c, 19c, 19c are respectively connected from both ends of the substantially arc-shaped resistor 19a and an intermediate portion of the conductor 19b. A slider (not shown) serving as an operating member of the detection device 11 ′ is directly disposed on a surface of the substantially fan-shaped portion 12 d of the arm 12 facing the resistance substrate 19. The slider slides between a resistor 19a and a conductor 19b formed on the resistor substrate 19, and outputs a resistance value from the resistor 19a from a terminal 19c.

As in the first embodiment, the coil spring 13 has a locking hole 12c of the arm 12 and a base member 16
And a locking member 14 erected from above. The axial operating element 12 a is urged toward the center of the disk 2 (in the direction of the rotation axis 1) by the urging force of the coil spring 13. Therefore, the operating element 12 inserted in the spiral groove 2a
The tip of the control element 12a is biased by the spring force.
Is pressed against one wall of the spiral groove 2a so that the position of the operator 12a in the radial direction at the same angle when the disk 2 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise can be the same. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the entire rotation angle detecting device can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment in which a rotary type variable resistor is arranged. This is because the thickness of the detection device 11 'can be reduced. In both the first embodiment and the present embodiment, it is desirable that the rotation axis of the arm 12 pass through the center of gravity of the arm 12 in order to improve the vibration resistance of the arm 12. When passing through the center of gravity, the vibration of the arm itself is reduced even if it receives external vibration.

The detecting device 11 is not limited to the variable resistor according to the embodiment of the present invention, but may be a rotary (rotary) optical encoder or a rotary (rotary) magnetic encoder. There may be. The optical encoder uses an optical scale (slit plate) and a light emitting / receiving element instead of the variable resistor slider and the resistive substrate. The magnetic encoder uses a magnetic scale and a magnetic detecting element.
The above detection becomes possible. In the embodiment of the present invention, the spiral member is described as the spiral groove 2a.
Without being limited to the groove shape, for example, the spiral member may have a convex shape. In the case of this convex shape, the tip of the operation element 12a may be formed in a concave shape, and the concave and the convex may be engaged. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the base on which the spiral portion is provided is described as a disk. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the operation element has been described as having an axial shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the operation element has a sharp tip such as a record needle, it has a flat portion at the tip. Alternatively, a taper that becomes thinner or thicker toward the tip may be used.

[0018]

According to the present invention, an arm provided with an operation element at one end is pivotally supported, an operating member is connected to the arm, and the operating member is rotated via the arm. Therefore, rattling due to the rotation of the pivotally supported arm does not occur. Therefore, the inclination, backlash or displacement of the operating member itself coupled to the arm due to the rotation direction is eliminated,
The hysteresis of the angle detection of the rotation angle detecting device can be reduced as compared with the conventional example. Furthermore, since the support shaft is an operating member, the number of components is reduced, and an inexpensive rotation angle detection device can be provided. The slider 9 is directly connected to the arm 12 and combined with the resistance substrate 19 to detect the detection device 1.
The number of parts of 1 ′ is reduced, and thus the detection device 11 ′
In particular, the dimension of the arm 12 in the axial direction can be reduced. Furthermore, the operating element 12a is
The position of the operating element 12a is constant during both left and right rotations since the operating member 12a is constantly biased against the spiral member. Therefore, the hysteresis of the angle detection of the rotation angle detecting device can be further reduced.

Since the detection device is a variable resistor,
The resistance change characteristic curve of the resistor can be easily set to a desired one. Therefore, even if the operating element 12a is driven in a circular arc, the driving of the circular arc can be corrected by setting the resistance value change characteristic curve of the resistor, and other members for correction are not required, so that it is inexpensive. Can be configured.

[0020]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing a rotation angle detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining a rotation angle detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing a rotation angle detecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing a steering angle detection device according to one form of a conventional rotation angle detection device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining a steering angle detection device according to one form of a conventional rotation angle detection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 rotating shaft 2 disk 2a, 3 spiral groove 6, 11 detecting device 11a detecting shaft 11b case 11c, 19 resistance board 11d slider receiving 11e terminal 12 arm 12a operating element 12b engaging hole 13 coil spring 15 printed wiring board 16 base member

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yukari Sano 1-7 Yukitani Otsukacho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alps Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ryo Totsuka 1-7 Yukitani Otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Inside the company (72) Inventor Nagao Kuroda Inside Alps Electric Co., Ltd. 1-7, Yukitani-Otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A rotary shaft, a base surrounding the rotary shaft, a spiral member provided rotatably provided by the rotary shaft, an operator at one end, and rotatable by a support shaft. An arm attached to the, comprising a detection device having an operating member, the operating member is coupled to the arm, the spiral portion of the base and the operating element of the arm are engaged,
A rotation angle detecting device, wherein the operating element is driven with the rotation of a rotating shaft, and the operating member is rotated through the arm. 2. The rotation angle detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft is an operating member. 3. The rotation angle detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is a slider. 4. The rotation angle detecting device according to claim 1, wherein an operating element provided at one end of the arm is urged against a spiral member. 5. The rotation angle detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is a variable resistor.