CA2035132A1 - Force measuring device and method of manufacturing it - Google Patents
Force measuring device and method of manufacturing itInfo
- Publication number
- CA2035132A1 CA2035132A1 CA002035132A CA2035132A CA2035132A1 CA 2035132 A1 CA2035132 A1 CA 2035132A1 CA 002035132 A CA002035132 A CA 002035132A CA 2035132 A CA2035132 A CA 2035132A CA 2035132 A1 CA2035132 A1 CA 2035132A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elastomeric material
- exterior
- transmission medium
- ring
- transition step
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 10
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 8
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002545 silicone oil Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000905957 Channa melasoma Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009351 contact transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000859 sublimation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008022 sublimation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
- G01L1/02—Measuring force or stress, in general by hydraulic or pneumatic means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
- G01L1/26—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with the measurement of force, e.g. for preventing influence of transverse components of force, for preventing overload
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
- B60G17/019—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/30—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units
- B60G2202/31—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units with the spring arranged around the damper, e.g. MacPherson strut
- B60G2202/312—The spring being a wound spring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/11—Mounting of sensors thereon
- B60G2204/112—Mounting of sensors thereon on dampers, e.g. fluid dampers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
- B60G2204/128—Damper mount on vehicle body or chassis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
- B60G2400/50—Pressure
- B60G2400/51—Pressure in suspension unit
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
- B60G2400/60—Load
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
- B60G2400/60—Load
- B60G2400/61—Load distribution
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
- Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract:
A force measuring device which may be integrated into an elastic joint connection between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part comprising: upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters; elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith;
a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions, forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material; and pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
A force measuring device which may be integrated into an elastic joint connection between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part comprising: upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters; elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith;
a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions, forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material; and pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
Description
'- 2035132 Title:
Force M~aquring Device and Method of Manu~acturing it Field of the In~ention The invention relates to a force measuring device and a method of manufacturing such force measuring devices.
Background of the Art The International Patent Application Publication W0 89/07055 (U.S. Pat. Appl. S. N. 425,214) discloses a force measuring device used for elastic support and connecting joint of a strut leg to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The force measuring device comprises an annular inner part and an annular exterior part forming an inclined ring step therebetween and filled with elastomeric material. A pressure sensor is inserted through a passage in the exterior part for determining pressure exerted onto the elastomeric material when loading the strut leg. In order to avoid any free space or air cushion between the elastomeric material and the sensor, liquid is filled into the passage before sensor insertion excessive liquid being squeezed out when screwing the sensor in.
With the known device any oblique forces exerted may not be uniformly and completely transmitted to the laterally attached sensor through the elastomeric material such affecting accuracy of measurement. Thus, it is necessary to increase height of the annular gap formed between the inner and exterior parts considerably in order to improve lateral stability and avoid non-uniform pressure distribution.
German Utility Model No. 1,824,884 discloses an apparatus for measuring the loading pressure of upper rolling cylinders in metal rolling systems comprising a linear piece of hose filled with liquid and connected to a liquid pressure-meter. The hose is arranged between two opposing pressure bars and an adjustable pressure may be applied thereto.
The British Patent No. 831,516 discloses presses for testing materials under compression using a self-aligning platen through :
:: .
, ' , ` ' ` ' ' ' .
, , ' 2 2~3~3'~
which pressure is applied. A seating for the platen comprises two members separated by a cushion of liquid and fitted one into the other so as to leave between their sides an annular gap spanned by a diaphragm between concentric exterior and inner rings held in position in corresponding annular recesses in the two members of the seating.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a force measuring device of low height.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a force measuring device having high measuring accuracy despite of asymmetrically applied forces.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a force measuring device having low height and being adapted to measure asymmetrically applied forces with high accuracy.
According to the invention, these and other objects are achieved by a force measuring device comprising upper and lower narrow annular gaF portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters; elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith; a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material;
and pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
A first method for manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into an annular hose-type sleeve; arranging said sleeve at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts; fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
filling elastomeric material into the upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
.
~ .
2 ~ 3 ~j ~ 3 ~
Force M~aquring Device and Method of Manu~acturing it Field of the In~ention The invention relates to a force measuring device and a method of manufacturing such force measuring devices.
