Magnetic Sleeve Or Layer Patents (Class 73/862.335)
  • Patent number: 11585708
    Abstract: To improve the output signal quality of a load measurement by means of active magnetization, the invention provides a load measurement method for measuring a mechanical load on a test object (14), comprising: a) generating and applying a magnetic field to the test object (14); b) detecting a magnetic field changed by the test object (14) as a result of a mechanical load on the test object (14) by means of a first magnetic field detection device (20) to generate a first measurement signal (U1, UAB), c) detecting a magnetic field changed by the test object (14) as a result of a mechanical load on the test object (14) by means of a second magnetic field detection device (22) to generate a second measurement signal (U1, UAB), d) computationally determining a third measurement signal (UBT) from the first measurement signal (U1, UAB) and the second measurement signal (U2, UAT), and preferably comprising the steps of e) forming a difference from one (U2, UAT) of the first and the second measurement signals and the c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Trafag AG
    Inventors: Christoph Schanz, Philipp Cörlin, Tobias Ettenauer, Tobias Senkbeil, Dieter Zeisel
  • Patent number: 11495733
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive-type sensor temperature-detecting circuit configured to be used in a magnetostrictive-type sensor including an applied stress-detecting coil, and a driving section to output an alternating voltage, excite the coil with a resulting alternating electric current, and switch flow directions of the electric current flowing in the coil in response to switching voltage polarities of the output alternating voltage, to detect a temperature of the coil in the sensor. This temperature-detecting circuit includes an alternating electric current direction switching time-detecting section to detect an amount of time from when the voltage polarities of the output alternating voltage are switched until when the flow directions of the electric current flowing in the coil are switched, and a temperature-computing section to compute the temperature of the coil on the basis of the amount of time detected by the alternating electric current direction switching time-detecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Sugiyama, Teruyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11258336
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a sensing device comprising: a rotor; and a stator arranged on the outer side of the rotor, wherein the stator comprises a stator holder and a stator ring arranged on the stator holder; the stator ring comprises a body, a plurality of teeth formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the body, and a protrusion part formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the body; and, when seen in the radial direction, the protrusion part is arranged between the teeth and comprises at least two protrusions arranged to be spaced from each other. Accordingly, the coupling force between the stator holder and the stator ring can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 10627299
    Abstract: A magnetoelastic shear force transducer with an interference field compensation comprises a hollow component section having an interior recess. A load can be applied onto the hollow component section. The load causes a shear stress in the hollow component section. The hollow component section includes at least one annular magnetoelastically active section having a magnetic polarization surrounding the recess and magnetoelastic properties. Magnetic-field sensors include at least one magnetic-field sensor in the magnetoelastically active section and a magnetic-field compensating sensor associated with the magnetic-field sensor in the magnetoelastically active section. The magnetic-field compensating sensor is arranged outside the magnetoelastically active section. A sensor signal of the magnetic-field sensor is processed along with a compensating signal of the magnetic-field compensating sensor to reduce the influence of an interfering magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Johannes Gieβibl
  • Patent number: 10583858
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 10345167
    Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Pekka Tapani Sipila
  • Patent number: 10345162
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a first sensor unit, a first stacked body, and a film unit. The first sensor unit includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer being provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first stacked body includes a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer being provided between the third magnetic layer and the fourth magnetic layer. The film unit is deformable. A portion of the film unit is disposed between the first sensor unit and the first stacked body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akiko Yuzawa, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Kei Masunishi, Yoshihiro Higashi, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiko Fuji
  • Patent number: 10151651
    Abstract: A hollow machine element for transmitting a force and/or a torque is provided. The hollow machine element forms a component of an assembly for measuring the acting force and/or torque by using inverse magnetostrictive effect. The hollow machine element extends along an axis and has a cavity that extends along the axis. The machine element includes at least one magnetization region for magnetization, and which includes a magnetostrictive material. A magnetic field measurable via the assembly can be caused by the magnetization and by the force and/or by the torque. The magnetization region is directed toward the cavity and has an axially central segment, in which the magnetization region is arranged at a radial distance from a ferromagnetic region of the machine element to define a gap therebetween. The gap may be empty or filled with insulation, to provide magnetic insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Neuschaefer-Rube, Jan Matysik, Darius Dlugai, Christian Schmitt, Markus Neubauer, Tomas Smetana
  • Patent number: 10094723
    Abstract: A sensor includes a film portion and a first sensor portion. The film portion is deformable. The first sensor portion is provided at the film portion. The first sensor portion includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer. The second conductive layer is provided between the first conductive layer and the film portion. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The second magnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second conductive layer. The first intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A curvature of the first conductive layer is different from a curvature of at least a portion of the film portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji Otsu, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiko Fuji, Kei Masunishi, Akiko Yuzawa, Tomohiko Nagata, Shiori Kaji, Yoshihiro Higashi, Kazuaki Okamoto, Shotaro Baba
  • Patent number: 10093350
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 10060818
    Abstract: A sensor includes a first film, a first sensor portion, and a first element portion. The first film is deformable. The first sensor portion is provided at the first film. The first sensor portion includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer provided between the first film and the first magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first element portion includes a first piezoelectric layer fixed to the first film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akiko Yuzawa, Yasushi Tomizawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara
  • Patent number: 9791034
    Abstract: A transmission includes a main housing having a rear wall and at least one sidewall extending from the rear wall. The rear wall has an outer side and has an inner side that cooperates with the at least one sidewall to define an interior. A planetary gearset is disposed within the interior. An output shaft is coupled to the gearset and extends through a hole defined in the rear wall. An extension housing is connected to a rear portion of the main housing such that the outer side and the extension housing cooperate to define a torque-sensor cavity. The output shaft extends through the cavity. A torque sensor is disposed within the cavity adjacent to the output shaft and has an electrical connector disposed in a wall of the extension housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Maurer, Bruce Granstrom, Gregory Daniel Goleski, John Edward Brevick, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9596995
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a film part, and a sensing unit. A circumscribing rectangle circumscribing a configuration of a film surface of the film part has a first side, a second side, a third side connected to one end of the first side and one end of the second side, a fourth side connected to one other end of the first side and one other end of the second side, and a centroid of the circumscribing rectangle. The circumscribing rectangle includes a first region enclosed by the first side, line segments connecting the centroid to the one end of the first side, and to the one other end of the first side. The sensing unit includes sensing elements provided on a portion of the film surface overlapping the first region. Each sensing element includes a first, second magnetic layers, and a spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Kei Masunishi, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiro Higashi, Michiko Hara, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Shiori Kaji, Akiko Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 9151276
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox having a sensing device (109) for sensing a torque which acts on a drive shaft (101), an output shaft (102) or a shaft which can be driven by the drive shaft (101). The sensing device (109) is electrically connected to an integrated energy-generating device. A rotor (192), which is arranged inside the gearbox housing (103) and connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a shaft which can be driven by the drive shaft (101), is assigned to the energy-generating device. A bearing (194), which is secured by a housing lid (193), is assigned to this shaft. The housing lid (193) surrounds the rotor (192) in this context. The energy-generating device is assigned a stator (191) which is mounted on the housing lid (193) within the gearbox housing (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Ralf Martin Dinter
  • Patent number: 9057652
    Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus detects a torque applied to a first shaft, based on a relative rotational displacement between the first shaft and a second shaft caused by torsion in a coupling shaft which couples the first shaft and the second shaft. The torque detecting apparatus includes: first and second magnets which are coupled to the first shaft and the second shaft so as to rotate together with the first shaft and second shaft, respectively; and a plurality of magnetic sensors which are disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet and which detect a rotational angle of the first shaft and a rotational angle of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunobu Tomizawa, Hideki Higashira, Seiji Uematsu, Takeshi Ueda, Yoshinobu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8939038
