JP3161966B2 - Rotation angle detector - Google Patents

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 suitably used for detecting, for example, a rotation angle of a rotation shaft, and more particularly to a rotation angle detection device for an automobile engine. The present invention relates to a rotation angle detection device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an automobile engine or the like having an electronically controlled fuel injection device, an opening degree of a throttle valve provided in the middle of an intake passage of the engine is detected and inputted to a control unit. In addition, the accuracy of fuel injection amount control and the like is improved.

In this type of prior art, a potentiometer consisting of a resistor and a brush is used to detect the opening of the throttle valve, and the brush side is connected to the rotary shaft (valve shaft) of the throttle valve. ), The brush is slid and displaced on the resistor according to the rotation of the throttle valve, so that a change in the resistance value of the resistor is detected as the opening of the throttle valve.

As another prior art, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-298814 discloses a non-contact type rotation angle detecting device using a magnetoresistive element. And
In the case of this type of rotation angle detecting device, a magnetic field is generated by a magnet around a fixed magnetoresistive element, and the magnet is rotated in conjunction with a shaft to generate a magnetic field around the magnetoresistive element. The change in the rotation angle at this time is detected as a change in the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element, so that the opening of the throttle valve and the like can be detected.

[0005]

In the rotation angle detecting device according to the prior art described above, when a potentiometer is used, the brush slides on the resistor, so that the output is instantaneously due to the floating of the brush. The signal is cut off. Also,
In long-term use, there is also a problem that durability and reliability are reduced due to abrasion of brushes, etc., which sufficiently responds to the recent increase in the service life of automobiles and the increase in feedback control accompanying the electronicization of throttle valve control. There is a problem that can not be.

On the other hand, when a magnetoresistive element is used, the distance between the magnetic arm provided on the magnet side and the magnetoresistive element greatly changes due to the rotation of the shaft (magnet). Since the output signal has a trigonometric function characteristic with respect to the rotation angle of the shaft, it is difficult to obtain a linear characteristic when detecting the opening degree (rotation angle) of the throttle valve. .

Further, when a magnetoresistive element is used, there is a problem in that the output signal greatly changes due to a temperature change of the magnetomotive force of the magnet, a change over time, a temperature characteristic of the magnetoresistive element, and the like, and it is difficult to correct this. is there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the present invention can output a signal having a linear characteristic with respect to a rotation angle of a rotation shaft or the like, and can stabilize detection characteristics. It is another object of the present invention to provide a rotation angle detection device capable of greatly improving durability and reliability.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotation angle detecting device comprising: a magnet having an arcuate surface portion; a magnet having an arcuate surface portion; At least three or more magnetic pole pieces arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction so as to face each other around the magnet so as to face each other, and one of the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet Rotating means for rotating one of the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet relative to each other, and first and second signals generated corresponding to the facing areas of the arc surface of the magnet and the magnetic pole pieces. And a signal output means for outputting each of the magnetic pole pieces, and a distance between the magnetic pole pieces is larger than a gap between the magnet and each magnetic pole piece.

With this configuration, it is possible to maintain a non-contact state between each magnetic pole piece and the magnet that are relatively rotated, and to keep a constant distance between each magnetic pole piece and the magnet. The facing area between each of the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet can be changed according to the rotation angle. In addition, since the gap between the magnet and each pole piece is formed smaller than the distance between the pole pieces, the arc surface of the magnet can be close to each pole piece, and the magnetic flux can be reliably applied to each pole piece. I can guide you.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a magnet having an arcuate surface portion and a magnet are disposed at a distance from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet, and are respectively predetermined in the circumferential direction. At least three or more magnetic pole pieces extending at a given angle, and rotating means for rotating one of the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet to relatively rotate the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet. Signal output means for respectively outputting first and second signals generated in accordance with the area of the arc surface portion of the magnet and the opposing area of each of the magnetic pole piece portions. Larger than the gap between the magnet and each pole piece,
The arcuate surface portion of the magnet extends at a greater angle in the circumferential direction than at least one of the magnetic pole pieces.

With this configuration, the area facing the magnet can be changed in accordance with the rotation angle over the entire circumference of one magnetic pole piece, and each area facing the arc surface of the magnet can be changed. The magnetic flux can be reliably guided to the pole piece.

[0013] On the other hand, in the invention according to claim 3, the rotation angle detecting device is provided with a magnet having an arcuate surface portion and spaced apart from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet. A pair of first magnetic pole pieces extending at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction, and disposed between the first magnetic pole pieces apart from the first magnetic pole pieces;
A pair of second members extending at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction;
And one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet is rotated to relatively rotate the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet. Motive means,
First and second signal output means for outputting first and second signals respectively generated in accordance with the facing areas of the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the arc surface of the magnet, The distance between the magnetic pole pieces is larger than the gap between the magnet and the magnetic pole pieces.

With this configuration, the first and second magnetic pole pieces, which rotate relative to each other, and the magnet can be kept in a non-contact state, and the first and second magnetic pole pieces can be kept in contact with the magnet. Can be kept constant, and the facing area between the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet can be changed according to the rotation angle. Further, since the distance between the magnetic pole pieces is larger than the gap between the magnet and the magnetic pole pieces, the magnetic flux can be reliably guided to the magnetic pole pieces facing the arcuate surface of the magnet. Further, the first signal output means can output a first signal corresponding to an area (magnetic field) facing the magnet between the first magnetic pole pieces, and the second signal output means includes: Since the second signal corresponding to the area (magnetic field) facing the magnet can be output between the second pole pieces, the first and second signals can be output.
Can be largely changed according to the relative rotation of the magnet or the like.

In the invention described in claim 4, the arcuate surface portion of the magnet extends at an angle greater in the circumferential direction than at least one of the first and second pole piece portions. It has a configuration.

With this configuration, the area of the one pole piece portion facing the magnet can be changed over the entire circumference in accordance with the rotation angle, and the magnet faces the arc surface portion of the magnet. Magnetic flux can be reliably guided to each pole piece, and leakage magnetic flux can be reduced.

Further, in the invention described in claim 5, the arcuate surface portion of the magnet is arranged in a circumferential direction more than an angle between at least one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces. It is configured to extend at a small angle.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the leakage magnetic flux from being introduced to the first and second magnetic pole pieces, and to accurately detect the rotation angle.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6,
The information processing apparatus further includes a calculation unit that calculates and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotation unit based on the first and second signals output from the first and second signal output units.

With this configuration, of the respective signal components included in the first signal and the second signal, components that are greatly affected by the magnetomotive force, temperature characteristics, and the like of the magnet are removed. Thus, the detection signal can be prevented from changing according to the ambient temperature or the like.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show an example in which the rotation angle detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to the detection of the opening of a throttle valve.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a casing made of a resin material, and the casing 1 has a cylindrical portion 1 opening downward.
A, a thick flat plate-shaped partition wall 1B covering the upper side of the cylindrical portion 1A, and a concave portion 1C recessed in an upper portion of the partition wall 1B.
It is composed of And the cylinder part 1 of the casing 1
A is inserted into a concave portion 2A of the throttle body 2, and a shaft 3 as a rotating means (rotating shaft) that rotates in conjunction with a throttle valve (not shown) is mounted on the throttle body 2.
Are rotatably provided.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a magnet disposed in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1. The magnet 4 is attached to the tip end of the shaft 3 by caulking or the like, and projects radially from the shaft 3. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnet 4 has arcuate surface portions 4A and 4B at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
Both end surfaces in the width direction are parallel plane portions 4C and 4D. The arc-shaped surface portions 4A and 4B of the magnet 4 are
Extends in the circumferential direction over a range of an angle θm1 with a constant radius (curvature) centered at the center, and magnetic poles (N pole, S pole) on its end face side
Are formed. A through hole 4E extending in the axial direction of the shaft 3 is provided at the center of the magnet 4, and the through hole 4E has a substantially similar shape to the magnet 4, and the magnet 4 is fixed to the shaft 3 in a detented state. It is made to let.

