Torque Sensor Device

Abstract

To provide a torque sensor device having a resistance system which allows for more precise control of resistance and meets the requirements of high-level equipment. [Solution] In the torque sensor device, a torque sensor 60 is installed on the support frame 20 of a resistance system 70, on the straight line between the axis 31 of the spinning 30 and the coil reluctance mechanism 40, and a resistance strain gauge installed thereon generates different resistance value changes based on the deformation amount of the strain block, and the resistance value changes are used as a magnetic force detection device, and the obtained magnetic force data is used to compensate and correct the output current, and based on this "closed loop system", the accuracy of the resistance system 70 controlling the magnitude of resistance is improved. Also, this invention has the effect of simplifying the overall structure by configuring the torque sensor 60 and the coil reluctance mechanism 40 that generates resistance (tension) within the same resistance system 70.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor device having a resistance system, and more particularly to a torque sensor device which uses the change in resistance value as a magnetic force detection device and uses the obtained magnetic force data for compensating and correcting the output current. [Background technology]

[0002] Controlling the amount of resistance (tension) has numerous applications, including resistance systems in fitness equipment, controlling resistance in medical rehabilitation equipment, and even controlling tension in commercial and industrial equipment.

[0003] 1A shows a conventional electromagnetic resistance system 10A that is widely used. It comprises a spinning wheel 11 suspended on a support frame 13 by its axis 12, and one or more coils 14 are installed on the side of the spinning wheel 11. The coil 14 generates a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it, and due to the magnetic permeability of the surface material of the spinning wheel 11, a magnetic circuit is formed between the iron core of the coil and the spinning wheel 11 when the coil 14 is energized. When the spinning wheel 11 rotates, the spinning wheel 11 generates a rotational resistance of the same magnitude in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation according to Lenz's law.

[0004] Fig. 1B shows a conventional self-powered resistance system 10B that is widely used. It has a structure similar to that of the above-mentioned electromagnetism resistance system 10A, but differs from Fig. 1A in that the coil 14 of the electromagnetism resistance system 10A in Fig. 1B requires an external power source. The self-powered resistance system has a generator 15 built into the spinning 11, which generates power as the spinning 11 rotates, supplying the necessary power to the coil 14 and generating resistance.

[0005] The two resistance (tension) systems 10A and 10B described above are both prior art of the mature product 2k7, so their principles and features will not be described in detail. This type of resistance (tension) system is disclosed in conventional patent documents, for example, in the following Patent Document 1, "Hybrid Generator with Built-in Eddy Current Magnetic Resistance", in the following Patent Document 2, "Self-powered Resistance Device for Fitness Equipment and Rehabilitation Equipment", and in the following Patent Document 3, "BRAKE DEVICE WITH A COMBINATION OF POWER-GENERATING AND EDDY-CURRENT MAGNETIC RESISTANCE". [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application No. 201204540 [Patent Document 2] Taiwan Registered Utility Model No. 420342 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 6,084,325

[0007] The resistance (tension) system described above controls the magnitude of the generated magnetic force (current * number of coil turns = magnetic force) by controlling the magnitude of the current input to the coil 14. That is, the magnitude of the resistance or tension. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, as shown in Fig. 1C, it is difficult to meet the requirement of precision in controlling the magnetic force (i.e., resistance or tension) in the absence of feedback from a measurement sensor. In a general control method, when a resistance system is completed, the resistance curve of the device is first measured, and the middle part includes parameters such as current, rotation speed, and power, and a power comparison table (Power Table) is formed. When it is necessary to control the resistance, the current rotation speed of the equipment is first detected, and the current required for the rotation speed corresponding to the required resistance (tension) is inquired, and the corresponding resistance (tension) generated by the resistance (tension) system 10A or 10B is controlled by controlling the current.

