Abstract: Provided is a sensor system capable of more accurately detecting abnormality. A sensor IC includes a first detector, a second detector, and a communication circuit. The first detector and the second detector output a first digital value and a second digital value according to the strength of a magnetic flux applied thereto, respectively. The communication circuit transmits the first and second digital values received from the first and second detectors to a control device. At this time, the communication circuitplaces the first and second digital values in a plurality of frames to transmit the plurality of frames. The communication circuit forms the plurality of frames such that bit information data of the first and second digital values placed in the frames is arranged in different orders between the first and second digital values.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor system capable of more accurately detecting abnormality. A sensor IC includes a first detector, a second detector, and a communication circuit. The first detector and the second detector output a first digital value and a second digital value according to the strength of a magnetic flux applied thereto, respectively. The communication circuit transmits the first and second digital values received from the first and second detectors to a control device. At this time, the communication circuit places the first and second digital values in a plurality of frames to transmit the plurality of frames. The communication circuit forms the plurality of frames such that bit information data of the first and second digital values placed in the frames is arranged in different orders between the first and second digital values.

Abstract: A torque detection system that is less likely to affect external equipment is provided. A sensor IC in a torque detection device includes: a magnetic detection element with its output voltage changing in magnitude in accordance with the amount of twist of a torsion bar; and a processing device that converts the output voltage into an output signal switched between a low level L and a high level H. The processing device includes a signal generation device that forms inflection points P1 to P4 in order to reduce a change speed during a rising period T1 when the output signal is switched from the low level L to the high level H or a change speed during a falling period T3 when the output signal is switched from the high level H to the low level L.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a torsion bar that couples a first shaft to a second shaft; a magnet that is fixed to the first shaft; and a pair of magnetic yokes that are fixed to the second shaft and that are arranged to face each other in an axial direction. Each of the magnetic yokes includes a yoke ring and a plurality of lugs that are arranged in a circumferential direction on the corresponding yoke ring. Each yoke ring includes an extending portion that extends radially outward from base portions of the lugs, and a bent portion that is bent in the axial direction from a radially outer end portion of the extending portion. The outer size of the pair of magnetic yokes in the axial direction is larger than or equal to the length of the magnet in the axial direction.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a torsion bar that couples a first shaft to a second shaft such that the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatable relative to each other; an annular magnet that is fixed to the first shaft; a pair of magnetic yokes that are fixed to the second shaft and that are arranged to face the magnet; and Hall ICs. Each of the magnetic yokes has a plurality of lugs arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction, and each lug becomes narrower toward its distal end, and has a curved profile with rounded corners when viewed from a radial direction of the corresponding magnetic yoke.

Abstract: A torque detector includes a sensor unit including a single magnetic sensor capable of detecting a change of flux, a torque detecting unit that detects torque based on an output of the sensor unit, and a magnetic field generator capable of generating a magnetic field in an area including the sensor unit. The torque detecting unit has a failure detecting mode that detects an abnormality of the sensor unit based on an offset amount of the output of the sensor unit. The offset amount is obtained when the magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a first shaft, a second shaft that is coaxially linked to the first shaft, a cylindrical magnet that rotates integrally with the first shaft, a pair of magnetic yokes that rotate integrally with the second shaft, and three magnetic sensors that respectively detect a change in magnetic flux of the magnetic yokes for calculating torque applied to the first and second shafts. Output characteristics of the three magnetic sensors are different from each other.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes: a torque sensor including a first sensor element and a second sensor element; a control unit; and a motor. When the first sensor element and the second sensor element are both normal, the first sensor output that is output by the first sensor element and the second sensor output that is output by the second sensor element have a predetermined correlation corresponding to a steering operation performed by a driver. When the first sensor element or the second sensor element is abnormal, the control unit executes weighting with respect to the first sensor output and the second sensor output and calculates a steering torque on the basis of the weighted first sensor output and the weighted second sensor output. The motor generates a steering assist force on the basis of the steering torque.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a first shaft, a second shaft that is coaxially linked to the first shaft, a cylindrical magnet that rotates integrally with the first shaft, a pair of magnetic yokes that rotate integrally with the second shaft, and three magnetic sensors that respectively detect a change in magnetic flux of the magnetic yokes for calculating torque applied to the first and second shafts. Output characteristics of the three magnetic sensors are different from each other.

Abstract: A self-alignment torque correcting apparatus for a vehicle that compensates for a surplus and a shortage of self-alignment torque of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a driving source that confers a driving force to a steering mechanism of the vehicle; a steering angle detecting portion that detects a steering angle of an operating member; a vehicle speed detecting portion that detects a speed of the vehicle; and a self-alignment torque compensating portion that compensates for a surplus and a shortage of self-alignment torque of the vehicle by controlling the driving source based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detecting portion and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting portion.

Abstract: A self-alignment torque correcting apparatus for a vehicle that compensates for a surplus and a shortage of self-alignment torque of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a driving source that confers a driving force to a steering mechanism of the vehicle; a steering angle detecting portion that detects a steering angle of an operating member; a vehicle speed detecting portion that detects a speed of the vehicle; and a self-alignment torque compensating portion that compensates for a surplus and a shortage of self-alignment torque of the vehicle by controlling the driving source based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detecting portion and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting portion.