MEASURING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A FORCE AND/OR A TORQUE ON A TORQUE-TRANSMITTING SHAFT

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device for determining force and/or torque on a torque-transmitting shaft which is supported by a bearing device, in particular a machine, the output and/or input shaft of which is formed by the torque-transmitting shaft. The measuring device has at least two, preferably three or four, piezoelectric elements and a fixing device, wherein the fixing device supports the piezoelements and is designed in such a way that a force, in particular shear force, can be measured between the bearing device and a supporting device for supporting the bearing device by means of the piezoelements.

Claims

1. A measuring device for determining a force and/or torque on a torque-transmitting shaft which is supported by a bearing apparatus, in particular a machine, the output and/or input shaft of which is formed by the torque-transmitting shaft, wherein the measuring device comprises at least two, preferably three or four, piezoelements and a fixing device, wherein the fixing device supports the piezoelements and is designed such that a shear force can be measured between the bearing apparatus and a supporting apparatus for supporting the bearing apparatus by means of the piezoelements.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is further designed such that the force is introducible parallel to the end faces of the piezoelements by way of a non-positive connection.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelements are connectable to the fixing device and/or the bearing apparatus and/or the supporting apparatus by frictional connection.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelements are configured and/or arranged to measure shear forces between the bearing apparatus and the supporting apparatus and/or are piezoelectric shear elements.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is further designed such that the force is measurable at least substantially tangential to the rotational direction of the shaft.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device and/or the piezoelements is/are designed such that the piezoelements can be arranged between the fixing device and the bearing apparatus or between the fixing device and the supporting apparatus or between the supporting apparatus and the bearing apparatus and can be loaded with an initial load.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is designed such that the bearing apparatus can be supported solely by the piezoelements in at least one rotational direction of the shaft relative to the supporting apparatus.

8. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelements are multi-component piezoelectric sensors and able to measure both a shear force as well as a compressive force, preferably at least substantially in the axial direction of the shaft.

9. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the piezoelements are shear elements and at least one further piezoelement is a pressure element.

10. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device has an opening through which the shaft can be guided.

11. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein given a measuring arrangement having two piezoelements, a first and a second piezoelement are arranged at least substantially opposite one another with respect to the opening, or in the case of more than two piezoelements, the piezoelements are arranged at approximately the same angular relationship with respect to a center of the opening, and wherein preferably the piezoelements all exhibit the same distance from a rotational axis of a torque to be measured and/or the torque-transmitting shaft.

12. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelements are more than 50%, preferentially more than 70%, further preferentially more than 90% accommodated in a depression, in particular a blind hole, of the fixing device and/or a housing part of the bearing apparatus and/or the supporting apparatus.

13. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelements each exhibit a cavity, in particular a hollow cylinder, through which a respective tensioning screw configured to connect the bearing apparatus to the supporting apparatus can be guided.

14. The measuring device according to claim 13, wherein also the fixing device exhibits a cavity which aligns with the cavity of the piezoelement and in which the tensioning screw can be seated.

15. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is an adapter plate or a ring element, in particular for fixing the bearing apparatus to housings of different drivertrain components.

16. The measuring device according to claim 15, wherein the ring element is designed as a seal between two components and/or designed such that it can be used together with a seal.

17. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device has at least two mounts supported on the supporting apparatus, wherein the mounts can be arranged, in particular in pairs, on opposite first sides of a housing (8) of the bearing apparatus so that one respective piezoelement in each case lies between the mounts and the housing.

18. The measuring device according to claim 17, wherein at least three mounts can in each case be arranged on two opposite sides of the housing such that the bearing apparatus can be supported in defined manner.

19. The measuring device according to claim 17, wherein a further transducer element is in each case arranged between the mounts and the supporting apparatus, wherein the further transducer elements are configured to measure static and/or dynamic tensile and compressive forces between the mounts and the supporting apparatus and are preferably designed as strain gauges and/or piezoelements.

20. A measuring arrangement for determining a force and/or torque on a torque-transmitting shaft which comprises a measuring device based on the piezoelectric effect, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, a shaft, a bearing apparatus and a supporting apparatus of the bearing apparatus, wherein the bearing apparatus supports the shaft, and wherein the measuring device does not alter a rotating mass of the shaft and/or a rotating mass of rotating parts of an aggregate consisting of shaft and bearing apparatus.

21. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the bearing apparatus is a machine, in particular a dynamometer and/or drive unit, preferably an electric or internal combustion engine.

22. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the supporting apparatus is a bell housing.

23. The measuring arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the measuring device is designed as a ring element fit on a sealing surface between the bell housing and the machine.

24. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20, wherein a paste is applied between the piezoelements and the fixing device and/or the bearing apparatus and/or the supporting apparatus for increasing a frictional coefficient.

25. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the piezoelements between the supporting apparatus and the bearing apparatus are loaded with a pretension of approximately 40 kN to 80 kN, preferably approximately 60 kN.

26. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20 comprising a measuring device, wherein a housing part of the bearing apparatus also exhibits a cavity which aligns with the cavity of the piezoelements and in which the tensioning screw is seated.

27. The measuring arrangement according to claim 20, wherein end faces of the piezoelements are oriented at least substantially parallel to a surface of the bearing apparatus and a surface of the supporting apparatus.

28. A vehicle having according to claim 20.

29. A test bench having a measuring arrangement according to claim 20.

30. A test bench having a first measuring device according to claim 1 and a second measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first measuring is connected to a drive unit as a bearing apparatus and the second measuring device is connected to a dynamometer as a bearing apparatus.

31. A method for determining a torque applied to a shaft and/or a force applied to a shaft, wherein the torque and/or the force is determined by measuring reactive forces of a bearing of a bearing apparatus of the shaft on said bearing apparatus via at least two piezoelements, wherein the reactive forces are measured as shear forces on the piezoelements.

32. (canceled)

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the measuring of the reactive forces is preferably realized by means of a measuring arrangement, the method further comprising: detecting at least one signal of a first piezoelement and one signal of a second piezoelement; and deriving a torque acting on the first and the second piezoelement and/or an occurrence of wobbling from the signals.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the piezoelements are oriented at a known preferred direction, in particular the same preferred direction, relative to the rotational direction of the shaft, further comprising: totaling the signals corresponding to a component of the preferred direction of the piezoelements in the rotational direction; and deriving an occurrence of torsional vibration of the shaft from the signals.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the piezoelements are oriented such that their preferred direction is known, in particular parallel, comprising the following procedural steps: totaling the signals corresponding to a parallel component of the preferred direction of the piezoelements; and deriving the reactive forces of the bearing from the signals.

36. The method according to claim 31, wherein a temporal change in at least the values of the derived variables is plotted.

37. The method according to claim 33, further comprising at least one of the following procedural steps: checking the derived variables for discontinuities in the torque curve, in particular a torque oscillation or a torsional vibration; checking the derived variables for changes in properties of the system under testing; projecting the progression of derived variables; checking a projected course for a possible overload of the bearing device; or adapting, in particular reducing, an output should a projected overload and/or discontinuities and/or change in the properties of the system under testing be identified.

38. A computer program containing commands which, when run by a computer, prompt the latter to execute the steps of a method according to claim 31.

39. A machine-readable medium on which a computer program according to claim 38 is stored.

40. A machine-readable medium containing commands which, when run by a computer, prompt the latter to execute the steps of a method according to claim 31.

Description

[0087] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the preferential exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the figures. The figures show, at least partially schematically:

[0088] FIG. 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a measuring arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention together with a first exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0089] FIG. 2 an arrangement of piezoelements in a measuring device as is present for example in the first exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to FIG. 1;

[0090] FIG. 3 part of a second exemplary embodiment of a measuring arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention together with a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention in plan view and cross-sectional side view;

[0091] FIG. 4 an exploded perspective view of the part of the second embodiment of a measuring arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention with the measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0092] FIG. 5 a plan view, respectively cross-sectional side view, of the second exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention from FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0093] FIG. 6 an enlarged view of the area marked with A in the cross-sectional side view from FIG. 5;

[0094] FIG. 7 a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a measuring arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention together with a third exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0095] FIG. 8 a plan view from below of a test bench with part of the third exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the second aspect of the invention as per FIG. 7 and with a system to be tested;

[0096] FIG. 9 a side plan view of part of the third exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the second aspect of the invention as per FIG. 8 from the direction of shaft 3;

[0097] FIG. 10 an alternative implementation of the part of the third exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the second aspect of the invention as is also shown in FIG. 9;

[0098] FIG. 11 a further implementation of the part of the third exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to the second aspect of the invention as is also shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0099] FIG. 12a a chronological progression of measurement signals of an arrangement of measuring elements according to FIG. 2;

[0100] FIG. 12b a chronological progression of an evaluation of the measurement signals according to FIG. 12a;

[0101] FIG. 13a a further chronological progression of measurement signals of an arrangement of measuring elements according to FIG. 2;

[0102] FIG. 13b a chronological progression of an evaluation of the measurement signals according to FIG. 13a;

[0103] FIG. 14 a further chronological progression of an evaluation of the measurement signals according to FIG. 12b;

[0104] FIG. 15 a further exemplary arrangement of measuring elements in a measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention; and

[0105] FIG. 16 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an inventive method according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0106] FIG. 1 shows a section of a measuring arrangement 9 according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0107] A measuring device 1 of the measuring arrangement 9, which is designed as an adapter plate 5, comprises four depressions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, in each of which a piezoelement 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is partially embedded. Furthermore, the adapter plate 5 exhibits cavities 12 designed as bores as well as an opening 6.

[0108] FIG. 1 further shows a bearing apparatus 2 which is designed as an electrical machine. However, this could also be an internal combustion engine or another type of machine which generates or receives rotary motion. It has a housing with end face housing parts 8a and 8c as well as a central housing part 8b.

[0109] The shaft of the electrical machine 2 axially exits same from end face housing part 8a and is therefore not visible in the perspective view according to FIG. 1.

[0110] In the assembled state of the measuring arrangement 9, the adapter plate 1 is screwed into corresponding internally threaded bores of end face housing part 8a of the electrical machine 2 by means of tensioning screws (not shown) guided through bores 21a in the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as well as the fixing device 5.

[0111] Furthermore, the adapter plate 5 is screwed into corresponding likewise internally threaded bores of a supporting apparatus 10 (not shown) by way of the cavities 12. In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the supporting apparatus 10 is preferably a bell housing, also called a clutch bell or clutch housing, which is generally arranged between a motor, here the electrical machine 2, and the vehicle transmission in the drivetrain of a vehicle.

[0112] In particular, the adapter plate 5 can be a modified housing part or a modified cover of the bell housing respectively.

[0113] In the assembled state, the shaft 3 (not visible) is guided through the opening 6 in the adapter plate, via which it is guided into the gearbox (not shown).

[0114] The measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are pressed via end faces 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d against the end face housing part 8a of the electrical machine 2 in force-fit manner by way of a pretensioning generated by the tensioning screws (not shown) and thus form a non-positive connection with the electric motor 2.

[0115] On the other side, as previously explained, the adapter plate 5 is connected to a supporting apparatus 10, for example a bell housing, by means of screws through the cavities 12 and is thusly supported on the bell housing 10.

[0116] Preferably, the electrical machine 2 exhibits no further supports.

[0117] In this case, the total reactive forces of the mounting of the electrical machine 2, which reciprocate a resistance of the electrical machine 2 in relation to torque on the shaft 3 (not shown), are on the non-positive connection between the end face housing part 8a of the electrical machine 2 and the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0118] The torque applied to the shaft 3 (not shown) due to this resistance is expressed by a force acting on the non-positive connection on the end faces 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. These piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d preferably exhibit at least one piezoelectric shear effect, whereby electrical voltages are generated in the piezocrystals of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as a function of an applied shear force.

[0119] Preferably, the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can also be designed so as to be able to measure compressive forces. In one such embodiment, dynamic loads in the axial direction of the shaft (3) (not shown) can also be determined. These can be induced for example by a bent shaft during its rotation, since a force results at the maximum of a bend in the shaft which forces the electrical machine away in the axial direction at the speed of rotation.

[0120] The applied electrical voltages are directed to an evaluation device (not shown) via charge dissipators 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d.

[0121] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as is also depicted in relation to the fixing device 5 of FIG. 1.

[0122] Additionally shown by means of arrows is a Cartesian coordinate system with x and y axes and a respective preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 of the piezocrystals used in the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0123] The respective preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 thereby indicates which direction of piezoelement loading generates the strongest voltage in the piezocrystal, in particular by means of a shear force on the end faces 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d.

[0124] Further depicted is the distance d from the center points of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to the geometric center M of the arrangement.

[0125] In the first exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the geometric center point M also indicates the position of the shaft 3 (not shown) of the electrical machine 2 in relation to the arrangement of piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The distance d is thereby that distance from the geometric center, area centroid or also center of mass M to the geometric center, area centroid or center of mass of the individual piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0126] In this case, the circle D indicated by a dashed/dotted line, which is arranged concentrically to the geometric center M and thus to the shaft 3 in FIG. 1 (not depicted), corresponds to the rotational direction of a shaft 3 (not depicted). The preferred direction of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d or their crystals respectively are thus all tangential to the direction of rotation D of a shaft 3 running through the geometric center M perpendicular to the viewing plane of FIG. 2.

[0127] As shown in the first exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 1 in FIG. 1, each of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d exhibit an opening or respectively bore 21a, 21b, 21d, 21c, through which a tensioning screw or another tensioning element can be guided.

[0128] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a measuring arrangement 9 having a measuring device 1 and a supporting apparatus 10, designed in this case as a bell housing, in plan view and in a cross-sectional side view.

[0129] The bell housing 10 exhibits a taper widening toward the installation side of the motor (not depicted). The bell housing 10 is fixed to a motor (not depicted) via cavities 12 by way of a screw. In plan view, the bell housing 10 exhibits the approximate shape of a closed horseshoe in the area of a flange which, in the mounted state, bears against a motor (not depicted).

[0130] The measuring device, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a type of washer or intermediate element to be arranged between the bell housing 10 and a motor (not depicted), exhibits the same shape as the flange of the bell housing and also the same cavities 12 through which fixing screws (not depicted) can be guided. These fixing screws preferably constitute tensioning screws in relation to the measuring device 1, with which a non-positive connection can further preferably be realized in the region of piezo-elements 4.