Reference numerals 5, 5 denote first magnetic pole pieces buried in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1, and the first magnetic pole pieces 5, 5 are, as shown in FIG. It has a divided cylindrical shape that surrounds the magnet 4 in an annular shape together with the pieces 6 and 6. The pole pieces 5, 5 are disposed at symmetrical positions in the radial direction about the shaft 3, and each pole piece 5 is spaced apart from the arc surface portions 4A, 4B of the magnet 4 by a gap G1.
Angle θ about the shaft 3 so as to face each other through
It extends in the circumferential direction over the range of y1. Here, each magnetic pole piece part 5 has an angle θy1 of each arc surface part 4A of the magnet 4,
4B smaller than the angle θm1 (θy1 <θm1),
Each of the magnetic pole pieces 5 guides the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 4 to the first Hall element 11 through first magnetic path forming portions 7 and 8 described later.

The second 6, 6 are located between the pole pieces 5, 5 with a distance a1 (angle θa1) longer than the gap G1 from each pole piece 5, and are embedded in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1. The second magnetic pole pieces 6, 6 are opposed to the arcuate surfaces 4A, 4B of the magnet 4 via a gap G1 at a constant interval, like the first magnetic pole pieces 5, 5. The shaft 3 extends in the circumferential direction around the shaft 3 over the range of the angle θy1. Also, the pole piece portions 6, 6 (5, 5)
The angle between them (θy1 + 2θa1) is larger than the angle θm1 of the arc surface portions 4A, 4B of the magnet 4 (θm1 <θy1 + 2θ).
a1) is formed. In this case, the sum of the angle θy1 at which the magnetic pole pieces 5, 6 extend in the circumferential direction and the angle θa1 at which the magnetic pole pieces 5, 6 are separated from each other is determined by the angle of each of the arc-shaped surface portions 4A, 4B of the magnet 4. larger than θm1 (θm1 <
θy1 + θa1). Each magnetic pole piece 6 guides the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 4 to the second Hall element 12 via the second magnetic path forming portions 9 and 10 described later.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotation angle θ 1 of the magnet 4 (shaft 3) is zero when the center portion of the arc-shaped surface portion 4A faces the middle portion 6A of the pole piece 6 on one side. θ1 = 0 °), the forward direction is defined when the arc surface 4A of the magnet 4 is rotated clockwise from the intermediate portion 6A of the pole piece 6, and the magnet 4 is rotated counterclockwise from the intermediate portion 6A of the pole piece 6. Is defined as a negative direction when the circular arc surface portion 4A rotates.

Numerals 7 and 8 denote magnetic path forming portions whose base ends are connected to the first magnetic pole pieces 5 and 5 and whose distal ends protrude into the recess 1C of the casing 1. Is disposed so as to cover the upper side of the first Hall element 11 with a gap therebetween, and the front end side of the magnetic path forming portion 8 extends on the partition wall 1B of the casing 1 along the back surface of the circuit board 13 described later. I have. As shown in FIG. 4, the tip 7A of the magnetic path forming part 7 is disposed opposite to the tip 8A of the magnetic path forming part 8 located below the Hall element 11, which will be described later. Are inserted.

The reference numerals 9 and 10 denote second pole piece portions 6 and 6 at the base end.
And a tip side of the magnetic path forming part 9 is protruded into the recess 1 </ b> C of the casing 1.
The upper side of the Hall element 11 is covered with a gap, and the distal end side of the magnetic path forming portion 10 is arranged so as to extend on the partition wall 1B of the casing 1 along the back surface of the circuit board 13 described later. As shown in FIG. 4, a tip 9A of the magnetic path forming section 9 is disposed opposite to a tip 10A of a magnetic path forming section 10 located below the Hall element 12, which will be described later. Are inserted.

Here, the tip portions 7A, 7A,
As shown in FIG. 4, the area where 8A faces is the magnetic path forming portion 9,
The front end portions 9A and 10A of the ten have the same area as the area facing each other, and the gap dimension b1 is configured to be constant.

Reference numerals 11 and 12 denote Hall elements provided on the circuit board 13 as first and second signal output means.
The first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 are one chip (one chip) so as to be in parallel with each other on the circuit board 13.
It is arranged in the form. Then, the first Hall element 1
As shown in FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a first signal which is located between the distal end portion 7A of the magnetic path forming portion 7 and the distal end portion 8A of the magnetic path forming portion 8 and is proportional to the magnetic flux density therebetween. Output voltage E as shown in
It is output as 11. On the other hand, the second Hall element 12 is located between the distal end 9A of the magnetic path forming section 9 and the distal end 10A of the magnetic path forming section 10, and generates a second signal proportional to the magnetic flux density between the two. This is output as an output voltage E12 as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a circuit board which is located in the concave portion 1C of the casing 1 and mounts the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 and an arithmetic circuit 19 to be described later. The mounting portions are the tip portions 7A, 9A of the magnetic path forming portions 7, 9 and the tip portions 8A, 1 of the magnetic path forming portions 8, 10.
0A, the circuit board 1
One end of each terminal pin 14 to be described later is fixed to the distal end side of the base 3 in a state of penetrating from the partition wall 1B toward the cover 16 to be described later.

Numeral 14 denotes a plurality of terminal pins (only one is shown) made of a metal material embedded in the casing 1, and one end of each of the terminal pins 14 projects into the recess 1 C of the casing 1 and penetrates the circuit board 13. The other end protrudes into a male connector 15 described later and is electrically connectable to an external terminal. Each terminal pin 14 connects the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 and a later-described arithmetic circuit 19 to an external power supply (not shown) or the like, and also outputs a later-described detection signal So1 from the arithmetic circuit 19 to the outside. It is configured to output to.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a substantially rectangular cylindrical male connector protruding from the casing 1. The other end of the terminal pin 14 protrudes into the male connector 15. The male connector 15 is connected to a mating female connector (not shown) via each terminal pin 14.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a substantially flat cover which is formed of a synthetic resin material and covers the inside of the concave portion 1C of the casing 1 in a closed state. Reference numeral 17 denotes a packing which is formed of an elastic material and seals between the cover 16 and the casing 1. Is shown.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a flat magnetic shielding plate buried in the partition wall 1B of the casing 1. The magnetic shielding plate 18 is located below the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12, and the magnet 4 Magnetic field from the first and second Hall elements 11,
12 is prevented from being directly affected.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an output voltage E1 output from the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 mounted on the circuit board 13.
1 shows an arithmetic circuit as arithmetic means for calculating and outputting a detection signal So1 corresponding to the rotation angle on the basis of E1 and E12. The arithmetic circuit 19 includes an absolute value adder 20, an adder 21, It is composed of a divider 22, an amplifier 23 and the like.