[0009] Therefore, this can be considered an "Open Loop System" in that there is no feedback and compensation is used to correct the results. Also, in the process of generating resistance in the resistance system 10A or 10B, numerous factors such as the length of operation, the temperature of the spinning, the temperature of the coil, the size of the gap between the spinning and the iron core, etc., affect the magnitude of the magnetic force. These factors affect the magnitude of the magnetic field lines, the magnitude of the magnetic resistance, the magnitude of the coil resistance, etc., all of which lead to large deviations in the final resistance formed and the required data.

[0010] In order to improve such deviation, an effective method is to change the above-mentioned flow chart into a "close loop system" with a feedback device, and the feedback is directly the feedback of the magnitude of the magnetic force. This closed loop system sends feedback to the control system according to the measured magnetic force, compares it with the set magnetic force, and if there is a deviation, adjusts the magnitude of the supplied current according to the set requirement.

[0011] Therefore, the inventor believed that the above-mentioned shortcomings could be improved, and after extensive research, he came up with the present invention, which effectively improves the above-mentioned problems through rational design.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to solve the above problems as an example of an objective of the present invention. That is, a first objective of the present invention is to provide a torque sensor device with a resistance system that improves the accuracy with which the resistance system controls the magnitude of resistance, thereby making the resistance control more precise and achieving the effect of meeting the requirements of high-level equipment.

[0013] A second object of the present invention is to provide a torque sensor device having a resistance system with a precise resistance (tension) control method, in which a torque sensor and a resistance (tension) generator are configured in the same mechanism, thus further simplifying the overall structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is to a support frame having a left plate body and a right plate body, which are combined together by a plurality of positioning rods, and in which shaft holes are provided at opposing positions of the left plate body and the right plate body; A spinning having an axis, the axis being pivotally mounted in the axis hole by two left and right bearings and a bearing holder, and the spinning being rotated on the support frame; a coil reluctance mechanism disposed on a side of the outer periphery of the spinning and used to provide a magnetic force to the spinning, the magnetic force being directly proportional to an applied current; The bearing holder has a first annular body, an annular groove for positioning is provided on an outer peripheral edge of the first annular body, and a second annular body having a larger outer diameter is provided on an inner surface of the first annular body, the shaft holes of the left plate body and the right plate body are non-circular and are formed as elliptical holes having long slots, the first annular body of the bearing holder is fitted in the shaft holes from the inside to the outside, the inside is the positioning surface of the second annular body, and the outside is fitted in the annular groove by a positioning member, so that the bearing holder is not physically connected to the shaft hole, and the bearing holder is installed in the shaft hole in a floating form; The torque sensor device is a strain block, which is mounted in the long slot at the side of the shaft hole and must be aligned with the spinning shaft and the center of the coil reluctance mechanism; an upper end of the strain block is extended inward to form a lateral protruding plate, the upper surface of the protruding plate is arranged to contact the second annular body of the bearing holder, and a resistance strain gauge and its connection line are arranged on the bottom edge surface of the opposite side of the protruding plate, the resistance strain gauge being a torque sensor that generates different resistance changes according to the deformation amount of the strain block; and a control circuit for receiving the change in resistance of the torque sensor, calculating the change in resistance received, and adjusting the magnitude of the applied force by comparing the difference between the required resistance and the actual resistance to match the required resistance with the actual resistance. Effect of the Invention

[0015] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following advantages. First, the present invention is applied to a torque sensor installed in the line between the spinning axis and the coil reluctance mechanism, and detects the change in resistance value as a magnetic force detection device. The obtained magnetic force data is used to compensate and correct the output current, thereby improving the accuracy of the resistance system to control the resistance magnitude, making the resistance control more precise, and achieving the effect of meeting the requirements of high-level equipment. Secondly, the present invention has the effect of configuring the torque sensor and the coil reluctance mechanism for generating resistance (tension) within the same resistance system mechanism, which further simplifies the overall structure.

