阅读说明：本技术 扭矩传感器 (Torque sensor ) 是由 远藤嵩幸 于 2019-02-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种扭矩传感器,其抑制形状的大型化且精度高。扭矩传感器(10)具备设置于第一结构体和第二结构体之间的第四结构体(14)、第五结构体(15)、设置于第四结构体的第一应变传感器(19)、以及设置于第五结构体的第二应变传感器(20)。第四结构体和第五连接部分别具备连接有第一应变传感器或上述第二应变传感器的一端部的第一连接部(14a)、连接有第一应变传感器或上述第二应变传感器的另一端部的第二连接部(14b)、以及设置于第一连接部和上述第二连接部之间且具有比上述第一连接部及上述第二连接部的刚性低的刚性的第三连接部(14c)和第四连接部(14d)。(Provided is a torque sensor which is high in accuracy while suppressing the increase in size of the shape. The torque sensor (10) is provided with a fourth structure (14) disposed between the first structure and the second structure, a fifth structure (15), a first strain sensor (19) disposed in the fourth structure, and a second strain sensor (20) disposed in the fifth structure. The fourth structure and the fifth connecting portion are respectively provided with a first connecting portion (14a) to which one end portion of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor is connected, a second connecting portion (14b) to which the other end portion of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor is connected, and a third connecting portion (14c) and a fourth connecting portion (14d) which are provided between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and have a rigidity lower than the rigidity of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.)

1. A torque sensor is characterized by comprising:

a first structure body;

a second structural body;

a plurality of third structures connecting the first structures and the second structures;

at least one fourth structure disposed between the first structure and the second structure; and

a strain sensor provided to the fourth structural body,

the fourth structure includes:

a first connecting portion provided to the first structure and connected to one end of the strain sensor;

a second connecting portion provided to the second structure and connected to the other end of the strain sensor; and

a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion that are provided between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and have a lower rigidity than the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

2. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion have a length shorter than that of the third structural body.

3. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion have a width narrower than a width of the third structural body.

4. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the first and second connection parts have a width wider than that of the third and fourth connection parts.

5. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the first connection portion and the second connection portion have a thickness thinner than a thickness of the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion.

6. The torque sensor of claim 1,

when Js represents a sectional moment of inertia when a force in a torque direction Is applied to the first connection portion, Jw represents a sectional moment of inertia when a force in a torque direction Is applied to the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion, Is represents a sectional moment of inertia when a force other than a torque direction Is applied to the first connection portion, and Iw represents a sectional moment of inertia when a force other than a torque direction Is applied to the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion, Js, Jw, Is, and Iw satisfy a relationship of Js/Jw > Is/Iw.

7. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the fourth structure body has a recess in which the strain sensor is disposed, and a surface of the strain sensor coincides with a plane including a center of gravity of a structure body including the first structure body, the second structure body, the plurality of third structure bodies, and at least one fourth structure body.

8. The torque sensor of claim 1,

the first structure and the second structure are annular, and the diameter of the second structure is smaller than that of the first structure.

9. The torque sensor of claim 8,

at least one of the fourth structures is provided at a position symmetrical with respect to the centers of the first structure and the second structure.

10. The torque sensor of claim 7,

the concave portions are respectively provided at the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque sensor provided in a joint of a robot arm, for example.

Background

The torque sensor includes a first structure to which torque is applied, a second structure that outputs torque, and a plurality of strain portions as beams that connect the first structure and the second structure, and a plurality of strain gauges as sensor elements are disposed in the strain portions. These strain gauges form a bridge circuit (see, for example, patent documents 1, 2, and 3).

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The bridge circuit of the torque sensor needs to be configured to output a voltage to a force in the torque direction and not to output a voltage to a force in a direction other than the torque direction.

However, when the machining accuracy of the first structure, the second structure, and the strain portion is lowered or when there is variation in the arrangement of the strain gauges, the bridge circuit outputs a voltage to a force in a direction other than the torque, and the detection accuracy is lowered. Therefore, in general, the structure of the torque sensor is designed to be easily deformed in the torque direction and to be hardly deformed in a direction other than the torque direction, but in this case, the shape of the torque sensor is increased.

An embodiment of the invention provides a torque sensor which inhibits the shape from being enlarged and has high precision.

Means for solving the problems

The present embodiment provides a torque sensor, including: a first structure body; a second structural body; a plurality of third structures connecting the first structure and the second structure; at least one fourth structure disposed between the first structure and the second structure; and a strain sensor provided to the fourth structure, wherein the fourth structure includes: a first connecting portion provided to the first structure and connected to one end of the strain sensor; a second connecting portion provided to the second structure and connected to the other end of the strain sensor; and a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion which are provided between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and have a rigidity lower than the rigidity of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

Effects of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention can provide a torque sensor that suppresses an increase in size of a shape and has high accuracy.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a torque sensor to which each embodiment is applied.

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of fig. 1 removed.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the first embodiment with a part of fig. 2 removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion a shown by a broken line in fig. 3.

Fig. 6A is a plan view illustrating an operation when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 6B is a side view for explaining an operation when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied to the torque sensor shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIIA-VIIIA shown in fig. 7, and is a view illustrating a sectional moment of inertia in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx).

Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB shown in fig. 7, and is a view illustrating a sectional moment of inertia in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx).

Fig. 8C is a diagram illustrating a sectional moment of inertia of a general structure.

Fig. 8D is a diagram illustrating a sectional moment of inertia of a structure different from that of fig. 8C.

Fig. 8E is a diagram illustrating a sectional moment of inertia in the torque (Mz) direction in fig. 8A.

