U.S. patent application number 11/237360 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for torque sensor integrated with engine components.
This patent application is currently assigned to Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard M. Andrews, Scott L. Bunyer, James D. Cook, Fred W. Hintz, James Zt Liu, Steven J. Magee, Gary O' Brien, Stephen R. Shiffer.
Application Number | 20070068235 11/237360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37708349 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070068235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bunyer; Scott L. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2007 |
Torque sensor integrated with engine components
Abstract
A torque sensor system and method. An automotive engine is
located opposite a torque converter, such that a shaft extends from
the engine and interacts with the torque converter. A target is
located between the engine and torque converter. One or more torque
sensors can be integrated with one or more position sensors for
detecting a position associated with the shaft, wherein the torque
sensor(s) and the position sensor(s) are integrated into a single
torque sensor package to thereby provide enhanced sensing of the
target in association with a rotation of shaft during an actuation
of the engine.
Inventors: |
Bunyer; Scott L.; (Freeport,
IL) ; Magee; Steven J.; (Lena, IL) ; Hintz;
Fred W.; (Freeport, IL) ; Andrews; Richard M.;
(Freeport, IL) ; O' Brien; Gary; (Riverview,
MI) ; Liu; James Zt; (Hudson, NH) ; Cook;
James D.; (Freeport, IL) ; Shiffer; Stephen R.;
(Xenia, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kris T. Fredrick, Attorney, Intellectual Property;Honeywell International
Inc.
101 Columbia Rd.
P.O. Box 2245
Morristown
NJ
07962
US
|
Assignee: |
Honeywell International
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37708349 |
Appl. No.: |
11/237360 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/114.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L 3/1428
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
073/116 |
International
Class: |
G01M 15/00 20060101
G01M015/00 |
Claims
1. A torque sensor system, comprising: an engine located opposite a
torque converter, wherein a shaft extends from said engine and
interacts with said torque converter; a target located between said
engine and torque converter, wherein said target comprises a
flexplate that is mounted to said shaft and serves as a mounting
location for said torque converter; and at least one torque sensor
attached to said flexplate and integrated with at least one
position sensor for detecting a position associated with said
shaft,wherein said at least one torque sensor and said at least one
position sensor are integrated into a single torque sensor package
to thereby provide enhanced sensing of said target in association
with a rotation of said shaft during an actuation of said
engine.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a gasket located
between said flexplate and an engine block associated with said
engine.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said shaft comprises a crank
shaft.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one position sensor
comprises a crank shaft sensor.
5. (canceled)
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said target comprises a
flywheel.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said flexplate is configured to
include a plurality of slots formed therein that are detectable by
said at least one position sensor.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said engine is associated with an
automatic transmission.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of torque
rotating couplers connected to said target, wherein said plurality
of torque rotating couplers provide for a wireless transmission of
torque data detected by said at least one torque sensor.
10. A torque sensor system, comprising: an engine associated with
an automatic transmission, wherein said engine is located opposite
a torque converter, such that a crank shaft extends from said
engine and interacts with said torque converter; a flexplate
located between said engine and torque converter, wherein said
flexplate is mounted to said shaft and serves as a mounting
location for said torque converter; at least one torque sensor
attached to said flexplate and integrated with at least one crank
shaft position sensor for detecting a position associated with said
crank shaft; and a plurality of torque rotating couplers connected
to said target, wherein said plurality of torque rotating couplers
provide for a wireless transmission of torque data detected by said
at least one torque sensor, wherein said at least one torque sensor
and said at least one crank shaft position sensor are integrated
into a single torque sensor package to thereby provide enhanced
sensing of said flexplate in association with a rotation of said
crank shaft during an actuation of said engine.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said flexplate is configured to
include a plurality of slots formed therein that are detectable by
said at least one position sensor.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said plurality of torque
rotating couplers connected to said target comprise antennas for
said wireless transmission of said torque data detected by said at
least one torque sensor.
13. A torque sensor method, comprising: locating an engine opposite
a torque converter, wherein a shaft extends from said engine and
interacts with said torque converter; providing a target between
said engine and torque converter, wherein said target comprises a
flexplate that is mounted to said shaft and serves as a mounting
location for said torque converter; and integrating at least one
torque sensor with at least one position sensor for detecting a
position associated with said shaft, wherein said at least one
torque sensor is attached to said target and integrated with said
at least one position sensor into a single torque sensor package to
thereby provide enhanced sensing of said target in association with
a rotation of shaft during an actuation of said engine.
14. (canceled)
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising configuring said
shaft to comprise a crank shaft.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing said
position sensor as a crank shaft sensor.
17. (canceled)
18. The system of claim 13 further comprising configuring said
flexplate to include a plurality of slots formed therein that are
detectable by said at least one position sensor.
19. The method of claim 13 further comprising associating said
engine with an automatic transmission.
20. The method of claim 13 further comprising connecting a
plurality of torque rotating couplers to said target, wherein said
plurality of torque rotating couplers provide for a wireless
transmission of torque data detected by said at least one torque
sensor.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments are generally related to sensing devices and
methods thereof. Embodiments are also related to torque sensors.
Embodiments are additionally related to automatic transmission
utilized in automobiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In systems incorporating rotating drive shafts, it is often
necessary to know the torque and speed of such shafts in order to
control the same or other devices associated with the rotatable
shafts. Accordingly, it is desirable to sense and measure the
torque in an accurate, reliable, and inexpensive manner.
[0003] Sensors to measure the torque imposed on rotating shafts,
such as but not limited to shafts in automotive vehicles, are
utilized in many applications. For example, it might be desirable
to measure the torque on rotating shafts in a vehicle's
transmission, or in a vehicle's engine (e.g., the crankshaft), or
in a vehicle's automatic braking system (ABS) for a variety of
purposes known in the art.
[0004] One application of this type of torque measurement is in
electric power steering systems wherein an electric motor is driven
in response to the operation and/or manipulation of a vehicle
steering wheel. The system then interprets the amount of torque or
rotation applied to the steering wheel and its attached shaft in
order to translate the information into an appropriate command for
an operating means of the steerable wheels of the vehicle.
[0005] Prior methods for obtaining torque measurement in such
systems have been accomplished through the use of contact-type
sensors directly attached to the shaft being rotated. For example,
one such type of sensor is a "strain gauge" type torque detection
apparatus, in which one or more strain gauges are directly attached
to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the applied torque
is measured by detecting a change in resistance, which is caused by
applied strain and is measured by a bridge circuit or other
well-known means.
[0006] Another type of sensor used is a non-contact torque sensor
wherein magnetorestrictive materials are disposed on rotating
shafts and sensors are positioned to detect the presence of an
external flux which is the result of a torque being applied to the
magnetorestrictive material.
[0007] One area where torque sensing is important is in the area of
automatic transmission systems. One example of an automatic
transmission is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,178, entitled
"Automatic Transmission" which issued to Miyazaki , et al. on May
3, 2005. U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,178 is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Another example of an automatic
transmission is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,533, entitled
"Automatic Transmission" which issued to James C. Beattie on May
17, 2005. U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,533 is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. A further example of an automatic
transmission is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,801, entitled
"Automatic Transmission" which issued to Hiromichi Shimaguchi on
Jun. 21, 2005. U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,801 is also incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0008] To date, torque sensors have not been successively
implemented in the context of automatic transmission systems. It is
believed that if implemented properly, torque sensors have the
ability to provide enhanced cam and crank shaft position sensing
capabilities. The innovations disclosed herein are believed to
provide for an improvement over the lack of torque sensors in
automatic transmission systems and automotive engine and components
thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] The following summary is provided to facilitate an
understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the
embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description.
A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can
be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and
abstract as a whole.
[0010] It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to
provide for an improved sensing device.
[0011] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide for
an improved torque sensor.
[0012] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
for a torque sensor system package in which a crank shaft sensor
and/or a cam shaft sensor are incorporated into the same torque
sensor package as a torque sensor.
[0013] The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and
advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A torque sensor
system and method are disclosed. In general, an automotive engine
can be located opposite a torque converter, such that a shaft
extends from the engine and interacts with the torque converter. A
target is located between the engine and torque converter. One or
more torque sensors can be integrated with one or more position
sensors for detecting a position associated with the shaft, wherein
the torque sensor(s) and the position sensor(s) are integrated into
a single torque sensor package to thereby provide enhanced sensing
of the target in association with a rotation of shaft during an
actuation of the engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the
separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the
specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together
with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a torque sensor
system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a flexplate, which can be
implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a torque sensor
system, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The particular values and configurations discussed in these
non limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to
illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit
the scope thereof.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a torque sensor
system 100, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred
embodiment. Torque sensor system 100 includes an engine 102 located
proximate to a transmission and torque converter 104. The end of a
crank shaft 108 protrudes from engine 102 and comes into contact
with a flexplate 106, which constitutes a target in the context of
torque sensor system 100. Two torque rotating coupler portions 112
and 114 are also connected to the flexplate/target 106. Crank shaft
108 generally functions as a component of engine 102 that
transforms the up and down movement of a piston (not shown in FIG.
1) into a rotative movement. Note that engine 102 is preferably
implemented as an engine block in the context of an automatic
automobile transmission.
[0020] The transmission and torque converter 104 has the ability to
multiple torque from engine 102. The torque converter 104 can be
connected to a transmission/transaxle input shaft, and can be
utilized to connect, multiply and interrupt the flow of engine
torque into the transmission associated with engine 102. The torque
converter 104 can supply torque to the transmission's input shaft
in two separate, distinct ways: hydraulic input and mechanical
input (lock-up converters only). Hydraulic input comes from a
turbine (not shown in FIG. 1) associated with torque 104. The
amount of input torque can vary depending on the operating
conditions within the converter 104. Mechanical input results when
the lock-up function of the converter 104 engages. The end result
is better fuel economy because all converter 104 slippage is
eliminated when the converter 104 locks. The torque converter 104
also help to "smooth out" engine power pulses, as does the flywheel
on an automobile with a manual transmission.
[0021] A torque button 110 is also in contact with flexplate/target
106 and is integrated with torque rotating coupler portion 112. The
flexplate/target 106 is also in contact with the transmission and
torque converter 104. A torque sensor portion 111 and 113 is also
connected and/or in contact with engine 102. Torque sensor portion
113 can be configured to include a crank sensor 116, which can be
provided as part of an overall torque coupler package composed of
torque sensor portions 111, 113 and/or torque coupler portions 112,
114. Note that the torque sensor portions 111,113 can be located
anywhere on or near the engine 102. That is, such torque sensors
can be located at the front or back of engine 102 depending upon
design considerations.
[0022] In the configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the crank sensor
116 can be implemented at the rear of engine or engine block 102,
depending upon design considerations. Although only a crank sensor
116 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that a cam
sensor may be implemented in place of or in association with crank
sensor 116. Thus, system 100 should not be considered as limited
only to the use of a crank sensor, because a cam sensor may also be
utilized. Flexplate/target 106 can be utilized as a torque sensor
attachment member as well as the target for crank sensor 116. In a
cam sensor arrangement (not depicted in FIG. 1), a cam sensor may
utilize targets attached to a cam. The reverse situation of FIG. 1
may also be implemented such that cam and/or crank sensor 116 are
mounted to the rear of engine 102. System 100 therefore provides an
innovation based on the packaging technique and the use of
flexplate/target 106 and one or more sensors into a single
unit.
[0023] Torque sensor system 100 thus incorporates the use of a
torque sensor (i.e., torque sensor portions 111, 113) in the same
sensor package as a cam shaft position sensor and/or a crank shaft
position sensor (e.g., crank sensor 116). The implementation of
system 100 in the context of an automobile, for example, can reduce
the overall sensor costs associated with the vehicle. The crank
sensor 116 and torque sensor portion 113, for example, may be
located in a spot nearby either the crank shaft 108 and/or a cam
shaft (not shown in FIG. 1) that is associated with or forms a part
of engine 102. The flexplate/target 106 is generally attached to
crank shaft 108 (i.e., or a cam shaft) in the location that is
nearest the torque sensor or crank sensor 116. In such a scenario,
the crank shaft position sensor 116 and/or cam shaft position
sensor can be incorporated into a torque sensor package and sense
flexplate/target 106.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the flexplate 106
illustrated in FIG. 1, which can be implemented in accordance with
a preferred embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 1-3, like or identical
parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference
numerals. Thus, flexplate 106 generally includes a plurality of
slots 202, 204, 206, 208, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230,
which are provided for the crank sensor 116 depicted in 116 to
sensor. FIG. 2 therefore depicts a more detailed view of the crank
sensor 116 depicted in FIG. 1. Flexplate 106 also includes a
central portion thereof.
[0025] In understanding the purpose of flexplate 106, it is
important to appreciate that flexplate 106 is based on the concept
of flywheels utilized in automatic transmission engines. The
flywheel for most automatic transmissions/transaxles is simply a
stamped-steel starter's pinion gear. With this type of flywheel,
the torque converter has no ring gear. Some automobiles, however,
utilize a more modest flywheel known as a flexplate, which is all
that is generally required because the torque converter 104 itself
may be configured to include a ring gear located on its outer
edge.
[0026] The flywheel, or flexplate 106, thus mounts to crankshaft
108 of engine 102 and also serves as a mounting location for the
torque converter 104. Consequently, the flywheel or flexplate 106
can transmit engine torque to the torque converter 104 and or the
torque converter housing. The flywheel's ring gear can also serve
as an engagement point for the pinion of the starter motor when
cranking the engine 102. Because of the lightweight nature of the
flywheel or flexplate 106, such a device does not assist in
"smoothing out" power pulses from the engine 102 like the flywheel
does on a car with a manual transmission. On cars with automatic
transmissions, however, the torque converter 104 can provide this
function.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a torque sensor
system 300, which can be implemented in accordance with an
alternative embodiment. Note that some of the components depicted
in FIGS. 1-2 are also depicted in FIG. 3. The torque sensor system
300 illustrated in FIG. 3 represents an alternative version of the
system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. System 300 generally includes engine
block 102, which is located opposite the flexplate 106. System 300
includes the use of the crank sensor 116 and a cam sensor 308. A
smaller target 306 is located proximate to the cam sensor 308.
[0028] A gasket 302 is generally located between the flexplate 106
and the engine block 102. The cam sensor 302 is also located
proximate to a "black box" 304, which can be utilized, for example,
as a plug for cam or crank torque. A plurality of torque sensors
312, 314, 316 can also be provided, which are attached to flexplate
106. Torque sensors 312, 314, and 316 can be implemented with
coupler or antennas for the wireless transmission of torque sensor
data detected by torque sensors 312, 314, and 316. Note that FIG. 3
also illustrates a front view 303 of flexplate 106, including the
central portion 232 of flexplate 106.
[0029] It will be appreciated that variations of the
above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives
thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different
systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
* * * * *