Numeral 20 denotes an absolute value adder for outputting the absolute value of the output voltage E11 output from the first Hall element 11, 21
Is the output from the absolute value applicator 20 and the second Hall element 12
An adder for adding an output voltage E12 output from the adder; a divider 22 for taking a ratio between the output of the adder 21 and the output voltage E11;
Reference numeral 23 denotes an amplifier for amplifying the output of the divider 22. The amplifier 23 is electrically connected to each terminal pin 14, and outputs a detection signal So1 corresponding to the rotation angle to each terminal pin 1.
4 to the outside.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a reference voltage generator for determining an offset level with respect to the output of the divider 22, and reference numeral 25 denotes an adjustment signal generator for correcting the output signal of the amplifier 23 and adjusting (correcting) the output characteristic of the signal to a linear characteristic. The container is shown.

That is, the absolute value adder 20 of the arithmetic circuit 19 obtains the absolute value | E11 | of the output voltage E11, and the adder 21 adds the absolute value | E11 | | + E12). Then, the divider 22 divides the sum (| E11 | + E12) and the output voltage E11,

[0041]

(Equation 1) The following operation is performed to output an operation signal Sx1 as shown in FIG.

As a result, the operation signal Sx1 becomes the rotation angle θ1
Is zero (Sx1 = 0) when the rotation angle θ1
Is 90 °, the maximum value (Sx1 = 1). And
The calculation signal Sx1 is determined only by the rotation angle θ1, and is not affected by the magnetomotive force F1 of the magnet 4 and the element sensitivity G of the Hall elements 11 and 12 by the following equations 7 to 14 and the like.

The reference voltage generator 24 inputs the reference voltage to the divider 22, the amplifier 23 amplifies the operation signal Sx1 output from the divider 22, and the adjustment signal generator 25 adjusts the operation signal Sx1 to the amplifier 23. By inputting the signal, the minute fluctuation of the detection signal So1 output from the amplifier 23 is corrected.

That is, the detection signal So1 is based on the operation signal Sx1,

[0045]

(Equation 2) Is required.

Here, Vo1 is a constant voltage value (for example, 2.V1).
5V), and the constant k indicates a constant amplification factor. The detection signal So1 has a minimum value (Vo1−k) when the rotation angle θ1 is −90 °, and has a maximum value (Vo1 + k) when the rotation angle θ1 is 90 °.

The rotation angle detecting device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. Next, the detection operation will be described.

First, the principle of detecting the rotation angle will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 7, the arc surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 is set at an angle θm1 of approximately 90 °. And the angle θ of each of the pole piece portions 5 and 6
It is assumed that y1 is also set to approximately 90 ° and the separation dimension a1 (angle θa1) of the first and second magnetic pole pieces 5, 6 is set to a very small value.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the rotation of the shaft 3 causes the arc-shaped surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 to rotate in the circumferential direction with a rotation angle θ1 within a range of ± 90 ° from the intermediate portion 6A of the pole piece 6 on one side. When the magnet 4 rotates in the forward direction, the arcuate surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 faces the pole piece portion 5 on one side (the right side in FIG. 8) over the range of the angle θ11. It faces the pole piece 6 on one side (upper side in FIG. 8) over the range.

Similarly, the arcuate surface 4B of the magnet 4 faces the pole piece 5 on the other side (left side in FIG. 8) over the range of the angle θ11, and the other side (FIG. 8) over the range of the angle θ12.
(On the lower side). The magnetic flux generated from the magnet 4 is guided from the first magnetic pole pieces 5, 5 to the first Hall element 11 through the magnetic path forming parts 7, 8, while the magnetic flux generated from the second magnetic pole pieces 6, 6 Magnetic path forming parts 9 and 10
Through to the second Hall element 12.

At this time, the magnet 4, the respective pole piece portions 5,
Reference numeral 6 denotes a magnet 4 and pole piece portions 5, 5 as shown in FIG.
A first magnetic circuit is composed of the magnetic path forming parts 7 and 8, a second magnetic circuit is composed of the magnet 4, the pole piece parts 6 and 6, and the magnetic path forming parts 9 and 10. The circuits are magnetically connected in parallel.

Here, assuming that the reciprocals of the magnetic resistance generated between the arcuate surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 and the pole piece portions 5 and 6 on one side are permeances P11 and P12, these permeances P11 and P12 are Arc surface 4A and first and second
Is substantially proportional to the area facing the pole piece portions 5 and 6,

[0053]

## EQU3 ## P11 = α1 × μ0 × θ11 = α1 × μ0 × θ1

[0054]

P12 = α1 × μ0 × θ12 = α1 × μ0 × (90 ° −θ1)

Here, the constant α1 is a constant value determined in advance by the axial dimension of the magnet 4, the axial dimension of each of the magnetic pole pieces 5, 6, the distance between the magnet 4 and each of the magnetic pole pieces 5, 6, and the like. And the magnetic permeability μ0 indicates the magnetic permeability in a vacuum.

If the reciprocal of the magnetic resistance generated between the arcuate surface 4B of the magnet 4 and the magnetic pole pieces 5 and 6 on the other side is represented by permeances P13 and P14, the arcuate surface 4B and the magnetic pole piece 5 on the other side are used. , 6 is equal to the facing area of the arcuate surface 4A and the pole pieces 5, 6 on one side.

[0057]

P13 = α1 × μ0 × θ11 = P11

[0058]

## EQU6 ## The following relationship holds: P14 = α1 × μ0 × θ12 = P12

At this time, the first and second Hall elements 11,
Assuming that the reciprocal of the reluctance generated by the periphery of the perimeter 12 is permeance PS1, this permeance PS1 is the permeance P11, P12, P13, P14 of the first and second pole piece portions 5, 6
Becomes sufficiently small compared to
S1 has a substantially negligible value.

The total magnetic flux Φ1 generated by the magnetomotive force F1 of the magnet 4 and passing through the first and second magnetic circuits is

[0061]

(Equation 7) And it is always a constant value.

Further, the magnetic flux Φ11,
Φ12 has a relationship of Φ11: Φ12 = P11: P12, and

[0063]

(Equation 8)

[0064]

(Equation 9) Is required.

Here, the tip portions 7A of the magnetic path forming portions 7 and 8
The area where 8A faces is the tip 9 of the magnetic path forming portions 9 and 10.
A and 10A are equal to the facing area, and if a constant based on the facing area is β1, the first and second Hall elements 1
The magnetic flux densities B11, B12 passing through 1, 12 are

[0066]

## EQU10 ## B11 = β1 × Φ11

[0067]

## EQU11 ## It is obtained as B12 = β1 × Φ12.

The Hall elements 11 and 12 have the same characteristics, and the output voltages E11 and E12 of the Hall elements 11 and 12 are equal.
Is proportional to the magnetic flux densities B11 and B12,

[0069]

E11 = G × B11 = G × β1 × Φ1 × θ1 / 90 °

[0070]

## EQU13 ## The following relationship is obtained: E12 = G × B12 = G × β1 × Φ1 × (1−θ1 / 90 °) Here, G is the element sensitivity of the Hall elements 11 and 12, and the output voltage E with respect to the magnetic flux densities B11 and B12.
11 and E12.

The output voltage E12 of the Hall element 12 is

[0072]

## EQU14 ## Assuming that E12 = G × B12 = G × β1 × Φ1 × (1− | θ1 | / 90 °), the equation 13 can be replaced with the equation 14.

As a result, the output voltage E11 of the Hall element 11
Is a proportional relationship having a positive slope with respect to the rotation angle θ1 from the equation (12), and the output voltage E increases with the rotation angle θ1.
11 will also increase. That is, when the rotation angle .theta.1 is 0 DEG, the pole pieces 5, 5 do not face the arc surfaces 4A, 4B of the magnet 4, so that the output voltage E11 is substantially 0 V (volt). When the magnet 4 is rotated clockwise from this position, the pole pieces 5, 5 and the arc surface 4 of the magnet 4 are rotated.
Since the area opposed to A and 4B increases, the output voltage E11 also increases and becomes the maximum voltage value when the rotation angle θ1 is 90 °.

