Dynamic torque sensor

Abstract

The invention discloses a dynamic torque sensor which comprises a rotating shaft with a strain gauge and a sleeve rotationally connected to the outer portion of the rotating shaft, the sleeve supplies power to the strain gauge through electromagnetic induction, and the dynamic torque sensor further comprises a Bluetooth transmitting module arranged on the rotating shaft and electrically connected with the strain gauge. The non-contact torque sensor is simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost, has the advantages of being capable of reliably, safely and effectively outputting the collected torque value dynamically in real time, is not prone to interference when collecting and outputting the torque value, and can meet the torque detection requirements of high-speed operation and extremely high precision requirement more easily compared with an existing non-contact torque sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of torque sensors, and in particular to a dynamic torque sensor. Background Art

[0002] As a precision measuring instrument, dynamic torque sensors are widely used in industrial production, scientific research and daily life. With the continuous advancement of technology, non-contact dynamic torque sensors have gradually occupied an important position in the market due to their high precision, high reliability and long life, and have stable growth potential and broad development space.

[0003] The technical principles of dynamic torque sensors are mainly based on strain measurement, magnetoelectric conversion and optical fiber technology. Among them, the strain sensor uses strain gauge electrical measurement technology to form a strain bridge on the elastic shaft, and calculates the torque by measuring the change in the electrical signal generated when the elastic shaft is twisted. The magnetoelectric sensor measures the torque by analyzing the phase difference between the two output electromotive force signals. In addition, the non-contact dynamic torque sensor uses wireless transmission technology to avoid wear between the conductive slip ring and the brush arm, improve measurement accuracy and reliability, and can directly enter the PLC acquisition system.

[0004] However, the current dynamic torque sensors mainly use mutual inductance coils to achieve power supply, but this method has very high requirements on the coaxiality of the shaft when rotating. Otherwise, unstable power supply may easily lead to inaccurate detection values. Therefore, the main way to solve this problem is still to improve the process accuracy, but this will undoubtedly greatly increase the cost of production and manufacturing, and due to the current machining level, it is actually difficult to achieve satisfactory results; another solution is to use compensation algorithms, but both the final measurement results and the real-time data transmission are difficult to guarantee, which makes it difficult to cope with some scenarios with extremely high precision requirements.

[0005] In addition, for some scenarios that require real-time measurement and calculation of torque, the detected torque value needs to be output in a timely manner, but large electromagnetic interference may occur in actual application scenarios, especially in places with busy communications. This makes it very easy to be interfered with when detecting torque at ultra-high speeds and affect the dynamic output of the detection value, resulting in the current dynamic torque sensor still having a limited scope of application.

[0006] In order to meet the needs of current advanced technology development, the present application proposes a dynamic torque sensor that can accurately output torque values ​​under high speed conditions. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the shortcomings existing in the prior art, and the dynamic torque sensor proposed by the present invention constructs a torque sensor with simple structure and low manufacturing cost. It has the characteristics of being able to dynamically and real-time output the collected torque value reliably, safely and effectively, and is not easily disturbed when collecting and outputting the torque value. Compared with the current non-contact torque sensor, it is easier to meet the torque detection needs of high-speed operation and extremely high precision requirements.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A dynamic torque sensor comprises a rotating shaft with a strain gauge and a sleeve rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft, wherein the sleeve supplies power to the strain gauge through electromagnetic induction, and further comprises a Bluetooth transmitting module arranged on the rotating shaft and electrically connected to the strain gauge.

[0009] Through the above structure, a torque sensor with simple structure and low manufacturing cost is constructed. It has the characteristics of being able to output the collected torque values ​​dynamically and in real time reliably, safely and effectively, and is not easily interfered when collecting and outputting torque values. Compared with the current non-contact torque sensors, it is easier to meet the torque detection needs of high-speed operation and extremely high precision requirements.

[0010] Preferably, the sleeve is also provided with a Bluetooth receiving module which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth transmitting module, and the Bluetooth transmitting module and the Bluetooth receiving module support communication frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0011] Through the above structure, the available range of the dynamic torque sensor is further improved, and the ability to cope with current and future high-speed torque measurement needs is stronger.

[0012] Preferably, the sleeve and the rotating shaft are respectively provided with an inductor and a magnetic conductor to realize electromagnetic induction, and the magnetic conductor is electrically connected to the strain gauge.

[0013] Through the above structure, the inductor generates a magnetic field effect after being energized. When the shaft rotates, the magnetic conductor can cut the magnetic flux lines, thereby supplying power to the strain gauge to support the strain gauge to collect torque from the rotating shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the magnetic conductor is electrically connected to the strain gauge via a rectifier.

[0015] Through the above structure, it is ensured that the strain gauge is not disturbed by the outside world in a specific scenario when working, maintains long-term, accurate and effective operation, and improves the service life of the strain gauge.

