Torque sensor and automobile testing device using the same

Abstract

To provide a torque sensor which can be prevented from being broken and in which the shapes and installation places of an electric power receiving coil and an electric power transmitting coil are not limited, and an automobile testing device using the torque sensor.SOLUTION: The torque sensor comprises: a torque sensor main body 102 with a strain gauge 101 for torque measurement; a shaft connection portion 103 which is provided in one side surface of the torque sensor main body 102; a fitting flange 104 which is provided on the side opposite to the shaft connection portion 103; and an electric power receiving coil 105 which is provided in the fitting flange 104 and feeds electric power to the strain gauge 101 for torque measurement. The torque sensor further comprises: a flexible cable 108 connecting the strain gauge 101 for torque measurement and the electric power receiving coil 105 to each other; an electric power transmitting coil 106 which is arranged facing the electric power receiving coil 105 and supplies electric power to the electric power receiving coil 105 without contacting the electric power receiving coil 105; and a support member supporting the electric power transmitting coil 106 at a position facing the outer surface of the fitting flange 104.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor and an automobile testing device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, automotive testing equipment has been used in automotive research and development, design, quality control, etc. With recent technological advances, the automotive industry has seen advances in the performance and functionality of automobiles, and to keep up with this, improvements in the measurement accuracy of automotive testing equipment are also being demanded.

[0003] There are various types of automobile testing devices depending on the test content. One such device, as shown in Patent Document 1, measures the torque of an axle while absorbing the power transmitted to the axle with a braking device. In this type of automobile testing device, a mock wheel is attached to the axle of the automobile to be measured, and the mock wheel is connected to a dynamometer, which is a power absorption source installed outside the automobile, via a constant velocity joint or the like. Then, a load is applied to the axle by the dynamometer, and the torque acting on the automobile axle is measured.

[0004] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 of Patent Document 1, a device has also been proposed that measures torque without using a simulated wheel by connecting the axle to the output shaft of a dynamometer and supporting the connected part with a bearing.

[0005] In these testing devices, a section where strain is likely to occur (called a strain-generating section) is formed between the axle and the dynamometer, and strain gauges are placed in that section to form a resistance bridge circuit. When a rotational force is applied from the axle to the dynamometer, the magnitude of shear stress generated on the surface of the strain-generating section due to torque applied to the strain-generating section is detected by the strain gauges, and the change in output voltage of the resistance bridge circuit is converted into torque.

[0006] When detecting torque as described above, a problem arises with power supply to electronic components such as strain gauges and the circuits connected to them. Because these electronic components are mounted on the simulated wheel section and connecting member section that rotate with the axle, power must be supplied to operate each electronic component located on the rotating section. Therefore, in conventional technology, a coil-shaped receiving antenna is provided on the rotating electronic component side, and a transmitting antenna connected to an external power source is provided on the fixed section of the device, and power is supplied wirelessly between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. Furthermore, torque data obtained by the strain gauges and resistor bridge circuit using the wirelessly supplied power is transmitted to a receiver on the fixed side by a transmitter on the rotating side, and the power obtained by the receiving antenna is also used for this transmitter on the rotating side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6656904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Efficient wireless power transfer requires accurate positioning of the fixed-side power transmission coil and the rotating-side receiving coil. The efficiency of wireless power transfer depends on the tolerance for misalignment between the test piece, axle, and dynamometer output shaft, or between the simulated wheel and connecting member. Large misalignment makes accurate positioning of the power transmission coil difficult. For example, in the automobile testing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the simulated wheel and dynamometer mounting section are attached to the hub so as to cover the torque sensor. This misalignment, which occurs due to vehicle behavior during testing, can cause the relative positions of the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna to fluctuate, or the transmitting antenna can come into contact with a rotating component (e.g., a flange on which the receiving antenna is mounted), potentially damaging the transmitting antenna or torque sensor. Patent Document 1 uses a jack or other device to hold the vehicle body to prevent damage to the torque sensor, but this method does not allow for accurate measurement of the torque applied to the axle.

[0009] The present invention has been proposed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and aims to provide a torque sensor that can prevent damage to the torque sensor and that is not limited by the shapes and installation locations of the receiving coil and transmitting coil, and an automobile testing device using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The torque sensor and the automobile testing device using the torque sensor according to the present invention are characterized by the following configuration. (1) Torque sensor body equipped with a strain gauge for torque measurement. (2) A shaft connecting portion provided on one side surface of the torque sensor body. (3) A mounting flange provided on the surface opposite the shaft connecting portion. (4) A power receiving coil provided as part of the torque sensor for supplying power to the torque measuring strain gauge. (5) A power transmission unit that connects the torque measurement strain gauge and the power receiving coil. (6) A power transmitting coil arranged opposite the power receiving coil and supplying power to the power receiving coil without contact with the power receiving coil. (7) A support member that supports the power transmission coil at a position facing the outer surface of the mounting flange.

[0011] In the present invention, the following configurations (1) to (7) can also be adopted. (1) The power receiving coil directly supplies the power supplied from the power transmitting coil to the torque measuring strain gauge.

[0012] (2) A part of the torque sensor is provided with a power supply independent of the power receiving coil, and power from the power supply is supplied to the torque measuring strain gauge.

[0013] (3) A power supply connected to the power receiving coil is provided as part of the torque sensor, and the power supplied from the power receiving coil is supplied to the torque measuring strain gauge via the power supply.

[0014] (4) The power source is a secondary battery or a capacitor that is charged by the receiving coil.

[0015] (5) At least a portion of the power receiving coil is provided on an outer surface of the mounting flange, which is a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis direction.

[0016] (6) The power transmission coil receives power from a vehicle via wireless power supply.

[0017] (7) An electronic device including the torque measurement strain gauge provided in the torque sensor body is connected to a data collection and analysis device provided outside the torque sensor body via wireless communication, and the power for wireless communication of the torque sensor body is power supplied from the receiving coil and / or the power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, since the power transmitting coil is mounted on a support member that supports the power receiving coil at a fixed position away from the mounting flange, there are no limitations on the shapes or installation locations of the power receiving coil and the power transmitting coil. Furthermore, the number of steps required to assemble the power receiving coil and the power transmitting coil can be reduced. Furthermore, a torque sensor can be provided that can prevent damage to the torque sensor due to misalignment that occurs due to vehicle behavior during testing and accurately measure the torque output from the axle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the overall configuration of the first embodiment in use, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the torque sensor of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] 1(a) and 1(b) show an automobile testing device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the testing device 200) that uses the torque sensor 100. The testing device 200 includes the torque sensor 100, an axle 2 of an automobile 1 to be tested, a dynamometer 3 that applies a rotational force to the axle 2, an output shaft 4 of the dynamometer 3, and a bearing 5.

[0021] In FIG. 1(b), the testing device 200 is provided on the front wheel of the automobile 1, but it may be provided on all wheels or on any wheel to be measured depending on the purpose of the test. The bearing 5 rotatably supports the axle 2 and may be a mock wheel that simulates an actual wheel, or may be in an intermediate bearing state without an actual tire mounted thereon. The bearing 5 in this embodiment is in an intermediate bearing state, and uses a bearing support 6 that is a substantially L-shaped member mounted on a stand.

[0022] 2 and 3, the torque sensor 100 includes a torque sensor main body 102 equipped with a torque measurement strain gauge 101, a shaft connecting portion 103, a mounting flange 104, a power receiving coil 105, a power transmitting coil 106, and a flexible cable 108. The torque sensor main body 102 is disk-shaped and includes electronic devices and circuits such as a torque detection portion (not shown) inside. A plurality of torque measurement strain gauges 101 are attached at equal intervals to the surface of the torque sensor main body 102. The side of the torque sensor main body 102 facing the axle 2 forms the shaft connecting portion 103, and the end of the axle 2 is connected and fixed to this shaft connecting portion 103 via a rotating shaft 52 (described later).

[0023] A bearing 51 is provided inside bearing 5, and a rotating shaft 52 is rotatably supported within this bearing 5. A flange 2a provided at the end of axle 2 is connected and fixed to the end face of rotating shaft 52 protruding from bearing 5 towards the vehicle body. A flange 52a is provided at the end of rotating shaft 52 on the torque sensor main body 102 side, and this flange 52a is fixed to a shaft connecting portion 103 of torque sensor main body 102, thereby connecting axle 2 and torque sensor main body 102 together. A mounting flange 104 is fixed to the surface of torque sensor main body 102 opposite to shaft connecting portion 103, and this mounting flange 104 is fixed to an output shaft connecting flange 41 fixed to the end of output shaft 4 of dynamometer 3.

[0024] A power receiving coil 105 for power supply is provided on the mounting flange 104. At least a portion of the power receiving coil 105 is provided on the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 facing the dynamometer 3. Although part or all of the power receiving coil 105 may be provided inside the mounting flange 104 or on the outer surface facing the torque sensor main body 102, the outer surface facing the dynamometer 3, which is closer to the power transmitting coil 106, is preferred for efficient wireless power supply to the power transmitting coil 106 described below. In this specification, the surface perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the rotating shaft 52 is referred to as the outer surface, and the radially outer side of the rotating shaft 52 is referred to as the circumferential surface, and the "outer surface of the mounting flange" in the claims includes both the outer surface and the circumferential surface.

[0025] A flexible cable 108 is provided between the power receiving coil 105 and the torque sensor main body 102 as a power transmitting unit that supplies power excited in the power receiving coil 105 to the torque measurement strain gauge 101, electronic circuits, data transmission device, and other components that constitute the torque sensor. In other words, although the flexible cable 108 is shown separated from the torque sensor main body 102 in the exploded view of FIG. 3 , in reality, one end of the flexible cable 108 is fixed to the torque sensor main body 102 and connected to the electrical circuits and components of the torque sensor main body 102. The other end of the flexible cable 108 is fixed to the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 via the outer peripheral end face of the mounting flange 104 and is connected to the power receiving coil 105. Note that, although the flexible cable 108 is used as the power transmitting unit in this embodiment, a flat cable, a power supply fitting, or other well-known power transmitting unit can be used regardless of its shape as long as it can exchange power between the power receiving coil 105 and the torque measurement strain gauge 101, electronic circuits, data transmission device, and the like.

[0026] The torque sensor main body 102 is provided with a wireless device (not shown) that transmits the measured torque data to a receiving device outside the torque sensor 100. As this wireless device, a conventionally known low-power wireless device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or infrared communication can be used.

[0027] The transmitting coil 106 is disposed in a fixed portion of the test apparatus 200, facing the receiving coil 105. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 , the bearing 5 is fixed to the floor of the installation location of the test apparatus by a bearing support 6. An L-shaped bracket 61 and a box-shaped case 62 are fixed to a part of the bearing support 6, and the transmitting coil 106 is supported by the bracket 61 and the case 62. The case 62 houses electronic devices and circuits required for supplying power from an external power source to the transmitting coil 106, and also serves as a support member for the transmitting coil 106.

[0028] In this embodiment, the power transmitting coil 106 is housed inside an L-shaped case as a whole, and is provided at a position slightly spaced apart from but not in contact with the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 facing the dynamometer 3. Furthermore, the power transmitting coil 106 is provided at a radial position on the mounting flange 104 opposite to part of the trajectory of the power receiving coil 105 when the torque sensor body 102 rotates.

[0029] 6 is a block circuit diagram of this embodiment having the above-described configuration. In this embodiment, power is supplied to the transmitting coil 106 from an external power source 301, and the power is supplied wirelessly to the receiving coil 105 on the mounting flange 104 side. The power obtained by the receiving coil 105 is sent via a flexible cable 108 to electronic devices such as the torque measurement strain gauge 101 and circuit 303 provided in the torque sensor main body 102. In this case, the power of the receiving coil 105 may be supplied directly to the electronic devices and circuit 303, but in this embodiment, the power of the receiving coil 105 is charged into a secondary battery or capacitor 302, and the electronic devices and circuit 303 are driven by the discharge from the secondary battery or capacitor 302.

[0030] That is, in this embodiment, because the power receiving coil 105 is provided on a part of the outer surface of the mounting flange, the power receiving coil 105 repeatedly passes through the power transmitting coil 106 as the torque sensor body 102 rotates, and as a result, the power generated in the power receiving coil 105 also has an intermittent output waveform. By temporarily storing and discharging such power having an intermittent output waveform in the secondary battery or capacitor 302, smoothed power suitable for the operation of the electronic device and circuit 303 is supplied to the electronic device and circuit 303.

[0031] In addition, the torque sensor main body 102 is provided with an independent power source 304 such as a dry cell battery or button cell battery in addition to the wireless power supply, and when wireless power supply is not implemented, i.e., when the rotation of the axle 2 and the output shaft 4 is stopped, power is supplied from this independent power source 304 to the electronic equipment and circuit 303.

[0032] Meanwhile, torque measurement data obtained from the torque measurement strain gauge 101 included in the electronic device and circuit 303 is sent to the data collection and analysis device 307 via wireless communication using the transmitter 305 and receiver 306, where the data is analyzed and stored. In this case, the driving power for the torque measurement strain gauge 101 and transmitter 305 is also supplied from the power receiving coil 105 and the secondary battery or capacitor 302 and / or the independent power source 304.

[0033] [1-2. Effect] In the case of a bench test in which the automobile 1 is parked in place in the test device 200 using the torque sensor 100 as shown in Fig. 1, the tires and wheels of the automobile 1 to be measured are removed and the axle 2 is fixed to the bearing 5. In order to receive torque data from the torque sensor main body 102, a receiving antenna (not shown) is connected to an external receiving device via a signal line. A data collection and analysis device 307 is connected to the external receiving device, which measures, collects and / or analyzes the torque output from the axle 2 of the automobile 1 from the received strain amount.

[0034] When the automobile 1 is put into operation and a test including torque measurement is started, the rotating shaft 52 connected to the axle 2 of the automobile 1 rotates, but the bearing 5 fixed via the bearing 51 does not rotate, and the automobile 1 remains in place. At the same time, the rotating shaft 52 is fixed to the torque sensor main body 102 via the shaft connecting part 103, and the torque sensor main body 102 is fixed to the output shaft 4 of the dynamometer 3 via the mounting flange 104, so the torque sensor main body 102, output shaft 4 and dynamometer 3 also rotate.

[0035] When a power supply line is connected to the transmitting coil 106 and power is supplied from the outside, a magnetic field is generated around the transmitting coil 106, and as the vehicle 1 starts to move, the mounting flange 104 also rotates, causing the receiving coil 105 fixed to the mounting flange 104 to intersect with the magnetic field of the transmitting coil 106. As a result, power is generated in the receiving coil 105, and this power is supplied via the flexible cable 108 to the torque measurement strain gauge 101 provided in the torque sensor main body 102, as well as other electronic devices and circuits.

[0036] In this state, when a load is applied to the rotating shaft 52 from the dynamometer 3 via the output shaft 4, a strain corresponding to the torque output from the axle 2 of the automobile 1 is generated in the torque sensor main body 102. This strain is detected by the torque measurement strain gauge 101, which is supplied with power from the receiving coil 105, and by electronic devices and circuits connected thereto. The detected strain amount is sent to a receiving device via a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a signal line (not shown), which are also supplied with power from the receiving coil 105. A data collection and analysis device 307 connected to the receiving device measures, collects, and / or analyzes the torque output from the axle 2 of the automobile 1 from the strain amount received by the receiving device.

[0037] [1-3.Effects] The effects of this embodiment having the above-described configuration and action are as follows.

[0038] (1) Because the transmitting coil 106 is provided at a position away from the surface of the mounting flange 104 by support members such as the bracket 61 and the box-shaped case 62 that are fixed to the installation position of the test apparatus 200, there are no limitations on the shapes or installation locations of the receiving coil 105 and the transmitting coil 106. In other words, because the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 has a larger area than the circumferential surface of the flange, there is a high degree of freedom in the installation location of the transmitting coil 106 that is placed opposite this, and an installation location that can reliably support the transmitting coil 106 can be freely selected.

[0039] (2) The power receiving coil 105 and the power transmitting coil 106 are not in contact with each other and are disposed at a distance from each other in opposing positions. This increases the tolerance for misalignment, preventing damage to the torque sensor 100 due to misalignment caused by vehicle behavior during testing, and enabling accurate measurement of the torque output from the axle.

[0040] (3) The power receiving coil 105 is mounted on the mounting flange 104, and the power transmitting coil 106 is mounted inside the L-shaped case. This simple shape allows the power receiving coil 105 and the power transmitting coil 106 to be easily arranged, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps and manufacturing costs.

[0041] (4) The power receiving coil 105 directly supplies the power received from the power transmitting coil 106 to the torque measuring strain gauge 101. Therefore, when power is supplied directly, there is no need to provide a separate battery or the like, and the structure is simple.

[0042] (5) At least a portion of the power receiving coil 105 is fixed to the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 by the flexible cable 108. Therefore, compared to when the power receiving coil 105 is provided in the torque sensor main body 102, the power transmitting coil 106 can be installed closer to the power receiving coil 105, and attenuation of the magnetic field due to the mounting flange 104 is prevented, making it possible to suppress a decrease in transmission efficiency due to the separation between the power receiving coil 105 and the power transmitting coil 106.

[0043] (6) The power receiving coil 105 is provided on a part of the mounting flange 104, and the power transmitting coil 106 is provided at a position facing a part of the path of the power receiving coil 105 when the power receiving coil 105 rotates. Therefore, the power receiving coil 105 and the power transmitting coil 106 can be made compact in size while being installed in a manner that maintains a uniform clearance with respect to the rotating body.

[0044] (7) The bearing 5 in this embodiment is in an intermediate bearing state, and uses a bearing support 6 that is a substantially L-shaped member mounted on a mount. Therefore, the axle 2, the output shaft 4, and the bearing 5 are firmly fixed to each other, thereby suppressing misalignment. This, combined with the fact that the power transmission coil 106 is located away from the surface of the mounting flange 104, further prevents damage to the torque sensor 100, and enables accurate measurement of the torque output from the axle.

[0045] (8) When the power from the receiving coil 105 is charged into a secondary battery or capacitor 302 and the electronic device and circuit 303 are driven by discharging from the secondary battery or capacitor 302, even if the power generated in the receiving coil 105 has an intermittent output waveform, the electronic device and circuit 303 can be supplied with smoothed power suitable for their operation.

[0046] (9) A part of the torque sensor 100 is provided with an independent power source 304 such as a dry cell battery or a button cell battery in addition to the wireless power supply. Therefore, even when the rotation of the axle or output shaft is stopped, the operation of the electronic device and circuit 303 can be checked using power from the independent power source 304. Furthermore, even when the wireless power supply is malfunctioning, torque measurement and alarm output are possible.

[0047] [2. Second Embodiment] 4 and 5, the second embodiment uses a mock wheel with a real tire mounted on a bearing 5, and a power transmission coil 106 is arranged on the circumferential surface of a rotating body. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described.

[0048] In the second embodiment, a tire 7 and a wheel 8 are used instead of the bearing support 6 of the first embodiment, and the bearing 5 is fixed to the inner periphery of the wheel 8. Furthermore, the power transmitting coil 106 is disposed opposite a power receiving coil 105 provided on the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104. That is, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5 , a flat flexible cable 108 is disposed so as to connect between the torque sensor main body 102 and the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104, and a circular power receiving coil 105 is provided on the end of the rectangular flexible cable 108 on the mounting flange 104 side, so that the power receiving coil 105 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104.

[0049] The power transmitting coil 106 is mounted in a substantially triangular case-like member with one side formed in a quarter arc shape so as to fit along the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104. By fitting the power transmitting coil 106 along the outer surface of the mounting flange 104 in this manner, the power transmitting coil 106 is positioned opposite the trajectory of the power receiving coil 105 when the power receiving coil 105 rotates. Note that the configuration for supporting the power transmitting coil 106 may include providing a stand (not shown) on the floor on which the test apparatus 200 is installed and fixing support members such as a bracket 61 (not shown) and a box-shaped case 62 thereto to support the power transmitting coil 106, or fixing support members such as a bracket 61 (not shown) and a box-shaped case 62 to the dynamometer 3 to support the power transmitting coil 106. Alternatively, the power transmitting coil 106 may be supported by a fixed member such as the wheel 8 of a simulated wheel, and the shape and location of the support member are not important.

[0050] The effects of the second embodiment having such a configuration are as follows.

[0051] (1) The power transmitting coil 106 is arranged along the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104, and the power receiving coil 105 is also arranged along the circumferential surface of the mounting flange 104, so that the power transmitting coil 106 and the power receiving coil 105 are not located on the surface of the mounting flange 104. As a result, when fixing the output shaft 4 of the dynamometer 3 or the like to the surface of the mounting flange 104, sufficient space can be secured for fixing the flange on the output shaft 4 side, and the components for wireless power supply do not interfere with the connection between the torque sensor main body 102 and other components.

[0052] (2) The power transmitting coil 106 is disposed facing the power receiving coil 105 provided on the mounting flange 104 along the circumferential surface of the power transmitting coil 106. This allows for greater freedom in installation without being limited by the shape or installation location of the coil.

