US20070182404A1 - Flexible sensor input assembly - Google Patents
Flexible sensor input assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20070182404A1 US20070182404A1 US11/350,506 US35050606A US2007182404A1 US 20070182404 A1 US20070182404 A1 US 20070182404A1 US 35050606 A US35050606 A US 35050606A US 2007182404 A1 US2007182404 A1 US 2007182404A1
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- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000003534 oscillatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005415 magnetization Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fe2+ Chemical compound [Fe+2] CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/02—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using mechanical means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D11/02—Bearings or suspensions for moving parts
Definitions
- the attachment fixtures should be aligned such that the measurement device fits correctly within the machine. However, if tolerances of the machine parts or the attachment fixtures are such that proper alignment does not exist, the measurement device either cannot be installed, or if installation is possible, accurate and reliable measurement of the movement of a moving component with respect to another component is compromised, or the assembly is bent or fractured.
- the device of the present invention achieves accurate and reliable determination of the oscillatory or rotational angular displacement of a first component in a machine with respect to another component in the machine.
- the device is able to be installed between two components of a machine even if the pre-existing attachment fixtures or locations are misaligned.
- the invention provides a sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of a first moving component in a machine relative to a second component in the machine.
- the sensor assembly includes a base, a magnet housing, and a flexible member.
- the base is configured to be rigidly secured to the first moving component for movement therewith.
- the base defines a first axis of rotation.
- the magnet housing supports a sensor magnet and is rotatably received in the second component.
- the magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation.
- the flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the first axis of rotation.
- a second end of the flexible member is rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation.
- a flexible body portion of the flexible member is capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
- the invention provides an assembly including a stationary housing, a swashplate movable relative to the stationary housing, and a sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of the swashplate relative to the stationary housing.
- the sensor assembly includes a base rigidly secured to the swashplate for movement therewith. The base defines a first axis of rotation.
- a magnet housing supporting a sensor magnet and being rotatably received in the stationary housing. The magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation.
- a flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the base coaxially with the first axis of rotation, a second end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation, and a flexible body portion capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a measurement device of the present invention located in a portion of a machine whose components are to be measured.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the measurement device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view of the measurement device of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the machine and measurement device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a pump, compressor, or other machine 10 having a first movable component 14 and a second stationary or movable component 18 .
- the machine is a variable displacement pump having a swashplate assembly 22 .
- the swashplate assembly 22 includes a swashplate 26 coupled to at least one inner race member 30 .
- Each inner race member 30 is positioned adjacent a respective outer race member 34 .
- Rolling elements (not shown) are located between each inner race member 30 and outer race member 34 to allow the inner race member 30 to move with respect to the outer race member 34 .
- the outer race member 34 is coupled to a bearing saddle, or cradle, 38 that is stationary.
- the second stationary or movable component 18 is a stationary wall 50 .
- the stationary wall 50 includes a bore 54 extending partially or entirely through the stationary wall 50 .
- the bore defines an axis 48 (see FIG. 4 ).
- a sensor (not shown) is attached to the stationary wall 50 to communicate with the bore 54 , and is operable to send signals to a processor, as will be described in more detail below.
- FIG. 1 also illustrates a measurement device, or flexible sensor input assembly 58 of the present invention.
- the flexible sensor input assembly 58 includes a base 60 , a sensor magnet housing 64 , and a flexible axial connecting member, or flexible member 68 interconnecting the base 60 and the sensor magnet housing 64 .
- the base 60 of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 includes a body portion 72 , that in the illustrated embodiment has a generally plate-like configuration, and a projecting portion 76 , that in the illustrated embodiment has a generally cylindrical configuration.
- the body portion 72 includes an aperture 80 extending therethrough to facilitate mounting the body portion 72 to the swashplate 26 with a fastener 84 (e.g., a screw—see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), as will be described below.
- a protrusion 88 extends from the body portion 72 adjacent the aperture 80 for aligning the body portion 72 with respect to the swashplate assembly 22 during installation.
- the projecting portion 76 is sized and configured to be received in a receiving aperture 92 (see FIG. 4 ) in the swashplate assembly 22 .
- the receiving aperture 92 is substantially coaxial with the axis 46 about which the swashplate 26 oscillates so that oscillation of the swashplate 26 causes rotation of the projecting portion 76 of the base 60 about the axis 46 when the projecting portion 76 is received in the aperture 92 .
- the projecting portion 76 also defines a receiving aperture 96 for receiving one end 100 of the flexible member 68 .
- the receiving aperture 96 has a beveled end 104 that aids in locating the end 100 of the flexible member 68 axially.
- the aperture 96 can have an alternative end geometry such as rounded, ovoid, cylindrical, conical, or the like.
- the base 60 is made of a suitable polymer or a metallic material.
- the base 60 is a polymer that is molded about the flexible member 68 .
- the base 60 can be mechanically fixed to the flexible member 68 by any suitable means.
- the sensor magnet housing 64 includes an aperture 108 for receiving the second end 112 of the flexible member 68 .
- the sensor magnet housing 64 can be crimped or otherwise mechanically deformed to retain the second end 112 of the flexible member 68 .
- Other mechanical securing means can also be employed.
- the sensor magnet housing 64 also includes a bore 116 that receives and supports a sensor magnet 120 .
- the sensor magnet 120 is molded into the bore 116 in the sensor magnet housing 64 .
- the sensor magnet 120 is magnetized after final and complete assembly of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 . Magnetization after final and complete assembly of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 establishes a closed polar magnetic field in a fixed angular relation to the base 60 , and eliminates angular inaccuracies due to a tolerance stack-ups. The tolerance stack-ups can occur if the sensor magnet 120 was magnetized prior to assembly into the sensor magnet housing 64 , or if the magnetization occurred prior to final and complete assembly of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 .
- the sensor magnet housing 64 can be ferrous, or of any other composition such that the sensor magnet housing 64 aids in the formation of a closed polar magnetic field of sufficient strength to allow accurate measurement of minute angular displacements.
- An O-ring 124 around the outer circumference of the sensor magnet housing 64 helps to create a seal between the sensor magnet housing 64 and the bore 54 of the stationary wall 50 into which the sensor magnet housing 64 is inserted.
- the sensor magnet housing 64 incorporates axial and radial features to provide permanent axial retention and rotational registration of the sensor magnet 120 relative to the sensor magnet housing 64 and the base 60 .
- a circumferential groove 128 in the bore 116 of the magnet housing 64 helps to retain and register the sensor magnet 120 with respect to the sensor magnet housing 64 .
- the crimped connection between the sensor magnet housing 64 and the flexible member 68 maintains the relative position of the flexible member 68 in relation to the sensor magnet housing 64 and the sensor magnet 120 .
- the flexible member 68 can be made of any strong flexible material such as a polymer, a woven metallic material, or a braided metallic material. As mentioned above, the material of the flexible member 68 can be chosen to facilitate molding the base 60 around the flexible member 68 . Due to the fixed mechanical connection with each of the base 60 and the sensor magnet housing 64 , the flexible member 68 transmits the rotation of the projecting portion 76 caused by oscillation of the swashplate assembly 22 to the sensor magnet housing 64 . Rotation of the sensor magnet housing 64 is sensed by the sensor attached to the stationary wall 50 , and a signal indicative of the angular position of the swashplate assembly 22 can be relayed to the processor.
- any strong flexible material such as a polymer, a woven metallic material, or a braided metallic material.
- the material of the flexible member 68 can be chosen to facilitate molding the base 60 around the flexible member 68 . Due to the fixed mechanical connection with each of the base 60 and the sensor magnet housing 64 , the flexible member 68 transmits
- the body portion 130 of the flexible member 68 is generally straight when at rest, but should be able to bend and flex when a force is applied to the flexible member 68 .
- the bending flexibility of the flexible member 68 permits the base 60 and the sensor magnet housing 64 to rotate about different axes 46 , 48 (see FIG. 4 ) to compensate for misalignment between the bore 54 in the stationary wall 50 and the receiving aperture 92 in the swashplate assembly 22 .
- the flexibility of the flexible member 68 enables the flexible sensor input assembly 58 to be installed and to accurately measure the angular displacement of the swashplate assembly 22 despite the misalignment of the machine components 14 , 18 .
- This arrangement allows for larger tolerances between the components of the machine.
- the flexible member 68 of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 can generally bend to accommodate misalignment of up to about 0.25 inches between the swashplate 26 and the stationary wall 50 .
- the sensor magnet housing 64 is inserted into the bore 54 of the stationary wall 50 , which is sized such that a slip-fit is created between the sensor magnet housing 64 and the stationary wall 50 .
- the slip-fit allows the sensor magnet housing 64 to rotate about the axis 48 within the bore 54 , but will not allow the sensor magnet housing 64 to slip out of the bore 54 or change its axis of rotation within the bore 54 .
- the sensor attached to the stationary wall 50 cooperates with the sensor magnet 120 located inside of the sensor magnet housing 64 to generate a signal representative of the relative angular displacement of the swashplate assembly 22 .
- the O-ring 124 around the sensor magnet housing 64 seals the flexible sensor input assembly 58 to the stationary wall 50 , but allows for rotation of the sensor magnet housing 64 within the bore 54 .
- the protruding portion 76 of the base 60 is inserted into the receiving aperture 92 in the swashplate assembly 22 and the protrusion 88 on the body portion 72 of the base 60 is inserted into a locating hole 132 (see FIG. 4 ) in the swashplate assembly 22 .
- the aperture 80 through the body portion 72 of the base 60 will be aligned with a threaded aperture 136 (see FIG. 4 ) in the swashplate assembly 22 such that the fastener 84 can be inserted through the aperture 80 in the body portion 72 and into the threaded aperture 136 in the swashplate assembly 22 , thereby securing the base 60 to the swashplate assembly 22 and preventing relative motion between the swashplate assembly 22 and the base 60 .
- the combination of the fastener 84 , the protrusion 88 , and the locating hole 132 will aid in establishing and maintaining angular registration between the swashplate 26 and the base 60 to a high degree of accuracy.
- other methods e.g., rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, or any combination of such elements
- registering and fixing the flexible sensor input assembly 58 relative to the swashplate assembly 22 can be substituted.
- the flexible member 68 will bend or deflect to accommodate the misalignment of the axes 46 , 48 , and to properly position the base 60 and the sensor magnet housing 64 relative to one another. This enables installation to be completed, while maintaining the accuracy of the measuring capabilities of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 .
- the base 60 of the flexible sensor input assembly 58 oscillates with the swashplate 26 due to the fixed connection between the swashplate 26 and the base 60 .
- the protruding portion 76 rotates about the axis 46 .
- the flexible member 68 transfers rotational motion to the sensor magnet housing 64 to cause the sensor magnet housing 64 to rotate within the bore 54 of the stationary wall 50 about the axis 48 .
- the sensor located at the stationary wall 50 receives information regarding the oscillation of the swashplate 26 from the sensor magnet 120 inside of the sensor magnet housing 64 . This information is sent to the processor to determine the oscillation angle of the swashplate 26 .
- the magnet and the processor may be able to calculate the amount of oscillation using the velocity of the sensor magnet 120 and the length of time of rotation. In other embodiments, the speed or acceleration of the swashplate 26 may also be measured.
Abstract
A sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of a first moving component in a machine relative to a second component in the machine includes a base, a magnet housing, and a flexible member. The base is configured to be rigidly secured to the first moving component for movement therewith. The base defines a first axis of rotation. The magnet housing supports a sensor magnet and is rotatably received in the second component. The magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation. The flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the first axis of rotation. A second end of the flexible member is rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation. A flexible body portion of the flexible member is capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
Description
- The present invention relates to a device for measuring oscillatory or rotational angular displacement of one component in a machine relative to another component, the second component being stationary, oscillating, or rotating at a different rate and/or direction with respect to the first component.
- In a machine with moving parts, oftentimes a component in the machine moves, rotates, or oscillates at a different rate than another component in the same machine. It is often desirable to measure the oscillatory or rotational angular displacement between the two components. A device can be installed between two parts of a machine to measure this displacement. The device has two ends; a first end coupled to a moving component of a machine and a second end coupled to a moving or stationary component of a machine that includes a portion of a measurement system to measure oscillation or rotational angular displacement of the first moving component. The two ends are connected to one another by a rigid member. In many cases, the measurement device is installed after the machine has been assembled and can be coupled to pre-existing attachment fixtures on the machine. Because the measurement device is typically installed after assembly of the machine, the attachment fixtures should be aligned such that the measurement device fits correctly within the machine. However, if tolerances of the machine parts or the attachment fixtures are such that proper alignment does not exist, the measurement device either cannot be installed, or if installation is possible, accurate and reliable measurement of the movement of a moving component with respect to another component is compromised, or the assembly is bent or fractured.
- The device of the present invention achieves accurate and reliable determination of the oscillatory or rotational angular displacement of a first component in a machine with respect to another component in the machine. The device is able to be installed between two components of a machine even if the pre-existing attachment fixtures or locations are misaligned.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of a first moving component in a machine relative to a second component in the machine. The sensor assembly includes a base, a magnet housing, and a flexible member. The base is configured to be rigidly secured to the first moving component for movement therewith. The base defines a first axis of rotation. The magnet housing supports a sensor magnet and is rotatably received in the second component. The magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation. The flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the first axis of rotation. A second end of the flexible member is rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation. A flexible body portion of the flexible member is capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
- In another embodiment the invention provides an assembly including a stationary housing, a swashplate movable relative to the stationary housing, and a sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of the swashplate relative to the stationary housing. The sensor assembly includes a base rigidly secured to the swashplate for movement therewith. The base defines a first axis of rotation. A magnet housing supporting a sensor magnet and being rotatably received in the stationary housing. The magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation. A flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the base coaxially with the first axis of rotation, a second end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation, and a flexible body portion capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
- Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a measurement device of the present invention located in a portion of a machine whose components are to be measured. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the measurement device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view of the measurement device ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the machine and measurement device shown inFIG. 1 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a pump, compressor, orother machine 10 having a firstmovable component 14 and a second stationary ormovable component 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine is a variable displacement pump having aswashplate assembly 22. Theswashplate assembly 22 includes aswashplate 26 coupled to at least oneinner race member 30. Eachinner race member 30 is positioned adjacent a respectiveouter race member 34. Rolling elements (not shown) are located between eachinner race member 30 andouter race member 34 to allow theinner race member 30 to move with respect to theouter race member 34. Theouter race member 34 is coupled to a bearing saddle, or cradle, 38 that is stationary. Theswashplate assembly 22 also has a radially centeredopening 42 for passage of a rotatable shaft (not shown). In operation, theswashplate 26 oscillates back and forth in thecradle 38 about anaxis 46. The illustratedswashplate 26 can oscillate in thecradle 38 to each side of theaxis 46 by about 20 to 25 degrees, however, the oscillation angle can vary as desired. Theswashplate 26 is driving or being driven by pistons (not shown) reciprocating in a rotating cylinder block (not shown) of a fluid machine, as is understood to those skilled in the art. - In the illustrated embodiment, the second stationary or
movable component 18 is astationary wall 50. Thestationary wall 50 includes abore 54 extending partially or entirely through thestationary wall 50. The bore defines an axis 48 (seeFIG. 4 ). A sensor (not shown) is attached to thestationary wall 50 to communicate with thebore 54, and is operable to send signals to a processor, as will be described in more detail below. -
FIG. 1 also illustrates a measurement device, or flexiblesensor input assembly 58 of the present invention. The flexiblesensor input assembly 58 includes abase 60, asensor magnet housing 64, and a flexible axial connecting member, orflexible member 68 interconnecting thebase 60 and thesensor magnet housing 64. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 , thebase 60 of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 includes abody portion 72, that in the illustrated embodiment has a generally plate-like configuration, and a projectingportion 76, that in the illustrated embodiment has a generally cylindrical configuration. Thebody portion 72 includes anaperture 80 extending therethrough to facilitate mounting thebody portion 72 to theswashplate 26 with a fastener 84 (e.g., a screw—seeFIGS. 1 and 2 ), as will be described below. Aprotrusion 88 extends from thebody portion 72 adjacent theaperture 80 for aligning thebody portion 72 with respect to theswashplate assembly 22 during installation. - The projecting
portion 76 is sized and configured to be received in a receiving aperture 92 (seeFIG. 4 ) in theswashplate assembly 22. The receivingaperture 92 is substantially coaxial with theaxis 46 about which theswashplate 26 oscillates so that oscillation of theswashplate 26 causes rotation of the projectingportion 76 of the base 60 about theaxis 46 when the projectingportion 76 is received in theaperture 92. As shown inFIG. 3 , the projectingportion 76 also defines a receivingaperture 96 for receiving oneend 100 of theflexible member 68. The receivingaperture 96 has abeveled end 104 that aids in locating theend 100 of theflexible member 68 axially. In other embodiments, theaperture 96 can have an alternative end geometry such as rounded, ovoid, cylindrical, conical, or the like. - The
base 60 is made of a suitable polymer or a metallic material. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 60 is a polymer that is molded about theflexible member 68. In other embodiments, thebase 60 can be mechanically fixed to theflexible member 68 by any suitable means. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , thesensor magnet housing 64 includes anaperture 108 for receiving thesecond end 112 of theflexible member 68. Thesensor magnet housing 64 can be crimped or otherwise mechanically deformed to retain thesecond end 112 of theflexible member 68. Other mechanical securing means can also be employed. - The
sensor magnet housing 64 also includes abore 116 that receives and supports asensor magnet 120. In the illustrated embodiment, thesensor magnet 120 is molded into thebore 116 in thesensor magnet housing 64. Thesensor magnet 120 is magnetized after final and complete assembly of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58. Magnetization after final and complete assembly of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 establishes a closed polar magnetic field in a fixed angular relation to thebase 60, and eliminates angular inaccuracies due to a tolerance stack-ups. The tolerance stack-ups can occur if thesensor magnet 120 was magnetized prior to assembly into thesensor magnet housing 64, or if the magnetization occurred prior to final and complete assembly of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58. Thesensor magnet housing 64 can be ferrous, or of any other composition such that thesensor magnet housing 64 aids in the formation of a closed polar magnetic field of sufficient strength to allow accurate measurement of minute angular displacements. An O-ring 124 around the outer circumference of thesensor magnet housing 64 helps to create a seal between thesensor magnet housing 64 and thebore 54 of thestationary wall 50 into which thesensor magnet housing 64 is inserted. - The
sensor magnet housing 64 incorporates axial and radial features to provide permanent axial retention and rotational registration of thesensor magnet 120 relative to thesensor magnet housing 64 and thebase 60. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , acircumferential groove 128 in thebore 116 of themagnet housing 64 helps to retain and register thesensor magnet 120 with respect to thesensor magnet housing 64. The crimped connection between thesensor magnet housing 64 and theflexible member 68 maintains the relative position of theflexible member 68 in relation to thesensor magnet housing 64 and thesensor magnet 120. - The
flexible member 68 can be made of any strong flexible material such as a polymer, a woven metallic material, or a braided metallic material. As mentioned above, the material of theflexible member 68 can be chosen to facilitate molding thebase 60 around theflexible member 68. Due to the fixed mechanical connection with each of thebase 60 and thesensor magnet housing 64, theflexible member 68 transmits the rotation of the projectingportion 76 caused by oscillation of theswashplate assembly 22 to thesensor magnet housing 64. Rotation of thesensor magnet housing 64 is sensed by the sensor attached to thestationary wall 50, and a signal indicative of the angular position of theswashplate assembly 22 can be relayed to the processor. - The
body portion 130 of theflexible member 68 is generally straight when at rest, but should be able to bend and flex when a force is applied to theflexible member 68. The bending flexibility of theflexible member 68 permits thebase 60 and thesensor magnet housing 64 to rotate aboutdifferent axes 46, 48 (seeFIG. 4 ) to compensate for misalignment between thebore 54 in thestationary wall 50 and the receivingaperture 92 in theswashplate assembly 22. In other words, when thebore 54 in thestationary wall 50 and the receivingaperture 92 in theswashplate assembly 22 are not coaxial, the flexibility of theflexible member 68 enables the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 to be installed and to accurately measure the angular displacement of theswashplate assembly 22 despite the misalignment of themachine components FIGS. 1-4 , theflexible member 68 of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 can generally bend to accommodate misalignment of up to about 0.25 inches between the swashplate 26 and thestationary wall 50. - Installation of the assembled flexible
sensor input assembly 58 to themachine 10 will now be discussed. Thesensor magnet housing 64 is inserted into thebore 54 of thestationary wall 50, which is sized such that a slip-fit is created between thesensor magnet housing 64 and thestationary wall 50. The slip-fit allows thesensor magnet housing 64 to rotate about theaxis 48 within thebore 54, but will not allow thesensor magnet housing 64 to slip out of thebore 54 or change its axis of rotation within thebore 54. The sensor attached to thestationary wall 50 cooperates with thesensor magnet 120 located inside of thesensor magnet housing 64 to generate a signal representative of the relative angular displacement of theswashplate assembly 22. The O-ring 124 around thesensor magnet housing 64 seals the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 to thestationary wall 50, but allows for rotation of thesensor magnet housing 64 within thebore 54. - The protruding
portion 76 of thebase 60 is inserted into the receivingaperture 92 in theswashplate assembly 22 and theprotrusion 88 on thebody portion 72 of thebase 60 is inserted into a locating hole 132 (seeFIG. 4 ) in theswashplate assembly 22. Theaperture 80 through thebody portion 72 of the base 60 will be aligned with a threaded aperture 136 (seeFIG. 4 ) in theswashplate assembly 22 such that thefastener 84 can be inserted through theaperture 80 in thebody portion 72 and into the threadedaperture 136 in theswashplate assembly 22, thereby securing the base 60 to theswashplate assembly 22 and preventing relative motion between theswashplate assembly 22 and thebase 60. The combination of thefastener 84, theprotrusion 88, and the locatinghole 132 will aid in establishing and maintaining angular registration between the swashplate 26 and the base 60 to a high degree of accuracy. In other embodiments, other methods (e.g., rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, or any combination of such elements) for registering and fixing the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 relative to theswashplate assembly 22 can be substituted. - In the event that the
bore 54 of thestationary wall 50 is not properly aligned with the receivingaperture 92 in theswashplate 26 due to tolerance stack-ups or other reasons, theflexible member 68 will bend or deflect to accommodate the misalignment of theaxes base 60 and thesensor magnet housing 64 relative to one another. This enables installation to be completed, while maintaining the accuracy of the measuring capabilities of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58. - In operation, as the
swashplate 26 oscillates, thebase 60 of the flexiblesensor input assembly 58 oscillates with theswashplate 26 due to the fixed connection between the swashplate 26 and thebase 60. The protrudingportion 76 rotates about theaxis 46. As the protruding portion rotates, theflexible member 68 transfers rotational motion to thesensor magnet housing 64 to cause thesensor magnet housing 64 to rotate within thebore 54 of thestationary wall 50 about theaxis 48. The sensor located at thestationary wall 50 receives information regarding the oscillation of the swashplate 26 from thesensor magnet 120 inside of thesensor magnet housing 64. This information is sent to the processor to determine the oscillation angle of theswashplate 26. In some embodiments, the magnet and the processor may be able to calculate the amount of oscillation using the velocity of thesensor magnet 120 and the length of time of rotation. In other embodiments, the speed or acceleration of theswashplate 26 may also be measured. - While the above description describes the use of the flexible
input sensor assembly 58 in an oscillating machine application, it is to be understood that the flexible input sensor assembly of the invention can also be used in rotary devices as well. - Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of a first moving component in a machine relative to a second component in the machine, the sensor assembly comprising:
a base configured to be rigidly secured to the first moving component for movement therewith, the base defining a first axis of rotation;
a magnet housing supporting a sensor magnet and being rotatably received in the second component, the magnet housing-defining a second axis of rotation; and
a flexible member having a first end rigidly secured to the base coaxially with the first axis of rotation, a second end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation, and a flexible body portion capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
2. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes an aperture for receiving the first end of the flexible member.
3. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base is molded about the first end of the flexible member.
4. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a projection configured to be received in an aperture in the first moving component to prevent relative rotation between the base and the first moving component.
5. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet housing includes an aperture for receiving the second end of the flexible member.
6. The sensor assembly of claim 5 , wherein the magnet housing is crimped about the second end of the flexible member to secure the second end of the flexible member in the aperture of the magnet housing.
7. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is molded into the magnet housing.
8. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is magnetized after assembly of the sensor assembly.
9. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member can bend to accommodate misalignment of up to about 0.25 inches between the first and second components.
10. An assembly comprising:
a stationary housing;
a swashplate movable relative to the stationary housing; and
a sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of the swashplate relative to the stationary housing, the sensor assembly including,
a base rigidly secured to the swashplate for movement therewith, the base defining a first axis of rotation;
a magnet housing supporting a sensor magnet and being rotatably received in the stationary housing, the magnet housing defining a second axis of rotation; and
a flexible member having a first end rigidly secured to the base coaxially with the first axis of rotation, a second end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation, and a flexible body portion capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.
11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the base includes an aperture for receiving the first end of the flexible member.
12. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the base is molded about the first end of the flexible member.
13. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the base includes a projection configured to be received in an aperture in the swashplate to prevent relative rotation between the base and the swashplate.
14. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the magnet housing includes an aperture for receiving the second end of the flexible member.
15. The assembly of claim 14 , wherein the magnet housing is crimped about the second end of the flexible member to secure the second end of the flexible member in the aperture of the magnet housing.
16. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the magnet is molded into the magnet housing.
17. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the magnet is magnetized after assembly of the sensor assembly.
18. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the flexible member can bend to accommodate misalignment of up to about 0.25 inches between the swashplate and the stationary housing.
19. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein a slip-fit exists at a connection point between the stationary housing and the magnet housing to allow relative movement between the stationary housing and the magnet housing.
20. The assembly of claim 19 , further comprising an O-ring coupled to the magnet housing to provide a seal between the magnet housing and the stationary housing.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/350,506 US7250756B1 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2006-02-09 | Flexible sensor input assembly |
PCT/US2007/061658 WO2007092830A2 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2007-02-06 | Flexible sensor input assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/350,506 US7250756B1 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2006-02-09 | Flexible sensor input assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US7250756B1 US7250756B1 (en) | 2007-07-31 |
US20070182404A1 true US20070182404A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
Family
ID=38229655
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/350,506 Expired - Fee Related US7250756B1 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2006-02-09 | Flexible sensor input assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7250756B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007092830A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0818920D0 (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2008-11-19 | Otv Sa | Water purification apparatus and method |
DE102011116962A1 (en) | 2010-10-30 | 2012-05-03 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Axial piston machine of swash plate construction, has sight glass that is inserted into receptacle in housing comprising pivoting cradle on which cylindrical drums are supported |
DE102014200566A1 (en) | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-16 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | pivoting cradle |
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-
2006
- 2006-02-09 US US11/350,506 patent/US7250756B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-02-06 WO PCT/US2007/061658 patent/WO2007092830A2/en active Application Filing
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4337399A (en) * | 1978-12-22 | 1982-06-29 | Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Refrigerator |
US4433795A (en) * | 1981-07-31 | 1984-02-28 | Romaine R. Maiefski | Liquid metering and dispensing system |
US5777471A (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1998-07-07 | Festo Kg | Device for detecting angular positions of a shaft |
US5737994A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-04-14 | Escobosa; Alfonso S. | Digital variable actuation system |
US6016286A (en) * | 1997-06-12 | 2000-01-18 | Input/Output, Inc. | Depth control device for an underwater cable |
US6007250A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-12-28 | The Torrington Company | Housed bearing with integral sensor |
US6027250A (en) * | 1998-08-21 | 2000-02-22 | The Torrington Company | Roller bearing segment for swashplates and other limited-oscillation applications |
US6541962B1 (en) * | 1999-02-02 | 2003-04-01 | Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co. | Device for detecting the angle position of a motor vehicle steering wheel |
US6322324B1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2001-11-27 | The Boeing Company | Helicopter in-flight rotor tracking system, method, and smart actuator therefor |
US6453669B2 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2002-09-24 | The Boeing Company | Helicopter in-flight rotor tracking system, method, and smart actuator therefor |
US20020114704A1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2002-08-22 | Kiyoshi Terauchi | Variable displacement compressor |
US20040060371A1 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2004-04-01 | Sarkis Barkhoudarian | Monitoring system for turbomachinery |
US6848888B2 (en) * | 2002-12-12 | 2005-02-01 | Caterpillar Inc. | Sensor for a variable displacement pump |
US20050058551A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-17 | Tomohiro Wakita | Swash plate type variable displacement compressor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007092830A2 (en) | 2007-08-16 |
WO2007092830A3 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
US7250756B1 (en) | 2007-07-31 |
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