[0016] Preferably, it further comprises a shell, on which an interface assembly is provided, and the inductor and the Bluetooth receiving module are both connected to the interface assembly.

[0017] Through the above structure, an external power source can be connected to provide the inductor and the Bluetooth receiving module with the power required for operation.

[0018] Preferably, the inductor is connected to the interface assembly via a power management module.

[0019] The above structure ensures that the dynamic sensor is stable during operation and can adapt to different scenarios.

[0020] Preferably, the sleeve is fixedly connected to the housing, and the sleeve is rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft through a bearing.

[0021] Through the above structure, the rotation stability between the rotating shaft and the sleeve can be further ensured, and the obstruction of the sleeve to the rotating shaft can be reduced, thereby reducing the obstruction to the measured shaft, thereby ensuring that the detected torque value is accurate.

[0022] Preferably, the two bearings are respectively arranged at two ends of the sleeve.

[0023] Through the above structure, the wear effect of the bearing on the rotating shaft and the sleeve is reduced to a minimum, ensuring that the detected torque value is accurate.

[0024] Preferably, it also includes a rotation speed measuring unit, including a Hall sensor arranged on the sleeve and a magnet arranged on the rotating shaft, the output end of the Hall sensor is connected to the interface assembly, and the positions of the Hall sensor and the magnet correspond.

[0025] Through the above structure, it is possible to output the torque value and the rotation speed of the measured shaft simultaneously and in real time.

[0026] Preferably, the rotating shaft is further provided with a strain bridge for mounting a strain gauge and having a smaller cross-sectional area than the rotating shaft, the outer portion of the rotating shaft is fixedly sleeved with an inner shell, and the Bluetooth transmitting module and the magnetic conductor are both fixedly arranged on the inner shell.

[0027] The above structure can avoid the influence of induced voltage on the accuracy of strain measurement caused by the change of the position of the strain gauge or the magnetic field during the magneto-electric conversion process.

[0028] Preferably, the sleeve and the inner shell are both made of plastic.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: simple structure and low manufacturing cost; it has the characteristics of being able to output the collected torque values ​​dynamically and in real time reliably, safely and effectively; and it is not easily disturbed when collecting and outputting the torque values. Compared with the current non-contact torque sensors, it is easier to meet the torque detection requirements of high-speed operation and extremely high precision requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the dynamic torque sensor proposed by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly three-dimensional structure of the dynamic torque sensor proposed by the present invention; Figure 3 A structural front view of the dynamic torque sensor proposed by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the inner shell of the dynamic torque sensor proposed by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a circuit and data flow chart of the dynamic torque sensor proposed in the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1, rotating shaft; 101, strain bridge; 2, sleeve; 201, second PCB; 3, strain gauge; 4, Bluetooth transmitting module; 5, Bluetooth receiving module; 61, inductor; 62, magnetic conductor; 7, rectifier; 8, housing; 9, interface assembly; 10, power management module; 11, bearing; 12, speed measurement unit; 121, Hall sensor; 122, magnet; 13, inner housing; 131, first PCB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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.

[0033] See also Figure 1-5 The present invention provides the following technical solution: a dynamic torque sensor, comprising a rotating shaft 1 with a strain gauge 3 and a sleeve 2 rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft 1, the sleeve 2 supplies power to the strain gauge 3 through electromagnetic induction, and also includes a Bluetooth transmitter module 4 arranged on the rotating shaft 1 and electrically connected to the strain gauge 3.

[0034] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the rotating shaft 1 is used to connect the measured shaft, and the sleeve 2 is used to be fixed on a non-rotating component outside the measured shaft, or a component that does not rotate synchronously with the measured shaft; when the measured shaft rotates, electromagnetic induction is generated between the rotating shaft 1 and the sleeve 2, so that the strain gauge 3 is energized, so that the real-time torque when the rotating shaft 1 rotates can be detected, and then the real-time torque value is output through the Bluetooth transmitter module 4; During the entire detection process, since the sleeve 2 and the shaft 1 are rotationally connected, and the electromagnetic induction method does not require coaxiality compared to the mutual inductance coil, the current is more stable, and of course the precision requirement for machining is not so important, which can save a lot of manufacturing costs; and this is a brushless method, so there will be no large wear and tear, and it can be installed as a "permanent component" in industrial equipment or automobiles and other scenarios, and has a long service life; in addition, due to the use of the Bluetooth transmitter module 4, the Bluetooth communication method usually supports data transmission in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency band. The dynamic data source generated under the condition of high-speed rotation of the shaft 1 is relatively large, so the Bluetooth communication method can solve this problem well and ensure the real-time nature of the data. At the same time, the Bluetooth technology itself can ensure the validity and security of the data by optimizing the data packet size, adopting frequency hopping spread spectrum technology, strengthening encryption and authentication, introducing confirmation and retransmission mechanisms, and improving transmission power and antenna gain, and has a strong data transmission efficiency.