[0053] (3) The power transmission coil 106 is mounted on a substantially triangular member with one side formed in a quarter arc shape, which allows for easy installation using a magnetic stand or the like, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0054] 3. Other Embodiments Although embodiments including modifications have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. The following is an example.

[0055] (1) In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting flange 104 is provided on the dynamometer 3 side, but it may also be provided on the axle 2 side. Also, although torque measurement between the axle 2 and the dynamometer 3 in the test device 200 has been given as an example, it can also be used to measure torque in other parts of the test device 200 or for torque measurement outside the test device 200.

[0056] (2) Although power is supplied to the transmitting coil 106 from an external power source via a power supply line, power may also be supplied from a power terminal such as the battery or cigarette lighter socket of the automobile 1. If the test is a simple power-only test that does not take into account factors such as fuel economy or engine load due to power generation, supplying power from the automobile 1 will not affect the test results. This configuration eliminates the need for the data collection and analysis device 307 to provide an external power source for the transmitting coil 106, simplifying the power supply to the transmitting coil 106.

[0057] (3) The shape of the power transmitting coil 106 is not limited to those described in the first and second embodiments, and various shapes can be used, such as all or part of a square, round, semicircular, cylindrical, or ring shape. The power transmitting coil 106 may be installed anywhere outside the rotating body, as long as the distance between the power receiving coil 105 and the power transmitting coil 106 is sufficient to ensure transmission efficiency. Furthermore, by providing multiple pairs of power receiving coil 105 and flexible cable 108, the number of power receiving coils 105 passing through the power transmitting coil 106 can be increased, thereby increasing the power supplied by wireless power transfer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Automobiles 2...Axle 2a...Flange 3...Dynamometer 4...Output shaft 41...Output shaft connecting flange 5...Bearing 51...Bearing 52...Rotation axis 52a...Flange 6...Bearing support part 61...Bracket 62…Case 7...Tires 8...Wheels 100...Torque sensor 101...Strain gauge for torque measurement 102...Torque sensor body 103...Shaft connection part 104...Mounting flange 105...receiving coil 106...Transmission coil 108...Flexible cable 200...Automobile testing equipment 301…External power supply 302...Secondary battery or capacitor 303...Electronic devices and circuits 304…Independent power supply 305...Transmitter 306...Receiver 307...Data collection and analysis equipment

Claims

1. A disk-shaped torque sensor body equipped with electronic devices inside; a torque measurement strain gauge provided on the torque sensor body; a shaft connecting portion provided on one side surface of the torque sensor body; a disk-shaped mounting flange provided on a surface of the torque sensor body opposite to the shaft connecting portion; a power receiving coil provided on an outer surface of the mounting flange and configured to supply power to the torque measurement strain gauge; a power transmission unit that connects the torque measurement strain gauge and the power receiving coil; a power transmitting coil disposed opposite the power receiving coil and supplying power to the power receiving coil without contact with the power receiving coil; a support member that supports the power transmitting coil at a position facing the power receiving coil provided on the outer surface of the mounting flange; A torque sensor comprising:

2. 2. The torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein the power receiving coil directly supplies the power supplied from the power transmitting coil to the torque measuring strain gauge.

3. 3. The torque sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply independent of the power receiving coil in a part of the torque sensor, and power from the power supply is supplied to the torque measuring strain gauge.

4. 2. The torque sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply connected to the power receiving coil as part of the torque sensor, and power supplied from the power receiving coil is supplied to the torque measuring strain gauge via the power supply.

5. 5. The torque sensor according to claim 4, wherein the power source is a secondary battery or a capacitor that is charged by the power receiving coil.

6. The torque sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power transmission coil receives power via wireless power supply from a vehicle.

7. 7. The torque sensor according to claim 1, 2 or 6, wherein an electronic device including the torque measurement strain gauge provided in the torque sensor main body is connected to a data collection and analysis device provided outside the torque sensor main body via wireless communication, and power for wireless communication of the torque sensor main body is power supplied from the power receiving coil.

8. 6. The torque sensor according to claim 3, wherein an electronic device including the torque measurement strain gauge provided in the torque sensor body is connected to a data collection and analysis device provided outside the torque sensor body via wireless communication, and power for wireless communication of the torque sensor body is power supplied from the power source.

9. An automobile testing device using the torque sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images