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque index sensor, the sensor including a housing, a stator mounted at a space inside the housing, a magnet arranged inside the stator to rotate with a rotation shaft, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fixedly mounted inside the housing and mounted with a first magnetic element outputting a magnetization signal in response to rotation of the magnet, at least one or more fixing bosses protrusively formed at the housing, and a collector having a plurality of through holes penetratively formed at a position corresponding to that of the fixing boss and concentrating a magnetic field for guiding a magnetic flux of the magnet, wherein the fixing boss is thermally fused after passing the through hole to tightly fix the collector at an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myungchul Woo
  • Publication number: 20140318272
    Abstract: Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140260686
    Abstract: A system and method for creating one or more magnetically conditioned regions on a rotatable shaft or disk-shaped torque sensing element, wherein rotation noise produced by the element due to magnetic field variations is substantially negated. Upon magnetization of the torque sensing element, rotation noise produced by the magnetically conditioned region is measured. Adjustment factors are calculated based on the measured rotation noise, and the adjustment factors are used to adjust a magnetic field source during subsequent magnetization of the torque sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. MORAN, Frank URSETTA
  • Patent number: 8813578
    Abstract: A sensor system has a rotational angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle and a torque sensor for detecting a torque. The rotational angle sensor has a rotatable rotational angle transmitter having index elements. The torque sensor has a rotatable torque transmitter having magnets, which generate a magnetic field, and a magnetic flux unit for amplifying the magnetic field. The index elements and the magnetic flux unit are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Kaess, Axel Kaschner, Juergen Kurle, Lars Sodan, Holger Behrens
  • Patent number: 8783118
    Abstract: A bending load acting on a steering shaft only with a magnetostrictive torque sensor, without separately providing a sensor for detecting the bending moment. A storage unit stores, as an initial characteristic curve formed from initial detection values, a characteristic curve formed from detection values of each of a first detection coil and a second detection coil when only twisting torque is applied to a steering shaft. A bending load detector provided in an ECU detects a bending load amount acting on the steering shaft based on a difference between each detection value of the first and second detection coils and the initial detection value on the initial characteristic curve corresponding to the detection value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kato, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Katsumi Sahoda, Tsuyoshi Tsuda, Hiroyuki Kaneta
  • Patent number: 8757014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear mechanism comprising at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft, which enter a gear mechanism housing through a respective opening. The drive shaft and/or the output shaft comprise a magnetically or optically coded section in the region of the respective opening. The coding in said section may be changed by the effect of a torque or a force on the drive shaft or output shaft. Moreover, at least one gear wheel connected to the drive shaft and at least one gear wheel connected to the output shaft are provided that are directly or indirectly engaged with one another. In addition, the gear mechanism according to the invention comprises at least one scanning unit for detecting the magnetic or optical coding of the drive shaft or output shaft in a contact free fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ralf Martin Dinter
  • Patent number: 8689643
    Abstract: A shaft arrangement, with a rotatable shaft supported in a rolling bearing, which has rolling elements and an outer race, a torsion sensor having a permanently magnetic ring and at least one magnetic field sensor fastened to a fixed sensor bracket attached to the outer race being provided. A torsion sensor can hereby be integrated in a rotating bearing in a simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Grab, Michael Pausch
  • Patent number: 8635917
    Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has a magnetically conditioned region with an initial direction of magnetization that is perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8567262
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering shaft for transmitting a steering force of a steering handlebar to a wheel and an upper bearing provided at a location upward from a vehicle body frame so as to rotatably support an upper part of the steering shaft. A lower bearing is provided at a location downward from the vehicle body frame, so as to rotatably support a lower part of the steering shaft. A torque sensor detects a torsional torque applied to the steering shaft. An electric motor imparts a steering force to the steering shaft based on the torsional torque detected by the torque sensor. The electric motor is mounted to the steering shaft between the upper bearing and the lower bearing, while the torque sensor is mounted to the steering shaft at place upward from the upper bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tsuda, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Shinichiro Kato, Hiroyuki Kaneta, Katsumi Sahoda
  • Patent number: 8528422