[0016] Other objects, configurations and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional electromagnetic resistance system. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional self-power generation resistance system. [Figure 1C] 1 is a flow chart illustrating resistance control of a conventional open loop system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a torque sensor device having a resistance system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a right plate member of a support frame of a torque sensor apparatus equipped with a resistance system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4A] 1 is a perspective view showing a torque sensor device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the torque sensor device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from another angle. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a right-side combination of a torque sensor device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the left combination of the torque sensor device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a bearing holder and a torque sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a combination diagram of a bearing holder and a torque sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7A] 1 is a side view of a torque sensor device having a resistance system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8]4 is a flow chart illustrating the resistance control of the closed loop system of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a torque sensor device having a resistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention in use; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a torque sensor device having a resistance system according to another embodiment of the present invention in use; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0019] First, a specific embodiment of a torque sensor device having a resistance system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG.

[0020] Whether the resistance system of the present invention is an "electromagnetic system" or a "self-powered system," the two types of resistance systems have different methods of obtaining current (one uses an external power source and the other uses self-powered), but the structural part of the strain gauge that performs magnetic feedback is basically the same, so in the following examples, only the structure of the electromagnetic resistance system will be described.

[0021] The resistance system 70 according to the present invention includes a support frame 20 having a left plate body 20L and a right plate body 20R, which are combined together by a plurality of positioning rods 24, and an axle hole 21 is provided at the opposing positions of the left plate body 20L and the right plate body 20R, and a spinning wheel 30 having an axle 31 and pivoted to the axle hole 21 by two left and right bearings 32 and a bearing holder 50, which rotates the spinning wheel 30 on the support frame 20. In this embodiment, one side end of the axle 31 of the spinning wheel 30 is locked in position by a first nut 33 and a first screw 34, and the other side end is covered with a pulley 35, which is locked in position by a second nut 36 and a second screw 37. The coil reluctance mechanism 40 is installed on the side of the outer periphery of the spinning wheel 30 and is used to provide a magnetic force to the spinning wheel 30, and the magnetic force is directly proportional to the applied current. In this embodiment, the coil reluctance mechanism 40 is composed of an iron core 41 and a coil 42 wound thereon. However, since the above-mentioned structure belongs to the prior art and is not the subject of the present invention, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0022] The main feature of the present invention is that the bearing holder 50 has a first annular body 51, the outer periphery of which is provided with an annular positioning groove 511, and the inner surface of the first annular body 51 is provided with a second annular body 52 having a larger outer diameter. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second annular body 52 needs to be larger than that of the shaft hole 21.

[0023] The shaft holes 21 of the left plate body 20L and the right plate body 20R are non-circular and are provided as elliptical holes having long slots 23, and the first annular body 51 of the bearing holder 50 is fitted in the shaft hole 21 from the inside to the outside, with the second annular body 52 serving as a positioning surface on the inside and the annular groove 511 on the outside being fitted in the bearing holder 50 by the positioning member 53. In this manner, the bearing holder 50 is not physically connected to the shaft hole 21, and the bearing holder 50 is installed in the shaft hole 21 in a floating form. In this embodiment, the positioning member 53 is used to fit in the annular groove 511 and includes a circlip or a positioning ring that positions the bearing holder 50 in the shaft hole 21.

[0024] 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the right plate body 20R of the support frame 20 of the torque sensor device with the resistance system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, when the first annular body 51 of the bearing holder 50 is fitted into the shaft hole 21, an active gap 22 is formed between the shaft hole 21 and the long slot 23 to displace the bearing holder 50 toward the strain block 61. The dashed line A shows a perfect circle, which is the position of the first annular body 51. However, the shaft hole 21 of the present invention is not a perfect circle, and the shape of the active gap 22 is reserved at the B position, which provides a moving position for the bearing holder 50 when the working pressure (P) changes, and the movement can be adjusted according to the pressure change when the working pressure (P) changes (see FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B).

