Mechanical structure of a measurement system

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical structure of a measuring system (A) developed to measure real-time sliding distance changes of the yoke shaft (2) and sleeve (3) parts that make a telescopic sliding movement within each other in order to compensate for the axial distance changes of a propeller shaft (1).

Description

[0001] Mechanical Structure of a Measurement System

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a mechanical structure of a measuring system that enables the measurement of real-time sliding distance changes of the yoke shaft and sleeve parts that make a telescopic sliding movement within each other to compensate for the axial distance changes of a propeller shaft.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Propeller shafts are the transmission parts responsible for transmitting the rotational motion and torque produced by the engine in land vehicles from the transmission to the differential, transfer case or other related equipment. The rotational motion and torque produced by the motor are transmitted by the sliding assembly. The sliding assembly is a part of the propeller shaft and consists of a sleeve, a tube yoke and a yoke shaft.

[0006] Said sliding assembly is responsible for compensating the axial distance changes occurring on the propeller shaft due to road conditions and the vehicle rear suspension. The axial distance on the propeller shaft is measured with measuring systems. In the current state of the art, systems mounted externally to the propeller shaft cause imbalance as a result of the high speed rotation of the propeller shaft. This situation negatively affects the driving safety and performance of the vehicle. At the same time, adequate protection against external environmental conditions (water, dust, mud, etc.) cannot be provided. This can negatively affect the performance of sensors and electronic components and make long-term use difficult.

[0007] In the state of the art, asymmetric designs are available in measurement systems. This situation causes imbalances in the propeller shaft, causing the shaft to fail to perform optimally.

[0008] In systems with the current state of the art, modification is required to ensure the connection of the measuring system to the propeller shaft. This creates extra cost and design challenges. The application numbered DE102017107716B4, “Torque Transmitter and Torque Sensor, Manufacturing Method and Measuring Method”, which is in the state of the art, has been encountered. This application measures the torque on the shaft by utilizing the magneto-elastic effect.

[0009] The application number WO2022017928A1 titled “Measuring Device for Arranging in a Cylindrical Interior Section of a Hollow body” was found in the state of the art. In this application it detects mechanical stress on a hollow body. Here, a sensor device is used to detect the deformation of the body by sensing mechanical stress. Therefore, the focus of this invention is the measurement of mechanical stress on a shaft or housing.

[0010] The application numbered US20220252438A1 "System for Checking the Conditions of Use of a Cardan Shaft for a Tool Which is Connected to a Motor and a Cardan Shaft Provided with Such a System", which is in the state of the art, has been encountered. This invention has a comprehensive data collection system to monitor the overall condition of the propeller shaft. This data includes torque, push / pull force, rotational speed, vibrations, temperature and joint angle. Axial sliding distance measurement and a structuring of the sliding group are not mentioned.

[0011] The application numbered WO2016177356A1 "Machine Element Having a Sensor Device and Method for Producing a Machine Element", which is in the state of the art, has been encountered. In this application, sensors integrated into the propeller shaft provide measurement of various parameters such as torque, vibration and temperature.

[0012] The application numbered DE202021104550U1 “A Cardanic Shaft Hanger for Temperature Measurement” was found in the state of the art. This application focuses on general distance measurement via wheel speeds. There are sensors that measure wheel speeds and a control unit that processes this data.

[0013] The application numbered WO2023022685A1 “Mechanical Assembly for Torque Measurement”, which is in the state of the art, was found. In this application, a mechanical assembly for torque measurement is described. This assembly is mounted on the propeller shaft and collects measurement data and processes it within the electronic circuit. The application numbered WO 2007 / 137693A3, “Sensor Device and Method of Measuring a Position of an Object”, which is in the state of the art, was found. This application uses magnetic fields and sensor devices to measure the position or other properties of an object. The invention is designed to determine various parameters such as position, torque, speed, acceleration by measuring how the object affects the magnetic field.

[0014] As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

[0015] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0017] The main object of the present invention is to present a mechanical configuration structure of a measurement system developed to measure real-time sliding distance changes of yoke shaft and sleeve parts that make telescopic sliding movement within each other in order to compensate for axial distance changes of a propeller shaft.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to enable the sliding tool to instantly measure the distance changes referenced to the tube yoke on the same axis by integrating the propeller shaft into the internal space of the sliding assembly.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that the measuring system operates in field conditions without being affected by environmental conditions (water, mud, dust).

