192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches
Patent
1992-09-30
1994-07-19
Lorence, Richard M.
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
192 54, 192 56R, 192 56F, 192 84C, 192 85CA, F16D 2514, F16D 2716
Patent
active
053300394
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to the measurement of torque transmitted by a rotating member.
The application is concerned with the measurement of torque transmitted by a clutch element in a clutch of the kind comprising a drive member for receiving a rotational drive, and a clutch element which is axially movable between a first position in which the rotational drive is applied by way of the clutch element to a driven member and a second position in which the drive is not so applied. Such clutches are widely used in industrial machinery and it would be advantageous in many applications to be able to measure the torque being transmitted through the clutch during operation, as for monitoring the performance of the machines in which they are incorporated and for control purposes, for example, to prevent overloading.
In accordance with the invention, a clutch of the kind described above is characterised by transducer means responsive to the torque transmitted in the clutch in the first position of the clutch element to provide an output signal to first electrical coupling means, the first electrical coupling means co-operating with second electrical coupling means carried by a stationary portion of the clutch to convey the output signal to a stationary electrical treatment means.
By the use of the coupling means operating between the torque transmitting member and a stationary member, the former need carry only the transducer or sensor means and the first coupling member. The coupling means can operate inductively, and can comprise a first and second electromagnetic coil located on respective adjacent surfaces of the transmitting member and the stationary member. The coupling means can convey any power needed to energise the transducer or sensor means from the stationary units, as well as conveying the torque dependent output to it. The stationary unit can be located remotely from the torque transmitting member so as to be shielded from vibration and oil splash for example when the member is incorporated in a brake or clutch mechanism. The stationary unit can employ the torque dependent output for recording and/or display and/or control purposes. The output supplied to the stationary unit can be the raw transducer output, but this can be processed by miniaturised processing means carried by the torque transmitting member.
Thus, in a clutch comprising a rotatable driving member, a rotatable member to be driven, and a clutch element selectively movable element between operative and inoperative positions in which it respectively transmits and does not transmit a drive from the driving member to the driven member, there can be provided in accordance with the invention, a transducer means in the form of strain gauge means incorporated in the clutch element, so as to respond to the torque transmitted thereby, and a transformer coupled tuned oscillator, for transmitting power to energizing the strain gauge means and for transmitting the strain gauge means output from the clutch. The primary and secondary windings of the coupling transformer are preferably located on respective opposed faces of the clutch element and of a stationary clutch portion having a spacing between them which remains at least approximately constant during operation.
The strain gauge or other sensor means output can be employed for measurement purposes, for example, to provide a measure of actual torque transmission either continuous or when required. The output can be recorded if desired, and can instead or in addition be applied to a microprocessor capable of treating the output so as to provide a desired function. Thus, in a clutch, the microprocessor could be arranged to store a normal operating torque level, either selectively input or generated from past clutch experience, and to give an indication of any departure therefrom exceeding the predetermined level, and/or to activate an alarm and/or to disengage the clutch to prevent overload damage. The invention can thus be embodied to function as a torque limiter, and, in a brake mechani
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Lorence Richard M.
TI Matrix Engineering Limited
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