Patent ID: 6237428
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A torque sensor provided on a shaft to detect the direction and the magnitude of a torque applied to the shaft, the sensor comprising:a support fixed to the shaft, wherein a magnetostrictive layer is formed on the support, the magnetostrictive layer having a magnetostriction effect in accordance with torque applied to the shaft;a pair of positioners formed on the support, the positioners being axially spaced from one another;a pair of bearings fitted to the support, wherein each bearing contacts one of the positioners;a pair of exciting coils;a pair of detecting coils;a stator member for supporting the exciting coils and the detecting coils such that the the exciting coils and the detecting coils surround and face the magnetostrictive layer, wherein the axial position of the stator member is determined by the bearings which hold the stator therebetween, and wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the stator member, and the coils operate to detect torque applied to the shaft; andurging means for providing support to fix the axial position of the bearings by pressing the bearings axially against the positioners.