Torque transmission belt

Abstract

Title: Torque Transmission Belt The invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering and more particularly to torque transmission belts used in machines to transmit driving force between the driving and driven pulleys. The invention relates more particularly to a torque transmission belt 1 comprising: A tension armature 11 and a contact volume 12 intended to be in contact with a driving pulley and at least one driven pulley, and at least one sensor 13 integrated into the belt, such that the sensor is a tension sensor comprising a profile 131, preferably metallic, anchored to the tension armature, included at least partially within the contact volume and configured to deform under the action of the longitudinal forces 100 applied to the belt in operation, so as to measure the longitudinal tensions in the belt. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Torque transmission belt technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering and more particularly to torque transmission belts used in machines to transmit driving force between driving and driven pulleys. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The operating principle of belts is based on two main elements: a. a contact surface or volume, the size of which depends on its coefficient of friction, allowing the torque to be taken from the drive pulley, transmitted to the traction armature and then returned to the driven pulleys of the transmission; and b. an armature, capable of transforming the tangential force taken from the drive pulley into a longitudinal tensile force between the pulleys.

[0003] In the field of torque transmission belts, it is desirable to monitor the aging of the transmission belt; however, the tension / compression forces applied to the belt are an important parameter of this aging. While there are attempts at mathematical models to characterize aging, they only provide approximations. There is a need to characterize these forces with greater precision, a need to which the present invention provides a solution. ABSTRACT

[0004] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a torque transmission belt is provided comprising: a. a tension armature and b. a contact volume intended to be in contact with a drive pulley and at least one driven pulley, and c. at least one sensor integrated into the drive belt, the drive belt is essentially such that said at least one sensor is a tension sensor comprising a profile, preferably metallic, anchored on the tension armature, included at least partly in the contact volume and configured to deform under the action of longitudinal forces applied to the drive belt in operation, so as to measure the longitudinal tensions in the drive belt.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a machine comprising a drive pulley, at least one driven pulley and one or more torque transmission belts as introduced above.

[0006] In-situ measurements are thus performed to monitor the aging of the transmission belt. The parameters involved in characterizing this aging are advantageously linked to the temporal dynamics of temperature and longitudinal forces applied to the materials of the belt components. Based on the measurements taken, the aging of the belt can therefore be evaluated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] [Fig.1] Fig.1 schematically represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents, in longitudinal section, a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0010] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents a diagram of the integration principle and the voltage sensor according to an embodiment of the invention; on the left in cross-section and on the right in a portion of longitudinal section.

[0011] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] represents a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the belt according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] [Fig.5A] Figures 5A to 5E represent partial longitudinal cross-sectional views of the belt according to an embodiment of the invention in several deformation configurations as a function of the stresses: A) no force, B) extension, C) compression, D) passage over receiving pulley, E) passage through pressing pulley; Belt deformation (horizontal arrows), Sensor deformation (vertical arrows).

[0013] [Fig.5B]

[0014] [Fig.5C]

[0015] [Fig.5D]

[0016] [Fig.5E]

[0017] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents different views of example possible geometries for the tension sensor profile.

[0018] [Fig.7] Figure 7 schematically represents the deformation 4 on the pulley passage of the belt tension sensor according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] [Fig.8] Fig.8 schematically represents an example of protection of the voltage sensor according to an embodiment of the invention by a housing.

[0020] [Fig.9A] Fig.9A schematically represents an example of a connection between the armature and the voltage sensor according to an embodiment of the invention by means of a network of wire-locking cavities.

[0021] [Fig.9B] Fig.9B schematically represents another example of the connection between the armature and the voltage sensor according to an embodiment of the invention by riveting.

[0022] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] represents a functional diagram of a voltage sensor according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0025] According to one example, the surface volume is based on rubber, urethane or polyurethane, nitrile or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0026] According to one example, the tension sensor further includes at least one transducer configured to convert the deformation of the profile into an electrical signal.

[0027] According to one example, the profile comprises a plate, preferably made of steel, having shape memory properties and sufficiently flexible to deform under the action of longitudinal forces applied to the transmission belt in operation.

[0028] According to the two preceding examples, said at least one transducer is disposed on one of the faces, preferably on each face, of the steel plate.

[0029] According to one example, the profile has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section with inwardly curved tabs. The profile can be integrated longitudinally into the transmission belt.

[0030] According to one example, the profile is characterized at least by a nominal length D, a thickness e, and legs of a height h.

[0031] According to the previous example, the ratio el2h is substantially between 1 / 50 and 1 / 150, and for example substantially equal to 1 / 100.

[0032] According to one of the two preceding examples, the useful dimensions D, e and h of the profile are determined as a function of: a. of an amplitude of the longitudinal forces to be measured, and / or b. of a maximum permissible deformation of the transmission belt, and / Or c. the elasticity of the rubber constituting the contact volume, and / or d. characteristics of at least one transducer, and / or e. a minimum diameter of a pulley, and / or f. elasticity characteristics of the profile.

[0033] According to one example, the anchoring of the mechanical profile on the tensile reinforcement is achieved by means of curved portions of the profile.

[0034] According to the example, the anchoring of the mechanical profile on the tensile reinforcement comprises: a. metal claws inserted into a layer of wires in the tensile reinforcement; or b. a network of thread-locking cavities; or c. at least one rivet.

[0035] According to one example, the tension sensor is integrated into a housing whose dimensions are related to the maximum deformation limits of the profile.

[0036] According to the previous example, the sensor further includes a temperature gauge disposed on the protective housing and / or the housing is based on a material resistant to temperature and abrasion stresses in the transmission belt.

[0037] According to one example, the transmission belt may further include a device for conditioning the electrical signal from each transducer.

[0038] According to the preceding example, the conditioning device comprises: a. a Wheatstone bridge, two branches of which are the transducers placed on the deformable faces of the blade and / or a temperature gauge located on the protective housing, and b. an analog-to-digital converter, and / or the transmission belt may further include an antenna for transmitting the signal from the conditioning device to an external receiver.

[0039] A parameter "approximately equal to / greater than / less than" a given value means that this parameter is equal to / greater than / less than the given value, to within 20% or 10% of that value. A parameter "approximately between" two given values ​​means that this parameter is at least equal to the smaller of the given values, to within 20% or 10% of that value, and at most equal to the larger of the given values, to within 20% or 10% of that value.

[0040] In the present patent application, the thickness of a blade is taken along a direction normal to the principal extension plane of the blade.

[0041] A contact profile, blade or volume "based on" a material A means a contact profile, blade or volume comprising only that material A or that material A and possibly other materials, for example alloy elements.

[0042] Patent documents referenced WO 2012 / 085338 A1, US 7,494,004 B2 and EP 3,919,775 A1 are known to describe the integration of NFC / RFID-type components into torque transmission belts. This work focuses on the identification function or use by a system external to the belt that measures parameters deducible from the telecommunications properties or the NFC / RFID component (identification, speed, revolution count). These sensors do not allow for the measurement of belt tension.

[0043] Other work focuses on functionalizing belt materials (visible markings, ferromagnetic particles) and uses external methods (camera, magnetic coil) to perform measurements of the same or similar type as before. These sensors also do not allow for measuring belt tension.

[0044] One of the objectives of the present invention is to be able to evaluate the aging of the transmission belt.

[0045] This aging process is currently established experimentally based on several parameters influencing the belt materials, such as torque, temperature rise, number of revolutions, etc. These parameters are generally measured externally on the belt. Aging is then assessed based on elongation parameters, the chemical state of the materials, or visually. The analysis is performed retrospectively and, in some cases, requires a shutdown. End of life is determined according to the experimental scenario when certain criteria have reached a predetermined threshold. In an industrial setting, the costs of instrumentation and analysis do not allow for monitoring all parameters, and the decision is made based on the number of operating hours, either before complete use or after belt deterioration, which results in maintenance costs.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, and with reference to [Fig. 1], a torque transmission belt 1 is proposed comprising: a. a tensile reinforcement 11, b. a rubber contact volume 12 intended to be in contact with a drive pulley 2 and at least one driven pulley (3), and c. at least one sensor 13 integrated into the transmission belt 1.

[0047] The belt is essentially such that the sensor is a tension sensor 13 comprising a profile 131, preferably metallic, anchored on the tension armature 11, included at least in part in the contact volume 12 and configured to deform under the action of the longitudinal forces 100 applied to the transmission belt 1 in operation, so as to measure the longitudinal tensions in the transmission belt 1.

[0048] The integration of a tension sensor 13 in the belt 1 according to the present invention allows for an enrichment of the monitored parameters at a lower cost and enables better optimality of maintenance tasks.