Fig. 8F is a diagram illustrating the sectional moment of inertia in the torque (Mz) direction in fig. 8B.

Fig. 8G is a diagram illustrating a sectional moment of inertia of a structure different from that of fig. 8C and 8D.

Fig. 8H is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the structural body and the strain body.

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a torque sensor of a comparative example of the first embodiment.

Fig. 10A is a plan view illustrating an operation when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 10B is a side view for explaining an operation when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied to the torque sensor shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing strains when the same force is applied in the axial direction to the torque sensor of the first embodiment and the torque sensor of the comparative example.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment, and is a plan view illustrating the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor.

Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a bridge circuit of the first strain sensor.

Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state of a strain body when a force in a torque direction is applied to the torque sensor according to the second embodiment and when a force in a direction other than the torque direction is applied.

Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a torque sensor of a comparative example of the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the third embodiment, and is an enlarged plan view showing a portion shown in B of fig. 1.

Fig. 17A is a view showing an operation of the stopper, and is a view schematically showing a part of fig. 16.

Fig. 17B is a view showing the operation of the stopper different from that of fig. 17A, and is a view schematically showing a part of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the torque applied to the torque sensor and the movement of the stopper.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a relationship between strain and stress in the strain gauge.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a first modification of the third embodiment, and is an enlarged plan view showing a part thereof.

Fig. 21 is a plan view showing a second modification of the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following describes embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a torque sensor 10 to which the present embodiment is applied.

In fig. 1, the torque sensor 10 includes a first structure 11, a second structure 12, a plurality of third structures 13, a fourth structure 14, a fifth structure 15, stoppers 16 and 17, and a cover 18.

The first structure body 11 and the second structure body 12 are formed in a ring shape, and the diameter of the second structure body 12 is smaller than that of the first structure body 11. The second structure 12 and the first structure 11 are concentrically arranged, and the first structure 11 and the second structure 12 are connected by a plurality of third structures 13 as beam portions arranged radially. The second structure body 12 has a hollow portion 12a, and for example, a wiring not shown passes through the hollow portion 12 a.

The first structure 11 is connected to, for example, a measurement target, and the plurality of third structures 13 transmit torque from the first structure 11 to the second structure 12. Conversely, the second structural body 12 may be coupled to the object to be measured, and the torque may be transmitted from the second structural body 12 to the first structural body 11 via the plurality of third structural bodies 13.

The first structure body 11, the second structure body 12, and the plurality of third structure bodies 13 are made of metal, for example, stainless steel, but materials other than metal may be used as long as sufficient mechanical strength can be obtained with respect to the applied torque.

Fig. 2 shows the situation after removal of the stoppers 16, 17 of fig. 1. A first strain sensor 19 and a second strain sensor 20 are provided between the first structural body 11 and the second structural body 12. That is, as described later, one end portions of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are joined to the first structure body 11, and the other end portions of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are joined to the second structure body 12.

The first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are disposed at positions symmetrical to the centers of the first structural body 11 and the second structural body 12 (the centers of action of the torques). In other words, the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are disposed on the diameters of the annular first structure 11 and the annular second structure 12.

The thicknesses of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, that is, the thicknesses of strain bodies (distortion bodies) to be described later are smaller than the thickness of the third structural body 13. The mechanical strength of the torque sensor 10 is set according to the thickness or width of the third structural body 13. A plurality of strain gauges as sensor elements are provided on the strain body, and a bridge circuit is formed by these sensor elements.

The stoppers 16, 17 protect the mechanical deformation of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, and have a function as a cover for the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20. Details of the stoppers 16, 17 are described later.

The first strain sensor 19 is connected to the flexible substrate 21, and the second strain sensor 20 is connected to the flexible substrate 22. The flexible substrates 21 and 22 are connected to a printed circuit board, not shown, covered with the cover 18. An operational amplifier or the like for amplifying an output voltage of a bridge circuit described later is disposed on the printed circuit board. Since the circuit configuration is not essential to this embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 3 and 4 are views showing the first embodiment, and only the first structure 11, the second structure 12, the plurality of third structures 13, the fourth structure 14, and the fifth structure 15 are shown with the first strain sensor 19, the second strain sensor 20, the flexible substrates 21 and 22, the cover 18, and the like removed from fig. 1 and 2.

The first embodiment has the following configuration: when a force is applied to the torque sensor 10 in a direction other than the torque direction Mz, particularly, in the direction of the arrow Fz and the direction of Mx shown in the figure, strain is not concentrated in the plurality of strain gauges as sensor elements of the strain bodies provided in the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20.

Specifically, a fourth structure 14 and a fifth structure 15 are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the centers of the first structure 11 and the second structure 12, the fourth structure 14 has a concave portion 14f continuous from the first structure 11 to the second structure 12, and the fifth structure 15 has a concave portion 15f continuous from the first structure 11 to the second structure 12. As will be described later, the first strain sensor 19 is disposed in the recess 14f of the fourth structural body 14, and the second strain sensor 20 is disposed in the recess 15f of the fifth structural body 15.

In the first embodiment, the case where two strain sensors, i.e., the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor, are provided is shown, but the number of strain sensors may be three or more. In this case, the number of structures may be increased according to the number of strain sensors.

Since the fourth structure 14 and the fifth structure 15 have the same structure, only the fourth structure 14 will be specifically described.

As shown in fig. 5, the fourth structure 14 includes a first connection portion 14a and a second connection portion 14b as a joint portion to which the first strain sensor 19 is joined, a third connection portion 14c and a fourth connection portion 14d as beams, and an opening portion 14e surrounded by the first connection portion 14a, the second connection portion 14b, the third connection portion 14c, and the fourth connection portion 14 d.