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact and lightweight mechanical structure.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to a mechanical structure so as to fulfil all aims mentioned above and will be obtained from the following detailed description.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mechanical measurement system structure developed to measure real-time sliding distance changes of the yoke shaft and sleeve parts that make telescopic sliding movements within each other in order to compensate for the axial distance changes of a cardan shaft. Thus, the present invention comprises at least one sensor that measures the changing distance between the said yoke shaft and the sleeve in real time and transmits the measured data, the electronic circuit that enables the management, collection and wireless transmission of data from the said sensor, the reference part that is connected to the tube yoke, which is in the same axis and in a fixed position with the said sleeve, and that creates a reference measuring surface to enable the said sensor to measure the changing distance between the yoke shaft and the sleeve, the power supply that meets the energy needs of the mentioned electronic circuit and sensor, the positioning unit connected to the yoke shaft to ensure the protection of the said electronic circuit and power supply, the intermediate mounting part that provides wired access to the electronic circuit positioned within the said positioning unit and charges the system by housing the outputs of the power supply, the outer cover mounted on the intermediate mounting part in a pass-through manner to ensure the sealing of the charging outlets and measuring system located on the said intermediate mounting part, the sensor cover where the sensor is positioned and connected to the positioning unit inlet opening to ensure that the electronic circuit and power supply positioned within the said positioning unit are sealed.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises an intermediate mounting part that allows the said positioning unit to be mounted by holding onto the yoke shaft.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a power supply consisting of elements selected from the group containing Lithium polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries that have a lightweight structure and provide long-term energy.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a power supply consisting of elements to be selected from the group containing supercapacitors or fuel cells or lithium-air batteries (Li-Air) or flow batteries (Flow Batteries) or Lithium polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium ion (Li-Ion) or thermal batteries that provide energy for a long time with high energy density.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a sealing element that provides sealing by being placed between the said positioning case and the sensor cover and between the outer cover and the intermediate mounting part. In another preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a bolt that ensures the connection of the said reference piece to the tube yoke and the connection of the positioning unit to the yoke sliding shaft, and a nut that ensures the fixation of the bolt.

[0028] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] In Figure 1 , a perspective view of the propeller shaft is given.

[0031] In Figure 2, a section view of the propeller shaft is given.

[0032] In Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of the mechanical structure of a measurement system is given.

[0033] In Figure 4 the mechanical structure of a measurement system is given.

[0034] The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of protection defined in the claims and should not be referred to in isolation without reference to the technical description in the description of the present invention for the purpose of interpreting the scope defined in those claims. The drawings in question are intended to define the invention with clarity.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS IN FIGURES

[0036] A. Mechanical structure of a measurement system

[0037] 1 . Propeller shaft

[0038] 2. Yoke shaft

[0039] 3. Sleeve

[0040] 4. Tube yoke

[0041] 5. Outer cover

[0042] 6. Intermediate mounting part

[0043] 7. Positioning unit 8. Electronic circuit

[0044] 9. Power supply

[0045] 10. Sensor

[0046] 101 . Sensor cover

[0047] 1 1 . Reference part

[0048] 12. Bolt

[0049] 13. Nut

[0050] 14. Sealing element

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] In this detailed description, a mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) of the present invention is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0053] The invention, whose mechanical structure of a measurement structure (A) is given in Figure 1 , relates to a measurement system developed for the purpose of measuring the real-time sliding distance changes of the yoke shaft (2) and sleeve (3) parts that make a telescopic sliding movement within each other in order to compensate for the axial distance changes of the inventive propeller shaft (1 ).

[0054] Propeller shaft (1 ) comprises a sliding assembly. This sliding assembly consists of a tube yoke (4), a sleeve (3) combined with the tube yoke (4) and a yoke shaft (2). The yoke shaft (2) is the male part of the sliding assembly of the propeller shaft (1 ) and is the element to which a part of the mentioned mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) is mounted. The tube yoke (4) is the reference measurement part that is located on the same axis as the sliding assembly parts and has no axial movement on that axis. The sleeve (3) is the female part of the sliding assembly and performs a telescopic sliding movement with the yoke shaft (2).

[0055] As seen in Figure 4, there are elements that constitute the mechanical structure of a measurement system (A). A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) consists of outer cover (5), intermediate mounting part (6), positioning unit (7), electronic circuit (8), power supply (9), sensor (10), sensor cover (101 ), reference part (1 1 ), bolt (12), nut (13) and sealing element (14).

[0056] As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the reference part (1 1 ) is positioned on the tube yoke (4) located on the same axis as the sliding tool, thus creating a suitable reference surface for the sensor (10) to measure distance. Said sensor (10) measures the distance to the reference surface instantly / in real time and transmits the measured values to the electronic circuit (8) instantly / in real time. Said electronic circuit (8) enables the management, collection and wireless transmission of data coming from the sensor (10). The sensor cover (101 ) on which the sensor (10) is positioned is mounted by gluing it to the positioning unit (7). In alternative embodiments of the invention, the mounting of the sensor cover (101 ) to the positioning unit (7) is provided by a tight fit, slotted cover or a shape-dependent mechanical design. The sensor cover (101 ) is mounted on the positioning unit (7) by gluing it, providing a tight fit, a slotted cover and a shapedependent mechanical design, thus protecting the sensor (10), electronic circuit (8) and power supply (9) from environmental factors (water, dust and mud) and minimizing the negative effects of vibration and impacts. At the same time, the sensor cover (101 ) ensures the closure of the input of the positioning unit (7) which contains the electronic circuit (8) and at least one power supply (9). The power supply (9) provides the electrical energy required by the electronic circuit (8) and the sensor (10). It provides the protection of the said positioning unit (7), electronic circuit (8) and power supply (9). The intermediate mounting part (6) is the part that allows wired access to the electronic circuit

[0057] (8) positioned inside the said positioning unit (7). The intermediate mounting part (6) provides programming and calibration of the electronic circuit (8) positioned inside the said positioning unit (7) by providing wired access, while at the same time, it provides charging and power control of the system by housing the outputs of the power supply

[0058] (9). Said intermediate mounting part (6) enables the mounting of the positioning unit (7) by holding onto the yoke shaft (2). Mounting the positioning unit (7) by holding it to the yoke shaft (2) with bolts (12) and nuts (13) allows the positioning unit (7) to be disassembled and assembled when necessary (maintenance and repair). In addition, it has outputs that enable calibration and programming of the electronic circuit (8). There is an outer cover (5) mounted on the intermediate mounting part (6) in a pass-through manner to ensure the sealing of the charging outlets and measuring system on the mentioned intermediate mounting part (6). There is a bolt (12) which ensures the connection of the reference part (1 1 ) to the tube yoke (4) and the positioning unit (7) to the yoke shaft (2) and a nut (13) which ensures the fixation of the bolt (12).

[0059] In a mechanical structure of a measurement system (A), the sensor (10) measures the changing distance between the yoke shaft (2) and the sleeve (3), which are the elements that make up the sliding assembly, in real time. In this way, the axial shift distance of the propeller shaft (1 ) can be monitored in real time both in laboratory tests and under vehicle operating conditions. The data measured by the sensor (10), which measures the changing distance between the yoke shaft (2) and the sleeve (3), is transmitted to the electronic circuit (8). The electronic circuit (8) enables the collection, management and wireless transmission of data from the sensor (10). In this way, the axial slip distance of the propeller shaft (1 ) is collected both in laboratory tests and as road data from under the vehicle and can be read wirelessly by mobile devices such as phones, tablets or computers. The energy needs of the said sensor (10) and the electronic circuit (8) are met by the power supply (9).

[0060] In order to provide the protection of the electronic circuit (8) and the power supply (9), the said electronic circuit (8) and the power supply (9) are positioned within the positioning unit (7). One end of the said positioning unit (7) is closed with the intermediate mounting part (6) and the other end is closed with the sensor cover (101 ). By placing the sealing element (14) between the sensor cover (101 ) and the positioning unit (7) and performing the assembly process, it ensures that the electronic circuit (8) and the power supply (9) inside the positioning unit (7) are protected by ensuring sealing. The positioning unit (7) is positioned inside the yoke shaft (2) and mounted between the ears of the yoke shaft (2) using the bolt (12) and nut (13) with the help of the intermediate mounting part (6).

[0061] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, Lithium polymer (Li-Po) and Lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries are used as power supplies (9) due to their long-term energy supply and their light weight.

[0062] The alternative embodiment of the invention comprises supercapacitors, fuel cells, lithium-air batteries (Li-Air), flow batteries (Flow Batteries) and thermal batteries due to their high energy density and long-term energy supply. The intermediate mounting part (6) is mounted on one end to the outer cover (5) and the other end to the positioning unit (7). The general sealing of the charging outlets and the measuring system is ensured by placing the sealing element (14) between the outer cover (5) and the intermediate mounting part (6). The intermediate mounting part (6) is positioned on the yoke shaft (2).

[0063] The outer cover (5) is positioned on the yoke shaft (2) and is mounted on the intermediate mounting part (6) in a pass-through manner. Mounting the outer cover (4) to the intermediate mounting part (6) in a pass-through manner ensures easy assembly and disassembly, as well as ensuring sealing.

[0064] The reference part (11 ) creates a flat and clean reference surface for the sensor (10) to measure the changing distance between the yoke shaft (2) and the sleeve (3). It is mounted to the tube yoke (4) piece, which is in the same axis and in a fixed position with the sleeve (3), using bolts (12) and nuts (13).

[0065] Said mechanical structure of the measurement system (A) can be placed on the propeller shaft (1 ) rotating at high speed and does not create a balance problem thanks to its design. Without changing the design of the propeller shaft (1 ), the sensor (10), the electronic circuit (8) and the power supply (9) are positioned inside the sliding assembly, protected from external effects and ensured to remain permanent under the operating conditions of the propeller shaft (1 ) throughout the life of the vehicle. At the same time, it works in field conditions without being affected by environmental conditions (water, mud, dust).

[0066] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1 . A mechanical structure of a measuring system (A) developed to measure realtime sliding distance changes of the yoke shaft (2) and sleeve (3) parts that make a telescopic sliding movement within each other in order to compensate for the axial distance changes of a propeller shaft (1 ), characterized by comprising;• At least one sensor (10) that measures the changing distance between the said yoke shaft (2) and the sleeve (3) in real time and transmits the measured data,• Electronic circuit (8) that allows the management, collection and wireless transmission of data from the said sensor (10),• Reference part (1 1 ) which is connected to the tube yoke (4) which is in the same axis and fixed position with the said sleeve (3) and which provides the reference measuring surface to enable the said sensor (10) to measure the changing distance between the yoke shaft (2) and the sleeve (3),• Power supply (9) that meets the energy needs of the said electronic circuit (8) and sensor (10),• Positioning unit (7) connected to the yoke shaft (2) to ensure the protection of the said electronic circuit (8) and the power supply (9),• Intermediate mounting part (6) that provides wired access to the electronic circuit (8) positioned inside the said positioning unit (7) and allows the system to be charged by housing the outputs of the power supply (9),• Outer cover (5) mounted on the intermediate mounting part (6) in a pass- through manner to ensure the sealing of the charging outlets and measuring system on the said intermediate mounting part (6),• Sensor cover (101 ) where the sensor (10) is positioned and connected to the positioning unit (7) inlet opening to ensure that the electronic (8) circuit and power supply (9) positioned inside the said positioning unit (7) are sealed,2. A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising an intermediate mounting part (6) that allows the mounting of the said positioning unit (7) by holding on to the yoke shaft (2).

3. A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising a power supply (9) consisting of elements selected from the group containing Lithium polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries that have a lightweight structure and provide long-term energy.

4. A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising a power supply (9) consisting of elements to be selected from the group containing supercapacitors or fuel cells or lithium-air batteries (Li-Air) or flow batteries (Flow Batteries) or Lithium polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium ion (Li-Ion) or thermal batteries that provide energy for a long time with high energy density.

5. A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising a sealing element (14) which is placed between the said positioning unit (7) and the sensor cover (101 ) and between the outer cover (5) and the intermediate mounting part (6) to ensure sealing6. A mechanical structure of a measurement system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising a bolt (12) which ensures the connection of the reference part (1 1 ) to the tube yoke (4) and the positioning unit (7) to the yoke shaft (2) and a nut (13) which ensures the fixation of the bolt (12).

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