Force detection device that outputs a signal

Abstract

To provide a force sensing device to output a signal containing information usable for determining a magnitude and a direction of a force acting on a coupling.SOLUTION: The coupling has a hook (4) and a linking element (5) linking the hook (4) to a connection flange (3). The linking element (5) is linked to the hook (4) and the connection flange (3) by at least two pins. Each pin comprises a torque sensor (19, 20). The linking element (5) is arranged at an angle (31) with respect to the hook (4) such that, independently of an angle of a slope (26) between an imaginary horizontal plane (30) and a longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3), the linking element does not reach a position in which the two pins are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction (14) relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a force detection device according to the features of claim 1 . [Background technology]

[0002] EP2650149A1 discloses a ball and socket for a vehicle tow hook. The ball and socket includes a ball portion and a socket portion. After the tow hook is assembled to the vehicle, it can be moved between a towing position and a retracted position. The socket portion of the ball and socket is configured to allow the ball portion to rotate at least 120 degrees about a first rotation axis and at least 80 degrees about a second rotation axis relative to the towing position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] EP2650149A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Known force-sensing devices that output a signal are often based on measuring the shear force of a contact pin or plug. In the following, the invention will refer to the term pin.

[0005] If a force, also known as a tensile force, acts along the tensile direction of the vehicle coupling, there is a risk that the pin housing the sensor will deform and / or bend.

[0006] The signal value obtained by the sensor can also be distorted by friction that occurs between the pin and the bearing bushing that houses it.

[0007] In known detection devices, a tensile force acting on the coupling can be transformed into a force acting axially on the pin, rather than acting on the pin as a shear force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The horizontal force acts on the hook, preferably on the tow ball of the hook. The horizontal force is sometimes called F-tow.

[0009] Alternatively, a horizontal force acts on the hook along with a vertical force, sometimes called the F-tongue.

[0010] Both the vertical force itself and the combination of vertical and horizontal forces are transferred from the hook to the connecting flange via the connecting element.

[0011] The coupling element is connected to the hook and the connection flange, respectively, by at least one pin.

[0012] Each pin is equipped with a torque sensor that determines the force acting on the corresponding pin in terms of the horizontal force (F-tow).

[0013] Alternatively, a torque sensor on each pin determines the force acting on the associated pin through the interaction of the vertical and horizontal forces acting on the hook, respectively.

[0014] To determine the force acting on the hook, the force is determined in turn by a number of torque sensors.

[0015] The difference between the measurements of each torque sensor is determined to determine the force acting on the hook.

[0016] To determine the force acting on the hook, the force acting is determined in sequence from a plurality of torque sensors.

[0017] The force acting on the hook is then determined from the difference between the sensor signal values ​​determined successively by the individual torque sensors.

[0018] When the towing vehicle with the hook attached is positioned on a surface that has an inclined angle with respect to the horizontal, the signal value determined by each torque sensor can be adjusted by the value of the inclination angle.

[0019] Alternatively, the difference between the signal values ​​determined successively by the torque sensor can be adjusted by the value of the tilt angle.

[0020] According to the invention, the coupling element is arranged at an angle to the hook, and if this angle is present, it does not matter whether the towing vehicle is on a level road or whether the towing vehicle is on a road that is inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0021] Regardless of the angle of inclination between the imaginary horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange, the connecting element will not reach a position where the two pins are arranged one above the other perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange.

[0022] These problems are therefore solved by a force sensing device that outputs a signal containing information that can be used to determine the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the coupling.

[0023] The force sensing device provides a connection flange attached to a portion of the tow vehicle.

[0024] The present invention provides a coupling element for coupling the connecting flange to the hook.

[0025] At least one pin, also referred to as the first pin, connects the coupling element to the connection flange, and at least one pin, also referred to as the second pin, connects the coupling element to the hook.

[0026] Each pin is equipped with a respective torque measuring sensor for outputting a signal containing information that can be used to determine the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the coupling.

[0027] The hook may be any type of tow coupling device and therefore may be technically constructed in a variety of ways.

[0028] For the purposes of example, we will assume below that the hook has a tow ball. The coupling part of the trailer corresponds to the tow ball of the hook of the towing vehicle. We will also assume that the coupling part of the trailer rests on the tow ball of the towing vehicle.

[0029] <Connection flange> The term coupling as used in the present invention includes connecting flanges and connecting elements, and also includes hooks.

[0030] Also, the coupling is assumed to be attached to the towing vehicle. The coupling portion of the trailer corresponds to the tow ball of the towing vehicle. It goes without saying that both the tow vehicle or the trailer can have a tow ball.

[0031] The connecting flanges connected to the vehicle are connected by means of connecting elements with hooks.

[0032] In accordance with the above assumptions, the connecting flange of the coupling is attached to the axle of the towing vehicle. It goes without saying that the coupling may also be attached to other components of the towing vehicle.

[0033] When the vehicle is moving, the tractive force of the vehicle is transmitted to the coupling portion of the trailer by the hook of the coupling.

[0034] The tensile force is further transmitted from the connecting flange via the coupling element to the hook.

[0035] Linking elements are discussed in more detail below.

[0036] Preferably, the connection flange is a steel pipe. The steel pipe may be hollow. The steel pipe may be solid. The above examples are merely examples and are not meant to be comprehensive.

[0037] For additional reinforcement, the connecting flange may have struts connecting it to the axle to which it is attached.

[0038] <Connected elements> The connecting element is arranged to connect the connecting flange to the hook of the coupling.

[0039] The coupling element holds the connecting flange and the hook in place relative to each other.

[0040] The distance of the connecting flange to the hook can be determined by the length of the connecting element.

[0041] The offset of the connection flange relative to the hook, relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange, can be determined by the angle at which the coupling element is disposed relative to a vertical line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange.

[0042] The predetermined position of the connecting flange relative to the hook is maintained during braking as well as acceleration.

[0043] The connecting element has at least two openings to maintain the relative position of the connecting element relative to the connection flange and to maintain the relative position of the connecting element relative to the hook.

[0044] A first pin is passed through aligned openings in the connecting element and the connecting flange to fix the position of the connecting flange relative to the connecting element.

[0045] A second pin is passed through aligned openings in the connecting element and the hook to fix the position of the hook relative to the connecting element.

[0046] The first pin and the second pin each include a torque sensor, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0047] <hook> The hook of the tow vehicle is equipped with a tow ball.

[0048] The hook is also called a tow hitch, although the term hook will be used below.

[0049] The hook is provided with a towing ball at its front end opposite the coupling element.

[0050] At the rear end of the hook opposite the tow ball, the hook is connected to a coupling element.

[0051] The coupling portion of the trailer that corresponds to the tow ball of the tow vehicle rests on the tow ball of the hook of the tow vehicle.

[0052] The tow ball can have a spherical or hemispherical shape, although of course the tow ball can have other geometric shapes.

[0053] The tow ball of the hook allows the towed trailer to swivel and articulate.

[0054] When the vehicle is stationary, a vertical force acts on the tow ball of the hook. Generally speaking, the present invention assumes that the vertical force acting on the tow ball corresponds to approximately 5% to 15% of the trailer weight, but this is highly dependent on how the trailer is loaded.

[0055] In the forward movement, the towing ball of the hook is subjected to a further pulling force, which, according to the invention, is used to generate motion between the towing vehicle (car) and the tangential surface (road) when towing a trailer.

[0056] Hook tow balls come in a variety of sizes.

[0057] The size of the tow ball depends on the load that the hook of the coupling is to carry.

[0058] The hook of the vehicle coupling can be used to tow the vehicle by ground, boat, and / or aircraft.

[0059] For simplicity, in the following the term hook will be used in connection with the coupling of a vehicle on land.

[0060] <Pin> The first pin connects the coupling element to the connection flange.

[0061] A second pin connects the linking element to the hook.

[0062] The first pin and / or the second pin each include a torque measuring sensor.

[0063] A first pin is passed through aligned openings in the connecting element and the connecting flange to fix the position of the connecting flange relative to the connecting element.

[0064] A second pin is passed through aligned openings in the connecting element and the hook to fix the position of the hook relative to the connecting element.

[0065] Both the first pin and the second pin are provided with respective torque sensors for outputting signals representative of the magnitude and direction of at least one force acting on the vehicle coupling.

[0066] When a force acts on the hooks of the coupling, a torque is applied to each pin, and therefore the torque acting on the pins reflects the force acting on the hooks.

[0067] The force reflected by the first pin and / or the second pin may be a force acting horizontally on the hook.

[0068] The force acting perpendicular to the hook (F-tongue) is due to the fact that the connection of the trailer coupling rests on the hook of the towing vehicle.

[0069] The force reflected by the first pin and / or the second pin (F-tow) may also be a tensile force acting on the hook along the longitudinal axis of the connection flange.

[0070] Thus, the force acting on the first pin and / or the second pin also reflects the pulling force acting on the hook when the trailer is towed on the road.

[0071] The force acting on the first pin and / or the second pin may also reflect a force acting at an angle on the hook.

[0072] Thus, the force acting on the first pin and / or second pin at an angle reflects the pulling force acting on the hook as the trailer is pulled along the slope of the road.

[0073] The distance between the first pin and the second pin in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connection flange is a preset value.

[0074] The distance between the first pin and the second pin extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange is a preset value.

[0075] <Torque sensor> A torque sensor measures the reaction force generated by an object generating a torque.

[0076] In the present invention, each torque sensor measures the torque applied to a pin.

[0077] When a normal force (F-tongue) acts on the hook of the coupling, a torque is applied to the pin.

[0078] Thus, the torque acting on the pin reflects the force acting on the hook.

[0079] In other words, the force acting on the first pin and / or the second pin reflects the force acting perpendicularly to the hook when the trailer coupling connection rests on the towing vehicle hook.

[0080] When a tensile force (F-tow) acts on the hook of the coupling and acts along the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange, a further torque is applied to the pin.

[0081] Thus, the force acting on the first pin and / or the second pin also reflects the tractive force acting on the hook when the trailer is pulled.

[0082] The forces acting on the first and / or second pins also reflect the forces acting on the hook at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange when the trailer coupling connection rests on the towing vehicle hook, which may occur when the towing vehicle is positioned on a surface at an angle relative to the horizontal.

[0083] According to the invention, the torque sensor is arranged on the pin.

[0084] <Gyrometer>

[0085] In the present invention, the term gyrometer refers to an instrument used to measure the angle of inclination of the surface on which the vehicle is positioned relative to the horizon.

[0086] The gyrometer provides a value for the angle of inclination of the surface on which the vehicle is positioned, preferably the road, relative to the horizon.

[0087] When the vehicle is located on rough terrain, the signal value of each torque sensor is adjusted according to the value of the slope angle of the respective surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0088] Further examples and advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a stationary vehicle with a coupling element connecting the connection flange to the hook and a load force (F-tongue) applied to the hook. [Figure 2] This shows a similar schematic diagram to Figure 1, except that a tensile force (F-tow) is also applied to the hook. [Figure 3] It shows a similar schematic diagram to that of Figure 1, with the difference that both the towing vehicle and the trailer (not shown) are located on an uphill road. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle coupling 1 mounted on a towing vehicle 2 .

[0090] The vehicle coupling 1 comprises a connecting flange 3 and a hook 4 .

[0091] A connecting element 5 is provided for connecting the connection flange 3 of the vehicle coupling 1 to the hook 4 .

[0092] The connecting element 5 provides a first opening 6 and a second opening 7 .

[0093] In FIG. 1, the connecting flange 3 provides an opening 8 .

[0094] The hook 4 has an opening with reference number 9 .

[0095] The coupling element 5 positions the connection flange 3 in position relative to the hook 4 .

[0096] To do this, the second opening 7 of the connecting element 5 is aligned with the opening 8 of the connection flange 3 .

[0097] At the same time, the first opening 6 of the connecting element 5 is aligned with the opening 9 of the hook 4 .

[0098] A first pin 10 passes through the second opening 7 of the connecting element 5 and the opening 8 of the connecting flange 3 in order to fix the connecting element 5 in a stable position relative to the connecting flange 3 .

[0099] A second pin 11 passes through the first opening 6 of the connecting element 5 and the opening 9 of the hook 4 to fix the connecting element 5 in a stable position relative to the hook 4 .

[0100] In FIG. 1, the connection flange 3 extends substantially parallel to the hook 4 along a longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 .

[0101] The traction ball 13 is located at the end of the hook 4 opposite the connecting element 5 .

[0102] With respect to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3, the connecting element 5 extends at an acute angle 15 to the vertical direction 14.

[0103] The distance between the first pin 10 and the second pin 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 has the reference sign 16 .

[0104] The distance between the first pin 10 and the second pin 11 in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 is referenced by the reference number 17 .

[0105] When a force 18 (F-tongue) is applied to the tow ball 13, a torque 21 (T1) acts on the first pin 10.

[0106] The torque 21 (T1) applied to the first pin 10 is sensed by the torque sensor 19. The torque 21 (T1) is then emitted by the torque sensor 19 as a signal 23.

[0107] When a force 18 (F-tongue) is applied to the tow ball 13, a torque 22 (T2) acts on the second pin 11.

[0108] The torque 22 (T2) applied to the second pin 11 is detected by the torque sensor 20.

[0109] The torque 22 (T2) is then transmitted as a signal 24 by the torque sensor 20.

[0110] <Example: Calculation of torque 21 (T1) and torque 22 (T2) at a speed of 0 km / h>

[0111] If the horizontal speed is 0 km / h the following applies: T2=F tongue ×(distance 25) T1=F tongue ×(Distance 25 + Distance 16) F tongue =(T1-T2) / x2 Distance 25=T27((T1-T2) / Distance 16)

[0112] Since the distance 16 is known, the distance 25 and the torque (F-tongue) can be determined.

[0113] 1, T2 represents the torque 22 (T2) detected by the torque sensor 20. A force 18 representing the F-tongue is applied perpendicularly to the tow ball 13 at a horizontal speed of the tow vehicle 2 of 0 km / h.

[0114] In Figure 1, T1 represents the torque 21 (T1) detected by the torque sensor 19 when the force 18 (F-tongue) is applied perpendicularly to the tow ball 13 at a vehicle horizontal speed of 0 km / h. tongue Represents.

[0115] In FIG. 1, the distance 25 represents the distance between the traction ball 13 and the second pin 11 of the hook 4 along the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 .

[0116] The sum is generated from distance 25 and distance 16. Distance 25 represents the distance between tow ball 13 and second pin 11 along longitudinal axis 12 of connecting flange 3. Distance 16 represents the distance between second pin 11 and first pin 10 along longitudinal axis 12 of connecting flange 3.

[0117] FIG. 2 shows a similar schematic diagram to FIG. 1, with the difference that a tensile force 27 (F-tow) is additionally applied to the hook 4.

[0118] In Figure 2, the force load (F tongue ) acts perpendicularly on the tow ball 13.

[0119] When the towing vehicle 2 tows a trailer (not shown) horizontally at a speed above 0 km / h, a pulling force 27 (F-tow) acts on the towing ball 13 along the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 3 .

[0120] <Example: Calculation of torque 21 (T1) and torque 22 (T2) at speeds above 0 km / h>

[0121] If the horizontal speed is greater than 0 km / h the following applies: T2=F tongue (distance 25) F-tow (distance 28) T1=F tongue (Distance 25 + Distance 16)-F tow (Distance 17 + Distance 28)

[0122] Since the distance 17 is known, the product of the tensile force 27 (F-tow) and the distance 28 can be determined by equation T2.

[0123] The tensile force 27 (F-tow) can be determined by equation T1. T1=F tongue (Distance 25 + Distance 16) F-tow (Distance 17 + Distance 28) T2=F tongue (Distance 25)-F tow (distance 28)

[0124] 2, T2 represents torque 22 (T2) sensed by torque sensor 20. Force 18 (F-tongue) representing F-tongue is applied perpendicularly to tow ball 13 at horizontal speeds of tow vehicle 2 above 0 km / h.

[0125] The torque 22 (T2) in FIG. 2 also corresponds to a pulling force (F) acting along the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 3 in a direction pulling the coupling of the towing vehicle 2. tow ) represents the force 27 (F-tow).

[0126] In FIG. 2, torque 21 (T1) is sensed by torque sensor 19 when force 18 (F-tongue) is applied perpendicularly to tow ball 13 at a horizontal vehicle speed greater than 0 km / h.

[0127] T1 in FIG. 2 also represents the tensile force (F tow ) represents the force 27 (F-tow).

[0128] Here, the distance 25 represents the distance between the traction ball 13 of the hook 4 and the second pin 11 along the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 .

[0129] Distance 28 represents the radial distance between the center 29 of the traction ball 13 and the second pin 11 relative to the longitudinal axis 12 .

[0130] Here, the sum is generated from distance 25 and distance 16, where distance 25 represents the distance between tow ball 13 and second pin 11 along the longitudinal axis 12 of connecting flange 3. Distance 16 represents the distance between second pin 11 and first pin 10 along the longitudinal axis 12 of connecting flange 3.

[0131] The sum is also generated from distance 17 and distance 28. Distance 17 represents the distance between first pin 10 and second pin 11 in the radial direction relative to longitudinal axis 12 of connection flange 3. Distance 28 represents the distance between center 29 of tow ball 13 and second pin 11 in the radial direction relative to longitudinal axis 12.

[0132] The schematic diagram in FIG. 3 is basically the same as the diagram in FIG.

[0133] In contrast to Figure 2, the schematic diagram of Figure 3 shows the towing vehicle 2 positioned along the slope of the road.

[0134] In FIG. 3, the slope of the road is indicated by the angle of inclination 26 between an imaginary horizontal plane 30 and the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 3 .

[0135] In FIG. 3 , the torque 22 (T2) detected by the torque sensor 20 is the sum of the force 18 (F-tongue) applied perpendicular to the tow ball 13 and the tensile force 27 (F tow ) represents both the force 27 and

[0136] 3, the torque 21 (T1) detected by the torque sensor 19 is the sum of a force 18 (F-tongue) applied perpendicular to the towing ball 13 and a tensile force 27 (F tow ) and force 27 (F-tow).

[0137] In FIG. 3, both torque 21 (T1) and torque 22 (T2) are seen from a stationary position of the towing vehicle 2 at a speed of 0 km / h.

[0138] The angle of the road slope 26 can be determined using a gyrometer (not shown).

[0139] In FIG. 3, both the distance 16 and the distance 17 can be read off from the structure and / or design of the vehicle coupling 1 .

[0140] In FIG. 3, the distance 16 represents the distance between the first pin 10 and the second pin 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 .

[0141] The distance 17 represents the distance between the first pin 10 and the second pin 11 in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 3 .

[0142] Due to the angle of the road slope 26, in Figure 3, a force 18 (F-tongue) acts perpendicularly on the towing ball 13 of the vehicle coupling 1. This is because the force of the connection of the trailer coupling (not shown) acts perpendicularly on the hook 4 of the towing vehicle 2.

[0143] Due to the angle of the road slope 26, in FIG. 3 the connecting element 5 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1 Vehicle Coupling 2 Towing vehicle 3 Connection flange 4 Hooks 5 Connected Components 6 First opening 7 Second opening 8 Openings 9 Openings 10 First Pin 11 Second pin 12 Longitudinal axis 13 Tow Ball 14 Vertical 15 acute angle 16 distance 17 distance 18 power 19 Torque sensor 20 Torque sensor 21 Torque (T1) 22 Torque (T2) 23 Signal 24 signals 25 distance 26 Road inclination angle 27 Tensile force 28 distance 29 center 30 horizontal plane 31 angle

Claims

1. a force sensing device that outputs a signal containing information that can be used to determine the magnitude and direction of a force acting on the coupling, The coupling is Hook (4), a connecting element (5) for connecting the hook (4) to the connecting flange (3), A force detection device, wherein the connecting element (5) is connected to the hook (4) and the connecting flange (3) by at least two pins (10, 11), The pins (10, 11) are each equipped with a torque sensor (19, 20); the connecting element (5) is arranged at an angle (31) relative to the hook (4) so ​​that, regardless of the angle of inclination (26) between an imaginary horizontal plane (30) and the longitudinal axis (12) of the connecting flange (3), the two pins (10, 11) do not reach a position where they are arranged one above the other in a perpendicular direction (14) relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the connecting flange (3); A force detection device characterized by:

2. 2. A force detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference between the individual signal values ​​of the respective torque sensors (19, 20) is generated.

3. 2. A force detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the torque sensors (19, 20) are connected in a row.

4. 2. A force detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (5) is arranged at an acute angle (15) to a vertical direction (14) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3).

5. 2. A force detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook (4) is provided with a traction ball (13).

6. 2. The force detection device according to claim 1, wherein the distance (16) between the first pin (10) and the second pin (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3) is a preset value.

7. 5. The force detection device according to claim 4, wherein the distance (17) between the first pin (10) and the second pin (11) in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3) is a preset value.

8. 2. A force detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that a gyrometer is arranged to determine the angle of inclination (26) between the longitudinal axis (12) of the connection flange (3) connected to a part of the vehicle and an imaginary horizontal plane (30).

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