In other words, the fourth structure 14 is a beam having an opening 14e provided between the first structure 11 and the second structure 12.

First connection portion 14a extends from first structure 11 toward second structure 12. The second connection portion 14b extends from the second structure 12 toward the first structure 11.

The third connection portion 14c and the fourth connection portion 14d, which are beams, are provided between the first connection portion 14a and the second connection portion 14 b.

The length L1 of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d is shorter than the length L2 (also shown in fig. 1) of the third structural body 13 as a beam. The width W1 in the torque (Mz) direction of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d is narrower than the width W2 in the torque direction of the first connecting portion 14a and the second connecting portion 14b, and the total width W1 of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d is narrower than the width W3 in the torque (Mz) direction of the third structural body 13 (as shown in fig. 1). Therefore, the rigidity of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d in the torque direction is lower than the rigidity of the first connecting portion 14a, the second connecting portion 14b, and the third structural body 13 in the torque direction.

The thickness of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d in the Fz direction is equal to the thickness of the first structure, the second structure, and the third structure in the Fz direction. The sum of the length L11 of the first connecting portion 14a, the length L12 of the second connecting portion 14b, and the length L1 of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d is equal to the length of the third structure 13. Therefore, the rigidity of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d in the Fz direction is slightly smaller than the rigidity of the third structural body 13 in the Fz direction.

That is, as shown in fig. 6A described later, in the torque (Mz) direction, first connection portion 14a and first structure 11 constitute high rigidity portion HS1, and second connection portion 14b and second structure 12 constitute high rigidity portion HS 2. In the torque (Mz) direction, the third connecting portion 14c constitutes the low rigidity portion LS1, and the fourth connecting portion 14d constitutes the low rigidity portion LS 2.

The length L11 of the first connection portion 14a, the length L12 of the second connection portion 14b, and the length L1 of the third connection portion 14c and the fourth connection portion 14d are not limited to the same length as the third structure 13, and they may be different from each other.

The first connection portion 14a has the concave portion 14f described above. The thickness of the recess 14f is partially thinner than the thickness of the first to third structures 11, 12, and 13.

One end of the first strain sensor 19 is connected to the recess 14f of the first connection portion 14a, and the other end is connected to the recess 14f of the second connection portion 14 b. Therefore, the first strain sensor 19 spans the opening 14 e. As described later, the bottom of the recess 14f is located at or below the center of the thickness of the fourth structure 14, and the surface of the strain body constituting the first strain sensor 19 coincides with the surface including the center of gravity of the structure composed of the first structure 11, the second structure 12, the plurality of third structures 13, the fourth structure 14, and the fifth structure 15.

Fig. 6A and 6B are diagrams schematically showing fig. 5, where fig. 6A shows a case where a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied to the torque sensor 10, and fig. 6B shows a case where a force in the direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied to the torque sensor 10.

As shown in fig. 6A, when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 10, the first strain sensor 19 (second strain sensor 20) is deformed by the deformation of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d, which are the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2, and the torque can be detected.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 6B, when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied to the torque sensor 10, that is, when the first structure 11 is displaced in the arrow direction shown in the figure with respect to the second structure 12, the rigidity of the first connection portion 14a and the second connection portion 14B is substantially equal to the rigidity of the third connection portion 14c and the fourth connection portion 14 d. Therefore, the total length L2 of the length L11 of the first connecting portion 14a, the length L12 of the second connecting portion 14b, and the length L1 of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d functions as an effective length. Since the length L2 is longer than the length L1 of the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d, when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied, the first strain sensor 19 (the second strain sensor 20) is deformed within the range of the length L2, and strain is not concentrated in the plurality of strain gauges as sensor elements provided in the strain body of the first strain sensor 19, so that a decrease in the detection accuracy of the first strain sensor 19 (the second strain sensor 20) can be prevented.

Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the fourth structure 14. Referring to fig. 7, the moment of area inertia (easy to deform) of the fourth structure 14 and the conditions required for the fourth structure 14 (fifth structure 15) will be described.

High-rigidity portion HS2 of fourth structure 14 Is fixed, and represents the moment of area inertia when a force in the direction of torque (Mz) Is applied to high-rigidity portion HS1 as Js, the moment of area inertia when a force in the direction of torque (Mz) Is applied to low-rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 as Jw, the moment of area inertia when a force in the direction other than torque (Fz) Is applied to high-rigidity portion HS1 as Is, and the moment of area inertia when a force in the direction other than torque (Fz) Is applied to low-rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 as Iw.

The ratio of the second moment of area of the high rigidity portion HS1 to the second moment of area of the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 in the torque (Mz) direction is expressed by the following expression (1).

Js/Jw…(1)

The ratio of the second moment of area of the high rigidity portion HS1 to the second moment of area of the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 in the direction other than the torque (Fz) is expressed by the following expression (2).

Is/Iw…(2)

If the values of expressions (1) and (2) are both "1", the sectional moments of inertia of high-rigidity portion HS1 and low-rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 are equal, and the deformation is not concentrated on low-rigidity portions LS1 and LS 2. The larger the values of expressions (1) and (2) are than "1", the more the deformation is concentrated in the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS 2.

When a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied, strain is concentrated in a plurality of strain gauges as sensor elements provided in the strain body of the first strain sensor 19, and when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied, in order to shift the concentrated portion of strain from the strain gauge, it is desirable that one strain concentration ratio (α) is close to 1(α → 1) and the other strain concentration ratio (β) is very large compared with the strain concentration ratio (α) (β > α).