    Abstract: A torque and index detection apparatus includes a torque sensing section that senses torque exerted on a connecting shaft connecting a first and second shafts by a pair of magnetic sensing elements whose magnetic sensing directions are opposite, and a reference rotational position sensing section that senses a reference rotational position of the second shaft by the magnetic sensing elements. The reference rotational position sensing section includes a pair of magnets provided in the circumferential direction of the second shaft with like magnetic poles facing each other, a first magnetic part that is located between the magnets and the magnetic sensing elements, rotates integrally with the second shaft, and forms a magnetic path for magnetic flux of the magnets in the reference rotational position, and a second magnetic part that is provided between the magnetic sensing elements, and passes the magnetic flux from the first magnetic part uniformly to the magnetic sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Sanada, Ken Okuyama, Yukio Ikeda, Yukitoshi Terasaka
  • Publication number: 20130133437
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque index sensor, the sensor including a housing, a stator mounted at a space inside the housing, a magnet arranged inside the stator to rotate with a rotation shaft, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fixedly mounted inside the housing and mounted with a first magnetic element outputting a magnetization signal in response to rotation of the magnet, at least one or more fixing bosses protrusively formed at the housing, and a collector having a plurality of through holes penetratively formed at a position corresponding to that of the fixing boss and concentrating a magnetic field for guiding a magnetic flux of the magnet, wherein the fixing boss is thermally fused after passing the through hole to tightly fix the collector at an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myungchul Woo
  • Patent number: 8438937
    Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ivan J. Garshelis, Ryan J. Kari, Stijn P. L. Tollens
  • Patent number: 8433485
    Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Marin, Fredrick R. Poskie, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8424393
    Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20130091959
    Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Seong-Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20130091960
    Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has a magnetically conditioned region with an initial direction of magnetization that is perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Methode Electronics,Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8423249
    Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow. An electrical connector is fed through an access hole and connects with the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fredrick R. Poskie, Carlos E. Marin, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8278914
    Abstract: A rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of a detectable rotation body, comprises: a primary rotation body to be attached to the detectable rotation body and to rotate as integral with the detectable rotation body; a secondary rotation body to rotate as a predetermined rotation ratio for the primary rotation body; a primary rotation detection mechanism to output a signal to be varied periodically as corresponding to a rotation of the primary rotation body; a secondary rotation detection mechanism to output a signal to be varied periodically as corresponding to a rotation of the secondary rotation body; a signal processing unit to calculate the rotation angles of the primary and the secondary rotation bodies using the signals that the primary and the secondary rotation detection mechanisms output; and an operation processing unit to calculate the rotation angle of the detectable rotation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kengo Tanaka, Fumihiko Abe, Dongzhi Jin
  • Publication number: 20120137789
    Abstract: a magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a rotation shaft, a magnetostrictive member, and a plurality of detectors. The rotation shaft is rotationally supported. The magnetostrictive member is disposed on a surface of the rotation shaft and being deformable in accordance with a magnitude of rotation torque applied to the rotation shaft to change magnetic permeability. The plurality of detectors are disposed on a periphery of the rotation shaft. Each of the detectors is configured to detect a change in magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member in a form of an electrical change. The detectors are configured to detect different amounts of electrical change from one another if amounts of change in deformation are same throughout the magnetostrictive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka ARIMURA, Yasuo SHIMIZU, Takeshi WAKABAYASHI
  • Patent number: 8181538
    Abstract: A magnestostrictive torque sensor detects rotating torque applied to a rod-shaped rotating shaft to work around the rotating shaft based on a change in magnetic characteristics of a magnetostrictive film formed on a surface the rotating shaft so as to extend around a full circumference thereof in a circumferential direction. The magnetostrictive film is formed continuously in an axial direction at a portion on the rotating shaft in the axial direction thereof. The magnetostrictive film has on the continuously formed area a first magnetostrictive film portion and a second magnetostrictive film portion having magnetic anisotropies which are opposite to each other and a third magnetostrictive film portion which is formed between the first and second magnetostrictive film portions. A first detection coil, a second detection coil and a third detection coil are provided for the first magnetostrictive film portion, the second magnetostrictive film portion and the third magnetostrictive film portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Yamamura, Yuichi Fukuda, Nobuhiko Yoshimoto, Yukiya Kashimura
