Structural assemblies for vehicles and vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a structural assembly (2) for a vehicle, comprising a housing having a first housing component (4) and a rotating body (16) rotatably arranged about a rotation axis on the first housing component (4) in the installed state of the structural assembly (2), wherein the axial position of the rotating body (16) relative to the first housing component (4) is fixed by means of the first housing component (4) in the installed state of the structural assembly (2). To improve the structural assembly (2) for a vehicle and the vehicle equipped with it, it is proposed that the axial position of the rotating body (16) relative to the first housing component (4) be fixed solely by means of the first housing component (4) in the installed state of the structural assembly (2). Furthermore, this invention relates to a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle having such a structural assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Such structural assemblies for vehicles and vehicles are known from the prior art in many variations. Known structural assemblies for vehicles include a housing having a first housing component and a rotating body rotatably arranged about a rotation axis on the first housing component in the mounted state of the structural assembly, wherein, in the mounted state of the structural assembly, the axial position of the rotating body relative to the first housing component is fixed by means of the first housing component.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2012 105 969 A1 discloses a structural assembly for a vehicle of an electronic device configured as a sensor. This known electronic device includes a first housing component, a second housing component, and a circuit board. The two housing components are joined together along a mounting axis to form the housing in the mounted state of the electronic device, and the circuit board is arranged between the first and second housing components and fixed in its axial position relative to the first housing component by means of the two housing components. For good measurement accuracy in constructing a sensor for determining rotation angles, it is particularly important that the stator positioned on the circuit board and the rotating body configured as a sensor gear are positioned as precisely as possible within the housing to determine the rotor position of the sensor relative to the first housing component. However, this is a significant challenge in practice because the electronic device should operate normally for a long period of time, ideally throughout the entire service life of the vehicle equipped with it, under harsh environmental conditions (e.g., large temperature differences and strong vibrations). The circuit board and the sensor gear must be fixed correspondingly. The fixation of the axial position of the circuit board and the axial position of the sensor gear relative to the first and second housing components of the housing is achieved here by welding the two housing components together during the manufacture of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention begins here.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve a structural assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with the structural assembly.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a structural assembly having the features of the invention, characterized in that the axial position of the rotating body relative to the first housing component is fixed solely by means of the first housing component in the installed state of the structural assembly. Furthermore, this objective is achieved by a vehicle having the features of the invention. The term "axial" here refers to the axis of rotation of the rotating body.

[0007] The main advantage of this invention lies particularly in the improvement of structural assemblies for vehicles and vehicles equipped with such assemblies. Since the structural assemblies and vehicles are constructed according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to manufacture the structural assemblies more simply and therefore at a lower cost. Therefore, the fixing of the rotating body to the first housing component according to the invention not only achieves sufficient fixation of the axial position of the rotating body relative to the first housing component, even under extreme environmental conditions, but also avoids the need for expensive welding processes. Furthermore, compared to the prior art described above, the advantage of this invention is that the materials of the various components of the structural assembly can be selected with greater freedom. For example, materials with sliding properties, such as sliding plastics with a polytetrafluoroethylene content or the like, which cannot be used when welding is required due to poor or absent weldability, can thus be used. Regardless of the specific embodiment, a fundamental advantage of this invention is that no additional components, such as a second housing component, are required to fix the axial position of the rotating body relative to the first housing component in the installed state of the structural assembly.

[0008] In principle, the structural assemblies according to the invention can be freely selected within a wide range of suitable limitations according to type, working principle, application, material, size and arrangement.

[0009] An advantageous improvement to the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the first housing component has a plurality of locking hooks and the rotating body has locking wells corresponding to the locking hooks, wherein the locking hooks and locking wells have corresponding contact surfaces, and the locking hooks, in the installed state of the structural assembly, are pre-tightened by means of their contact surfaces in the locking position of the corresponding locking hooks, parallel to the axis of rotation, toward the contact surfaces surrounding the locking wells. In this way, the axial position of the rotating body according to the invention relative to the first housing component is fixed in a structurally simple and robust manner in the installed state of the structural assembly. Furthermore, the aforementioned pre-tightening prevents, but at least significantly reduces, undesirable noise emissions from the structural assembly, because the pre-tightening prevents axial clearance between the rotating body and the first housing component.