If the concentration of deformation of the low rigidity portions LS1, LS2 when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied is greater than the concentration of deformation of the low rigidity portions LS1, LS2 when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz) is applied, the deformation is easy for the force in the torque direction and is difficult for the forces in the directions other than the torque direction. That is, the establishment of the relationship shown in the following expression (3) is a condition required for the fourth structure 14 (fifth structure 15).

Js/Jw＞Is/Iw…(3)

Specifically, fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIIA-VIIIA shown in fig. 7, and shows an example of the size of the high rigidity portion HS 1. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB shown in fig. 7, and shows an example of the size of the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS 2.

As shown in fig. 8A, in the high rigidity portion HS1 having a U-shaped cross section, the moment of area inertia Is about the axis N1-N1 when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz) Is applied Is as follows. Here, the axes N1 to N1 are axes passing through the center in the thickness direction of the high rigidity portion HS 1.

As shown in fig. 8C, the sizes of the structures having L-shaped cross sections and the structures having U-shaped cross sections generally satisfy B-a and h-e₁In the case of the relationship of-t, the moment of area inertia Is the same between the structure having the L-shaped cross section and the structure having the U-shaped cross section, and Is represented by the following formula (4).

Is＝(Be₁ ³－bh³+ae₂ ³)/3…(4)

Here, h ═ e₁－t，

e₁＝(aH²+bt²)/(2(aH+bt))

e₂＝H－e₁

Therefore, the sectional moment of inertia Is about the axis N1-N1 when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz) Is applied to the high rigidity portion HS1 shown in fig. 8A can be obtained by the equation (4).

Furthermore, e₁Is the position of the center of gravity of the elastic body structure composed of the first structure 11, the second structure 12, the plurality of third structures 13, the fourth structure 14, and the fifth structure 15, and is half the thickness of the structure. Thus, for a thickness H of 12, e₁And ≈ 6. Thus, e₂≈6。

When the size shown in fig. 8A is substituted for formula (4), the following is made.

Is＝(Be₁ ³－bh³+ae₂ ³)/3

＝(14×6³－8×(6－5.8)³+6×6³)/3

＝1440

As shown in fig. 8B, the sectional moments of inertia Is about the axes N2 to N2 when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz) Is applied to the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 having rectangular cross sections are as follows. Here, the axes N2 to N2 are axes passing through the centers in the thickness direction of the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS 2.

As shown in fig. 8D, a sectional inertia moment Iw' of a structure having a generally rectangular cross section is represented by the following formula (5).

Iw’＝bh³/12…(5)

When the size shown in fig. 8B is substituted for formula (5), the following is made.

Iw’＝2×12³/12

＝288

Since the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 shown in fig. 8B have two rectangular cross sections, the second moment Iw of area in the direction other than the torque (Fz) about the axes N2 to N2 is expressed by the following equation (6).

Iw＝2×Iw’…(6)

Therefore, the second moment Iw of area in the direction other than the torque (Fz) about the axes N2-N2 is as follows.

Iw＝576

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 8E, in the high rigidity portion HS1 having a U-shaped cross section, when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied, the moment of inertia Js of the cross section about the axis N3-N3 is as follows. Here, the axes N3 to N3 are axes passing through the center in the width direction of the high rigidity portion HS 1.

As shown in fig. 8G, generally, when the dimensions of the structure having an I-shaped cross section and the structure having a U-shaped cross section satisfy the relationships of B-a and H-2 t, the moment of inertia of the cross section of the structure having an I-shaped cross section and the moment of inertia of the cross section of the structure having a U-shaped cross section are the same, and are expressed by the following formula (7).

Js＝(BH³－bh³)/12…(7)

When the size shown in FIG. 8A is substituted for formula (7), the following is made.

Js＝(12×14³－6.2×8³)/12

＝2479

As shown in fig. 8F, when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the low rigidity portions LS1 and LS2 having rectangular cross sections, the sectional moment of inertia Jw' about the axes N4 to N4 is expressed by the following expression (8) as described with reference to fig. 8D. Here, the axes N4 to N4 are axes passing through the center in the width direction of the low rigidity portion LS 1.

Jw’＝bh³/12…(8)

When the size shown in fig. 8B is substituted for formula (8), the following is made.

Jw’＝12×2³/12

＝8

Since the low rigidity portions LS1, LS2 shown in fig. 8F have two rectangular cross sections, the second moment of area Jw in the direction of the torque (Mz) about the axes N4-N4 is expressed by the following equation (9).

Jw＝2×Jw’…(9)

Therefore, the second moment Iw of area in the direction other than the torque (Fz) about the axes N2-N2 is as follows.

Jw＝16

When the sectional moments of inertia Is 1440, Iw, and Js, and Jw in the directions other than the torque (Fz) determined as described above are substituted into the above formula (3), it Is found that the condition of the formula (3) Is satisfied as follows.

Js/Jw＞Is/Iw

2479/16＞1440/576

155＞2.5

Therefore, it is understood that the fourth structure 14 and the fifth structure 15 are easily deformed by a force in the torque (Mz) direction and hardly deformed by a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz).

Fig. 8H shows a positional relationship between the concave portion 14f and the first strain sensor 19 (strain body). As described above, the bottom of the recess 14f is located at the center H/2 or less of the thickness of the fourth structure 14. Specifically, since the surface of the strain body constituting the first strain sensor 19 is located on the plane CG including the center of gravity of the structure constituted by the first structure 11, the second structure 12, the plurality of third structures 13, the fourth structure 14, and the fifth structure 15, the bottom of the recess 14f is located at a position lower than the plane CG including the center of gravity of the fourth structure 14 by the thickness amount of the strain body. The position is a neutral plane, and no compressive force or tensile force is applied to the strain body. Therefore, the strain in the direction other than the bending direction of the strain body, i.e., the torque direction (Fz) can be reduced.

(Effect of the first embodiment)

According to the first embodiment, the fourth structure 14 provided with the first strain sensor 19 and the fifth structure 15 provided with the second strain sensor 20 include the first connecting portion 14a and the second connecting portion 14b that act as high-rigidity portions with respect to the force in the direction of the torque (Mz) and the direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx), respectively, and the third connecting portion 14c and the fourth connecting portion 14d that act as low-rigidity portions with respect to the force in the direction of the torque (Mz) and act as high-rigidity portions with respect to the force in the direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the strain generated by the force in the direction other than the torque from concentrating on the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20. Therefore, the absolute amount of strain applied to the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be reduced, and the detection voltage for a force in a direction other than the torque of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a torque sensor which can prevent the torque or the shaft other than the torque from interfering with each other and prevent the shape from being enlarged, and which has high accuracy.

Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to comparative examples.

Fig. 9 shows a comparative example of the torque sensor 10. The structure of the connection portion between the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 of the torque sensor 30 shown in fig. 9 is different from that of the torque sensor 10 shown in the first embodiment, and the other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the torque sensor 30, one end portions of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are connected to the projection 11-1 provided on the first structural body 11, and the other end portions are connected to the projection 12-1 provided on the second structural body 12. The protrusions 11-1, 12-1 have the same thickness as the first structure 11 and the second structure 12, for example. The interval between the protrusions 11-1 and 12-1 is the same as the length L1 of the third and fourth connecting portions 14c and 14d shown in fig. 5.

In the torque sensor 30 as the comparative example, only the force of the third structural body 13 in the torque direction and the direction other than the torque acts as the high rigidity portion, and only the strain body is provided between the first structural body 11 and the second structural body 12 in the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20. Therefore, even when a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied to the torque sensor 30 or a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied, strain is concentrated on the strain gauges provided on the strain bodies of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20.

Fig. 10A and 10B are diagrams schematically illustrating fig. 9, where fig. 10A shows a case where a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 30, and fig. 10B shows a case where a force in a direction other than the torque (Fz, Mx) is applied to the torque sensor 30.

Fig. 11 shows strains when the same force is applied in the axial direction of the torque sensor 10 of the first embodiment and the torque sensor 30 of the comparative example.

As can be seen from fig. 11, in the torque sensor 10 according to the first embodiment, the strain with respect to the force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is larger than that in the comparative example, and the strain with respect to the forces in the directions other than the torque (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My) is smaller than that in the comparative example. In particular, it is found that the strain against the forces in the Fz and Mx directions can be made remarkably smaller than in the comparative example. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, strain due to a force in a direction other than the direction in which torque is applied to the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 can be reduced, and a reduction in detection accuracy of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 can be prevented.

The surface of the strain body constituting the first strain sensor 19 is located on a plane CG including the center of gravity of the structure constituted by the first structure 11, the second structure 12, the plurality of third structures 13, the fourth structure 14, and the fifth structure 15. Therefore, the strain in the bending direction of the strain body, i.e., in the direction other than the torque (Fz) can be reduced.

(second embodiment)

A second embodiment is shown in fig. 12.

As described above, the first strain sensor 19 is provided in the fourth structural body 14, and the second strain sensor 20 is provided in the fifth structural body 15. Since the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 have the same configuration, only the configuration of the first strain sensor 19 will be described.

The first strain sensor 19 includes a strain body 41 and a plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 as sensor elements disposed on the surface of the strain body 41.

The strain body 41 is made of a rectangular metal plate such as stainless steel (SUS). The thickness of the strain body 41 is thinner than that of the third structural body 13.

The strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are formed of, for example, a thin film resistor of Cr — N provided on the strain body 41. The material of the thin film resistor is not limited to Cr — N.

One end of the strain body 41 is connected to the first connection portion 14a, and the other end is connected to the second connection portion 14 b. As a method of connecting the strain body 41 and the first and second connection portions 14a and 14b, for example, welding, screwing, or a method of connecting with an adhesive can be used.

The strain body 41 functions as a substantial strain body, for example, in a portion between the portion welded to the first connection portion 14a and the portion welded to the second connection portion 14 b. Therefore, the effective length of the strain body 41 corresponds to the length from the portion connected to the first connection portion 14a to the portion connected to the second connection portion 14 b.

The plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are arranged in the strain body 41 in a region AR1 on the second structure 12 side of the central portion CT of the effective length of the strain body 41. The region AR1 is a region where a large strain is generated in the strain body 41 in the range of the opening 14 e. As will be described later, the area AR1 is an area where the sensitivity of the first strain sensor 19 to forces in directions other than the torque, for example, in the Fx and My directions, is the same as the sensitivity of the first strain sensor 19 in the torque (Mz) direction.

In the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54, the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are arranged along the two diagonal lines DG1 and DG2 of the strain body 41 in the longitudinal direction in the area AR 1. That is, strain gauges 51 and 52 are disposed along a diagonal DG1 indicated by a broken line in the longitudinal direction thereof, and strain gauges 53 and 54 are disposed along another diagonal DG2 indicated by a broken line in the longitudinal direction thereof. The diagonal lines DG1 and DG2 correspond to a rectangular region of the strain body 41 located in the opening 14 e.