  • Publication number: 20120118081
    Abstract: Device for transmitting torques with a torque-transmitting shaft and a bearing block for mounting the shaft. The device includes a measuring device for measuring a torque applied to the torque-transmitting shaft. The measuring device for measuring the torque device is at least partially integrated in the bearing block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp EGM GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas EICKE, Joachim Heidemann
  • Publication number: 20120060628
    Abstract: A torque and index detection apparatus includes a torque sensing section that senses torque exerted on a connecting shaft connecting a first and second shafts by a pair of magnetic sensing elements whose magnetic sensing directions are opposite, and a reference rotational position sensing section that senses a reference rotational position of the second shaft by the magnetic sensing elements. The reference rotational position sensing section includes a pair of magnets provided in the circumferential direction of the second shaft with like magnetic poles facing each other, a first magnetic part that is located between the magnets and the magnetic sensing elements, rotates integrally with the second shaft, and forms a magnetic path for magnetic flux of the magnets in the reference rotational position, and a second magnetic part that is provided between the magnetic sensing elements, and passes the magnetic flux from the first magnetic part uniformly to the magnetic sensing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro SANADA, Ken OKUYAMA, Yukio IKEDA, Yukitoshi TERASAKA
  • Publication number: 20120006128
    Abstract: A shaft arrangement, with a rotatable shaft supported in a rolling bearing, which has rolling elements and an outer race, a torsion sensor having a permanently magnetic ring and at least one magnetic field sensor fastened to a fixed sensor bracket attached to the outer race being provided. A torsion sensor can hereby be integrated in a rotating bearing in a simple design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Harald GRAB, Michael PAUSCH
  • Patent number: 8087306
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring a torque acting on a shaft, wherein the shaft has a first shaft section and a second shaft section and these two shaft sections can be rotated relative to one another, including at least one magnetic encoder arranged on the first shaft section, and a stator arranged on the second shaft section, wherein the stator has two stator elements, each with protruding fingers, and the stator elements are assigned respectively or jointly a flux concentrator which leads the magnetic field to be detected, generated by the magnetic encoder, directly or indirectly to at least one magnetic field sensor element, wherein the at least one flux concentrator is fixed to a carrier element embodied in elastic fashion at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Manfred Goll, Markus Bastian
  • Patent number: 8079274
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring torque on a rotating component, comprising of signal-producing components which are applied to the rotating component, and a means for obtaining the signals produced by said signal producing components, in which at least two signal producing components are applied to the rotating component with some linear separation between the two signal producing components and their corresponding devices for obtaining signals produced, such that torque applied to the rotating component will cause a change in phase between the signals received from each of the signal-producing components and thus permit the measurement of torque based on this change in phase; one embodiment of this invention comprising two magnetic rings, one at either end of a driveshaft, with sensor coils placed near to each magnetic ring such that an alternating electrical current is produced, the comparative phase between these currents permitting measurement of torque on the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: IEM Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid Mian, William Peabody, Sheppard Salon
  • Patent number: 8079275
    Abstract: A shaft arrangement, with a rotatable shaft supported in a rolling bearing, which has rolling elements and an outer race, a torsion sensor having a permanently magnetic ring and at least one magnetic field sensor fastened to a fixed sensor bracket attached to the outer race being provided. A torsion sensor can hereby be integrated in a rotating bearing in a simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Harald Grab, Michael Pausch
  • Patent number: 8047084
    Abstract: A torque-index sensor having index sensor and torque sensor closely arranged and integrated therein with lightened interference between them is provided. The invented torque-index sensor is comprised of torque sensor that includes first magnetic sensor arranged beside first annular-shaped magnet and index sensor that includes second magnet arranged beside annular-shaped encoder and second magnetic sensor that are arranged being in-line on common axis; and means for varying magnetic flux, which changes direction of magnetic flux that is generated from second magnet toward first magnetic sensor, positioned between first magnetic sensor in torque sensor and second magnet in index sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Okuyama, Yukio Ikeda, Yukitoshi Terasaka, Takahiro Sanada
  • Publication number: 20110239786
