CAPACITIVE TORQUE SENSOR AND METHOD OF DETECTING TORQUE

摘要

A dielectric layer (32) whose dielectric constant changes with distortion is formed on at least part of the surface of a rod (31) having a circular cross section. The dielectric layer and opposed interdigital electrodes form a capacitor. The interdigital electrodes include a plurality of wire electrodes (34a, 34b) that make a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of the rod. The wire electrodes are preferably formed on the surface of a cylindrical insulator (33) that faces the dielectric layer across a minute gap. Alternatively, the wire electrode can be formed in direct contact with the surface of the dielectric layer.