CA2690547C - Cable tension measurement in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly - Google Patents
Cable tension measurement in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly Download PDFInfo
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- CA2690547C CA2690547C CA 2690547 CA2690547A CA2690547C CA 2690547 C CA2690547 C CA 2690547C CA 2690547 CA2690547 CA 2690547 CA 2690547 A CA2690547 A CA 2690547A CA 2690547 C CA2690547 C CA 2690547C
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
- G01L5/10—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
- G01L5/102—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors located at a non-interrupted part of the flexible member
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T11/00—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant
- B60T11/04—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting mechanically
- B60T11/06—Equalising arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
- G01L5/10—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
- G01L5/107—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means for measuring a reaction force applied on an element disposed between two supports, e.g. on a plurality of rollers or gliders
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables, the cables being positioned by an anchor member. The device comprises a body for location adjacent the anchor member. The body includes a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the anchor portion. The body supports a pair of opposed contact portions, each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable. A load sensing unit is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension. An output portion provides an output signal indicative of the load.
Description
CABLE TENSION MEASUREMENT IN A VEHICLE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the calibration of cables in cable assemblies, such as emergency brakes for automotive vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[00021 The parking brake, also known as an emergency brake, controls the rear brakes through a series of brake cables that are connected to either a hand or a foot actuated lever. The brake cables may act between two fixed points to impart a force to actuate brake drums or calipers when one end is pulled by the lever. Actuation by hand or foot commonly employs a bracket joining two cables so that they may be commonly actuated to impart uniform brake force to a drum or caliper.
[0003] Installation and maintenance of the emergency brake can be an imprecise process. A
common method of installing an emergency brake on vehicles is firstly to assemble the emergency brake parts on the vehicle. The tension of the brake cables is then adjusted to a desired level by tightening an adjustment nut on the bracket. The actual tension in the brake cables, which is important to the proper functioning of the emergency brake, is not directly known during the installation and maintenance process.
This indirect tension measurement has limited measurement accuracy, and thus causes tension to be out of the specified range. For example, upon activation of the emergency brake (parking brake), by the operator of the vehicle as per their basic knowledge of the actuation method, the emergency brake may impart a reduced cable tension, which in turn may cause a vehicle to roll down a hill [00041 It would therefore be desirable to obviate or mitigate the above mentioned disadvantages, or to provide a novel approach.
HON-HCNCDA
SUMMARY OF TI IF GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
100051 In an exemplary' embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly. of a type having a pair of cables, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel. The device comprises a body for location adjacent with the cables. The body includes a first pair of opposed reaction portions. each arranged to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed reaction portions are positioned to locate the cables at a first lateral spacing. The body supports a load cell, which is positioned near the first pair of opposed reaction portions. 'Elle load cell includes a pair of opposed contact portions, each contact portion to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed contact portions are positioned to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing. The load cell is configured to generate a signal representative of a load exerted by the cables on the opposed contact portions. An output portion provides an output signal indicative of the load.
100061 In some exemplary embodiments, the body is positionable adjacent an inner region between the cables. The first pair of opposed reaction portions are arranged to be located in the inner region, with each reaction portion to engage a corresponding cable.
100071 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables define an inner region therebetween and a pair of opposed outer regions beyond the cables, each reaction portion being arranged to be located in a corresponding outer region.
100081 In some exemplary embodiments, the first pair of opposed reaction portions include a first pair of rollers.
100091 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a second pair of rollers, the load cell being located between the first and second pairs of rollers.
ICA/CDA
100101 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second pairs of rollers have a common spacing.
100111 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables are joined at one end with an equalizer bracket.
The body includes an alignment member for engaging and aligning the equalizer bracket, in order to position the first and second cables relative to the first and second rollers.
100121 In some exemplary embodiments, the equalizer bracket includes a pair of fingers to engage spaced regions on the equalizer bracket.
100131 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables include an inner cable member and an outer jacket, the outer jacket being attached to an anchor plate. while the body includes an alignment portion for aligning the body relative to the anchor plate.
100141 In some exemplary embodiments, the body further comprises a magnet for clamping the body to the anchor plate.
100151 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the contact portions including a contact pad.
100161 In some exemplary embodiments, each contact pad has a first beveled region for contacting the corresponding cables when being located in the inner region.
100171 In some exemplary embodiments, the output portion includes a message portion for conveying a message corresponding to the output signal.
100181 Some exemplary embodiments further provide a tool for tightening the cables. The tool includes a drive motor and a switch portion for activating the drive motor. An output portion is in communication with the switch portion over a wired or wireless communication link. The switch is tioN-HcAicD.A 3 responsive to a signal from the output portion for adjusting an operative state of the tool according to a predetermined tension force is present in a corresponding cable.
100191 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, comprising:
- locating a first pair of opposed reaction portions in a region adjacent the pair of cables, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions a corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral spacing, - providing a load sensing unit with a pair of cable engaging elements, with each cable engaging element positioning a corresponding cable at a second operative position to bring the pair of cables to a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of a load exerted on the elements by the cables and representative of tension in the cables.
100201 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise activating a display unit to receive the signal and to convey a message representative of the tension in the cables.
100211 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise dispatching the signal along a data path to a hand tool with a signal receiving portion to receive the signal, and activating a switch to turn off the tool when the signal indicates a threshold tension in the cables.
100221 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. the cables being positioned by an anchor member.
The device comprises a body for location adjacent the anchor member. The body includes a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the anchor portion. The body supports a pair of opposed contact portions. each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable.
A load sensing unit is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension. An output portion is also to provide an output signal indicative of the load.
100231 In some exemplary embodiments, the load sensing unit includes a load cell.
100241 Some exemplary embodiments, further comprises a first pair of opposed positioning portions.
each for positioning a corresponding cable.
100251 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a second pair of opposed positioning portions, each for positioning a corresponding cable, the first and second pairs having a common spacing.
100261 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the opposed positioning portions of the first and second pairs including a roller, the load cell being centrally located therebetween.
100271 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to establish each of the cables in a first lateral spacing. The opposed contact portions are arranged to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing.
100281 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the first lateral spacing.
100291 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the first lateral spacing.
100301 In some exemplary embodiments, the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the second lateral spacing.
100311 In some exemplary embodiments. the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the second lateral spacing.
100321 In still another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having two or more cables and providing a reference location relative to the cables. -Hie device comprises a body for location adjacent the reference location. The body includes a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the reference location. The body supports two or more contact portions. each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable. A load sensing unit is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension.
100331 In some exemplary embodiments, the cable assembly includes an equalizer bracket defining the reference location and the body includes a plurality of alignment formations for aligning the body in a predetermined orientation adjacent the equalizer bracket.
100341 In some exemplary embodiments, the equalizer bracket includes a pair of opposed peripheral regions, each alignment formation being configured to engage a corresponding peripheral region.
100351 In some exemplary embodiments, a first of the peripheral regions includes a central mounting location for receiving a brake lever cable portion therein, and a first pair of the alignment formations are arranged to receive the central mounting location therebetween.
i ION-I IC:A/C:DA 6 100361 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. comprising:
locating each of a first pair of opposed reaction portions adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions the corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral cable spacing.
locating each of a pair of cable engaging elements adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each element positions the corresponding cable at a second operative position with the pair of cables at a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of forces exerted on the elements and representative of tension in the cables.
100371 In still another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a cable assembly according to the method herein.
100381 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an automotive vehicle comprising a cable assembly as defined herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100391 Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein;
100401 Figure I is a fragmentary perspective view of a cable tension measuring device:
100411 Figures 2 is a fragmentary bottom view of a portion of the device of figure 1:
100421 Figure 2a is a fragmentary side view of a portion of an element shown in figure 2:
100431 Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device of figure 1 in an operative configuration with a drive tool;
100441 Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the device of figure 1;
100451 Figure 5 is an assembly view of another cable tension measuring device;
100461 Figure 6 is another fragmentary side view of the device of figure 5;
100471 Figure 7 is a lower perspective view of the device of figure 5; and 100481 Figures 8 to 12 inclusive are schematic views of alternative cable tension measuring devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
100491 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and ION-I icACDA 8 "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.
Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is to be considered inclusive.
[00511 Referring to the figures, there is provided a device 10 for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly 12, of a type having a pair of brake cables 14, 16, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, not shown. A variation to the device 10 is shown in figure 5.
[0052] The device 10 has a body 20 for locating adjacent an inner region "1" (figure 2) between the cables 14, 16. The body 20 includes a handle 21 and two pairs of reaction portions shown at 22,24 which are arranged to be located in the inner region I and to engage the cables 14, 16. The reaction portions, in this case, are rollers which spin on axle members 22a, 24a mounted on the body. Each of the rollers 22, 24 includes a shoulder portion 22b, 24b with a relatively larger diameter to control vertical position of the cables 14, 16 and cable receiving portions 22c, 24c with a relatively smaller diameter to at least partially entrain the cables 14, 16. As can be seen in figure 2, the first and second rollers 22,24 are positioned to locate the cables 14, 16 at a first lateral spacing as can be seen at SI. The body also supports a load cell 26 which is located between the first and second rollers 22, 24. An example of a suitable load cell is model LH 270, known as Miniature S-Beam Load Cell, commercially available from COOPER INSTRUMENTS
& SYSTEMS. A pair of opposed contact portions 28 are aligned with the load sensing sides of the load cell 26. Each of the contact portions 28 is to be located in the inner region I and to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed contact portions are positioned to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing Si to a second lateral spacing 52, as shown in figure 2. As will be described, the load cell 26 is configured to generate, in this particular example, a signal representative of a compressive load F exerted by the cables 14, 16 on the opposed contact portions 28. However, as will be discussed, other examples of the device 10 may be configured to sense tensile loads. Referring to figures 2 and 2a. the opposed contact portions 28 are provided in the form of pads. each of which has a beveled edge region 28a to engage and deflect the corresponding cable when being located in the inner region I. Each pad 28 is also provided with a central recess 28b to assist in locating the cable when each pad 28 is in an operative position. Referring to figure 3, a base plate 29 is provided on a distal side of the rollers 22, 24, so that the rollers and the load cell 26 are held between the body 20 and the base plate 29.
100521 Referring to figures I and 4, an output portion 30 is also provided for providing an output signal indicative of the compressive load F. while power to the output portion is provided by battery 31 though other sources of power may be provided, as desired. In the example shown in figure I. the output portion 30 includes a message portion in the form of a display portion 32 in which the output signal is displayed in a digital representation of the tensile load in each of the cables, expressed as a function of the compressive load F exerted on the pads 28. In this case, the display portion 32 may include a 3 1/2 Digit, LCD/LED Display. The representation of the tensile load in the cables may be provided with alphanumeric symbols, bar lines. by way of the display portion. Alternatively, the display portion 32 may be replaced with another form of message portion, such as an audio generator for issuing an audio signal, such as a synthesized voice or a tone pattern, either indicating that a target tension level has been reached or indicating incremental changes in tension level.
100531 The first and second rollers 22, 24, in this case, are equally spaced, though other spacings may also be contemplated depending on the configuration of the cables 14, 16.
The equal spacing of the rollers 22, 24, in this case, is appropriate for the cables which are in a parallel configuration.
100541 As can be seen in figure 1, the cables 14, 16 are joined at one end with an equalizer bracket plate 34. The cables 14, 16 are anchored at one end to the equalizer bracket 34 by way of pivot pins 14b.
The equalizer bracket 34 anchors a first end 35a of a pull cable 35, which extends to a forward region of the chassis near the instrument cluster (not shown), for instance, for coupling with a emergency brake lever assembly shown schematically at 33. Thus, a second end 35b of the pull cable 35 is adjustably positioned relative to the emergency brake lever assembly 33. by way of a threaded fastener 33a. It will be understood that the specific arrangement shown is merely exemplary.. The threaded fastener, adjusting the position of the pull cable, may in turn be indirectly coupled with the pull cable 35. The couplings between the two cables 14, 16 and pull cable 35 are pivoted couplings, allowing the equalizer bracket 34 to position itself to balance the tension on the two cables, thereby' accommodating variations in length that may occur during manufacturing.
100551 Attached to the body 20 is an alignment member 36 (figure 3) for engaging and aligning the equalizer bracket 34, in order to position the first and second cables 14, 16 relative to the first and second rollers "r), 24.
100561 The alignment member 36 includes a pair of fingers 36a (figure 1) to engage spaced regions on the equalizer bracket 34 between the ends of cables 14 and 16.
100571 As can be seen in figure 1, each cable includes an outer jacket portion which can be seen at 16a for cable 16. The outer jacket 16a is attached to an anchor plate 38, which is mounted on a central interior floor structure of a vehicle chassis (not shown). The body 20 includes a guide portion 40 for aligning the body 20 relative to the anchor plate 38.
100581 The anchor plate 38 includes a base plate portion 42 and a pair of opposed outer mounting flange portions 44. Each forms a passage 44a for receiving a corresponding outer jacket I4a therein.
Referring to figure 6, the anchor plate 38 further includes an upstanding post 42a, which extends into a gap 40a between guide portion 40 and a magnet 48.
100591 The magnet 48 is attached to the body 20 and provides a magnet clamping force against the anchor plate 38 for clamping the body 20 to the base plate portion 42.
tic:A-LK:A/Cm 11 100601 The device 10 thus provides a technique for sensing the tensile loads in a pair of neighbouring cables. This is done by way of the load cell 26 sensing a load F
exerted by deflecting the cables beyond a first position to a second position. The output portion 30 is thus capable of recording the load F. the higher the force, the greater the tension in the cables. Given the balancing function of the equalizer bracket 34, it can be reasonably assumed that the tensional forces on the two cables are substantially equal, so that the load F present at the load cell 26 can be considered representative of the tensional forces in both cables.
100611 The output portion 30 may thus be provided to present a graphical representation of the tensional forces on the cable by way of the display portion 32. In this case, the output portion 30 includes circuitry to associate the compressive force F with a corresponding tensile force. The display portion 32 thus permits an Associate to monitor tensile forces on the cables while adjusting the fastener 33a on the pull cable 35. As the Associate turns the fastener 33a, the tension on the cables increases (or decreases as the case may be depending on the direction of turning), as indicated by the increase in compressive load F
appearing at the pads 28 and presented in the display portion 32.
100621 As shown in figure 4, a 9V battery 31 is used to power the device with a circuit. The battery voltage is converted to 5V by a DC to DC converter 67 (for example available under the trade name TDK
LAMBDA, model CC1R5-0505SF-E). The DC to DC converter 67 provides the load cell 26 with a constant excitation of 5V. The output portion 30 includes an instrumental amplifier 69 to receive an input signal from the load cell (model INA 125). A microcontroller 68 (under trade name ATMEL, model ATMegal6) receives an amplified output from the amplifier 69.
100631 The microcontroller 68 is operable to convert the analog signal from the load cell 26 into a digital signal, to decode the signal, and to drive the LCD (liquid crystal display) chip of the display portion 32. The microcontroller 68 may also be programmed to allow the associate to scale the display according to a predetermined unit of measure (i.e. pounds, Newton's, kg force).
I ION-I ICA/C'DA 12 100641 The Associate may prepare the device 10 for use by first identif3 ing the cables 14 and 16 and the region near the base plate portion 42 upwardly extending from the central floor region of the vehicle.
The device 10 is then oriented by the handle 21 and placed in position so that the rollers 22 and 24 are aligned with the cables 14. 16. The device 10 is then lowered toward the cables 14, 16 to displace the cables with the rollers 22.24 to a first lateral spacing SI and the beveled edge region 28a of the pads 28 to make contact with and laterally displace the cables to the second lateral spacing S2. Proper positioning occurs when each of the cables engages the cable receiving region 22c, 24c of the corresponding rollers 22.
24 and the central recess 28b of the pads 28. This position is then maintained the fingers 36a of the alignment member 36 positioned beneath of the equalizer bracket 34, the guide portion 40 engaged with the upstanding post 42a and the magnet in contact with the base plate portion 42.
The Associate may then proceed to adjust the fastener 33a at the emergency brake lever assembly 33 to tighten (or loosen) the pull cable 35 as needed to bring the tension in the cables 14. 16 to the factory setting. While adjusting the fastener 33a, the Associate may watch the display 32 and then terminate the adjustment when the tension has indeed reached the factory setting.
100651 In another example, as shown in figures 3 and 4. the device 10 may be configured to communicate, over a wired or wireless data path 50. with a drive tool shown schematically at 52 and a transmitter 70 (under trade name TIT 418) to issue signals over the data path 50. The drive tool 52 is provided with a signal receiver portion 54, in the form of a receiver chip (under trade name RLP 418), to receive a signal or a change in a signal on the data path 50, indicating that a predetermined tension threshold has been reached in the cables 14, 16. The drive tool 52 may be further provided with a cut-off switch function, in the form of a microcontroller 56 (under trade name ATMEL
ATMegal6). The microcontroller 56 is responsive to the signal receiver portion 54 to control the operation of a motor portion 58 which in turn drives an output drive member 60, which is joined to a socket 62, which is in turn dimensioned to fit the fastener 33a on brake lever assembly 33. In this case, the signal or change in signal may be indicative for the switch function to terminate or to adjust power to the motor portion 58, so as to adjust the speed of, or stop, the socket 62. This arrangement has the advantage that the drive tool 52 may thus be automatically switched off when the cables 14, 16 are measured to be under tension at a preset factory threshold, or other predetermined tension, thereby reducing the need for an Associate to manually shut off the drive tool 52 while viewing the display 32. The signals are decoded by the microcontroller 56.
In one example, the microcontroller 56 is configured to employ a pulse width modulation scheme to adjust the speed of the drive tool, or to switch it off completely when the proper cable tension has been reached.
100661 In this case, the data path 50 is dedicated for communications between the device 10 and the drive tool 52, for example operate under frequencies such as those referred to as 'radio frequency' or "RF"
using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUETOOTH and the like, or other Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. The data path 50 and indeed the device 10 may be part of a larger communication network in a number of forms, by way of one or more software programs configured to run on one or more general purpose computers, such as a personal computer, or on a single custom built computer. A system controlling such a communication network may, alternatively, be executed on a more substantial computer mainframe. The general purpose computer may work within a network involving several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE or IBM , or clones thereof, which are programmed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS , LINUX or other well known or lesser known equivalents of these. The system may involve pre-programmed software using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a programming software. The computer network may be include a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocols, or under "peer-to-peer" or "client-server" or other networking architectures. While the drive tool 52 collects instructional data from data path 50 from the device 10, it may also communicate status information to the drive tool 52 or to a monitoring system controlled by a local computer or a central server.
[0067] Thus, in some examples, the device 10 provides a hand held tool with a handle, a fork at the front of the tool, for lifting the cables and a magnet for holding the tool in position between the cables. The tool has a main body, at the bottom of which there is a pair of rollers per side. Centered in between the rollers is a pair of contact pads, each being on a corresponding side of the main body. These pads are guided inside the main body by the feature shape of the main body and are a size to allow minimal side to side movement. The pads transfer any force exerted on them into a load cell between them. On the bottom of the body. there is provided a plate which retains the load cell, contact pads and rollers. The function of the rollers, in this example, is to displace the cables by the required amount in order to provide for a consistent bridged distance over the load cell contact pads. The load cell contact pads displace the cable by the required amount in order to provide a load measurement capability converging from both sides of the load cell through the contact pads. The power supply to the load cell and the reading from the load cell output is handled by an electronic circuit powered by a 9 volt battery. The power is converted to the correct excitation voltage by a DC to DC converter. The output device is a 3.5 digit LED Display. The electronic circuit board and battery are enclosed inside a removable cover which is located between the handle and the main body at the bottom. There is a separate enclosure cover to remove for access to the battery. The rear of the tool contains a magnet on the lower side in order to help retain the tool in the desired position in the cable bracket mounted to the vehicle. There is a guide bracket mounted under the handle at the rear of the tool to guide the tool into position and also to help retain the tool in the desired position in the cable bracket. There is a small switch to turn on power to the circuit. In another example.
the output of the device is utilized to automatically control a nut-driving tool used to adjust the brake cable system. The device thus sends a signal (such as by way of a wired or wireless data path) to a drive tool where the signal will be received and the power to the driving mechanism of the DC tool will be cut, causing the adjustment of the system to cease.
100681 In some examples, the device 10 provides a body which is positionable adjacent an inner region between the cables, where the opposed reaction portions (in one example rollers) are arranged to be located in the inner region, with each reaction portion to engage a corresponding cable. However, in yet several other examples, the cables may be seen to define an inner region between them and a pair of opposed outer regions beyond them.
100691 Figures 8 to 11 show variations of a device 71 for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables 76. Thus, the device 71 can be used for cable installations beyond vehicle brake cable assemblies, such as cables in hydro distribution systems, as but one example.
In this case. the cables 76 are positioned by an anchor member shown schematically at 78. The device 71 has a body 80 for location adjacent the anchor member 78. The body 80 includes a locating portion 82 for locating the body 80 in an operative configuration relative to the anchor member 78. Thus, in this case, the locating portion 82 allows for the body 80 to be located in a common location from one cable assembly to another (provided the specifications of the cable assemblies include a common anchor member). The body 80 supports a pair of opposed contact portions 84, each contact portion 84 arranged to engage a corresponding cable 74. Further, a load sensing unit 86 is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions 84 to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions 84 when the cables 74 are under an operative tension. An output portion (not shown) may then be used to provide an output signal indicative of the load. In each example, the load sensing unit includes a load cell as described above.
100701 In the example of figure 8, the opposed contact portions 84 are arranged to displace the cables 74 inwardly toward one another from a first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing. On the hand, in the example of figure 9, the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the second lateral spacing.
100711 In the examples of figures 10 and II, the device 71 includes first and second pairs of opposed positioning portions 88, each for positioning a corresponding cable in opposition to the opposed contact portions. In each case, each of the positioning portions of the first and second pairs includes a roller 88. the load cell 86 being centrally located between them. In the case of figure 10, the rollers 88 are seen in the outer regions of the cables 74 to provide the first lateral spacing, with the contact portions 84 displacing the cables outwardly to the second lateral spacing. In contrast, in figure 11, the rollers are located in the inner region and the contact portions are displacing the cables inwardly to the second lateral spacing.
100721 Thus, in the case of the device 71 of figures 9 and 10, the cables 76 are displaced slightly outwardly when the device 71 is put in place. As the force in the cables is increased through adjustment, the cables tend to move inward, causing a compression force to be exerted on the load cell. The load cell measures this compression force as a function of the actual tension in the cables.
100731 On the other hand, with reference to figure 8 and II. when the device 71 is placed in an operative position with the cables 76. they are displaced slightly inwardly.
During adjustment. the cables are forced to move outwards away from the load cell. A tension type load cell is then able to measure this tension force and it is interpreted by the output portion 30, as a function of the actual tension in the cables 76.
100741 Referring to figure 12, still another device is provided at 90 for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly 92, of a type having a pair of cables 93 and providing a reference location 96 relative to the cables 93. In this case, the device 90 includes a body shown in dashed lines at 94 for location adjacent the reference location 96. The body 94 includes a locating portion 98, in this case in the form of a base plate or the like, for locating the body 94 in an operative configuration relative to the reference location 96. The body supports a pair of opposed contact portions 100, each contact portion 100 arranged to engage a corresponding cable 93 and a load sensing 102 unit operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions 100 to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension. An output portion, shown schematically at 104, may also be provided to signal when a predetermined load is present in the cables 93.
100751 The cable assembly 92 includes an equalizer bracket 106 defining the reference location 96 and the body 94 includes a plurality of first and second alignment formations 108, 110, respectively, for aligning the body 94 in a predetermined orientation adjacent the equalizer bracket 106. The equalizer bracket 106 has, in this case, a pair of opposed peripheral regions 106a, 106b and each alignment formation 108, 110 is configured to engage a corresponding peripheral region. A first of the peripheral regions 106a includes a central mounting location 112 for receiving a brake lever cable portion (not shown) therein, while the first pair of the alignment formations 108 are arranged to receive the central mounting location 112 therebetween. In this case, the first and second formations 108, 110 may be, for instance, projections tioN-ticA/cDA 17 extending outwardly from the body 94 and may further include bumpers, rollers, wheels, bearings or the like. Alternatively, the adjustment formations may include one or more pins shown schematically at 114, = which are configured to extend into complementary passages 116, wherein the pins and passages are ' respectively located in the location portion 98 and the equalizer bracket 106, or vice versa.
[0076] The arrangement of figure 12 thus provides the device 90 for measuring cable tension while enabling a technique for locating the device at or near a common reference location from one cable pair or =
cable set to another, without necessary needing to anchor the device itself to a particular anchor location on a frame supporting the cable set, such as an anchor location on a vehicle chassis. Thus, in the specific example of a device for use in vehicle chasses, the device 90 may utilize a physical location on the cable set itself, such as in this case the front cable equalizer bracket 106, as a guide to hold the device or fixture in place, in cases where the front equalizer is a common element among the vehicles of a particular model being assembled. Further variations of the device and method as described herein may be used to measure and/or balance loads in more than two cables as desired, by providing at least one load cell with an ability to sense loads therein and which may include at least one output portion to signal when a predetermined load is reached.
[0077] While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
HON-HCA/CDA = 18 =
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the calibration of cables in cable assemblies, such as emergency brakes for automotive vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[00021 The parking brake, also known as an emergency brake, controls the rear brakes through a series of brake cables that are connected to either a hand or a foot actuated lever. The brake cables may act between two fixed points to impart a force to actuate brake drums or calipers when one end is pulled by the lever. Actuation by hand or foot commonly employs a bracket joining two cables so that they may be commonly actuated to impart uniform brake force to a drum or caliper.
[0003] Installation and maintenance of the emergency brake can be an imprecise process. A
common method of installing an emergency brake on vehicles is firstly to assemble the emergency brake parts on the vehicle. The tension of the brake cables is then adjusted to a desired level by tightening an adjustment nut on the bracket. The actual tension in the brake cables, which is important to the proper functioning of the emergency brake, is not directly known during the installation and maintenance process.
This indirect tension measurement has limited measurement accuracy, and thus causes tension to be out of the specified range. For example, upon activation of the emergency brake (parking brake), by the operator of the vehicle as per their basic knowledge of the actuation method, the emergency brake may impart a reduced cable tension, which in turn may cause a vehicle to roll down a hill [00041 It would therefore be desirable to obviate or mitigate the above mentioned disadvantages, or to provide a novel approach.
HON-HCNCDA
SUMMARY OF TI IF GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
100051 In an exemplary' embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly. of a type having a pair of cables, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel. The device comprises a body for location adjacent with the cables. The body includes a first pair of opposed reaction portions. each arranged to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed reaction portions are positioned to locate the cables at a first lateral spacing. The body supports a load cell, which is positioned near the first pair of opposed reaction portions. 'Elle load cell includes a pair of opposed contact portions, each contact portion to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed contact portions are positioned to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing. The load cell is configured to generate a signal representative of a load exerted by the cables on the opposed contact portions. An output portion provides an output signal indicative of the load.
100061 In some exemplary embodiments, the body is positionable adjacent an inner region between the cables. The first pair of opposed reaction portions are arranged to be located in the inner region, with each reaction portion to engage a corresponding cable.
100071 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables define an inner region therebetween and a pair of opposed outer regions beyond the cables, each reaction portion being arranged to be located in a corresponding outer region.
100081 In some exemplary embodiments, the first pair of opposed reaction portions include a first pair of rollers.
100091 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a second pair of rollers, the load cell being located between the first and second pairs of rollers.
ICA/CDA
100101 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second pairs of rollers have a common spacing.
100111 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables are joined at one end with an equalizer bracket.
The body includes an alignment member for engaging and aligning the equalizer bracket, in order to position the first and second cables relative to the first and second rollers.
100121 In some exemplary embodiments, the equalizer bracket includes a pair of fingers to engage spaced regions on the equalizer bracket.
100131 In some exemplary embodiments, the cables include an inner cable member and an outer jacket, the outer jacket being attached to an anchor plate. while the body includes an alignment portion for aligning the body relative to the anchor plate.
100141 In some exemplary embodiments, the body further comprises a magnet for clamping the body to the anchor plate.
100151 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the contact portions including a contact pad.
100161 In some exemplary embodiments, each contact pad has a first beveled region for contacting the corresponding cables when being located in the inner region.
100171 In some exemplary embodiments, the output portion includes a message portion for conveying a message corresponding to the output signal.
100181 Some exemplary embodiments further provide a tool for tightening the cables. The tool includes a drive motor and a switch portion for activating the drive motor. An output portion is in communication with the switch portion over a wired or wireless communication link. The switch is tioN-HcAicD.A 3 responsive to a signal from the output portion for adjusting an operative state of the tool according to a predetermined tension force is present in a corresponding cable.
100191 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, comprising:
- locating a first pair of opposed reaction portions in a region adjacent the pair of cables, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions a corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral spacing, - providing a load sensing unit with a pair of cable engaging elements, with each cable engaging element positioning a corresponding cable at a second operative position to bring the pair of cables to a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of a load exerted on the elements by the cables and representative of tension in the cables.
100201 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise activating a display unit to receive the signal and to convey a message representative of the tension in the cables.
100211 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise dispatching the signal along a data path to a hand tool with a signal receiving portion to receive the signal, and activating a switch to turn off the tool when the signal indicates a threshold tension in the cables.
100221 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. the cables being positioned by an anchor member.
The device comprises a body for location adjacent the anchor member. The body includes a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the anchor portion. The body supports a pair of opposed contact portions. each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable.
A load sensing unit is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension. An output portion is also to provide an output signal indicative of the load.
100231 In some exemplary embodiments, the load sensing unit includes a load cell.
100241 Some exemplary embodiments, further comprises a first pair of opposed positioning portions.
each for positioning a corresponding cable.
100251 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a second pair of opposed positioning portions, each for positioning a corresponding cable, the first and second pairs having a common spacing.
100261 In some exemplary embodiments, each of the opposed positioning portions of the first and second pairs including a roller, the load cell being centrally located therebetween.
100271 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to establish each of the cables in a first lateral spacing. The opposed contact portions are arranged to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing.
100281 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the first lateral spacing.
100291 In some exemplary embodiments, the rollers are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the first lateral spacing.
100301 In some exemplary embodiments, the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the second lateral spacing.
100311 In some exemplary embodiments. the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the second lateral spacing.
100321 In still another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having two or more cables and providing a reference location relative to the cables. -Hie device comprises a body for location adjacent the reference location. The body includes a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the reference location. The body supports two or more contact portions. each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable. A load sensing unit is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension.
100331 In some exemplary embodiments, the cable assembly includes an equalizer bracket defining the reference location and the body includes a plurality of alignment formations for aligning the body in a predetermined orientation adjacent the equalizer bracket.
100341 In some exemplary embodiments, the equalizer bracket includes a pair of opposed peripheral regions, each alignment formation being configured to engage a corresponding peripheral region.
100351 In some exemplary embodiments, a first of the peripheral regions includes a central mounting location for receiving a brake lever cable portion therein, and a first pair of the alignment formations are arranged to receive the central mounting location therebetween.
i ION-I IC:A/C:DA 6 100361 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables. comprising:
locating each of a first pair of opposed reaction portions adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions the corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral cable spacing.
locating each of a pair of cable engaging elements adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each element positions the corresponding cable at a second operative position with the pair of cables at a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of forces exerted on the elements and representative of tension in the cables.
100371 In still another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a cable assembly according to the method herein.
100381 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an automotive vehicle comprising a cable assembly as defined herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100391 Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein;
100401 Figure I is a fragmentary perspective view of a cable tension measuring device:
100411 Figures 2 is a fragmentary bottom view of a portion of the device of figure 1:
100421 Figure 2a is a fragmentary side view of a portion of an element shown in figure 2:
100431 Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device of figure 1 in an operative configuration with a drive tool;
100441 Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the device of figure 1;
100451 Figure 5 is an assembly view of another cable tension measuring device;
100461 Figure 6 is another fragmentary side view of the device of figure 5;
100471 Figure 7 is a lower perspective view of the device of figure 5; and 100481 Figures 8 to 12 inclusive are schematic views of alternative cable tension measuring devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
100491 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and ION-I icACDA 8 "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.
Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is to be considered inclusive.
[00511 Referring to the figures, there is provided a device 10 for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly 12, of a type having a pair of brake cables 14, 16, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, not shown. A variation to the device 10 is shown in figure 5.
[0052] The device 10 has a body 20 for locating adjacent an inner region "1" (figure 2) between the cables 14, 16. The body 20 includes a handle 21 and two pairs of reaction portions shown at 22,24 which are arranged to be located in the inner region I and to engage the cables 14, 16. The reaction portions, in this case, are rollers which spin on axle members 22a, 24a mounted on the body. Each of the rollers 22, 24 includes a shoulder portion 22b, 24b with a relatively larger diameter to control vertical position of the cables 14, 16 and cable receiving portions 22c, 24c with a relatively smaller diameter to at least partially entrain the cables 14, 16. As can be seen in figure 2, the first and second rollers 22,24 are positioned to locate the cables 14, 16 at a first lateral spacing as can be seen at SI. The body also supports a load cell 26 which is located between the first and second rollers 22, 24. An example of a suitable load cell is model LH 270, known as Miniature S-Beam Load Cell, commercially available from COOPER INSTRUMENTS
& SYSTEMS. A pair of opposed contact portions 28 are aligned with the load sensing sides of the load cell 26. Each of the contact portions 28 is to be located in the inner region I and to engage a corresponding cable. The opposed contact portions are positioned to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing Si to a second lateral spacing 52, as shown in figure 2. As will be described, the load cell 26 is configured to generate, in this particular example, a signal representative of a compressive load F exerted by the cables 14, 16 on the opposed contact portions 28. However, as will be discussed, other examples of the device 10 may be configured to sense tensile loads. Referring to figures 2 and 2a. the opposed contact portions 28 are provided in the form of pads. each of which has a beveled edge region 28a to engage and deflect the corresponding cable when being located in the inner region I. Each pad 28 is also provided with a central recess 28b to assist in locating the cable when each pad 28 is in an operative position. Referring to figure 3, a base plate 29 is provided on a distal side of the rollers 22, 24, so that the rollers and the load cell 26 are held between the body 20 and the base plate 29.
100521 Referring to figures I and 4, an output portion 30 is also provided for providing an output signal indicative of the compressive load F. while power to the output portion is provided by battery 31 though other sources of power may be provided, as desired. In the example shown in figure I. the output portion 30 includes a message portion in the form of a display portion 32 in which the output signal is displayed in a digital representation of the tensile load in each of the cables, expressed as a function of the compressive load F exerted on the pads 28. In this case, the display portion 32 may include a 3 1/2 Digit, LCD/LED Display. The representation of the tensile load in the cables may be provided with alphanumeric symbols, bar lines. by way of the display portion. Alternatively, the display portion 32 may be replaced with another form of message portion, such as an audio generator for issuing an audio signal, such as a synthesized voice or a tone pattern, either indicating that a target tension level has been reached or indicating incremental changes in tension level.
100531 The first and second rollers 22, 24, in this case, are equally spaced, though other spacings may also be contemplated depending on the configuration of the cables 14, 16.
The equal spacing of the rollers 22, 24, in this case, is appropriate for the cables which are in a parallel configuration.
100541 As can be seen in figure 1, the cables 14, 16 are joined at one end with an equalizer bracket plate 34. The cables 14, 16 are anchored at one end to the equalizer bracket 34 by way of pivot pins 14b.
The equalizer bracket 34 anchors a first end 35a of a pull cable 35, which extends to a forward region of the chassis near the instrument cluster (not shown), for instance, for coupling with a emergency brake lever assembly shown schematically at 33. Thus, a second end 35b of the pull cable 35 is adjustably positioned relative to the emergency brake lever assembly 33. by way of a threaded fastener 33a. It will be understood that the specific arrangement shown is merely exemplary.. The threaded fastener, adjusting the position of the pull cable, may in turn be indirectly coupled with the pull cable 35. The couplings between the two cables 14, 16 and pull cable 35 are pivoted couplings, allowing the equalizer bracket 34 to position itself to balance the tension on the two cables, thereby' accommodating variations in length that may occur during manufacturing.
100551 Attached to the body 20 is an alignment member 36 (figure 3) for engaging and aligning the equalizer bracket 34, in order to position the first and second cables 14, 16 relative to the first and second rollers "r), 24.
100561 The alignment member 36 includes a pair of fingers 36a (figure 1) to engage spaced regions on the equalizer bracket 34 between the ends of cables 14 and 16.
100571 As can be seen in figure 1, each cable includes an outer jacket portion which can be seen at 16a for cable 16. The outer jacket 16a is attached to an anchor plate 38, which is mounted on a central interior floor structure of a vehicle chassis (not shown). The body 20 includes a guide portion 40 for aligning the body 20 relative to the anchor plate 38.
100581 The anchor plate 38 includes a base plate portion 42 and a pair of opposed outer mounting flange portions 44. Each forms a passage 44a for receiving a corresponding outer jacket I4a therein.
Referring to figure 6, the anchor plate 38 further includes an upstanding post 42a, which extends into a gap 40a between guide portion 40 and a magnet 48.
100591 The magnet 48 is attached to the body 20 and provides a magnet clamping force against the anchor plate 38 for clamping the body 20 to the base plate portion 42.
tic:A-LK:A/Cm 11 100601 The device 10 thus provides a technique for sensing the tensile loads in a pair of neighbouring cables. This is done by way of the load cell 26 sensing a load F
exerted by deflecting the cables beyond a first position to a second position. The output portion 30 is thus capable of recording the load F. the higher the force, the greater the tension in the cables. Given the balancing function of the equalizer bracket 34, it can be reasonably assumed that the tensional forces on the two cables are substantially equal, so that the load F present at the load cell 26 can be considered representative of the tensional forces in both cables.
100611 The output portion 30 may thus be provided to present a graphical representation of the tensional forces on the cable by way of the display portion 32. In this case, the output portion 30 includes circuitry to associate the compressive force F with a corresponding tensile force. The display portion 32 thus permits an Associate to monitor tensile forces on the cables while adjusting the fastener 33a on the pull cable 35. As the Associate turns the fastener 33a, the tension on the cables increases (or decreases as the case may be depending on the direction of turning), as indicated by the increase in compressive load F
appearing at the pads 28 and presented in the display portion 32.
100621 As shown in figure 4, a 9V battery 31 is used to power the device with a circuit. The battery voltage is converted to 5V by a DC to DC converter 67 (for example available under the trade name TDK
LAMBDA, model CC1R5-0505SF-E). The DC to DC converter 67 provides the load cell 26 with a constant excitation of 5V. The output portion 30 includes an instrumental amplifier 69 to receive an input signal from the load cell (model INA 125). A microcontroller 68 (under trade name ATMEL, model ATMegal6) receives an amplified output from the amplifier 69.
100631 The microcontroller 68 is operable to convert the analog signal from the load cell 26 into a digital signal, to decode the signal, and to drive the LCD (liquid crystal display) chip of the display portion 32. The microcontroller 68 may also be programmed to allow the associate to scale the display according to a predetermined unit of measure (i.e. pounds, Newton's, kg force).
I ION-I ICA/C'DA 12 100641 The Associate may prepare the device 10 for use by first identif3 ing the cables 14 and 16 and the region near the base plate portion 42 upwardly extending from the central floor region of the vehicle.
The device 10 is then oriented by the handle 21 and placed in position so that the rollers 22 and 24 are aligned with the cables 14. 16. The device 10 is then lowered toward the cables 14, 16 to displace the cables with the rollers 22.24 to a first lateral spacing SI and the beveled edge region 28a of the pads 28 to make contact with and laterally displace the cables to the second lateral spacing S2. Proper positioning occurs when each of the cables engages the cable receiving region 22c, 24c of the corresponding rollers 22.
24 and the central recess 28b of the pads 28. This position is then maintained the fingers 36a of the alignment member 36 positioned beneath of the equalizer bracket 34, the guide portion 40 engaged with the upstanding post 42a and the magnet in contact with the base plate portion 42.
The Associate may then proceed to adjust the fastener 33a at the emergency brake lever assembly 33 to tighten (or loosen) the pull cable 35 as needed to bring the tension in the cables 14. 16 to the factory setting. While adjusting the fastener 33a, the Associate may watch the display 32 and then terminate the adjustment when the tension has indeed reached the factory setting.
100651 In another example, as shown in figures 3 and 4. the device 10 may be configured to communicate, over a wired or wireless data path 50. with a drive tool shown schematically at 52 and a transmitter 70 (under trade name TIT 418) to issue signals over the data path 50. The drive tool 52 is provided with a signal receiver portion 54, in the form of a receiver chip (under trade name RLP 418), to receive a signal or a change in a signal on the data path 50, indicating that a predetermined tension threshold has been reached in the cables 14, 16. The drive tool 52 may be further provided with a cut-off switch function, in the form of a microcontroller 56 (under trade name ATMEL
ATMegal6). The microcontroller 56 is responsive to the signal receiver portion 54 to control the operation of a motor portion 58 which in turn drives an output drive member 60, which is joined to a socket 62, which is in turn dimensioned to fit the fastener 33a on brake lever assembly 33. In this case, the signal or change in signal may be indicative for the switch function to terminate or to adjust power to the motor portion 58, so as to adjust the speed of, or stop, the socket 62. This arrangement has the advantage that the drive tool 52 may thus be automatically switched off when the cables 14, 16 are measured to be under tension at a preset factory threshold, or other predetermined tension, thereby reducing the need for an Associate to manually shut off the drive tool 52 while viewing the display 32. The signals are decoded by the microcontroller 56.
In one example, the microcontroller 56 is configured to employ a pulse width modulation scheme to adjust the speed of the drive tool, or to switch it off completely when the proper cable tension has been reached.
100661 In this case, the data path 50 is dedicated for communications between the device 10 and the drive tool 52, for example operate under frequencies such as those referred to as 'radio frequency' or "RF"
using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUETOOTH and the like, or other Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. The data path 50 and indeed the device 10 may be part of a larger communication network in a number of forms, by way of one or more software programs configured to run on one or more general purpose computers, such as a personal computer, or on a single custom built computer. A system controlling such a communication network may, alternatively, be executed on a more substantial computer mainframe. The general purpose computer may work within a network involving several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE or IBM , or clones thereof, which are programmed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS , LINUX or other well known or lesser known equivalents of these. The system may involve pre-programmed software using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a programming software. The computer network may be include a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocols, or under "peer-to-peer" or "client-server" or other networking architectures. While the drive tool 52 collects instructional data from data path 50 from the device 10, it may also communicate status information to the drive tool 52 or to a monitoring system controlled by a local computer or a central server.
[0067] Thus, in some examples, the device 10 provides a hand held tool with a handle, a fork at the front of the tool, for lifting the cables and a magnet for holding the tool in position between the cables. The tool has a main body, at the bottom of which there is a pair of rollers per side. Centered in between the rollers is a pair of contact pads, each being on a corresponding side of the main body. These pads are guided inside the main body by the feature shape of the main body and are a size to allow minimal side to side movement. The pads transfer any force exerted on them into a load cell between them. On the bottom of the body. there is provided a plate which retains the load cell, contact pads and rollers. The function of the rollers, in this example, is to displace the cables by the required amount in order to provide for a consistent bridged distance over the load cell contact pads. The load cell contact pads displace the cable by the required amount in order to provide a load measurement capability converging from both sides of the load cell through the contact pads. The power supply to the load cell and the reading from the load cell output is handled by an electronic circuit powered by a 9 volt battery. The power is converted to the correct excitation voltage by a DC to DC converter. The output device is a 3.5 digit LED Display. The electronic circuit board and battery are enclosed inside a removable cover which is located between the handle and the main body at the bottom. There is a separate enclosure cover to remove for access to the battery. The rear of the tool contains a magnet on the lower side in order to help retain the tool in the desired position in the cable bracket mounted to the vehicle. There is a guide bracket mounted under the handle at the rear of the tool to guide the tool into position and also to help retain the tool in the desired position in the cable bracket. There is a small switch to turn on power to the circuit. In another example.
the output of the device is utilized to automatically control a nut-driving tool used to adjust the brake cable system. The device thus sends a signal (such as by way of a wired or wireless data path) to a drive tool where the signal will be received and the power to the driving mechanism of the DC tool will be cut, causing the adjustment of the system to cease.
100681 In some examples, the device 10 provides a body which is positionable adjacent an inner region between the cables, where the opposed reaction portions (in one example rollers) are arranged to be located in the inner region, with each reaction portion to engage a corresponding cable. However, in yet several other examples, the cables may be seen to define an inner region between them and a pair of opposed outer regions beyond them.
100691 Figures 8 to 11 show variations of a device 71 for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables 76. Thus, the device 71 can be used for cable installations beyond vehicle brake cable assemblies, such as cables in hydro distribution systems, as but one example.
In this case. the cables 76 are positioned by an anchor member shown schematically at 78. The device 71 has a body 80 for location adjacent the anchor member 78. The body 80 includes a locating portion 82 for locating the body 80 in an operative configuration relative to the anchor member 78. Thus, in this case, the locating portion 82 allows for the body 80 to be located in a common location from one cable assembly to another (provided the specifications of the cable assemblies include a common anchor member). The body 80 supports a pair of opposed contact portions 84, each contact portion 84 arranged to engage a corresponding cable 74. Further, a load sensing unit 86 is operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions 84 to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions 84 when the cables 74 are under an operative tension. An output portion (not shown) may then be used to provide an output signal indicative of the load. In each example, the load sensing unit includes a load cell as described above.
100701 In the example of figure 8, the opposed contact portions 84 are arranged to displace the cables 74 inwardly toward one another from a first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing. On the hand, in the example of figure 9, the opposed contact portions are arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the second lateral spacing.
100711 In the examples of figures 10 and II, the device 71 includes first and second pairs of opposed positioning portions 88, each for positioning a corresponding cable in opposition to the opposed contact portions. In each case, each of the positioning portions of the first and second pairs includes a roller 88. the load cell 86 being centrally located between them. In the case of figure 10, the rollers 88 are seen in the outer regions of the cables 74 to provide the first lateral spacing, with the contact portions 84 displacing the cables outwardly to the second lateral spacing. In contrast, in figure 11, the rollers are located in the inner region and the contact portions are displacing the cables inwardly to the second lateral spacing.
100721 Thus, in the case of the device 71 of figures 9 and 10, the cables 76 are displaced slightly outwardly when the device 71 is put in place. As the force in the cables is increased through adjustment, the cables tend to move inward, causing a compression force to be exerted on the load cell. The load cell measures this compression force as a function of the actual tension in the cables.
100731 On the other hand, with reference to figure 8 and II. when the device 71 is placed in an operative position with the cables 76. they are displaced slightly inwardly.
During adjustment. the cables are forced to move outwards away from the load cell. A tension type load cell is then able to measure this tension force and it is interpreted by the output portion 30, as a function of the actual tension in the cables 76.
100741 Referring to figure 12, still another device is provided at 90 for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly 92, of a type having a pair of cables 93 and providing a reference location 96 relative to the cables 93. In this case, the device 90 includes a body shown in dashed lines at 94 for location adjacent the reference location 96. The body 94 includes a locating portion 98, in this case in the form of a base plate or the like, for locating the body 94 in an operative configuration relative to the reference location 96. The body supports a pair of opposed contact portions 100, each contact portion 100 arranged to engage a corresponding cable 93 and a load sensing 102 unit operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions 100 to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension. An output portion, shown schematically at 104, may also be provided to signal when a predetermined load is present in the cables 93.
100751 The cable assembly 92 includes an equalizer bracket 106 defining the reference location 96 and the body 94 includes a plurality of first and second alignment formations 108, 110, respectively, for aligning the body 94 in a predetermined orientation adjacent the equalizer bracket 106. The equalizer bracket 106 has, in this case, a pair of opposed peripheral regions 106a, 106b and each alignment formation 108, 110 is configured to engage a corresponding peripheral region. A first of the peripheral regions 106a includes a central mounting location 112 for receiving a brake lever cable portion (not shown) therein, while the first pair of the alignment formations 108 are arranged to receive the central mounting location 112 therebetween. In this case, the first and second formations 108, 110 may be, for instance, projections tioN-ticA/cDA 17 extending outwardly from the body 94 and may further include bumpers, rollers, wheels, bearings or the like. Alternatively, the adjustment formations may include one or more pins shown schematically at 114, = which are configured to extend into complementary passages 116, wherein the pins and passages are ' respectively located in the location portion 98 and the equalizer bracket 106, or vice versa.
[0076] The arrangement of figure 12 thus provides the device 90 for measuring cable tension while enabling a technique for locating the device at or near a common reference location from one cable pair or =
cable set to another, without necessary needing to anchor the device itself to a particular anchor location on a frame supporting the cable set, such as an anchor location on a vehicle chassis. Thus, in the specific example of a device for use in vehicle chasses, the device 90 may utilize a physical location on the cable set itself, such as in this case the front cable equalizer bracket 106, as a guide to hold the device or fixture in place, in cases where the front equalizer is a common element among the vehicles of a particular model being assembled. Further variations of the device and method as described herein may be used to measure and/or balance loads in more than two cables as desired, by providing at least one load cell with an ability to sense loads therein and which may include at least one output portion to signal when a predetermined load is reached.