The strain gauges 51, 52, 53, 54 of the first strain sensor 19 constitute one bridge circuit, and the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, 54 of the second strain sensor 20 also constitute one bridge circuit. Therefore, the torque sensor 10 is provided with two bridge circuits.

Fig. 13 shows an example of the bridge circuit 50 of the first strain sensor 19. The second strain sensor 20 also includes a bridge circuit having the same configuration as the bridge circuit 50. The output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the first strain sensor 19 and the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the second strain sensor 19 are compensated for offset, temperature, and the like using software, for example, which is not shown. Thereafter, the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the first strain sensor 19 and the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the second strain sensor 19 are integrated and output as the detection voltage of the torque sensor 10. Compensation for offset, temperature, and the like is not limited to software, and may be performed by hardware.

The bridge circuit 50 includes a series circuit of the strain gauge 52 and the strain gauge 53, and a series circuit of the strain gauge 54 and the strain gauge 51 between the power source Vo and the ground GND. An output voltage Vout + is output from the connection node of the strain gauge 52 and the strain gauge 53, and an output voltage Vout-is output from the connection node of the strain gauge 54 and the strain gauge 51. The output voltage Vout + and the output voltage Vout-are supplied to the operational amplifier OP, and the output voltage Vout is output from an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP.

When a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 10, the output voltage Vout of the torque sensor 10 shown in equation (5) is obtained from the output voltage Vout + of one connection node of the bridge circuit 50 and the output voltage Vout-of the other connection node.

Vout＝(Vout+－Vout-)

＝(R3/(R2+R3)－R1/(R1+R4))·Vo…(5)

Here, R1 is the resistance value of strain gauge 51, R2 is the resistance value of strain gauge 52, R3 is the resistance value of strain gauge 53, and R4 is the resistance value of strain gauge 54.

In a state where no torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, it is desirable that R1 ═ R2 ═ R3 ═ R4 ═ R. However, in practice, in a state where there is variation in resistance value and no torque is applied, a voltage accompanying variation in resistance value is output. This voltage is brought to zero by the offset adjustment.

On the other hand, when a force in a direction other than the torque, for example, in the Fx and My directions is applied to the torque sensor 10, the output voltage Vout is output from the bridge circuit 50 by the change in the resistance values of R1 to R4. However, the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the second strain sensor 20 outputs a voltage of opposite sign to the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 of the first strain sensor 19. Therefore, the output voltages of the bridge circuits 50 are equal in absolute value and different in positive and negative, and cancel each other out, and the detection voltage becomes 0V.

When the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 as sensor elements have the same displacement amount in the direction of the torque (Mz) and the direction other than the torque (Fx and My), it is preferable to output the same voltage. Therefore, the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are preferably disposed in regions (regions having equal measurement sensitivity) where the strain of the strain body 41 is equal in the direction of the torque (Mz) and the direction other than the torque (Fx and My).

Fig. 14 schematically shows the strain body 41 when a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied to the torque sensor 10 and when a force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied.

When the operation of the strain body 41 provided between the first structure body 11 and the second structure body 12 is macroscopically observed, it can be seen that the strain body 41 is changed in the shear direction even when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 10 or when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied.

However, when the movement of the strain body 41 provided between the first structure body 11 and the second structure body 12 is microscopically observed, when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 10, a rotational force acts on the strain body 41. On the other hand, when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied to the torque sensor 10, a translational force (concurrently bearing force) acts on the strain body 41. Therefore, a difference occurs in the deformation of the strain body 41 between the case where a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied and the case where a force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied.

That is, a difference occurs in the deformation of the region AR1 on the second structure 12 side of the strain body 41 and the deformation of the region AR2 on the first structure 11 side of the strain body 41. Specifically, the difference between the strain of the strain body 41 when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied in the area AR1 of the strain body 41 and the strain of the strain body 41 when a force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied is smaller than the difference between the strain of the strain body 41 when a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied in the area AR2 of the strain body 41 and the strain of the strain body 41 when a force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied.

That is, in area AR1 on the second structure 12 side, the difference between the strain of strain element 41 when a force in the torque direction (Mz) is applied and the strain of strain element 41 when a force in a direction other than the torque direction (Fx, My) is applied is small.

Therefore, when the plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are disposed in the area AR1, the difference between the detection sensitivity of the torque (Mz) and the detection sensitivity of the other than the torque (Fx and My) is less than 1%. In contrast, when the plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are disposed in the area AR2, the difference between the detection sensitivity for torque and the detection sensitivity for other than torque is several%. Therefore, it is preferable that the plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 be disposed in the area AR1 on the second structure 12 side.

(Effect of the second embodiment)

According to the second embodiment, each of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 includes the strain body 41 connected between the first structure 11 and the second structure 12, and the plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 provided in the strain body 41 as sensor elements, and the plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 are disposed in the region AR1 on the second structure 12 side with respect to the longitudinal direction center portion CT of the strain body 41. The region AR1 of the strain body 41 is a region in which the difference between the strain (sensitivity) when a force in the torque direction is applied to the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 (a1, a2) and the strain (sensitivity) when a force in a direction other than the torque is applied (b1, b2) is small (a1 ≈ b1, a2 ≈ b2, a1 ≠ a 2). Therefore, by adjusting the sensitivity of the torque for each of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the torque without depending on the processing accuracy of the first structure 11, the second structure 12, and the third structure 13 or the arrangement accuracy of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 with respect to the first structure 11 and the second structure 12.

