| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stepping force sensor that reduces a detection error due to variance in attachment position, length, etc., of an elastic body during stepping force detection using the elastic body, and also achieves the stepping force detection over a wide range. <P>SOLUTION: A driving wheel 30 fixed to a crank shaft 14 and a sprocket 50 transmitting turning force of the crank shaft 14 to a wheel for propulsion are coupled to each other by a plurality of springs 80 to 90, and intervals between the plurality of springs 80 to 90 and compression means thereof are so set that the respective springs 80 to 90 shift in compression start timing. When stepping force is detected from a phase difference between the driving wheel 30 and sprocket 50, the number of springs in use varies with the range of the phase difference. Namely, the spring constants in use differ according to the range of the phase difference, so the stepping force is detected based upon the varying spring constants. Consequently, the stepping force sensor 10 is obtained which substantially has desired detection characteristics by making relationship between a displacement amount and the stepping force made nonlinear. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT |
