Housing of a rotating component

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing segment for providing a housing for a component rotating about an axis of rotation, wherein the housing segment is designed to cover a partial region in the axial direction of the axis of rotation and is designed to cover a partial region in the circumferential direction of the rotating component, the housing segment is made of plastic, the housing segment comprises an electronics housing for an electronic module, with a cavity for accommodating an antenna arranged radially outside the electronics housing and connected to the electronics housing via a recess.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a housing segment for providing a housing for a component rotating about an axis of rotation, wherein the housing segment is configured to cover a partial area in the axial direction of the axis of rotation and is configured to cover a partial area in the circumferential direction of the rotating component, and to a housing comprising at least one housing segment. BACKGROUND

[0002] From DE 198 57 770 a torque measuring device on a rotating component, such as a shaft or a journal, is known. During rotation a force acts, which leads to a length change due to the elastic deformation of the component. By means of a strain gauge fastened on the component, a proportional resistance change is measured and detected in a contactless manner. In order to supply energy for the contactless feeding of the strain gauge and in order to likewise contactlessly transmit the measured values back to an evaluation unit, a rotor electronics is provided. The rotor electronics is arranged in a plastic ring which surrounds the strain gauge. Here, the strain gauge is surrounded by a metal protection ring which is shaped-stable and seals the strain gauge on both sides against the rotating component. The metal protection ring itself carries the plastic ring coaxially on its circumference, wherein the rotor electronics is accommodated by the plastic ring. Disadvantageously, the protection ring causes an additional stiffness of the component and thus falsifies the measurement results.

[0003] From EP 1 415 134 B1 a measuring device for detecting loads, in particular torques, bending moments and axial forces, on a rotating component, such as a shaft, a spindle or a journal, is known. With the measuring device, by means of at least one strain gauge fastened on the component, a length change caused by the load is measured and detected in a contactless manner. In order to supply energy for the contactless feeding of the strain gauge and in order to likewise contactlessly transmit the measured values to an evaluation unit, a rotor electronics is provided. The rotor electronics is arranged in one or more protection rings which surround the strain gauge. In order to improve the measuring accuracy of the measuring device and the reliability of the measurement results, the one or more protection rings are arranged on the component in a supported manner on one side or are configured to be deformed soft with respect to the component. The protection rings are configured with sealing tabs arranged on both sides of the strain gauge. Here, the protection rings are configured asymmetrically, wherein the sealing tab on one side establishes a force-locking and thus a secure connection with the component. The sealing tab on the other side has a narrow abutment surface and thus is supported with respect to the component. However, due to the narrow abutment surface, it is hardly possible to transfer loads from the rotating component.

[0004] There are two systems for torque measurement by means of strain gauges (= DMS) on cardan shafts, for example in rolling mills. In system 1, an antenna rotating with the cardan shaft is used. A stationary receiver is used to transmit the signal. Here, at the end of the signal processing, the signal provides the torque measurement value. In system 2, a stationary ring antenna is used. A transmitter / receiver unit rotating with the cardan shaft sends the signal to the stationary ring antenna. Products using this system for torque measurement are, for example, torque-limiting clutches and hydrodynamic clutches.

[0005] However, disadvantageously, depending on the ring diameter, stresses in the ring material caused by the conventional manufacturing method then lead to a widening or narrowing of the ring ends when the ring is segmented during manufacture. In the case of a ring half with a particularly large degree of widening, a second person is required for support for fitting the ring on the shaft until the second ring half is placed and the screw connection is closed. Furthermore, the volume of the ring is determined by the internal electronics pocket, and the electronics also need to be dismantled for servicing. The weight of the ring also contributes to the centrifugal forces acting. The weight has also proved disadvantageous during assembly. The ring halves are usually bonded to the rotating component, whereby the component can only be reused after dismantling with restricted availability after the adhesive has been cleaned off. SUMMARY

[0006] It is the task of the present application to provide an improved housing.

[0007] Here, inter alia, the following aspects are taken into account:

[0008] The housing allows simplified assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, it is the task of the present application to provide a method for simplified manufacture / provision of a housing.

[0010] Furthermore, it is the task of the present application to provide a housing which facilitates maintenance and repair or reduces the associated outlay.

[0011] The task is solved by a housing according to claim 1 or a housing segment according to claim 9. Further advantageous features are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to the application, a housing segment, wherein the housing segment is made of plastic, comprises an electronics pocket for an electronics module, with a cavity for accommodating an antenna arranged radially outside the electronics pocket, which is connected to the electronics pocket via a recess.

[0013] The housing sections made of plastic are advantageous because they have a lower weight than the metal materials used in the prior art. As a result, centrifugal forces and vibrations can be reduced. In addition, a compact construction enables inexpensive manufacturing and simplified assembly. Furthermore, the plastic housing can be used to protect the antenna from environmental influences, while at the same time not reducing the functionality of the antenna due to the shielding of the housing. The connection between the antenna and the electronic device located in the electronic device housing is provided for a connection cable with which the electronic device and the antenna can be connected. In the sense of the present application, plastic is a carbon-containing polymer which, at least in the region of the cavity for accommodating the antenna, is largely free of metal or other materials which shield electromagnetic waves.

[0014] It is further advantageous if the housing is characterized in that it consists of housing sections which are connected to one another. At least one housing section has a housing for the electronic device, in particular for accommodating a prefabricated electronic module. The at least one housing section can be produced by means of 3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is often abbreviated as AM. By means of additive manufacturing, it is possible to provide a unique fit for the surface profile of the outer side of the rotating component. It is in particular possible to match the housing section to the outer contour of the rotating component circumference. By means of 3D printing, it is possible to produce the housing section in a decentralized manner, whereby provision can be simplified and also accelerated. In particular, production with a plastic such as PA12 or PA6 as inexpensive material has proven to be advantageous. Such plastic materials are already available today as standard printing materials for 3D printing. For production in 3D printing, in small series, it is possible to keep the required delivery times low. Thus, for example, no casting molds or numerical control programming are required on site. Long transport distances can also be avoided.

[0015] It is provided in a preferred embodiment that the housing sections can be connected to one another to form a surrounding housing. Preferably, the housing surrounds the rotating component coaxially to the axis of rotation. By means of the preceding assembly step of connecting the housing sections to one another, the assembly time on site can be shortened.

[0016] It is provided in a preferred embodiment that the housing sections are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a latching connection. Such a latching connection can be provided inexpensively. It has also proven advantageous here if the connection is provided with a gap. Manufacturing tolerances or deviations from a predetermined or predefined target size are thus compensated. The assembly is made particularly simple. It is thus possible for the assembly to be possible even by a single employee alone.

[0017] It has proven advantageous if the housing can be connected to the rotating component in a force-locked manner, preferably by means of a clamping device. By means of the force-locked connection, a secure positioning of the housing is achieved, wherein the housing can also be released again by means of a release of the force-locked connection. Thus, if necessary, the adhesive bond can be cancelled. This is advantageous, in particular, for the dismantling, since it is usually difficult to remove the adhesive. On the one hand, the simple possibility of dismantling makes it easier to repair the component protected by the housing, but also to replace individual segments of the housing itself. When the latching of the segments to one another is designed in a releasable manner, this can be achieved in particular in a particularly simple manner.

[0018] It has proven advantageous if, in the latching portion, a gap is provided in the circumferential direction. This has a positive effect on the assembly, since a preliminary assembly can first be carried out and the housing can surround the rotating component as a ring-shaped housing. A particularly simple design provides at least one slot which is formed in the circumferential direction. Thereby, a gap in the circumferential direction can be provided when latching into the slot.

[0019] It has proven advantageous if at least one housing segment is provided with an electronics housing in the form of a cavity. The cavity can serve to accommodate the electronics. It can also be provided to accommodate the electronics as a preassembled electronics module.

[0020] It has proven advantageous if the electronics housing can be accessed from the outside of the housing, i.e. from the axial direction, without the housing segment having to be removed. It has proven advantageous to provide an intermediate web which protrudes in the radial direction and which can be accessed from the axial direction, so that an easy access to the electronics housing is ensured when the electronics housing is constructed in the intermediate web. It can occur that it is necessary to replace the electronics or components of the electronics. In particular, it can be necessary to carry out maintenance at regular intervals. In particular in this case, it is a great advantage when the housing can be easily accessed. Thus, for example, the housing can only be closed by a removable and refastenable cover. Alternatively, the electronics module can already comprise the function of the cover.

[0021] It has proven advantageous if the housing is formed from housing segments which are manufactured as standard parts. Thereby, the part variety is reduced, which is advantageous. Thus, only in the housing segments in which an electronics housing is required, the pryable side walls can be pried open. In the further housing segments, the pryable side walls can be retained, and thereby noise generation in operation is avoided, and also the accumulation of dirt in the provided electronics housing.

[0022] It is provided in a preferred embodiment that at least one housing section with electronics enclosure is produced by 3D printing. For the further housing sections it is possible to provide a base section without electronics enclosure. The base section preferably has a short extension in the circumferential direction and can also be produced as a mass production component in another manufacturing method. The adaptation to the place of use can be made by at least one housing section. The number of unique components can thus be reduced. The production time can also be reduced, since only the housing sections are produced by 3D printing. In 3D printing, the current production speed is still very limited. Furthermore, cost advantages can be achieved when a mass production method is used for the base section and a cheaper production method for each individual piece, such as injection molding, is used due to the high number of pieces.

[0023] It has proven advantageous to provide the force-locked connection of the housing and the rotating component with a clamping device, wherein the clamping device has at least one clamping band, preferably two clamping bands. With two clamping bands, the force-locked connection can be dosed to the narrow and wide webs separately from one another. Such clamping bands can be purchased as standard components and are therefore inexpensive. The clamping bands can also be easily assembled and can also be disassembled. Each clamping band can be accommodated in a circumferential groove, thus preventing slipping in the axial direction. Furthermore, the groove also facilitates easy assembly. By using clamping bands, a uniform pressure distribution on the annular housing and thus on the housing sections can be achieved. Peak stresses in individual regions can thus be avoided. This results in lower requirements for the polymer material used in terms of strength.

[0024] It is provided in a preferred embodiment that the housing is provided with a shield on its housing inner side. The shield can be held by holding elements distributed over the circumference. It has proven particularly advantageous that the shield can be pushed in. With the shield, the magnetic field lines emitted from the azimuthally fixed receiver are advantageously guided around the antenna. Magnetic field losses caused by the shaft are thus reduced.

[0025] It is provided in a preferred embodiment that the housing sections have a receiving part radially outside the antenna, preferably continuously in the circumferential direction. Preferably, a groove is provided as a receiving part, which is configured on the outermost radius of the intermediate web. The connection to the antenna can thus be kept short on the one hand and the connection to the sensors arranged in the housing can also be kept short.

[0026] It has proven advantageous that the radial distance between the shaft and the antenna is between 40 mm and 80 mm, preferably greater than 60 mm.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment provision is made for the housing segments to have narrow and wide tabs. These tabs are provided for the lateral termination of the housing. The wide tabs have a greater axial extension here than the narrow tabs and thus have a greater contact surface with the rotating component than the narrow tabs. The wide tabs are here configured with cavities for lightweight construction, preferably with a honeycomb structure. By lightweight construction a high load-bearing capacity is also achieved. However, by lightweight construction it is possible to minimize the weight produced and the material required. It is furthermore advantageous for 3D printing that the material is distributed uniformly. Large jumps from one layer to the next are avoided due to stresses and warping.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment provision is made for the electronics to be configured as an electronically preassembled module. The preassembled electronics module can thus be quickly assembled. A quick replacement is also possible. By this it is possible to minimize downtime. It is also advantageous here if the housing can be easily accessed. Such electronics modules can also be checked in advance by the manufacturer, so that possible errors and malfunctions are also minimized.

[0029] When appropriate materials are selected (e.g. metal particle-filled plastics), an electromagnetic shield can be provided directly in the housing. By this the shield can already be integrated in the manufacturing process. By appropriate geometry on the inside on the ring side, it is possible to assemble and fasten the necessary shield tape without tools. By this it is possible to dispense with conventional adhesive connections.

[0030] It is furthermore advantageous if between the accommodation for the antenna and the surface of the rotating component a shield against electromagnetic radiation is arranged which is suitable for shielding the interior cavity and / or the electronics housing from electromagnetic waves.

[0031] The shield can here be implemented for example by a metal mesh, a conductive sheet or other electromagnetic wave-shielding fabric. Furthermore, the shield can also be arranged such that it shields not only the electronics but also the sensors located on the shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantageous features of the application are explained with reference to the drawings in connection with the embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1 A cardan shaft as a rotating component is shown, which has an antenna ring and a receiver arranged fixed in position;

[0034] Figure 2 A detail of the cardan shaft is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A housing with 4 segments is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A housing according to Figure 3enlarged view of a housing section of

[0037] Figure 5 shows Figure 3 enlarged view of a coupling region of a housing section of

[0038] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a housing section with recess for electronic devices

[0039] Figure 7 shows a recess for electronic devices being closed

[0040] Figure 8 shows a finely segmented housing with connection section

[0041] Figure 9 shows an electronic module

[0042] Figure 10 shows an adjustment gauge

[0043] Figure 11 shows a spacer block

[0044] Figure 12 shows a housing section of a lightweight construction implementation

[0045] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A through a housing section of Figure 12

[0046] Figure 14 shows a side view of a housing section according to Figure 12

[0047] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along B-B according to Figure 14

[0048] Figure 16 shows a flow

[0049] Figure 17a -c shows a finely segmented housing connected by means of a clamping ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 A section of a cardan shaft 3 as an example of a rotating component 1 is shown in Fig. 1. The cardan shaft 3, also referred to as shaft hereinafter, is provided on the outer diameter with sensors 301, which are not shown here. Two oppositely arranged or offset by 180° sensors are provided. The sensors 301 rotate with the shaft 3 and are covered and protected by a housing 7. Figure 2 One embodiment of the sensor 301 is shown in Fig. 2 and will be described in detail below. The shaft 3 rotates about an axis of rotation 51. The axial direction of the shaft is designated 53. The radial direction is designated 55 and the circumferential direction is designated 57.​​​

[0051] The shaft 3 is coaxially surrounded by a housing 7. The housing 7 is applied against the outer face 4 of the shaft 3. In the embodiment shown, the housing 7 has four housing segments 10. The housing segments 10 are connected to one another by form-locking connections 21. In order to provide a force-locked connection 26 to the shaft 3, a clamping device 25 is provided. This clamping device 25 here comprises two clamping straps 27 with a clamping lock 29. The clamping straps 27 are arranged on both sides of a central web 45, and the force-locked strength of the connection to the shaft 3 can be adjusted in each case by means of the clamping lock 29. The central web 45 projects beyond the region with the clamping straps 27 in the radial direction 55. In the central web of each housing segment 10, a housing 61 for an electronic module is configured. The housing segments 10 are standard parts, wherein only one of the housings 61 needs to be provided for accommodating an electronic module 171. The electronic module can be a preassembled and encapsulated electronic device.

[0052] An antenna 41 is arranged on the radial outer periphery of the central web 54. By means of the antenna 41, both transmission and reception are possible. Via the transmission signal, an energy supply is provided, and at the same time a measurement signal is received. The antenna 41 is assigned a stationary transmission / reception unit 81. The transmission / reception unit, also referred to as stationary receiver, is held by means of a calibration holder 93 on a part of a stationary bearing housing 91. The calibration holder has radial calibration connections 97 and axial calibration connections 95. The calibration connections 95, 97 comprise a long hole and a screw, so that the positioning of the calibration holder 93 can be adjusted in the radial direction 55 and in the axial direction 53. The stationary receiver 81 is firmly connected to the stationary calibration holder 93 here via a spacer 85. By means of the spacer 85, better ventilation of the stationary transmission unit 81 is made possible by the ventilation gaps 87 configured. Furthermore, by means of the defined spacing of the spacer 85 made of plastic and the calibration holder 93, the loss of inductive energy transmission is kept very low. By means of the stationary transmission unit 81, on the one hand signals and data from the rotating antenna 41 can be received, and on the other hand energy can also be transmitted to the rotating antenna 41 and thus also to the electronic module 171. In order to calibrate the spacing from the antenna to the stationary transmission unit 81, an adjustment gauge 89 can be used, as is shown in detail in Figure 10

[0053] The torque measuring device 9 is provided by a strain gauge with an associated electronic device and transmission and reception unit. However, the housing 7 can also be used to protect other components arranged on the rotating component. In particular, other sensors can also be accommodated in the housing.

[0054] Figure 2 is shown in detail in Figure 1 ​A detailed section of the housing 7 is shown. Inside the housing 7 a sensor 301 is arranged. The shown torque sensor mechanism 310 here comprises two measuring points, which are arranged here at an angle of 180°. By the arrangement of the strain gauges on the circumference at an offset of 180°, the influence of possible occurring bending forces on the torque signal is minimized. Each measuring point comprises a first strain gauge pack 320 and a second strain gauge pack 330. The two measuring points are connected with a support point 340 each. By the first and second strain gauge packs of the two measuring points, for example a torsion force or other acting forces acting on the shaft 3 or the rotating component can be detected. The support point 340 is electrically connected via a line 350 with an electronic module 171 accommodated in the pack housing 61, which is not further shown here. The signals can be transmitted via the antenna 41 to the stationarily fixed transmitting / receiving unit 81. The transmitting / receiving unit is fixedly connected with a calibration holder 93, wherein the calibration holder 93 provides the possibility of calibration in axial 53 and radial direction 55. In the shown illustration the sensor is sketched on the front of the housing, but in reality the sensor 301 is arranged between the tabs 105, 107 and between the top of the housing inner side 112 and the surface of the rotating component.

[0055] Figure 3 The housing is shown in detail in Figure 1 The housing 7 is composed of four housing segments 100. It is also possible to provide a different number of housing segments 100. The housing segments 100 are produced in a 3D printing method as plastic segments 103. It is thereby possible to make the housing segments 100 and especially their radius of curvature 57 in the circumferential direction uniquely match the diameter of the intended assembly site. The housing segments 100 are configured as standard parts. As Figure 9 As shown in, in each housing segment 100 a pack housing 161 for the electronic module 171 is configured. The pack housing 161 is initially closed by a pryable side wall 163. If the pack housing 161 is open, noise will be generated by the opening in operation and dirt will also accumulate in the unused pack housing and the opening. The side wall 163 of the pack housing 161 can be easily pried open, for example by a screwdriver. To close the pack housing 161 a closure cap 185 is used. By the closure cap the pack housing 161 can be re-closably closed. If the electronics or the electronic module 171 is defective, the closure cap 185 can be removed for replacement and after replacement of the electronic module 171 or the defective component, the pack housing 161 can be closed again. The pack housing 161 is accessible from the axial direction 53, without having to disassemble the housing 7 or the individual housing segments 100.

[0056] The housing segments 100 are connected to each other by means of the form-locked connection 21 with the respectively adjoining housing segments 100 to form a circumferential housing 7. By means of this connection mechanism with the latching connection 130 between the housing segments, a pre-fixing is provided during assembly. This enables the assembly by the staff without additional aids. In the following Figure 4 The provided latching connection is described in the following. On the end of the housing segment 100 provided in the circumferential direction 57, latching noses 133 are configured. These latching noses 133 are arranged on both sides of the segment of the intermediate web 145. These latching noses 133 are respectively embedded into the elongated hole 131 of the adjoining housing segment 100. By means of the elongated hole 131 Figure 5 ) a connection with a clearance 135 can be realized. Thus, the housing segment has on one end in the circumferential direction a latching nose and on the other end an elongated hole 131 which is assigned to the latching nose 133. By means of the clearance, the assembly is facilitated and also slight deviations of the circumference of the rotating component 1 can be compensated. In order to further facilitate the assembly, a centering 151 is provided, which has a centering pin 153 Figure 5 ) and a centering recess 155 Figure 4 ). In the shown embodiment, two latching connections and one centering are provided per connection location, but also a plurality of centerings and only one latching connection 130 or more latching connections can be provided. The centering 151 and the latching connection 130 facilitate the connection of the housing segments and stabilize it. In the assembled state, the housing 7 encloses the rotation axis 51. In order to be firmly connected with the rotating component, a force-locked connection 26 is provided. For this purpose, the housing segment 100 has on both sides of the intermediate web 145 a slot for accommodating a not shown clamping band. By means of the slot 127, the clamping band is prevented from slipping in the axial direction. Furthermore, on the intermediate web 145, an antenna slot 143 is configured for supporting an antenna 41. By means of the antenna slot, the antenna is prevented from slipping in the axial direction. On the housing outer side 113 of the housing segment 100, in the antenna slot 143, an antenna fastening 141 is provided (see also Figure 7 ). The antenna fastening 141 is assigned to a line feed-through 167 Figure 6) connection. The line feed extends from the housing outside 113 of the housing section into the envelope 161. Thereby an electrical connection from the electronic module to the antenna can be realized. From the envelope 161 to the housing inside 111 of the housing section 100 a recess 165 is configured. This recess serves for accommodating the electrical connection 177 to the sensor mechanism 310. Further openings are visible on the housing inside 111. These openings are discharge openings 123 for excess non-melted material. In these peripheral sections the housing section is configured with cavities for weight reduction and for reducing the required material. The housing section 100 is configured with a wide web 107 and a narrow web 105 as axial side walls. The webs 105, 107 are force-locked connected with the rotating component. Due to the different size of the contact surfaces the load on the housing section is reduced, because the force-locked strength is different due to the different size of the configured contact surfaces. The wide web 107 is configured in a lightweight structure 109. Here a honeycomb structure is provided as lightweight structure 109. On the inside 111 of the housing section 100 a tongue 121 is configured as a holding element 119 for the shield 115. From the Figure 4 It is clearly visible in Fig. 10 that the two ends of the tongue 121 are slightly curved inwards in radial direction. Thereby the insertion of the shield 115 is facilitated and in addition the stability of the tongue is improved.

[0057] The volume of the housing extends in axial direction 53 between the webs 105 and 107 and is marked 147. The height of the housing inner volume, in turn, the radial extension is marked 149.

[0058] In connection with the Figure 8 The electronic module 171 is described in more detail. Before the final assembly the electronics can already be pre-assembled as electronic module. In case of a defect it is also possible to perform a replacement of the entire electronic module 171. For this the electrical connection 177 to the sensor mechanism is released including the pre-provided tension relief 181. The antenna interface 175 is released and the fastening 183 of the electronic module 171 to the fastening element 169 configured in the envelope 161 is released, so that the electronic module can be removed as a whole from the envelope 161.

[0059] The electronic module comprises a circuit board 179 carrying electronic components, wherein the electronic components can be cast together with the circuit board. It is further possible that the electronics are cast in the envelope in a releasable manner. It is thus still possible to replace the circuit board individually. The pre-fabricated circuit board and the functionality of the electronic module 171 can be checked before the final assembly. In case of a suitable material selection, such as a metal particle filled plastic, an electromagnetic shield can be provided directly in the housing.

[0060] Figure 11 The spacer block 85 is shown in Fig. 11, wherein the spacer block enables a good ventilation of the transceiver unit 81.Figure 10 The adjustment rule 89 mentioned above is shown in detail in Figure 1 The predetermined spacing between the antenna and the transmitting / receiving unit 81 can thus be adjusted. For this purpose, the cradle 86 can be placed in the desired position.

[0061] The reference to the segmented housing consisting of identical components is made in Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment shown, different ring diameters can be realized in a simple manner.

[0062] The ring-shaped housing 7 can be fixed by means of a commercially available clamping band 27. This results in a uniform pressure distribution onto the housing, which avoids peak stresses in individual regions. This results in lower requirements in terms of strength of the polymer material used. Thus, in the case of a housing used as a cardan shaft, a rotational speed of 0 to 3000 rpm, a diameter of 100 mm to 2200 mm and a strength or yield stress of 65 MPa to 80 MPa are sufficient.

[0063] On the other hand, the load on the fixing part, in particular the clamping device 25, is also small, since the housing 7 with the individual housing segments 10 is designed weight-optimized.

[0064] The shielding band can be assembled and fixed without tools by means of the holding elements 119 on the inside of the housing. A conventional adhesive connection can thus be dispensed with. This makes both the assembly itself and the replacement easy to assemble.

[0065] Figure 8Another variation of the segmented housing is shown. Here, numerous base segments 210, which do not match the diameter of their respective gimbals, are chained together. A locking connection with a spring-loaded locking lug 133 is shown again. The spring-loaded locking lug inserts into an elongated hole, providing a shape-locking connection with a gap. Only housing segment 100 includes a sheath 161, which serves as a “chain lock” or closure element for housing 7. Advantageously, there is greater flexibility relative to varying gimbal diameters because the base segments 210 are diameter-independent. It is only necessary to make housing segments 100 uniquely matched, for example, to the diameter of the area of ​​use in a particular application. This expands the possibilities of use, particularly in temporary measurement applications, because these base segments 210 can be manufactured and stockpiled very inexpensively. The base elements match the outer contour of housing segment 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the base segment also has a center joint 245 for accommodating antenna 41. The contact surfaces with the rotating components can also be designed similarly to the contact surfaces of the narrow tab 105 and the wide tab 107. However, it is also possible to design the two side boundaries of the base section 210 symmetrically, because the contact with the rotating components here is linear, thus resulting in low forces, especially torque, transmitted to the base section 210. Due to the base section 210, only a small number of housing sections used as the "chain" are needed. Therefore, a small amount of stock can be maintained for predetermined standard diameters. Of course, it is also possible to use more than one housing section 100 together with the base section 210 to form the housing 7. Figure 8 In the illustration, the housing 7 is shown arranged on the hollow shaft 5. Therefore, the outline of the inner side of the housing is not visible in this figure.