On the other hand, the output voltage E12 of the Hall element 12 is in a proportional relationship having a negative slope when the rotation angle θ1 is between 0 ° and 90 ° from the equation (14), and as the rotation angle θ1 increases, As a result, the output voltage E12 decreases. That is, when the rotation angle θ1 is 0 °, the magnetic pole piece 6 on one side and the arc surface 4A of the magnet 4
Oppose each other, and the pole piece 6 on the other side and the arcuate surface 4B oppose each other over the entire outer peripheral surface, so that the output voltage E12 has a positive maximum voltage value. When the magnet 4 is rotated clockwise from this position, the pole pieces 6, 6 and the magnet 4 are rotated.
Of the output voltage E12 decreases in proportion to the area of the output voltage E12.
When the rotation angle θ1 is 90 °, the output voltage E12 becomes almost 0 V (volt).

However, the distance a between the pole piece portions 5 and 6 a
When 1 is reduced as described above, the arrow C shown in FIG.
The output voltages E11 and E12 are not proportional to the rotation angle θ1 as shown in FIG. 10, and the rotation angle θ1 is 0 ° as shown by the characteristic line 26. , The output voltage E11 decreases with a relatively large slope, and the increase (slope) of the output voltage E11 is suppressed as the rotation angle θ1 approaches 90 °. This tendency is the same for the output voltage E12 of the characteristic line 27 indicated by the dotted line in FIG.

That is, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 7, the distance a1 between the pole pieces 5 and 6 is made sufficiently small, and the angle .theta.m1 of the arc-shaped surface 4A of the magnet 4 and the first and second When the angle θy1 extending in the circumferential direction of the pole piece portions 5 and 6 is set to an angle close to 90 °, the first and the second Hall elements 11 and 12
Output voltages E11 and E12 from the characteristic line 2 shown in FIG.
6, 27 and the operation signal Sx1 at this time
As shown by the characteristic line 28 in FIG. 11, the characteristic does not have a linear characteristic with respect to the rotation angle θ1, and a large deviation occurs from the characteristic line 29 which is linear.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the angle θm1 of the arc surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 is smaller than the angle (θy1 + 2θa1) between the pole piece portions 6, 6 (5, 5), preferably the angle θ
Angle obtained by summing y1 and angle θa1 (θy1 + θa1 → 90 °)
(Θm1 <θy1 + θa1), and the angle θy1 is smaller (θy1 <θm1) than the angle θm1 of the arc surface portion 4A of the magnet 4.

As a result, when the rotation angle θ1 is 0 ° or 90 °
At this time, the leakage magnetic flux in the direction of arrow C illustrated in FIG. 7 is provided between the magnet and the second magnetic pole piece 6 or the first magnetic pole piece 5 opposed to the parallel plane portions 4C and 4D of the magnet 4. And the like can be prevented, and the effect of the leakage magnetic flux can be greatly reduced.

By making the gap G1 smaller than the distance a1 between the pole pieces 5 and 6 (G1 <a1), the permeance P11 on the first and second pole piece sections 5 and 6 side is obtained. , P12, P13, P14 can be made relatively larger than the permeance PS1 due to the periphery of the first and second Hall elements 11, 12, so that the first and second Hall elements 11, 1
2, the effect of the permeance PS1 can be reduced from the output voltages E11 and E12, and the effect of the leakage magnetic flux as described above can also be reduced.

As a result, each of the first and second Hall elements 1
The output voltages E11 and E12 from the elements 1 and 12 are as shown by characteristic lines 30 and 31 in FIG. 5, for example, the output voltage E11 of the Hall element 11 decreases with a large slope as the rotation angle θ1 approaches 0 °. Similarly, as the rotation angle θ1 approaches 90 °, the output voltage E12
Does not decrease with a large inclination. Further, the operation signal Sx1 at this time has a linear characteristic proportional to the rotation angle θ1, as indicated by a characteristic line 32 in FIG.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the shaft 3 rotatably provided on the throttle body 2, the magnet 4 fixed to the shaft 3, and the magnet 4 are arranged so as to surround the magnet 4. A first pole piece portion, 5, a second pole piece portion, 6, a magnetic path forming portion, a base end of which is connected to the pole piece portion; 6, magnetic path forming portions 9 and 10 whose base ends are connected, first Hall elements 11 provided between distal end portions 7A and 8A of the magnetic path forming portions 7 and 8, and magnetic pole forming portions 9 and 10, respectively. 9A, 10A
A second Hall element 12 provided between the first and second
And an arithmetic circuit 19 that outputs a detection signal So1 corresponding to the rotation angle θ1 based on the output voltages E11 and E12 from the Hall elements 11 and 12, respectively.

That is, the first and second magnetic pole pieces 5, 6 and the like do not contact the rotating shaft 3 and the magnet 4, and no extra sliding resistance (load or the like) is applied to the shaft 3. The rotation angle can be detected, the durability can be reliably improved by adopting a non-contact structure, and the output voltages E11 and E12 from the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 instantaneously change. There is no interruption and high reliability is obtained.

Further, as shown in the equation (2), the rotation angle θ1
Can be output from the arithmetic circuit 19, and the magnetomotive force F of the magnet 4 can be determined by the detection signal So1.
1. The rotation angle θ1 can be accurately detected without depending on the temperature characteristics of the element sensitivity G, deterioration with time, and the like.

Then, the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 4 is transferred from the first magnetic pole pieces 5, 5 to the first magnetic pole pieces 5 through the magnetic path forming sections 7, 8.
The first Hall element 11 can be efficiently guided to the second Hall element 12 through the magnetic path forming sections 9 and 10 from the second pole piece portions 6 and 6. Can output an output voltage E11 corresponding to the magnetic flux Φ11 generated by the magnet 4 generated between the magnetic pole pieces 5 and 5, and the second Hall element 12 generates the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 4 generated between the second magnetic pole pieces 6 and 6. An output voltage E12 corresponding to .PHI.12 can be output, and the levels of the output voltages E11 and E12 output from the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 can be largely changed according to the rotation angle .theta.1 of the magnet 4. .

Further, the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 4 can be efficiently guided to the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 by the respective magnetic path forming parts 7, 8, 9 and 10, and each of the Hall elements 11, 12 12, the degree of freedom of attachment can be increased. In addition, the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 can be arranged close to each other, the conditions such as the ambient temperature can be made the same, and a one-chip device integrally formed from the same semiconductor substrate can be provided. Hall elements 11 and 12 can be used.

On the other hand, since the first and second magnetic pole pieces 5 and 6 have a divided cylindrical shape surrounding the magnet 4 and are arranged on a concentric circle centered on the shaft 3, each arc surface of the magnet 4 is formed. The distance when 4A, 4B faces each pole piece 5, 6 can be kept constant. As a result, a magnetic flux Φ11 proportional to the area where the first pole piece portions 5, 5 and the arcuate surface portions 4A, 4B of the magnet 4 face can be guided from the first pole piece portions 5, 5. The output voltage E proportional to the rotation angle θ1 is output from the Hall element 11 provided between the tip portions 7A and 8A of the magnetic path forming portions 7 and 8 connected to the portions 5 and 5.
You can get 11. Further, a magnetic flux Φ12 proportional to the area where the second pole piece portions 6, 6 and the arcuate surface portions 4A, 4B of the magnet 4 face can be guided from the second pole piece portions 6, 6. Magnetic path forming portions 9 connected to 6, 6;
Hall element 1 provided between tip portions 9A, 10A of 10
2, an output voltage E12 corresponding to the rotation angle .theta.1 can be obtained.

Further, since the magnet 4 and the magnetic pole pieces 5 and 6 can be arranged compactly on concentric circles, the rotation angle detecting device can be reduced in size and the rotating shaft 3 can be reduced.
Since only the magnet 4 needs to be fixed to the device, assembling and mounting work of the rotation angle detecting device can be greatly simplified.

Further, the gap G1 is defined by each of the pole piece portions 5,6.
Smaller than the separation dimension a1 (angle θa1) (G1 <a
1), the permeances P11, P12, P13, and P14 on the first and second pole piece portions 5 and 6 side are more relative to the permeance PS1 around the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12. The permeance Ps1 can be obtained from the output voltages E11 and E12 of the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 from the output voltages E11 and E12.
Can be reduced.

Further, the arc surface portion 4A of the magnet 4
Angle θm1 between the pole piece portions 5, 5 (6, 6) (θy1
+ 2θa1), preferably the angle θy1 and the angle θ
a1 (θy1 + θa1 → 90 °) (θm1 <θy1 + θa1) and the angle θy1
Is smaller than the angle θm1 of the arc surface portion 4A of the magnet 4 (θy1 <θm1), so that the rotation angle θ1 is 0 °.
Or, at 90 °, the parallel surface portion 4C of the magnet 4
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of leakage magnetic flux or the like between the second magnetic pole piece 6 or the first magnetic pole piece 5 facing the 4D and the magnet 4, and to greatly reduce the influence of the leakage magnetic flux.

Next, FIGS. 12 to 15 show the second embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. However, a feature of this embodiment is that the rotation angle detecting device is configured using three magnetic pole pieces.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 41 denotes a magnet provided in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1. The magnet 41 is attached to the tip end of the shaft 3 by caulking or the like, and projects radially from the shaft 3. . Here, the magnet 41 has arcuate surface portions 41A, 4A at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
1B, and both end surfaces in the width direction are parallel plane portions 41C and 41D.
It has become.

Then, the arc surface portion 41 of the magnet 41
A and 41B extend in the circumferential direction with a constant curvature over a range of an angle θm2 slightly smaller than 90 ° around the shaft 3 and have magnetic poles (N pole, S pole) formed on the end face side. The shaft 3 is located at the center of the magnet 41.
A through hole 41E extending in the axial direction is provided.
1E has a shape substantially similar to the magnet 41, and the shaft 3
, The magnet 41 is fixed in a detented state.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a first magnetic pole piece buried in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1;
As shown in FIG. 2, a second and third pole piece portions 43,
It has a divided cylindrical shape that surrounds the magnet 41 in an annular shape together with 44. The pole piece 42 is the magnet 4
The arc surface portion 41A on the N pole side of 1 and a constant gap G2
And the angle θ around the shaft 3 so as to face each other.
It extends in the circumferential direction over a range of an angle θy2 smaller than m2. Here, each of the pole piece portions 43 where the pole piece portions 42 are located,
44 (θy2 + 2θa2) is larger than the angle θm2 of the arc surface portions 41A and 41B of the magnet 41 (θm2 <
θy2 + 2θa2). in this case,
The angle θy2 at which the pole piece 42 extends in the circumferential direction and the
The sum of the angle θa2 at which the gaps 2, 43, and 44 are separated from each other is calculated as the angle θm2
It is desirable to form it larger (θm2 <θy2 + θa2). The pole piece 42 guides a magnetic flux generated by the magnet 41 to a first Hall element 48 via a first magnetic path forming section 45 described later.

Reference numeral 43 denotes a gap G from the first pole piece 42.
2 shows a second magnetic pole piece buried in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1 with a separation dimension a2 (angle θa2) larger than 2; the second magnetic pole piece 43 is connected to the first magnetic pole piece 42; Similarly, it extends in the circumferential direction around the shaft 3 over a range of an angle θy2 smaller than the angle θm2 so as to face the arc surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 while maintaining a constant gap G2. The pole piece 43 guides the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 41 to a second Hall element 49 via a second magnetic path forming section 46 described later.

Reference numeral 44 denotes the first and second pole piece portions 42, 4
3 shows a third pole piece part provided with a separation dimension a2 larger than the gap G2.
4 is buried in the cylindrical portion 1A of the casing 1 and extends in the circumferential direction over a range of about 180 ° so as to always face the arc surface portion 41B on the S pole side of the magnet 41 at a constant interval. I have. The pole piece 44 transfers the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 41 to a third magnetic path forming section 47 described later.
Through to the first and second Hall elements 48 and 49.

Here, the rotation angle θ2 of the magnet 41 (shaft 3) is such that the center portion of the arc-shaped surface portion 41A has the first and second angles.
The position facing the intermediate position between the magnetic pole pieces 42 and 43 is defined as a zero (θ2 = 0 °) position, and when the arc surface 41A of the magnet 41 rotates toward the first magnetic pole piece 42,
The arcuate surface portion 41 of the magnet 41 is provided on the second magnetic pole piece 43 side.
The time when A rotates is defined as a negative direction.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a first magnetic path forming portion whose base end is connected to the first magnetic pole piece 42 and whose distal end projects into the concave portion 1C of the casing 1. The distal end side covers the upper side of the first Hall element 48 via a gap, and faces the distal end side of the third magnetic path forming portion 47 located below the Hall element 48.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a second magnetic path forming part whose base end is connected to the second magnetic pole piece 43 and whose distal end protrudes into the recess 1C of the casing 1. The distal end side covers the upper side of the second Hall element 49 via a gap and faces the distal end side of the third magnetic path forming portion 49 located below the Hall element 49.

As shown in FIG. 14, the tip portions 45A and 46A of the magnetic path forming portions 45 and 46 are opposed to the tip portion 47A of the magnetic path forming portion 47, which will be described later, with the same area. b2 is configured to have a fixed size.

Reference numeral 47 denotes a third magnetic path forming portion whose base end is connected to the third magnetic pole piece 44 and whose distal end protrudes into the concave portion 1C of the casing 1. Circuit board 1 whose tip side is on partition wall 1B of casing 1 to be described later.
3 is provided so as to extend along the back surface. As shown in FIG. 14, the distal end portion 47A of the magnetic path forming portion 47 is opposed to the distal end portions 45A and 46A of the magnetic path forming portions 45 and 46, and the hall elements 48 and 49 are provided between the two. It is interposed.

Reference numerals 48 and 49 denote Hall elements provided on the circuit board 13 as first and second signal output means.
The first and second Hall elements 48 and 49 are one chip (one chip) so as to be in parallel with each other on the circuit board 13.
It is arranged in the form. Then, the first Hall element 4
As shown in FIG. 14, reference numeral 8 denotes a first signal which is located between the leading end 45A of the magnetic path forming part 45 and the leading end 47A of the magnetic path forming part 47, and outputs a first signal proportional to the magnetic flux density therebetween. Is output. On the other hand, the second Hall element 49 is located between the leading end 46A of the magnetic path forming part 46 and the leading end 47A of the magnetic path forming part 47, and outputs a second signal proportional to the magnetic flux density therebetween. It is output as a voltage E22.

