Torque sensor and method of using same

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of torque metering equipment, and particularly relates to a torque sensor and a use method thereof.The torque sensor comprises a connecting unit, a sensing unit and a torque measuring module; wherein the connecting unit is connected with the sensing unit, and the torque measuring module is connected with the sensing unit; the connecting unit and the sensing unit are respectively connected with a tested piece; when the measured piece transmits the torsion to the connecting unit and the sensing unit, the torque measuring module outputs a corresponding torque value by collecting the dependent variable of the sensing unit; according to the invention, the connecting unit is arranged in the measured piece, the sensing unit is arranged on the sensing unit, and then the sensing unit is arranged in the measured piece and is connected with the connecting unit, so that the torque measurement of the tubular measured piece can be realized, the assembly difficulty can be reduced, and the measurement precision is improved. And the connecting unit, the sensing unit and the detected matching force can overcome the problem of easy slipping, and the requirement of improving the measurement precision is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of torque measuring equipment, and in particular relates to a torque sensor and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] Torque sensors are used to detect torsional moments on various rotating or non-rotating mechanical parts. However, existing torque sensors have the following problems: they are not convenient for use in narrow pipes, so it is difficult to measure torque in tubular structural parts; existing torque sensors are in the shape of couplings and can be used for shaft-shaped test pieces, but cannot measure tubular components.

[0003] In certain application environments (such as automotive application environments), the torque sensor needs to be integrated into the component to be measured. The existing torque sensors are not only difficult to assemble, but also easy to slip inside the component to be measured, resulting in low measurement accuracy.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new torque sensor and a method of using the same to solve the technical problems that traditional torque sensors are difficult to install into the measured components and are prone to slipping, resulting in reduced measurement accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a torque sensor and a method of using the same.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a torque sensor, which includes: a connecting unit, a sensing unit and a torque measurement module; wherein the connecting unit is connected to the sensing unit, and the torque measurement module is connected to the sensing unit; the connecting unit and the sensing unit are respectively connected to the measured object; when the measured object transmits the torque to the connecting unit and the sensing unit, the torque measurement module outputs the corresponding torque value by collecting the strain of the sensing unit.

[0007] Specifically, the connecting unit includes: a connecting shaft; the connecting shaft extends into the sensing unit and is connected to the sensing unit; the connecting shaft and the sensing unit are installed in the measured object so that the connecting shaft and the sensing unit are respectively connected to the measured object.

[0008] Specifically, the diameter of the connecting shaft is gradually changed, and the diameter of the connecting shaft at the connection with the measured object is larger than the diameter of the connecting shaft at the connection with the sensing unit; the connecting shaft is pressed into the measured object until the connecting shaft and the measured object have an interference fit.

[0009] Specifically, the connecting unit includes: a first connecting seat and a first connecting column; the first connecting seat is connected to the sensing unit, and a first assembly groove is provided on the first connecting seat; the first connecting column is installed in the measured object so that the first connecting column is connected to the measured object; the first connecting seat and the sensing unit are installed in the measured object so that the first connecting seat moves toward the first connecting column until the first connecting column and the first assembly groove are interference fit.

[0010] Specifically, the connecting unit includes: a second connecting seat, a second connecting column and a fastener; the second connecting seat is connected to the sensing unit, a second assembly groove is provided on the second connecting seat, and a fastening hole connected to the second assembly groove is provided on the second connecting seat; a fastening groove is provided on the second connecting column; the second connecting column is installed in the measured object to connect the second connecting column to the measured object; the second connecting seat and the sensing unit are installed in the measured object to move the second connecting seat toward the second connecting column until the first connecting column cooperates with the square tenon of the first assembly groove; the fastener is passed through the sensing unit until the fastener is assembled into the fastening hole and the fastening groove to fix the second connecting seat and the second connecting column.

[0011] Specifically, the sensing unit includes: an outer ring, an inner ring and a plurality of sensing beams; each of the sensing beams connects the outer ring and the inner ring; the outer ring is connected to the measured object, and the inner ring is connected to the connecting unit; the torque measurement module is connected to each sensing beam.

[0012] Specifically, a plurality of annular grooves are formed on the outer ring.

[0013] Specifically, the sensing beam is provided with a mounting surface, and the mounting surface is arranged in a plane.

[0014] Specifically, the torque measurement module includes: a plurality of strain gauges and a control board; each of the strain gauges is mounted on a corresponding mounting surface, and each of the strain gauges is electrically connected to the control board.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for using the torque sensor as described above, comprising: connecting a connecting unit to a sensing unit and connecting a torque measurement module to the sensing unit; connecting the connecting unit and the sensing unit to a test piece, respectively; when the test piece transmits torque to the connecting unit and the sensing unit, collecting the strain of the sensing unit through the torque measurement module and outputting the corresponding torque value.