[0066] Other components that are additively manufactured for specific applications include:

[0067] - Adjustment gauge: The adjustment gauge is used to facilitate the mounting of the stationary receiver to the annular housing 7 with a defined gap from the copper strip serving as antenna 41. See Figure 2 and Figure 10 This gauge can be adjusted according to the desired spacing.

[0068] - Spacer block 85 Figure 11 The spacer 85 is made of plastic because it facilitates the receiver's function when the receiver is not directly fastened to the metal calibration holder 93. The spacer 85 is designed to allow heat generated during receiver 81 operation to be dissipated into the ambient air in the best possible way. Furthermore, it increases the metal-free space around the receiver.

[0069] exist Figures 12 to 15An alternative embodiment of the housing section 100 in a lightweight construction form is shown. This lightweight construction embodiment of the housing section is particularly compatible with manufacturing by means of additive methods. Compared to the embodiment according to 3 to Figure 7 The housing section has intermediate tabs, wherein the intermediate tabs have a greater radial extent. Thereby, it is possible to configure the housing 161 for the electronic module to be rectangular. The advantage of the rectangular shape is that there is no need to coordinate or match the curvature of the housing section 100. For the centering section 151, centering tabs are respectively formed in the regions of the tabs 107 and 107. These centering tabs 154 are inserted into centering recesses 155 formed in the opposite direction. The latching elements 133 and the oblong holes 131 are arranged radially below the antenna slots 143. Thereby, the latching connection realized by means of the oblong holes 131 and the latching noses 133 is protected due to the internal arrangement.

[0070] By Figure 13 and Figure 15 The internal structure of the intermediate tab 145 can be seen. Figure 15 A sectional view through the housing section along B-B in the shown viewing direction is shown in Figure 14 The intermediate tab has lateral housing walls 146. In the circumferential direction, antenna slots 143 are formed between the side walls 146. A cavity 150 is formed in the intermediate tab. A support structure 191 is provided inside the cavity 150. The support structure has support struts 195 facing the bottom of the antenna slot. The support struts 197 are formed towards the side walls 146, and the support struts 199 are formed towards the top of the housing inner side 112. These support struts are connected to each other by support struts 193 formed in the circumferential direction ( Figure 13 ). Openings 123 are formed on the top 112 of the housing inner side, through which excess material can be discharged.

[0071] Figure 16 A production chain of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is shown. Data for reproducing the component to be additively manufactured for 3D printing can be conveyed to the control unit via a data carrier 426, or can also be conveyed to the control unit via a network connection. These data can be included in a computer program, or a computer program for processing the data already exists in the control unit. The 3D printer is driven by the control unit to produce 3D printed components, such as especially the housing section 100. The base section 210 can also be manufactured by 3D printing, which enables pre-production. The spacer pads 85 and the adjustment gauges can also be produced in this way in 3D manufacturing.

[0072] Figures 17a to 17c An implementation variant with a base section is shown. Compared to the one according to Figure 8In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, the base segments are not connected to each other by means of a latching nose, but have a radially partially closed slot 227 for accommodating the clamping band 237. In this embodiment, a clamping band with a notch 237 is used. This clamping band 237 can be clamped particularly well. Each base segment 210 has two mutually inclined contact surfaces 247 on the tabs 107 and 105, respectively. The arrangement of the contact surfaces 247 mutually inclined ensures that the narrow side tab 105 with two contact points and the wide side tab 107 with two contact points are both braced against the rotating component 1 in the clamped state. Here, the positioning of the contact points varies depending on the surface curvature of the rotating component 1. In order to simplify assembly, the base segments 210 are provided with two staggered holes. The base segments can be preassembled on the rod, and the clamping band and the antenna can be pulled into the slots 227, 143 provided for this purpose. These base segments 210 can be manufactured by injection molding, but also by 3D printing or by means of cutting.

[0073] List of reference signs

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Claims

1. Housing (7) for a partial region of a component (1) rotating about an axis of rotation (51), wherein The housing (7) surrounds the axis of rotation (51), and wherein the housing (7) has at least one housing section (10, 100, 210), wherein the housing section (10, 100, 210) is arranged to cover a partial area in the axial direction (53) of the axis of rotation (51) and is arranged to cover a partial area in the circumferential direction (57) of the rotating component (1, 5), characterized in that The housing section (10, 100, 210) is made of plastic, comprises an electronics enclosure (61, 161) for an electronic module (171), has a cavity for a receptacle (143) for an antenna (41) radially arranged outside the electronics enclosure (61, 161) in connection with the electronics enclosure (61, 161) via a recess, wherein the housing has four or more housing sections, and wherein the housing section (10, 100) can be connected with a further housing section (10, 100, 210) to form a housing (7) surrounding the rotating component (1) and is provided for connecting with a further housing section (10, 100, 210) by means of a form-locked connection (21, 130), wherein each of the housing sections has at least one slot (131) for providing a form-locked connection (21) with a gap (135) and at least one latching nose (133, 233) for connecting with a further housing section (10, 100, 210).

2. The housing (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing section (10, 100, 210) has an intermediate web (145, 245), wherein the intermediate web (145, 245) extends in the radial direction and has a smaller axial extension than the maximum axial extension of the housing section (100, 210), and wherein the intermediate web (145) has at least one inner cavity (150).

3. The housing (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that In the cavity (150) of the intermediate web (145) there is arranged a support structure (191) for improving the shape stability of the intermediate web (145), wherein the support structure (191) can have webs (193, 195, 197, 199) extending in the axial direction (53), the circumferential direction (57) and / or the radial direction (55).

4. The housing (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The housing section (10, 100, 210) has at least one holding element for accommodating a shielding part, wherein the at least one holding element is accessible via the inner cavity (150) and / or the electronics enclosure (61, 161).

5. The housing (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The radial spacing between the radial surface of the rotating component and the receptacle (143) for the antenna is between 40 mm and 80 mm.

6. The housing (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The housing section (10, 100, 210) is produced by means of an additive manufacturing method.

7. The housing (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A part of the housing section (10, 100, 210), a part of the intermediate web (145, 245) and / or a part of the support structure (191) has a cavity for constituting a lightweight structure (109).

8. The housing (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (7) coaxially surrounds the rotating component (1).

9. The housing (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (7) can be connected to the rotating component (1) in a force-locked manner.

10. The housing (7) according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that At least one housing section (10, 100) with an electronics enclosure (161) for an electronics module (171) is produced in an additive manufacturing method, wherein further housing sections are produced as base elements (210) with a shorter extension in the circumferential direction (57) in a different manufacturing method.

11. The housing (7) according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that Between the accommodation (143) for the antenna (41) and the surface of the rotating component, a shield against electromagnetic radiation is arranged, which is suitable for shielding the inner cavity (150) and / or the electronics enclosure (61, 161) against electromagnetic waves.

12. The housing (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing section (10, 100) is connected with further housing sections (10, 100, 210) with a gap (135) by means of a form-locked connection (21, 130).

13. The housing (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that The radial distance between the radial surface of the rotating component and the accommodation (143) for the antenna is greater than 60 mm.

14. The housing (7) according to claim 6, characterized in that The housing section (10, 100, 210) is produced in a 3D printing method.

15. The housing (7) according to claim 7, characterized in that The cavity for constituting a lightweight structure (109) is realized by means of a honeycomb structure suitable for achieving a weight reduction.

16. The housing (7) according to claim 9, characterized in that The housing (7) can be connected to the rotating component (1) in a force-locked manner by means of a clamping device (25).

17. The housing (7) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least one housing section (10, 100) with an electronics enclosure (161) for an electronics module (171) is produced in a 3D printing.

18. The housing (7) according to claim 10, characterized in that Further housing sections are produced as base elements (210) with a shorter extension in the circumferential direction (57) in an injection molding.

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