Compact torque measuring device

Abstract

The invention provides a compact torque measuring device, which comprises a torque measuring shaft, a rigid shaft and a flexible shaft, and is characterized in that the torque measuring shaft is provided with a first end and a second end which are oppositely arranged; the rigid shaft sleeves the first end of the torsion measuring shaft and is connected with the torsion measuring shaft; the flexible shaft sleeves the second end of the torsion measuring shaft and is connected with the torsion measuring shaft, the flexible shaft is provided with at least one spoke, one end, close to the second end, of each spoke is fixedly connected with the flexible shaft, and the other end of each spoke faces the first end, is in a free state and is provided with first excitation gear teeth; second excitation gear teeth corresponding to the first excitation gear teeth are arranged on the side, close to the first end, of the rigid shaft or the flexible shaft. The side, close to the second end, of the flexible shaft or the rigid shaft is provided with a supporting piece, and when the torsion measuring shaft is twisted, the supporting piece abuts against the spoke to amplify the torsion angle of the first excitation gear teeth relative to the second excitation gear teeth. The torsion measuring device utilizes the lever principle to realize the torsion angle amplification function, and is beneficial to improving the torsion angle measurement precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aero-engine torque measurement technology, and specifically to a compact torque measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] For turboshaft or turboprop engines, engine torque is one of the most important control targets. Installing a torque measuring device inside the engine to output engine torque in real time is crucial for pilots to understand the engine's operating status and ensure its proper operation.

[0003] Modern aero-engine torque measurement devices often employ the angle magnetoelectric torque measurement method, the basic principle of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, a coaxial reference shaft is set on the outer or inner side of the torque measuring shaft. One end of the reference shaft is fixedly connected to the torque measuring shaft; the other end of the reference shaft is a free end, with a large gap designed between it and the torque measuring shaft to not transmit load. A pair of excitation gear teeth are set on the free end of the reference shaft and the torque measuring shaft. When the engine is working, the torque measuring shaft undergoes torsional deformation under the action of torque T, and the included angle between the reference shaft and the excitation gear teeth of the torque measuring shaft will change by Δθ. The magnetoelectric sensor senses the phase change by cutting magnetic field lines through the excitation gear teeth of the reference shaft and the torque measuring shaft, and the magnitude of the torque is calculated by the test system. The basic relationship between torque T and the angle change Δθ is shown in equation (1).

[0004] Δθ=T*L / K; (1)

[0005] Where Δθ is the torsion angle of the torsion shaft, T is the torque on the torsion shaft, L is the length of the torsion shaft, and K is the torsional stiffness of the torsion shaft.

[0006] For torque sensors based on the angle-based torque measurement method, a large torsion angle of the torque measuring shaft is required to ensure good torque measurement accuracy. However, current aero engines are developing towards compact designs. For the rear-output power turbine shaft and the input and output shafts of the gearbox, the shaft span is usually short. At the same time, due to strength requirements and structural space limitations, the torsion angle is too small, making torque measurement impossible inside the engine.

[0007] Based on this, the inventors of this application propose a compact torque measuring device in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art, such as the compact structure and the small torsion angle of the torsion measuring shaft, which makes it impossible to measure torque inside the engine, and to provide a compact torsion measuring device.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0010] This invention provides a compact torque measuring device, characterized in that it includes:

[0011] A torsion measuring shaft has a first end and a second end that are set opposite to each other;

[0012] A rigid shaft is sleeved on the first end of the torsion measuring shaft and connected to the torsion measuring shaft;

[0013] A flexible shaft is sleeved on the second end of the torsion measuring shaft and connected to the torsion measuring shaft. The flexible shaft has at least one spoke. One end of each spoke is fixedly connected to the flexible shaft near the second end, and the other end of the spoke faces the first end and is in a free state, and has a first excitation gear tooth. The rigid shaft or the flexible shaft has a second excitation gear tooth corresponding to the first excitation gear tooth on the side near the first end.

[0014] The rigid shaft is provided with a support member on the side close to the second end. When the torsion measuring shaft is twisted, the support member abuts against the spokes to amplify the torsion angle of the first excitation gear tooth relative to the second excitation gear tooth.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both the second excitation gear tooth and the support member are disposed on the rigid shaft;

[0016] The second excitation gear tooth and the support member are provided on opposite sides of each of the first excitation gear teeth, and one end of the support member abuts against the spoke.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid shaft is provided with a plurality of second excitation gear teeth in the circumferential direction near the first end;

[0018] The flexible shaft has a plurality of spokes circumferentially arranged near the second end, and the first excitation gear teeth of the plurality of spokes are sequentially arranged between adjacent second excitation gear teeth.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first excitation gear teeth are evenly spaced around the rigid shaft in a circumferential direction;

[0020] Multiple second excitation gear teeth are evenly spaced around the circumference of the flexible shaft.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible shaft is provided with an annular connector near the first end, and a plurality of first excitation gear teeth are provided on the annular connector.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first excitation gear tooth and the second excitation gear tooth are disposed on the flexible shaft, and the second excitation gear tooth is disposed on the side of the flexible shaft near the first end;

[0023] The rigid shaft has a support member on the side near the second end, and one end of the spoke abuts against the support member.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the support member is connected to the rigid shaft, and the other end extends toward the spoke side and is attached to the outer wall of the flexible shaft.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of said support members are arranged at circumferential intervals around the outer periphery of the rigid shaft;

[0026] Each of the spokes corresponds to one of the support members and one of the second excitation gear teeth.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible shaft is connected to the torsion measuring shaft at the second end via a second pin;

[0028] The rigid shaft is connected to the torsion measuring shaft at the first end via a first pin.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a magnetoelectric sensor is further included, which is used to sense the phase change of the first excitation gear tooth and the second excitation gear tooth cutting magnetic field lines, and to process and calculate the torque through the test system.

[0030] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] This invention relates to a compact torque measuring device, which includes a rigid shaft and a flexible shaft with support members outside the torque measuring shaft. When the engine is running, the free end of the flexible shaft uses the support members as a fulcrum, and the torque angle is amplified using the lever principle, which helps to improve the accuracy of torque angle measurement. This invention's torque measuring device has a simple structure, is easy to install, and does not change the torsional stiffness and bending stiffness of the torque measuring shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the traditional angle magnetoelectric torque measurement principle;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the compact torque measuring device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The left view;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A sectional view of AA;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the rotation angle magnification principle of a compact torque measuring device;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the compact torque measuring device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Another structural diagram;

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The left view;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A sectional view at BB;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the compact torque measuring device of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The left view;

[0044] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of CC;

[0045] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the rotational amplification principle of a compact torque measuring device.

[0046] 1. Measure the torsion shaft; 11. First end; 12. Second end;

[0047] 2. Rigid shaft; 21. Second excitation gear tooth; 22. Support component; 23. First pin;

[0048] 3. Flexible shaft; 31. Spokes; 311. First excitation gear teeth; 32. Annular connector; 33. Second pin. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions and derivations based on actual application situations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 13 This invention proposes a compact torsion measuring device, which includes a torsion measuring shaft 1, a rigid shaft 2, and a flexible shaft 3. The torsion measuring shaft 1 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 that are arranged opposite to each other. The first end 11 and the second end 12 are the two opposite ends of the torsion measuring shaft 1 along its axial direction.

[0052] A rigid shaft 2 is sleeved on the first end 11 of the torsion measuring shaft 1 and connected to the torsion measuring shaft 1; a flexible shaft 3 is sleeved on the second end 12 of the torsion measuring shaft 1 and connected to the torsion measuring shaft 1. The flexible shaft 3 is provided with at least one spoke 31. One end of each spoke 31 is fixedly connected to the flexible shaft 3 near the second end 12, and the other end of the spoke 31 faces the first end 11 and is in a free state and is provided with a first excitation gear tooth 311. The rigid shaft 2 or the flexible shaft 3 is provided with a second excitation gear tooth 21 corresponding to the first excitation gear tooth 311 on the side near the first end 11. The rigid shaft 2 is provided with a support member 22 on the side near the second end 12. When the torsion measuring shaft 1 is twisted, the support member 22 abuts against the spoke 31 to amplify the torsion angle of the first excitation gear tooth 311 relative to the second excitation gear tooth 21.

[0053] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The first end 11 of the torsion measuring shaft 1 is sleeved with a rigid shaft 2, and the second end 12 of the torsion measuring shaft 1 is sleeved with a flexible shaft 3. The torsion measuring shaft 1 and the flexible shaft 3 are connected by a second pin 33, and the torsion measuring shaft 1 and the rigid shaft 2 are connected by a first pin 23. The number of the second pin 33 and the first pin 23 can be one or more, which is not limited here.

[0054] Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the second excitation gear tooth 21 and the support member 22 are both located on the rigid shaft 2; the second excitation gear tooth 21 and the support member 22 are provided on opposite sides of each first excitation gear tooth 311, and one end of the support member 22 abuts against the spoke 31.

[0055] That is, the rigid shaft 2 is provided with a second excitation gear tooth 21 on the side near the first end 11, and a support member 22 is provided on the side near the second end 12. The support member 22 is located on the side of the rigid shaft 2 near the second end 12, and the spoke 31 abuts against the support member 22 on the side near the second end 12.

[0056] In the initial state, the gap between the support member 22 and the spoke 31 is zero. When the engine is working, under the action of torque load, the rigid shaft 2 and the flexible shaft 3 are relatively twisted along with the torque measuring shaft 1. Due to the abutting action between the support member 22 and the spoke 31, the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the second excitation gear tooth 21 generate a larger angle of opposite twist to achieve the torsion angle amplification function.

[0057] Specifically, the theoretical formula for calculating the torsion angle amplification factor k is:

[0058] k = -(L2-L1) / L1;

[0059] Where L2 is the distance between the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the root of the spoke 31, and L1 is the distance between the support member 22 and the root of the spoke 31.

[0060] It should be noted that the rigid shaft 2 may be provided with multiple second excitation gear teeth 21 in the circumferential direction near the first end 11; the flexible shaft 3 is provided with multiple spokes 31 in the circumferential direction near the second end 12, and the first excitation gear teeth 311 of the multiple spokes 31 are arranged sequentially between adjacent second excitation gear teeth 21.

[0061] That is, each spoke 31 corresponds to a first excitation gear tooth 311 and a second excitation gear tooth 21.

[0062] Furthermore, multiple first excitation gear teeth 311 are evenly spaced around the rigid shaft 2 in a circumferential direction; multiple second excitation gear teeth 21 are evenly spaced around the flexible shaft 3 in a circumferential direction.

[0063] The circumferential arrangement of the support 22, the second excitation gear tooth 21, and the spokes 31 ensures the uniformity of the circumferential dimensional distribution of the torsion measuring shaft 1, the rigid shaft 2, and the flexible shaft 3. Averaging multiple sets of test data further improves the accuracy of the test results. The specific number and dimensions of the spokes 31 can be determined through calculation and experimental analysis based on actual conditions, and are not limited here.

[0064] In actual use, the number of teeth of the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the second excitation gear tooth 21 can be designed according to the optimal resolution of the magnetoelectric sensor and the speed of the transmission shaft, and is not limited here.

[0065] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 The flexible shaft 3 has an annular connector 32 near the first end 11, and a plurality of first excitation gear teeth 311 are provided on the annular connector 32.

[0066] Setting an annular connector 32 at one end of the spoke 31 can improve the radial stiffness of the flexible shaft 3, thereby avoiding the rubbing caused by excessive radial deformation of the free end of the spoke 31 under centrifugal force, and at the same time improving the vibration problem of the cantilever structure.

[0067] At this time, the support member 22 is located on the side of the spoke 31 near the second end 12, and the arrangement is the same as... Figures 2 to 5 The implementation method shown is the same, except that an annular connector 32 is added. The number of teeth of the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the second excitation gear tooth 21 can be the same as the number of spokes 31 or different, and can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 10 to 13 The first excitation gear tooth 311 and the second excitation gear tooth 21 are provided on the flexible shaft 3, and the second excitation gear tooth 21 is provided on the side of the flexible shaft 3 near the first end 11; the rigid shaft 2 is provided with a support member 22 on the side near the second end 12, and one end of the spoke 31 abuts against the support member 22.

[0069] and Figures 2-9 The implementation effects shown are different. Under torque load, through the interaction between the support member 22 and the spoke 31, the free end of the spoke 31 uses the support member 22 as a fulcrum to realize the same-direction torsion angle amplification function using the lever principle. The theoretical calculation formula for the torsion angle amplification coefficient is as follows:

[0070] k = L2 / L1;

[0071] Where L2 is the distance between the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the root of the spoke 31, and L1 is the distance between the support member 22 and the root of the spoke 31.

[0072] Please continue to refer to Figure 10 One end of the support member 22 is connected to the rigid shaft 2, and the other end extends toward the spoke 31 and is attached to the outer wall of the flexible shaft 3.

[0073] Specifically, the support member 22 is L-shaped, with one end connected to the rigid shaft 2, and the other end having an arc-shaped inner side that is attached to the outer wall of the flexible shaft 3.

[0074] One end of the support member 22 can be integrally set with the rigid shaft 2, and the other end is a free end that abuts against the spokes 31 of the flexible shaft 3.

[0075] Furthermore, multiple support members 22 are arranged at circumferential intervals around the outer periphery of the rigid shaft 2; each spoke 31 corresponds to one support member 22 and one second excitation gear tooth 21.

[0076] As shown above, by adjusting the distance between L1 and L2, different torsion angle magnification ratios can be achieved.

[0077] Specifically, the following four embodiments are used for verification, wherein:

[0078] In the first embodiment, the second excitation gear 21 and the support member 22 are both located on the rigid shaft 2, with L1 having a length of 14mm and L2 having a length of 177.7mm, and no annular connecting member 32.

[0079] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lengths of L1 and L2 are changed, wherein the length of L1 is 32mm and the length of L2 is 155mm, and there is no annular connector 32;

[0080] In the third embodiment, the first excitation gear tooth 311 and the second excitation gear tooth 21 are disposed on the flexible shaft 3, with L1 having a length of 14mm and L2 having a length of 177.7mm, and without an annular connecting piece 32;

[0081] The fourth embodiment adds an annular connector 32 and changes the lengths of L1 and L2 compared to the first embodiment. Specifically, L1 has a length of 16 mm, and L2 has a length of 177.7 mm.

[0082] The verification results are as follows:

[0083]

[0084] It can be seen that by adjusting the distance between the support member 22, the free end of the flexible shaft 3, and the root of the spoke 31, as well as whether or not to add the annular connector 32, different proportions of torsion angle amplification effects can be achieved.

[0085] Thus, the present invention solves the problem that traditional structures are too compact and the torsion angle of the torsion measuring shaft is too small, making it impossible to measure torsion inside the engine. By designing a rigid shaft 2 containing a support member 22 and a flexible shaft 3 containing spokes 31 outside the torsion measuring shaft 1, when the engine is working, the support member 22 abuts against the spokes 31, and the free end of the spokes 31 of the flexible shaft 3 uses the support member 22 as a fulcrum to realize the torsion angle amplification function using the lever principle.

[0086] Furthermore, the torque measuring device also includes a magnetoelectric sensor, which is used to sense the phase change when the first and second excitation gear teeth cut magnetic field lines, and to process and calculate the torque through the testing system.

[0087] Because the rigid shaft and flexible shaft set in this invention interact with the spokes and the support, the free end of the flexible shaft uses the support as the fulcrum to realize the torsion angle amplification function by lever principle, so as to improve the accuracy of the magnetoelectric sensor for torsion angle measurement. The structure is simple, easy to install, and does not change the torsional stiffness and bending stiffness of the torsion measuring shaft 1.

[0088] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "joining", and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can also refer to mechanical connections. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0089] As shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0090] The words “a,” “an,” “a,” and / or “the” do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms “comprising” and “including” only indicate that the steps and elements that are explicitly identified are included, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0091] This application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. Terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.

[0092] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compact torque measuring device, characterized in that, include: A torsion measuring shaft has a first end and a second end that are set opposite to each other; A rigid shaft is sleeved on the first end of the torsion measuring shaft and connected to the torsion measuring shaft; A flexible shaft is sleeved on the second end of the torsion measuring shaft and connected to the torsion measuring shaft. The flexible shaft has at least one spoke. One end of each spoke is fixedly connected to the flexible shaft near the second end, and the other end of the spoke faces the first end and is in a free state, and has a first excitation gear tooth. The rigid shaft or the flexible shaft has a second excitation gear tooth corresponding to the first excitation gear tooth on the side near the first end. The rigid shaft is provided with a support member on the side close to the second end. When the torsion measuring shaft is twisted, the support member abuts against the spokes to amplify the torsion angle of the first excitation gear tooth relative to the second excitation gear tooth.

2. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the second excitation gear tooth and the support member are located on the rigid shaft; The second excitation gear tooth and the support member are provided on opposite sides of each of the first excitation gear teeth, and one end of the support member abuts against the spoke.

3. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid shaft has a plurality of second excitation gear teeth circumferentially located near the first end; The flexible shaft has a plurality of spokes circumferentially arranged near the second end, and the first excitation gear teeth of the plurality of spokes are sequentially arranged between adjacent second excitation gear teeth.

4. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple first excitation gear teeth are evenly spaced around the rigid shaft in a circumferential direction. Multiple second excitation gear teeth are evenly spaced around the circumference of the flexible shaft.

5. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible shaft has an annular connector near the first end, and a plurality of first excitation gear teeth are disposed on the annular connector.

6. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first excitation gear tooth and the second excitation gear tooth are disposed on the flexible shaft, and the second excitation gear tooth is disposed on the side of the flexible shaft near the first end; The rigid shaft has a support member on the side near the second end, and one end of the spoke abuts against the support member.

7. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the support is connected to the rigid shaft, and the other end extends toward the spoke side and is attached to the outer wall of the flexible shaft.

8. The compact torque measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple support members are arranged at circumferential intervals around the outer periphery of the rigid shaft; Each of the spokes corresponds to one of the support members and one of the second excitation gear teeth.

9. The compact torque measuring device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The flexible shaft is connected to the torsion measuring shaft at the second end via a second pin; The rigid shaft is connected to the torsion measuring shaft at the first end via a first pin.

10. The compact torque measuring device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a magnetoelectric sensor, which is used to sense the phase change when the first excitation gear tooth and the second excitation gear tooth cut magnetic field lines, and to process and calculate the torque through the test system.

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