Reference numeral 50 denotes an output voltage E2 output from the first and second Hall elements 48 and 49 mounted on the circuit board 13.
13 shows an arithmetic circuit as arithmetic means for calculating and outputting a detection signal So2 corresponding to the rotation angle based on E22 and E22. The arithmetic circuit 50 includes an adder 51 and a subtractor 5 to be described later as shown in FIG.
2, a divider 53, an amplifier 54 and the like.

Reference numeral 51 denotes first and second Hall elements 48 and 49.
Adder for adding output voltages E21 and E22 output from
52 is a subtractor for subtracting the output voltages E21 and E22 outputted from the first and second Hall elements 48 and 49, 53 is a divider for taking the ratio between the output of the adder 51 and the output of the subtractor 52, 5
Reference numeral 4 denotes an amplifier for amplifying the output of the divider 53.
The amplifier 54 is electrically connected to each terminal pin 14 and outputs a detection signal So2 corresponding to the rotation angle to the outside via each terminal pin 14.

Reference numeral 55 denotes a reference voltage generator for determining an offset level with respect to the output of the divider 53. Reference numeral 56 denotes an adjustment signal generator for correcting the output signal of the amplifier 54 and adjusting (correcting) the output characteristic of the signal to a linear characteristic. The container is shown.

The rotation angle detecting device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will now be described with reference to FIGS.

Even in this case, the arc surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 is used to simplify and explain the principle of detecting the rotation angle.
Angle θm2 and the angle θy2 of the first and second magnetic pole pieces 42 and 43 are set to approximately 90 °, and the third magnetic pole piece 4
4 is set to approximately 180 °, and each pole piece 42, 4
Assuming that the separation dimension a2 (angle θa2) between 3 and 44 is very small, the following equations 15 to 24 are derived.

First, as shown in FIG. 14, with the rotation of the shaft 3, the arc-shaped surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 also becomes
± 4 from the position where the magnetic pole piece portions 42 and 43 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.
It rotates in the circumferential direction at a rotation angle θ2 within a range of 5 °. At this time, the arc-shaped surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 faces the first magnetic pole piece portion 42 over the range of the angle θ21 and also faces the second magnetic pole piece portion 43 over the range of the angle θ22. On the other hand, the arc surface portion 41B of the magnet 41 is
And continues to face the pole piece 44. And magnet 4
1 is guided from the first and third pole piece portions 42 and 44 to the first Hall element 48 through the first and third magnetic path forming portions 45 and 47, while the second and third From the magnetic pole piece portions 43 and 44 to the second Hall element 49 through the second and third magnetic path forming portions 46 and 47.

At this time, the magnet 41 and the pole piece 4
The magnet 41, the pole piece portions 42 and 44, and the magnetic path forming portions 45 and 4, as shown in FIGS.
7 constitutes a first magnetic circuit. The magnet 41, the pole piece portions 43 and 44 and the magnetic path forming portions 46 and 47 form a second magnetic circuit.
And the two magnetic circuits are magnetically connected in parallel.

Here, the arc surface portion 41A of the magnet 41
Assuming that the reciprocal of the magnetic resistance generated between the first and second magnetic pole pieces 42 and 43 is permeances P21 and P22, these permeances P21 and P22 correspond to the arc surface 41A of the magnet 41 and the first and second magnetic poles. Is substantially proportional to the area facing the pole piece portions 42 and 43,

[0110]

P21 = α2 × μ0 × θ21 = α2 × μ0 × (45 ° + θ)

[0111]

P22 = α2 × μ0 × θ22 = α2 × μ0 × (45 ° −θ)

Here, the constant α2 is a constant value determined in advance by the axial dimension of the magnet 41, the axial dimension of each pole piece 42, 43, the distance between the magnet 41 and each pole piece 42, 43, and the like. And the magnetic permeability μ0 indicates the magnetic permeability in a vacuum.

If the reciprocal of the magnetic resistance generated between the arcuate surface portion 41B of the magnet 41 and the third magnetic pole piece 44 is defined as a permeance P23, the permeance P23 is equal to the arcuate surface portion 41B of the magnet 41 and the third magnetic pole. The one piece 44 always faces 90 degrees, while the magnet 41
Since the arc-shaped surface portion 41A always faces the first magnetic pole piece portion 42 and the second magnetic pole piece portion 43 as a whole over 90 °,

[0114]

## EQU17 ## The relationship of P23 = α2 × μ0 × 90 ° = P21 + P22 holds.

At this time, the first and second Hall elements 48,
Assuming that the reciprocal of the magnetic resistance generated around the perimeter 49 is permeance PS2, this permeance PS2 is sufficiently smaller than the permeances P21 and P22 on the first and second pole piece portions 42 and 43 side. Permeance PS2 is a value that can be substantially ignored.

Then, the total magnetic flux Φ2 generated by the magnetomotive force F2 of the magnet 41 and passing through the first and second magnetic circuits is:

[0117]

(Equation 18) And it is always a constant value.

The magnetic flux Φ passing through each of the pole piece portions 42 and 43
21 and Φ22 are in a relationship of Φ21: Φ22 = P21: P22, respectively.

[0119]

[Equation 19]

[0120]

(Equation 20) Is required.

Here, the tip 4 of the magnetic path forming portions 45 and 46
5A and 46A are opposed to the tip 47A of the magnetic path forming portion 47 with an equal area, and if a constant based on the opposed area is β, the magnetic flux passing through the first and second Hall elements 48 and 49 The densities B21 and B22 are

[0122]

[Equation 21] B21 = β × Φ2

[0123]

B22 = β × Φ2

The Hall elements 48, 49 have the same characteristics, and the output voltages E21, E22 of the Hall elements 48, 49
Is proportional to the magnetic flux density B21, B22,

[0125]

E21 = G × B21 = G × β × Φ2 × (0.5 + θ2 / 90 °)

[0126]

## EQU24 ## The following relationship is obtained: E22 = G × B22 = G × β × Φ2 × (0.5−θ2 / 90 °) Here, G is the element sensitivity of the Hall elements 48 and 49, and the output voltage E with respect to the magnetic flux densities B21 and B22.
21 and E22.

Here, when the element sensitivity G of the Hall elements 48, 49 changes due to the ambient temperature or the like, the output voltages E21, E22 change due to the influence thereof. The total magnetic flux Φ2 is the magnetomotive force F2 of the magnet 41.
, The output voltages E21 and E22 are also affected by the magnetomotive force F2 of the magnet 41 and the like.

Therefore, the output voltages E21 and E22 are input to the arithmetic circuit 50, and the arithmetic circuit 50 performs an arithmetic operation represented by the following equation (25).

[0129]

(Equation 25) Here, the subtractor 52 of the arithmetic circuit 50 outputs the output voltages E21 and E21.
22 is subtracted to obtain a subtraction value (E21-E22),
The adder 51 obtains an added value (E21 + E22) by adding the output voltages E21 and E22. Then, the divider 53 divides the addition value (E21 + E22) and the subtraction value (E21-E22) to perform the operation according to the equation (25).

The reference voltage generator 55 inputs a reference voltage to the divider 53, the amplifier 54 amplifies the operation signal Sx2 output from the divider 53, and the adjustment signal generator 56 adjusts the signal to the amplifier 54. By inputting the signal, a minute fluctuation of the detection signal So2 output from the amplifier 54 is corrected.

That is, the detection signal So2 is based on the operation signal Sx2,

[0132]

(Equation 26) Is required.

Here, Vo is a constant voltage value (for example, 2.
5V), and the constant k indicates a constant amplification factor.