[0049] One of the measures of interest within the scope of the present invention relates to the forces, and in particular the longitudinal forces 100, which are applied to the core of the belt 1 and which depend primarily on the torque to be transmitted, but also on certain losses in the machine 0 (belt mass, friction) and the condition of the materials (rubber, cable, elasticity, internal degradation). These forces are essentially transmitted by the tension armature 11 and propagate progressively through the material of the contact volume 12. These forces generate deformations, and one of the tasks of the tension sensor 13 according to the invention is to ensure good contact with the materials constituting the belt 1 in order to capture these forces.

[0050] The tension sensor 13 is preferably positioned in connection with or sufficiently close to the tension armature 11 so that the latter transmits to it the longitudinal forces 100 which are applied during the operation of the transmission belt 1. Due to the longitudinal forces exerted on the profile 131, the deformation information is mechanically transmitted in the tension sensor 13 to a sensitive part or transducer 132 or strain gauge which performs the conversion of the deformation into an electrical signal.

[0051] Based on this integration principle, and with reference to the accompanying figures, the invention can be implemented by varying, in particular: a. the type of connection between the tension sensor 13 and the tension armature 11 and / or the contact area 12 of the transmission belt 1, and / or b. the type of mechanical transmission, and / or c. the type of transducer 132.

[0052] With reference to figures 4 and 5, one can rely on a mechanical transmission by a flexible metal blade 1311, for example a steel plate included in the metal profile 131 and having shape memory properties as in the case of a spring so that it returns to its position when no stress is applied to it.

[0053] With reference to Figure 4, the anchoring that connects the frame 11 to the sensor 13 is achieved via at least two curved portions 1312 of the profile 131 and may be in the form of metal clips 1313 inserted into the wire bundle or, as appropriate, by other options detailed below. The strain gauge(s) 132 are preferably arranged, and more particularly bonded, to the surfaces of the metal blade 1311. The metal profile 131, for example, has tabs of height h and its metal blade 1311 has a nominal length D and a thickness e.

[0054] The shape of the metal profile 131 may have variations in geometry, as illustrated in Figure 6, depending on the requirements, but remains within the template with useful dimensions O, h and e as well as all resulting parameters h, ¢))-

[0055] With reference to Figure 5, the deformation of the tension sensor 13 is related to the forces, and in particular to the longitudinal forces 100, applied to the belt 1, and more specifically to its armature 11, which generate its deformation. The sensor 13, connected to the armature 11, deforms by a factor inversely proportional to e!Ih (excluding the elasticity of the metal), and this deformation is recorded by the gauge(s) 132 placed on the surface(s) of the metal blade 1311.

[0056] More particularly, the ratio el 2h can be substantially between 1 / 50 and 1 / 150, and for example substantially equal to 1 / 100.

[0057] The deformation measurement is preferably carried out in the linear part (excluding pulleys) of the belt 1's activity. In practice, this part of the sensor 13 is implemented in a few successive steps: a. Identification of the proportion factor and 2h sought as a function of the maximum deformation of the reinforcement 11 and the deformation characteristics of the gauges 132 general dimensions of the geometry, b. choice of a geometric shape under constraints of realization depending on the material and integration (packaging), and c. simulation of the behavior of machine 0 under constraints.

[0058] Following these steps, all geometric shapes such as those illustrated in [Fig.6], meeting the criteria of machine 0, are usable.

[0059] When the belt 1 passes over pulleys 2 and 3, no deformation measurement is taken or taken into account, but the tension sensor 13 must withstand the deformation applied at this point. This deformation is determined, with reference to Figure 7, by calculation based on the minimum radius of pulleys 2 and 3 of the application ( $ — -Rponi^)- This deformation is tested during multiphysics simulations.

[0060] As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the sensor 13 can be integrated, at least partially, into a protective housing 133, the dimensions of which are preferably related to the maximum deformation limits of the sensor 13, and whose function is to isolate its sensitive part, i.e., its metal blade 1311, from the highly abrasive and stressful environment of the belt 1. The material of the housing 133 should preferably withstand the temperature, pressure, and abrasion stresses of the environment and the production process.

[0061] The measurement obtained by the transducer 132 can be further conditioned by a conditioning device 134 comprising, for example, before digital conversion by an analog-to-digital converter 1342, a standard Wheatstone bridge 1341, two of whose branches are the measuring gauges 132 placed, according to the In this case, a temperature gauge 1321 is positioned on the deformable faces of the metal blade 1311 and / or, in a second case, a temperature gauge 1321 is arranged on the protective housing 133 so as to be influenced only by temperature and not by deformation. This arrangement allows for compensation of the temperature influence measurement.

[0062] As mentioned above, several variations in the anchoring of the sensor 13 on the armature 11 are possible depending on the integration objectives. Thus, as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned metal claws, the connection between the metal armature 11 of the belt 1 and the sensor 31 can be achieved by: a. by a network of wire-locking cavities 1314 as illustrated in [Fig.9A], by riveting 1315 as illustrated in [Fig.9B] or by screwing.

[0063] Still according to the integration objectives, with regard to the mechanical transmission: a. The flexible metal profile 131 can be replaced by another flexible material, and / or b. The flexible metal profile 131 can be based on a material that allows for the direct acquisition of electrical information as a function of mechanical stress.

[0064] Also depending on the integration objectives, with regard to the type of transducer 132, it may be: a. a dual gauge (front and back) for temperature compensation and improved accuracy, and / or b. a direct impression of the strain gauge onto the metal blade, and / or c. the addition of a layer of piezoelectric material on the faces of the metal blade 1311, and / or d. the presence of a single strain gauge and a thermal sensor (thermistor) for measurement correction.

[0065] Advantageously, the present invention is applicable to all mechanical applications involving torque transmission by belt, such as: a. vehicles, b. industrial machinery, and c. the conveyors.

[0066] It should be noted that the voltage sensor 13 and its housing have dimensions on the order of cm3. A voltage sensor 13 has, for example, the following dimensions: 15 mm x 8 mm x 6 mm.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Torque transmission belt (1) comprising: • A tension armature (11) and • a contact volume (12) intended to be in contact with a drive pulley (2) and at least one driven pulley (3), and • at least one sensor (13) integrated in the transmission belt (1), characterized in that said at least one sensor (13) is a tension sensor comprising a profile (131), preferably metallic, anchored on the tension armature (11), included at least in part in the contact volume (12) and configured to deform under the action of the longitudinal forces (100) applied to the transmission belt (1) in operation, so as to measure the longitudinal tensions in the transmission belt (1).

2. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tension sensor (13) further comprises at least one transducer (132) configured to convert the deformation of the profile (131) into an electrical signal.

3. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (131) comprises a plate (1311), preferably made of steel, having shape memory properties and sufficiently flexible to deform under the action of longitudinal forces (100) applied to the transmission belt (1) in operation.

4. Transmission belt (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein said at least one transducer (132) is disposed on one of the faces, preferably on each face, of the steel plate (1311).

5. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (131) has a U-shaped longitudinal section whose tabs are curved inwards.

6. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the profile (131) is integrated longitudinally into the transmission belt (1).

7. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (131) is characterized at least by a nominal length D, a thickness e, and lugs of a height h.

8. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the e / 2h ratio is substantially between 1 / 50 and 1 / 150, and for example substantially equal to 1 / 100.

9. Transmission belt (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the useful dimensions D, e and h of the profile (131) are determined as a function of: • an amplitude of the longitudinal forces (100) to be measured, and / or • a maximum permissible deformation of the transmission belt (1), and / or • the elasticity of the rubber constituting the contact volume (12), and / or • the characteristics of at least one transducer (132), and / or • a minimum diameter of a pulley (2 and / or 3), and / or • the elasticity characteristics of the profile (131).

10. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring of the mechanical profile (131) on the tensile reinforcement (11) is achieved by means of curved portions (1312) of the profile (131).

11. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the anchorage (1310) of the mechanical profile (131) on the tensile reinforcement (11) comprises metal claws (1313) inserted into a web of wires of the tensile reinforcement (11).

12. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension sensor (13) is integrated into a housing (133) whose dimensions are related to the maximum deformation limits of the profile (131).

13. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (133) is based on a material resistant to temperature and abrasion stresses in the transmission belt (1).

14. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conditioning device (134) for the electrical signal from each transducer (132).

15. Transmission belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the conditioning device (134) comprises: • a Wheatstone bridge (1341) whose two branches are the transducers (132) placed on the deformable faces of the blade (1311) and / or a temperature gauge (1321) disposed on the protective housing (133), and • an analog-to-digital converter (1342).

16. Transmission belt (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, further comprising an antenna (135) for transmitting to an external receiver (4) the signal from the conditioning device (134).

17. Machine (0) comprising a drive pulley (2), at least one driven pulley (3) and one or more torque transmission belts (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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