[0035] Through the above structure, a torque sensor with simple structure and low manufacturing cost is constructed. It has the characteristics of being able to output the collected torque values ​​dynamically and in real time reliably, safely and effectively, and is not easily interfered when collecting and outputting torque values. Compared with the current non-contact torque sensors, it is easier to meet the torque detection needs of high-speed operation and extremely high precision requirements.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the sleeve 2 is also provided with a Bluetooth receiving module 5 which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth transmitting module 4 , and the Bluetooth transmitting module 4 and the Bluetooth receiving module 5 support communication frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0037] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the corresponding Bluetooth receiving module 5 is directly arranged on the sleeve 2, so that the position distance with the Bluetooth transmitting module 4 is relatively large, and under the condition of one-to-one encrypted communication, the possibility of being interfered with by the same frequency is further reduced, and the frequency can be directly adjusted to avoid it under the condition that the bandwidth permits, so the anti-interference ability is extremely strong, and various interferences can be effectively avoided to ensure the effectiveness, security and real-time performance of data transmission; in addition, the 2.4 GHz ISM band is suitable for industry, science and medicine, and the 5GHz band supports broadband wireless access and connection, so that the dynamic torque sensor can cover most fields with high-speed torque measurement requirements, making the available range relatively wide.

[0038] Through the above structure, the available range of the dynamic torque sensor is further improved, and the ability to cope with current and future high-speed torque measurement needs is stronger.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the sleeve 2 and the rotating shaft 1 are respectively provided with an inductor 61 and a magnetic conductor 62 to realize electromagnetic induction, and the magnetic conductor 62 is electrically connected to the strain gauge 3 .

[0040] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the inductor 61 is a coil, which generates a magnetic field effect when energized. When the shaft 1 rotates, the magnetic conductor 62 can move to cut the magnetic flux lines, thereby supplying power to the strain gauge 3 to support the strain gauge 3 to collect torque from the rotating shaft 1.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic conductor 62 is electrically connected to the strain gauge 3 via the rectifier 7 .

[0042] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, during actual use, radial or axial changes may occur when the rotating shaft 1 accelerates or decelerates, or when it is carried on industrial equipment or automobiles, which will make the generated voltage and current unstable. The rectifier 7 converts the current generated in the magnetic conductor 62 into a current suitable for the operation of the strain gauge 3, which helps to improve the stability of the torque detection of the entire strain gauge 3, while also ensuring that the strain gauge 3 will not be damaged and maintain long-term, accurate and effective operation.

[0043] Through the above structure, it is ensured that the strain gauge 3 is not disturbed by the outside world in a specific scene when working, and can maintain long-term, accurate and effective work, and the service life of the strain gauge 3 is improved.

[0044] like Figure 1-3 As shown, it also includes a shell 8 , on which an interface assembly 9 is disposed, and the inductor 61 and the Bluetooth receiving module 5 are both connected to the interface assembly 9 .

[0045] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the interface assembly 9 is mainly used to connect an external power supply to provide the inductor 61 and the Bluetooth receiving module 5 with the electrical energy required for operation; if the Bluetooth receiving module 5 is considered to be set on the dynamic torque sensor, the interface assembly 9 can also be used for external communication wiring.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the inductor 61 is connected to the interface assembly 9 through the power management module 10 .

[0047] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, since the external power supply may directly adopt AC power, and the dynamic sensor has a wider application scenario, the specific operating voltage range is also relatively wide, so the power management module 10 is required to convert the operating voltage to ensure that the dynamic sensor is stable during operation and can adapt to different scenarios.

[0048] The interface assembly 9 and the power management module 10 are both relatively mature technical solutions available, and this technical solution does not impose any specific restrictions on their specific selection.

[0049] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the sleeve 2 is fixedly connected in the housing 8 , and the sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft 1 through a bearing 11 .

[0050] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the bearing 11 can further ensure the rotational stability between the rotating shaft 1 and the sleeve 2. More importantly, it can reduce the obstruction of the sleeve 2 to the rotating shaft 1, thereby reducing the obstruction to the measured shaft, thereby ensuring that the detected torque value is accurate; and the shell 8 is used to encapsulate the entire dynamic torque sensor to form a modular structural design, which is easy to assemble with the measured shaft. At the same time, the shell 8 itself also uses metal parts, which can improve the strength to reduce the possibility of damage, and provide internal electromagnetic shielding to further reduce the impact of external electromagnetic waves, especially electromagnetic interference in the same frequency band or full frequency band as the aforementioned Bluetooth transmitter module 4.