Background of the Art The International Patent Application Publication W0 89/07055 (U.S. Pat. Appl. S. N. 425,214) discloses a force measuring device used for elastic support and connecting joint of a strut leg to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The force measuring device comprises an annular inner part and an annular exterior part forming an inclined ring step therebetween and filled with elastomeric material. A pressure sensor is inserted through a passage in the exterior part for determining pressure exerted onto the elastomeric material when loading the strut leg. In order to avoid any free space or air cushion between the elastomeric material and the sensor, liquid is filled into the passage before sensor insertion excessive liquid being squeezed out when screwing the sensor in.
With the known device any oblique forces exerted may not be uniformly and completely transmitted to the laterally attached sensor through the elastomeric material such affecting accuracy of measurement. Thus, it is necessary to increase height of the annular gap formed between the inner and exterior parts considerably in order to improve lateral stability and avoid non-uniform pressure distribution.
German Utility Model No. 1,824,884 discloses an apparatus for measuring the loading pressure of upper rolling cylinders in metal rolling systems comprising a linear piece of hose filled with liquid and connected to a liquid pressure-meter. The hose is arranged between two opposing pressure bars and an adjustable pressure may be applied thereto.
The British Patent No. 831,516 discloses presses for testing materials under compression using a self-aligning platen through :
:: .
, ' , ` ' ` ' ' ' .
, , ' 2 2~3~3'~
which pressure is applied. A seating for the platen comprises two members separated by a cushion of liquid and fitted one into the other so as to leave between their sides an annular gap spanned by a diaphragm between concentric exterior and inner rings held in position in corresponding annular recesses in the two members of the seating.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a force measuring device of low height.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a force measuring device having high measuring accuracy despite of asymmetrically applied forces.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a force measuring device having low height and being adapted to measure asymmetrically applied forces with high accuracy.
According to the invention, these and other objects are achieved by a force measuring device comprising upper and lower narrow annular gaF portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters; elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith; a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material;
and pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
A first method for manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into an annular hose-type sleeve; arranging said sleeve at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts; fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
filling elastomeric material into the upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
.
~ .
2 ~ 3 ~j ~ 3 ~
curing said elastomeric material; vulcanizing thereof onto sur~aces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said sleeve.
A second method of manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of forming a ring of a gel-type material;
arranging said ring at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts; fitting said inner and exterior parts together; filling elastomeric material into the upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts; curing said elastomeric material; vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said ring.
A third method of manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of filling elastomeric material into a lower annular gap between said exterior and inner parts up to said transition step; curing said elastomeric material; turning said combined inner and exterior parts; filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into said transition step; filling a further annular narrow gap between said exterior and inner parts with said elastomeric material; curing said elastomeric material;
and arranging a pressure sensor means in contact with said transmission medium.
Enclosing a low viscous transmission medium in the annular transition space ensures a uniform hydrostatic pressure distribution within the device despite a non-uniform or asymmetric loading such that the force or pressure sensor is uniformly loaded despite its lateral arrangement. Thus, no strict narrow guidance of the inner part within the exterior part by a considerable height of the narrow ring gap therebetween is necessary and the overall height of the device may considerably be reduced.
A second method of manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of forming a ring of a gel-type material;
arranging said ring at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts; fitting said inner and exterior parts together; filling elastomeric material into the upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts; curing said elastomeric material; vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said ring.
A third method of manufacturing a force measuring device comprises the steps of filling elastomeric material into a lower annular gap between said exterior and inner parts up to said transition step; curing said elastomeric material; turning said combined inner and exterior parts; filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into said transition step; filling a further annular narrow gap between said exterior and inner parts with said elastomeric material; curing said elastomeric material;
and arranging a pressure sensor means in contact with said transmission medium.
Enclosing a low viscous transmission medium in the annular transition space ensures a uniform hydrostatic pressure distribution within the device despite a non-uniform or asymmetric loading such that the force or pressure sensor is uniformly loaded despite its lateral arrangement. Thus, no strict narrow guidance of the inner part within the exterior part by a considerable height of the narrow ring gap therebetween is necessary and the overall height of the device may considerably be reduced.
4 2 03~j~ 3 2 BriQf Description o~ the Drawings Fig. 1 is a sectional vertical view of a first embodiment o~ a force measuring device according to the invention integrated in a strut leg of a vehicle; and Fig. 2 is a sectional vertical view of a second embodiment of the invention.
Be~t Mode of Carrying out the Invention According to Fig. 1 a force measuring device 1 is, for example, integrated to a strut leg dome 2 of a vehicle and serves for receiving a strut leg 3 illustrated in dashed lines. In principle, force measuring device 1 comprises a cylindrical exterior part 4 connected to the strut leg dome 2, and a piston-type inner element 5 forming a narrow annular gap with inner cylindrical surfaces of the exterior part 4. The narrow annular gap has upper and lower annular gap portions 6a and 6b, respectively, with a gap width which is much smaller than illustrated in the drawings. Both upper and lower gap portions are filled with elastomeric material 7, specifically silicone or natural rubber strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith. Through a central passage 5a of the inner part 5 a piston rod 3a of strut leg 3 is inserted. As a pressure transducer of the force measuring device 1 a sensor 8 is provided having formed a diaphragm 9 at its front end with the sensor 8 being inserted through passage 8a in proximity to a transition step, generally designated with the reference numeral 10, between the upper ring portion 6a having a smaller diameter than the lower ring portion 6b. The circumferential transition step 10 is provided with a transmission medium 11 enclosed in a ring space 12.
With the embodiment of Fig. 1 ring space 12 holds a flexible sleeve or shell, for instance, formed as a ring hose 12a containing the liquid transmission medium 11, specifically a silicone oil. Upon loading device 1, i. e. with the present embodiment caused by the static or dynamic wheel load onto strut leg 3, the inclined transition step 10 will be loaded, with the transmission medium 11 loading diaphragm 9 of sensor 8. For . ~ . .-,. . . :. ~ ~ , ~
- ~ - . . ~. ': : ' . -,; , -: , ' '~3~i~ 3~
ex~mple, pressure sensor 8 may be provided with diaphragm 9 having applied a strain gauge in thickfilm technology. However, other pressure transducers are applicable as well. The signals from the strain gauge are fed to an amplifier 13 included in sensor body 9a and may be transmitted via lead 14 to a board computer (not shown) of the vehicle for operational control.
Hose 12a may be made of rubber or synthetic material and fills essentially the whole ring space 12. It is at least partially surrounded by elastomeric material 7 such that there i~ no gap or air cushion and any force applied is fully transmitted to pressure sensor 8.
As indicated in Fig. 1, right-hand side, sensor 8 may be attached horizontally as well to contact transmission medium 11 or hose 12a, respectively.
It should be noted that due to the liquid transmission medium 11 any forces asymmetrically applied still cause a uniform pressure within the transmission medium 11 which pressure is then determined by sensor 8.
Instead of a liquid transmission medium 11 contained in hose 12a a gel-type material as a 40 Shore silicone may be used forming a gel ring 12b tFig. 2, right-hand side) and may be placed into transition step lO similar to hose 12a forming a highly flexible ring space 12. Hose 12a or gel ring 12b may have a smaller cross section than transition step 10 with elastomeric material 7 completely surrounding it such that there is an intermediate layer 7a of elastomeric material 7 between diaphragm 9 and hose 12a (see Fig. 2).
When manufacturing or assembling such a device 1, first transmission medium 11 is filled into hose l2a which then is stripped like a sealing over and around inner part 5 in the region of ring space 12. Now, exterior part 4 is fitted over inner part 5 and elastomeric material 7 is filled in the upper and lower ring portions 6a and 6b, respectively, any air bubbles enclosed in the elastomeric material being removed either by placing device 1 into vacuum or by exerting high centrifugal - , .. , ~
, - ' ' ~ :
: . . . . ..................... .
: :; , .. . . . , : - ~ . .
6- ~35~32 forces onto device l by orbitinq it about a vertical axis with high rotational speed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,666.
Preferably, hose 12a covers the open end of passage 8a such that no specific sealing thereof ls necessary.
It should be noted that elastomeric material 7 should strongly adhere to the surfaces in contact therewith. This is achieved by vulcanizing the elastomeric material to these surfaces as explained in the above-identified U.S. Patent. Thus, even with relatively short upper and lower ring portions 6a, 6b inner part 5 is narrowly guided within exterior part 4 with any lateral forces being shunted from the inner part through the elastomeric material 7 to exterior part 4.
With a modified embodiment ring space 12 may be formed by placing an insert 12' (see Fig. 1, right-hand side) into transition step 10 when fitting inner and exterior parts 5, 4 together.
After filling in and vulcanizing elastomeric material 7 in the upper and lower gaps 6a, 6b insert 12' is removed by sublimation or irrigation resulting in an empty space to be filled with transmission medium 11 through passage 8a. Alternatively, when using a hose 12a the latter may be dissolved as well after vulcanization of the elastomeric material 7 by heat application.
