Chassis component and method for producing such a chassis component

Abstract

The invention relates to a chassis component (1, 32) having a first end section (2) and a second end section (3), wherein a connecting section (4) is arranged between the two end sections (2, 3); at least one support (9, 10) which is located in one of the two end sections (2, 3); and a sensor device (13), wherein a sensor housing (14, 33) has a first sensor element (16) of the sensor device (13). In order to improve and / or implement the arrangement of the sensor device (13) and / or the sensor housing (14) on the chassis component (1, 32), it is characterized in that the two end sections (2, 3) and the connecting section (4) are designed as a one-piece molded part (5) which is open on one side in the longitudinal extension, wherein the open molded part (5) forms an at least partially free interior space (17), and the first sensor element (16) is arranged in this interior space (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chassis component having a first end section and a second end section, wherein a connecting section is arranged between the two end sections; at least one bearing located in one of the two end sections; and a sensor device, wherein a sensor housing has a first sensor element of the sensor device. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a chassis component. Background Art

[0002] Such a chassis component is known from DE 10 2019 201 521 A1. According to this, the sensor device has a pin-shaped sensor support, which is inserted into a blind hole-shaped recess in the chassis component.

[0003] However, not every chassis component offers a possible way to form a blind hole-like recess. In particular, this option is often not available in chassis components made of sheet metal. Therefore, it is necessary to develop or provide other possible options for fastening sensor devices and / or sensor housings to chassis components, in particular to sheet metal tie rods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to further develop a chassis component and / or a method of the type mentioned at the outset, so that the arrangement of the sensor device and / or the sensor housing on the chassis component is improved and / or enabled. In particular, alternative embodiments should be provided.

[0005] The object on which the present invention is based is achieved by the chassis component according to the present invention and / or by the method according to the present invention. Preferred developments of the present invention can be found in the following description.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a chassis component. In particular, the chassis component is arranged in the chassis of a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle. The chassis component can typically be a chassis carrier, a cross member, an axle support, a flanged joint, a wheel bracket, or a chassis tie rod. The chassis component has a first end section and a second end section. In particular, the two end sections are formed at two ends of the chassis component facing away from each other. The chassis component can be pillar-shaped and / or substantially straight. A connecting section is arranged between the two end sections. The connecting section can be substantially beam-shaped. The chassis component also has a sensor device. The sensor housing has a first sensor element of the sensor device. In particular, the sensor device is an angle measuring device. Preferably, relative rotation of the chassis component about a rotation axis of the support can be detected and / or measured by the sensor device. The two end sections and the connecting section are constructed as a one-piece profile that is open on one side within its longitudinal extension, wherein the open profile forms an at least partially free interior space. The first sensor element is arranged within this interior space.

[0007] Advantageously, at least the first sensor element is adequately protected from external influences by being arranged in the interior of the open shaped part. In particular, the first sensor element is thereby positioned or can be positioned as close as possible to the support and / or the second sensor element arranged in the support.

[0008] The chassis component preferably has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross section, particularly in the region of the connecting section. In particular, the open profile has a substantially U-shaped or C-shaped cross section. Furthermore, the chassis component can be designed as a two-point tie rod. Preferably, the chassis component is designed as a plate tie rod, particularly a plate transverse tie rod. Thus, the end sections and the connecting section can be formed in one piece from a shaped sheet metal. Steel or aluminum can be used as the sheet metal material. A bearing receptacle for arranging or pressing in a bearing can be formed in the first end section and / or the second end section.

[0009] According to a further development, the sensor housing is fastened to the wall of the open profile by means of fasteners, in particular separate and / or independent fasteners. The fasteners may be configured as rivets or screws. The sensor housing may have perforations and / or holes for partially inserting the fasteners. In particular, the open profile or the wall of the open profile has fastening openings for inserting, pressing in, or screwing in the fasteners. In particular, due to the fastening by means of the fasteners, the sensor housing is fastened to the chassis component in a fixed position relative to the open profile. To this end, the fasteners may interact with the fastening openings and / or the wall of the open profile in a form-fitting and / or force-transmitting manner.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the sensor housing is at least partially or completely arranged within the interior space. In particular, the section of the sensor housing carrying the first sensor element is arranged within the interior space. The sensor housing can rest against the outside and / or inside of the wall of the open shaped part. When the sensor housing is completely arranged within the interior space, the entire sensor housing is particularly well protected from external influences by the open shaped part surrounding the sensor housing.

[0011] The sensor housing is preferably formed from plastic. In particular, the sensor housing is produced as a plastic injection-molded part. The first sensor element can be embedded in the material of the sensor housing. This protects the first sensor element from external influences.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the wall of the open profile has a through-hole. The sensor housing extends from the outside of the wall through the through-hole into the interior space. In particular, the section of the sensor housing carrying the first sensor element is arranged within the interior space. Preferably, the section of the sensor housing carrying the first sensor element faces the support and / or the second sensor element. Another section of the sensor housing can be arranged outside the interior space, in particular, outside the wall of the open profile.

[0013] The edge of the through-hole preferably has a first plug-in section. This first plug-in section interacts in a form-fitting manner with a second plug-in section of the sensor housing, which is designed to correspond to the first plug-in section. Thus, the sensor housing has a second plug-in section. The two plug-in sections create a form-fitting connection between the sensor housing and the wall of the open profile containing the through-hole. The first plug-in section can be designed as a groove-like recess in the edge of the through-hole. The edge of the through-hole can be essentially rectangular, with a section of the edge additionally having the groove-like recess. In particular, the groove-like recess is located in the section of the edge of the through-hole adjacent to the nearest support. A constriction of the sensor housing, formed corresponding to the groove-like recess, can be designed as the second plug-in section. This constriction of the sensor housing inserts into the groove-like recess in a form-fitting manner. Preferably, the constriction is formed by a local reduction in the dimensions of the sensor housing. To form the constriction, for example, a bridging section of the sensor housing can have two grooves arranged on sides facing away from each other.

[0014] According to a refinement, the sensor housing has at least a single-step profile. Alternatively, the sensor housing can have a two-step or three-step profile. In particular, the single-step or multi-step profile is visible in a side view of the sensor housing. Such a stepped profile enables the sensor housing to be inserted through a through-hole in the wall of the open profile. This also allows for a relatively flat overall design, in which one section of the sensor housing is arranged outside the wall of the open profile, while another section of the sensor housing is arranged inside the wall of the open profile. Furthermore, such a profile enables the first sensor element to be arranged as close as possible to the support or the second sensor element. Preferably, the first sensor element is arranged at the first end of the sensor housing. This first end of the sensor housing preferably faces the support or the second sensor element. The plug-in section can be formed at the second end of the sensor housing. In particular, the plug-in section and / or the second end of the sensor housing face away from the first end of the sensor housing. Preferably, the plug-in section enables a connection to the evaluation unit.

[0015] The support preferably has a second sensor element of the sensor device. Here, the first sensor element interacts with the second sensor element. In particular, the first sensor element is configured as a sensor sensitive to magnetic fields, and the second sensor element is configured as a magnet. The first sensor element is preferably configured as a Hall effect sensor. When the support, and therefore the second sensor element, moves, this causes a change in the magnetic field relative to the first sensor element, which can be detected by the first sensor element. This allows the determination of angles and / or angular changes. Thus, the sensor device can detect relative rotation of the chassis component relative to the support about at least one, or precisely one, axis of rotation of the support.

[0016] According to an improved solution, the support is configured as a rubber support. In particular, the open profile and / or chassis component is configured as a plate-type tie rod. The rubber support may have an outer sleeve. In particular, the outer sleeve has an opening. Here, the first sensor element is arranged outside the outer sleeve and adjacent to the opening. The second sensor element of the sensor device is arranged inside the outer sleeve and adjacent to the opening. Therefore, the first sensor element and the second sensor element interact with each other through the opening of the outer sleeve. In particular, the opening of the outer sleeve is configured as a recess in the wall material of the outer sleeve.

[0017] The method for producing a chassis component according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that the first sensor element is arranged within the interior space, thereby protecting the first sensor element from external influences and / or enabling an arrangement as close as possible to the support and / or the second sensor element.

[0018] The sensor housing is preferably inserted through a through-hole in the wall of the open molded part, whereby the section of the sensor housing containing the first sensor element is arranged within the interior space. Another section of the sensor housing can remain outside the interior space. Specifically, a second plug-in section of the sensor housing is then inserted into the first plug-in section at the edge of the through-hole to create a form fit. This allows the sensor housing to be held and / or fixed in place in at least two spatial directions. Preferably, the sensor housing is then fastened to the wall of the molded part using fasteners. In particular, the sensor housing is thus fixed in place in a third spatial direction. These three spatial directions preferably form a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

[0019] In summary, the sensor housing is arranged in a fixed position on the chassis component due to the form fit and / or fastening between the two plug-in sections. Before or after the sensor housing is arranged, the support is arranged in a support receptacle of the chassis component. In particular, the support comprises a second sensor element, wherein the support is arranged in an aligned manner in the support receptacle. In particular, the support with the second sensor element is arranged in an aligned manner in the support receptacle such that the second sensor element is oriented at the smallest possible distance relative to the first sensor element.

[0020] In particular, the chassis component manufactured according to the method according to the invention is the aforementioned chassis component according to the invention. The method is preferably further developed according to the configuration explained in conjunction with the chassis component according to the invention described herein. In addition, the chassis component described herein can be improved according to the design solutions explained in conjunction with the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the same reference numerals refer to the same, similar or functionally identical components or elements.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a side view of a chassis component according to the invention,

[0023] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A partially transparent section of another side view of a chassis component according to the invention,

[0024] Figure 3 Shown as a basis Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the sensor housing and the support as components of the chassis component according to the invention,

[0025] Figure 4 A partially transparent section of a first perspective view of a sensor housing is shown, which is used for producing a sensor according to Figure 1 and Figure 2a first assembly position of the chassis component according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 5 A partially transparent section of a second perspective view of a sensor housing is shown, which is used for producing a sensor according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 a second assembly position of the chassis component according to the invention,

[0027] Figure 6 A partially transparent section of a third perspective view of a sensor housing is shown, which is used for producing a sensor according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 a third assembly position of the chassis component according to the invention, and

[0028] Figure 7 A detail of a side view of another chassis component according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A side view of a chassis component 1 according to the present invention is shown, in which the chassis component 1 is configured as a plate-type tie rod. The chassis component 1 has a first end section 2 and a second end section 3. A connecting section 4 connecting the end sections 2 and 3 is arranged between the two end sections 2 and 3. The two end sections 2 and 3 and the connecting section 4 are configured as an integral or one-piece profile 5. Here, the profile 5 is open on one side within its longitudinal extension. In this embodiment, the profile 5 or at least the connecting section 4 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Therefore, the profile 5 has three walls 6, 7, and 8 arranged in a U shape relative to each other. Here, the walls 6 and 8 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and extend away from the wall 7 in the same direction, substantially at right angles to the wall 7 or transversely to the wall 7.

[0030] In this exemplary embodiment, chassis component 1 has a bearing 9 and a bearing 10. Bearings 9 and 10 are each designed as rubber bearings. Bearing 9 is arranged in first end section 2, and bearing 10 is arranged in second end section 3. To this end, first end section 2 and second end section 3 each have a bearing receptacle 11, into which, depending on the exemplary embodiment, bearing 9 or bearing 10 is pressed. Bearing 9 or bearing 10 each defines or provides an axis of rotation 12, about which chassis component 1 is rotatably supported.

[0031] Furthermore, the chassis component 1 has a sensor device 13 . The sensor device 13 has a sensor housing 14 . The sensor housing 14 is fastened to the outer side of the wall 6 of the profile 5 by means of fasteners 15 .

[0032] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1A partially transparent section of another side view of the chassis component 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the fastener 15 is a screw. Alternatively, the fastener 15 can be implemented as a rivet. The sensor housing 14 has a first sensor element 16. In this embodiment, the first sensor element 16 is configured as a sensor sensitive to a magnetic field or as a Hall sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor housing 14 is manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part. In addition, according to this example, the first sensor element 16 is completely embedded in the material of the sensor housing 14. In other words, the first sensor element 16 is encapsulated in the material of the sensor housing 14, thereby protecting the first sensor element 16 from external influences.

[0033] The open molded part 5 forms an at least partially free interior space 17. A first sensor element 16 is arranged within interior space 17. Sensor housing 14 has a first end 18 and a second end 19 facing away from first end 18. First sensor element 16 is arranged at first end 18 of sensor housing 14. In this exemplary embodiment, second end 19 is designed as a plug section. Second end 19, designed as a plug section, serves to connect to a line (not shown in detail here) that connects sensor device 13 to an evaluation unit (not shown in detail here).

[0034] The first end 18 or the first sensor element 16 faces the support 9. Here, the sensor housing 14 is fastened to the shaped part 5 such that the distance between the first end 18 or the first sensor element 16 on the one hand and the support 9 on the other hand is as small as possible.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the sensor housing 14 has a multi-step profile. Here, the sensor housing 14 has a three-step profile. Due to this multi-step profile, the functionality of the sensor housing 14 and a sufficiently flat design can be achieved at the same time.

[0036] Figure 3 Shown as a basis Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the sensor housing 14 and the support 9 as components of the chassis component 1 according to the present invention. The open molded portion 5 has been omitted for greater clarity. The support 9 has a second sensor element 20. This second sensor element 20 is a component of the sensor device 13. In this embodiment, the second sensor element 20 is a magnet or permanent magnet within the rubber material of the support 9. The second sensor element 20 can be understood as a signal transmitter, and the first sensor element 16 as a signal receiver. Accordingly, the first sensor element 16 and the second sensor element 20 interact with each other.

[0037] Support 9 has an outer sleeve 21. This outer sleeve 21 has an opening 22. Here, opening 22 is implemented as a recess in the wall material of outer sleeve 21. In addition, support 9 is oriented or arranged so that opening 22 faces first sensor element 16. Therefore, first sensor element 16 is arranged outside outer sleeve 21 and adjacent to opening 22. Second sensor element 20 is arranged inside outer sleeve 21 adjacent to opening 22. First sensor element 16 and second sensor element 20 are arranged or oriented at the smallest possible distance from each other. Here, first sensor element 16 and second sensor element 20 are effectively connected to each other via opening 22.

[0038] Figure 4 A partially transparent section of a first perspective view of a sensor housing 14 is shown, which is used for producing a sensor housing according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first assembly position of the chassis component 1 according to the present invention. The wall 6 of the open profile 5 has a through-hole 23. This through-hole 23 is arranged adjacent to the bearing receptacle 11 of the first end section 2. The interior space 17 formed by the walls 6, 7, and 8 of the profile 5 is accessible through the through-hole 23. The through-hole 23 has an edge 24, which has a substantially rectangular shape in this embodiment. The through-hole 23 is sized so that the sensor housing 14 can be introduced into the interior space 17, at least with its first end section 18 or the first sensor element 16, initially through the through-hole 23.

[0039] The edge 24 of the through-hole 23 has a first plug section 25. The sensor housing 14 has a second plug section 26. As will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, the first plug section 25 and the second plug section 26 correspond to each other to form a positive fit.

[0040] The sensor housing 14 has a through-hole 27. In this embodiment, the through-hole 27 is arranged approximately in the middle between the two ends 18, 19. In addition, the shaped part 5 or the wall 6 has a fastening opening 28. Figures 1 to 3 , both the through-hole 27 and the fastening opening 28 are used for the passage of the fastener 15 and thus for the Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensor housing 14 is fixed to the molded part 5 .