[0077] While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
HON-HCA/CDA = 18 =
Claims (32)
1. A device for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly. of a type having a pair of cables, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, the device comprising a body for location adjacent the cables, the body including a first pair of opposed reaction portions, each arranged to engage a corresponding cable, the opposed reaction portions positioned to locate the cables at a first lateral spacing, the body supporting a load cell, the load cell positioned near the first pair of opposed reaction portions, the load cell including a pair of opposed contact portions. each contact portion to engage a corresponding cable, the opposed contact portions positioned to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing. the load cell configured to generate a signal representative of a load exerted by the cables on the opposed contact portions. and an output portion to provide an output signal indicative of the load.
2. A device as defined in claim 1. the body being positionable adjacent an inner region between the cables, the first pair of opposed reaction portions being arranged to be located in the inner region, with each reaction portion to engage a corresponding cable.
3. A device as defined in claim 1. the cables defining an inner region therebetween and a pair of opposed outer regions beyond the cables, each reaction portion being arranged to be located in a corresponding outer region.
4. A device as defined in claim 2, the first pair of opposed reaction portions including a first pair of rollers.
5. A device as defined in claim 4, further comprising a second pair of rollers, the load cell being located between the first and second pairs of rollers.
6. A device as defined in claim 5, each of the first and second pairs of rollers having a common spacing.
7. A device as defined in claim 6. the cables being joined at one end with an equalizer bracket, the body including an alignment member for engaging and aligning the equalizer bracket, in order to position the first and second cables relative to the first and second rollers.
8. A device as defined in claim 7, the alignment member including a pair of fingers to engage spaced regions on the equalizer bracket.
9. A device as defined in claim 7, the cables including an inner cable member and an outer jacket, the outer jacket being attached to an anchor plate, the body including a guide portion for aligning the body relative to the anchor plate.
10. A device as defined in claim 9, the body further comprising a magnet for clamping the body to the anchor plate.
11. A device as defined in claim 2, each of the contact portions including a contact pad.
12. A device as defined in claim 11, each contact pad having a first beveled region for contacting the corresponding cable when being located in the inner region.
13. A device as defined in claim 1, the output portion including a message portion for conveying a message corresponding to the output signal.
14. A device as defined in claim 1. further comprising a tool for tightening the cables, the tool including a drive motor and a switch portion for activating the drive motor, the output portion in communication with the switch portion over a wired or wireless communication link, the switch being responsive to a signal from the output portion for adjusting an operative state of the tool according to a predetermined tension force present in a corresponding cable.
15. A method for measuring cable tension in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables, each for braking a corresponding rear vehicle wheel, comprising:
- locating a first pair of opposed reaction portions in a region adjacent the pair of cables, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions a corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral spacing, - providing a load sensing unit with a pair of cable engaging elements, with each cable engaging element positioning a corresponding cable at a second operative position to bring the pair of cables to a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing, and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of a load exerted on the elements by the cables and representative of tension in the cables.
- locating a first pair of opposed reaction portions in a region adjacent the pair of cables, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions a corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral spacing, - providing a load sensing unit with a pair of cable engaging elements, with each cable engaging element positioning a corresponding cable at a second operative position to bring the pair of cables to a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing, and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of a load exerted on the elements by the cables and representative of tension in the cables.
16. A method as defined in claim 15, further comprising activating a display unit to receive the signal and to convey a message representative of the tension in the cables.
17. A method as defined in claim 15, further comprising dispatching the signal along a data path to a hand tool with a signal receiving portion to receive the signal, and activating a switch to turn off the tool when the signal indicates a threshold tension in the cables.
18. A device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables, the cables being positioned by an anchor member, the device comprising a body for location adjacent the anchor member, the body including a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the anchor portion, the body supporting a pair of opposed contact portions, each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable, a load sensing unit operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension, and an output portion to provide an output signal indicative of the load.
19. A device as defined in claim 18, the load sensing unit including a load cell.
20. A device as defined in claim 19, further comprising a first pair of opposed positioning portions, each for positioning a corresponding cable.
21. A device as defined in claim 20, further comprising a second pair of opposed positioning portions, each for positioning a corresponding cable, the first and second pairs having a common spacing.
22. A device as defined in claim 21, each of the opposed positioning portions of the first and second pairs including a roller, the load cell being centrally located therebetween.
23. A device as defined in claim 22, the rollers being arranged to establish each of the cables in a first lateral spacing, the opposed contact portions arranged to locate the cables beyond the first lateral spacing to a second lateral spacing.
24. A device as defined in claim 23, the rollers being arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the first lateral spacing.
25. A device as defined in claim 23, the rollers being arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the first lateral spacing.
26. A device as defined in claim 23, the opposed contact portions being arranged to displace the cables inwardly toward one another to the second lateral spacing.
27. A device as defined in claim 23, the opposed contact portions being arranged to displace the cables outwardly away from one another to the second lateral spacing.
28. A device for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having two or more cables and providing a reference location relative to the cables, the device comprising a body for location adjacent the reference location, the body including a locating portion for locating the body in an operative configuration relative to the reference location, the body supporting two or more contact portions, each contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding cable, a load sensing unit operatively coupled with the opposed contact portions to generate a signal representative of a load to be exerted on the contact portions when the cables are under an operative tension.
29. A device as defined in claim 28, the cable assembly including an equalizer bracket defining the reference location, the body including a plurality of alignment formations for aligning the body in a predetermined orientation adjacent the equalizer bracket.
30. A device as defined in claim 29, the equalizer bracket including a pair of opposed peripheral regions, each alignment formation being configured to engage a corresponding peripheral region.
31. A device as defined in claim 30, a first of the peripheral regions including a central mounting location for receiving a brake lever cable portion therein, a first pair of the alignment formations being arranged to receive the central mounting location therebetween.
32. A method for measuring cable tension in a cable assembly, of a type having a pair of cables, comprising:
- locating each of a first pair of opposed reaction portions adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions the - corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral cable spacing, - locating each of a pair of cable engaging elements adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each element positions the corresponding cable at a second operative position with the pair of cables at a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of forces exerted on the elements and representative of tension in the cables.
- locating each of a first pair of opposed reaction portions adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each reaction portion contacts and positions the - corresponding cable at a first operative position with the pair of cables at a first lateral spacing beyond a neutral cable spacing, - locating each of a pair of cable engaging elements adjacent a corresponding cable, so that each element positions the corresponding cable at a second operative position with the pair of cables at a second lateral spacing beyond the first lateral spacing; and - activating a signal generating portion to generate a signal indicative of forces exerted on the elements and representative of tension in the cables.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690547 CA2690547C (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2009-09-11 | Cable tension measurement in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690547 CA2690547C (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2009-09-11 | Cable tension measurement in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2690547A1 CA2690547A1 (en) | 2011-03-11 |
| CA2690547C true CA2690547C (en) | 2014-06-10 |
Family
ID=43728718
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690547 Expired - Fee Related CA2690547C (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2009-09-11 | Cable tension measurement in a vehicle emergency brake cable assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2690547C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8800357B2 (en) | 2012-03-29 | 2014-08-12 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Brake cable tensioning and calibration system and method |
| CN105174101A (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2015-12-23 | 扬中中科维康智能科技有限公司 | Force measuring device for heavy-load winch for ship |
-
2009
- 2009-09-11 CA CA 2690547 patent/CA2690547C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2690547A1 (en) | 2011-03-11 |
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