[0016] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the present invention can realize torque measurement of the tubular part to be measured by installing the connecting unit into the part to be measured, installing the sensing unit on the sensing unit, and then installing the sensing unit into the part to be measured and connecting it with the connecting unit. Not only can the difficulty of assembly be reduced, but the matching force between the connecting unit, the sensing unit and the part to be measured can overcome the problem of easy slipping, thereby meeting the requirement of improving measurement accuracy.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the present invention.

[0018] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention when installed in a test piece and sealed; Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention installed in a test piece; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a structural diagram of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a torque sensor provided by one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 It is a structural diagram of a sensing unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the figure: 1. Connecting unit; 11. Connecting shaft; 12. First connecting seat; 121. First assembly groove; 13. First connecting column; 14. Second connecting seat; 141. Second assembly groove; 142. Fastening hole; 15. Second connecting column; 151. Fastening groove; 16. Fastener; 2. Sensing unit; 21. Outer ring; 211. Ring groove; 22. Inner ring; 23. Sensing beam; 231. Mounting surface; 3. Torque measurement module; 31. Strain gauge; 32. Control board; 4. Measured device; 5. Sealing cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in at least one embodiment, a torque sensor is provided, which includes: a connecting unit 1, a sensing unit 2 and a torque measurement module 3; wherein the connecting unit 1 is connected to the sensing unit 2, and the torque measurement module 3 is connected to the sensing unit 2; the connecting unit 1 and the sensing unit 2 are respectively connected to a test piece 4; when the test piece 4 transmits torque to the connecting unit 1 and the sensing unit 2, the torque measurement module 3 outputs a corresponding torque value by collecting the strain of the sensing unit 2.

[0024] In some embodiments, by installing the connecting unit 1 into the workpiece to be measured 4, installing the sensing unit 2 on the sensing unit 2, and then installing the sensing unit 2 into the workpiece to be measured 4 and connecting it with the connecting unit 1, the torque measurement of the tubular workpiece to be measured 4 can be achieved, which not only reduces the difficulty of assembly, but also the matching force between the connecting unit 1, the sensing unit 2 and the workpiece to be measured can overcome the problem of easy slipping, thereby meeting the requirement of improving measurement accuracy.

[0025] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 The connecting unit 1 includes: a connecting shaft 11; the connecting shaft 11 extends into the sensing unit 2, and the connecting shaft 11 is connected to the sensing unit 2; the connecting shaft 11 and the sensing unit 2 are installed in the measured object 4, so that the connecting shaft 11 and the sensing unit 2 are respectively connected to the measured object 4.

[0026] Specifically, the connecting shaft 11 and the sensing unit 2 are laser welded, including welding on both sides of the sensing unit 2 .

[0027] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 The diameter of the connecting shaft 11 is gradually changed, and the diameter of the connecting shaft 11 at the connection with the measured object 4 is larger than the diameter of the connecting shaft 11 at the connection with the sensing unit 2; the connecting shaft 11 is pressed into the measured object 4 until the connecting shaft 11 and the measured object 4 are interference fit.

[0028] Specifically, the connection between the connecting shaft 11 and the piece under test 4 is an interference fit, wherein the interference fit is sufficient to provide sufficient fitting force without slipping even when the piece under test 4 is subjected to the maximum torque; during installation, the connecting shaft 11 and the sensing unit 2 are pressed in from one end of the piece under test 4 to achieve an interference connection between the connecting shaft 11 and the piece under test 4.

[0029] Specifically, see Figure 2 After the connection unit 1 , the sensing unit 2 and the torque measurement module 3 are installed into the measured object 4 , they are sealed by the sealing cover 5 .

[0030] In some embodiments, see Figures 5 and 6 The connecting unit 1 includes: a first connecting seat 12 and a first connecting column 13; the first connecting seat 12 is connected to the sensing unit 2, and a first assembly groove 121 is opened on the first connecting seat 12; the first connecting column 13 is installed in the measured object 4 so that the first connecting column 13 is connected to the measured object 4; the first connecting seat 12 and the sensing unit 2 are installed in the measured object 4 so that the first connecting seat 12 moves toward the first connecting column 13 until the first connecting column 13 and the first assembly groove 121 are interference fit.