Thus, when the rotation angle θ2 is −45 °, the minimum value (Vo−k) is obtained, and when the rotation angle θ2 is 45 °, the maximum value (Vo + k) is obtained. θ2
And is not affected by the magnetomotive force F2 of the magnet 41 and the element sensitivity G of the Hall elements 48 and 49.

By the way, as described above, each pole piece 42, 4
When the distance a2 between the first and second pole pieces 3 and 44 is made sufficiently small, the angle .theta.m2 of the arc-shaped surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 and the angle .theta.y2 extending in the circumferential direction of the first and second magnetic pole piece portions 42 and 43 are determined. When the angle is substantially close to 90 °, a leakage magnetic flux is generated as in the first embodiment, and the rotation angle θ2 becomes −4.
The output voltage E21 of the first Hall element 48 at 5 ° decreases, and the output voltage E22 of the second Hall element 49 decreases when the rotation angle θ2 is + 45 °.

The first and second Hall elements 48, 49
When the rotation angle θ2 is around ± 22.5 °, a large error occurs in the ratio of the output voltages E21 and E22 of the Hall elements 48 and 49 due to the influence of the permeance PS2.

Accordingly, when the distance a2 between the pole piece portions 42, 43, 44 is sufficiently reduced, the output voltages E21, E22 from the first and second Hall elements 48, 49 have linear characteristics. , And the operation signal Sx2 at this time cannot obtain a linear characteristic with respect to the rotation angle θ2.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the angle θm2 of the arc-shaped surface portion 41A of the magnet 41 is determined by the angle θy2 of the first magnetic pole piece 42 and the angle θa2 at which the magnetic pole pieces 42, 43, 44 are separated from each other. (Θy2 + θa2 → 90 °) (θm2 <θy2 + θa2), and each pole piece 4
The angle θy2 of 2, 43 is changed to the arc surface portion 41A of the magnet 41.
Smaller than the angle θm2 (θy2 <θm2), the second and third magnetic pole piece portions facing the parallel surface portions 41C and 41D of the magnet 41 when the rotation angle θ2 is −45 ° or 45 °. Leakage magnetic flux passing through the first and third pole piece portions 43 and 44 or 44 is reduced.

The gap G1 is made smaller than the distance a1 between the pole pieces 5 and 6 (G2 <a2), so that the permeance P21 on the first and second pole piece sections 5 and 6 side is obtained. , P22, P23 by the first and second Hall elements 48,
49, the output voltage E21, E22 of each of the Hall elements 48, 49 can reduce the influence of the permeance PS2, and can reduce the leakage magnetic flux. The characteristic is almost proportional to θ2.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. However, in this embodiment, in particular, in the present embodiment, the rotation angle θ2 is proportional to the rotation angle θ2 as shown in the equation (26). Since a certain detection signal So2 can be output from the arithmetic circuit 50,
Based on the detection signal So2, the magnetomotive force F2 of the magnet 41,
The rotation angle θ2 can be accurately detected without depending on the temperature characteristics of the element sensitivity G, deterioration with time, and the like.

Further, the gap G2 is defined by each pole piece 42,
Smaller than the separation dimension a2 between 43 and 44 (G2 <a2
), The first, second and third pole piece portions 42 and 4
Each of the permeances P21, P22, P23 on the 3,44 side is the first
Permeance PS2 around the second hall elements 48, 49 can be made relatively larger than permeance PS2, and the effect of permeance PS2 from the output voltages E21, E22 of the first and second hall elements 48, 49 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the arc surface portion 4 of the magnet 41
The angle θm2 of 1A is the sum of the angle θy2 of the first pole piece 42 and the separated angle θa2 between the first, second, and third pole pieces 42, 43, and 44 (θy2 + θa2 → 90 °). (Θm2 <θy2 + θa2), and the angle θy2 of the first pole piece 42 is set to the arc surface 41A of the magnet 41.
Is smaller than the angle θm2 (θy2 <θm2), the second and third magnetic pole piece portions 43 facing the parallel surface portions 41C and 41D of the magnet 41 when the rotation angle θ2 is −45 ° or 45 °. , 44 or the first and third pole piece portions 4
Leakage magnetic flux passing in the circumferential direction through 2, 44 can be reduced.

Next, FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. I do. However, a feature of this embodiment is that the magnet 61 fixed to the shaft 3 or the like is formed by a pair of magnetic pole portions 61 formed in a fan shape.
A, 61A and a rod-shaped connecting portion 61B for connecting the magnetic pole portions 61A.

Here, the magnet 61 is formed in substantially the same manner as the magnet 4 described in the first embodiment, but each magnetic pole portion 61A of the magnet 61 has a fan shape over the range of the angle θm1 from the center. Eggplant and N each
It is formed as a pole and an S pole. Also, the magnet 61
The connecting portion 61B is provided with a through hole 61C at the center thereof in the axial direction of the shaft 3, and the shaft 3 is fixed to the through hole 61C in a detented state.

Thus, in the present embodiment having the above-described structure, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the present embodiment, in particular, in the present embodiment, the magnet 61 is divided into the fan-shaped magnetic pole portions 61A and the rod-like portions. Because it was formed from the connecting portion 61B of
The magnetic flux generated from the magnet 61 can be spread in a fan shape from each magnetic pole portion 61A over an angle θm1. Therefore, even when the rotation angle θ1 is near ± θm1, the first and second magnetic pole pieces 5, 6 and each magnetic pole 61A of the magnet 61 are provided.
The magnetic flux corresponding to the area facing the magnetic field can be accurately guided from the magnet 61 to the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12, and the accurate rotation angle θ1 can be detected over the entire rotation range. .

In each of the above embodiments, the output voltages E11 and E11 of the first and second Hall elements 11 and 12 (48 and 49) are used.
An arithmetic circuit 50 for calculating and outputting a detection signal So1 (So2) corresponding to the rotation angle θ1 (θ2) based on 12 (E21, E22).
Is provided inside the casing 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second Hall elements 11, 12
Output voltages E11, E12 (E21, E2)
2) is output from each terminal pin 14, and this is
The detection signal So1 (So2) by an arithmetic circuit and the like provided outside
May be calculated and output.

In each of the above embodiments, the magnet 4 (41, 61) is fixed to the shaft 3 serving as the rotation axis, and the magnet 4 (41, 61) is rotated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a magnet is fixedly provided on the casing side,
The first and second pole piece portions 5 and 6 or the first, second, and third
The pole pieces 42, 43, and 44 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis or the like.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the first magnetic pole piece 5 (42), the second magnetic pole piece 6 (43) or the third magnetic pole piece 44 is extended over a predetermined angle range. Although described as being formed to extend in the circumferential direction, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second pole piece portions or the third
May be divided into small angle ranges, and each may be formed as two or more pole pieces.

[0149]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the magnet having the arcuate surface portion and the magnet are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet. At least three or more pole piece portions each extending at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction;
A rotating means for rotating one of the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet to relatively rotate the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet; and an opposing area between the arcuate surface of the magnet and the magnetic pole pieces. Signal output means for respectively outputting the first and second signals generated in accordance with the above-mentioned configuration, wherein the distance between the magnetic pole pieces is larger than the gap between the magnet and the magnetic pole pieces. From this, it is possible to maintain the non-contact state between the magnetic pole pieces and the magnet that rotate relative to each other, to improve the durability and reliability, and to set the facing area between each of the two magnetic pole pieces and the magnet to a rotation angle. Can correspond,
From the first and second signal output means,
A second signal can be output.

Further, the magnetic flux generated by the magnet by each magnetic pole piece can be efficiently guided to the first and second signal output means, and the degree of freedom in mounting each signal output means can be increased. The first and second signal output means can be arranged close to each other, and the conditions such as the ambient temperature can be made the same, and for example, a Hall element integrally formed from the same semiconductor substrate can be used. The first and second signal output means can be formed.

Further, since the gap between the magnet and each pole piece is formed smaller than the distance between the pole pieces, the arc surface portion of the magnet can be made closer to each pole piece, and can be opposed to the arc surface portion of the magnet. The magnetic flux can be reliably guided to each magnetic pole piece, and the magnetic resistance of each magnetic pole piece opposing the arcuate surface of the magnet can be reduced, so that the effect of the magnetic resistance by the Hall element can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the distance between the magnetic pole pieces is made larger than the gap between the magnet and each magnetic pole piece, and the arc surface of the magnet is at least one of the magnetic pole pieces. Since the magnetic pole piece extends at a greater angle in the circumferential direction than the magnetic pole piece, the magnetic flux can be reliably guided to each magnetic pole piece facing the arcuate surface of the magnet. The effect of the resistance can be reduced, and a detection signal having a linear characteristic can be extracted.

On the other hand, according to the third aspect of the invention, the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet are relatively rotated by the rotating means, and the first and second signal output means are used to rotate the first and second magnetic pole pieces.
Outputting first and second signals corresponding to the areas of the second pole pieces and the arc surface of the magnet, respectively, and setting the distance between the pole pieces to the magnet and Since the gap between the first and second magnetic pole pieces is relatively large, the gap between the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet can be kept in a non-contact state. The distance between the magnet and the magnet can be kept constant, and the facing area between the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet can be changed according to the rotation angle.

Further, the first signal output means can output a first signal corresponding to an area (magnetic field) facing the magnet between the first magnetic pole pieces, and can output the second signal. The means can output a second signal corresponding to the area (magnetic field) facing the magnet between the second pole pieces, so that each of the signals output from the first and second signal output means can be output. The signal level can be largely changed according to the relative rotation of the magnet or the like.

Further, since the gap between the magnet and each pole piece is formed smaller than the distance between the pole pieces, the arc surface portion of the magnet can be made closer to each pole piece, and can be opposed to the arc surface portion of the magnet. The magnetic flux can be reliably guided to each magnetic pole piece, and the magnetic resistance of each magnetic pole piece opposing the arcuate surface of the magnet can be reduced, so that the effect of the magnetic resistance by the Hall element can be reduced.

In the invention described in claim 4, the arcuate surface portion of the magnet extends at an angle larger in the circumferential direction than at least one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces. With this configuration, the area facing the magnet can be changed in accordance with the rotation angle over the entire circumference of one of the magnetic pole pieces, so that each magnetic pole piece facing the arcuate surface of the magnet can be securely mounted. Magnetic flux, leakage magnetic flux can be reduced, and a detection signal having a linear characteristic can be obtained.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the arcuate surface of the magnet is formed in a circumferential direction more than an angle between at least one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces. Since it is configured to extend at a small angle, it is possible to prevent leakage magnetic flux from being guided to each of the first and second magnetic pole pieces, and it is possible to accurately detect the rotation angle.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6,
Since it is configured to include a calculation unit that calculates and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotation unit based on the first and second signals output from the first and second signal output units,
Signal components affected by the magnetomotive force of the magnet, temperature characteristics of element sensitivity, deterioration over time, and the like can be surely canceled, and a detection signal of the rotation angle can be output with linear characteristics.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a rotation angle detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken in the direction of arrows II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing an arithmetic circuit of the rotation angle detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram showing the arrangement of magnets, magnetic pole pieces, Hall elements, and the like used in the rotation angle detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between output voltages output from first and second Hall elements used in the rotation angle detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the rotation angle.

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between an operation signal extracted from an operation circuit used in the rotation angle detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the rotation angle.

FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram substantially similar to FIG. 4 shown as a comparative example for explaining a principle of detecting a rotation angle.

FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram similar to FIG. 7, showing a state in which a magnet is rotated.

9 is a magnetic circuit diagram of a magnet, each magnetic pole piece, each Hall element, and the like according to a comparative example shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between output voltages output from first and second Hall elements and a rotation angle according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 7;

11 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between a calculation signal taken out of a calculation circuit based on the output voltage of FIG. 10 and a rotation angle.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing a magnet, magnetic pole pieces and the like of a rotation angle detecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram showing an arithmetic circuit of a rotation angle detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram showing an arrangement relationship of a magnet, each magnetic pole piece, each Hall element, and the like used in a rotation angle detecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a magnetic circuit diagram of the magnet, each magnetic pole piece, each Hall element, and the like shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a magnet used in a rotation angle detecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 1 Casing 3 Shaft (rotating shaft) 4, 41, 61 Magnet 5, 42 First pole piece 6, 43 Second pole piece 44 Third pole piece 11, 48 First Hall element (first signal output means) 12, 49 Second hall element (second signal output means) 19, 50 Arithmetic circuit (arithmetic means) E11, E21 Output voltage (first signal) E12, E22 Output voltage (second signal) So1, So2 detection signal θ1, θ2 rotation angle

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A magnet having an arcuate surface portion, and at least three or more magnets disposed at a distance from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet and extending at predetermined angles in a circumferential direction. Rotating means for rotating any one of the magnetic pole piece portions and the magnet, and relatively rotating the magnetic pole piece portions and the magnet; an arc surface portion of the magnet and each magnetic pole Signal output means for respectively outputting first and second signals generated in accordance with the area opposed to the piece, wherein the distance between the magnetic pole pieces is determined by the gap between the magnet and each magnetic pole piece. A rotation angle detection device configured to be larger. 2. A magnet having an arcuate surface portion and at least three or more magnets disposed at a distance from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet and extending at predetermined angles in the circumferential direction. Rotating means for rotating any one of the magnetic pole piece portions and the magnet, and relatively rotating the magnetic pole piece portions and the magnet; an arc surface portion of the magnet and each magnetic pole Signal output means for respectively outputting first and second signals generated in accordance with the area opposed to the piece, wherein the distance between the magnetic pole pieces is determined by the gap between the magnet and each magnetic pole piece. A rotation angle detecting device which is larger and has a configuration in which the arc surface portion of the magnet extends at a greater angle in the circumferential direction than at least one of the magnetic pole pieces. 3. A magnet having an arcuate surface portion and a pair of first magnets disposed at a distance from each other around the magnet so as to face the arcuate surface portion of the magnet and extending at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction. And a pair of second magnetic pole pieces disposed between the first magnetic pole pieces and spaced apart from the first magnetic pole pieces and extending at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. Rotating means for rotating one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet to relatively rotate the first and second magnetic pole pieces and the magnet; First and second signal output means for outputting first and second signals respectively generated in accordance with the facing areas of the first and second pole piece portions and the arc surface portion of the magnet, The distance between the pole pieces is determined by the gap between the magnet and the pole pieces. A rotation angle detection device configured to be larger than the loop. 4. The magnet according to claim 3, wherein the arc surface portion of the magnet extends at a larger angle in the circumferential direction than at least one of the first and second pole piece portions. Rotation angle detection device. 5. An arcuate surface portion of the magnet is configured to extend at an angle smaller in a circumferential direction than an angle between at least one of the first and second magnetic pole pieces. Or the rotation angle detection device according to 4. 6. A configuration comprising a calculating means for calculating and outputting a detection signal corresponding to a turning angle of the turning means based on the first and second signals output from the first and second signal outputting means. The rotation angle detecting device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein