DE10156346A1 - Measurement transducer for small torques in form of rim linked to hub by spokes with measurement instruments on spokes - Google Patents

Abstract

The transducer (40) consists of an outer rim (44) and an inner hub (42) linked by spokes (46). Distortion measurement devices (48) are located on the spokes and linked by a cable (50) to external recording equipment. The spokes react to torque and axial pressure forces applied to the appliance. The measurement devices react to surface distortion induced by the applied torque.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for measuring a rotation moments, and in particular a device that uses small torque forces can measure two directions precisely while axial Compressive forces that are several orders of magnitude larger than the torque force, resists and measures them.

This invention relates to a device for measuring a torque, and in particular a device for measuring the torque forces in two Directions or bidirectional torque forces based on viscoelastic Materials are exercised to improve their rheological properties determine. This invention is an improvement over previously known ones Torque transducers used in rheological test equipment such as the transducer disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,552,025 is described.

As is known in the art, samples of those to be tested viscoelastic material between two temperature controlled, itself opposite stamps included. Typically the lower one Stamp driven by vibratory and torsional forces acting on the sample material to exert a shear force. Typically the top stamp is on one Transducer connected that measures the reaction torque from that Sample material is applied to the upper stamp. Furthermore, it will The sample material is subjected to axial compressive forces affecting the sample material have to keep pressure between the punches. The print must be a good one Ensure contact between all stamp surfaces and the sample and minimize the possibility of the pattern slipping if the Rotary shear forces are applied to the sample material. Preferably, the normal or vertical force also using the measurement transducer can be measured.  

The state of the art torque / force transducer as in the above Patent shown uses a square configuration to the Measure torque forces exerted on the sample material while at the same time resisting and measuring the axial pressure force. With the square design of the torque / force transducer of the state of the Technology, however, requires the transducer to have relatively thick walls to accommodate the large ones withstand axial compressive forces exerted on the sample material become. This structure of the prior art greatly reduces that Sensitivity of the transducer for small torques and therefore it is almost impossible, highly precise measurements of small torques make.

There is an ongoing need for transducers that are relatively simple, compact, robust and highly sensitive and precise in your measurements are, especially when measuring small torques. There rheological test equipment with large axial compressive forces (up to 1,814.37 kg (4,000 lbs.)) Have to resist while being at the same time Measure reaction torque forces (down to 0.06 Nm (0.5 in-lbs.)) extremely precise and robust transducers required. Using the The construction of the state-of-the-art transducer affects sensitivity and accuracy for small torques at the expense of the ability to handle such high ones withstand axial compressive forces. Therefore exists in the industry Need a transducer that is sensitive enough to be small Measure torque values with the required accuracy and at the same time withstand large axial compressive forces and measure them.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which is here in the preferred embodiment is referred to as a transducer to a Measure torque, using the transducer on torque forces and axial compressive forces reacted on them. It is another Object of this invention, a transducer for measuring a torque to create, the transducer is able to be relatively small Measure torque forces precisely and at the same time relatively large withstand axial compressive forces.  

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention solved, which provides a device for measuring a torque, comprising a hub, an outer rim, a variety of spokes that define the outer rim and connect the hub, the spokes to a torque force and a axial compressive force exerted on the device respond, and a device reacting to distortion or stress is on the spokes fixed or attached so that they reflect on a surface distortion contained in it is induced by the torque force. The device is further able to twist the torque by a rotating and vibrating drive element is exerted on the device to measure. The The device is also able to withstand axial compressive forces of several Orders of magnitude greater than the torque force to withstand and to measure this.

A more complete understanding of the invention can be found in Drawings and the following description of the preferred Embodiments can be obtained.

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a rheological tester used to measure both the torque and axial compressive forces applied to a sample material to determine the rheological properties of the sample;

Fig. 2 is a partially sectioned detailed view of the upper stamp construction of the prior art device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the transducer according to this invention;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the transducer of Figure 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan view from below of the transducer of FIG. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the transducer of FIG. 5 taken along line 5-5.

The device of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, is a transducer 40 for measuring torque, comprising a hub 42 , an outer rim 44 and a plurality of spokes 46 connecting the outer rim 44 and the hub 42 to each other. Although this invention can be used in other fields where precise measurements of small torques are desired, the preferred embodiment of this invention described herein uses this invention to test patterns of viscoelastic material. Viscoelastic materials include those that are neither fully elastic nor completely Newtonian liquids, but have some of the properties of elastic solids and some of fluids. By measuring the response of forces exerted on viscoelastic materials, the rheological properties of the viscoelastic material can be determined. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention can be used in other fields where precise measurements of small torques are desired.

This invention can be used in many types of rubber manufacturing equipments are used where sample material is one Shear force is exposed, especially in RPAs (Rubber Process Analyzers / rubber process analyzers), Mooney viscometers, rheometers, Flow meters for viscous liquids and other such rheological Test equipment where minimal torque forces are precisely measured need, while at the same time axial compressive forces that are several Orders of magnitude larger than the torque force are resisted must and these must be measured.

Referring to Fig. 1, the basic elements of the prior art device are shown. This prior art device is used as an example of a rheological test device capable of using the transducer 40 of this invention. A left vertical frame member 11 and a right vertical frame member 12 are supported by a base (not shown) and in turn carry a horizontal frame member 13 . Connecting rods 14 and 15 pass through the horizontal frame element and are attached at the top to the upper cross bar 16 , on which the upper punch housing 17 or die housing is attached. The lower stamp housing 18 or die housing is attached to the horizontal frame element 13 directly below the upper stamp housing.

The prior art device drive system includes a servo motor 19 mounted below the horizontal frame member 13 and through the bearing housing 24 through a shaft 20 , eccentric 21 , link arms 22 and 23 with the lower punch (not shown) connected is. An air cylinder 27 is mounted under the horizontal frame member and fixed to the lower crossbar 25 by a shaft 26 . The downward movement of the air cylinder 27 when it is actuated thus pulls the upper stamp housing 17 down and brings it into contact with the lower stamp housing 18 and applies a normal or perpendicular force to a pattern contained between the stamps.

FIG. 2 shows details of the prior art upper stamp assembly mounted within the upper stamp housing 17 . The upper punch housing 17 is adapted to be attached to the bottom of the upper crossbar 16 (not shown). An upper sealing plate 31 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 17 by an outer insulating ring 32 . A transducer frame or carrier 35 is designed such that it can be attached to the upper crossbar 16 and is screwed to the torque / force transducer 36 at the top. A rod 34 passes through the transducer frame 35 and is attached to an intermediate flange 37 at its lower end by means of a nut 38 . The bottom of the torque / force transducer 36 is attached to the intermediate flange 37 , which in turn is attached to the stamp mounting flange 39 . With this construction, the upper punch assembly (including the transducer) is attached to the upper crossbar 16 and remains rotationally fixed with respect to the entire device. However, the upper stamp assembly is movable up and down to include a pattern material between the upper and lower stamps.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the transducer 40 of the constricting vorlie invention comprises a hub 42 with a central opening 43 and an outer edge 44 which is connected by a plurality of spokes 46 with the hub. Distortion measuring instruments 48 are attached to the surfaces of the spokes 46 and information about the torque and axial compressive forces is transmitted from the transducer 40 via a data cable 50 attached to it. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the hub 42 is connected to a support member (e.g., a transducer rack connected to an upper crossbar) to hold the hub 42 rotationally. The outer edge 44 is connected to a first, upper stamp element (such as, for example, the intermediate flange 37 , which in turn is attached to the stamp mounting flange 39 ), which reacts to torque forces and axial compressive forces exerted on it by a second, lower stamp element. which is driven by an oscillating and rotating drive element (not shown). Using this structure, transducer 40 of this invention can precisely measure minimum torque forces while resisting axial compressive forces that are several orders of magnitude greater than the torque force. And although the transducer of this invention measures precise torque forces up to 5.65 Nm (50 in-lbs.) While at the same time resisting and measuring axial compressive forces up to 1,814.37 kg (4000 lbs.), It is believed that the critical Torque force measurement range is between 0.06 Nm and 1.13 Nm (0.5 in-lbs. And 10 in-lbs.).

Although the hub 42 and the outer rim 44 could be permanently connected to the test equipment, it is preferred that the hub 42 and the outer rim 44 are each releasably connected to the support member and the stamp member, such as by bolts, so that the transducer 40 can be easily removed from the test equipment and placed in it again. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the hub 42 includes openings 52 whereby the hub 42 can be releasably attached to the support member with bolts. Furthermore, the outer edge 44 includes openings 53 , as a result of which the outer edge 44 can be detachably attached to the upper stamp element with bolts. It is believed that it is clear that the outer edge 44 could be connected to a support member to hold the outer edge 44 rotationally, and the hub 42 is connected to an upper punch member that responds to torque and axial compressive forces acting thereon are exercised, which is still within the scope of the invention.

Spokes 46 must be attached to hub 42 and outer edge 44 in a structurally stable manner, such as by welding or preferably by the transducer being made from a single piece of metal and machined by machine tools so that spokes 46 are subjected to axial compressive forces and Torque forces that can be applied to the transducer 40 can withstand. Furthermore, such connection between the spokes 46 and the outer rim 44 and the hub 42 , when repeatedly subjected to the torque and axial compressive forces exerted thereon, must maintain structural integrity.

The spokes 46 can be of any construction that can withstand torque and axial compressive forces. However, in the preferred embodiment, the spokes 46 comprise identical rectangular elements with a specified thickness. The spokes 46 are attached along their shorter peripheral edges 54 to the hub 42 and the outer edge 44 , the shorter peripheral edges 54 of the spokes 46 parallel to the axis of rotation 56 of the transducer 40 and the longer peripheral edges 58 of the spokes 46 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 56 of the transducer 40 are. Using this construction, minimum torque forces exerted on spokes 46 by rotating outer edge 44 can be easily measured when carried by the weak axes of spokes 46 and the larger axial compressive forces exerted by the spokes 46 Outer edge 44 are exerted on the spokes, can be picked up or carried and measured by the strong axes of the spokes 46 . Therefore, using this construction, the transducer 40 of this invention can be sensitive enough to measure relatively small torque forces applied to the sample material while at the same time resisting and measuring relatively large axial compressive forces applied to the sample material.

In order to determine the torque and axial compressive forces received by the spokes 46 according to the bending distortions in the spokes 46 , any suitable electrical impedance device can be mounted thereon that applies to the distortions or loads induced on the spokes 46 responding. Preferably, a well-known distortion measuring instrument 48 can be attached to the surface of the spokes 46 to measure the distortion thereon induced by the torque forces and the axial pressure forces. A printed circuit 60 or circuit board is preferably attached to the top of the hub 42 so that information about the torque and axial compressive forces that were recorded by the distortion measuring instruments 48 is immediately processed and transmitted by the transducer 40 via a data cable 50 attached to it can be.

Using the construction described above is the transducer This invention is able to apply small torque forces to a sample material are exercised to measure precisely while maintaining relatively large axial Resist compressive forces and measure them. This inventor's transducer is also capable of torque forces in two directions endure or record this and at the same time relatively large axial Resist compressive forces and measure them. As in the prior art is known, rheological test equipment use a vibrating and a rotating force that is exerted on the sample material. On Drive element exerts an oscillating and rotating force on the upper one Stamp and thereby on the transducer, which leads to a Torque is applied to the transducer by a single direction of rotation. When the drive element swings and the torque in the opposite Direction is exerted an opposite torque to the Transducer applied, which applies torque forces in two directions on the Spokes are generated. Therefore, the transducer of this invention used to measure the relatively large axial compressive forces during at the same time, the relatively small torque forces in two directions that affect the Sample material can be exercised, measured.

Claims (25)

1. A device for measuring a torque, the device responding to torque forces and axial compressive forces exerted thereon by a drive element, the device comprising:
a hub;
an outer edge;
a plurality of spokes connecting the outer rim and the hub, the spokes responding to a torque force and an axial compressive force exerted on the device; and
a distortion responsive device attached to the spokes to respond to surface distortion induced therein by the torque force. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the hub is mounted on a support element or is grounded. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the outer edge with the stamp element connected is. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the device is capable of pressure force that is up to two orders of magnitude greater than the torque force, record or carry. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is capable of torque precisely measure ment forces that are less than or equal to 5.65 Nm (50 in-lbs.) and which is able to withstand axial compressive forces up to 1,814.37 kg (4000 lbs.) resist.   6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces between greater than or equal to 0.06 Nm (0.5 in-lbs.) and less than or equal to 1.13 Nm (10 in-lbs.) 7. A device for measuring the torque force in two directions, which is applied by a vibrating and rotating drive element to a stamp element, the device comprising:
a hub connected to a supported or grounded support member;
an outer edge connected to a stamp element;
a plurality of spokes connecting the outer rim and the hub, the spokes responding to the oscillating and rotating force capable of inducing torque forces on the spokes in two directions;
a distortion responsive device attached to the spokes to respond to the surface distortion induced therein by the torque force in two directions. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the device is capable of an axial Compressive force that is up to two orders of magnitude greater than the torque force in two directions is to intercept or carry. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces in two directions that are less than or equal to 5.65 Nm (50 in-lbs.), to measure precisely. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces between greater than or equal to 0.06 Nm (0.5 in-lbs.) and less than or equal to 1.13 Nm (10 in-lbs.) 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the distortion responsive device device attached to the spokes, furthermore to surface distortion reacts, which was induced therein by the axial pressure force. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the device is capable of axial Withstand compressive forces up to 1,814.37 kg (4000 lbs.).   13. A device for simultaneously measuring torque forces and axial compressive forces, the device comprising:
a hub connected to a grounded or supported support member;
an outer edge that is subjected to both the torque forces and the axial pressure forces;
a plurality of spokes connecting the outer rim and the hub, the spokes responding to both the torque forces and the axial compressive forces exerted on the outer rim; and
a distortion responsive device attached to the spokes and responsive to surface distortion induced therein by the torque and axial pressure forces. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spokes have a weak axis is able to absorb or absorb the torque force, and a have strong axis that is able to absorb the axial pressure forces or record. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the device is capable of Pressure force that is up to two orders of magnitude greater than the torque force, intercept or record. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the device is capable of torque precisely measure ment forces that are less than or equal to 5.65 Nm (50 in-lbs.). 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is capable of one withstand axial thrust up to 1,814.37 kg (4000 lbs.). 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces between greater than or equal to 0.06 Nm (0.5 in-lbs.) and less than or equal to 1.13 Nm (10 in-lbs.) 19. Device for simultaneously measuring torque forces in two directions and axial pressure forces, the device comprising:
a hub connected to a grounded or supported support member;
an outer edge that is subjected to both bidirectional, rotating torque forces and axial pressure forces;
a plurality of spokes connecting the outer rim and the hub, the spokes responding to both the bidirectional and bidirectional torque forces and the axial compressive forces applied to the outer rim; and
a distortion responsive device attached to the spokes and responsive to surface distortion induced therein by the rotating torque forces in two directions and the axial pressure forces. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the spokes have a weak axis is able to absorb or absorb the torque force, and a have strong axis that is able to absorb the axial pressure forces or record. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the apparatus is capable of Pressure force that is up to two orders of magnitude greater than the torque force, intercept. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces in two directions that are less than or equal to 5.65 Nm (50 in-lbs.), to measure precisely. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is capable of one withstand axial thrust up to 1,814.37 kg (4000 lbs.). 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the device is capable of torque ment forces between greater than or equal to 0.06 Nm (0.5 in-lbs.) and less than or equal to 1.13 Nm (10 in-lbs.) 25. A transducer for simultaneously measuring torque forces in two directions and axial compressive forces that are exerted on a sample material, the sample material being enclosed between a first stamp element or die element and a second stamp element or die element under an axial compressive force, and wherein the second stamp element vibrates and rotates with respect to the first stamp element, thereby applying a torque force to the pattern material in two directions, the device comprising:
a hub connected to a supported or grounded support member;
an outer edge connected to a first stamp element, the first stamp element responding to an oscillating and rotating force and to an axial compressive force exerted by a second stamp element on the pattern material;
a plurality of spokes connecting the outer rim and the hub, the spokes responding to the oscillating and rotating force and the axial compressive force; and
a distortion responsive device attached to the spokes to respond to surface distortion induced therein by the bidirectional torque force and the axial thrust force.