Further, since the difference in detection sensitivity between the force in the torque direction and the force in the direction other than the torque direction is small in the bridge circuit 50 disposed in the area AR1 of the strain body 41, the error in the output voltage of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 is also small. Therefore, when correcting the voltages output from the two bridge circuits 50, it is possible to correct detection errors other than torque by correcting only the detection error for torque. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a strain sensor for detecting a force in a direction other than the torque (Fx, My), the correction time can be shortened, and a high-speed response can be realized.

Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be specifically described.

Fig. 15 schematically shows a torque sensor 60 of a comparative example. The torque sensor 60 includes a first strain sensor 61 and a second strain sensor 62 between the first structure 11 and the second structure 12. The first strain sensor 61 and the second strain sensor 62 each have a strain body 63, and a plurality of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 constituting a bridge circuit shown in fig. 13 are arranged on the strain body 63. Since fig. 15 is a schematic view, the third structure 13 is omitted.

In the comparative example, the arrangement of strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 is different from that of the second embodiment. That is, gauges 52 and 53 are disposed in a region of strain body 63 on the first structure 11 side, and gauges 51 and 54 are disposed in a region of strain body 63 on the second structure 12 side.

In the case of the configuration shown in fig. 15, strain gauges 52 and 53 arranged in the region on the first structure 11 side have different strains of strain body 63 in the direction of torque (Mz) and the directions other than torque (Fx and My). Therefore, the difference between the sensitivity of the first strain sensor 61 and the sensitivity of the second strain sensor 62 when a force in the direction of the torque (Mz) is applied and the sensitivity of the first strain sensor 61 and the sensitivity of the second strain sensor 62 when a force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied is large.

Specifically, when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied to the torque sensor 60, the sensitivity in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is different from the sensitivity in the torque (Mz) direction, and therefore the value (positive value) of the output voltage of the first strain sensor 61 and the value (negative value) of the output voltage of the second strain sensor 62 are different from each other. Therefore, the torque sensor 60 outputs an error made up of the average values of the first strain sensor 61 and the second strain sensor 62.

On the other hand, in the case of the torque sensor 10 according to the second embodiment, when a force in a direction other than the torque (Fx, My) is applied to the torque sensor 10, the sensitivity in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My) matches the sensitivity in the torque (Mz) direction. Therefore, the value of the output voltage of the first strain sensor 19 (positive value) (Vout1) and the value of the output voltage of the second strain sensor 20 (negative value) (-Vout 2) are approximately equal (| Vout1| ≈ | -Vout 2 |). Therefore, the output voltages of the first strain sensor 61 and the second strain sensor 62 cancel each other out to be substantially 0 with respect to the output of the torque sensor 10. Therefore, in the case of the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the detection error of the force in the direction other than the torque (Fx, My).

In the case of the torque sensor 60 of the comparative example, the error of the output voltages of the first strain sensor 61 and the second strain sensor 62 is large in the direction of the torque (Mz) and the directions other than the torque (Fx, My) (| Vout1| ≠ | -Vout 2 |). Therefore, in order to correct these errors, it is necessary to correct the detection error in the correction torque direction and to correct the detection error in a direction other than the correction torque direction. Therefore, the torque sensor 60 of the comparative example needs to be provided with a bridge circuit separately including a strain gauge for detecting a force in a direction other than the torque. Therefore, the torque sensor 60 of the comparative example has a larger circuit board, requires a longer calculation processing time for software, requires a more complicated adjustment operation than the second embodiment, and has a lower response performance.

On the other hand, in the case of the second embodiment, there is almost no error in the output voltages of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 in the direction of the torque (Mz) and the directions other than the torque (Fx, My). Therefore, only the detection error of the torque direction may be corrected. Therefore, the correction time can be shortened, and the response performance of the torque sensor can be improved.

The second embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the torque sensor 10, and the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54 may be disposed in the area AR 1. Therefore, even if the arrangement of the second embodiment is applied to the torque sensor 30 having the configuration shown in fig. 9, for example, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.

(third embodiment)

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the third embodiment, and shows a portion shown in B of fig. 1 in an enlarged manner.

As explained with reference to fig. 2, the first strain sensor 19 is covered by the stopper 16, and the second strain sensor 20 is covered by the stopper 17. The stoppers 16 and 17 are formed of, for example, stainless steel or an iron-based alloy. The stoppers 16 and 17 prevent mechanical deformation of the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, and protect the strain gauges 51, 52, 53, and 54. The stoppers 16 and 17 also serve as water shields for the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20. The explanation of the specific waterproof structure is omitted.

Since the structure of the stoppers 16 and 17 is the same, only the stopper 16 will be described.

As shown in fig. 16, the stopper 16 has one end portion 16a and the other end portion 16b, and the width of the other end portion 16b of the stopper 16 is narrower than the width of the one end portion 16 a. One end 16a of the stopper 16 is press-fitted and fixed into a recess 14f, which is an engagement portion formed on the second structure 12 side of the fourth structure 14. The other end 16b of the stopper 16 is disposed in a recess 14f formed in the fourth structure 14 on the first structure 11 side. The width of the other end 16b of the stopper 16 is narrower than the width of the recess 14f provided on the first structure 11 side, and the gaps GP are provided between both sides of the other end 16b of the stopper 16 and the side surfaces of the recess 14f, respectively.

The gap GP depends on the rigidity and the rated torque of the third structural body 13.

Specifically, when a torque of, for example, 1000N · m is applied to the torque sensor 10, and when the first structure 11 is deformed by, for example, 10 μm with respect to the second structure 12, the gap GP is set to, for example, 10 μm.

Fig. 17A and 17B are views showing the operation of the stopper, and schematically show a part of fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 17A, in the case where no torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, predetermined gaps GP are provided between both sides of the other end portion 16b of the stopper 16 and the recess 14f, respectively. In this state, when a torque equal to or less than the rated torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the first structure 11 moves relative to the second structure 12, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the torque applied from the first strain sensor 19. When the torque applied to the torque sensor 10 is removed, the first strain sensor 19 is reset by elastic deformation.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 17B, when a torque larger than the rated torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the side surface of the recess 14f of the first structural body 11 abuts against the other end 16B of the stopper 16, and movement of the first structural body 11 relative to the second structural body 12 is restricted. Therefore, the first strain sensor 19 is protected within the range of elastic deformation. When the torque applied to the torque sensor 10 is removed, the first strain sensor 19 is reset by elastic deformation. The second strain sensor 20 is also protected by the same structure.

Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the torque applied to the torque sensor 10 and the operation of the stopper 16, and schematically shows the relationship between the torque applied to the torque sensor 10 and the detected strain (output voltage of the bridge circuit 50).

As shown in fig. 18, when a torque equal to or less than the rated torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the strain body 41 of the first strain sensor 19 (second strain sensor 20) moves relative to the second structure 12, and a voltage corresponding to the applied torque is output from the first strain sensor 19 (second strain sensor 20).

On the other hand, when a torque larger than the rated torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the side surface of the recess 14f abuts against the stopper 16, and the deformation of the plurality of third structural bodies 13 and, along with this, the deformation of the strain body 41 is suppressed by the rigidity of the stopper 16 (stopper 17). That is, the operating point Op of the stopper 16 is set to be equal to the rated torque of the torque sensor 10, and the stopper 16 protects the strain body 41 against a torque larger than the rated torque.

(Effect of the third embodiment)

According to the third embodiment, the stoppers 16 as covers are provided on the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, one end portion 16a of the stopper 16 is fixed in the recess 14f on the second structure 12 side, and when a torque larger than the rated torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the other end portion 16b abuts against the side surface of the recess 14f on the first structure 11 side. Therefore, the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 can be protected. Further, like the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, the structures other than the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 are also protected from plastic deformation and the like.

Also, the rated torque of the torque sensor 10 can be made close to the 0.2% yield strength of the strain gauge. Therefore, the output voltage of the bridge circuit 50 at the rated torque can be increased. Therefore, a torque sensor with high resolution and high accuracy can be provided.

Fig. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between strain and stress of the strain gauge, and shows the rated torque of the torque sensor according to the third embodiment and the rated torque of the torque sensor without the stoppers 16 and 17 as a comparative example.

In the case of a general torque sensor as a comparative example, which does not have the stoppers 16 and 17, the strain gauge is designed to have a safety factor against impact or fatigue set to about 3 to 5. When the safety factor is, for example, 3, the stress of the strain gauge is set to 1/3 which is 0.2% yield strength. Therefore, the rated torque is also set to 1/3 which is the breaking torque.

In contrast, in the case of the third embodiment, since the stoppers 16 and 17 protect the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20, it is not necessary to set the safety factor of the strain gauge to 1 or more. Therefore, the rated torque of the strain gauge can be set to be larger than that of a general torque sensor without the stoppers 16 and 17. Therefore, a torque sensor with high resolution and high accuracy can be provided.

Further, by increasing the rigidity of the stopper 16, a torque sensor of a high allowable load (high maximum torque) can be provided.

(modification example)

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a first modification of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the stopper 16 protects the first strain sensor 19 by the other end portion 16b coming into contact with the side surface of the recess 14f on the first structure 11 side.

In the first modification, the other end 16b of the stopper 16 has an opening 16 b-1, and a projection 14g inserted into the opening 16 b-1 is provided on the first structure 11 side of the fourth structure 14. A gap GP1 is provided between the opening 16 b-1 and the projection 14 g. The size of the gap GP1 is, for example, equal to or smaller than the size of the gap GP. Therefore, when a torque larger than the allowable torque is applied to the torque sensor 10, the first strain sensor 19 can be protected by the projection 14g coming into contact with the opening 16 b-1 of the stopper 16.

The stopper 17 of the second strain sensor 20 also has the same structure as the stopper 16.

The same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained by the first modification described above. Further, according to the first modification, the first strain sensor 19 (second strain sensor 20) can be further protected by the projection 14g abutting against the opening 16 b-1 of the stopper 16.

Fig. 21 shows a second modification of the third embodiment.

The third embodiment includes the stopper 16 and the stopper 17, while the second modification further includes four stoppers 16-1, 16-2, 17-1, and 17-2. The structure of the stoppers 16-1, 16-2, 17-1, 17-2 is the same as that of the stoppers 16 and 17.

The same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained by the second modification. Further, according to the second modification, since the number of stoppers is larger than that of the third embodiment, the first strain sensor 19 and the second strain sensor 20 can be further protected.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and constituent elements may be modified and embodied in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some of the components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, the constituent elements of the different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Industrial applicability

The torque sensor of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a joint of a robot arm.

Description of the symbols

The strain gauges as sensor elements include 10 torque sensors, 11 first structures, 12 second structures, 13 third structures, 14 fourth structures, 14a first connection portions, 14b second connection portions, 14c third connection portions, 14d fourth connection portions, 14e opening portions, 14f recessed portions (engagement portions), 14g protrusions, 15 fifth structures, 16-1, 16-2 stoppers, 16 b-1 opening portions, 17-1, 17-2 stoppers, 19 first strain sensors, 20 second strain sensors, 41 strain bodies, GP1 gaps, 51, 52, 53, 54.