Patent ID: 6508592
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: F16C,G01L,G01M

Abstract:
A device for measuring and adjusting preloading on at least one bearing surrounded by a casing and surrounding a shaft, the bearing having an outer race, said device comprising:means for applying a preloading, said means being able to apply a thrust defining a preloading on the outer race of the bearing; reaction means for applying a force counteracting the preloading force; sensor means for instantaneously measuring the preloading; and a feedback control system for adjusting the preloading, wherein said means for applying a preloading and said reaction means are positioned to constitute a single actuator organ comprising: first and second ring elements for distributing the preloading, said first and second ring elements being opposite to one another and coaxial to the shaft and at least one of said first and second ring elements being destined to act against the outer race of the at least one bearing; two or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive means interposed between said first and second ring elements for applying the preloading; return means interposed between said first and second ring elements; and connecting elements associated with said return means and interposed between said ring elements; and and said device further comprises an annular loading cell operatively adjacent said actuator organ and connected to said feedback control system for measuring and adjusting said preloading.