[0025] The torque sensor 60 (see Figures 4A and 4B) is mounted in the long slot 23 on the side of the shaft hole 21 (see Figures 7A and 7B) and has a strain block 61 located on the same straight line (XX axis) as the shaft 31 of the spinning 30 and the center of the coil reluctance mechanism 40. The upper end of the strain block 61 is extended inward to form a lateral protruding plate 62, and the upper surface 621 of the protruding plate is arranged to contact the second annular body 52 of the bearing holder 50. A resistance strain gauge 63 and its connection line 64 are provided on the bottom edge surface 622 on the opposite side of the protruding plate 62, and the resistance strain gauge 63 generates a different change in resistance value depending on the deformation amount of the strain block 61.

[0026] In this embodiment, the torque sensor 60 is locked to the left plate body 20L and the right plate body 20R by a third screw 65. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the extending side of the protruding plate 62 at the upper end of the strain block 61 is a free end without any fixed object and has elasticity to deform. The protruding plate 62 has a warped shape and is abutted against the outer periphery of the second annular body 52 so as to come into contact with it, and is subjected to the acting pressure (P).

[0027] In this embodiment, the more the current of the coil reluctance mechanism 40, the stronger the magnetic force, and the less the current, the weaker the magnetic force. The magnetic force generated by the coil reluctance mechanism 40 forms a magnetic circuit with the spinning 30 having a magnetically permeable material, and attracts the spinning 30. When the spinning 30 is subjected to the magnetic force, since the spinning 30 is fixed to the support frame 20 so as to float, it is pushed toward the coil reluctance mechanism 40, and the strain block 61 is deformed by the pressure, and the resistance strain gauge 63 generates a change in resistance. The stronger the magnetic force that the spinning 30 receives, the greater the deformation of the strain block 61. Conversely, the weaker the magnetic force that the spinning 30 receives, the weaker the pressure that the strain block 61 receives, and the smaller the deformation.

[0028] The control circuit 80 receives the change in resistance of the torque sensor 60, calculates the change in resistance it receives, and adjusts the magnitude of the applied force by comparing the difference between the required resistance and the actual resistance to match the required resistance with the actual resistance.

[0029] 8 is a flow chart showing the resistance control of the closed loop system of the present invention, which includes the following steps: S1: Enter the required resistance (tension). S2: Compare the required resistance with the actual resistance. S3: The required current is calculated, and the control circuit 80 adjusts 82 the required current based on the change 81 in the resistance value, and the coil reluctance mechanism 40 changes the magnetic force. S4: Generates the corresponding resistance. S5: Measure the actual resistance, then go back to S2 and compare the required resistance with the actual resistance. The above-mentioned "closed loop system" needs to be formed because the results are corrected by compensation through feedback. The technical means of the present invention utilizes the torque sensor 60, the change in resistance value is used as a magnetic force detection device, and the obtained magnetic force data is used to compensate and correct the output current, thereby minimizing many of the influences on the above-mentioned resistance (tension).

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic reference diagram showing the use of a torque sensor device with a resistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the application of the resistance system 70 to a fitness and rehabilitation equipment 90. A pulley 35 is connected to the fitness and rehabilitation equipment 90, and a control circuit 80 is installed inside the dashboard. In fitness equipment and medical rehabilitation equipment, since it is a high-level fitness equipment, especially training fitness equipment for professional training, there are strict requirements for the accuracy of training data. Trainers must formulate and execute detailed training plans, obtain accurate training performance feedback, and use it as a basis for verifying results and formulating retraining plans. Therefore, it is important to obtain and execute accurate data. The resistance system 70 of the "closed loop system" according to the present invention is combined with a control circuit 80 to make the resistance control more precise, thereby achieving the effect of meeting the needs of high-level equipment.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic reference diagram showing the use of a torque sensor device with a resistance system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 10, a resistance system 70 is applied to a tension device 100. A pulley 35 is connected to the tension device 100, and a control circuit 80 is installed around the tension device 100. For equipment that requires strict control of tension, the resistance system 70 of the "closed loop system" of the present invention is combined with the control circuit 80, has a feedback device for the change in resistance value 81, and can adjust the output current 82, forming a brake system that controls the closed loop, and more appropriately meets the control requirements. This embodiment can better achieve the required functional characteristics in such requirements.

[0032] The present invention has the following advantages through the above-mentioned technical means. First, this invention uses the torque sensor 60 installed in the line between the spinning shaft 31 and the coil reluctance mechanism 40, and detects the change in resistance value as the magnetic force, and the obtained magnetic force data is used to compensate and correct the output current. The control precision of the resistance magnitude of the resistance system 70 is improved, and the resistance control is more precise, which meets the demands of high-level equipment. Second, the present invention has the effect of further simplifying the overall structure by configuring the torque sensor 60 and the coil reluctance mechanism 40 that generates resistance (tension) within the same resistance system 70.

[0033] The above embodiment is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 20 Support frame 20L Left plate body 20R Right plate body 21 Shaft hole 22 Activity Gap 23 Long Slot 24 Positioning rod 30 Spinning 31 Axis 32 Bearing 33 First Nut 34 First screw 35 Pulley 36 Second Nut 37 Second screw 40 Coil reluctance mechanism 41 Iron Core 42 Coil 50 Bearing holder 51 First Circular Body 511 Circular groove 52 Second ring body 60 Torque Sensor 61 Strain Block 62 Projection plate 63 Resistance strain gauge 64 connecting lines 65 Third screw 70 Resistance System 80 Control circuit 90 Fitness and Rehabilitation Equipment 100 Tension device (P) Working pressure

Claims

1. a support frame having a left plate body and a right plate body, which are combined together by a plurality of positioning rods, and in which shaft holes are provided at opposing positions of the left plate body and the right plate body; a spinning shaft having an axis, pivoted in the axis hole by two left and right bearings and a bearing holder, and rotating on the support frame; a coil reluctance mechanism disposed on a side of the outer periphery of the spinning and used to provide a magnetic force to the spinning, the magnetic force being directly proportional to an applied current; The bearing holder has a first annular body, an annular groove for positioning is provided on an outer peripheral edge of the first annular body, and a second annular body having a larger outer diameter is provided on an inner surface of the first annular body, The shaft holes of the left plate body and the right plate body are non-circular and are formed as elliptical holes having long slots, and the first annular body of the bearing holder is fitted in the shaft holes from the inside to the outside, the inside is positioned by the second annular body, and the outside is fitted in the annular groove by a positioning member, so that the bearing holder is not physically connected to the shaft hole and the bearing holder is installed in the shaft hole in a floating form; The torque sensor device is a torque sensor including a strain block, which is mounted in the long slot at the side of the shaft hole and must be aligned with the spinning axis and the center of the coil reluctance mechanism; an upper end of the strain block is extended inward to form a lateral protruding plate, the upper surface of the protruding plate is arranged to contact the second annular body of the bearing holder, and a resistance strain gauge and a connecting line are arranged on the bottom edge surface of the opposite side of the protruding plate, the resistance strain gauge is a torque sensor that generates different resistance changes according to the deformation amount of the strain block; and a control circuit for receiving the change in the resistance value of the torque sensor, calculating the change in the received resistance, and adjusting the magnitude of the applied force by comparing the difference between the required resistance and the actual resistance, thereby matching the required resistance with the actual resistance.

2. 2. The torque sensor device according to claim 1, wherein when the first annular body of the bearing holder is fitted into the axial hole, an active gap is formed between the axial hole and the long slot for displacing the bearing holder toward the strain block.

3. 3. The torque sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the extending side of the protruding plate at the upper end of the strain block is a free end without any fixed object and has elasticity for deformation.

4. 2. The torque sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning member is a circlip or a positioning ring, which is used to cover the annular groove and position the bearing holder in the shaft hole.

5. 2. The torque sensor device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the spinning shaft is locked in position by a first nut and a first screw, and the other end of the spinning shaft has a pulley attached thereto and is locked in position by a second nut and a second screw.

6. 2. The torque sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the torque sensor is locked to the left plate body and the right plate by a third screw.

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