An automated durability testing system and method for a centrally operated pneumatic clutch

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated durability testing system and method for a central pneumatic clutch, relating to the field of pneumatic clutch technology. It includes an air source pipeline and a pressure reducing valve connected to the outlet end of the air source pipeline. The pressure reducing valve is connected to a first pipeline and a second pipeline. A first three-way proportional solenoid valve is installed at the end of the first pipeline and is connected to the air inlet of a first central pneumatic clutch. The first and second central pneumatic clutches act as loads on each other under the control of a controller, applying simulated spring reaction forces through real-time air pressure control, thereby replicating the bidirectional torque impact condition of an actual vehicle. After testing the first central pneumatic clutch, the second central pneumatic clutch can be tested simply by switching the test logic through the controller, resulting in high testing efficiency. This replaces the traditional method of relying on manual valve operation, significantly reducing labor costs and ensuring good data consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pneumatic clutch technology, and in particular to an automated durability testing system and method for a central pneumatic clutch. Background Technology

[0002] The central pneumatic clutch (CPCA) is a key component of the transmission system in heavy vehicles such as commercial vehicles and construction machinery. Its durability and reliability directly affect the service life and operational safety of the entire vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct rigorous durability testing on the CPCA before it leaves the factory and during the research and development phase.

[0003] However, traditional testing methods use a single independent loading method, which requires frequent start-stop of the drive source, resulting in high energy consumption and an inability to simulate bidirectional torque impact conditions. In addition, existing testing equipment mostly relies on manual operation, and the opening and closing of the test air circuit is mostly achieved by manually operating the valves. This causes the test cycle to be affected by subjective human factors, resulting in huge fluctuations, making it difficult to ensure that the test conditions are completely consistent for each cycle, leading to poor data consistency and low testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automated durability testing system and method for a central pneumatic clutch, which overcomes the shortcomings of poor data consistency and low testing efficiency in the existing system, and achieves the goal of good data consistency and high testing efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: an automated durability testing system for a central pneumatic clutch, including an air source pipeline and a pressure reducing valve connected to the outlet end of the air source pipeline. The pressure reducing valve is connected to a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The end of the first pipeline is provided with a first three-way proportional solenoid valve, which is connected to the air inlet of the first central pneumatic clutch.

[0006] The second pipeline is equipped with a second three-way proportional solenoid valve at its end. The second three-way proportional solenoid valve is connected to the air inlet of the second central pneumatic clutch. A fixed fixture is fixed between the first central pneumatic clutch and the second central pneumatic clutch.

[0007] Furthermore, one end of the first central pneumatic clutch and the second central pneumatic clutch are fixedly connected to a fixed fixture, the other end of the first central pneumatic clutch is provided with a first chassis, the other end of the second central pneumatic clutch is provided with a second chassis, and a number of connecting rods are evenly distributed circumferentially between the first chassis and the second chassis.

[0008] Furthermore, the first central pneumatic clutch is equipped with a first displacement sensor, and the second central pneumatic clutch is equipped with a second displacement sensor. The first displacement sensor and the second displacement sensor are used to monitor the axial displacement of the release bearing on their respective clutches.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, a first three-way proportional solenoid valve, a second three-way proportional solenoid valve, a first central pneumatic clutch, a second central pneumatic clutch, a first displacement sensor, and a second displacement sensor electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] Furthermore, the switching speed of the first three-way proportional solenoid valve and the second three-way proportional solenoid valve is ≤50ms.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing fixture is cylindrical.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylindrical body of the fixed tooling is provided with several through holes.

[0013] Furthermore, pressure sensors are also provided at the air inlets of the first and second central pneumatic clutches, and the pressure sensors are electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] A testing method using the aforementioned automated durability testing system includes the following steps:

[0015] Step S1: Extract the force-displacement curve of the diaphragm spring from the target vehicle clutch, including the propulsion process curve and the return process curve;

[0016] Step S2: In the initial state, the first central pneumatic clutch and the second central pneumatic clutch are in a fully disengaged state.

[0017] Step S3: Adjust the first three-way proportional solenoid valve to control the gas flow and pressure entering the first central pneumatic clutch. The first displacement sensor samples the axial displacement of the release bearing of the first central pneumatic clutch in real time and continuously.