[0131] The fixing apparatus 5a, 5b of the measuring device 1 in this second exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 1 is preferably of two-piece configuration, as will be explained in greater detail below. The piezoelements 4 are preferably arranged in the area of each of the cavities or bores 12 in the two parts 5a, 5b of the fixing device 5 and are supported by the fixing device 5a, 5b. Preferably, there are thus eight piezoelements in the depicted exemplary embodiment. More or fewer piezoelements can however also be provided, particularly also between the positions of the cavities 12 of the intermediate element.

[0132] In the second exemplary embodiment of the measuring arrangement 9, the measuring device 1 is arranged on the flange of the bell housing when the bell housing 10 is attached preferably to a motor (not depicted) and is screwed together with the bell housing to the housing of the motor (not depicted) via the connecting screws (not depicted).

[0133] The individual piezoelements 4 are connected to electrical lines in the fixing device 5 and connected to measuring electronics preferably arranged outside the measuring device via such an electrical line 22. Alternatively, however, at least part of such measuring electronics could also be a component of the measuring device 1.

[0134] FIG. 4 again shows an exploded perspective view of part of the measuring arrangement 9 according to FIG. 3.

[0135] Clearly recognizable here is opening 6 formed by the fixing device 5a, 5b and through which a shaft 3 (not depicted) of a bearing apparatus 2 designed as a motor (not depicted) can be guided in order to be connected to the gearbox.

[0136] FIG. 5 shows a plan view as well as a cross-sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 1, which is also depicted in conjunction with the second exemplary embodiment of the measuring arrangement 9 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0137] In one preferential embodiment of this second exemplary embodiment, the piezoelements or respectively their piezocrystals 20a, 20b exhibit preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4, V.sub.5, V.sub.6, V.sub.7, V.sub.8 which are oriented in the rotational direction D of a shaft 3 (not depicted); i.e. tangential to a concentric circle about a rotational axis of the shaft 3. The rotational direction D is indicated in FIG. 5 by a double arrow. A shaft 3 (not depicted) can thereby rotate both clockwise as well as counterclockwise in rotational direction D.

[0138] Alternatively, the preferred direction V.sub.x of the individual piezoelements 4 can also be oriented in any desired or other defined manner. Some alternatives are illustrated below as examples with respect to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0139] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of area A in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. The annular piezoelement 4, which is arranged around cavity 12, preferably comprises two piezocrystals 20a, 20b in contact with each other via an electrode 19. The electrode 19 thereby serves in charge dissipation or respectively voltage metering between the two crystals. In addition, further electrodes are preferably arranged on the end faces 17a, 17b of the piezocrystals. Further preferably, these electrodes are formed by a respective part of the fixing device 5a, 5b.

[0140] The left piezocrystal 20a is arranged in a depression 7a of the left part 5a of the fixing device, the right piezocrystal 20b is arranged in a depression 7b of the right piezocrystal. Both piezocrystals 20a, 20b thereby protrude slightly above the surface of the respective part of the fixing device 5a, 5b from the respective depressions 7a, 7b so that a sealing gap 16 is formed or respectively remains between the two parts of the fixing device 5a, 5b in the assembled state. Preferably, only a single recess 7a can also be provided.

[0141] Should the measuring device 1 be installed in a measuring arrangement 9 as shown for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, preferably a tensioning means (not depicted), in particular a tensioning screw, guided through the cavity 12 presses both parts of the fixing device 5a, 5b together. The applied preload produces a non-positive connection in each case between the left piezocrystal 20a and the left part of the fixing device 5a and the right piezocrystal 20b and the right part of the fixing device 5b.

[0142] Since the rest of the intermediate surface of the left part 5a and right part 5b of the fixing device are still separated by the sealing gap 16, both parts 5a, 5b of the fixing device are supported solely by the end faces 17a, 17b of the piezocrystals 20a, 20b. A shear force and/or a further dynamic compressive force is also exerted on the piezocrystals 20a, 20b of the piezoelement 4 via these two end faces.

[0143] In one alternative embodiment of this second exemplary embodiment, which is however also applicable to the other exemplary embodiments, the piezoelement 4 can also have a single piezocrystal 20.

[0144] FIG. 7 shows a third exemplary embodiment of an inventive measuring arrangement 9.

[0145] In this exemplary embodiment, the bearing apparatus 2 is a dynamometer and/or drive unit, a so-called prime mover, of a drivetrain or engine test bench.

[0146] The third exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d (not visible) likewise shown here is in principle also applicable to other types of measuring arrangements as test stands.

[0147] The electrical machine 2, which comprises the output and/or input shaft 3, is supported by means of the measuring device 1 on a base plate 10, which in this exemplary embodiment forms the supporting apparatus.

[0148] The measuring device 1 consists of four parts to that end. These parts each comprise a piezoelement 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, a fixing device 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d designed as a mount as well as a further transducer element 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.

[0149] Two of the support elements 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are preferably arranged opposite each other on the housing 8 of the electrical machine 2, in the present case in respective pairs of a first mount 5a opposite a third mount 5c and a second mount 5b opposite a fourth mount 5d (not visible).

[0150] Both pairs of mounts can be pretensioned or preloaded against the housing 8 of the electrical machine 2 by means of a suitable device on the base plate 10, which forms a common base, so that a non-positive connection is established between the piezo-elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, which are arranged between the housing and the respective mounts 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, and the housing 8, or between the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the respective mount 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d by means of which the electrical machine 2 can be held in a position distanced from the base plate 10. Preferably, a paste is applied to that end to the end faces of the piezocrystals which increases the coefficient of friction to improve the non-positive connection.

[0151] For example, such a paste can be applied between the first piezoelement 4a and the second piezoelement 4b and a surface 18a of the housing 8 of the electrical machine 2. Preferably, the paste is additionally also applied at a respective angle 11a, 11b between the first piezoelement 4a and the second piezoelement 4b.

[0152] The mounts 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d (not visible) are in turn supported on the base plate 10. Preferably, further transducer elements 11a, 11 b, 11c, 11d are in each case arranged between the mounts 11a, 11b, 11c, 11 d and the base plate 10 to that end. Further preferably, these further transducer elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are based on strain gauges or further piezoelements.

[0153] They are preferably supported on the surface 18b of the base plate 10.

[0154] The mounts 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d of the measuring device 1 could alternatively or also additionally be arranged on the two end faces of the housing 8 of the electrical machine 2 and form a non-positive connection there with these surfaces, e.g. the surface from which the shaft 3 protrudes, by means of the depicted piezoelements or further piezoelements.

[0155] FIG. 8 shows a test bench with the measuring arrangement 9 according to FIG. 7 as per the third exemplary embodiment, whereby the measuring arrangement is connected via the shaft 3 to the rest of a drivetrain which comprises an aggregate of gearbox and differential 13 and two wheel dynamometers 14a, 14b.

[0156] The base plate 10 from FIG. 7 is not depicted in FIG. 8 for the sake of clarity, the arrangement of electrical machine 2 and measuring device 1 corresponds to a FIG. 7 view from below.

[0157] A torque acting on the shaft 3 is supported by the electrical machine 2 and the measuring device 1 on the base plate. The base plate 10 therefore provides a reactive force for a torque ensuing between the electrical machine 2 and the resistance of the wheel dynamometers 14a, 14b on the shaft 3.

[0158] As previously described with reference to FIG. 7, the electrical machine 2 for implementing the inventive measurement method according to the third aspect of the invention is clamped between the mount pairs 5a, 5c and 5b, 5d such that a non-positive connection is formed between the surfaces, in particular end faces, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d of piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and the surfaces 18a of the electrical machine 2 and/or the surfaces, in particular end faces, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, of piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and a respective surface of the mount 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d. The forces on the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d exerting the applied torque on the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d on the shaft 3 and therefore on the electrical machine 2 can thus be measured by making use of the piezoelectric shear effect.

[0159] Furthermore, additional shear forces and/or compressive forces, in particular static compressive forces, can be measured between the mounts 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and the base plate 10 (not shown) by means of the further transducer elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.

[0160] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 each depict a view of the third exemplary embodiment of the measuring arrangements 9 of FIGS. 7 and 8 on the side with the shaft 3. Only the first mount 5a and the third mount 5c as well as the other corresponding elements associated with the measuring device 1 are therefore visible. The other elements of the measuring device 1 are hidden behind.

[0161] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 serve the purpose of illustrating various alternatives of force measurement able to be realized with the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as well as the further transducer elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.

[0162] In FIG. 9, a respective dynamic force F.sub._dyn parallel to the surface 18a of the housing 8 of the machine 2 can be measured by means of the piezoelectric shear effect via the piezoelements 4a, 4c. The further transducer elements 11a, 11c are in contrast designed as measuring sensors having strain gauges and can thus instead measure static forces F.sub._stat exerted by the mounts 5a, 5c on the base plate 10 (not depicted). Not just variations in torque can be observed by measuring the static forces over the mounts 5a, 5c via the transducer elements 11a, 11c. An absolute value of the torque 3 can also be determined by means of the differences in force on the transducer elements 11a, 11c due to torque applied to the shaft 3.

[0163] FIG. 10 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 9 in that the piezoelements 4a and 4c not only measure the dynamic forces F.sub._dyn parallel to the surfaces 18a of the housing 8 of the machine 2 but also additionally the dynamic forces F.sub._dyn′ perpendicular to the surfaces 18a.

[0164] For example, a wobbling of the shaft 3 in direction F.sub._dyn, F.sub._dyn′ can thereby be measured since it produces different compressive forces on the piezoelements 4a, 4c depending on the rotational position of the shaft 3.

[0165] FIG. 11 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 9 in that the further transducer elements 11a, 11c are likewise designed as piezoelements. If, as shown in FIG. 11, these are designed for example as piezoelectric shear elements, a dynamic shear force F.sub._dyn′,F.sub._dyn′ can then be measured between the mounts 5a, 5c and the base plate 10 (not shown). As shown in the FIG. 10 embodiment, this can also be used to determine and analyze wobbling of the shaft 3.

[0166] FIG. 12a shows a diagram of a force measurement on four measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d over time t or a rotational angle rad of the shaft in an arrangement of measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the shaft 3 runs through the geometric center M perpendicular to the viewing plane, as also described by way of example with reference to FIG. 2.

[0167] Each of the measuring sensors generates a signal corresponding to a force in newtons N at each point in time shown. F.sub.4a thereby identifies the measurement signal of measuring element 4a, F.sub.4b identifies the measurement signal of the second measuring element 4b, F.sub.4c identifies the measurement signal of the third measuring element 4c, and F.sub.4d identifies the measurement signal of the fourth measuring element 4d.

[0168] In the case of pure torsional vibration, each of the measurement signals in reality has the amplitude of 1. This amplitude was slightly modified for measurement signals F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, and F.sub.4d by factor multiplication in order to ensure a clearer depiction in FIG. 12a.

[0169] The measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c and F.sub.4d are furthermore slightly out of phase with each other.

[0170] FIG. 12b shows an analysis of the measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c and F.sub.4d. The individual forces F.sub.4d, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, F.sub.4d applied to the respective measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d were first added together and the total on a fixing device 5 supporting the measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d calculated, whereby the distance d from the geometric center M in FIG. 2 was assumed to be 1.

[0171] This total torque is depicted as curve Mz in the diagram according to FIG. 12b, with the unit Nm over the time t or the rotational angle rad of shaft 3 respectively.

[0172] It can be seen from the strong oscillation that strong torque fluctuations of 4 Nm to −4 Nm were periodically acting on the shaft during the measurement period.

[0173] The curve F.sub.x represents a chronological sequence of the force applied to the piezo-elements F.sub.4d, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, F.sub.4d in the x-direction in FIG. 2.

[0174] Since the second measuring element 4b and the fourth measuring element 4d with their preferred directions V.sub.2, V.sub.4 are each oriented in the x-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 2, the forces in this direction are in particular measured by these two measuring elements 4b, 4d. When a force is applied in this direction, no significant or even any contribution is made by the first measuring element 4a and the third measuring element 4c, their preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.3 being oriented parallel to the y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0175] The same applies to the first measuring element 4a and the third-to-last measuring element 4c relative to the y-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system such that the measured force in the y-direction F.sub.Y is measured substantially by these two measuring elements 4a, 4c.

[0176] Depending on whether the preferred directions V.sub.2, V.sub.4 of the second and fourth measuring elements 4b, 4d are opposing or parallel, the measured signals F.sub.4b, F.sub.4d need to be added or subtracted to form the sum forces. The same applies to the forces determined by the first and third measuring sensors 4a, 4c, or their measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4d respectively, relative to the sum force F.sub.Y in the y-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system according to FIG. 2.

[0177] As can be seen in FIG. 12b, only small forces arise in the x-direction and y-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system, each oscillating around the zero point. The shaft 3 therefore only exhibits very weak wobbling. This is caused by the slight phase shift of measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, F.sub.4d.

[0178] To determine the sum forces as per FIG. 12b, it is not absolutely necessary for the preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 to be oriented tangential to the rotational direction D. The orientation of the preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 should, however, be known so that the sum forces in the individual directions and the torque can be respectively concluded via vector component calculation.

[0179] FIG. 13a shows a further diagram of measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, F.sub.4d as recorded with an arrangement of measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as shown in FIG. 2.

[0180] The respective measurement signals exhibit different amplitudes and are in phase opposition. They can thus be clearly recognized as separate curves. Here as well, a slight phase shift was made as in FIG. 13a for better illustration. Conversely, the measurement signals F.sub.4a, F.sub.4b, F.sub.4c, F.sub.4d were not multiplied by a factor as in FIG. 13a.

[0181] FIG. 13b shows a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12b in which a respective summation was in each case made of the individual torques applied to the measuring elements as well as a total torque Mz and a summation of the forces in the x-direction F.sub.x and a summation of the forces in the y-direction F.sub.y. It is clear from this diagram that there was only a slight fluctuation around the zero point of the total torque Mz during the measurement period. The shaft 3, in contrast, wobbled, particularly in the x-direction, less in the y-direction.

[0182] FIG. 14 shows a further summation of the measurement signals of the measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of an arrangement as per FIG. 2 according to FIGS. 12b and 13b as a diagram over time t or the rotational angle rad of the shaft 3.

[0183] It is clear from the diagram that in particular the total torque Mz increasingly oscillates over a period of approximately 1000 ms and then the oscillation abruptly drops again so as to then again increase over a period of another approximate 1000 ms.

[0184] In technical terminology, such a sequence is referred to as the so-called torque ripple. This torque ripple denotes poor regulation of an electrical machine, for example a prime mover, such that natural oscillations build up.

[0185] A plurality of such properties of a motor or even a test bench can be determined or analyzed using the inventive measuring device 1, measuring arrangement 9 and the method according to the invention.

[0186] The previously described exemplary embodiments are merely examples which are in no way to be limiting of the protective scope, application and configuration of the methods and systems according to the invention. Rather, the preceding description affords one skilled in the art a guideline for implementation on the basis of at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications can be made, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, without departing from the protective scope as results from the claims and equivalent combinations of features.

[0187] In particular, the individual features of the exemplary embodiments as depicted can be combined. For example, measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d able to measure both the piezoelectric shear effect as well as also compressive forces by means of the piezoelectric effect can also be used in the first exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0188] Furthermore, it is also possible to realize the inventive measuring arrangement with measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a different arrangement in which only the piezoelectric effect is used to measure compressive forces. Even with measuring elements without an opening 6.

[0189] As already indicated with regard to various alternative embodiments for the individual exemplary embodiments, the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as well as further piezoelements can also be arranged in a wide variety of advantageous arrangements.

[0190] For example, a fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15 shows a further development of the piezoelement arrangement according to FIG. 2 with four arranged measuring elements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, these being particularly suitable for measuring a total torque Mz in respect of their orientation in the preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4. Furthermore, the fourth exemplary embodiment comprises four further measuring elements 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, their orientation in preferred direction V.sub.5, V.sub.6, V.sub.7, V.sub.8 being particularly well suited to measuring shear forces in the x-direction and y-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0191] Moreover, particularly the measuring device as per the third exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 3 to 6 can be designed as a ring element. Furthermore, it can be designed so as to be able to be inserted into a groove together with a seal or is itself designed as a double-sided sealing element, in particular a sealing ring, for example for a bell housing 10 as is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0192] In FIG. 8, a measuring device 1, as is used in electrical machine 2, can also be used on the wheel dynamometers 14a, 14b. Irrespective of the third exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 1 shown in FIG. 8, it is generally possible to use each inventive measuring device both on a dynamometer as well as on a drive unit of a test bench in order to enable an analysis of the behavior of both the dynamometer as well as the drive unit or their shafts 3 respectively.

[0193] Arranging the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a positive fit in the torque transmission path between the bearing apparatus 2 and the supporting apparatus 10 is also generally possible In this case, the piezoelectric measurement ensues via compressive and/or tensile forces on the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0194] As previously described with reference to FIGS. 12a to 14, the invention is suited to methods for determining a torque acting on the shaft or a force acting on a shaft when analyzing a wide variety of phenomena able to occur in conjunction with torque-bearing shafts.

[0195] One exemplary embodiment of such a method is depicted in FIG. 16.

[0196] In such a method, preferably at least one signal of a first piezoelement 4a; 4b and one signal of a second piezoelement 4c; 4b is first recorded 101. An applied torque Mz and/or occurrence of wobbling in the x-direction F.sub.x and/or y-direction F.sub.y and/or a torsional vibration of the shaft is derived 102 from these signals.

[0197] For torsional vibration measurement, preferably both signals on a drive shaft as well as on an output shaft are recorded and the respective torque oscillations are calculated on the basis of these measurements.

[0198] Further preferably, the signals are summed 103 correspondent to a component of the respective orientation of the preferred direction of the piezoelements 4a, 4c; 4b, 4d. It may therefore be necessary to split the individual measurement signals into their components in different spatial directions by means of vector decomposition.

[0199] An occurrence of torsional vibration of the shaft 3 can be derived 104a therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, reactive forces of a bearing can be derived 104b from the signals.

[0200] Preferably, discontinuities in the torque curve can be concluded 104c from a chronological sequence of the signals or from derived variables. Changes in properties of the system under testing can also be determined 104d. Furthermore, a progression can be projected into the future 104e-1 and the projected progression of potential overload of a bearing device 2 monitored 104e-2. Lastly, preferably output of an electrical machine 2 or dynamometers of a test bench can be adjusted should a projected overload be detected 104e-3.

[0201] In order to be able to calculate the torque Mz on the shaft as well as transverse forces Fx, Fy, preferably a vector decomposition, in particular an orthogonal decomposition, of the respective preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, the measurement signals S1, S2, S3, S4 and/or the measured forces is performed.

