JP2004077172A - Torque measuring device - Google Patents

Torque measuring device Download PDF

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JP2004077172A
JP2004077172A JP2002234547A JP2002234547A JP2004077172A JP 2004077172 A JP2004077172 A JP 2004077172A JP 2002234547 A JP2002234547 A JP 2002234547A JP 2002234547 A JP2002234547 A JP 2002234547A JP 2004077172 A JP2004077172 A JP 2004077172A
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torque
torque measuring
strain
shaped
hub
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JP4024621B2 (en
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Haruhisa Yamashita
山下　晴久
Isamu Shimura
施村　偉
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Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co Ltd
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Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a torque measuring device that has simple structure and small dispersion by individual devices, allows stable and accurate torque measurement in a large range from small torque to large torque, and is also suitable for miniaturization. <P>SOLUTION: A first flange section 12 is formed at one end of a cylindrical distorting section 11, a second flange section 13 is formed at the other end, and stopper holes 13a are formed near the outer periphery of the second flange section 13. A short circle columnar hub part 22 is projected in a central part on the outward end surface of the second flange section 13, and a ring-like flange section 23 is disposed integrally and coaxially with the hub part 22 via four beam-like distorting sections 21 extending radially in the radius direction from the hub part 22. Stopper pins 3 are buried and fixed to four places on the circumference of the ring-like flange section 23. Relative turning between the ring-like flange section 23 and the second flange section 13 is regulated by engaging small diameter sections 32 of the stopper pins 3 with the stopper holes 13a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、回転トルクを計測するためのトルク計測装置に係り、特に、微小トルクから大トルクまで広いトルク範囲の回転トルクを精度良く計測することが可能であり、回転駆動系の特性評価等にも好適なトルク計測装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動車の開発、製造、調整および保守におけるブレーキまたはクラッチディスク等の特性試験、電機産業におけるインバータモータまたはリニアモータ等の特性試験、並びに高容量ポンプの開発における特性試験においては、回転駆動系等の回転作動部における回転トルクの測定による特性評価が欠かせない。このような、回転駆動系等の特性評価のための回転トルクの測定に際しては、微小トルクから大トルクまでの広範囲のトルクを、高精度つまり高分解能に計測することが要求される。
この種のトルク計測装置は、例えば、図１６に示されるように、ベアリングＢ１により回転自在に支持される動力側の駆動回転軸Ｓ１と、やはりベアリングＢ２により回転自在に支持される負荷側の回転軸Ｓ２との間にトルク計測装置Ｍ１を介挿して設けて、回転状態における両回転軸Ｓ１−Ｓ２間の相対的な回転トルクを動的に計測する。あるいは、図１７に示されるように、トルク計測装置Ｍ２の一端を固定し、トルク計測装置Ｍ２の他端に結合したクラッチＣ１を介して被測定回転軸Ｓ３を結合し、被測定回転軸Ｓ３によって加えられる回転トルクを静的に計測することもある。
【０００３】
従来、上述したように広範囲のトルク測定が必要な場合には、比較的小さなトルクを高精度に計測することができるトルク変換器と比較的大きなトルクを高精度に計測することができるトルク変換器との２つのトルク変換器を使用して、トルク計測装置を構成し、被計測トルクの大きさに応じてこれらトルク変換器を選択的に切り替えて計測することが行なわれる。このようなトルク計測装置は、小トルク用と大トルク用の２つのトルク変換器を選択的に切り換えて使用するため、トルク計測装置の内部に、２つのトルク変換器を切り替えるための機構または２つのトルク変換器を選択的に作動させるために一方の作動を抑制するためのストッパー機構を設ける必要がある。
このため、トルク計測装置は大型化し、その構造も複雑化し、しかもそのため、トルク計測装置の被計測部への取り付けおよび調整が煩雑化する。その上、このようなトルク計測装置は、点検および再較正時に分解が伴うため、再組み立てに際してはさらに調整が必要となり、延いては、製作費のみならずメンテナンス費用も高額となってしまう、という不都合があった。
【０００４】
これに対して、小トルク用と大トルク用の２つのトルク変換器を組み合わせて、１つのトルク検出装置を構成するものが、特開２００２−１３９３９１号公報に開示されている。
上記特開２００２−１３９３９１号公報に示されたトルク検出装置は、比較的大径のほぼ円柱形状の第１軸部を起歪体とする第１トルク検出部と、前記第１軸部よりも小径のほぼ円柱形状の第２軸部を起歪体とし、この第２軸部に、コイルスプリングからなる弾性部材により、捻り変形に抗する方向への弾性反発力を作用する第２トルク検出部と、この第２トルク検出部の前記第２軸部の捻り変形を所定角度に制限するストッパー部とを有している。この特開２００２−１３９３９１号公報のトルク検出装置においては、第２トルク検出部におけるほぼ円柱形状の第２軸部の捻り方向の剛性および当該第２軸部に弾性部材により作用する弾性反発力の合成力に抗して、（主として前記弾性部材の初期反発力によって定まる）イニシャルトルクを超える回転トルクが印加されると、前記第２軸部に捻り変形が生じ、この捻り変形の大きさを前記第２軸部の外周面に貼り付けられたひずみゲージにより、検知測定することにより比較的小さなトルクを検出する。
【０００５】
この第２トルク検出部の第２軸部の捻り変形が所定角度に達すると、ストッパー部によりそれ以上の変形が制限され、回転トルクは、第１トルク検出部の第１軸部に伝達される。なお、第１トルク検出部の第１軸部の捻り方向についての剛性は、第２トルク検出部に比して充分に大きく、第２軸部の捻り変形の範囲内では、第１軸部にはほとんど捻り変形が生じない。
ストッパー部の作用により伝達された回転トルクが、第１トルク検出部の第１軸部の捻り方向の剛性に抗して作用すれば、第１軸部の捻り変形が生じ、この捻り変形の大きさを前記第１軸部の外周面に貼り付けられたひずみゲージにより、検知測定することにより比較的大きなトルクを検出する。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上記特開２００２−１３９３９１号公報に示されたトルク検出装置の構成では、大トルク検出のための起歪部としてほぼ円柱形状の第１軸部を用いている。このほぼ円柱形状の第１軸部において、印加される回転トルクにより周面に発生するひずみは、かならずしも大きくなく、大トルクに対して適切な感度を得るために、捻り方向に比較的大きな剛性を呈するように比較的大径に形成してあるため、周面に貼り付けたひずみゲージにより小トルクを高分解能で検出することは困難である。また、小トルク検出のための第２トルク検出部の起歪部として、ほぼ円柱形状の第２軸部とコイルスプリング等からなる複数の弾性部材との組合せ構成を用いている。
【０００７】
第２軸部は、捻り方向についての剛性が小さく、この第２軸部に小トルクに対して適切なひずみを生じさせるために、捻り方向の変形に抗する弾性力を作用すべく複数の弾性部材をその周面に配設している。この第２トルク検出部は、第２軸部の周面におけるひずみを検出して小トルクを測定するようにしているが、ほぼ円柱形状の第２軸部と複数の弾性部材とを組み合わせた構成であるため、小トルク検出用であるにもかかわらず、弾性部材の初期弾性力に関連して定まるイニシャルトルク以下のトルクでは、検出出力の生じない不感帯を有しており（特開２００２−１３９３９１号公報における図８参照）、構成も複雑化している。特にコイルスプリングのような弾性部材を用いているため、調整および組み立て等が煩雑である。スプリング等の弾性部材は、特性上ヒステリシスを避けることが困難であるため、高精度を得ることが容易ではない。しかもスプリング等の弾性特性には、部品によるバラツキがあるため、高精度を得るためには、バラツキを抑えて適正で且つ均一な特性のスプリング等を用いることが必要となる。したがって、例えば、スプリング等のバネ定数等の性能の厳密な管理が必要となり、仮に初期のバネ定数が適切であっても、経時変化が生じる。しかも、ほぼ円柱形状の第２軸部の周面におけるひずみによりトルクを測定しているため、高精度の検出が極めて困難である。
【０００８】
本発明は、上述した事情に鑑みてなされたもので、構成が簡単でしかも個々の装置によるバラツキも少なく、小トルクから大トルクまでの広い範囲について且つ長期に亘り安定で高精度のトルク計測を可能とし、小型化にも適するトルク計測装置を提供することを目的としている。
本発明の請求項１の目的は、特に、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項２の目的は、特に、簡単な構成で且つ小型化も容易であるにもかかわらず、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項３の目的は、特に組立調整が極めて容易であり、バラツキが少なく、長期に亘る使用においてもヒステリシスが生じ難いトルク計測装置を提供することができる。
【０００９】
本発明の請求項４の目的は、特に、効率良く的確にトルク計測信号を生成することを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項５の目的は、特に、比較的大きなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項６の目的は、特に、比較的小さなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項７の目的は、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換えを高精度に、しかもスムーズに行なうことを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項８の目的は、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換え分担の精度をさらに高めることを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項９の目的は、特に、さらに広いトルク範囲について安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
本発明の請求項１０の目的は、特に、最も小さなトルク範囲について高感度に且つ高精度にトルク計測を行なうことを可能とするトルク計測装置を提供することにある。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、上述した目的を達成するために、
回転方向のトルクに感応する円筒状起歪部を用いて構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、
中心軸近傍のハブ部と該ハブ部の外周に適宜離間して同軸的に配置される外周部材とを放射方向に延びるビーム状起歪部を介して結合してなり、前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの一方を前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状の起歪部の一側に結合して、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状起歪部の一側と前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの他方との間に設けられ、これらの間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するストッパー機構と
を具備することを特徴としている。
【００１１】
請求項２に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、上述した目的を達成するために、
円筒状起歪部の両端にフランジ部を形成して一体的に構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の一方のフランジ部の中央部に突設されたハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を介して前記ハブ部と同軸的に且つ前記一方のフランジ部と所定の間隙を存して対峙するリング状フランジ部を形成してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との間に設けられ、これら両者間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するストッパー機構と
を具備することを特徴としている。
【００１２】
請求項３に記載した本発明に係るトルク測定装置は、円筒状起歪部の端部にフランジ部を、このフランジ部の中央部にハブ部を、それぞれ一体に形成して第１のトルク計測部となし、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部とそのハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を一体に形成し、前記ビーム状起歪部の各先端に前記ハブ部と同軸のリング状フランジ部を一体に形成して第２トルク計測部となしたことを特徴としている。
請求項４に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、
前記第１のトルク計測部は、前記円筒状起歪部の周面に適宜間隔で貼設されて、当該円筒状起歪部の捻りひずみを検知する複数のひずみゲージを含み、且つ
前記第２のトルク計測部は、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面に貼設されて、当該ビーム状起歪部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージを含む
ことを特徴としている。
請求項５に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、前記第１のトルク計測部の捻りひずみを検知するひずみゲージは、中心軸線と平行な方向に対して４５°の角度をなして互いに直交する方向のひずみにそれぞれ主として感応する１対のひずみ検知部を互いに近接して配置してなるひずみゲージを、前記円筒状起歪部の周面の同一円周上に等間隔で複数個配設してなることを特徴としている。
【００１３】
請求項６に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、前記第２のトルク計測部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージは、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面の半径方向のひずみに感応するひずみ検知部を有するひずみゲージを前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部側端部近傍の回転方向に面する両側面に配設してなることを特徴としている。
請求項７に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、
前記ストッパー機構は、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の一方に同一円周上に等間隔で形成される複数の係合孔と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の他方に前記係合孔にそれぞれ対応して突設され、前記係合孔に挿入係合する複数のピン状突起と
を含み、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との相対的な回動を、前記係合孔とピン状突起との係合における両者の寸法差に基づく遊び範囲にのみ許容し、該遊び範囲に相当する角度以内に規制する構成としたことを特徴としている。
【００１４】
請求項８に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、前記ストッパー機構のピン状突起は、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の前記他方に一端を突出させて植設したストッパーピンにより形成したことを特徴としている。
請求項９に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、
前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部に対する前記複数のビーム状起歪部の各結合部近傍において前記ビーム状起歪部のビーム端部と前記ハブ部とを微小トルクに応動するさらなる起歪部を介して結合する構成としてなり、前記第２のトルク計測部よりもさらに小さなトルクを計測するための第３のトルク計測部と、
前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ビーム端部と前記ハブ部との間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するさらなるストッパー機構と
をさらに具備することを特徴としている。
【００１５】
請求項１０に記載した本発明に係るトルク計測装置は、
前記第３のトルク計測部の前記さらなる起歪部は、前記複数のビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部に対する各結合部近傍における前記ビーム状起歪部の円周方向についてのビーム寸法を膨出させ、その膨出部分に軸線方向の一端から該軸線に平行に非貫通穴を穿設し、該非貫通穴の底面に剪断ひずみを検出するひずみゲージを貼設して形成し、且つ
前記さらなるストッパー機構は、前記さらなる起歪部の回転方向両側方に所定のギャップを存して前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部から突設してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記ビーム状起歪部の端部との間の相対的な回動に基づく前記さらなる起歪部の変形を所定範囲内に規制する係止部により構成してなることを特徴としている。
【００１６】
【作用】
すなわち、本発明の請求項１によるトルク計測装置は、回転方向のトルクに感応する円筒状起歪部を用いて構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、中心軸近傍のハブ部と該ハブ部の外周に適宜離間して同軸的に配置される外周部材とを放射方向に延びるビーム状起歪部を介して結合してなり、前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの一方を前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状の起歪部の一側に結合して、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部とを有し、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状起歪部の一側と前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの他方との間にストッパー機構を設け、これらの間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制する。
このような構成により、構成が簡単でしかも個々の装置によるバラツキも少なくなり、小トルクから大トルクまでの広い範囲について安定で高精度のトルク計測が可能となって、小型化にも適し、特に、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００１７】
また、本発明の請求項２によるトルク計測装置は、円筒状起歪部の両端にフランジ部を形成して一体的に構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、前記第１のトルク計測部の一方のフランジ部の中央部に突設されたハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を介して前記ハブ部と同軸的に且つ前記一方のフランジ部と所定の間隙を存して対峙するリング状フランジ部を形成してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部とを有し、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との間にストッパー機構を設けて、これら両者間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制する。
このような構成により、特に、簡単な構成で且つ小型化も容易であるにもかかわらず、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００１８】
また、本発明の請求項３によるトルク計測装置は、円筒状起歪部の端部にフランジ部を、このフランジ部の中央部にハブ部を、それぞれ一体に形成して第１のトルク計測部となし、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部とそのハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を一体に形成し、前記ビーム状起歪部の各先端に前記ハブ部と同軸のリング状フランジ部を一体に形成して第２トルク計測部となす。
このような構成により、構成が簡単で小型化が容易であるにもかかわらず、バラツキが少なく、ヒステリシスも優れたものとする。
本発明の請求項４によるトルク計測装置は、前記第１のトルク計測部が、前記円筒状起歪部の周面に適宜間隔で貼設されて、当該円筒状起歪部の捻りひずみを検知する複数のひずみゲージを含み、且つ前記第２のトルク計測部が、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面に貼設されて、当該ビーム状起歪部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージを含んでいる。
このような構成により、特に、効率良く的確にトルク計測信号を生成することが可能となる。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項５によるトルク計測装置は、前記第１のトルク計測部の捻りひずみを検知するひずみゲージが、中心軸線と平行な方向に対して４５°の角度をなして互いに直交する方向のひずみにそれぞれ主として感応する１対のひずみ検知部を互いに近接して配置してなるひずみゲージを、前記円筒状起歪部の周面の同一円周上に等間隔で複数個配設してなる。
このような構成により、特に、比較的大きなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することが可能となる。
本発明の請求項６によるトルク計測装置は、前記第２のトルク計測部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージが、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面の半径方向のひずみに感応するひずみ検知部を有するひずみゲージを前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する両側面に配設してなる。
このような構成により、特に、比較的小さなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することが可能となる。
【００２０】
本発明の請求項７によるトルク計測装置は、前記ストッパー機構が、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の一方に同一円周上に等間隔で形成される複数の係合孔と、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の他方に前記係合孔にそれぞれ対応して突設され、前記係合孔に挿入係合する複数のピン状突起とを含み、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との相対的な回動を、前記係合孔とピン状突起との係合における両者の寸法差に基づく遊び範囲にのみ許容し、該遊び範囲に相当する角度以内に規制する構成としている。
このような構成により、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換えを高精度にしかもスムーズに行なうことが可能となる。
【００２１】
本発明の請求項８によるトルク計測装置は、前記ストッパー機構のピン状突起が、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の前記他方に一端を突出させて植設したストッパーピンにより形成している。
このような構成により、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換え分担の精度をさらに高めることが可能となる。
本発明の請求項９によるトルク計測装置は、前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部に対する前記複数のビーム状起歪部の各結合部近傍において前記ビーム状起歪部のビーム端部と前記ハブ部とを微小トルクに応動するさらなる起歪部を介して結合する構成としてなり、前記第２のトルク計測部よりもさらに小さなトルクを計測するための第３のトルク計測部と、前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ビーム端部と前記ハブ部との間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するさらなるストッパー機構とをさらに具備する。
このような構成により、特に、さらに広いトルク範囲について安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００２２】
本発明の請求項１０によるトルク計測装置は、前記第３のトルク計測部の前記さらなる起歪部が、前記複数のビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部に対する各結合部近傍における前記ビーム状起歪部の円周方向についてのビーム寸法を膨出させ、その膨出部分に軸線方向の一端から該軸線に平行に非貫通穴を穿設し、該非貫通穴の底面に剪断ひずみを検出するひずみゲージを貼設して形成し、且つ前記さらなるストッパー機構が、前記さらなる起歪部の回転方向両側方に所定のギャップを存して前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部から突設してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記ビーム状起歪部の端部との間の相対的な回動に基づく前記さらなる起歪部の変形を所定範囲内に規制する係止部により構成してなる。
このような構成により、特に、最も小さなトルク範囲について高感度に且つ高精度にトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態に基づき、図面を参照して本発明に係るトルク計測装置を詳細に説明する。
図１〜図５は、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係るトルク計測装置の構成を示している。図１は、トルク計測装置の主要部の内部構成を示す縦断面図、図２は、主要部の外観を示す側面図、図３は、小トルクの計測部側の端面から見た構成を模式的に示す正面図、図４は、大トルクの計測部をカバーで覆った状態の外観を示すトルク計測装置の側面図、そして図５は、図４の状態の一体のトルク計測装置の一部を切離して示す一部分解斜視図である。
図１〜図５に示すトルク計測装置は、主として第１のトルク計測部１と、第２のトルク計測部２と、ストッパーピン３とで構成している。第１のトルク計測部１は、大トルクを計測する部分であり、円筒状起歪部１１、第１のフランジ部１２、第２のフランジ部１３およびカバー１４を具備している。また、第２のトルク計測部２は、第１のトルク計測部１よりも小さな小トルクを計測する部分であり、ビーム状起歪部２１、ハブ部２２、リング状フランジ部２３および保護板２４を具備している。ストッパーピン３は、大径部３１、小径部３２および膨出頭部３３を有している。
【００２４】
まず、第１のトルク計測部１についてさらに詳細に説明する。円筒状起歪部１１は、捻り方向について比較的大きな剛性を有し、比較的大きなトルク範囲の回転トルクにより捻りひずみ（換言すればせん断ひずみ）を生じるように形成している。円筒状起歪部１１の外周面には、図６に展開図を示すように、４個のひずみゲージＧ１、Ｇ２、Ｇ３およびＧ４を等間隔で、例えば、接着、蒸着、溶着等の手段により添着する。ひずみゲージＧ１〜Ｇ４の各々は、図６に示すような中心線方向に対してそれぞれ４５°の角度をなして互いに直交する方向のひずみに感応する一対のひずみ検知部ＰａおよびＰｂを有している。図６のようなひずみゲージＧ１〜Ｇ４は、前記中心線方向を円筒状起歪部１１の中心軸線に平行な方向に配向している。ひずみゲージＧ１〜Ｇ４は、円筒状起歪部１１の外周に等角度間隔、即ち、この場合９０°間隔になるように添着する。これらひずみゲージＧ１〜Ｇ４は、主として各一方のひずみ検知部（例えば図７のＰａに対応する）が第１の方向の捻りひずみに感応し、主として各他方のひずみ検知部（例えば図７のＰｂに対応する）が前記第１の方向とは逆の第２の方向の捻りひずみに感応するので、典型的には、各一方のひずみ検知部の出力を加算的に合成した値と各他方のひずみ検知部の出力を加算的に合成した値とで平衡をとるようにフルブリッジ接続して用いる。
【００２５】
円筒状起歪部１１の一端部（図１において右端部）には、第１のフランジ部１２が形成されている。この第１のフランジ部１２は、このトルク計測装置の第１のトルク計測部１を動力側と負荷側の一方、例えば動力側に結合するための部分であり、使用に際しては、該第２のフランジ部１２の外周部近傍の複数箇所（例えば、典型的には１６箇所程度）に形成した挿通孔に例えば締付ボルトとナットなど、例えばネジ留めにより回転駆動軸等に固着結合される。円筒状起歪部１１の他端部（図において左端部）には、この場合第１のフランジ部１２よりも大径の第２のフランジ部１３が一体に形成されており、この第２のフランジ部１３の外周部近傍には、詳細は後述するように、ストッパーピン３の小径部３２に係合する、例えば貫通孔からなるストッパー孔１３ａを穿設している。
なお、最終的には、円筒状起歪部１１の部分は、この部分を保護するための円筒状のカバー１４（図４および図５参照）により、円筒状起歪部１１およびその両側近傍の部分と共に覆われる。
【００２６】
次に、第２のトルク計測部２についてさらに詳細に説明する。第２のトルク計測部２は、上述した第１のトルク計測部１の第２のフランジ部１３の外方端面中央部に一体に突設した短寸円柱状のハブ部２２を有している。このハブ部２２の円周面から半径方向に放射状に延びる複数本、例えば４本のビーム状起歪部２１を介して、リング状フランジ部２３を、ハブ部２２と同軸に且つビーム状起歪部２１に一体に設けている。ビーム状起歪部２１は、ハブ部２２およびリング状フランジ部２３の軸線を中心として等角度間隔で設けられ、この場合のように４本設けられる場合には、９０°間隔となる。リング状フランジ部２３は、ビーム状起歪部２１の先端に一体に形成されている。したがって、同軸上のハブ部２２とリング状フランジ部２３との間に、この場合４本のビーム状起歪部２１が、半径方向に沿って放射状、すなわちスポーク状に一体に形成されている（図３および図５参照）。
【００２７】
これらスポーク状のビーム状起歪部２１の回転方向が垂直に交わる側面、すなわち回転方向に面する両側面には、半径方向に沿う伸縮変形のひずみ（曲げひずみ）に感応するひずみゲージＴ１、Ｔ２、Ｔ３、Ｔ４、Ｃ１、Ｃ２、Ｃ３、およびＣ４を貼着する。ひずみゲージＴ１〜Ｔ４およびＣ１〜Ｃ４は、この場合、ビーム状起歪部２１の、ハブ部２２に対してリング状フランジ部２３を反時計方向に捻ったときに捻り方向の背後となる面にひずみゲージＴ１〜Ｔ４を、そしてそれぞれのビーム状起歪部２１の裏側の、捻り方向に向かう面にひずみゲージＣ１〜Ｃ４をそれぞれ配し、図３の反時計方向にひずみゲージＴ１、Ｃ１、Ｔ２、Ｃ２、Ｔ３、Ｃ３、Ｔ４、およびＣ４の順で設ける。これらひずみゲージＴ１〜Ｔ４およびＣ１〜Ｃ４は、例えば図８に示すように、ひずみゲージＴ１とＴ４の直列回路とひずみゲージＴ２とＴ３の直列回路で、ブリッジの一方の対向辺を構成し、ひずみゲージＣ１とＣ２の直列回路とひずみゲージＣ３とＣ４の直列回路で、ブリッジの他方の対向辺を構成し、ひずみゲージＴ１とＣ１、Ｔ２とＣ２、Ｔ３とＣ３、そしてＴ４とＣ４がそれぞれ相互に接続され、これらの各接続点から、例えば図３および図８のように赤、緑、黒、そして白の各引き出し線が導出され、赤−黒の引き出し線間と、白−緑引き出し線間とのうちの一方を電源に接続し、他方から計測信号を取り出す。
【００２８】
リング状フランジ部２３は、第１のトルク計測部１の第２のフランジ部１３と同等の外形寸法を有しており、その円周上の複数箇所、この場合４箇所、例えば図３のように各隣接する２つのビーム状起歪部２１の中間位置に対応して、詳細を後述するストッパーピン３を埋設固定するピン固定孔２３ａを設ける。このリング状フランジ部２３は、このトルク計測装置の第２のトルク計測部２を動力側と負荷側の他方、例えば負荷側に結合するための部分であり、使用に際しては、該リング状フランジ部２３の円周上の複数箇所（例えば、典型的には、１６箇所程度であって、ピン固定孔２３ａと重複しないような位置）において、例えばネジ留めにより負荷回転軸等に固着結合される。そして、ビーム状起歪部２１およびハブ部２２に対応する部分の端面で、且つリング状フランジ部２３の内側の部分は、図１に示すようにハブ部２２に固定して設けた円形の平板からなる保護板２４で覆う。なお、ピン固定孔２３ａは、図１に示されるように、リング状フランジ部２３に形成された貫通孔であり、第１のトルク計測部１から遠い側の端縁部を大径として段差を形成している。
【００２９】
上述した第１のトルク計測部１および第２のトルク計測部２の保護板２４を除く主要部分は、所要の弾性を有する金属等からなる同一素材により一体に形成することができる。すなわち、リング状フランジ部２３とほぼ同径の大径の丸棒部材を用いて、第２のトルク計測部２のハブ部２２、ビーム状起歪部２１およびリング状フランジ部２３を形成すべく、一端部側から、これらに相当する部分を残して、これらに囲まれるこの場合４つの扇状の部分を切削除去するとともに、リング状フランジ部２３および第２のフランジ部１３の外形を加工し、他端部近傍に、第１のトルク計測部１の外形を加工し、且つ所要の中ぐり加工を行なって円筒状起歪部１１、第１のフランジ部１２および第２のフランジ部１３を旋削して形成する。さらに第１のフランジ部１２、第２のフランジ部１３およびリング状フランジ部２３にそれぞれ所要の穴やねじ穴等を穿設し、そして、リング状フランジ部２３と第２のフランジ部１３との間にハブ部２２に達するまでのスリットを形成する。このスリットによって第１のトルク計測部１と第２のトルク計測部２とがハブ部２２のみを共通にして機械的に分離される。
【００３０】
そして、ストッパーピン３について、さらに詳述する。図１、図４および図５に示すように、ストッパーピン３は、第２のトルク計測部２におけるリング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａの内径に対応して形成された大径部３１を有し、該大径部３１の基端側頭部を大径として膨出させて、リング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａの段差に対応する膨出頭部３３を形成している。また、ストッパーピン３の大径部３１の先端側を小径部３２としている。このストッパーピン３は、膨出頭部３３が、ピン固定孔２３ａの段差により係止されるまで、大径部３１をリング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａに嵌挿し、先端の小径部３２をリング状フランジ部２３の段差とは反対の面から突出させた状態で、六角穴頭部を有する、いわゆるイモねじ等によりリング状フランジ部２３に固定する。なお、ストッパーピン３をネジ留めの代わりに、圧入または接着によりリング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａに固着するようにしてもよい。装着状態において、小径部３２は、第１のトルク計測部１の第２のフランジ部１３のストッパー孔１３ａ内に挿入され、所定のギャップを存して係合する。すなわち、このストッパーピン３は、小径部３２とストッパー孔１３ａとの半径差に基づくギャップの範囲でのみ、リング状フランジ部２３と第２のフランジ部１３との相対的な回動を許容し、それを超える相対回動は、小径部３２とストッパー孔１３ａの係合により阻止される。このようにして、ストッパーピン３、リング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａおよび第２のフランジ部１３のストッパー孔１３ａによりストッパー機構が構成される。
【００３１】
このように構成したトルク計測装置は、計測に際しては、例えば動的計測の場合は、図９に示すように、例えば動力側の駆動回転軸Ｓ１を第１のトルク計測部１の第１のフランジ部１２に結合し、負荷側の回転軸Ｓ２をリング状フランジ部２３に結合し、これら結合箇所近傍において駆動回転軸Ｓ１および負荷側の回転軸Ｓ２をそれぞれベアリングＢ１およびＢ２を介して支持装置Ｂによって回転自在に支持する。
計測を行なうにあたっては、駆動回転軸Ｓ１が回転すると第１のトルク計測部１および第２のトルク計測部２を介して負荷側の回転軸Ｓ２が回転する。駆動回転軸Ｓ１の回転により、第１のフランジ部１２が回転されると、負荷が小さく、計測装置にかかるトルクが小さい場合には、第１のトルク計測部１の円筒状起歪部１１がほとんど変形することなくそのまま第２のフランジ部１３を介してハブ部２２に伝達され、負荷側の回転軸Ｓ２に結合されたリング状フランジ部２３との間に加わるトルクにより、ビーム状起歪部２１がトルクに応じて曲げ変形される。被測定トルクが小さい範囲においては、このような状態でビーム状起歪部２１の曲げ変形に対する抗力との関係に基づく曲げの大きさに応じた信号がビーム状起歪部２１に貼付されたひずみゲージＴ１〜Ｔ４およびＣ１〜Ｃ４によって得られる。
【００３２】
トルクが所定の値を超えると、ビーム状起歪部２１の曲げ変形が大きくなりストッパーピン３の小径部３２が第２のフランジ部１３のストッパー孔１３ａに係合して、リング状フランジ部２３と第２のフランジ部１３との間の相対回動ができなくなり、トルクが第１のフランジ部１２と第２のフランジ部１３との間の円筒状起歪部１１のみにかかるようになり、大トルクによる円筒状起歪部１１の捻りひずみに基づいてひずみゲージＧ１〜Ｇ４による計測が行なわれる。このときのトルク対ひずみ出力の関係を図１０に示す。この場合、第２のトルク計測部２で検出し得る小トルクの範囲を０〜０．５ｋＮ・ｍとしており、第１のトルク計測部１の大トルク出力ＯＵＴ１としてはトルク変化に対して線型的な出力が得られる。また、第２のトルク計測部２の出力としては、第１のトルク計測部１の大トルク出力ＯＵＴ１を加算的に合成したもの出力ＯＵＴ２として用いれば、図示のように０．５ｋＮ・ｍ未満の小トルクにおいて高精度で且つ高分解能であって、さらに０．５ｋＮ・ｍ以上の大トルクについても出力の変化率は異なるものの連続して計測出力を得ることができ、小トルクから大トルクまで高精度で且つ高分解能の計測を行なうことができる。
【００３３】
上述のように、上述したトルク計測装置は、小トルクから大トルクまで高精度で且つ高分解能の計測が可能となるばかりでなく、全体の構成も簡単でしかもコンパクトとすることができる。また、この場合、小トルク計測用の第２のトルク計測部２の作動範囲を決定するために、リング状フランジ部２３のピン固定孔２３ａと第２のフランジ部１３のストッパー孔１３ａとの内径を同径の貫通孔とし（一括して加工することができ、孔径の高精度化が容易である）、加工の容易なストッパーピン３の大径部３１（ピン固定孔２３ａとストッパー孔１３ａとの内径に対応する）と、小径部３２との段差（そのまま小径部３２の外形とストッパー孔１３ａとのギャップに高精度に対応する）を用いているため、第２のトルク計測部２の作動範囲を高精度に規制することができる。
図１１〜図１５は、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係るトルク計測装置の主要な構成を示している。上述した本発明の第１の実施の形態に係るトルク計測装置は、比較的小さな小トルク範囲とそれより大きな大トルク範囲とを、それぞれ第２のトルク計測部２と第１のトルク計測部１とで分担して高精度のトルク計測を実現するものであるが、本発明の第２の実施の形態は、微小トルク範囲の計測と、それより大きくてしかも比較的小さな小トルク範囲の計測と、それよりさらに大きな大トルク範囲の計測とをそれぞれ異なる計測部で分担して、より広範囲について高精度の計測を実現するものである。
【００３４】
図１１は、トルク計測装置の主要部の構成を示す分解斜視図、図１２は、微小トルクおよび小トルクの計測部側から端面から見た正面図、図１３は、微小トルクの計測部近傍を詳細に示す一部拡大正面図、図１４は、微小トルクの計測部近傍を詳細に示す拡大斜視図、そして図１５は、微小トルクの計測部の詳細を説明するための断面図である。
図１１〜図１５に示すトルク計測装置は、主として第１のトルク計測部１と、ストッパーピン３と、第２のトルク計測部４と、第３のトルク計測部５、補助ストッパー６および保護伝達板７を有して構成している。第１のトルク計測部１は、第２のフランジ部１３とは一部の構成が若干異ならせて第２のフランジ部１３′としていることを除けば、図１〜図１０において説明した図１〜図５の構成における第１のトルク計測部１と実質的に同様に構成している。この場合、第２のフランジ部１３′は、外方に向かう端面の中央にハブ部２２とは若干異なるハブ部４２を突出させて形成している。また、ハブ部４２の周面近傍には、後述する補助ストッパー６を構成するストッパーボス６１および６２を突設している。
【００３５】
また、ストッパーピン３は、図１〜図１０において説明した図１〜図５の構成におけるストッパーピン３と同様であり、大径部３１、小径部３２および膨出頭部３３を有している。
第２のトルク計測部４は、第１のトルク計測部１よりも小さなトルク範囲の小トルクを計測する部分であり、図１〜図５の第２のトルク計測部２のビーム状起歪部２１、ハブ部２２、リング状フランジ部２３および保護板２４にそれぞれほぼ対応するビーム状起歪部４１、ハブ部４２、リング状フランジ部４３および保護板４４を具備している。この場合、ビーム状起歪部４１とハブ部４２は、直接結合されておらず、これらビーム状起歪部４１とハブ部４２との間に後述する第３のトルク計測部５を介在させて、間接的に結合されている。また、図１〜図５の第２のトルク計測部２では保護板２４がビーム状起歪部２１とハブ部２２に対応する部分を覆っていたのに対し、図１１〜図１５の第２のトルク計測部４の保護板４４は、ビーム状起歪部４１とリング状フランジ部４３に対応する部分を覆っている。尚、この場合、保護板４４は、リング状フランジ部４３に締付ネジをもって固定されるが、ビーム状起歪部４１、第３のトルク計測部５、ハブ部４２とは分離されている。
【００３６】
このように、ビーム状起歪部４１が第３のトルク計測部５を介してハブ部４２に結合されていること、および保護板４４の配設箇所が若干異なっていることを除けば、図１１〜図１５における第２のトルク計測部４は、図１〜図５の第２のトルク計測部２と機能的に変わるところはない。
第３のトルク計測部５は、第２のトルク計測部４よりも小さなトルク範囲の微小トルクを計測する部分であり、補助起歪部５１を有して構成される。第３のトルク計測部５は、図１３および図１４に詳細に示すように、各ビーム状起歪部４１のハブ部４２への結合部近傍を、円周方向、つまり回転方向に膨出させて補助起歪部５１を形成している。補助起歪部５１は、その中央部に端面側から（図１４において上面側）回転軸線に平行に有底穴５１ａを穿設し、図１５の（ａ）に示すように、底部に充分に小さな厚みの底板上の部分を残すとともに、有底穴５１ａの内壁と補助起歪部５１の外壁との間の壁厚を充分に薄く形成し、第２のトルク計測部４よりも小さなトルク範囲の微小トルクによって変形し、有底穴５１ａの内部底面にせん断ひずみを発生するように構成する。
【００３７】
すなわち、この有底穴５１ａの内部底面にせん断ひずみ検出用のひずみゲージを貼設し微小トルクの計測を行なうようにする。
上述した第３のトルク計測部５は、第２のトルク計測部４よりも小さな微小トルクを計測するため充分に小さな剛性を持つように形成される。そのため、所要範囲のトルクを超えるトルクが印加されてしまうと、破損してしまうおそれがある。そこで、第３のトルク計測部５の回転方向についての両側に、ハブ部４２とビーム状起歪部４１の先端との間の相対移動に起因する起歪部５１の変形を所定範囲内に規制するために各起歪部５１毎に補助ストッパー６を設けている。補助ストッパー６は、各起歪部５１毎に第２のフランジ部１３′に植設した一対のストッパーボス６１および６２を有している（図１５（ｂ）参照）。補助ストッパー６のストッパーボス６１および６２は、各起歪部５１の変形を阻止し、所定の微小トルク以上のトルクの印加により、起歪部５１がストッパーボス６１および６２に当接すると、それ以上のトルクに対しては、第２のフランジ部１３′、バブ部４２、各補助起歪部５１およびストッパーボス６１が一体として動作する。このような構成とすれば、微小トルクから大トルクまでを適切に計測することができ、トルクが小さいほど高精度に計測することができ、しかも大トルクの計測にも、充分な精度が得られる。
【００３８】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、構成が簡単でしかも個々の装置によるバラツキも少なく、小トルクから大トルクまでの広い範囲について安定で高精度のトルク計測を可能とし、小型化にも適するトルク計測装置を提供することができる。
すなわち、本発明の請求項１のトルク計測装置によれば、回転方向のトルクに感応する円筒状起歪部を用いて構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、中心軸近傍のハブ部と該ハブ部の外周に適宜離間して同軸的に配置される外周部材とを放射方向に延びるビーム状起歪部を介して結合してなり、前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの一方を前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状の起歪部の一側に結合して、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部とを有し、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状起歪部の一側と前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの他方との間にストッパー機構を設け、これらの間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制することにより、構成が簡単でしかも個々の装置によるバラツキが少なく、小トルクから大トルクまでの広い範囲について安定で高精度のトルク計測が可能となり、小型化にも適し、特に、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００３９】
また、本発明の請求項２のトルク計測装置によれば、円筒状起歪部の両端にフランジ部を形成して一体的に構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、前記第１のトルク計測部の一方のフランジ部の中央部に突設されたハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を介して前記ハブ部と同軸的に且つ前記一方のフランジ部と所定の間隙を存して対峙するリング状フランジ部を形成してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部とを有し、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との間にストッパー機構を設けて、これら両者間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制することにより、特に、簡単な構成で且つ小型化も容易であるにもかかわらず、小トルクおよび大トルクのいずれについても安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【００４０】
本発明の請求項３のトルク計測装置によれば、円筒状起歪部の端部にフランジ部を、このフランジ部の中央部にハブ部を、それぞれ一体に形成して第１のトルク計測部となし、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部とそのハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を一体に形成し、前記ビーム状起歪部の各先端に前記ハブ部と同軸のリング状フランジ部を一体に形成して第２トルク計測部となしたので、コイルスプリングなどを用いない点で組立や調整が容易であり、コストの低減を図り得ると共に長期に亘りヒステリシスが良好で、広範囲のトルクを高精度に計測することができる。
本発明の請求項４のトルク計測装置によれば、前記第１のトルク計測部が、前記円筒状起歪部の周面に適宜間隔で貼設されて、当該円筒状起歪部の捻りひずみを検知する複数のひずみゲージを含み、且つ前記第２のトルク計測部が、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面に貼設されて、当該ビーム状起歪部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージを含むことにより、特に、効率良く的確にトルク計測信号を生成することが可能となる。
【００４１】
本発明の請求項５のトルク計測装置によれば、前記第１のトルク計測部の捻りひずみを検知するひずみゲージが、中心軸線と平行な方向に対して４５°の角度をなして互いに直交する方向のひずみにそれぞれ主として感応する１対のひずみ検知部を互いに近接して配置してなるひずみゲージを、前記円筒状起歪部の周面の同一円周上に等間隔で複数個配設することにより、特に、比較的大きなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することが可能となる。
本発明の請求項６のトルク計測装置によれば、前記第２のトルク計測部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージが、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面の半径方向のひずみに感応するひずみ検知部を有するひずみゲージを前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する両側面に配設することにより、特に、比較的小さなトルクを効率良く的確に計測することが可能となる。
【００４２】
本発明の請求項７のトルク計測装置によれば、前記ストッパー機構が、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の一方に同一円周上に等間隔で形成される複数の係合孔と、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の他方に前記係合孔にそれぞれ対応して突設され、前記係合孔に挿入係合する複数のピン状突起とを含み、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との相対的な回動を、前記係合孔とピン状突起との係合における両者の寸法差に基づく遊び範囲にのみ許容し、該遊び範囲に相当する角度以内に規制する構成とすることにより、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換えを高精度にしかもスムーズに行なうことが可能となる。
本発明の請求項８のトルク計測装置によれば、前記ストッパー機構のピン状突起が、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の前記他方に一端を突出させて植設したストッパーピンにより形成することにより、特に、主として比較的小さなトルク範囲についての計測と主としてそれより大きなトルク範囲についての計測との切り換え分担の精度をさらに高めることが可能となる。
【００４３】
本発明の請求項９のトルク計測装置によれば、前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部に対する前記複数のビーム状起歪部の各結合部近傍において前記ビーム状起歪部のビーム端部と前記ハブ部とを微小トルクに応動するさらなる起歪部を介して結合する構成としてなり、前記第２のトルク計測部よりもさらに小さなトルクを計測するための第３のトルク計測部と、前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ビーム端部と前記ハブ部との間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するさらなるストッパー機構とをさらに具備することにより、特に、さらに広いトルク範囲について安定で且つ高精度なトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
本発明の請求項１０のトルク計測装置によれば、前記第３のトルク計測部の前記さらなる起歪部が、前記複数のビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部に対する各結合部近傍における前記ビーム状起歪部の円周方向についてのビーム寸法を膨出させ、その膨出部分に軸線方向の一端から該軸線に平行に非貫通穴を穿設し、該非貫通穴の底面に剪断ひずみを検出するひずみゲージを貼設して形成し、且つ前記さらなるストッパー機構が、前記さらなる起歪部の回転方向両側方に所定のギャップを存して前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部から突設してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記ビーム状起歪部の端部との間の相対的な回動に基づく前記さらなる起歪部の変形を所定範囲内に規制する係止部により構成により、特に、最も小さなトルク範囲について高感度に且つ高精度にトルク計測を行なうことが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係るトルク計測装置の主要部の内部構成を模式的に示す縦断面図である。
【図２】図１のトルク計測装置の主要部の外観を模式的に示す側面図である。
【図３】図１のトルク計測装置の主要部を小トルクの計測部側の端面から見たもので、特にひずみゲージとリード線の配線関係を模式的に示す正面図である。
【図４】図１のトルク計測装置における大トルクの計測部をカバーで覆った状態の外観を模式的に示す側面図である。
【図５】図１のトルク計測装置における大トルクの計測部から第２のトルク計測部を切り離した状態の外観を模式的に示す一部分解斜視図である。
【図６】図１のトルク計測装置の円筒状起歪部におけるひずみゲージの貼設状態を説明するための模式的展開図である。
【図７】図１のトルク計測装置の円筒状起歪部に用いるひずみゲージの具体的なゲージパターンを示す模式図である。
【図８】図１のトルク計測装置のビーム状起歪部に添着されたひずみゲージの接続状態を説明するための回路図である。
【図９】図１のトルク計測装置で動的計測を行う場合の計測状態を説明するための要部の側面図である。
【図１０】図１のトルク計測装置の各計測部に基づくトルク−ひずみ出力特性を説明するための図である。
【図１１】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係るトルク計測装置の主要部の構成を一部破断して示す分解斜視図である。
【図１２】図１１のトルク計測装置の主要部を微小トルクおよび小トルクの計測部側の端面から見た模式的な正面図である。
【図１３】図１１のトルク計測装置における微小トルクの計測部近傍の詳細を模式的に示す一部拡大正面図である。
【図１４】図１１のトルク計測装置における微小トルクの計測部近傍の詳細を模式的に示す斜視図である。
【図１５】図１１のトルク計測装置における微小トルクの計測部の一部を詳細に示す断面図であり、図１５（ａ）は、図１３のＤ−Ｄ線に沿う断面、そして図１５（ｂ）は、図１３のＥ−Ｅに沿う断面をそれぞれ模式的に示している。
【図１６】トルク計測装置の一般的な使用形態を説明するための図であり、回転トルクを動的に計測する場合の構成を示す模式図である。
【図１７】トルク計測装置の一般的な使用形態を説明するための図であり、静的な回転トルクを計測する場合の構成を示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１　第１のトルク計測部
２　第２のトルク計測部
３　ストッパーピン
４　第２のトルク計測部
５　第３のトルク計測部
６　補助ストッパー
１１　円筒状起歪部
１２　第１のフランジ部
１３，１３′　第２のフランジ部
１４　カバー
２１，４１　ビーム状起歪部
２２，４２　ハブ部
２３，４３　リング状フランジ部
２４，４４　保護板
３１　大径部
３２　小径部
３３　膨出頭部
５１　補助起歪部
５１ａ　有底穴
６１，６２　ストッパーボス[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a torque measuring device for measuring a rotational torque, and in particular, it is possible to accurately measure a rotational torque in a wide torque range from a small torque to a large torque, and to evaluate characteristics of a rotational drive system. Also relates to a suitable torque measuring device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the characteristic test of brake or clutch discs in the development, manufacture, adjustment and maintenance of automobiles, the characteristic test of inverter motors or linear motors in the electrical industry, and the characteristic test in the development of high-capacity pumps, the rotation of rotary drive systems, etc. It is indispensable to evaluate the characteristics by measuring the rotational torque in the working part. When measuring the rotational torque for evaluating the characteristics of the rotary drive system or the like, it is required to measure a wide range of torque from a small torque to a large torque with high accuracy, that is, with high resolution.
As shown in FIG. 16, for example, a torque measuring device of this type includes a power-side drive rotation shaft S1 rotatably supported by a bearing B1, and a load-side rotation shaft S1 also rotatably supported by a bearing B2. A torque measuring device M1 is inserted between the rotating shaft S2 and the shaft S2 to dynamically measure a relative rotating torque between the two rotating shafts S1 and S2 in a rotating state. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, one end of the torque measuring device M2 is fixed, and the rotation axis to be measured S3 is coupled via a clutch C1 coupled to the other end of the torque measurement apparatus M2. The applied rotational torque may be measured statically.
[0003]
Conventionally, when a wide range of torque measurement is required as described above, a torque converter that can measure a relatively small torque with high accuracy and a torque converter that can measure a relatively large torque with high accuracy A torque measuring device is configured using the two torque converters described above, and the torque converters are selectively switched according to the magnitude of the torque to be measured to perform measurement. Such a torque measuring device selectively uses two torque converters for small torque and large torque, and uses a mechanism or 2 for switching between the two torque converters inside the torque measuring device. In order to selectively operate one of the torque converters, it is necessary to provide a stopper mechanism for suppressing one of the operations.
Therefore, the size of the torque measuring device is increased, and the structure thereof is complicated. Further, the mounting and adjustment of the torque measuring device on the measurement target portion are complicated. In addition, since such a torque measuring device requires disassembly at the time of inspection and recalibration, further adjustment is required at the time of reassembly, and as a result, not only manufacturing costs but also maintenance costs are high. There was an inconvenience.
[0004]
On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139391 discloses a configuration in which two torque converters for small torque and large torque are combined to constitute one torque detection device.
The torque detecting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139391 includes a first torque detecting unit having a relatively large-diameter, substantially cylindrical first shaft portion as a strain body, and a first torque detecting portion having a relatively large diameter. A second shaft detector having a small-diameter, substantially cylindrical second shaft portion as a strain-generating body, and a second torque detecting portion for applying an elastic repulsion force against the torsional deformation to the second shaft portion by an elastic member formed of a coil spring. And a stopper for limiting the torsional deformation of the second shaft of the second torque detector to a predetermined angle. In the torque detecting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139391, the rigidity of the substantially cylindrical second shaft portion in the torsional direction of the second torque detecting portion and the elastic repulsive force acting on the second shaft portion by an elastic member are described. When a rotational torque exceeding the initial torque (mainly determined by the initial repulsive force of the elastic member) is applied against the resultant force, a torsional deformation occurs in the second shaft portion, and the magnitude of the torsional deformation is determined by the aforementioned amount. A relatively small torque is detected by detecting and measuring with a strain gauge attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion.
[0005]
When the torsional deformation of the second shaft of the second torque detector reaches a predetermined angle, further deformation is limited by the stopper, and the rotation torque is transmitted to the first shaft of the first torque detector. . The rigidity of the first torque detector in the torsional direction of the first shaft portion is sufficiently larger than that of the second torque detector, and within the range of the torsional deformation of the second shaft portion, the first shaft portion has a rigidity. Has almost no torsional deformation.
If the rotation torque transmitted by the action of the stopper acts against the rigidity of the first torque detector in the torsional direction of the first shaft, torsional deformation of the first shaft occurs, and the magnitude of this torsional deformation is increased. A relatively large torque is detected by detecting and measuring the force with a strain gauge attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the configuration of the torque detecting device disclosed in JP-A-2002-139391, a substantially cylindrical first shaft portion is used as a strain generating portion for detecting a large torque. In the substantially cylindrical first shaft portion, the distortion generated on the peripheral surface by the applied rotational torque is not always large, and in order to obtain appropriate sensitivity to a large torque, a relatively large rigidity is required in the twisting direction. Since it is formed to have a relatively large diameter as shown, it is difficult to detect a small torque with a high resolution by a strain gauge attached to the peripheral surface. Further, as a strain generating portion of the second torque detecting portion for detecting a small torque, a combination configuration of a substantially cylindrical second shaft portion and a plurality of elastic members including a coil spring and the like is used.
[0007]
The second shaft portion has a small rigidity in the torsional direction. In order to cause the second shaft portion to generate an appropriate strain for a small torque, a plurality of elastic members are used to apply an elastic force against deformation in the torsional direction. The member is disposed on the peripheral surface. The second torque detector detects a strain on the peripheral surface of the second shaft and measures a small torque. However, the second torque detector is configured by combining a substantially cylindrical second shaft with a plurality of elastic members. Therefore, despite the fact that it is for detecting a small torque, it has a dead zone in which a detected output does not occur at a torque equal to or less than the initial torque determined in relation to the initial elastic force of the elastic member (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139391). The configuration is also complicated. In particular, since an elastic member such as a coil spring is used, adjustment and assembly are complicated. Since elastic members such as springs are difficult to avoid hysteresis due to their characteristics, it is not easy to obtain high accuracy. In addition, since the elastic characteristics of the spring and the like vary depending on the components, it is necessary to use a spring or the like having appropriate and uniform characteristics while suppressing the variation in order to obtain high accuracy. Therefore, for example, strict control of performance such as a spring constant of a spring or the like is required, and even if an initial spring constant is appropriate, a change over time occurs. Moreover, since the torque is measured by the strain on the peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical second shaft portion, it is extremely difficult to detect the torque with high accuracy.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has a simple configuration, has little variation among individual devices, and performs stable and high-precision torque measurement over a wide range from small torque to large torque and for a long time. An object of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device that is possible and is suitable for miniaturization.
It is an object of claim 1 of the present invention to provide a torque measuring device capable of performing stable and high-precision torque measurement for both small torque and large torque.
An object of claim 2 of the present invention is to enable stable and high-precision torque measurement for both small torque and large torque in spite of a simple configuration and easy downsizing. To provide a torque measuring device.
An object of the third aspect of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device which is particularly easy to adjust and assemble, has little variation, and hardly causes hysteresis even when used for a long time.
[0009]
An object of a fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device capable of efficiently and accurately generating a torque measuring signal.
An object of a fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device capable of measuring a relatively large torque efficiently and accurately.
It is an object of claim 6 of the present invention to provide a torque measuring device capable of measuring a relatively small torque efficiently and accurately.
An object of claim 7 of the present invention is to provide a torque measurement that can switch between measurement in a relatively small torque range and measurement in a mainly larger torque range with high accuracy and smoothly. It is to provide a device.
An object of claim 8 of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring apparatus which can further increase the accuracy of switching between measurement mainly in a relatively small torque range and measurement mainly in a larger torque range. Is to do.
An object of a ninth aspect of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device capable of performing stable and high-accuracy torque measurement particularly in a wider torque range.
An object of a tenth aspect of the present invention is to provide a torque measuring device capable of measuring a torque with high sensitivity and high accuracy in a minimum torque range.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 1
A first torque measuring unit configured using a cylindrical strain generating unit that is sensitive to torque in the rotational direction;
A hub portion in the vicinity of a central axis and an outer peripheral member disposed coaxially at an appropriate distance from the outer periphery of the hub portion via a beam-shaped strain generating portion extending in a radial direction; A second torque measuring unit for coupling one of the two to one side of the cylindrical strain generating unit of the first torque measuring unit, and measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit. When,
It is provided between one side of the cylindrical strain generating portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the hub portion and the outer peripheral member of the second torque measuring portion, and a relative position between them. A stopper mechanism that restricts rotation within a predetermined angle and
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
In order to achieve the above object, the torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 2
A first torque measuring unit integrally formed by forming flange portions at both ends of the cylindrical strain generating unit;
The first torque measuring section is coaxial with the hub section via a plurality of beam-shaped strain generating sections extending in the radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the hub section protruding from a central portion of the one flange section of the first torque measuring section. A second torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit, wherein a ring-shaped flange portion facing the flange portion with a predetermined gap is formed;
A stopper which is provided between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion and regulates relative rotation between the two within a predetermined angle. Mechanism and
It is characterized by having.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a torque measuring device according to the present invention, wherein a flange portion is formed integrally with an end portion of a cylindrical strain generating portion, and a hub portion is formed integrally with a central portion of the flange portion. And a plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion of the first torque measuring portion and the hub portion of the first torque measuring portion. A ring-shaped flange portion coaxial with the hub portion is integrally formed to form a second torque measuring portion.
The torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 4 is:
The first torque measuring section is attached to the peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain generating section at appropriate intervals, includes a plurality of strain gauges for detecting the torsional strain of the cylindrical strain generating section, and
The second torque measuring unit includes a strain gauge attached to a side surface of the beam-shaped strain-generating unit facing the rotation direction, and detecting a bending strain of the beam-shaped strain-generating unit.
It is characterized by:
In the torque measuring device according to the present invention, the strain gauges for detecting the torsional strain of the first torque measuring unit are orthogonal to each other at an angle of 45 ° with respect to a direction parallel to the central axis. A plurality of strain gauges are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical strain-generating portion, and a pair of strain gauges each of which has a pair of strain detecting portions that are mainly sensitive to the strain in the direction in which the strain is applied are arranged close to each other. It is characterized by becoming.
[0013]
The torque measuring device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, wherein the strain gauge for detecting the bending strain of the second torque measuring unit is provided with a radial strain on a side surface of the beam-shaped strain generating unit facing the rotation direction. A strain gauge having a strain sensing portion responsive to the above is disposed on both side surfaces of the beam-like strain generating portion near the hub-side end and facing the rotation direction.
The torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 7 is:
The stopper mechanism includes:
A plurality of engagement holes formed at equal intervals on the same circumference on one of the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion;
The other of the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the ring-shaped flange portions of the second torque measuring portion are respectively provided so as to protrude corresponding to the engagement holes, and are inserted into the engagement holes. With multiple pin-like projections
Relative rotation between the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion is determined by the engagement between the engagement hole and the pin-shaped protrusion. In this configuration, only a play range based on a dimensional difference between the two is allowed, and the angle is limited to an angle corresponding to the play range.
[0014]
The torque measuring device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 8, wherein the pin-shaped projection of the stopper mechanism is provided with the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion. Is formed by a stopper pin implanted with one end protruding from the other end.
The torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 9 is:
A further strain generating device that responds to a minute torque by moving a beam end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion and the hub portion in the vicinity of each joint of the plurality of beam-shaped strain generating portions with respect to the hub portion of the second torque measuring portion. A third torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the second torque measuring unit, and
A further stopper mechanism for restricting a relative rotation between the beam end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion of the second torque measuring portion and the hub portion within a predetermined angle;
Is further provided.
[0015]
The torque measuring device according to the present invention described in claim 10 is:
The further strain generating portion of the third torque measuring portion bulges a beam dimension in a circumferential direction of the beam deforming portion in the vicinity of each coupling portion of the plurality of beam deforming portions to the hub. A non-through hole is formed in the bulging portion in parallel with the axis from one end in the axial direction, and a strain gauge for detecting a shear strain is attached to a bottom surface of the non-through hole, and formed.
The further stopper mechanism is provided so as to protrude from the one flange portion of the first torque measuring section with a predetermined gap on both sides in the rotation direction of the further strain generating section, and the first torque measuring section And a locking portion for restricting the deformation of the further strain generating portion based on the relative rotation between the one flange portion of the portion and the end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion within a predetermined range. It is characterized by:
[0016]
[Action]
In other words, the torque measuring device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a first torque measuring section constituted by using a cylindrical strain generating section responsive to a torque in a rotational direction, a hub section near a center axis, and the hub. An outer peripheral member disposed coaxially at a suitable distance from the outer periphery of the portion is connected via a beam-shaped strain generating portion extending in a radial direction, and one of the hub portion and the outer peripheral member is connected to the first member. A second torque measuring unit coupled to one side of the cylindrical strain generating unit of the torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit; A stopper mechanism is provided between one side of the cylindrical strain generating section of the torque measuring section and the other of the hub section and the outer peripheral member of the second torque measuring section, and a relative rotation therebetween. Is restricted within a predetermined angle.
With such a configuration, the configuration is simple, the variation among individual devices is reduced, and stable and high-precision torque measurement can be performed in a wide range from small torque to large torque. It is possible to perform stable and highly accurate torque measurement for any of the small torque and the large torque.
[0017]
In addition, the torque measuring device according to claim 2 of the present invention comprises a first torque measuring section integrally formed by forming flange portions at both ends of a cylindrical strain generating section, and the first torque measuring section. A predetermined gap coaxially with the hub portion via a plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions radially extending from an outer peripheral surface of the hub portion protruding from a central portion of the one flange portion. And a second torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit, wherein the first torque measuring unit is configured to measure a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit. A stopper mechanism is provided between the one flange portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion to restrict relative rotation between the two within a predetermined angle.
With such a configuration, stable and high-precision torque measurement can be performed with respect to both small torque and large torque, despite the simple configuration and easy downsizing.
[0018]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a torque measuring device, wherein a flange portion is formed integrally with an end portion of the cylindrical strain generating portion, and a hub portion is formed integrally with a central portion of the flange portion. A plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion and the hub portion of the first torque measuring portion, and the tip portion of each of the beam-shaped strain-generating portions is integrally formed. The hub portion and the coaxial ring-shaped flange portion are integrally formed to form a second torque measuring portion.
With such a configuration, despite the simple configuration and easy miniaturization, the variation is small and the hysteresis is excellent.
In the torque measuring device according to claim 4 of the present invention, the first torque measuring unit is attached to a peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain generating unit at an appropriate interval, and detects a torsional strain of the cylindrical strain generating unit. A plurality of strain gauges, and the second torque measuring unit is attached to a side surface of the beam-shaped strain generating unit facing the rotation direction, and detects a bending strain of the beam-shaped strain generating unit. Includes gauge.
With such a configuration, in particular, it is possible to generate a torque measurement signal efficiently and accurately.
[0019]
In the torque measuring device according to claim 5 of the present invention, the strain gauge for detecting the torsional strain of the first torque measuring unit is configured so that the strain gauges are arranged at an angle of 45 ° with respect to a direction parallel to the central axis and are orthogonal to each other. A plurality of strain gauges each having a pair of strain sensing units which are mainly sensitive to strain arranged close to each other are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain generating unit. .
With such a configuration, particularly, a relatively large torque can be measured efficiently and accurately.
In the torque measuring device according to claim 6 of the present invention, the strain gauge for detecting the bending strain of the second torque measuring unit is responsive to a radial distortion of a side surface of the beam-shaped strain generating unit facing in a rotational direction. A strain gauge having a strain detecting portion is disposed on both side surfaces of the beam-shaped strain generating portion facing in the rotation direction.
With such a configuration, particularly, a relatively small torque can be measured efficiently and accurately.
[0020]
In the torque measuring device according to claim 7 of the present invention, the stopper mechanism may be configured such that the stopper mechanism is on the same circumference as one of the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion. And a plurality of engagement holes formed at equal intervals, and respectively correspond to the engagement holes on the other of the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion. And a plurality of pin-shaped projections that are inserted and engaged with the engagement holes, the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion Relative rotation is allowed only in a play range based on a dimensional difference between the engagement hole and the pin-shaped protrusion, and is restricted within an angle corresponding to the play range.
With such a configuration, in particular, switching between measurement in a relatively small torque range and measurement in a mainly larger torque range can be performed with high accuracy and smoothly.
[0021]
The torque measuring device according to claim 8 of the present invention, wherein the pin-shaped projection of the stopper mechanism is configured such that the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the ring-shaped flange portions of the second torque measuring portion. It is formed by a stopper pin implanted with one end protruding therefrom.
With such a configuration, it is possible to further increase the accuracy of the switching assignment between the measurement mainly for the relatively small torque range and the measurement mainly for the larger torque range.
The torque measuring device according to claim 9 of the present invention is configured such that a beam end of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion is provided near each joint of the plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions with respect to the hub of the second torque measuring portion. A third torque measuring unit configured to measure a smaller torque than the second torque measuring unit; and a second torque measuring unit configured to couple the hub unit to the hub via a strain generating unit that responds to the minute torque. And a further stopper mechanism for restricting the relative rotation between the beam end of the beam-shaped strain generating section of the torque measuring section and the hub within a predetermined angle.
With such a configuration, stable and highly accurate torque measurement can be performed particularly in a wider torque range.
[0022]
The torque measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the further strain generating part of the third torque measuring part is configured such that the plurality of beam deforming parts have the beam deforming strain in the vicinity of each connecting part to the hub. A strain gauge for expanding a beam dimension in a circumferential direction of a portion, drilling a non-through hole parallel to the axis from one end in the axial direction at the expanded portion, and detecting a shear strain on a bottom surface of the non-through hole. And the further stopper mechanism projects from the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion with a predetermined gap on both sides in the rotation direction of the further strain generating portion. And restricting the deformation of the further strain generating portion based on the relative rotation between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the end of the beam-shaped strain generating portion within a predetermined range. Composed of locking parts
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform torque measurement with high sensitivity and high accuracy particularly in the smallest torque range.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, based on an embodiment of the present invention, a torque measuring device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 5 show a configuration of a torque measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the main part of the torque measuring device, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the external appearance of the main part, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration viewed from the end face of the small torque measuring unit side. FIG. 4 is a side view of the torque measuring device showing the appearance of a large torque measuring unit covered with a cover, and FIG. 5 is a part of the integrated torque measuring device in the state of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a cutaway view.
The torque measuring device shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 mainly includes a first torque measuring unit 1, a second torque measuring unit 2, and a stopper pin 3. The first torque measuring section 1 measures a large torque, and includes a cylindrical strain generating section 11, a first flange section 12, a second flange section 13, and a cover 14. The second torque measuring unit 2 measures a small torque smaller than that of the first torque measuring unit 1, and includes a beam-shaped strain generating unit 21, a hub unit 22, a ring-shaped flange unit 23, and a protection plate 24. Is provided. The stopper pin 3 has a large diameter portion 31, a small diameter portion 32, and a bulging head 33.
[0024]
First, the first torque measuring section 1 will be described in more detail. The cylindrical strain generating portion 11 has a relatively large rigidity in the torsional direction, and is formed so as to generate a torsional strain (in other words, a shear strain) by a rotational torque in a relatively large torque range. As shown in a development view in FIG. 6, four strain gauges G1, G2, G3, and G4 are provided at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain-generating portion 11 by, for example, bonding, vapor deposition, welding, or the like. Soak up. Each of the strain gauges G1 to G4 has a pair of strain sensing units Pa and Pb that sense strains in directions orthogonal to each other at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the center line direction as shown in FIG. I have. In the strain gauges G1 to G4 as shown in FIG. 6, the center line direction is oriented in a direction parallel to the center axis of the cylindrical strain generating portion 11. The strain gauges G1 to G4 are attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical strain-generating portion 11 at equal angular intervals, that is, at 90 ° intervals in this case. In each of these strain gauges G1 to G4, one of the strain detectors (for example, corresponding to Pa in FIG. 7) is sensitive to torsional strain in the first direction, and the other is mainly the other strain detector (for example, Pb in FIG. 7). ) Is sensitive to torsional strain in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so typically, a value obtained by additively combining the output of each one of the strain detectors and each of the other A full bridge connection is used so that the output of the strain detection unit is balanced with a value obtained by additively combining the outputs.
[0025]
A first flange portion 12 is formed at one end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the cylindrical strain generating portion 11. The first flange portion 12 is a portion for connecting the first torque measuring portion 1 of the torque measuring device to one of a power side and a load side, for example, a power side. For example, fastening bolts and nuts or the like, for example, fastening bolts and nuts, for example, screws, are fixedly connected to a rotary drive shaft or the like through a plurality of insertion holes formed at a plurality of locations (for example, about 16 locations) near the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 12. In this case, a second flange portion 13 having a larger diameter than the first flange portion 12 is formed integrally with the other end portion (left end portion in the figure) of the cylindrical strain generating portion 11. In the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 13, as will be described in detail later, a stopper hole 13 a formed of, for example, a through hole is formed to engage with the small diameter portion 32 of the stopper pin 3.
Finally, the portion of the cylindrical strain-generating portion 11 is covered by a cylindrical cover 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for protecting the portion. Covered with parts.
[0026]
Next, the second torque measuring section 2 will be described in more detail. The second torque measuring section 2 has a short cylindrical hub portion 22 integrally projecting from the center of the outer end face of the second flange section 13 of the first torque measuring section 1 described above. . Through a plurality of, for example, four beam-shaped strain-generating portions 21 extending radially in the radial direction from the circumferential surface of the hub portion 22, the ring-shaped flange portion 23 is coaxially formed with the hub portion 22 and the beam-shaped strain-generating portion is formed. It is provided integrally with the part 21. The beam-shaped strain-flexing portions 21 are provided at equal angular intervals around the axis of the hub portion 22 and the ring-shaped flange portion 23. If four beams are provided as in this case, they are at 90 ° intervals. The ring-shaped flange portion 23 is formed integrally with the distal end of the beam-shaped strain generating portion 21. Therefore, between the coaxial hub portion 22 and the ring-shaped flange portion 23, in this case, the four beam-shaped strain generating portions 21 are integrally formed radially, that is, in a spoke shape along the radial direction ( 3 and 5).
[0027]
Strain gauges T1 and T2 sensitive to expansion and contraction strain (bending strain) along the radial direction are provided on the side surfaces where the rotation directions of these spoke-shaped beam-shaped strain generating portions 21 intersect perpendicularly, that is, on both side surfaces facing the rotation direction. , T3, T4, C1, C2, C3, and C4 are attached. In this case, the strain gauges T1 to T4 and C1 to C4 are provided on the surface of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion 21, which is the back in the twisting direction when the ring-shaped flange portion 23 is twisted counterclockwise with respect to the hub portion 22. The strain gauges T1 to T4 and the strain gauges C1 to C4 are arranged on the surface in the torsion direction on the back side of the respective beam-shaped strain generating portions 21, and the strain gauges T1, C1, and T2 are arranged counterclockwise in FIG. , C2, T3, C3, T4, and C4 in this order. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, these strain gauges T1 to T4 and C1 to C4 form one opposing side of a bridge with a series circuit of strain gauges T1 and T4 and a series circuit of strain gauges T2 and T3. A series circuit of the gauges C1 and C2 and a series circuit of the strain gauges C3 and C4 constitute the other opposite side of the bridge, and the strain gauges T1 and C1, T2 and C2, T3 and C3, and T4 and C4 are mutually connected. 3 and 8, for example, red, green, black, and white lead lines are derived from these connection points, and between red-black lead lines and between white-green lead lines. Is connected to a power supply, and a measurement signal is taken out from the other.
[0028]
The ring-shaped flange portion 23 has the same outer dimensions as the second flange portion 13 of the first torque measuring portion 1, and has a plurality of locations on its circumference, in this case four locations, for example, as shown in FIG. A pin fixing hole 23a for embedding and fixing a stopper pin 3, which will be described in detail later, is provided corresponding to the intermediate position between each two adjacent beam-shaped strain generating portions 21. The ring-shaped flange portion 23 is a portion for connecting the second torque measuring portion 2 of the torque measuring device to the other of the power side and the load side, for example, to the load side. At a plurality of locations on the circumference of the 23 (for example, typically about 16 locations that do not overlap with the pin fixing holes 23a), they are fixedly connected to a load rotating shaft or the like by screwing, for example. The end face of the portion corresponding to the beam-shaped strain generating portion 21 and the hub portion 22 and the portion inside the ring-shaped flange portion 23 are circular flat plates fixed to the hub portion 22 as shown in FIG. Covered with a protective plate 24 made of As shown in FIG. 1, the pin fixing hole 23 a is a through hole formed in the ring-shaped flange portion 23, and has a large diameter at an end portion farther from the first torque measuring unit 1 and has a step. Has formed.
[0029]
The main parts of the first torque measuring unit 1 and the second torque measuring unit 2 except for the protective plate 24 can be integrally formed of the same material such as a metal having required elasticity. That is, the hub portion 22, the beam-shaped strain generating portion 21, and the ring-shaped flange portion 23 of the second torque measuring unit 2 are formed using a large-diameter round bar member having substantially the same diameter as the ring-shaped flange portion 23. In this case, the four fan-shaped portions surrounded by these portions are cut off and removed from the one end portion side, and the outer shapes of the ring-shaped flange portion 23 and the second flange portion 13 are processed. In the vicinity of the other end, the outer shape of the first torque measuring unit 1 is machined, and the required boring is performed to turn the cylindrical strain generating unit 11, the first flange unit 12, and the second flange unit 13 Formed. Further, necessary holes, screw holes, and the like are formed in the first flange portion 12, the second flange portion 13, and the ring-shaped flange portion 23, respectively. A slit is formed to reach the hub portion 22 therebetween. By this slit, the first torque measuring unit 1 and the second torque measuring unit 2 are mechanically separated by using only the hub unit 22 in common.
[0030]
Then, the stopper pin 3 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the stopper pin 3 has a large-diameter portion 31 formed corresponding to the inner diameter of the pin fixing hole 23 a of the ring-shaped flange portion 23 in the second torque measuring section 2. The large-diameter portion 31 has a proximal end head portion with a large diameter and is bulged to form a bulged head portion 33 corresponding to a step of the pin fixing hole 23 a of the ring-shaped flange portion 23. Further, the distal end side of the large diameter portion 31 of the stopper pin 3 is a small diameter portion 32. The large diameter portion 31 is fitted into the pin fixing hole 23a of the ring-shaped flange portion 23 until the bulging head 33 is locked by the step of the pin fixing hole 23a. The ring-shaped flange portion 23 is fixed to the ring-shaped flange portion 23 with a hexagonal hole head, a so-called immo screw or the like, in a state of protruding from the surface opposite to the step. The stopper pin 3 may be fixed to the pin fixing hole 23a of the ring-shaped flange portion 23 by press-fitting or bonding instead of screwing. In the mounted state, the small diameter portion 32 is inserted into the stopper hole 13a of the second flange portion 13 of the first torque measuring portion 1 and engages with a predetermined gap. That is, the stopper pin 3 allows the relative rotation between the ring-shaped flange portion 23 and the second flange portion 13 only in the range of the gap based on the radius difference between the small-diameter portion 32 and the stopper hole 13a, Relative rotation beyond this is prevented by the engagement of the small diameter portion 32 and the stopper hole 13a. In this manner, the stopper mechanism is constituted by the stopper pin 3, the pin fixing hole 23a of the ring-shaped flange portion 23, and the stopper hole 13a of the second flange portion 13.
[0031]
In the case of dynamic measurement, for example, in the case of dynamic measurement, the torque measuring device configured as described above, for example, connects the drive rotation shaft S1 on the power side to the first flange of the first torque measuring unit 1 as shown in FIG. And the load-side rotary shaft S2 is connected to the ring-shaped flange portion 23, and the drive rotary shaft S1 and the load-side rotary shaft S2 are supported by bearings B1 and B2 in the vicinity of these connection points. To be rotatable.
In performing the measurement, when the drive rotating shaft S1 rotates, the load-side rotating shaft S2 rotates via the first torque measuring unit 1 and the second torque measuring unit 2. When the first flange portion 12 is rotated by the rotation of the drive rotation shaft S1, when the load is small and the torque applied to the measuring device is small, the cylindrical strain generating portion 11 of the first torque measuring portion 1 The beam is transmitted to the hub 22 through the second flange 13 without any deformation, and is applied to the ring-shaped flange 23 coupled to the load-side rotating shaft S2. 21 is bent and deformed according to the torque. In the range where the torque to be measured is small, in such a state, a signal corresponding to the magnitude of bending based on the relationship with the resistance to bending deformation of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion 21 is applied to the strain affixed to the beam-shaped strain-generating portion 21. Obtained by gauges T1 to T4 and C1 to C4.
[0032]
When the torque exceeds a predetermined value, the bending deformation of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion 21 increases, and the small-diameter portion 32 of the stopper pin 3 engages with the stopper hole 13 a of the second flange portion 13, and the ring-shaped flange portion 23 is formed. Relative rotation between the first flange portion 12 and the second flange portion 13 becomes impossible, and the torque is applied only to the cylindrical strain generating portion 11 between the first flange portion 12 and the second flange portion 13. The measurement is performed by the strain gauges G1 to G4 based on the torsional strain of the cylindrical strain generating section 11 due to the large torque. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the torque and the strain output at this time. In this case, the range of the small torque that can be detected by the second torque measuring unit 2 is 0 to 0.5 kN · m, and the large torque output OUT1 of the first torque measuring unit 1 is linear with respect to the torque change. Output is obtained. Further, as an output of the second torque measuring unit 2, if the large torque output OUT1 of the first torque measuring unit 1 is used as an output OUT2 in which the large torque output OUT1 is additively combined, as shown in the drawing, the output is less than 0.5 kN · m. High accuracy and high resolution for small torque, and even for large torque of 0.5 kN · m or more, the output change rate is different, but continuous measurement output can be obtained. Accurate and high-resolution measurement can be performed.
[0033]
As described above, the above-described torque measuring device can not only measure with high accuracy and high resolution from a small torque to a large torque, but also can have a simple and compact overall configuration. In this case, in order to determine the operating range of the second torque measuring unit 2 for measuring small torque, the inner diameter of the pin fixing hole 23a of the ring-shaped flange 23 and the stopper hole 13a of the second flange 13 is determined. Are formed as through-holes having the same diameter (the holes can be collectively processed and the hole diameter can be easily made with high precision), and the large-diameter portion 31 of the stopper pin 3 (the pin fixing hole 23a and the stopper hole 13a are easily processed). And the step between the small diameter portion 32 (corresponding to the gap between the outer shape of the small diameter portion 32 and the stopper hole 13a with high precision), the operation of the second torque measurement unit 2 is performed. The range can be regulated with high precision.
FIGS. 11 to 15 show a main configuration of a torque measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The torque measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above uses the second torque measuring unit 2 and the first torque measuring unit 1 to compare a relatively small small torque range and a larger large torque range, respectively. The second embodiment of the present invention has a small torque range and a large and relatively small small torque range. The measurement of a larger torque range, which is larger than that, is performed by different measurement units, thereby realizing highly accurate measurement over a wider range.
[0034]
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of the torque measuring device, FIG. 12 is a front view seen from the end face side from the minute torque and small torque measuring section side, and FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a minute torque measuring unit in detail, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining details of the minute torque measuring unit.
The torque measuring device shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 mainly includes a first torque measuring unit 1, a stopper pin 3, a second torque measuring unit 4, a third torque measuring unit 5, an auxiliary stopper 6, and protection transmission. It has a plate 7. The first torque measuring unit 1 is different from the second flange unit 13 in that a part of the structure is slightly different from that of the second flange unit 13 to form a second flange unit 13 '. 5 is substantially the same as the first torque measuring unit 1 in the configuration of FIG. In this case, the second flange portion 13 ′ is formed by protruding a hub portion 42 slightly different from the hub portion 22 at the center of the end face facing outward. In the vicinity of the peripheral surface of the hub portion 42, stopper bosses 61 and 62 constituting the auxiliary stopper 6 described later are provided in a protruding manner.
[0035]
The stopper pin 3 is the same as the stopper pin 3 in the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 5 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, and has a large diameter portion 31, a small diameter portion 32, and a bulging head 33.
The second torque measuring section 4 measures a small torque in a torque range smaller than that of the first torque measuring section 1, and the beam-shaped strain generating section of the second torque measuring section 2 in FIGS. 21, a beam-shaped strain generating portion 41, a hub portion 42, a ring-shaped flange portion 43, and a protection plate 44 substantially corresponding to the hub portion 22, the ring-shaped flange portion 23, and the protection plate 24, respectively. In this case, the beam-shaped strain generating portion 41 and the hub portion 42 are not directly connected, and a third torque measuring unit 5 described later is interposed between the beam-shaped strain generating portion 41 and the hub portion 42. , Are indirectly coupled. In addition, in the second torque measuring unit 2 of FIGS. 1 to 5, the protection plate 24 covers a portion corresponding to the beam-shaped strain generating unit 21 and the hub unit 22, whereas the second plate of FIGS. The protection plate 44 of the torque measuring unit 4 covers portions corresponding to the beam-shaped strain generating portion 41 and the ring-shaped flange portion 43. In this case, the protection plate 44 is fixed to the ring-shaped flange portion 43 with a tightening screw, but is separated from the beam-shaped strain generating portion 41, the third torque measuring portion 5, and the hub portion 42.
[0036]
As described above, except that the beam-shaped strain generating portion 41 is coupled to the hub portion 42 via the third torque measuring portion 5 and the location of the protection plate 44 is slightly different. The second torque measuring unit 4 in FIGS. 11 to 15 is functionally the same as the second torque measuring unit 2 in FIGS. 1 to 5.
The third torque measuring section 5 is a section for measuring a small torque in a torque range smaller than that of the second torque measuring section 4, and includes an auxiliary strain generating section 51. As shown in detail in FIGS. 13 and 14, the third torque measuring section 5 bulges the vicinity of the joint of each beam-shaped strain generating section 41 to the hub section 42 in the circumferential direction, that is, the rotational direction. Thus, an auxiliary strain generating portion 51 is formed. The auxiliary strain generating portion 51 is provided with a bottomed hole 51a at the center thereof in parallel with the rotation axis from the end surface side (the upper surface side in FIG. 14), and as shown in FIG. A portion on the bottom plate having a small thickness is left, and the wall thickness between the inner wall of the bottomed hole 51a and the outer wall of the auxiliary strain generating section 51 is formed sufficiently thin, so that the torque range is smaller than that of the second torque measuring section 4. , And a shear strain is generated on the inner bottom surface of the bottomed hole 51a.
[0037]
That is, a strain gauge for detecting shear strain is attached to the inner bottom surface of the bottomed hole 51a to measure a minute torque.
The third torque measuring unit 5 described above is formed to have a sufficiently small rigidity to measure a small torque smaller than that of the second torque measuring unit 4. For this reason, if a torque exceeding a required range of torque is applied, there is a possibility of breakage. Therefore, on both sides in the rotation direction of the third torque measuring section 5, the deformation of the strain generating section 51 due to the relative movement between the hub section 42 and the tip of the beam-shaped strain generating section 41 is restricted within a predetermined range. For this purpose, an auxiliary stopper 6 is provided for each strain generating portion 51. The auxiliary stopper 6 has a pair of stopper bosses 61 and 62 implanted on the second flange portion 13 'for each strain generating portion 51 (see FIG. 15B). The stopper bosses 61 and 62 of the auxiliary stopper 6 prevent deformation of each strain generating portion 51, and when the strain generating portion 51 comes into contact with the stopper bosses 61 and 62 by applying a torque equal to or more than a predetermined minute torque, the stopper bosses 61 and 62 increase. The second flange portion 13 ', the bub portion 42, the auxiliary strain generating portions 51, and the stopper boss 61 integrally operate with respect to the torque of. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately measure from a small torque to a large torque, and it is possible to measure with high accuracy as the torque is small, and to obtain sufficient accuracy even for measurement of a large torque. .
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the configuration is simple, the variation among individual devices is small, and stable and high-precision torque measurement can be performed in a wide range from small torque to large torque. A suitable torque measuring device can be provided.
That is, according to the torque measuring device of claim 1 of the present invention, the first torque measuring unit constituted by using the cylindrical strain generating unit responsive to the torque in the rotating direction, and the hub unit near the central axis. An outer peripheral member disposed coaxially at an appropriate distance from the outer periphery of the hub portion is coupled via a beam-shaped strain-generating portion extending in a radial direction, and one of the hub portion and the outer peripheral member is connected to the first member. A second torque measuring unit coupled to one side of the cylindrical strain generating unit of the first torque measuring unit to measure a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit; A stopper mechanism is provided between one side of the cylindrical strain generating section of the first torque measuring section and the other of the hub section and the outer peripheral member of the second torque measuring section, and a relative mechanism therebetween is provided. By restricting the rotation within a predetermined angle, the structure is simple and individual Small variation due to displacement, stable and high-precision torque measurement over a wide range from small torque to large torque, suitable for miniaturization, especially stable and accurate for both small torque and large torque It becomes possible to perform torque measurement.
[0039]
Further, according to the torque measuring device of the second aspect of the present invention, the first torque measuring unit is formed integrally with the cylindrical strain generating unit by forming the flanges at both ends, and the first torque measuring unit. The measurement portion is coaxial with the hub portion through a plurality of beam-shaped strain generating portions extending in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion protruding from the central portion of the one flange portion and is fixed to the one flange portion. And a second torque measuring section for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring section, wherein the first torque measuring section has a second flange for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring section. By providing a stopper mechanism between the one flange portion of the measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion, by regulating the relative rotation between these two within a predetermined angle, In particular, it has a simple configuration and is easy to downsize. Regardless, it is possible to perform stable and high-precision torque measurement for any of the small torque and high torque.
[0040]
According to the torque measuring device of the third aspect of the present invention, the first torque measuring unit is formed by integrally forming the flange portion at the end of the cylindrical strain generating portion and the hub portion at the center of the flange portion. A plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion and the hub portion of the first torque measuring portion, and the tip portion of each of the beam-shaped strain-generating portions is integrally formed. Since the hub and coaxial ring-shaped flange are formed integrally to form the second torque measuring unit, assembly and adjustment are easy in that coil springs and the like are not used, cost can be reduced, and long-term Hysteresis is good over a wide range, and a wide range of torque can be measured with high accuracy.
According to the torque measuring device of claim 4 of the present invention, the first torque measuring section is attached to the peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain generating section at appropriate intervals, and the torsional strain of the cylindrical strain generating section is adjusted. And the second torque measuring unit is attached to a side surface of the beam-shaped strain-generating unit facing the rotation direction, and detects bending strain of the beam-shaped strain-generating unit. In particular, by including a strain gauge, a torque measurement signal can be generated efficiently and accurately.
[0041]
According to the torque measuring device of claim 5 of the present invention, the strain gauges for detecting the torsional strain of the first torque measuring section are orthogonal to each other at an angle of 45 ° with respect to a direction parallel to the central axis. A plurality of strain gauges each having a pair of strain sensing units which are mainly sensitive to strain in each direction arranged close to each other are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical strain generating unit. This makes it possible to measure a relatively large torque efficiently and accurately.
According to the torque measuring device of claim 6 of the present invention, the strain gauge for detecting the bending strain of the second torque measuring unit is configured to detect the radial strain of the side surface of the beam-shaped strain generating unit facing the rotation direction. By arranging the strain gauges having the sensitive strain sensing portions on both sides facing the rotation direction of the beam-shaped strain generating portion, it becomes possible to measure relatively small torque efficiently and accurately.
[0042]
According to the torque measuring device of claim 7 of the present invention, the stopper mechanism has the same circle as one of the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion. A plurality of engagement holes formed at equal intervals on the circumference; and the other of the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion are formed in the engagement holes. A plurality of pin-shaped protrusions respectively protruding and inserted into and engaged with the engagement holes, wherein the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-like shape of the second torque measurement portion A configuration in which relative rotation with respect to the flange portion is allowed only in a play range based on a dimensional difference between the engagement hole and the pin-shaped projection in the engagement between the engagement hole and the pin-shaped protrusion, and is restricted within an angle corresponding to the play range. By doing so, in particular mainly relatively It is possible to perform switching between measurement in addition to the smooth highly accurate for measuring mainly large torque range than that for the torque range.
According to the torque measuring device of claim 8 of the present invention, the pin-shaped projection of the stopper mechanism is provided between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion. By forming a stopper pin with one end protruding from the other end and implanted, it is possible to further increase the accuracy of switching switching between measurement mainly for a relatively small torque range and measurement mainly for a larger torque range. Becomes possible.
[0043]
According to the torque measuring device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the beam end of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion is provided near each joint of the plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions with respect to the hub of the second torque measuring portion. A third torque measuring unit for measuring a smaller torque than the second torque measuring unit, wherein the third torque measuring unit is configured to couple the hub and the hub unit via a further strain generating unit that responds to the minute torque. By further comprising a further stopper mechanism for regulating the relative rotation between the beam end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion of the second torque measuring portion and the hub portion within a predetermined angle, In addition, stable and highly accurate torque measurement can be performed over a wider torque range.
According to the torque measuring device of claim 10 of the present invention, the further strain-generating portion of the third torque measuring portion is configured such that the plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions have the beam shape in the vicinity of each coupling portion to the hub portion. A beam dimension in the circumferential direction of the strain generating portion is expanded, and a non-through hole is formed in the expanded portion from one end in the axial direction in parallel with the axis, and a shear strain is detected on the bottom surface of the non-through hole. A strain gauge is attached and formed, and the further stopper mechanism projects from the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion with a predetermined gap on both sides in the rotation direction of the further strain generating portion. The deformation of the further strain generating portion based on the relative rotation between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the end of the beam-shaped strain generating portion is within a predetermined range. Depending on the configuration by the locking part In particular, it is possible to perform torque measurement to the most for small torque range with high sensitivity and high accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a main part of a torque measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an appearance of a main part of the torque measuring device of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a main part of the torque measuring device of FIG. 1 viewed from an end face on a side of a small torque measuring unit, and particularly showing a wiring relation between a strain gauge and a lead wire.
FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the appearance of a state where a large torque measuring unit in the torque measuring device of FIG. 1 is covered with a cover.
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view schematically showing an external appearance of a state in which a second torque measuring unit is separated from a large torque measuring unit in the torque measuring device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a schematic development view for explaining a state in which a strain gauge is attached to a cylindrical strain generating portion of the torque measuring device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a specific gage pattern of a strain gage used for a cylindrical strain generating portion of the torque measuring device of FIG.
8 is a circuit diagram for explaining a connection state of a strain gauge attached to a beam-shaped strain-generating portion of the torque measuring device of FIG.
9 is a side view of a main part for describing a measurement state when dynamic measurement is performed by the torque measurement device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining torque-strain output characteristics based on each measurement unit of the torque measurement device in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a torque measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, partially cut away.
FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of a main part of the torque measuring device of FIG. 11 as viewed from an end face on the side of a measuring section for minute torque and small torque.
13 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing details in the vicinity of a minute torque measuring unit in the torque measuring device of FIG. 11;
14 is a perspective view schematically showing details in the vicinity of a minute torque measuring unit in the torque measuring device of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a part of a small torque measuring unit in the torque measuring device of FIG. 11; FIG. 15 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 13; 13B schematically shows a cross section along the line EE in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a general use mode of the torque measuring device, and is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in a case where rotational torque is dynamically measured.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a general usage pattern of the torque measuring device, and is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in a case where static rotational torque is measured.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First torque measuring unit
2 Second torque measuring unit
3 Stopper pin
4 Second torque measuring unit
5 Third torque measuring unit
6 Auxiliary stopper
11 Cylindrical strain section
12 First flange part
13, 13 'Second flange portion
14 Cover
21, 41 Beam-like strain generating part
22, 42 hub
23, 43 Ring flange
24,44 Protection plate
31 Large diameter part
32 Small diameter part
33 bulging head
51 Auxiliary strain unit
51a Hole with bottom
61, 62 Stopper boss

Claims (10)

回転方向のトルクに感応する円筒状起歪部を用いて構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、
中心軸近傍のハブ部と該ハブ部の外周に適宜離間して同軸的に配置される外周部材とを放射方向に延びるビーム状起歪部を介して結合してなり、前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの一方を前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状の起歪部の一側に結合して、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記円筒状起歪部の一側と前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部および外周部材のうちの他方との間に設けられ、これらの間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するストッパー機構と
を具備することを特徴とするトルク計測装置。A first torque measuring unit configured using a cylindrical strain generating unit that is sensitive to torque in the rotational direction;
A hub portion in the vicinity of a central axis and an outer peripheral member disposed coaxially at an appropriate distance from the outer periphery of the hub portion via a beam-shaped strain generating portion extending in a radial direction; A second torque measuring unit for coupling one of the two to one side of the cylindrical strain generating unit of the first torque measuring unit, and measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit. When,
It is provided between one side of the cylindrical strain generating portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the hub portion and the outer peripheral member of the second torque measuring portion, and a relative position between them. A torque measuring device comprising a stopper mechanism for restricting rotation within a predetermined angle. 円筒状起歪部の両端にフランジ部を形成して一体的に構成してなる第１のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の一方のフランジ部の中央部に突設されたハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を介して前記ハブ部と同軸的に且つ前記一方のフランジ部と所定の間隙を存して対峙するリング状フランジ部を形成してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部よりも小さなトルクを計測するための第２のトルク計測部と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との間に設けられ、これら両者間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するストッパー機構と
を具備することを特徴とするトルク計測装置。A first torque measuring unit integrally formed by forming flange portions at both ends of the cylindrical strain generating unit;
The first torque measuring section is coaxial with the hub section via a plurality of beam-shaped strain generating sections extending in the radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the hub section protruding from a central portion of the one flange section of the first torque measuring section. A second torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the first torque measuring unit, wherein a ring-shaped flange portion facing the flange portion with a predetermined gap is formed;
A stopper which is provided between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion and regulates relative rotation between the two within a predetermined angle. A torque measuring device comprising a mechanism. 円筒状起歪部の端部にフランジ部を、このフランジ部の中央部にハブ部を、それぞれ一体に形成して第１のトルク計測部となし、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部とそのハブ部の外周面から放射方向に延びる複数のビーム状起歪部を一体に形成し、前記ビーム状起歪部の各先端に前記ハブ部と同軸のリング状フランジ部を一体に形成して第２トルク計測部となしたことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のトルク計測装置。A flange portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical strain generating portion, and a hub portion is formed integrally with a central portion of the flange portion to form a first torque measuring portion, and the hub portion of the first torque measuring portion is formed. And a plurality of beam-shaped strain-generating portions extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion, and a ring-shaped flange portion coaxial with the hub portion is integrally formed at each end of the beam-shaped strain-generating portion. The torque measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the second torque measuring unit is configured to be a second torque measuring unit. 前記第１のトルク計測部は、前記円筒状起歪部の周面に適宜間隔で貼設されて、当該円筒状起歪部の捻りひずみを検知する複数のひずみゲージを含み、
前記第２のトルク計測部は、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面に貼設されて、当該ビーム状起歪部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージを含む
ことを特徴とする請求項１〜請求項３のうちのいずれか１項に記載のトルク計測装置。The first torque measuring unit is attached to the peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain-generating portion at appropriate intervals, includes a plurality of strain gauges for detecting the torsional strain of the cylindrical strain-generating portion,
The said 2nd torque measurement part is affixed on the side surface facing the rotation direction of the said beam-shaped strain-generating part, and contains the strain gauge which detects the bending strain of the said beam-shaped strain-generating part. The torque measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 前記第１のトルク計測部の捻りひずみを検知するひずみゲージは、中心軸線と平行な方向に対して４５°の角度をなして互いに直交する方向のひずみにそれぞれ主として感応する１対のひずみ検知部を互いに近接して配置してなるひずみゲージを、前記円筒状起歪部の周面の同一円周上に等間隔で複数個配設してなることを特徴とする請求項４に記載のトルク計測装置。The strain gauge for detecting the torsional strain of the first torque measuring unit includes a pair of strain detecting units that are mainly sensitive to strains in directions perpendicular to each other at an angle of 45 ° with respect to a direction parallel to the central axis. 5. The torque according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of strain gauges are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical strain generating portion. Measuring device. 前記第２のトルク計測部の曲げひずみを検知するひずみゲージは、前記ビーム状起歪部の回転方向に面する側面の半径方向のひずみに感応するひずみ検知部を有するひずみゲージを前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部側端部近傍の回転方向に面する両側面に配設してなることを特徴とする請求項４または請求項５に記載のトルク計測装置。The strain gauge for detecting the bending strain of the second torque measuring unit may include a strain gauge having a strain sensing unit that is sensitive to a radial strain on a side surface of the beam-shaped strain generating unit that faces in the rotation direction. The torque measuring device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the torque measuring device is provided on both sides of the distortion portion near the hub portion side end facing the rotation direction. 前記ストッパー機構は、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の一方に同一円周上に等間隔で形成される複数の係合孔と、
前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の他方に前記係合孔にそれぞれ対応して突設され、前記係合孔に挿入係合する複数のピン状突起と
を含み、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部との相対的な回動を、前記係合孔とピン状突起との係合における両者の寸法差に基づく遊び範囲にのみ許容し、該遊び範囲に相当する角度以内に規制する構成としたことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のトルク計測装置。The stopper mechanism includes:
A plurality of engagement holes formed at equal intervals on the same circumference on one of the one flange portion of the first torque measurement portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measurement portion;
The other of the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the ring-shaped flange portions of the second torque measuring portion are respectively provided so as to protrude corresponding to the engagement holes, and are inserted into the engagement holes. A plurality of pin-shaped protrusions, the relative rotation between the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion, the engagement hole and 3. The torque measuring device according to claim 2, wherein only a play range based on a dimensional difference between the two at the time of engagement with the pin-shaped protrusion is allowed and the angle is restricted within an angle corresponding to the play range. 前記ストッパー機構のピン状突起は、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部および前記第２のトルク計測部のリング状フランジ部の前記他方に一端を突出させて植設したストッパーピンにより形成したことを特徴とする請求項７に記載のトルク計測装置。The pin-shaped projection of the stopper mechanism is formed by a stopper pin having one end protruding from the one of the flange portion of the first torque measuring portion and the other of the ring-shaped flange portion of the second torque measuring portion. The torque measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the torque measuring device is formed. 前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ハブ部に対する前記複数のビーム状起歪部の各結合部近傍において前記ビーム状起歪部のビーム端部と前記ハブ部とを微小トルクに応動するさらなる起歪部を介して結合する構成としてなり、前記第２のトルク計測部よりもさらに小さなトルクを計測するための第３のトルク計測部と、
前記第２のトルク計測部の前記ビーム状起歪部の前記ビーム端部と前記ハブ部との間の相対的な回動を所定角度以内に規制するさらなるストッパー機構と
をさらに具備することを特徴とする請求項２に記載のトルク計測装置。A further strain generating device that responds to a minute torque by moving a beam end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion and the hub portion in the vicinity of each joint of the plurality of beam-shaped strain generating portions with respect to the hub portion of the second torque measuring portion. A third torque measuring unit for measuring a torque smaller than the second torque measuring unit, and
It is further characterized by further comprising a further stopper mechanism for restricting a relative rotation between the beam end of the beam-shaped strain generating part of the second torque measuring part and the hub within a predetermined angle. The torque measuring device according to claim 2. 前記第３のトルク計測部の前記さらなる起歪部は、前記複数のビーム状起歪部の前記ハブ部に対する各結合部近傍における前記ビーム状起歪部の円周方向についてのビーム寸法を膨出させ、その膨出部分に軸線方向の一端から該軸線に平行に非貫通穴を穿設し、該非貫通穴の底面に剪断ひずみを検出するひずみゲージを貼設して形成し、且つ
前記さらなるストッパー機構は、前記さらなる起歪部の回転方向両側方に所定のギャップを存して前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部から突設してなり、前記第１のトルク計測部の前記一方のフランジ部と前記ビーム状起歪部の端部との間の相対的な回動に基づく前記さらなる起歪部の変形を所定範囲内に規制する係止部により構成してなることを特徴とする請求項９に記載のトルク計測装置。The further strain generating portion of the third torque measuring portion bulges a beam dimension in a circumferential direction of the beam deforming portion in the vicinity of each coupling portion of the plurality of beam deforming portions to the hub. A non-through hole is formed in the bulging portion in parallel with the axis from one end in the axial direction, and a strain gauge for detecting a shear strain is attached to a bottom surface of the non-through hole, and the further stopper is formed. The mechanism is provided so as to protrude from the one flange portion of the first torque measuring portion with a predetermined gap on both sides in the rotation direction of the further strain generating portion, and the mechanism of the first torque measuring portion has a predetermined gap. It is characterized by comprising a locking portion for restricting deformation of the further strain generating portion based on relative rotation between one flange portion and an end portion of the beam-shaped strain generating portion within a predetermined range. The torque measurement according to claim 9, Location.
JP2002234547A 2002-08-12 2002-08-12 Torque measuring device Expired - Fee Related JP4024621B2 (en)

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