[0018] Step S4: Select the corresponding target propulsion process curve according to the direction of motion, and calculate the spring force F_target(s) to be simulated under the current displacement based on the displacement s;

[0019] Step S5: Calculate the target air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch;

[0020] Step S6: Adjust the second three-way proportional solenoid valve to control the gas flow and pressure entering the second central pneumatic clutch, and generate the corresponding force according to the propulsion process curve.

[0021] Step S7: When the first displacement sensor detects that the displacement s of the first central pneumatic clutch reaches the preset maximum value, the first central pneumatic clutch stops advancing and remains in the current position for 1 second, and the displacement of the first central pneumatic clutch and the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch are collected.

[0022] Step S8: Control the first three-way proportional solenoid valve to quickly exhaust the first central pneumatic clutch, and start to axially retract at its preset return speed, with the displacement s gradually decreasing.

[0023] Step S9: Based on the real-time displacement s, query the return process curve and control the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch accordingly.

[0024] Step S10: Repeat steps S2-S9 multiple times, record the force-displacement curve for each cycle, compare it with the target force-displacement curve, and analyze the durability of the first central pneumatic clutch.

[0025] Further, in step S5, the target air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch is calculated according to the formula P_target = F_target(s) / A_piston, where A_piston is the effective working area of ​​the piston of the second central pneumatic clutch.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following advantages: In the present invention, the first central pneumatic clutch and the second central pneumatic clutch are mutually loaded under the control of the controller. They apply simulated spring reaction force to each other through real-time air pressure control, thereby reproducing the bidirectional torque impact condition of the actual vehicle installation; After testing the first central pneumatic clutch, no hardware modification is required. The second central pneumatic clutch can be tested simply by switching the test logic through the controller, which doubles the testing efficiency and improves the testing efficiency; The controller automatically controls the first three-way proportional solenoid valve and the second three-way proportional solenoid valve, replacing the traditional method of relying on manual operation of valves, which greatly reduces labor costs and ensures good data consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated durability testing system for a central pneumatic clutch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first central pneumatic clutch, the second central pneumatic clutch, and the fixed fixture in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1-Air source pipeline, 2-Pressure reducing valve, 3-First pipeline, 4-Second pipeline, 5-First three-way proportional solenoid valve, 6-Second three-way proportional solenoid valve, 7-First central pneumatic clutch, 8-Second central pneumatic clutch, 9-Fixed fixture, 10-Through hole, 11-First displacement sensor, 12-Second displacement sensor, 13-Controller, 14-First chassis, 15-Second chassis, 16-Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] Examples, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, an automated durability testing system for a central pneumatic clutch includes an air source pipeline 1 and a pressure reducing valve 2 connected to the outlet end of the air source pipeline 1. The pressure reducing valve 2 is connected to a first pipeline 3 and a second pipeline 4. The end of the first pipeline 3 is provided with a first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5, which is connected to the air inlet of a first central pneumatic clutch 7.

[0032] The second pipeline 4 is equipped with a second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6, which is connected to the air inlet of the second central pneumatic clutch 8. A fixing fixture 9 is fixed between the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8. The fixing fixture 9 is cylindrical and achieves precise connection between the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8, ensuring that the force is transmitted axially and preventing mechanical interference between the internal moving parts of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8 during reciprocating motion. Several through holes 10 are provided on the cylindrical body of the fixing fixture 9, which effectively reduces the overall weight of the fixing fixture 9 and achieves lightweighting.

[0033] The switching speed of the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5 and the second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6 is ≤50ms.

[0034] One end of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8 are fixedly connected to the fixed fixture 9. The other end of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 is provided with a first chassis 14, and the other end of the second central pneumatic clutch 8 is provided with a second chassis 15. Several connecting rods 16 are evenly distributed circumferentially between the first chassis 14 and the second chassis 15; in this example, there are three. The connecting rods 16 are located on the outer periphery of the first central pneumatic clutch 7, the second central pneumatic clutch 8, and the fixed fixture 9, forming a rigid support frame together. The connecting rods 16 are used to fix the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8.