[0202] The parameters Mz, Fx, Fy to be determined are thereby the solution to a system of equations, wherein an equation as follows applies to each measurement signal:

[00001]$S.Math..Math.1=a_{11}.Math.\mathrm{Mz}+a_{12}.Math.\mathrm{Fx}+a_{13}.Math.\mathrm{Fy}$$S.Math..Math.2=a_{21}.Math.\mathrm{Mz}+a_{22}.Math.\mathrm{Fx}+a_{13}.Math.\mathrm{Fy}$$S.Math..Math.3=a_{31}.Math.\mathrm{Mz}+a_{32}.Math.\mathrm{Fx}+a_{23}.Math.\mathrm{Fy}$$\mathrm{.Math.}$$\mathrm{SN}=a_{N.Math..Math.1}.Math.\mathrm{Mz}$

[0203] Each coefficient a thereby depends on multiple factors such as, for example, the respective position of the sensor and the orientation of the preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 in the reference system, a sensitivity of the respective piezoelement 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and a potential signal loss due to a force shunt from fixing means.

[0204] Solving such a system of equations for the torque component Mz, a first transverse force component Fx and a second transverse force component Fy requires measurement signals from at least three piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, with preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3 oriented so as to lie in a single plane. Moreover, at least two of the preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3 must not be in either parallel or antiparallel orientation.

[0205] For this general case described by N=3; i.e. with three piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, the solution to the above-depicted system of equations is unique. Should further piezoelements be added to the measuring system 1, the system of equations with three parameters Mz, Fx, Fy to be determined is overdetermined, although the measuring accuracy can be further improved.

[0206] In the case of N=4, four different systems of equations F (S1, S2, S3), F (S1, S2, S4), F (S1, S3, S4), F (S2, S3, S4) can be established. The values determined for the individual parameters Mz, Fx, Fy to be determined can then be totaled and averaged; i.e. divided by four in the case of four piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. Similarly, an overdetermined system of equations F (S1, S2 . . . , SN), which is solved by means of a minimization task, can be established.

[0207] If a general solution to the system of equations has been found, calculation of the components Fx, Fy, Mz to be determined can be reduced to matrix multiplication. Same has three rows and as many columns as available measuring signals S1, S2, S3, . . . SN. The matrix elements or coefficients respectively represent the respective contributions of the individual sensors to the parameters Fx, Fy, Mz to be determined.

[00002]$\left(\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Fx}\\ \mathrm{Fy}\\ \mathrm{Mz}\end{array}\right)=K\left(\begin{array}{cccc}c.Math..Math.11& c.Math..Math.12& c.Math..Math.13& c.Math..Math.14\\ c.Math..Math.21& c.Math..Math.22& c.Math..Math.23& c.Math..Math.24\\ c.Math..Math.31& c.Math..Math.32& c.Math..Math.33& c.Math..Math.34\end{array}\right).Math.\left(\begin{array}{c}s.Math..Math.1\\ s.Math..Math.2\\ s.Math..Math.3\\ s.Math..Math.4\end{array}\right)$

[0208] Decomposing the measurement signals S1, S2, S3, S4 into components contributing to the respective parameters Mz, Fx, Fy to be determined requires knowing the position of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c and the orientation of the preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, Va.

[0209] The geometric parameters can be determined either from a design drawing of a measuring system 1 or from knowledge of the preferred directions of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4d.

[0210] The orientation of preferred directions V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4, V.sub.5 of piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can however also be determined by determining the preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 by way of calibration measurement. Preferably, the measuring system 1 is to that end fixed between two flat plates. In a next step, external transverse forces with a known direction are applied. The preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in the plane spanned by said preferred direction V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can be determined from the magnitude of the individual measurement signals S1, S2, S3, S4 relative to the magnitude and direction of the transverse forces introduced.

[0211] Similarly, by applying a defined torque Mz and measuring the individual measurement signals S1, S2, S3, S4, a respective distance of the piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d from a rotational axis D can be determined when the preferred directions V.sub.1, V.sub.2, V.sub.3, V.sub.4 of the individual piezoelements 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are known.

[0212] The described exemplary embodiments are merely examples which are in no way to be limiting of protective scope, application and configuration. Rather, the preceding description affords one skilled in the art a guideline for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications can be made, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, without departing from the protective scope as results from the claims and equivalent combinations of features. In particular, individual exemplary embodiments can be combined with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0213] measuring device 1 [0214] bearing apparatus 2 [0215] shaft 3 [0216] piezoelement 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d [0217] fixing device 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d [0218] opening 6 [0219] depression 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d [0220] housing 8, 8a, 8b, 8c [0221] measuring arrangement 9 [0222] supporting apparatus 10 [0223] transducer element 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d [0224] fixing device cavity/supporting device cavity 12 [0225] gearbox and differential 13 [0226] wheel dynamometer 14a, 14b [0227] test bench 15 [0228] sealing gap 16 [0229] end face 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d [0230] surface 18a, 18b [0231] electrode 19 [0232] piezoelectric crystal 20a, 20b [0233] bore 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d [0234] charge dissipator/electrical line 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d