초록 ▼

A force sensing device providing an output signal indicative of applied force includes a compressible spring, preferably a Belleville type spring, inserted between a force application lever and a reaction force member and the spring is compressed when a force is applied to the lever. In one embodime

A force sensing device providing an output signal indicative of applied force includes a compressible spring, preferably a Belleville type spring, inserted between a force application lever and a reaction force member and the spring is compressed when a force is applied to the lever. In one embodiment, the reaction force member is a push rod and the spring is disposed in a housing attached to a pin on the force lever and the push rod is provided with a longitudinally extending slotted opening in the area of the force pin such that the spring is compressed when the force pin is moved in the elongated area of the push rod. In another embodiment, the spring is disposed in a housing having one end connected to the force lever and a reaction force push rod engages the housing in an opening at its other end and the spring is compressed against the push rod when a force is applied to the force lever. In another embodiment, one end of a push rod is connected to a pivoting force lever and the spring is disposed between the force lever pivot pin and a fixed member such that the spring is compressed when a force is applied to the force lever. A linear voltage differential transformer senses movement of the spring an output circuitry provides electrical signals indicative of the different levels of applied force.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination, a force application lever having one end and a first force pin adjacent the one end of the lever and a free end and a second force pin disposed between the one end and the free end; a support member pivotally supporting the lever and providing a first reactive force in a first direct

In combination, a force application lever having one end and a first force pin adjacent the one end of the lever and a free end and a second force pin disposed between the one end and the free end; a support member pivotally supporting the lever and providing a first reactive force in a first direction to the first force pin and a push rod having an end surface, the push rod connected to the second force pin and providing a second reactive force in a second direction opposite the first direction to the second force pin when a force extending in the first direction is applied to the free end; a housing attached to the second force pin; a compressible spring disposed within the housing and connected to the second force pin and abutting the end surface of the push rod, the spring being compressed and transmitting a force to the push rod when a force is applied to the free end of the lever; the push rod comprising a longitudinally extending slotted opening having opposite ends; the second force pin being disposed within the slotted opening and engaging one end of the slotted opening to transmit force directly to the push rod when the spring has been compressed to a predetermined distance; a transformer coil assembly; a plunger pin having one end engaging the spring and a free end disposed adjacent the coil assembly; a signal generator connected to the coil assembly and transmitting a sinusoidal output signal to the transformer coil assembly; and an output circuit connected to the signal generator and the coil assembly and generating an output signal indicative of applied force, in response to movement of the plunger pin relative to the coil assembly resulting from compression and expansion of the spring.