[0031] Specifically, the first connection seat 12 is cylindrical, and the structure connected to the first connection seat 12 in the tested piece 4 is the first connection column 13. The first connection column 13 is first installed in the hole of the tested piece 4 and welded to the tested piece 4 into a whole.

[0032] Specifically, the first connection socket 12 and the sensing unit 2 are laser welded.

[0033] Specifically, the connection between the first connection seat 12 and the first connection column 13 is an interference fit, wherein the interference fit is sufficient to provide sufficient fit force without slipping when the pipe is subjected to the maximum torque. During installation, the first connection seat 12 and the sensing unit 2 are pressed in from one end of the measured object 4, so that the first connection seat 12 and the first connection column 13 are interference-connected.

[0034] In some embodiments, see Figures 7 and 8The connecting unit 1 includes: a second connecting seat 14, a second connecting column 15 and a fastener 16; the second connecting seat 14 is connected to the sensing unit 2, and a second assembly groove 141 is provided on the second connecting seat 14, and a fastening hole 142 connected to the second assembly groove 141 is provided on the second connecting seat 14; a fastening groove 151 is provided on the second connecting column 15; the second connecting column 15 is installed in the measured object 4 so that the second connecting column 15 is connected to the measured object 4; the second connecting seat 14 and the sensing unit 2 are installed in the measured object 4 so that the second connecting seat 14 moves toward the second connecting column 15 until the first connecting column 13 is matched with the first assembly groove 121; the fastener 16 is passed through the sensing unit 2 until the fastener 16 is assembled into the fastening hole 142 and the fastening groove 151 to fix the second connecting seat 14 and the second connecting column 15.

[0035] Specifically, the second connection seat 14 is cylindrical, and the structure connected to the second connection seat 14 in the tested piece 4 is the second connection column 15. The second connection column 15 is first installed in the hole of the tested piece 4 and welded to the tested piece 4 into a whole.

[0036] Specifically, the second connection socket 14 and the sensing unit 2 are laser welded.

[0037] Specifically, the second connection base 14 and the second connection column 15 are connected by a square tenon fit. During installation, the second connection base 14 and the sensing unit 2 are pressed in from one end of the measured object 4, and then the fastener 16 is tightened to achieve relative fixation of the second connection base 14 and the second connection column 15.

[0038] Specifically, the fastener 16 may be a screw.

[0039] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 9 The sensing unit 2 includes: an outer ring 21, an inner ring 22 and a plurality of sensing beams 23; each of the sensing beams 23 connects the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22; the outer ring 21 is connected to the measured object 4, and the inner ring 22 is connected to the connecting unit 1; the torque measurement module 3 is connected to each of the sensing beams 23.

[0040] Specifically, the connecting unit 1 is connected to one cross section of the measured object 4, and the outer ring 21 is connected to another cross section of the measured object 4. When the measured object 4 is subjected to torque, the sensing beam 23 will produce concentrated strain, so that the torque can be measured by the torque measurement module 3 attached to the sensing beam 23.

[0041] Specifically, the strain caused by the relative torsion of two cross sections on the measured object 4 can be detected by the sensing unit 2 and the connecting unit 1 .

[0042] Specifically, the outer periphery of the outer ring 21 and the test piece 4 can be connected by adhesive bonding or laser welding.

[0043] In some embodiments, see Fig. 9 The outer ring 21 is provided with a plurality of annular grooves 211 .

[0044] Specifically, an annular groove 211 is provided on the outer ring 21 to play a buffering role, thereby preventing the radial force from impacting the sensing beam 23 , while the circumferential force (torque) can be transmitted to the sensing beam 23 without loss, thereby improving the detection accuracy.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 9 The sensing beam 23 is provided with a mounting surface 231, and the mounting surface 231 is arranged in a plane.

[0046] Since the strain gauge 31 in the traditional torque sensor is manually pasted, it is not convenient for mass production. In this embodiment, a mounting surface 231 is set on the sensing beam 23, and the mounting surface 231 is set in a plane without a protruding structure, which is convenient for pasting the strain gauge 31 in batches by screen printing, thereby improving productivity and yield and reducing costs.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The torque measurement module 3 includes: a plurality of strain gauges 31 and a control board 32; each of the strain gauges 31 is mounted on a corresponding mounting surface 231, and each of the strain gauges 31 is electrically connected to the control board 32.

[0048] Specifically, 2-8 sensing beams 23 are provided, preferably 4 sensing beams 23 , a strain gauge 31 is attached to the middle of each sensing beam 23 , and each strain gauge 31 forms a Wheatstone bridge.