[0041] Figure 5 A partially transparent section of a second perspective view of the sensor housing 14 is shown, which is used for producing a sensor housing according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The second assembly position of the chassis component 1 according to the invention. In the assembly position shown here, the sensor housing 14 is inserted into the interior space 17 through the through-hole 23, and its insertion depth is such that the second plug-in section 26 of the sensor housing 14 is arranged within the opening 23. In other words, in this assembly position, the edge 24 surrounds the second plug-in section 26 of the sensor housing 14. In this embodiment, the second plug-in section 26 is constructed as a kind of constriction of the sensor housing 14. In detail, the sensor housing 14 has two grooves 29, 30 for forming the second plug-in section 26. The grooves 29, 30 are formed on the sides of the sensor housing 14 that face away from each other. As a result, due to the locally implemented size reduction of the sensor housing 14, the second plug-in section 26 implemented as a constriction is achieved.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first plug section 25 is a groove-like recess in the edge 24 of the through-opening 23. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first plug section 25 or the groove-like recess is formed in the section of the edge 24 facing the bearing receptacle 11.

[0043] To form a positive connection between the first plug section 25 and the second plug section 26, the sensor housing 14 is moved from the assembly position shown here toward the bearing receptacle 11. As a result, the second plug section 26 of the sensor housing 14 is pressed with a positive fit into the first plug section 25 of the edge 24. Due to this positive fit, the sensor housing 14 is already held in both spatial directions on the shaped part 5.

[0044] Figure 6 A partially transparent section of a third perspective view of the sensor housing 14 is shown, which is used for producing a sensor according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The third assembly position of the chassis component 1 according to the present invention. Here, after the second plug section 26 is inserted into the first plug section 25, as shown in the previous Figure 5 As described, the sensor housing 14 is ultimately fixed or secured to the shaped part 5 by means of the fasteners 15. The fasteners 15 secure the sensor 14 to the shaped part 5 at least in the third spatial direction. In particular, the three spatial directions introduced above constitute a three-dimensional Cartesian space.

[0045] Here, the support receiving portion 11 is provided without Figure 1 and Figure 2 9 in the end section 2. It can be seen that the first end 18 of the sensor housing 14 or the first sensor element 16 is arranged within the free space 31 in the support receptacle 11. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 or Figure 3First sensor element 16 is arranged at the shortest possible distance from support 9 or from second sensor element 20 of support 9 .

[0046] Although according to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembly of the sensor housing 14 on the shaped part 5 is shown without the bearing 9 assembled in the bearing receptacle 11 , but this assembly can also be carried out with the bearing 9 already assembled in the bearing receptacle 11 .

[0047] Figure 7 A section of a side view of another chassis component 32 according to the invention is shown. As before, identical features have the same reference numerals. In this respect, reference is also made to the previous description. Figures 1 to 6 Instead of sensor housing 14, sensor housing 33 is used here. This sensor housing 33 is completely arranged within interior space 17. Similar to sensor housing 14, sensor housing 33 also has a first end 18 with a first sensor element 16. However, unlike sensor housing 14, sensor housing 33 shown here is not stepped. Instead, it is flatter than sensor housing 14. Sensor housing 33 is fastened to wall 6 of profile 5 via fasteners 15.

[0048] Attached photos

[0049] 1 Chassis components

[0050] 2 First end section

[0051] 3 Second end section

[0052] 4 Connecting sections

[0053] 5 Forming Department

[0054] 6 Edge

[0055] 7 Edge

[0056] 8 Edge

[0057] 9 Support

[0058] 10 Support

[0059] 11 Support receiving portion

[0060] 12 Rotation axis

[0061] 13 Sensor device

[0062] 14 Sensor housing

[0063] 15 Fasteners

[0064] 16 First sensor element

[0065] 17 Interior Space

[0066] 18 first end

[0067] 19 Second end

[0068] 20 Second sensor element

[0069] 21 Outer sleeve

[0070] 22 Opening

[0071] 23 through holes

[0072] 24 Edge

[0073] 25 First plug-in section

[0074] 26 Second plug-in section

[0075] 27 Piercing

[0076] 28 Fastening opening

[0077] 29 slots

[0078] 30 slots

[0079] 31 Free Space

[0080] 32 chassis components

[0081] 33 Sensor housing.

Claims

1. A chassis component, comprising: A first end section (2) and a second end section (3), wherein A connecting section (4) is arranged between the two end sections; at least one bearing in one of the two end sections; and A sensor device (13), wherein the sensor housing (14, 33) has a first sensor element (16) of the sensor device (13), Characterized in that the two end sections and the connecting section (4) are constructed as a one-piece shaped part (5) which is open on one side within the longitudinal extension, wherein the open shaped part (5) forms an at least partially free interior space (17), and the first sensor element (16) is arranged within the interior space (17). The wall (6) of the open molded part (5) has a through-hole (23), and the sensor housing (14) extends from the outside of the wall (6) through the through-hole (23) into the interior space (17).

2. The chassis component according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor housing (14, 33) is fastened to the wall (6) of the open profile (5) by means of fasteners (15).

3. The chassis component according to claim 2, characterized in that The fastener (15) is a rivet or a screw.

4. The chassis component according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor housing (14, 33) is arranged at least partially or completely in the interior space (17).

5. The chassis component according to claim 4, characterized in that The sensor housing (14) bears against the outside and / or inside of the wall (6) of the open shaped part (5).

6. The chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The section of the sensor housing (14) carrying the first sensor element (16) is arranged within the interior space (17).

7. The chassis component according to claim 1, characterized in that The edge (24) of the through-opening (23) has a first plug-in section (25), wherein the first plug-in section (25) interacts in a form-fitting manner with a second plug-in section (26) of the sensor housing (14), the second plug-in section being designed corresponding to the first plug-in section (25).

8. The chassis component according to claim 7, characterized in that The first plug section (25) is designed as a groove-shaped recess in the edge (24) of the through-opening (23), wherein a constriction of the sensor housing (14) which is designed corresponding to the groove-shaped recess and forms the second plug section (26) is inserted into the groove-shaped recess.

9. The chassis component according to claim 8, characterized in that The constriction is formed by a local reduction in size of the sensor housing (14).

10. The chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The sensor housing (14) has at least a single-step, two-step or three-step profile.

11. The chassis component according to claim 7, characterized in that The first sensor element (16) is arranged at a first end (18) of the sensor housing (14, 33) and / or is formed with a plug-in section at a second end (19) of the sensor housing (14, 33).

12. The chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The support has a second sensor element (20) of the sensor device (13), and the first sensor element (16) interacts with the second sensor element (20).

13. The chassis component according to claim 12, characterized in that The first sensor element (16) is designed as a sensor sensitive to a magnetic field, and the second sensor element (20) is designed as a magnet.

14. The chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The support structure is a rubber support.

15. The chassis component according to claim 14, characterized in that The rubber bearing has an outer sleeve (21) with an opening (22), wherein the first sensor element (16) of the sensor device (13) is arranged outside the outer sleeve (21) and adjacent to the opening (22), and the second sensor element (20) is arranged inside the outer sleeve (21) and adjacent to the opening (22).

16. The chassis component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The open profile (5) is configured as a plate-type tie rod.

17. A method for producing a chassis component (1, 32) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The first sensor element (16) is arranged within the interior space (17).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The sensor housing (14) is inserted into the wall (6) of the open shaped part (5) through a through-hole (23), whereby the section of the sensor housing (14) carrying the first sensor element (16) is arranged within the interior (17).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The second plug-in section (26) of the sensor housing (14) is inserted into the first plug-in section (25) located in the edge (24) of the through-opening (23) to produce a positive fit.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The sensor housing (14) is fastened to the wall (6) of the open profile (5) by means of fasteners (15).

Images