In such cases, transmission medium 11 would form a liquid cushion in transmission space 12 limited by the elastomeric material 7 in the upper and lower gap portions 6a, 6b with the transmission medium 11 in immediate contact to diaphragm 9 of sensor 8. In order to avoid damaging of hose 12a even by strong tilting of ; inner part 5 in respect of exterior part 4, the surfaces of transition step 10 may be concavely rounded.
Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the force measuring device of the invention illustrating in the left-hand part the use of hose 12a filled with transmission medium 11 whilst in the right-hand part a modified version is shown using ~el ring 12b. With this embodiment, hose 12a or gel ring 12b, respectively, is received by an annular groove 15 such that between them and sensor 8 there is an intermediate layer 7a of elastomeric material 7. With this embodiment upper and lower ring gaps 6a, 6b may be filled and vulcanized in one step with hose 12a or gel ,. '' ~ ', :~ .
-7~ 3 2 ring 12b, respectively, safely retained in ring groove 15 during filling in and vulcanization o~ elastomeric material 7.
Be~t Mode of Carrying out the Invention According to Fig. 1 a force measuring device 1 is, for example, integrated to a strut leg dome 2 of a vehicle and serves for receiving a strut leg 3 illustrated in dashed lines. In principle, force measuring device 1 comprises a cylindrical exterior part 4 connected to the strut leg dome 2, and a piston-type inner element 5 forming a narrow annular gap with inner cylindrical surfaces of the exterior part 4. The narrow annular gap has upper and lower annular gap portions 6a and 6b, respectively, with a gap width which is much smaller than illustrated in the drawings. Both upper and lower gap portions are filled with elastomeric material 7, specifically silicone or natural rubber strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith. Through a central passage 5a of the inner part 5 a piston rod 3a of strut leg 3 is inserted. As a pressure transducer of the force measuring device 1 a sensor 8 is provided having formed a diaphragm 9 at its front end with the sensor 8 being inserted through passage 8a in proximity to a transition step, generally designated with the reference numeral 10, between the upper ring portion 6a having a smaller diameter than the lower ring portion 6b. The circumferential transition step 10 is provided with a transmission medium 11 enclosed in a ring space 12.
With the embodiment of Fig. 1 ring space 12 holds a flexible sleeve or shell, for instance, formed as a ring hose 12a containing the liquid transmission medium 11, specifically a silicone oil. Upon loading device 1, i. e. with the present embodiment caused by the static or dynamic wheel load onto strut leg 3, the inclined transition step 10 will be loaded, with the transmission medium 11 loading diaphragm 9 of sensor 8. For . ~ . .-,. . . :. ~ ~ , ~
- ~ - . . ~. ': : ' . -,; , -: , ' '~3~i~ 3~
ex~mple, pressure sensor 8 may be provided with diaphragm 9 having applied a strain gauge in thickfilm technology. However, other pressure transducers are applicable as well. The signals from the strain gauge are fed to an amplifier 13 included in sensor body 9a and may be transmitted via lead 14 to a board computer (not shown) of the vehicle for operational control.
Hose 12a may be made of rubber or synthetic material and fills essentially the whole ring space 12. It is at least partially surrounded by elastomeric material 7 such that there i~ no gap or air cushion and any force applied is fully transmitted to pressure sensor 8.
As indicated in Fig. 1, right-hand side, sensor 8 may be attached horizontally as well to contact transmission medium 11 or hose 12a, respectively.
It should be noted that due to the liquid transmission medium 11 any forces asymmetrically applied still cause a uniform pressure within the transmission medium 11 which pressure is then determined by sensor 8.
Instead of a liquid transmission medium 11 contained in hose 12a a gel-type material as a 40 Shore silicone may be used forming a gel ring 12b tFig. 2, right-hand side) and may be placed into transition step lO similar to hose 12a forming a highly flexible ring space 12. Hose 12a or gel ring 12b may have a smaller cross section than transition step 10 with elastomeric material 7 completely surrounding it such that there is an intermediate layer 7a of elastomeric material 7 between diaphragm 9 and hose 12a (see Fig. 2).
When manufacturing or assembling such a device 1, first transmission medium 11 is filled into hose l2a which then is stripped like a sealing over and around inner part 5 in the region of ring space 12. Now, exterior part 4 is fitted over inner part 5 and elastomeric material 7 is filled in the upper and lower ring portions 6a and 6b, respectively, any air bubbles enclosed in the elastomeric material being removed either by placing device 1 into vacuum or by exerting high centrifugal - , .. , ~
, - ' ' ~ :
: . . . . ..................... .
: :; , .. . . . , : - ~ . .
6- ~35~32 forces onto device l by orbitinq it about a vertical axis with high rotational speed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,666.