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering shaft for transmitting a steering force of a steering handlebar to a wheel and an upper bearing provided at a location upward from a vehicle body frame so as to rotatably support an upper part of the steering shaft. A lower bearing is provided at a location downward from the vehicle body frame, so as to rotatably support a lower part of the steering shaft. A torque sensor detects a torsional torque applied to the steering shaft. An electric motor imparts a steering force to the steering shaft based on the torsional torque detected by the torque sensor. The electric motor is mounted to the steering shaft between the upper bearing and the lower bearing, while the torque sensor is mounted to the steering shaft at place upward from the upper bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi TSUDA, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Shinichiro Kato, Hiroyuki Kaneta, katsumi Sahoda
  • Publication number: 20110239787
    Abstract: A bending load acting on a steering shaft only with a magnetostrictive torque sensor, without separately providing a sensor for detecting the bending moment. A storage unit stores, as an initial characteristic curve formed from initial detection values, a characteristic curve formed from detection values of each of a first detection coil and a second detection coil when only twisting torque is applied to a steering shaft. A bending load detector provided in an ECU detects a bending load amount acting on the steering shaft based on a difference between each detection value of the first and second detection coils and the initial detection value on the initial characteristic curve corresponding to the detection value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kato, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Katsumi Sahoda, Tsuyoshi Tsuda, Hiroyuki Kaneta
  • Patent number: 8011256
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a single magnetostrictive film disposed on a steering shaft, and first and second coils for detecting changes in a magnetic property of the magnetostrictive film. The single magnetostrictive film includes a first anisotropic region and a second anisotropic region, having respective magnetic anisotropies inverse to each other. The first coil is disposed in confronting relation to the first anisotropic region, whereas the second coil is disposed in confronting relation to the second anisotropic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Yoneda, Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8001851
    Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a first rotor constituted by a magnetic material and having an outer face that has first conductive layers disposed in two levels as viewed in the direction of a rotation axis and second conductive layers disposed outwardly of and between the first conductive layers, a second rotor having metal members corresponding to the first conductive layers of the first rotor, and a stationary core having a stationary core body that accommodates therein two exciting coils that are spaced from each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The second rotor is disposed between the first rotor mounted to a first shaft and the stationary core fixed to a stationary member, and is mounted to a second shaft which is rotatable relative to the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Abe, Kengo Tanaka, Dongzhi Jin, Kazuhiko Matsuzaki, Tsuyoshi Nakamoto, Masakazu Matsui, Hideharu Yonehara, Tomotaka Watanabe, Kosuke Yamawaki, Takahiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 7987734
    Abstract: A torque sensor (50) detects an input torque input into a torsion bar (51) using a magnetic force generating part (60), a rotating magnetic circuit (69), a fixed magnetic circuit (90), and a magnetic sensor (98). The rotating magnetic circuit (69) comprises a first soft magnetic member (70) and a second soft magnetic member (80), each of which comprises a magnetic ring (73, 83), a magnetic tip (71, 81) facing the magnetic force generating part (60), and a magnetic column (72, 82) connecting the tip (71, 81) and the ring (73, 83). By disposing the first soft magnetic member (70) and the second soft magnetic ring (80) so as to face each other, the soft magnetic rings (70, 80) are formed in an identical shape that can be manufactured by press-working a plate material, thereby realizing a compact and lightweight torque sensor (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Maehara
  • Patent number: 7963179
    Abstract: An arrangement for the non-contact measurement of torque on a shaft of a transmission. The arrangement having at least one detector (1) for detecting a variation in a magnetic field (2) as a function of a torque applied to the shaft. The shaft is a hollow shaft (3) and the detector (1) is arranged inside the hollow shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rolf Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7937236
    Abstract: A method for adaptive compensation of a temperature drift of a sensor, designed to measure the torque of a shaft or a drive train or the force in mechanical equipment during operation. A sensor signal is recurrently measured. An associated temperature is determined. An offset value is calculated as a function of temperature based on measured and stored data. The measured signal value is compensated using the calculated offset value. When the sensor is unloaded or nearly unloaded is detected. When the sensor is unloaded or nearly unloaded the signal sensor signal value and the associated temperature value are stored in a memory and a model of the sensor offset is updated. A system and computer program product for adaptive compensation of the temperature drift of such a sensor signal offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Christer Wallin
  • Patent number: 7845244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kaname Aoki, Taisuke Tsujimoto