[0010] An advantageous improvement to the above-described embodiment of the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the first housing component has a spring element, wherein the spring element is pre-tightened toward the rotating body in the installed state of the structural assembly, such that the corresponding contact surfaces of the locking hook and the locking trap are pre-tightened toward each other. Therefore, the pre-tightening of the locking hook of the first housing component toward the locking trap of the rotating body can be achieved in a particularly simple manner. Here, the spring element can be constructed as a separate spring element or as a spring element integrated into the first housing component. For example, the spring element can be implemented as a separate spring plate or a spring tongue formed by the rest of the first housing component.

[0011] According to another advantageous improvement of the structural assembly according to the invention, the locking hook and the locking trap are configured and arranged in a coordinated manner such that the locking of the locking hook and the locking trap is substantially non-releasable in the installed state of the structural assembly. In this way, the locking of the locking hook and the locking trap is self-locking, thereby eliminating the need for additional components of the structural assembly for securing the locking.

[0012] A particularly advantageous improvement to the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the first housing component and the rotating body are constructed and arranged in a coordinated manner such that the locking of the locking hook and locking trap can be visually perceived when the structural assembly is in its installed state. Therefore, optical inspection of the locking of the locking hook and locking trap regarding normal locking can be performed, thereby further simplifying manufacturing. For example, the aforementioned optical inspection can be largely automated during the manufacture of the structural assembly according to the invention using a camera. In contrast, inspection using buttons or the like, i.e., non-contact inspection of the locking mechanism, is more time-consuming and costly.

[0013] Another advantageous improvement to the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the first housing component and the rotating body are configured and arranged in a coordinated manner such that the rotating body, in the installed state of the structural assembly, covers, preferably substantially seals, the locking hooks and locking traps on the side facing the free environment. In this way, without additional components, such as a housing cover or similar components, the locking hooks and locking traps are protected on one side from environmental influences detrimental to their function. This is particularly applicable to the preferred embodiment of this improvement.

[0014] An advantageous improvement to the above-described embodiment of the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the second housing component of the structural assembly is configured to be fixed to the side of the first housing component opposite to the rotating body in the installed state of the structural assembly, such that the second housing component covers, preferably substantially seals, the first housing component on the side facing the free environment. Thus, the locking hooks and locking traps are protected on both sides from environmental influences detrimental to their function. This is particularly applicable to the preferred embodiment of this improvement.

[0015] An advantageous improvement of the last mentioned embodiment of the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the two housing components have corresponding locking devices, wherein the corresponding locking devices of the two housing components connectably to each other in the installed state of the structural assembly. In this way, for example, it is possible to completely eliminate costly welding connections when transforming the structural assembly into its installed state.

[0016] Another advantageous improvement to the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the first housing component is configured such that it can be manufactured as an injection molded part in an injection mold configured only as an opening and closing mold. This further simplifies and thus reduces the cost of manufacturing the first housing component. For example, the injection mold can be configured as a plastic injection mold. In this case, "opening and closing mold" refers to an injection mold that does not have complex sliding technology, etc., but has only two mold halves that are closed for injection molding and open for removal of the injection molded part after injection.

[0017] In principle, the structural assembly according to the invention can be advantageously used in a number of different applications. However, another advantageous improvement to the structural assembly according to the invention specifies that the structural assembly is configured as the electronic device of a sensor and the rotating body is configured as a sensor gear. Preferably, the sensor is configured to determine the rotational position of the sensor rotor relative to the first housing member by means of a stator arranged on the first housing member. High accuracy is required precisely when determining the rotational position, such as the steering angle and / or steering torque in a vehicle's steering wheel. The use of the invention in this application area is therefore advantageous. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 An exploded view of a first embodiment of the structural assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A first top view showing the first embodiment in a partially installed state;

[0021] Figure 3 The bottom view of the first embodiment in a partially installed state is shown.

[0022] Figure 4a / b shows a first perspective view and an enlarged detailed view of the first embodiment in its normal dimensions in a partially installed state;

[0023] Figure 5a / b shows a second perspective view and an enlarged detail view of the first embodiment in its normal dimensions, with the structural assembly in its installed state;

[0024] Figure 6a / b shows a second top view and a partially sectional first side view of the first embodiment in the installed state of the structural assembly;

[0025] Figure 7a / b / c shows a third top view and a partially sectional second side view of the first embodiment in its installed state as a structural assembly, as well as enlarged detail views, at normal dimensions;

[0026] Figure 8a / b / c shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of a second embodiment of the structural assembly according to the invention, with the root in the installed state of the structural assembly; and

[0027] Figure 9a / b / c shows two perspective views and one side view of the second embodiment in partial sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figures 1 to 7c A first embodiment of the structural assembly according to the invention is shown purely by way of example, wherein, Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a Detail "A" in the text Figure 5b It shows Figure 5a Detail "B" in the text Figure 6a It shows Figure 6b The cross section "CC" in the middle Figure 7b It shows Figure 7a The section “DD” in the middle and Figure 7c It shows Figure 7b The detail "E" in the text.

[0029] Structural assembly 2 is configured as an electronic device for a combined steering angle / steering torque sensor for the steering shaft of a motor vehicle steering wheel. Figures 1 to 7c The vehicle and steering wheel with a steering shaft are not shown. The structural assembly 2 is arranged on the steering shaft in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Structural assembly 2 includes a first housing component 4, a second housing component 6, and a circuit board 8, wherein the two housing components 4 and 6 are in the structural assembly 2. Figures 5a to 7c In the installation state shown, the components are joined together along the mounting axis 10 to form a housing, and the circuit board 8 is arranged between the first housing component 4 and the second housing component 6 in the installation state of the structural assembly 2 and is fixed in its axial position relative to the first housing component 4 by means of the two housing components 4, 6. The above-described combined steering angle / steering torque sensor is constructed as an inductive sensor, having two rotors 12, 14 and a stator corresponding to the two rotors 12, 14, wherein the stator, not shown, is arranged on the circuit board 8 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] To ensure high accuracy in determining steering angle and steering torque using the combined steering angle / steering torque sensors, even under adverse environmental conditions, precise axial positioning of the circuit board 8 and the precise axial positioning of the rotating body 16, configured as a sensor gear, relative to the first housing component 4, i.e., along the mounting axis 10, are required. In this embodiment, the rotating body 16, in the mounted state of the structural assembly 2, is rotatably fixed to the first housing component 4 about a rotation axis (not shown) extending parallel to the mounting axis 10. The rotating body 16, configured as a sensor gear, interacts with the drive gear 18 (connected to the steering shaft of the steering wheel in a torque-transmitting manner) in a torque-transmitting manner and has a plurality of, a total of seven, permanent magnets 20, which interact with at least one Hall sensor (not shown) arranged on the circuit board 8 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] According to the invention, the axial position of the rotating body 16 relative to the first housing component 4 is fixed in the installed state of the structural assembly 2 solely by means of the first housing component 4. For this purpose, the first housing component 4 has a total of three locking hooks 22, and the rotating body 16 has locking recesses 24 corresponding to the locking hooks 22 and configured as surrounding grooves. The locking hooks 22 and locking recesses 24 have corresponding contact surfaces 26 and 28, and in the installed state of the structural assembly 2, the locking hooks 22 are pre-tightened by means of their contact surfaces 26 in the locking position of the corresponding locking hooks 22, parallel to the axis of rotation, i.e., parallel to the mounting axis 10, towards the surrounding contact surfaces 28 of the locking recesses 24. See in particular... Figures 4a to 5b For the purpose of pre-tightening, the first housing component 4 has a spring element 30 that is integrally formed as part of the first housing component 4, wherein the spring element 30 is pre-tightened toward the rotating body 16 in the installed state of the structural assembly 2, such that the corresponding contact surfaces 26, 28 of the locking hook 22 and the locking trap 24 are pre-tightened toward each other.

[0033] Furthermore, the locking hook 22 and locking trap 24 are constructed and arranged in a coordinated manner such that the locking of the locking hook 22 and the locking trap 24 is substantially non-detachable when the structural assembly 2 is installed. Accordingly, the locking connection between the rotating body 16 on one side and the first housing component 4 on the other side, established by means of the locking hook 22 and the locking trap 24 when the structural assembly 2 is installed, cannot be released afterward. Thus, despite adverse environmental conditions, such as large temperature differences and vibrations, the locking of the rotating body 16 and the first housing component 4 is maintained throughout the entire service life of the vehicle without the need for additional fixing elements.

[0034] Furthermore, the first housing component 4 and the rotating body 16 are constructed and arranged in a manner that allows the locking of the locking hook 22 and the locking trap 24 to be visually perceived when the structural assembly 2 is installed. This is achieved by viewing the first housing component 4 from the side opposite to the rotating body 16 when the structural assembly 2 is installed, for example, in... Figure 7b and 7c The locking of the locking hook 22 and the locking trap 24 can be visually perceived from the bottom-up viewing direction in the corresponding plane, and thus can be optically inspected by means of a camera or similar object.

[0035] To effectively protect the aforementioned locking mechanism of the locking hook 22 and locking trap 24 from environmental influences that are detrimental to its function, such as moisture or dirt, in this embodiment, the first housing component 4 and the rotating body 16 are configured and arranged in a manner that, in the installed state of the structural assembly 2, the rotating body 16 covers, in a substantially sealed manner, the locking hook 22 and locking trap 24 on one side facing the free environment. For this purpose, see, for example, [reference needed]. Figure 5a , 5b 6a, 7b and 7c, wherein the rotating body 16 protects the aforementioned locking mechanism from undesirable environmental influences from top to bottom in the corresponding image plane without the need for an additional housing cover or similar object.

[0036] On the other hand, for this purpose, in this embodiment, the second housing component 6 of the structural assembly 2 is configured to be fixed to the side of the first housing component 4 away from the rotating body 16 in the installed state of the structural assembly 2, such that the second housing component 6 covers, or essentially seals, the first housing component 4 in a direction facing the free environment. For this purpose, see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5a , 5b 6a, 7b, and 7c, wherein the second housing component 6 protects the aforementioned lock from unwanted environmental influences from bottom to top in the corresponding planar view. Therefore, by means of the second housing component 6, the normal condition of the aforementioned lock can be optically checked in the manner described above before installation of the second housing component 6, and then, after installation, it can be effectively protected from unwanted environmental influences on one side by means of the second housing component 6.

[0037] Therefore, in the installed state of structural assembly 2 and after the installation of the second housing component 6, the aforementioned locking devices are protected on both sides from environmental influences that are detrimental to the function of the locking hook 22 and locking trap 24. To connect the two housing components 4 and 6, these housing components have corresponding locking devices 32 and 34, wherein the corresponding locking devices 32 and 34 of the two housing components 4 and 6 are interlocked with each other in the installed state of structural assembly 2. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a complex and expensive welding process is completely unnecessary.

[0038] The two housing components 4 and 6 and the rotating body 16 are respectively constructed as plastic injection molded parts, wherein the first housing component 4 and the second housing component 6 are constructed such that the first housing component 4 and the second housing component 6 can be manufactured in injection molded parts that are only constructed as opening and closing molds.

[0039] In the following text, the working principle of the structural assembly according to the invention based on the first embodiment is explained by means of... Figures 1 to 7c To elaborate further.

[0040] First of all, Figure 1 Structural assembly 2 is shown in its disassembled state. To transform structural assembly 2 from its disassembled state to its in-assembled state... Figures 5a to 7c In the installation state shown, the rotating body 16, configured as a sensor gear, is specifically fixed to the first housing component 4. For this purpose, the rotating body 16... Figure 4a and 4b In the corresponding planar view, it moves downwards along the mounting axis 10 toward the first housing component 4. Once the rotating body 16 engages with the three locking hooks 22, the rotating body 16 radially presses the locking hooks 22 outwards. The rotating body 16, except for its stop on the spring element 30 of the first housing component 4, Figure 4a and 4b In the corresponding planar view, it moves further downwards parallel to the mounting axis 10. Here, the three locking hooks 22 of the first housing component 4 engage with the locking traps 24 of the rotating body 16, which are configured as surrounding grooves. Due to the mutually coordinated configuration of the first housing component 4 with locking hooks 22 and spring element 30 and the rotating body 16 with locking trap 24, as explained above, the spring element 30 presses against the rotating body 16 in the present installed state of the structural assembly 2, so that the rotating body is pre-tensioned with its surrounding contact surface 28 toward the contact surface 26 of the locking hooks 22 of the first housing component 4. See for details. Figures 5a to 7c The installation state of structural assembly 2 is shown. Due to the aforementioned pre-tightening, undesirable noise emissions from structural assembly 2 in its installed state are effectively prevented, or at least reduced. In the installed state of structural assembly 2, the rotating body 16 substantially seals over the locking portion in the manner described above, thus protecting the locking hook 22 and locking trap 24 on one side from environmental factors detrimental to their function. Since the second housing component 6 is not yet installed, the normal state of the aforementioned locking mechanism can be checked by means of a camera or similar device as already described. Subsequently, the second housing component 6 is locked onto structural assembly 2 in its installed state by means of the corresponding locking devices 32 and 34 of the two housing components 4 and 6, thereby protecting the rotating body 16 and the aforementioned locking mechanism of the first housing component 4 on both sides from environmental factors detrimental to their function.

[0041] Figures 8a to 9c A second embodiment of the structural assembly for a vehicle according to the invention is shown purely by way of example. Components that are identical or function the same are designated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The second embodiment is described only to the extent of the distinguishing features from the first embodiment. In other respects, refer to the foregoing description of the first embodiment.

[0042] Unlike the first embodiment, the locking hook 22 of the first housing component 4 is located in the structural assembly 2. Figures 8a to 8c The installation configuration shown in 9b and 9c is an arrangement accessible from the free environment, i.e., constructed on the first housing component 4. Accordingly, the locking hook 22 of the first housing component 4 can be disengaged from the locking trap 24 of the rotating body 16 in the installed configuration of the structural assembly 2. If this is not desirable, for example, to ensure normal locking even under environmental influences that adversely affect the locking, such as large temperature fluctuations or vibrations, the locking hook 22 must be secured according to the application to prevent undesirable springback of the locking hook 22, i.e., undesirable radial outward movement of the locking hook 22. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a housing cover or the like. The term "radial" here refers to the axis of rotation (not shown) of the rotating body 16 extending parallel to the mounting axis 10.

[0043] Therefore, since the structural assembly 2 for a vehicle and the vehicle according to the embodiments described above are constructed according to the present invention, the structural assembly 2 can be manufactured more simply and therefore at a lower cost. Thus, the fixing of the rotating body 16 to the first housing component 4 according to the present invention not only ensures sufficient axial positioning of the rotating body 16 relative to the first housing component 4 even under extreme environmental conditions, but also eliminates the need for expensive welding processes. Furthermore, compared to the prior art, the materials of the various components of the structural assembly 2 can be selected with greater freedom. For example, materials with sliding properties, such as sliding plastics with polytetrafluoroethylene content, can be used, which cannot be used when welding is required due to poor or absent weldability. Regardless of the specific embodiment, a fundamental advantage of the present invention is that no additional components are required to fix the axial position of the rotating body 16 relative to the first housing component 4 in the installed state of the structural assembly 2.

[0044] This invention is not limited to the present embodiments. For example, the invention can also be advantageously used in other land vehicles, but also in maritime and air vehicles. The application of the structural assembly according to the invention is certainly not limited to determining the steering angle and / or steering torque of a vehicle's steering wheel. The structural assembly is also not necessarily required to be constructed as an electronic device. Accordingly, the invention can be used in a number of applications that are different from each other.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 2 Structural assemblies

[0047] 4 First housing component

[0048] 6 Second housing component

[0049] 8 circuit boards

[0050] 10. Install axis

[0051] 12 rotors

[0052] 14 rotors

[0053] 16 bodies of revolution

[0054] 18 transmission gears

[0055] 20 rotating bodies and 16 permanent magnets

[0056] 22-card lock hook

[0057] 24-card lock trap

[0058] 26-lock hook 22 contact surface

[0059] 28-card lock trap 24 contact surface

[0060] 30 Spring Components

[0061] 32 Locking device of the first housing component 4

[0062] 34 Locking device of second housing component 6

Claims

1. A structural assembly (2) for a vehicle, the structural assembly comprising a housing having a first housing component (4) and a rotating body (16) rotatably arranged about a rotation axis on the first housing component (4) in an installed state of the structural assembly (2), wherein, With the structural assembly (2) installed, the axial position of the rotating body (16) relative to the first housing component (4) is fixed by means of the first housing component (4). The feature is that, in the installed state of the structural assembly (2), the axial position of the rotating body (16) relative to the first housing component (4) is fixed only by means of the first housing component (4) in the following manner: the first housing component (4) has a plurality of locking hooks (22), and the rotating body (16) has locking traps (24) corresponding to the locking hooks (22), wherein the locking hooks (22) and the locking traps (24) have corresponding contact surfaces (26, 28), and the locking hooks (22) are pre-tightened in the installed state of the structural assembly (2) by means of the contact surface (26) of the locking hooks in the locking position of the corresponding locking hooks (22) parallel to the axis of rotation toward the contact surface (28) surrounding the locking traps (24), and the locking hooks (22) and the locking traps (24) are mutually... This coordinated construction and arrangement of the components such that the locking of the latch hook (22) and the latch trap (24) is non-detachable in the installed state of the structural assembly (2), the first housing component (4) has a spring element (30) configured as an integral part of the first housing component (4), wherein the spring element (30) presses against the rotating body (16) in the installed state of the structural assembly (2) such that the corresponding contact surfaces (26, 28) of the latch hook (22) and the latch trap (24) are pre-tightened toward each other, the first housing component (4) and the rotating body (16) are coordinated construction and arrangement of the components such that the rotating body (16) sealably covers the latch hook (22) and the latch trap (24) on the side facing the free environment in the installed state of the structural assembly (2).

2. The structural assembly (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing component (4) and the rotating body (16) are constructed in coordination with each other and arranged such that the locking of the locking hook (22) and the locking trap (24) can be visually perceived when the structural assembly (2) is installed.

3. The structural assembly (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing component (6) of the structural assembly (2) is configured to be fixed on the side of the first housing component (4) away from the rotating body (16) in the installed state of the structural assembly (2), such that the second housing component (6) covers the first housing component (4) on the side facing the free environment.

4. The structural assembly (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first housing component and the second housing component have corresponding locking devices (32, 34), wherein the corresponding locking devices (32, 34) of the first housing component and the second housing component are connected to each other in the installed state of the structural assembly (2).

5. The structural assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first housing component (4) is configured such that the first housing component (4) can be manufactured as an injection mold in an injection mold which is only configured as an opening and closing mold.

6. The structural assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The structural assembly (2) is constructed as the electronic device of the sensor and the rotating body (16) is constructed as the sensor gear.

7. The structural assembly (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second housing component (6) seals over the first housing component (4) on the side facing the free environment.

8. The structural assembly (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sensor is configured to determine the rotational position of the sensor rotor (12, 14) relative to the first housing component (4) by means of the stator of the sensor arranged on the first housing component (4).

9. A vehicle comprising a structural assembly (2), characterized in that, Structural assembly (2) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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