[0035] The first central pneumatic clutch 7 is equipped with a first displacement sensor 11, and the second central pneumatic clutch 8 is equipped with a second displacement sensor 12. The first displacement sensor 11 and the second displacement sensor 12 are used to monitor the axial displacement of the release bearing on their respective clutches.

[0036] The automated durability testing system for the central pneumatic clutch of the present invention also includes a controller 13, a first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5, a second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6, a first central pneumatic clutch 7, a second central pneumatic clutch 8, a first displacement sensor 11, and a second displacement sensor 12, all electrically connected to the controller 13.

[0037] Pressure sensors (not shown in the figure) are also provided at the air inlets of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8. The pressure sensors are used to collect the gas pressure in their respective clutches. The pressure sensors are electrically connected to the controller 13 and upload the collected pressure data to the controller 13.

[0038] In this embodiment, the preferred controller is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0039] An automated durability testing method for a centrally operated pneumatic clutch includes the following steps:

[0040] Step S1: Extract the force-displacement curve of the diaphragm spring from the target vehicle clutch, including the propulsion process curve and the return process curve;

[0041] Step S2: In the initial state, the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8 are in a completely disengaged state, that is, the displacement data s collected by the first displacement sensor 11 and the second displacement sensor 12 is 0.

[0042] In step S3, the controller 13 adjusts the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5 to make the inlet P and outlet A of the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5 connected, and precisely controls the gas flow and pressure entering the first central pneumatic clutch 7, thereby driving the piston rod and release bearing of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 to begin axial advancement at the target engagement speed. During this advancement process, the first displacement sensor 11 installed on the first central pneumatic clutch 7 samples the axial displacement of the release bearing in real time and continuously, and the displacement reading s gradually increases from the initial 0.

[0043] In step S4, after receiving the displacement s from step S3, the controller 13 selects the corresponding target propulsion process curve according to the direction of motion, and calculates the spring force F_target(s) to be simulated under the current displacement based on the displacement s.

[0044] Step S5: Calculate the target air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch 8 according to the formula P_target = F_target(s) / A_piston, where A_piston is the effective working area of ​​the piston of the second central pneumatic clutch 8.

[0045] Step S6: The controller 13 adjusts the second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6 to make the inlet P and outlet A of the second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6 connected, and precisely controls the gas flow and pressure entering the second central pneumatic clutch 8, so as to generate the corresponding force according to the propulsion process curve, that is, simulate the spring reaction force.

[0046] Step S7: When the first displacement sensor 11 detects that the displacement s of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 has reached the preset maximum value, the controller 13 controls the first central pneumatic clutch 7 to stop advancing and maintain the current position for 1 second, and collects the displacement of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch 8.

[0047] Step S8: After the data acquisition is completed, the controller 13 adjusts the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5 to close the inlet P and outlet A of the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5, and connects the outlet A and the exhaust port R to quickly exhaust the first central pneumatic clutch 7, so that it begins to axially retract at its preset return speed, and the displacement s gradually decreases.

[0048] Step S9: The controller 13 queries the return process curve based on the real-time displacement s, and controls the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch 8 accordingly.

[0049] Step S10: Repeat steps S2-S9 multiple times. The controller 13 records the force-displacement curve of each cycle and compares it with the target force-displacement curve to analyze the durability of the first central pneumatic clutch 7.