[0051] Through the above structure, the rotation stability between the rotating shaft 1 and the sleeve 2 can be further ensured, and the obstruction of the sleeve 2 to the rotating shaft 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the obstruction to the measured shaft, thereby ensuring that the detected torque value is accurate.

[0052] like Figure 2-4 As shown, two bearings 11 are respectively arranged at two ends of the sleeve 2 .

[0053] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, the wear effect of the bearing 11 on the rotating shaft 1 and the sleeve 2 is minimized, ensuring that the detected torque value is accurate.

[0054] like Figure 2-5 As shown, it also includes a rotation speed measuring unit 12, including a Hall sensor 121 arranged on the sleeve 2 and a magnet 122 arranged on the rotating shaft 1, the output end of the Hall sensor 121 is connected to the interface assembly 9, and the positions of the Hall sensor 121 and the magnet 122 correspond.

[0055] As an optional implementation scheme of the present invention, since it is necessary to observe the changes in torque and speed in some scenarios, such as torque detection of automobiles, integrating the speed measurement unit 12 into the dynamic torque sensor can achieve simultaneous and real-time output of the torque value and speed of the measured shaft. In addition, this method does not require the installation of additional encoders or speed measurement components, thereby reducing consumables and costs. More importantly, the speed measurement function and the torque measurement function are both in close locations and are less affected by other conditions. Furthermore, the two detection values ​​are both stable in power supply and data transmission, and both detection values ​​are more accurate.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the shaft 1 is also provided with a strain bridge 101 for mounting the strain gauge 3 and having a smaller cross-sectional area than the shaft 1 . The outer portion of the shaft 1 is fixedly sleeved with an inner shell 13 , and the Bluetooth transmitter module 4 and the magnetic conductor 62 are both fixedly arranged on the inner shell 13 .

[0057] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the design of the inner shell 13 separates the position of the strain gauge 3 from the magnetoelectric conversion process, so as to avoid the influence of the induced voltage caused by the change of the position of the strain gauge 3 or the magnetic field during the magnetoelectric conversion process, thereby affecting the accuracy of the strain measurement. Although such influence is usually not easy to occur or has a small influence, it should be eliminated in more extreme cases and when it is difficult to ensure that there are no accidents in the application scenario, so it is still relatively important. Furthermore, the Bluetooth transmitter module 4, the magnetic conductor 62, and the rectifier 7 are all integrated in the first PCB131 on the inner shell 13; the interface assembly 9, the Bluetooth transmitter module 4, the inductor 61, and the power management module 10 are all integrated on the second PCB201 on the sleeve 2.

[0058] The above structure can avoid the influence of the accuracy of strain measurement caused by the induced voltage generated when the position of the strain gauge 3 or the magnetic field changes during the magneto-electric conversion process.

[0059] The working principle and use process of the present invention are as follows: when the measured shaft rotates, electromagnetic induction is generated between the rotating shaft 1 and the sleeve 2, so that the strain gauge 3 is energized, thereby being able to detect the real-time torque when the rotating shaft 1 rotates, and then outputting the real-time torque value through the Bluetooth transmitter module 4.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can make equivalent replacements or changes according to the technical scheme and inventive concept of the present invention within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dynamic torque sensor, comprising a rotating shaft with a strain gauge and a sleeve rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft, wherein the sleeve supplies power to the strain gauge through electromagnetic induction, characterized in that: It also includes a Bluetooth transmission module which is arranged on the rotating shaft and electrically connected to the strain gauge.

2. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve is also provided with a Bluetooth receiving module which is communicatively connected to the Bluetooth transmitting module, and the Bluetooth transmitting module and the Bluetooth receiving module support communication frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

3. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve and the rotating shaft are respectively provided with an inductor and a magnetic conductor to realize electromagnetic induction, and the magnetic conductor is electrically connected to the strain gauge.

4. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetic conductor is electrically connected to the strain gauge through a rectifier.

5. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a shell, on which an interface assembly is arranged, and the inductor and the Bluetooth receiving module are both connected to the interface assembly.

6. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inductor is connected to the interface assembly through a power management module.

7. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sleeve is fixedly connected in the housing, and is rotatably connected to the outside of the rotating shaft through a bearing.

8. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The two bearings are respectively arranged at the two ends of the sleeve.

9. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a rotation speed measuring unit, including a Hall sensor arranged on the sleeve and a magnet arranged on the rotating shaft, the output end of the Hall sensor is connected to the interface assembly, and the positions of the Hall sensor and the magnet correspond.

10. The dynamic torque sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating shaft is also provided with a strain bridge for installing a strain gauge and having a smaller cross-sectional area than the rotating shaft. The outer portion of the rotating shaft is fixedly sleeved with an inner shell, and the Bluetooth transmitting module and the magnetic conductor are both fixedly arranged on the inner shell.

Images