Torque sensor unit for regulating axial movement and axial load

Details Torque sensor unit for regulating axial movement and axial load Torque sensor unit for regulating axial movement and axial load

1999-09-16

2002-01-01

Fuller, Benjamin R. (Department: 2855)

Measuring and testing

Dynamometers

Responsive to torque

C180S444000, C180S065800

Reexamination Certificate

active

06334364

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a torque sensor unit.
2. Description of Related Art
An example of existing torque sensor units is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 62-27604, entitled “Control Unit for Hybrid Vehicle.”
According to
FIGS. 11 and 12
of this publication, the torque sensing mechanism includes two coaxial shafts SH
1
and SH
2
; a torsion bar TB connecting one end of the shaft SH
1
, and one end of the shaft SH
2
; metallic gears G
1
, and G
2
fixed to opposite ends of the torsion bar TB; magnetic sensors MS
1
and MS
2
positioned near tooth tops of the gears G
1
, and G
2
; and a phase comparator PC receiving AC signals from the magnetic sensors MS
1
, and MS
2
. A phase difference ø of the AC signals from the magnetic sensors MS
1
and MS
2
varies as the torsion bar TB twists in response to torque. The phase comparator PC can detect torque on the basis of the phase difference ø.
The foregoing torque detecting mechanism is a large torque sensor unit in which the metallic gears G
1
, and G
2
are fixedly attached to the torsion bar TB and the magnetic sensors MS
1
, and MS
2
are disposed around the gears.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a compact torque sensor unit.
In order to accomplish the above object, there is provided a torque sensor unit which includes a countershaft; helical gears for providing said countershaft with not only torque but also axial load generated by their mutual engagement; and axial load measuring means disposed coaxially with the countershaft for the purpose of regulating axial movement of the countershaft and measuring the axial load.
The helical gears are attached on the countershaft and generate axial load when they are mutually engaged. The axial load is transmitted via the countershaft to the axial load measuring instruments which are coaxial with the countershaft, and can be measured by the measuring instruments. The axial load is generated in accordance with the torque, and is measured by the measuring instruments coaxial with the countershaft, thereby downsizing the torque sensor unit.
According to the present invention, thrust bearings are interposed between the countershaft and the axial load measuring instruments.
The thrust bearings are effective in reducing frictional resistance in the rotating direction between the countershaft and the axial load measuring instruments. There is no fear that rotational moment caused in response to the rotation of the countershaft acts on the axial load measuring instruments. Therefore, only the axial load acts on the measuring instruments, which can improve detecting precision of the torque sensor unit because noise components are reduced.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4089216 (1978-05-01), Elias
patent: 4182168 (1980-01-01), Desch
patent: 4188821 (1980-02-01), Elias
patent: 4487270 (1984-12-01), Huber
patent: 5412998 (1995-05-01), Nakamoto et al.
patent: 62-27604 (1987-06-01), None
Patent Abstract of Japan; vol. 006 No. 029; Feb. 20, 1982.

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