[0049] Specifically, the strain gauge 31 on the sensing beam 23 is located in the middle area of ​​the sensing beam 23, and the sensing direction of the strain gauge 31 is 45° to the radial direction of the sensing beam 23, so as to be consistent with the strain direction caused by the torque. These strain gauges 31 are connected by wires to form an electric bridge, and then conditioned by the subsequent circuit on the control board 32 to output an electrical signal related to the torque.

[0050] Specifically, the connection between the connection unit 1 and the device under test 4 , the connection unit 1 and the sensing unit 2 , and the sensing unit 2 and the device under test 4 may be welding, bonding, riveting, threaded connection, or the like.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, a method for using a torque sensor as provided in the above embodiment is provided, comprising: connecting a connecting unit 1 to a sensing unit 2 and connecting a torque measurement module 3 to the sensing unit 2; connecting the connecting unit 1 and the sensing unit 2 to a test piece 4, respectively; when the test piece 4 transmits torque to the connecting unit 1 and the sensing unit 2, collecting the strain of the sensing unit 2 through the torque measurement module 3 and outputting a corresponding torque value.

[0052] In summary, the present invention can measure the torque of the tubular part to be measured by installing the connecting unit into the part to be measured, installing the sensing unit on the sensing unit, and then installing the sensing unit into the part to be measured and connecting it with the connecting unit. This not only reduces the difficulty of assembly, but also the matching force between the connecting unit, the sensing unit and the part to be measured can overcome the problem of easy slipping, thereby meeting the requirement of improving measurement accuracy.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0054] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some communication interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0056] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0057] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0058] Based on the above ideal embodiments of the present invention, the relevant staff can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of the present invention through the above description. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, and its technical scope must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A torque sensor, characterized in that: include: Connecting unit, sensing unit and torque measurement module; in The connection unit is connected to the sensing unit, and the torque measurement module is connected to the sensing unit; The connecting unit and the sensing unit are respectively connected to the device under test; When the measured object transmits the torque to the connecting unit and the sensing unit, the torque measuring module outputs the corresponding torque value by collecting the strain of the sensing unit.

2. The torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting unit comprises: a connecting shaft; The connecting shaft extends into the sensing unit, and the connecting shaft is connected to the sensing unit; The connecting shaft and the sensing unit are installed in the measured object, so that the connecting shaft and the sensing unit are connected to the measured object respectively.

3. The torque sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that The diameter of the connecting shaft is gradually changed, and the diameter of the connecting shaft at the connection with the measured object is larger than the diameter of the connecting shaft at the connection with the sensing unit; The connecting shaft is pressed into the measured object until the connecting shaft and the measured object have an interference fit.

4. The torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit comprises: a first connecting seat and a first connecting column; The first connection base is connected to the sensing unit, and a first assembly groove is formed on the first connection base; Installing the first connecting post into the device under test so that the first connecting post is connected to the device under test; The first connection seat and the sensing unit are installed in the measured object, so that the first connection seat moves toward the first connection column until the first connection column is interference-fitted with the first assembly groove.

5. The torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit comprises: a second connecting seat, a second connecting column and a fastener; The second connection base is connected to the sensing unit, a second assembly groove is formed on the second connection base, and a fastening hole connected to the second assembly groove is formed on the second connection base; The second connecting column is provided with a fastening groove; Installing the second connecting post into the device under test so that the second connecting post is connected to the device under test; The second connection base and the sensing unit are installed in the tested object, so that the second connection base moves toward the second connection column until the first connection column is matched with the square tenon of the first assembly groove; The fastener is passed through the sensing unit until the fastener is assembled into the fastening hole and the fastening groove to fix the second connecting seat and the second connecting column.

6. The torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing unit comprises: an outer ring, an inner ring and a plurality of sensing beams; Each of the sensing beams connects the outer ring and the inner ring; The outer ring is connected to the device under test, and the inner ring is connected to the connection unit; The torque measurement module is connected to each sensing beam.

7. The torque sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that The outer ring is provided with a plurality of annular grooves.

8. The torque sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sensing beam is provided with a mounting surface, and the mounting surface is arranged in a plane.

9. The torque sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that The torque measurement module includes: a number of strain gauges and a control board; Each of the strain gauges is mounted on a corresponding mounting surface, and each of the strain gauges is electrically connected to a control board.

10. A method for using the torque sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Connecting the connection unit to the sensing unit and the torque measurement module to the sensing unit; Connect the connection unit and the sensing unit to the device under test respectively; When the measured object transmits the torque to the connection unit and the sensing unit, the torque measurement module collects the strain of the sensing unit and outputs the corresponding torque value.

Images