[0050] The above test method takes the durability test of the first central pneumatic clutch 7 as an example. In this case, the second central pneumatic clutch 8 simulates a diaphragm spring. When it is necessary to test the durability of the second central pneumatic clutch 8, the test logic is switched through the controller 13. The second central pneumatic clutch 8 executes the preset propulsion and return motion, and the first central pneumatic clutch 7 simulates a diaphragm spring. The test steps and methods are exactly the same as those described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] In this invention, the first central pneumatic clutch 7 and the second central pneumatic clutch 8 are mutually loaded under the control of the controller 13. They apply simulated spring reaction force to each other through real-time air pressure control, thereby reproducing the bidirectional torque impact condition of the actual vehicle. After testing the first central pneumatic clutch 7, no hardware modifications are required. The second central pneumatic clutch 8 can be tested simply by switching the test logic through the controller 13, which doubles the testing efficiency. The controller 13 automatically controls the first three-way proportional solenoid valve 5 and the second three-way proportional solenoid valve 6, replacing the traditional method of relying on manual operation of valves, which greatly reduces labor costs and ensures good data consistency.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and these variations still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A test method for an automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch, characterized in that: The automated durability testing system for the central pneumatic clutch includes an air source pipeline (1) and a pressure reducing valve (2) connected to the outlet end of the air source pipeline (1). The pressure reducing valve (2) is connected to a first pipeline (3) and a second pipeline (4). The end of the first pipeline (3) is provided with a first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5). The first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5) is connected to the air inlet of the first central pneumatic clutch (7). The end of the second pipeline (4) is provided with a second three-way proportional solenoid valve (6), which is connected to the air inlet of the second central pneumatic clutch (8). A fixed fixture (9) is fixed between the first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the second central pneumatic clutch (8). The first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the second central pneumatic clutch (8) are loads on each other. They apply simulated spring reaction force to each other through real-time air pressure control, thereby reproducing the bidirectional torque impact condition of the actual vehicle. One end of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the second central pneumatic clutch (8) are fixedly connected to the fixed fixture (9). The other end of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) is provided with a first chassis (14), and the other end of the second central pneumatic clutch (8) is provided with a second chassis (15). Several connecting rods (16) are evenly distributed circumferentially between the first chassis (14) and the second chassis (15). The first central pneumatic clutch (7) is provided with a first displacement sensor (11), and the second central pneumatic clutch (8) is provided with a second displacement sensor (12). The first displacement sensor (11) and the second displacement sensor (12) are used to monitor the axial displacement of the release bearing on their respective clutches. The testing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Extract the force-displacement curve of the diaphragm spring from the target vehicle clutch, including the propulsion process curve and the return process curve; Step S2: In the initial state, the first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the second central pneumatic clutch (8) are in a fully disengaged state. Step S3: Adjust the first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5) to control the gas flow and pressure entering the first central pneumatic clutch (7), and the first displacement sensor (11) samples the axial displacement of the release bearing of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) in real time and continuously. Step S4: Select the corresponding target propulsion process curve according to the direction of motion, and calculate the spring force F_target(s) to be simulated under the current displacement based on the displacement s; Step S5: Calculate the target air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch (8); Step S6: Adjust the second three-way proportional solenoid valve (6) to control the gas flow and pressure entering the second central pneumatic clutch (8) and generate the corresponding force according to the propulsion process curve; Step S7: When the first displacement sensor (11) detects that the displacement s of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) reaches the preset maximum value, the first central pneumatic clutch (7) stops advancing and stays in the current position for 1 second, and collects the displacement of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch (8). Step S8: Control the first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5) to quickly exhaust the first central pneumatic clutch (7), and start to axially retract at its preset return speed, with the displacement s gradually decreasing. Step S9: Based on the real-time displacement s, query the return process curve and control the air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch (8) accordingly. Step S10: Repeat steps S2-S9 multiple times, record the force-displacement curve for each cycle, compare it with the target force-displacement curve, and analyze the durability of the first central pneumatic clutch (7).

2. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a controller (13), a first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5), a second three-way proportional solenoid valve (6), a first central pneumatic clutch (7), a second central pneumatic clutch (8), a first displacement sensor (11), and a second displacement sensor (12) which are electrically connected to the controller (13).

3. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching speed of the first three-way proportional solenoid valve (5) and the second three-way proportional solenoid valve (6) is ≤50ms.

4. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed fixture (9) is cylindrical.

5. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The fixed tool (9) has several through holes (10) on its cylindrical body.

6. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Pressure sensors are also provided at the air inlets of the first central pneumatic clutch (7) and the second central pneumatic clutch (8), and the pressure sensors are electrically connected to the controller (13).

7. The test method for the automated durability testing system using a centrally located pneumatic clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the target air pressure of the second central pneumatic clutch (8) is calculated according to the formula P_target = F_target(s) / A_piston, where A_piston is the effective working area of ​​the piston of the second central pneumatic clutch (8).

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