Abstract:
The invention relates to a drive tester and transmission tester, preferably for carrying out acoustic, oscillation and functional tests, comprising a clamping device for clamping a specimen to be tested, preferably a transmission ( 90 ), a drive component or a driven component, e.g. an electric drive, a drive/transmission-integral solution or a transmission component, a driving device ( 44 ), at least one driven device ( 26 ), and a framework. The transmission tester according to the invention is wherein the framework is provided as frame modules independent of each other, wherein clamping device, driving device ( 44 ) and driven device ( 26 ) are each allocated to a frame module ( 20 ) for configuring a function module (central body module ( 18 ), driving module ( 12 ), driven module ( 14 )).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a drive tester and transmission tester, preferably for carrying out acoustic, oscillation and functional tests, comprising a clamping device for clamping a specimen to be tested, preferably a transmission, a drive component and a driven component, respectively, e.g. an electric drive, a drive/transmission-integral solution or a transmission component, a driving device, at least one driven device, and a framework.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Prior Art  
           [0004]    A transmission tester of the usual kind is e.g. known from publication DE 39 05 983 A1. The transmission tester described therein comprises a base frame that extends over the entire length of the transmission tester. The individual components of the transmission tester are arranged on this base frame. The clamping device for the transmission (specimen carrier) is located approximately centrally on the base frame and is located between a driving device and a driven device. Driving device and driven device may be, for example, coupled with the transmission via a shafting. The driving device or the driven device are, altogether, received on a respectively allocated slide, which is movable with respect to the clamping device for facilitating coupling and uncoupling of the respective shafting. The slides are driven by sliding motors that are supported at the base frame and act together e.g. with the respective slide by means of a spindle drive.  
           [0005]    EP 02 52 246 A2 discloses a test device for drive units. Another test device for automobile gears is disclosed in DE 39 26 281 C2. Publication U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,724 discloses a transmission tester. The transmission tester disclosed therein comprises a frame and/or a basis, which carries both the driving unit and the driven unit.  
           [0006]    The paper of J. Hermann and J. Timmers “Geräuschuntersuchungen als Hilfsmittel der Fertigungskontrolle”, Industrieanzeiger, Essen, 87. year, No. 17, Feb. 26, 1965, relates to the investigation of noise development in transmissions, wherein the measurements were carried out at noise transmission testers for automobile transmissions.  
           [0007]    A disadvantage of such transmission testers is that a rearrangement or a reconstruction for another type of transmission to be tested can be carried out—if at all—only with very much expense. Since the individual components of the transmission tester are provided on a common base frame, the flexibility is considerably restricted. In many cases, a rearrangement is only possible if the base frame is replaced, which does not only cause high costs, but also requires a lot of time.  
           [0008]    One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the transmission tester of the kind mentioned before in such a way that in particular an easy reconstruction for another kind of transmission, another type of transmission and/or another drive component is possible.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The object of the invention is achieved for the transmission tester of the kind mentioned before in such a way that the frame is provided as frame modules, which are independent of each other, wherein clamping device, driving device and driven device are each allocated to a respective frame module for the configuration of a function module (central body module, driving module, driven module).  
           [0010]    This means that the individual components of the transmission tester are not arranged on a common frame, but, rather, that the entire transmission tester is assembled of individual independent modules in a modular fashion. Such a modular assembly makes it possible to assemble the transmission tester as a modular system, wherein individual modules are configured in a transmission-nonspecific fashion and, thus, can be used for different kinds of transmission and different types of transmission. This has considerable advantages in view of the costs. In that way, not only the costs for a reconstruction of a transmission tester can be reduced, but also the costs for the transmission-nonspecific modules, as these can be manufactured in small series with a standardization degree. Loops of development, more detailed oscillation expenses/optimizations and calculation expenses/optimizations, optimization of software and hardware and continuous improvements of quality are, made possible in that way.  
           [0011]    Besides the reduced manufacturing costs and reconstruction costs, also costs in maintenance can be saved, as a modular design can be maintained more easily. By re-using the modules, moreover, a resource protection is achieved.  
           [0012]    Another advantage is that extremely short times of delivery can be realized due to the high degree of standardization and the many transmission-nonspecific components.  
           [0013]    In an improvement of the invention, each frame module comprises means for connecting (connecting means) with another frame module. Preferably, the connecting means of the frame modules are arranged at predetermined (standardized) spots. It is particularly preferred if the connecting means are configured as flange connections.  
           [0014]    These measures have the advantage that the individual frame modules can be connected to each other in a simple and, in particular, separable manner. In that way, it is always possible to replace a frame module by another frame module or, for example, to modify the arrangement of the individual frame modules, so that it can be adjusted to another transmission type. Flange connections have proved herein to be particularly simple and yet safe connections.  
           [0015]    In a particularly preferred manner, at the central body module at least one driving module and one driven module are arranged in a detachable fashion. In a particularly preferred manner, the central body module is configured in a transmission-specific fashion and the other functional modules are configured substantially in a transmission-nonspecific fashion. This means that the transmission-nonspecific function modules can be used for several transmission types, whereas the transmission-specific central body module with the clamping device is adjusted to a specific type of transmission. If the transmission tester is adjusted to a new transmission, primarily, only the central body module with the clamping device has to be replaced, all other function modules can be further used by adaptation.  
           [0016]    In an improvement of the invention, the driven device is arranged on its frame module in a displaceable fashion at least into one direction, preferably into three directions. In a particularly preferred manner, also the driven device is arranged on its frame module in a displaceable fashion at least into one direction, preferably into three directions. The driving device and/or the driven device are preferably mounted, respectively, on a slide unit for axial advance. It is particularly advantageous to provide the driven device on an independent adjustment module that can be mounted onto the frame module.  
           [0017]    The measures mentioned before result in particular in short reconstruction times that can be reached by the displaceable arrangement and also in a reducible number of rotating components. The coupling of driven shafts at the specimen is carried out directly, i.e. without intermediate displacements, deviations or compensation shafts. The reduced number of rotating components has, in particular, the advantage that occurring unbalances can be prevented in a much simpler and more cost-effective manner. Expensive compensation shafts are herein not necessary. By the direct type of drive, the inertia of masses of the rotating parts is reduced and, thus, the acoustic, the characteristic vibrations, the dynamic and the standard quality are improved.  
           [0018]    In a preferred improvement, a controlling and observing device for the configuration of a controlling module is provided on another frame module. Preferably, the controlling module comprises an operating device and a displaying device.  
           [0019]    The continuation of the modular design is also advantageous with reference to the configuration of the controlling module, e.g. by the fact that replacing the operating device is possible in a very quick fashion. Furthermore, the controlling module can also be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.  
           [0020]    For testing shift transmissions, the operating device comprises preferably a manual shift that is manually actuated. Preferably, the controlling module comprises a shift robot that actuates the manual shift during the test of a transmission. The controlling module comprises an insertion space for this shift robot module.  
           [0021]    This has the advantage that the controlling module can always be reconstructed and without high expenses, by inserting a shift robot module into the insertion space provided.  
           [0022]    In a preferred embodiment, a switch cabinet module is allocated at least to the driving module and to the driven module, respectively, wherein the switch cabinet module serves for electric supply and control of the respective function module. Preferably, a software module is allocated at least to the driving module and to the driven module, respectively, wherein the software module serves for operation control of the respective function module.  
           [0023]    These measures result in a further consistent continuation of the modular design, not only on the mechanical construction side, but also on the electrical side and the program technical side. This modularity results in the function modules being self-sufficient, i.e. independent of other function modules. This has the advantage that the construction and/or the reconstruction of a transmission tester can be carried out in a simple and quick manner. Furthermore, the individual function modules can be tested and maintained independently of each other. This results in a considerable simplification of the maintenance of such drive testers and transmission testers.  
           [0024]    In a preferred improvement, the driving device and/or the driven device are each surrounded by a sound insulation cabin in order to achieve sound insulation.  
           [0025]    This has the advantage that the interference noise level can be considerably lowered, in particular for acoustic tests.  
           [0026]    In a preferred embodiment, a measuring module is provided that comprises a measuring device and a frame module.  
           [0027]    In a particularly preferred manner, a module for electrical control of the transmission to be tested (automatic transmission) is provided. Further preferred, a module for automatic loading of the clamping device with a transmission/transmission component to be tested is provided. In a particularly preferred manner, furthermore, a module for automatic oil filling of a transmission is provided.  
           [0028]    These measures result in a further increase of the performance of the transmission tester, wherein the individual components are, again, constructed in a modular fashion in order to achieve the advantages already mentioned before. In particular, existing transmission testers can be enlarged in a simple and easy manner by the modules mentioned before.  
           [0029]    It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without leaving the scope of the present invention.  
           [0030]    Further advantages and embodiments of the invention can be taken from the description and the attached drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings:  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a modular transmission tester with the example of a front-transversal-structure;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 a - e  show schematic perspective representations of different modules of a transmission tester according to the invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a transmission tester according to the invention with the example of a front-transversal-structure; and  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 a - 4  show graphic representations of different transmission tester structures. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]    In FIG. 1, a drive and transmission tester (shortly: transmission tester) is designated with the reference numeral  10 . For the sake of distinctiveness, a schematic representation of this transmission tester  10  was used. Furthermore, the transmission to be tested was not drawn.  
         [0037]    Transmission tester  10  comprises a driving module  12 , as well as a first driven module  14  and a second driven module  16 . Further, a so-called central body module  18  is provided. Around this central body module  18 , two driven modules  14 ,  16  and driving module  12  are grouped and separately connected with central body module  18  via known flange connections. These flange connections are not shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0038]    Driven module  14  comprises a frame module  20  that is shown, for the sake of simplicity, in an cuboid-shaped fashion in FIG. 1. Frame module  20 , however, is usually constructed of different longitudinal supports and transverse supports, wherein individual supports are filled with polymer concrete.  
         [0039]    Frame module  20  carries a very stiff adjusting module  22  that is represented also schematically only. This adjusting module  22  allows, together with an adjustment slide unit, a displacement of upper surface  24  in X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction. The displacement of this surface  24  may be realized in different ways, e.g. by motor operators or hydraulic cylinders.  
         [0040]    On surface  24 , a driven device  26  is provided. This driven device  26  comprises a housing  28  that receives an electric machine (motor, generator; not shown in FIG. 1). In order to achieve a displaceability of driven device  26  into X-direction (advance direction), the slide unit is provided, on which adjusting module  22  is arranged. The slide unit is connected with adjusting module  22  and, for the sake of distinctiveness, not shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0041]    At front surface  30  of housing  28 , a plate  32  is provided through which a schematically indicated driven shaft  34  can enter, in order to generate a connection between specimen, e.g. transmission, and electric machine.  
         [0042]    Driven module  14  further comprises a switch cabinet module that is schematically shown in FIG. 1 and is designated with the reference numeral  36 . In the present embodiment, switch cabinet module  36  is connected with frame module  20 . Switch cabinet module  36  comprises the entire decentralized electric part for the operation of driven module  14 .  
         [0043]    Second driven module  16  is assembled in the same way as driven module  14  that was already explained, so that, for the sake of simplicity, same parts are designated with same reference numerals. For this reason, a repeated description is omitted.  
         [0044]    At rear side  38  of housing  28  of second driven module  16 , two openings  40  are shown that serve for ventilation of the electric machine accommodated in housing  28 .  
         [0045]    In FIG. 1, for the sake of distinctiveness, it is not shown that, optionally, a sound insulation cabin can be provided that completely surrounds driven device  26  and adjusting module  22  in order to achieve a sound insulation. Such a sound insulation cabin can, of course, also be provided for driven module  14  or for driving module  12 .  
         [0046]    In the background, covered by the two driven modules  14  and  16 , driving module  12  is arranged that comprises a similar assembly as the two driven modules  14 ,  16 . Driving module  12  also comprises a frame module  20 , onto which, if necessary, an adjusting module can be provided. On the frame module or on the adjusting module, again, rests a driving device  44  that comprises a housing  46  and an electric motor (not shown) accommodated in that housing  46 . Also driving module  22  comprises a switch cabinet module  36  that is also mounted on frame module  20 .  
         [0047]    Central body module  18  also comprises a frame module  20  and, if necessary, a clamping device that is, however, not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of distinctiveness. This clamping device serves for fastening the specimen, e.g. the transmission or a transmission component.  
         [0048]    Frame module  20  of central body module  18  has at its front side  52  a recess cut  54 . This recess cut  54  is to facilitate the placing and the displacing of the transmission out of the clamping device from front side  52 .  
         [0049]    In the assembly of the transmission tester shown in FIG. 1, two driven modules  14 ,  16  are in a line and at both sides of central body module  18 . Driving module  12  is at the rear side of central body module  18 , wherein a drive shaft or a drive belt runs vertically to driven shafts  34 .  
         [0050]    For a detachable fastening of frame modules  20  onto frame module  20  of central body module  18 , connecting means are, respectively, provided at predetermined locations around each frame module  20  (into circumferential direction). In that way, it shall be guaranteed that e.g. driving module  12  and driven module  14  can be arranged according to a modified structure (cf. FIG. 4).  
         [0051]    At the rear side of transmission tester  10 , a measuring device is arranged that is, however, not shown in FIG. 1. This measuring device is also arranged on a frame module  20 . The measuring device can e.g. comprise sensors for the noise measuring of a transmission.  
         [0052]    As the basic function of such a transmission tester is generally known, it shall not be explained in more detail. The function of present transmission tester  10  does not differ from the function of common transmission testers.  
         [0053]    In FIG. 2, different modules of transmission tester  10  are shown, wherein, for the matter of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for the same components.  
         [0054]    In FIG. 2 a , a driven module  14  is shown that comprises a frame module  20  and a driven device  26 . Different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, adjusting module  22  was omitted and, instead, frame module  20  was suitably enlarged in its height (double construction height).  
         [0055]    In this embodiment, driven device  26  is merely displaceable (advanceable) into one direction, namely in X-direction. A possibility of adjusting in Y-direction and in Z-direction is omitted.  
         [0056]    In FIG. 2 b , also a driven module  14  is shown that substantially corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 2 a . The only difference is that frame module  20  enlarged in Y-direction is provided in the form of two frame sub-modules  20 ′.  
         [0057]    This has the advantage that a reconstruction to the solution shown in FIG. 2 c  is possible in a very simple manner. To this end, merely the upper frame sub-module  20 ′ needs to be replaced by adjusting module  22  that has been already explained.  
         [0058]    In FIG. 2 d , driving module  12  is shown that comprises driving device  44  and frame module  20 . Frame module is—like in FIG. 2 a —also configured in double construction height. Of course, this frame module  20  can also be configured in the form of two frame sub-modules  20 ′ or with a frame module  20  and with an adjusting module  22 . Driving device  44  comprises housing  46  that comprises at a side wall  56  the opening  50 , through which runs a drive shaft or a drive belt. Of course, this opening  50  can also be arranged at a front surface of housing  46 .  
         [0059]    In FIG. 2 e , central body module  18  is shown without clamping device. Frame module  20  has, in top view, the rectangle form that was already described, wherein at the front side a recess cut  54  is provided. This central body module  18  is configured in a transmission-specific manner due to the clamping device. The other modules of transmission tester  10  are, in contrast, mainly configured in a transmission-nonspecific manner. The clamping device and central body module  18  are, however, always adapted to the transmission to be tested.  
         [0060]    In FIG. 2 e , a module for controlling and monitoring  60  is shown that has not been drawn in FIG. 1 for the sake of distinctiveness. This module for controlling and monitoring  60  (in the following shortly called module for controlling) is arranged at front side  52  of central body module  18 .  
         [0061]    Module for controlling  60  comprises an operating device  62  and a displaying device  64 . Displaying device  64 , e.g. in the form of a flat screen, serves for displaying the measuring results and the operating condition of the transmission tester. Operating device  62  serves for adjusting certain parameters of the individual modules of the transmission tester and of the control of the testing procedure.  
         [0062]    Module for controlling  60  comprises an insertion space  68  that is covered by a cover plate in FIG. 2 e . Into this insertion space  68 , a shift robot module  70  can be inserted in order to carry out automatically transmission shifts in a shift transmission. Shift robot module  70  is shown in FIG. 2 g , while module for controlling  60  with inserted shift robot module  70  is shown in FIG. 2 f . A gear shift lever  72  that is moved by the shift robot can be clearly seen.  
         [0063]    Finally, in FIG. 2 h , a loading module  74  is shown that is inserted with a front side  76  into recess cut  54  of central body module  18 . The front section of loading module  74  is, consequently, adapted to the form of recess cut  54  of central body module  18 . By means of this loading module  74 , it is possible to place transmissions automatically into the transmission tester and to transport same out again of the transmission tester.  
         [0064]    By means of the individual modules of the transmission tester shown in FIG. 2, it is shown that a modular system was created that allows a very flexible assembly of a transmission tester. Furthermore, the individual modules can always be separated from central body module  18  and can be used e.g. in other transmission testers of the same or of different configuration.  
         [0065]    In FIG. 4 a  through  4   e , some examples are shown how a transmission tester can be assembled for different kinds of transmission by means of the modules shown in FIG. 2. For example, in FIG. 4 a  a transmission tester is assembled that serves for testing a so-called inline-transmission. To this end, a driven module and a driving module are arranged in a line, wherein central body module  18  is located between the two other modules.  
         [0066]    In FIG. 4 b , the transmission tester comprises two driven modules  14 ,  16  being located in a line and a driving module  12  being located in parallel to a driven module  16 . Central body module  18  is located between the two driven modules  14 ,  16 . This transmission tester allows the test of a front-transversal-transmission.  
         [0067]    A four wheel transmission is tested with the structure of a transmission tester shown in FIG. 4 c . Three driven modules  14 ,  16  and one driving module  12  are used altogether herein.  
         [0068]    In FIG. 4 d , a transmission tester with two driven modules  14 ,  16  and one driving module  12  is provided in order to be able to test a rear-axle transmission/transfer gear-box.  
         [0069]    Finally, in FIG. 4 e , the structure of a transmission tester for testing an angular transmission is shown, wherein driven module  14  and driving module  12  are located on parallel lines that are displaced to each other.  
         [0070]    From this short and not complete listing of different examples of transmission tester structures, it can be seen that the modular system mentioned before allows many different transmission testers, without that specially adapted frames, driven devices or driving devices or the like would be necessary to this end. For all the transmission testers shown, merely central body module  18  and the clamping device need to be adapted to the respective transmission. All other modules remain unchanged with reference to their assembly.  
         [0071]    In FIG. 3, transmission tester  10  is shown in top view, wherein a front-transversal-structure is only exemplary shown. Herein, for the sake of simplicity, again, the same parts already shown are also designated with the same reference numeral. A repeated description thereof shall, for this reason, be omitted.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 3 shows the electric motors  80  that are provided in the driven devices and/or in the driving devices. Electric motor  80  of driving device  12  serves for the transmission of rotary energy onto the transmission to be tested that is designated with the reference numeral  90 . This transmission  90  is clamped in a clamping device on central body module  18 . The rotary energy is transmitted via a very short drive shaft  82  and a belt  84  that runs transversely thereto onto the driving side of transmission  90 .  
         [0073]    On the driven side, transmission  90  is coupled with a respective driven shaft  86 , each of which extends to electric motors  80  of driven devices  26 . The two electric motors  80  of driven devices  26  serve for receiving energy and, in particular, for simulating a load. Since, in the present embodiment, two driven devices  26  are provided, the loads applied onto both driven sides of transmission  90  can be applied in an unsymmetrical manner (e.g. in curve rides). All electric motors can be operated in 4-quadrants-operation (traction-/thrust load situations and unsymmetrical load situations). In that manner, for example, the engine and the wheel loads of a vehicle are reproduced and applied onto the specimen.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 3 shows further module for controlling  60  that is arranged at front side  52  of central body module  18  and extends transversely to longitudinal axis L of the transmission tester. Module for controlling  60  comprises a gear shift lever  72  that is operated by an operating person P. This operation is transmitted onto transmission  90  via cable controls  88 .  
         [0075]    In the top view, moreover, sound insulation cabins  42  can be recognized which surround the individual modules.  
         [0076]    In the handling area of operating person P, a sliding door  92  is provided that is able to shield the region of recess cut  54  outwardly. After the testing run is finished, sliding door  92  is opened, and operating person P can enter this inner area in order to dismount transmission  90  and e.g. to lift it out of transmission tester  10  via a crane (when the load is not automized).  
         [0077]    As already mentioned before, driven devices  26  are arranged in a displaceable fashion on a slide. This slide is, respectively, driven by a motor operator that is designated with the reference numeral  94  in FIG. 3.  
         [0078]    Also in FIG. 3, a measuring device  96  is shown that comprises a measuring sensor  97  being adjacent to transmission  90  for measuring. This measuring sensor  97  serves for measuring noises.  
         [0079]    All information that is relevant from the measuring and the controlling point of view is supplied to computer  66  of module for controlling  60  e.g. via a field bus. The data are recorded and suitably evaluated. The structure of the software is also orientated at the modular concept of the transmission tester and is, thus, also divided in individual software modules.  
         [0080]    After all, one can see that the “modular system” according to the invention that comprises different modules allows a very flexible design of a transmission tester. In particular, existing transmission testers can be quickly reconstructed without that—as before—considerable rearrangement measures had to be taken in the area of the framework. The modularity of the individual components of the transmission tester facilitates, additionally, the test and the maintenance of the components and allows the manufacture of individual modules in small series. This results in considerable cost reduction in manufacture.  
         [0081]    It is to be understood that the embodiment described has a purely exemplary character and that the invention is not limited thereto. For example, those skilled in the art know, without any problems, different solutions for achieving the adjustability of the driven devices. This holds also true for the purely schematically shown assembly of the frame modules. Furthermore, also driving components, like electric motors, etc. can be tested in the tester shown. The tester is, thus, not limited to testing transmissions.  
         [0082]    Further applications are the tests of functions, oscillations, performance and/or acoustics of components and particularly of electric drives of new innovative drive technologies, also in co-acting with output request and negative feed of energy of/to electric sources of energy or (intermediate) storage (fuel cells, batteries, accumulators, etc.). The tests can be carried out by simulating and applying real load situations.