Preferably, hose 12a covers the open end of passage 8a such that no specific sealing thereof ls necessary.
It should be noted that elastomeric material 7 should strongly adhere to the surfaces in contact therewith. This is achieved by vulcanizing the elastomeric material to these surfaces as explained in the above-identified U.S. Patent. Thus, even with relatively short upper and lower ring portions 6a, 6b inner part 5 is narrowly guided within exterior part 4 with any lateral forces being shunted from the inner part through the elastomeric material 7 to exterior part 4.
With a modified embodiment ring space 12 may be formed by placing an insert 12' (see Fig. 1, right-hand side) into transition step 10 when fitting inner and exterior parts 5, 4 together.
After filling in and vulcanizing elastomeric material 7 in the upper and lower gaps 6a, 6b insert 12' is removed by sublimation or irrigation resulting in an empty space to be filled with transmission medium 11 through passage 8a. Alternatively, when using a hose 12a the latter may be dissolved as well after vulcanization of the elastomeric material 7 by heat application.
In such cases, transmission medium 11 would form a liquid cushion in transmission space 12 limited by the elastomeric material 7 in the upper and lower gap portions 6a, 6b with the transmission medium 11 in immediate contact to diaphragm 9 of sensor 8. In order to avoid damaging of hose 12a even by strong tilting of ; inner part 5 in respect of exterior part 4, the surfaces of transition step 10 may be concavely rounded.
Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the force measuring device of the invention illustrating in the left-hand part the use of hose 12a filled with transmission medium 11 whilst in the right-hand part a modified version is shown using ~el ring 12b. With this embodiment, hose 12a or gel ring 12b, respectively, is received by an annular groove 15 such that between them and sensor 8 there is an intermediate layer 7a of elastomeric material 7. With this embodiment upper and lower ring gaps 6a, 6b may be filled and vulcanized in one step with hose 12a or gel ,. '' ~ ', :~ .
-7~ 3 2 ring 12b, respectively, safely retained in ring groove 15 during filling in and vulcanization o~ elastomeric material 7.
Claims (13)
1. A force measuring device which may be integrated into an elastic joint connection between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part comprising:
- upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters;
- elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith;
- a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions, forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material; and - pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
- upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between opposing surfaces of said inner and exterior parts and having different ring diameters;
- elastomeric material filling said upper and lower gap portions and strongly adhering to surfaces in contact therewith;
- a transition step between said upper and lower annular gap portions, forming a ring space circumferentially filled at least partially in an axial direction with a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium, a rest of said space being filled with said elastomeric material; and - pressure sensor means arranged in pressure transmitting engagement with said transmission medium.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said transmission medium is enclosed in an annular hose-type flexible sleeve.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said transmission medium has a gel-type consistency and is formed to a ring inserted in said ring space.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material is essentially bubblefree and is vulcanized to said surfaces in contact therewith.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein said flexible sleeve has a cross section sufficient to cover an insertion opening for said pressure sensor such that said opening is sealingly covered by said sleeve.
6. The device of claim 2, wherein between said sleeve and a sensing end of said pressure sensor an intermediate layer of said elastomeric material is provided.
7. The device of claim 2, wherein said transmission medium is a silicone oil filled into said sleeve.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein in a region of said ring space an annular groove is formed in one of said inner and exterior parts for receiving said transmission medium.
9. The device of claim 3, wherein in a region of said ring space an annular groove is formed in one of said inner and exterior parts for receiving said transmission medium.
10. A method for manufacturing a force measuring device which may be integrated as an elastic connecting joint between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape generally complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part said peripheral surfaces having upper and lower portions of different diameters a transition step being formed therebetween comprising the steps of:
- filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into an annular hose-type sleeve;
- arranging said sleeve at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts;
- fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
- filling elastomeric material into upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and - placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said sleeve.
- filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into an annular hose-type sleeve;
- arranging said sleeve at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts;
- fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
- filling elastomeric material into upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and - placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said sleeve.
11. A method for manufacturing a force measuring device which may be integrated as an elastic connecting joint between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape generally complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part said peripheral surfaces having upper and lower portions of different diameters a transition step being formed therebetween comprising the steps of:
- forming a ring of a gel-type material;
- arranging said ring at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts:
- fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
- filling elastomeric material into upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and - placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said ring.
