KR20190102975A - Unit for measuring friction torque under load, and test rig for a rotary device equipped with such a measuring unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention of a unit for measuring friction torque under a load and test equipment for a rotating device on which a measurement unit is mounted relates to the unit (12) for measuring the friction torque under the load of the rotating device (2) comprising a torque sensor (41). The measuring unit (12) comprises: a shaft (20) intended so as to be coupled to the rotating device (2); a tubular casing (33) wherein the shaft (20) extends; a measuring plate (39) coupled to the shaft through an oldham coupling (40) and cooperating with the torque sensor (41) such that the shaft (20) transmits only the torque to the measuring plate (39); and a bearing unit (42) interposed between the shaft (20) and the measuring plate (39). Therefore, the present invention is capable of ensuring reliable repeatable measurements.

Description

Unit for measuring friction torque under load, and test rig for a rotary device equipped with such a measuring unit}

The present invention belongs to the field of units for measuring frictional torque under load. The invention also belongs to the field of test rigs and in particular relates to test equipment for measuring the friction torque of rotating devices, in particular suspension bearing devices for automobiles.

As is known, an automotive suspension system includes a strut supporting an axle and a vehicle wheel. The suspension bearing unit is arranged on top of the strut on the opposite side of the wheel and the ground between the suspension spring and the upper member fixed to the body shell of the vehicle. A spring is disposed around the shock-absorber piston rod, the end of which may be fixed to the body shell of the vehicle.

The suspension bearing unit comprises a rolling bearing, a lower cup, an upper cup and at least one seal disposed between the cups. The other components of the suspension bearing unit can be made of plastic material and the cups can be reinforced by a rigid insert made of metal, in particular to increase its mechanical strength. The upper cup is interposed between the upper ring and the upper member of the rolling bearing and the lower cup is interposed between the lower ring and the suspension spring of the rolling bearing. Thus, the suspension bearing unit is designed to allow relative angular movement between the rings of the rolling bearing while transferring axial force between the suspension spring and the bodyshell of the vehicle.

The central axis of the suspension bearing unit and the central axis of the strut with the spring can be inclined with respect to each other, and the relative inclination of the axis can be 5 ° to 10 °. Thus the suspension bearing unit is subjected to the resulting radial force.

In addition to the performance in terms of mechanical integrity and robustness, the main parameter for the quality of the suspension bearing unit is the friction torque under load. It is important to know the mechanical properties of the suspension bearing unit since the suspension performance of the vehicle on which the bearing unit is to be mounted and the resulting driving comfort will occur later. Test rigs set up to measure frictional torque under the load of the suspension bearing unit have been developed to optimize the structure, material and design. This test equipment is intended to provide test conditions similar to those of the application.

As is known, test equipment for measuring frictional torque under the load of a suspension bearing unit comprises a tubular sleeve provided with a cylindrical bore in which two suspension bearing units are mounted from the top to the tail, each bearing unit having a shaft of the bore. It is mounted on one of the directional ends. Each of the fixed cups of the bearing unit is fixed in place in the bore. The rotatable cups of the bearing unit are rotatably connected by a shaft, which shaft loads the bearing unit. The bore extends around a central axis that is inclined with respect to the horizontal by the relative tilt angle characteristic between each bearing unit and the shaft simulating the strut. A rotary motion oscillating about the central axis is applied to the shaft by the motor, which is transmitted to the two suspension bearing units tested.

Thus, such test equipment can test the suspension bearing device under conditions of vibratory motion, inclination, axial load and radial load (generated due to defined inclination and applied axial load) similar to the application conditions. The test equipment also has at least one friction torque sensor for determining the friction torque resulting from the vibrations of the two suspension bearing units. The two bearing units connected for the friction torque measurement can be the same or different, one is the bearing unit under test and the other has known characteristics.

The friction torque of the suspension bearing unit tested in such test equipment is greatly influenced by the load applied by the suspension bearing unit. The problem also arises not only with the characteristics of the friction torque under the load of the suspension bearing unit, but also with the characterization of any rotary device with application conditions under the load.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide test equipment of the unit for measuring frictional torque under loads that ensure reliable repeatable measurements.

The present invention provides a measuring unit for measuring frictional torque under load of a rotating device, for example a suspension bearing unit, which is applicable to all kinds of rotating devices, provides a reliable and repeatable measurement and makes it possible to reproduce the application conditions. It aims to do it.

The present invention relates to a measuring unit for measuring frictional torque under the load of a rotating device comprising a torque sensor.

According to the invention, the measuring unit comprises a shaft, the first end of which is for coupling to the rotating device. The measuring unit comprises a tubular casing having a central bore and fixed to the face of the plate, the shaft passing through the plate and extending into the bore of the casing. The measuring unit comprises a measuring plate arranged in a casing, the measuring plate having a first face coupled to the second end of the shaft via an oldham coupling such that the shaft has only torque on the measuring plate. The measuring plate and the shaft have a shape corresponding to the Oldham coupling, the measuring plate having a second surface cooperating with the torque sensor. A bearing unit is interposed between the second end of the shaft and the first surface of the measuring plate, the bearing unit having a first ring fixed to the first surface of the measuring plate, a second ring fixed to the second end of the shaft, and At least one row of rolling elements interposed between the rings, the rows of rolling elements radially surrounding the Oldham coupling.

According to another feature of the invention, which is preferred but not obligatory, the following is considered alone or in combination:

At least one rolling bearing is interposed between the shaft and the bore of the casing for supporting the shaft in rotational motion.

The second side of the measuring plate comprises a protrusion connected to the torque sensor.

The casing comprises a free end located on the opposite side of the shaft and closed by a cover.

The torque sensor is also provided with load measuring means.

The measuring unit comprises means for temporary coupling between the cover and the casing, the cover being in contact with the torque sensor.

The temporary coupling means comprise at least one screw extending into the corresponding hole of the cover and the casing.

The measuring unit comprises a temporary coupling means between the measuring plate and the casing, the measuring plate being fixed to the casing.

The measuring plate comprises at least one radial protrusion which can cooperate with the temporary coupling means and the casing.

The casing comprises at least one window in which at least one radial projection of the measuring plate is received.

The temporary coupling means comprise at least one screw which extends into the corresponding hole of the measuring plate and the casing.

The invention also relates to test equipment for measuring the frictional torque of a rotating device, the device comprising a first stationary plate and a translatable movable member that is movable relative to or away from the first plate. A test chamber formed between the plates, a drive means fixed to the first plate, a measurement unit fixed to the second plate and according to any one of the preceding embodiments of the invention, the drive means A first holder rotatably connected to the second holder and a second holder coupled to the measurement unit, wherein the first holder is for securing to a first rotating element of a rotating device disposed in the test chamber, the second holder Is for fastening to the second element of the rotating device.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only.

A description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front view of test equipment for a suspension bearing unit with a measuring unit according to the invention;
2 is a perspective view of the test equipment of FIG. 1.
3 is a detailed view of a suspension bearing unit of the test rig of FIG. 1 in an axial cross section.
4 is a detailed perspective view of the drive means for the test equipment of FIG.
5 shows a detailed view of the measuring unit of the test equipment of FIG. 1 in the axial section of II.
6 shows a detail of the measuring unit of FIG. 5 in the axial section of II-II in a first configuration; And
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the cross section of the measuring unit of FIG. 5 in a II-II axial section of a second configuration; FIG.

1 and 2 show the test equipment 1 with an overall reference for measuring the friction torque of the rotating device 2 of the suspension bearing unit in this case. For the sake of clarity of the description and the drawings, a fixed frame in which the test equipment 1 supports it and is fixed to the ground is not shown.

The test equipment 1 comprises a first bottom plate 3. The first plate 3 extends on a horizontal plane and is fixed and held in the frame of the test equipment 1.

The test equipment 1 comprises a second plate 4. The second plate 4 extends on a horizontal plane parallel to the first plate 3 and can translate relative to the first plate 3.

The test equipment 1 comprises four tubular guides 5 fixed to the first plate 3 and a third top plate 7 which are likewise fixed and held to the frame. The tubular guide 5 extends along an axis perpendicular to the plates 3, 4, 7 between the fixed first lower plate 3 and the fixed third upper plate 7. The tubular guide 5 passes through the movable second plate 4 and forms a guide for the translational movement of the plate 4, respectively.

The test equipment 1 also comprises a transfer transmission mechanism 6 of known screw type 8 which ensures translational movement of the second plate 4. The delivery mechanism 6 is advantageously fixed to the third plate 7. The second plate 4 is capable of translational movement between the first plate 3 and the third plate 7.

The test equipment 1 comprises a test chamber 9 formed between a fixed first plate 3 and a translatable second plate 4. The suspension bearing unit 2 tested in the test rig is housed in the test chamber 9.

The second plate 4 is capable of translational movement in order to apply an axial load to the suspension bearing unit 2 tested in the test rig 1, as described in more detail below. The second plate 4 is fixed during the test and is set in translational motion only during the step of constructing and adjusting the test conditions.

Preferably, the first and second plates 3, 4 each comprise the thickness of the insulation 3-1, 4-1 on the inner face of the test chamber 9.

According to a variant not shown, the test equipment 1 comprises a support frame having sidewalls similarly covered by the thickness of the insulation on the inner face of the test chamber 9. Thus, the test chamber 9 is insulated. Preferably, the test equipment may also comprise means (not shown) for temperature control inside the test chamber 9 to adjust the test temperature to reproduce the test conditions. It is also possible to provide means for monitoring the relative humidity in the test chamber 9.

The test equipment 1 comprises a drive means 10 fixed to a fixed first bottom plate 3 and a first lower holder 11 rotatably coupled to the drive means 10. The test equipment 1 also comprises a measuring unit 12 fixed to a second upper plate 4 capable of translational movement and a second upper holder 13 coupled to the measuring unit 12. The suspension bearing unit 2 for testing in the test equipment 1 is connected to the first holder 11 on one side and to the second holder 13 on the other side.

3 shows a suspension bearing unit 2 mounted in a test chamber of the test equipment 1. The suspension bearing unit 2 presented in this embodiment is of the McPherson type ("Macpherson suspension bearing unit" or "MSBU"). The suspension bearing unit 2 comprises one inclined contact rolling bearing 14, a rotatable lower cup 15 and an upper cup 16. The suspension bearing unit 2 and its components have an overall shape which is axial symmetric about the central axis X2. The cups 15, 16 partition each other the inner housing in which the rolling bearing 14 is received. The suspension bearing unit 2 may advantageously comprise external and / or internal sealing means for ensuring the rigidity of the rolling bearing against external contamination.

In this embodiment, the rolling bearing 14 comprises a row of inclined contact rolling elements, which are balls disposed between the inner ring, the outer ring and in this case rings (not referenced). The rolling bearing 14 is preferably an inclined contact rolling bearing in order to limit the forces and friction inside the suspension bearing unit 2 in use.

The lower cup 15 is rotatable about the axis X2 and about the upper cup 16. The lower cup 15 is annular and includes a central tubular portion and a radial portion extending outwardly from the tubular portion. The lower cup 15 forms a lower holder for the rolling bearing on the first upper axial side and forms a holder that can cooperate with the strut spring of the vehicle on the second lower axial side.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first holder 11 of the test rig 1 extends along the inclined axis X17 at an angle A17 with respect to the axis X2 of the suspension bearing unit 2. 17). The support post 17 is provided with a first lower end 17-1 connected to a driving means 10 to be described below, and a second upper end provided with a first adaptation means 18 that matches the shape of the lower surface of the lower cup 15. 17-2). The adaptation means 18 of the first support post 17 make it possible to reproduce the structural and mechanical properties of the strut spring of the motor vehicle. The first adaptation means 18 is fixed to the support post 17 via at least one fastening screw 19. The first adaptation means 18 can thus be easily mounted or removed on the support post 17, in particular when it is replaced by a first adaptation means having a different shape suitable for the other suspension bearing units to be tested.

Optionally, the support post has a spring that supports the bearing surface of the first cup of the suspension bearing unit and can be replaced with a strut provided at its second end.

The upper cup 16 is annular with respect to the axis X2 and forms the upper supporting means of the rolling bearing 14. The upper cup 16 is generally fixed to the suspension device of the motor vehicle, and the upper cup 16 is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. The suspension bearing unit 2 is mounted in the test equipment 1 so that the upper cup 16 is not fixed, and can transmit frictional torque caused by the oscillating rotational movement of the lower cup 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second holder 13 of the test rig 1 has a first lower end 20-1 coupled to the upper cup 16 of the suspension bearing unit 2 and the measuring unit 2 described below. There is provided a second upper end 20-2 coupled thereto. The second holder 13 also includes a second adaptation element 21 fixed to the upper cup 16, which second adaptation element 21 is adapted to the shaft 20 through the pivot connection 22. Is coupled to one end 20-1. The connection between the shaft 20 and the suspension bearing unit 2 is therefore applicable to any type of inclination of the tested bearing unit and the support post 17.

Preferably, the second adaptation element 21 is coupled to the first end 20-1 of the shaft 20 via the lower portion 21-1 and the pivot connection 22 fixed to the upper cup 16. The upper portion 21-2 may be included, and the two portions 21-1 and 21-2 are fixed to each other by the fastening screw 21-3. Thus, the lower part 21-1 of the second adaptation means 21 is replaced by the upper part 21-2 and thus the shaft, in particular when replaced by the second adaptation means having a different shape suitable for the other suspension bearing units tested. 20 can be easily mounted or removed.

Optionally, the suspension bearing unit can have a different structural design, and the test equipment according to the invention is designed to accept and test all types of suspension bearing units. Specifically, a first adaptation element having a lower cup at the second end 17-2 of the support post 17 and / or a second having an upper cup at the first end 20-1 of the shaft 20. It is all necessary to provide an adaptation element, the cups can be coupled to the elements of the suspension bearing unit under test.

The first holder 11 comprises a support post 17 having a first end 17-1 connected to the drive means 10 as shown in FIG. 4.

The first holder 11 comprises a guide 23 to which the first end 17-1 of the support post 17 is coupled via a coupling element 24 having a pivot connection 25. The guide 23 comprises a coupling element 24 comprising two transverse rails 23-1 and 23-2, and protrusions which can cooperate with the rails 23-1, 23-2. Once the coupling element 24 is located on the rails 23-1, 23-2 of the guide 23, the coupling element 24 is for example a screw, clamping means or any other temporary fastening means. It is fixed in the intended position by the fixing means. Thus, the post 17 is coupled to the guide 23 so that the inclination angle of the post 17 can be defined with respect to the suspension bearing unit 2 in one part and with respect to the guide 23 in the other part.

The first holder 11 also comprises a support plate 26 rotatably connected to the drive means 10. The guide 23 is fixed to the support plate 26 to move with the support plate 26 using any suitable means, for example screws. Thus, the post 17 is connected to the drive means 10 via a coupling element 24 mounted on the guide 23 and ensures that the post 17 is inclined through the support plate 26.

The entire first holder 11 is mounted on a fixed bottom plate 3 of the test equipment. The support plate 26 is driven by the drive means 10 through an axis (not shown) passing through the opening formed in the plate 3.

The drive means 10 is shown in FIG. 1 and comprises a motor 27 for setting a drive plate 28 which rotates about a rotation axis X28. The rod 29 has a first end coupled to the drive plate 28 at the pivot connection 30 and a second end coupled to the first end of the crank 32 at the pivot connection 31. The crank 32 has a second end rotatably connected to the support plate 26 of the first holder 11 via a shaft (not shown) passing through the lower plate 3.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the drive means 10 is of the known rod-crank type and converts the rotary motion into a vibrating motion about an axis. The crank 32 transfers the vibratory movement to the support plate 26 and to the guide 23 with the connecting element 24 in a continuous connection and finally to the lower cup of the suspension bearing tested in the test rig 1. 15) to pass. The test equipment 1 makes it possible to reproduce the movements experienced by the suspension bearing unit 2 tested under application conditions.

The test equipment 1 carries the measuring unit 12 coupled to the upper cup 16 of the bearing unit 2 on the opposite side of the drive means 10 to which the lower cup 15 of the suspension bearing unit 2 is coupled. Include.

More specifically, the upper cup 16 is connected to the measuring unit 12 via a second holder 13 comprising a second adaptation means 21 coupled to the first end 20-1 of the shaft 20. Combined. The measuring unit 12 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

According to the invention, the measuring unit 12 has a tubular casing 33 which has a central bore 33-1 extending along the central axis X33 and which is fixed to the outer surface of the translatable second plate 4. Include. The casing 33 preferably has a plurality of fastening screws passing through the reflective lip 33-2 and the opening formed through the lip 33-2 so as to be fixed to the corresponding opening formed in the second plate 4. 34).

The second plate 4 is also provided with a bore 4-2 through which the shaft 20 passes, the shaft 20 of the casing 33 along an axis X20 coincident with the central axis X33. Extend into the bore 33-1. The shaft 20 thus makes it possible to connect the suspension bearing unit 2 in the test chamber 9 on one side to the measuring unit 12 mounted on the opposite side on the second plate 4 outside the test chamber 9. .

Two rolling bearings 35 and 36 are interposed between the bore 33-1 of the casing 33 and the shaft 20 to support the shaft 20 in rotational motion. In the present embodiment, the rolling bearings 35 and 36 are free to the inner ring of the bore 33-1 of the casing 33 and the inner ring mounted in a clamping manner on the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 30, respectively. A mounted outer ring and a row of balls disposed between the rings, wherein the inner ring can exhibit relative rotational motion relative to the fixed outer ring. The shaft 20 comprises a stepped outer surface 20-3, and the cylindrical surface on which the inner rings of the rolling bearings 35, 36 are mounted has a smaller diameter than the center of the shaft with a larger diameter outer surface. do. The shaft 20 with the stepped outer surface 20-3 facilitates the mounting of the rolling bearings 35, 36. Shoulders are formed in the outer circumference of the shaft 20 to hold the inner rings of the rolling bearings 35, 36 in the axial direction. Two retaining rings 37, 38 are mounted on the shaft 20 to axially fix the inner rings of the rolling bearings 35, 36. The retaining ring 38 is mounted around the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20.

Preferably, the ring 37 is formed of a heat insulating material to avoid a thermal bridge between the test chamber 9 and the measuring unit 12 through the shaft 20.

Optionally, the rolling bearing can be of another type, such as a planar bearing or a rolling bearing with other types of rolling elements, such as cylindrical or conical rollers. Optionally, the casing may comprise one rolling bearing, or two or more rolling bearings to support the shaft.

Since the support post 17 is inclined with respect to the lower cup 15 of the suspension bearing unit 2, and since the translatable second plate 4 exerts an axial load on the suspension bearing unit 2, the radial load is obtained. Occurs in the suspension bearing unit 2, in particular on the upper cup 16. The radial load exerted on the shaft 20 by the upper cup 16 is transmitted via the rolling bearings 35, 36 to the casing 33 fixed to the second plate 4. This arrangement constitutes a means for filtering radial loads so as not to affect the measurement of the friction torque in the measuring unit 12.

The measuring unit 12 also includes a measuring plate 39 disposed in the casing 33.

The measuring plate 39 has a bottom surface coupled to the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20 via Oldham coupling 40, so that the shaft 20 transmits only torque to the measuring plate 39. do. Oldham couplings are well known in the art and the measuring plate 39 and shaft 20 have a shape corresponding to the oldam coupling 40. More specifically, the lower surface of the measuring plate 39 includes a protrusion 39-1 extending in the first axial plane, and the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20 is in the first axial direction. A projection 20-4 extending in a second axial plane perpendicular to the plane, and the Oldham coupling 40 receiving the projection 39-1 of the measuring plate 39 on its upper surface. And a groove for receiving the protrusion 20-4 of the shaft 20 on the bottom surface thereof. The friction torque transmitted by the upper cup 16 of the suspension bearing unit 2 when the lower cup 15 makes a vibratory rotational movement is transmitted to the shaft 20 and then through the old dam coupling 40 the measuring plate. Is passed to 39.

The measuring plate 39 has an upper surface on the opposite side of the lower surface coupled to the Oldham coupling 40 which cooperates with the torque sensor 41. The upper surface of the measuring plate 39 includes a protrusion 39-3 which is connected to the torque sensor 41 by a plurality of fastening screws.

The ball bearing unit 42 is interposed in the axial direction between the measuring plate 39 and the shaft 20.

The bearing unit 42 comprises an upper ring which is fixed to the lower surface of the measuring plate 39 by tightening the screw. The bearing unit 42 radially surrounds the Oldham coupling 40. The bearing unit 42 comprises a lower ring fixed to the retaining ring 38 mounted to the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20, in particular mounted to the end 20-2 of the shaft 20. . A row of rolling elements, in this case the ball, is axially interposed between the upper and lower rings to form a bearing unit 42 that is parallel to the radial plane and rotates about axis X33. The bearing unit 42 makes it possible to transfer axial loads between the shaft 20 and the measuring plate 39.

FIG. 6 shows a first configuration of the mounting and operation of the test equipment 1, in particular the measuring unit 12.

The casing 33 is located on the opposite side of the shaft 20 and includes a free end closed by a cover 43, the cover 43 contacting the torque sensor 41 and the upper lip of the casing 33. . The casing 33 and the cover 43 are secured together with screws 44 fixed in the openings formed through the upper lip of the casing 33 and the cover 43.

Thus, the second plate 4 can exert an axial load on the suspension bearing unit 2 via the cover 43 fixed to the casing 33. The axial load is continuously transmitted from the second plate 4 through the ball bearing unit 42 to the casing 33, the cover 43, the measuring plate 39, the shaft 20 and then the second holder 13. Is transmitted to the upper cup of the suspension bearing unit 2. The rolling bearings 35 and 36 are also freely mounted in the casing so as not to affect the axial load.

In addition, in contrast to the second mounting configuration of the measuring unit 12 shown in FIG. 7 below, the measuring plate 39 and the casing 33 are separated from each other by the fastening screw 42 removed. Thus, the measuring plate 39 can be freely deformed under the effect of the frictional torque transmitted by the shaft 20 via the old dam coupling 40.

Thus, the torque sensor 41 is connected to the suspension bearing unit 2. The drive means 10 applies a vibratory rotary motion to the lower cup 15 of the suspension bearing unit 2 via the first holder 11. Friction torque is generated between the lower cup 15 and the upper cup 16. The friction torque is transmitted from the upper cup 16 to the second holder 13, in particular to the shaft 20, and then through the old dam coupling to the measuring plate 39. The torque sensor 41 thus measures the friction torque through the measuring plate 39.

Preferably, the torque sensor 41 may also be provided with load measuring means.

7 shows a second configuration of the mounting and operation of the test equipment 1, in particular the measuring unit 12.

The measuring plate 39 includes radial projections 39-2. The casing 33 includes a window 33-3 in which the radial protrusion 39-2 of the measuring plate 39 is received. The portion 39-2 lies axially in the radial lip 33-4 of the casing 33. The casing 33 and the measuring plate 39 are fixed together by fastening screws 45 fixed in the openings passing through the portion 39-2 and the lip 33-2.

Preferably, the measuring plate 39 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 39-2, and the casing 33 has the same number with the radial lips 33-4 cooperating with the portion 39-2. It may include the window (33-3) of.

In the first mounting arrangement of the measuring unit 12 shown in FIG. 6, the measuring plate 39 and the casing 33 are separated from each other.

In this second mounting configuration of the measuring unit 12, the measuring plate 39 is fixed to the casing 33 and thus the second plate 4. The second plate 4 remains fixed during the test and is only set to translate during the construction and adjustment phase of the test conditions. Thus, the measuring plate 39 is prevented from moving in this second mounting configuration. The friction torque transmitted by the shaft 20 to the measuring plate 39 via the old dam coupling 40 cannot be transmitted to the torque sensor 41.

In addition, in contrast to the first mounting arrangement of the measuring unit 12 shown in FIG. 6, the cover 43 and the casing 33 are separated from each other, and the fastening screw 44 is removed.

The torque sensor 41 does not apply a load to the measurement plate 39, and is not configured to measure the friction torque of the plate 39.

On the other hand, the second plate 4 can exert an axial load on the suspension bearing unit 2 via the measuring plate 39 fixed to the casing 33. The axial load is continuously transmitted from the second plate 4 through the ball bearing unit 42 to the casing 33, the measuring plate 39, the shaft 20 and then through the second holder 13. Delivered to the upper cup 16 of the unit 2.

On the other hand, the torque sensor 41 is separated from the suspension bearing unit 2. Commercially known torque sensors are not designed to operate continuously for a long time. With this second mounting arrangement it is possible to carry out long-lasting durability tests on the suspension bearing unit 2 without using other test equipment or removing the measuring unit 12. The coupling / decoupling of the measuring unit 12 is greatly simplified by the mounting / removing of the fastening screws 44, 45.

Therefore, the test equipment 1 is capable of performing both vibration measurements, tilt, axial and radial reflection loads, both friction measurement in the first mounting configuration shown in FIG. 6 and durability testing in the second mounting configuration shown in FIG. Or even for all types of suspension bearing units under the conditions of application of temperature.

It may be particularly desirable to provide a series of tests that includes a first measurement of the friction torque of the suspension bearing unit 2 followed by a durability test, and a measurement of the final friction torque at the end of the durability test. Intermediate measurements of friction torque can also be considered. All of this is made possible by the test equipment according to the invention with two possible configurations, and easier to pass from one configuration to another.

The invention of the measuring unit has been described as a non-limiting example of test equipment for suspension bearing units. It will be appreciated that the measuring unit according to the invention can be implemented by any means for measuring the friction torque under the load of any rotary device operating under these application conditions.

Claims (11)

In the unit 12 for measuring the friction torque under the load of the rotating device 2 including the torque sensor 41,
A shaft 20 to which the first end 20-1 is connected to the rotating device 2;
A tubular casing 33 fixed to one side of the plate 4 and having a central bore 33-1, the shaft 20 penetrating the plate 4 and the bore 33-of the casing 33. 1) extend within
The casing having a first surface coupled to the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20 via an Oldham coupling 40 such that the shaft 20 transmits only torque to the measuring plate 39. The measuring plate 39, the measuring plate 39 and the shaft 20 arranged in the 33 have a shape corresponding to the Oldham coupling 40, and the measuring plate 39 is connected to the torque sensor 41. Having a second side cooperating, and
A bearing unit 42 interposed between the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20 and the first surface of the measuring plate 39,
The bearing unit 42 is interposed between a first ring fixed to the first surface of the measuring plate 39, a second ring fixed to the second end 20-2 of the shaft 20 and the rings. And a row of at least one rolling element, wherein the row of the rolling element surrounds the Oldham coupling 40 with a reflection image. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one rolling bearing (35, 36) is interposed between the shaft (20) and the bore (33-1) of the casing (33) to support the rotating shaft (20). A unit for measuring the friction torque to be. The unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a free end positioned on the opposite side of the shaft and closed by a cover. 4. The measuring unit (12) according to claim 3, wherein the measuring unit (12) comprises means (44) for temporary coupling between the cover (43) and the casing (33), the cover having the torque sensor (41) Unit for measuring frictional torque, characterized in that the contact. The unit for measuring frictional torque according to claim 4, wherein said temporary coupling means comprises at least one screw (44) extending into a corresponding hole of said cover (43) and of said casing (33). . The measuring unit (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring unit (12) comprises a temporary coupling means (45) between the measuring plate (39) and the casing (33), and the measuring plate (39) is provided with the casing ( Unit for measuring frictional torque, which is fixed at 33). 7. The friction torque according to claim 6, characterized in that the measuring plate (39) comprises at least one radial projection (39-2) which is capable of cooperating with the temporary coupling means (45) and the casing (33). Unit for measuring. Friction torque as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the casing (33) comprises at least one window (33-3) in which at least one radial protrusion (39-2) of the measuring plate (39) is received. Unit for measuring Friction according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the temporary coupling means comprise at least one screw (45) extending into the corresponding hole of the measuring plate (39) and the casing (33). Unit for measuring torque. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque sensor (41) also comprises a load-measuring means. In the test equipment 1 for measuring the friction torque of the rotating device 2,
A first fixing plate 3,
A translatable second plate (4) capable of moving towards or away from the first plate (3) so as to apply an axial load to the rotating device (2),
A test chamber 9 formed between the plates 3, 4,
Drive means 10 fixed to the first plate 3,
Measuring unit 12 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring unit 12 is fixed to the second plate 4,
A first holder 11 rotatably coupled to the drive means 10, the first holder 11 being fixed to a first rotating element 15 of a rotating device 2 arranged in the test chamber and , And
And a second holder coupled to the measuring unit and fixed to the second element of the rotating device. Test equipment for measuring frictional torque of the rotating device (2).

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