Simply supported secondary shafting system torque sensor

Abstract

A torque sensor (10) is provided which avoids the problems of cantilevered screw and nut arrangements previously used in torque sensors. A long gear (15) receives a torque input from a shaft (14) of a primary shafting system (11) used to actuate various devices and the like (A,B,C,D,E). The long gear (15) is simply supported between bearings (17,18) to eliminate cantilevered support. Likewise, a threades shaft (19) receiving a torque input from shaft (13) of the primary shafting system (11) is simply supported between bearings (20,21) and has a travelling gear (22,23) threadably mounted thereon for axial movement along the shaft (19) as a result of differential motion between the long gear (15) and the travelling gear (22,23). Mating conical surfaces (24,26 and/or 25,27) are provided respectively on the travelling gear (22,23) and shaft (19) to cause locking and effect torque transmissions between the shafts (13,14). Alternatively, a conical surface 24') and a capstan spring (29) effect locking between the travelling gear (22,23) and the shaft (19) or form-locking dogs (32,33) can be utilized to effect torque transmission and bring about a back-up shafting system into operation. A sensing device (31) can be provided to detect movement of the travelling gear (22,23) sufficient to alert an operator.