- forming a ring of a gel-type material;
- arranging said ring at said transition step between said inner and exterior parts:
- fitting said inner and exterior parts together;
- filling elastomeric material into upper and lower narrow annular gap portions between said exterior and inner parts;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- vulcanizing thereof onto surfaces in contact therewith for achieving a strong adherence thereto; and - placing a pressure sensor means in pressure transmission engagement with said ring.
12. A method for manufacturing a force measuring device which may be integrated as an elastic connecting joint between a rigid piston-type inner part and a rigid cylindrical exterior part having a shape generally complementary to peripheral surfaces of said inner part said peripheral surfaces having upper and lower portions of different diameters a transition step being formed therebetween comprising the steps of:
- filling elastomeric material into a lower annular gap between said exterior and inner parts up to said transition step;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- turning said combined inner and exterior parts;
- filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into said transition step;
- filling a further annular narrow gap between said exterior and inner parts with said elastomeric material;
- curing said elastomeric material; and - arranging a pressure sensor means in contact with said transmission medium.
- filling elastomeric material into a lower annular gap between said exterior and inner parts up to said transition step;
- curing said elastomeric material;
- turning said combined inner and exterior parts;
- filling a highly viscous to liquid transmission medium into said transition step;
- filling a further annular narrow gap between said exterior and inner parts with said elastomeric material;
- curing said elastomeric material; and - arranging a pressure sensor means in contact with said transmission medium.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of placing a sublimable insert in said transition space after turning said combined inner and exterior parts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4002910.7 | 1990-02-01 | ||
| DE4002910A DE4002910A1 (en) | 1990-02-01 | 1990-02-01 | Silicone oil- or gel-filled force measurement device - allows attitude change between rigid piston and housing for uniform pressure loading of strain-gauge diaphragm |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2035132A1 true CA2035132A1 (en) | 1991-08-02 |
Family
ID=6399181
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002035132A Abandoned CA2035132A1 (en) | 1990-02-01 | 1991-01-29 | Force measuring device and method of manufacturing it |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0440012A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0599762A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR910021573A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2035132A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4002910A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4214291A1 (en) * | 1992-04-30 | 1993-11-04 | Pfister Messtechnik | FORCE MEASURING DEVICE |
| DE19806058A1 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 1999-09-09 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Force or pressure measurement arrangement |
| DE19826257B4 (en) * | 1998-06-15 | 2004-07-08 | Stark Spannsysteme Gmbh | Force measuring device and measuring method therefor |
| DE19913895B4 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2009-05-28 | Maurer Söhne Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device and method for storage and load measurement on bearings of structures |
| CN103776572B (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2016-08-17 | 安徽理工大学 | Detecting earth stress device |
| JP6515770B2 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2019-05-22 | 日本精工株式会社 | Bearing device with load sensor |
| EP3236219B1 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2019-11-27 | NSK Ltd. | Vehicle weight measurement device |
| JP6784189B2 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2020-11-11 | 日本精工株式会社 | Vehicle weight measuring device |
| DE102021212879A1 (en) | 2021-11-16 | 2023-05-17 | Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH | Electromechanical braking device |
| CN114777963B (en) * | 2022-04-20 | 2022-10-21 | 中国地质科学院地质力学研究所 | Stress strain sensor hole wall coupling device |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB831516A (en) * | 1957-02-13 | 1960-03-30 | Arthur Charles Carter | Improvements relating to presses for testing materials under compression |
| DE1824884U (en) * | 1960-10-29 | 1961-01-12 | Schubert & Salzer Maschinen | DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE UPPER ROLLER LOAD PRESSURE ON DRAWING PLANTS. |
| DE3444996A1 (en) * | 1984-12-10 | 1986-06-12 | Pfister Gmbh, 8900 Augsburg | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BUBBLE-FREE CURING OF POLYMERIC PLASTICS |
| US4864874A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1989-09-12 | Pfister Gmbh | Force measuring device |
| DE8801249U1 (en) * | 1988-02-02 | 1989-06-01 | Pfister Gmbh, 86165 Augsburg | Elastic connecting device |
-
1990
- 1990-02-01 DE DE4002910A patent/DE4002910A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1991
- 1991-01-02 EP EP91100008A patent/EP0440012A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-01-29 CA CA002035132A patent/CA2035132A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-02-01 JP JP3054191A patent/JPH0599762A/en active Pending
- 1991-02-01 KR KR1019910001767A patent/KR910021573A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4002910A1 (en) | 1991-08-08 |
| KR910021573A (en) | 1991-12-20 |
| EP0440012A1 (en) | 1991-08-07 |
| JPH0599762A (en) | 1993-04-23 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |