Inductive sensor for short stroke

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor (100) for detecting a movement with a short stroke, in particular for a pedal (201) of a vehicle (200), comprising: a first wing structure (10); a second wing structure (20) spaced apart from the first wing structure (10) in the travel direction (202); a sensor circuit board (30) for sensing the movement of the first wing structure (10) and / or the second wing structure (20), the sensor circuit board (30) being arranged between the first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20); a sleeve (40) connecting the first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20), said sleeve (40) being arranged so as to be movable relative to the sensor circuit board (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor having the features of a first independent patent claim, a method having the features of a second independent patent claim, a computer program product having the features of an independent computer program product claim, a computer-readable data carrier having the features of an independent patent claim relating to a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit having the features of an independent patent claim relating to a control unit, and a vehicle having the features of an independent vehicle claim. Background Art

[0002] Sensors for pedals of vehicles are known, such as the accelerator pedal or clutch pedal in a conventional passenger car. Here, a cable drive can be used as before. More modern variants can have a decoupled pedal, in which only the travel of the pedal applied by the driver's foot is detected and the motor is regulated and / or controlled accordingly. Other pedals and systems can also use such sensors for travel. In the field of steering and in the field of braking, so-called wire control systems (X-by-Wire Systems) seem to be generally accepted at present. The driver's wishes are detected by means of force and / or position sensors, and the control unit (ECU= Electronic Control Unit) adjusts the adjustment task through actuators. Thus, for example, the wheels are adjusted for steering for wire control. All wire control applications are classified as safety-related systems and are particularly mostly classified as "ASIL-D" level of "ISO 26262".

[0003] However, the prior art has different disadvantages. Here, the known sensors are only designed for relatively large strokes, such as strokes of about 60mm and / or can only achieve low or insufficient accuracy under small strokes, such as strokes of about 10mm. In contrast, small sensors and components are fragile and / or not robust enough. In addition, the known sensors or systems only have insufficient flexibility. Therefore, individual components cannot be replaced modularly. Components, such as sensor circuit boards designed for angle measurement, may or may be used only for such applications. The situation of displacement sensors or corresponding sensor circuit boards is similar, which are very specifically constructed and are only used for this purpose. Sensor circuit boards (such as those known by printed circuit board technology (PCB)) cannot realize any narrow conductor circuit laying. Therefore, the known sensors have limitations in miniaturization. Distance sensors with measurement paths below about 5mm cannot be realized or can hardly be realized here. Distance sensors on sensor circuit boards (such as CIPOS® technology) may not be suitable for measuring short measurement paths within the range of about 10mm. For small paths, a very delicate conductor circuit structure is required on the sensor circuit board or PCB. This is generally not consistent with the guidelines for the conductor circuit board configuration for automotive applications. Miniaturized sensors for short strokes also require very strict mechanical tolerances during production, assembly and / or maintenance, and in particular require precise guidance and / or precisely constructed housings. Mechanical tolerances may be particularly severe in the case of eccentric and / or tilted positions. In addition, known sensors and structures are too complex and / or too expensive. Most of the structures made of plastic are selected, wherein such structures cannot be well coordinated with the mechanical tolerance requirements of miniaturized inductive displacement sensors. In addition, there are very challenging test conditions in the automotive field, such as test conditions for magnetic components, which should achieve scattered field resistance in a magnetic interference field with a current field strength of 4000A / m. Accordingly, high safety requirements must be met and / or the risk of "common mode" error causes must be preferably prevented, wherein a specific interference parameter (at least theoretically) blocks the entire function of the sensor. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, cost-effective, robust and / or error-proof sensor device for short travels.

[0005] The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a sensor having the features of the first independent patent claim, a method having the features of the second independent patent claim, a computer program product having the features of the independent computer program product claim, a computer-readable data carrier having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a control unit, and a vehicle having the features of the independent vehicle claim. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in conjunction with the sensor according to the invention naturally also apply in conjunction with the method according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the computer program product according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the control unit according to the invention and / or in conjunction with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, respectively, so that the disclosure of the individual inventive aspects always refers to one another or can refer to one another. In particular, the advantages described within the scope of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth aspect also apply to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth aspect, respectively.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the above object is achieved by a sensor for detecting a movement with a short stroke, in particular a sensor for a pedal of a vehicle, the sensor comprising:

[0007] - First wing structure;

[0008] - a second wing structure spaced apart from the first wing structure in the direction of travel;

[0009] - a sensor circuit board for sensingly detecting a movement of the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure, the sensor circuit board being arranged between the first wing structure and the second wing structure;

[0010] - A sleeve connecting the first wing structure and the second wing structure, the sleeve being arranged to be movable relative to the sensor circuit board.

[0011] In this case, a movement with a short stroke or a short stroke can have a stroke of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, particularly preferably less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, ideally less than 5 mm.

[0012] Such a sensor can preferably be used, for example, in a pedal for a vehicle, such as a brake, clutch or accelerator pedal. Advantageously, the sensor and / or the pedal can thus have a particularly short stroke. Comfortable handling can thus be achieved. Furthermore, the sensor and / or the pedal can thus be lowered particularly easily and / or in a space-saving manner, so that it is preferably no longer obstructive and / or visible.

[0013] Preferably, a travel applied by the driver (in particular in the travel direction) on a pedal mechanically coupled to the sensor can be detected. Thus, a pedal including a sensor can also be provided, which has the advantages described.

[0014] The first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sensor circuit board can be arranged substantially planar, flat and / or parallel to one another. This can result in a particularly flat construction type, which is particularly space-saving. In addition, greater robustness can be achieved thereby.

[0015] The sleeve, in particular the longitudinal axis or the axis of symmetry, can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sensor circuit board. Thus, a geometrically robust overall structure can be produced. The sleeve can be a spacing element and / or a connecting element. Preferably, the sleeve connects the first wing structure and the second wing structure, in particular mechanically. The shape of the sleeve can have different geometric configurations, as proposed below. The sleeve can have a rectangular or square, preferably elongated cross-section, and can be particularly hollow. The sleeve can have the shape of a cylindrical sheath. The length of the sleeve can be between 0.1 and 100mm, preferably between 0.5 and 60mm, preferably between 1 and 40mm, particularly preferably between 3 and 20mm, and ideally between 4 and 13mm. The diameter of the sleeve can be between 0.1 and 200mm, preferably between 1 and 100mm, preferably between 3 and 70mm, particularly preferably between 5 and 50mm, and ideally between 7 and 20mm. The sleeve can have a wall thickness between 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 4 mm, particularly preferably between 0.7 and 3 mm, ideally between 1 and 2 mm. The cylindrical jacket can save weight, save costs and / or be easy to manufacture. It can also be specified that a solid cylinder is used, in particular to increase robustness and / or precision. Smaller dimensions can minimize structural space and / or weight. Relatively larger dimensions can provide higher precision and / or be easier to manufacture. The sleeve can include metal, such as stainless steel, which is advantageously cost-effective, can be accurately processed and / or robust. Alternatively or additionally, aluminum can be included, which is advantageously light and / or well-formable. Metal also has high chemical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, the sleeve can also have non-metallic materials, particularly plastics. This can save weight and / or achieve simpler production.

[0016] The first wing structure and / or the second wing structure, in particular the longitudinal axis or the axis of symmetry, can be arranged essentially perpendicularly to the sleeve. This can give a geometrically robust overall design. The first wing structure and / or the second wing structure can have a plate-like or flat cuboid shape. It can be provided that they are designed, in particular, symmetrically about the stroke direction, advantageously in the form of a star and / or a gear.

[0017] The first wing structure and / or the second wing structure can have a preferably uniform thickness, in particular a thickness in the stroke direction (also z-direction) of between 0.1 and 100 mm, preferably between 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 4 mm, particularly preferably between 0.7 and 3 mm, ideally between 1 and 2 mm. The first wing structure and / or the second wing structure can have a diameter in the x-direction and / or the y-direction, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction, of between 1 and 200 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 20 and 80 mm, particularly preferably between 30 and 70 mm, ideally between 40 and 60 mm. In this case, the x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction can form a right-handed system. It can also be provided that the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure have a longitudinal extension dimension between 1 and 200 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 20 and 80 mm, particularly preferably between 30 and 70 mm, ideally between 40 and 60 mm along the x-direction and / or the y-direction, in particular if the shape of the outer frame is not substantially circular, but rectangular or square (see below, in particular under the situation of different wing lengths). Here, smaller dimensions can minimize the structural space and / or weight. Relatively larger dimensions can provide higher precision and / or be easier to manufacture at this. The first wing structure and / or the second wing structure can comprise metal, for example stainless steel, which is advantageously cost-effective, can be accurately processed and / or robust. Alternatively or additionally, aluminum can be comprised, which is advantageously light and / or can be well formed. The metal also has high chemical resistance.

[0018] The distance between the first wing structure and the second wing structure can be determined by a sleeve, which preferably connects the first wing structure and the second wing structure. The distance can have a value between 0.1 and 200 mm, preferably between 1 and 100 mm, preferably between 2 and 20 mm, particularly preferably between 3 and 15 mm, ideally between 4 and 8 mm. Preferably, the distance can essentially correspond to the stroke that can be determined by the sensor (maximum).

[0019] The sensor can be designed as an inductive sensor. The physical use of an inductance can be particularly advantageous, in particular for the travel to be detected. Advantageously, an inductive sensor is robust against many interfering influences. For example, it has a high temperature stability, in particular between -40°C and 160°C. It can also have a high precision and / or be robust with respect to mechanically unfavorable arrangements (in particular tilted positions, misalignments, etc.).

[0020] The sensor circuit board can have an integrated circuit here. Therefore, the sensor circuit board can, for example, have a preferably inductive measuring sensor (e.g., a sensor element) that can detect the proximity and / or spacing of the first and / or second wing structures. This can be achieved, for example, by a conductor ring (especially an open coil) and / or a coil of a planar structure in the sensor circuit board. This can be manufactured according to requirements, especially according to the requirements of the entire sensor, during manufacture. For example, the conductor ring can be arranged to be substantially aligned with respect to the wing along the stroke direction. Therefore, different, especially mutually isolated conductor rings can be used for the first and / or second wing structures. Due to the encapsulation in the sensor circuit board, it is particularly well protected from external environmental influences. Therefore, an inductive short-stroke sensor for linear measurement can be provided, especially for a stroke of less than or equal to about 10 mm. Preferably, the sensor circuit board can include a known sensor circuit board, such as a CIPOS rotation angle sensor. Therefore, a rotation angle sensor can be preferably used here to detect a preferably completely linear stroke. In other words, the stroke can be converted into a "virtual" rotation of the rotation angle sensor. In addition, known components can be advantageously used, which are particularly optimized, fully developed, cost-effective, robust and / or tested. Conductor loops, in particular planar coils, can be manufactured to the exacting tolerances of printed circuit board (PCB) production. The circuit boards can be manufactured essentially by photolithographic processes, in particular with subsequent etching processes, and thus have very tight tolerances with respect to the overall sensor dimensions. This allows a particularly precise adjustment of the desired sensor and / or its properties.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the first wing structure, the second wing structure, the sleeve and / or the sensor circuit board are not twisted relative to one another, in particular none of these components rotate. Thus, a purely linear stroke movement, in particular a reversible stroke movement, can be provided. This can result in a more robust configuration. In particular, this can make it possible to reduce or prevent the effects of misalignment.

[0022] The sensor circuit board can have a preferably uniform thickness, in particular a thickness in the travel direction (also z-direction), which is between 0.1 and 100 mm, preferably between 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 4 mm, particularly preferably between 0.7 and 3 mm, ideally between 1 and 2 mm. The sensor circuit board can have a diameter, in particular perpendicular to the travel direction, in the x-direction and / or the y-direction, of between 1 and 200 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 20 and 80 mm, particularly preferably between 30 and 70 mm, ideally between 40 and 60 mm. It can also be provided that the sensor circuit board has a longitudinal extension in the x-direction and / or the y-direction of between 1 and 200 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 20 and 80 mm, particularly preferably between 30 and 70 mm, ideally between 40 and 60 mm, in particular if the shape of the outer frame is not essentially circular, but rectangular or square. In addition, it can be advantageously placed in a housing. Smaller dimensions can minimize structural space and / or weight. Relatively larger dimensions can provide higher precision and / or be easier to manufacture. The sensor circuit board can have a metal, such as stainless steel and / or copper, which is advantageously cost-effective, can be precisely processed and / or robust. Alternatively or additionally, aluminum can be included, which is advantageously light and / or can be well formed. Precious metals, such as gold, which have particularly good electrical conductivity, can also be provided for the conductor tracks. The metal also has high chemical resistance. The conductor tracks can be surrounded by the circuit board material, in particular cast therein. This can involve an insulator. For example, an epoxy resin with particularly high mechanical robustness can be provided here. Preferably, the sensor circuit board, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction, has substantially the same dimensions as the first and / or second wing structure, and in particular substantially overlaps with the first and / or second wing structure. Weight and / or structural space can thus be optimized.

[0023] The sensor, the sleeve, the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sensor circuit board preferably have a relatively short stroke compared to the dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the stroke. This allows short strokes to be measured and / or a low sensitivity to tolerances, tilting positions and / or deviations to be achieved. The structural space can be relatively small, in particular flat. Due to the large extension perpendicular to the stroke direction, the production can be relatively simple and / or cost-effective.

[0024] In this case, the sensor circuit board can be guided on the sleeve, for example using an opening in the sensor circuit board in order to thereby guide the sleeve movably. It can therefore be provided that the sleeve serves as a guide, in particular a guide along the stroke direction, the sensor circuit board is fixed, in particular fixed relative to the housing and / or the vehicle, and (for example when a coupled pedal is moved) the sleeve, the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure move relative to the sensor circuit board.

[0025] Preferably, the first wing structure and the second wing structure can be connected by a sleeve, in particular connected in a torsionally fixed manner. This can produce a particularly stable configuration. In addition, the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sleeve can be configured in one piece and, for example, stamped from components. This can allow particularly cost-effective manufacturing. A particularly robust configuration can be achieved by material locking. In addition, a particularly accurate and / or robust parallel configuration of the wing structures can therefore be achieved. The accuracy and / or robustness relative to the incorrect positioning of the sensor can therefore be improved as a whole, in particular because only the precise alignment relative to the sensor circuit board can affect the measurement.

[0026] In this case, it can be provided that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are electrically insulated from one another. This can reduce susceptibility to interference, for example during electromagnetic wave decoupling.

[0027] Preferably, the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sensor circuit board can be arranged substantially one above the other, in particular in a sandwich manner, in particular in parallel. Advantageously, a space-saving and / or robust arrangement can be produced thereby. This can be particularly advantageous, since movements, for example due to the structure and / or caused by force influences, have only an insignificant influence on the functionality of the sensor. A particularly robust configuration can thus be achieved.

[0028] It can be advantageous within the scope of the invention if the first wing structure has at least one first wing and at least one first wing gap and / or the second wing structure has at least one second wing and at least one second wing gap.

[0029] It can be provided that the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure are designed to be annular, in particular in the region adjacent to the sleeve. The annular region can have a width of between 0.1 and 100 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 60 mm, preferably between 1 and 40 mm, particularly preferably between 3 and 20 mm, ideally between 4 and 13 mm, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction. It can be provided that the wings and / or the wing gaps are adjacent to the annular region, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction. This can produce a star-shaped and / or gear-shaped configuration.

[0030] The wing gap can advantageously save material, weight and / or costs. In addition, the wing gap can be used to enable differentiation between the first wing structure and the second wing structure by the sensor circuit board, for example by (see below) twisting the first wing structure and the second wing structure relative to each other.

[0031] Provision can be made here for the first wing structure to have a first number of wings and / or a first number of wing gaps, which is between 1 and 100, preferably between 2 and 50, preferably between 3 and 20, particularly preferably between 5 and 15, advantageously between 7 and 10, ideally 9.

[0032] Provision can be made here for the second wing structure to have a second number of wings and / or a second number of wing gaps, which is between 1 and 100, preferably between 2 and 50, preferably between 3 and 20, particularly preferably between 5 and 15, advantageously between 7 and 10, ideally 9.

[0033] In this case, for example, for a sensor on a throttle cover, a (corresponding) number of wings of three wings may be optimal. This can be determined, for example, by simulations, in particular simulations including conditions of actual application situations.

[0034] A higher number of wings can be beneficial for signal processing and in particular can generate a stronger measurement signal, for example because a higher current and / or a higher voltage is induced.

[0035] It may be advantageous if the two wing structures have the same number of wings. This may allow particularly simple production, in particular because symmetry may be produced, in particular assembly may thus be independent of the installation orientation.

[0036] It may also be advantageous if the wing structures have different numbers of wings, in particular in order to simplify the inductive detection. For example, the induced voltage and / or induced current may be different due to the different numbers of wings, which may allow conclusions to be drawn as to which wing structure is involved. This may be used as an alternative or in addition to the inductive detection itself.

[0037] Preferably, the first and / or second wing structures, in particular the wings and / or the wing gaps, can be configured to be substantially or identically identical. This can allow particularly simple, inexpensive and / or precise production.

[0038] For example, it can be provided that the first and / or second wing structure is stamped out of a planar (eg flat cuboid) workpiece. The first and / or second wing structure can therefore be round. It can be provided that the wing gap is punched out and in particular the wing remains present.

[0039] It can be provided that some wings of the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure are omitted and / or shortened, thereby in particular producing a substantially rectangular shape (in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction). This can be advantageous in order to optimally utilize the predetermined provisions for the available structural space.

[0040] It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the first wing structure is displaceable along the stroke direction substantially as far as the sensor circuit board into a first end position and / or that the second wing structure is displaceable along the stroke direction substantially as far as the sensor circuit board into a second end position.

[0041] Here, the end position, in particular reaching the end position, can mean that the first or second wing structure cannot be brought any closer to the sensor circuit board. This can also mean that the sensor circuit board is contacted, wherein preferably no electrically conductive electrical connection is produced. In the first end position, the first wing structure can be arranged very close to the sensor circuit board, while the second wing structure is farthest away from the sensor circuit board, and the sensor circuit board can measure a first angle (ALPHA), which depends only or almost completely on the first wing structure. In the second end position, the second wing structure can be arranged very close to the sensor circuit board (in particular from the other side), while the first wing structure is farthest away from the sensor circuit board, and the sensor circuit can measure a second angle (BETA), which depends only or almost completely on the second wing structure. Here, ALPHA-BETA can correspond to the rotation angle through which the first wing structure is rotated relative to the second wing structure.

[0042] Preferably, when the wing structure approaches the sensor circuit board, the approach can be detected by the sensor circuit board. For example, this can be done inductively, in particular in the manner that the wing structure induces a current and / or voltage in the sensor circuit board, in particular in the conductor ring. The arrangement of the conductor ring or multiple conductor rings can distinguish whether the first wing structure or the second wing structure is approaching and / or moving away. Therefore, when moving from one end position to another end position along the stroke direction, the sensor signal can change, in particular according to the distance between the first and / or second wing structure and the sensor circuit board. The sensor signal can have a superposition of the stroke movement of the first and / or second wing structure, and in particular can depend on the superposition of the stroke movement of the first and / or second wing structure. Preferably, the signal curve of the sensor signal that appears depends on the distance, in particular proportional to the distance. Preferably, the change curve of the sensor signal (in particular between each end position) is substantially linear. Here, a magnetic field can be generated in a conductor ring (in particular an open coil), wherein in particular, the first and / or second wing structure changes the magnetic field when approaching and / or moving away. Thus, the angle, stroke or distance and / or speed can be measured contactlessly and / or wear-free. In the present case, it is particularly preferred that the angle is determined, for example, via a sensor circuit board (including, in particular, a CIPOS structure). Here, in particular, a rotation angle sensor can identify, based on the position of the wing: which wing structure is approaching and / or moving away, preferably without the wing structure having to rotate. In other words, the rotation angle sensor can be used without any rotation, but based on the number, size and / or orientation of the at least one first and / or second wing. For example, if a wing number of 9 wings is set on the first and / or second wing structure, a rotation angle sensor with a measuring range of 360° / 9=40° can be achieved. It can be important here that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are at least partially twisted relative to each other (see below). In other words, it can be provided that the first wing and the second wing are constructed to be not completely aligned along the stroke direction.

[0043] When one wing structure reaches the end position, the corresponding other first or second wing structure can then be spaced apart from the sensor circuit board at the maximum distance. Here, the first wing structure and the second wing structure can be rigidly connected to each other via the sleeve, for example in such a way that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are linked to each other in a material-locked manner (for example a stamped part or a casting). It can also be provided that the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure are bonded or welded to the sleeve. Separate manufacturing can thereby be achieved, so as to advantageously achieve cheaper, more precise and / or faster manufacturing. It can be provided that the entire structure is produced as a (single) stamped-bent part (especially in a single process), thereby minimizing time and / or costs.

[0044] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are rotated relative to each other perpendicularly to the stroke direction through a rotation angle, in particular a constant rotation angle, wherein preferably, the rotation angle is designed so that the at least one first wing covers substantially half of the at least second wing gap and the at least one second wing covers substantially half of the at least one first wing gap.

[0045] The viewing direction for the rotation angle between each wing structure can be oriented along the stroke direction. Preferably, the first wing structure and the second wing structure do not overlap or at least do not completely overlap here. Ideally, it can be provided that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are twisted relative to each other so as to reach an average value between complete overlap and complete non-overlap. Advantageously, the measurement signal can be optimized and particularly maximized thereby. In addition, this can also cause optimized robustness, particularly robustness with respect to mispositioning. If, for example, the first wing structure and the second wing structure each have a wing number of four (first and second) wings, it can be provided that the first wing structure is twisted over 22.5° relative to the second wing structure, particularly if a wing covers 45° and a wing gap also covers 45° and the wings and the wing gap alternately follow each other (here, 0° will correspond to no relative rotation, and 45° will correspond to the overlap of the wings between the first wing structure and the second wing structure). It can therefore be provided that, with a wing number of N wings each arranged equidistantly along the circumference of the wing structure, the first wing structure is rotated by 360° / (N*2*2) relative to the second wing structure, in particular a factor 2 resulting from the alternation of wings and wing gaps and in particular another factor 2 resulting from the “half” coverage of the wings that can be caused.

[0046] It can be provided that the total angle of 360 ° is occupied by 50% of the wing and 50% of the wing gap, respectively, so that they have the same length in particular relative to the circumference. This allows particularly simple manufacturing. It can also be provided that this ratio depends on the configuration and / or application of the sensor. Therefore, for example, it can be provided that the share of the wing is reduced to less than 50%, preferably less than 45%, particularly preferably less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, ideally less than 20%, for example in order to reduce weight. The remaining share can then be used by the wing gap. It can also be provided that the share of the wing gap is reduced to less than 50%, preferably less than 45%, particularly preferably less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, ideally less than 20%, for example in order to achieve greater induced voltage and / or current and therefore particularly to achieve more accurate measurement. The remaining share can then be used by the wing.

[0047] In this case, it can be provided that the offset between the wings of the first wing structure and the second wing structure, which wings are essentially located one above the other, is essentially constant.

[0048] It is also conceivable that the first wing structure and the second wing structure and / or the sleeve are arranged rotationally fixed relative to the sensor circuit board. Preferably, the first wing structure, the second wing structure and the sleeve are connected, in particular integrally connected.

[0049] It can be provided that a movement of the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sleeve along the stroke direction, preferably on both sides towards the first end position and the second end position, is possible, while in particular the sensor circuit board is essentially positionally fixed, in particular relative to the housing and / or the vehicle.

[0050] It can be provided that the sensor has a housing. It can be provided that the first wing structure, the second wing structure, the sleeve and / or the sensor circuit board are surrounded by the housing, in particular completely surrounded. The sensor can thus be protected from external environmental influences, for example from at least one environmental influence, such as external force effects, dirt, moisture, electrical and / or magnetic interference. It can therefore be provided that the sensor circuit board cannot move relative to the housing, while preferably the first wing structure, the second wing structure and / or the sleeve can move relative to the housing, preferably uniformly or synchronously, in particular along the stroke direction, preferably only along the stroke direction.

[0051] It is also conceivable that the first wing structure and the second wing structure are coupled to each other and can be moved relative to the sensor circuit board along the stroke direction, in particular when a stroke movement is applied externally, for example by operating a coupled pedal, and in particular, the sensor circuit board does not move when a stroke movement is applied externally, for example by operating a coupled pedal.

[0052] Here, the first wing structure and the second wing structure can be mechanically coupled, in particular in such a way that the distance between them remains constant. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a sleeve (see above). This allows a particularly robust configuration to be achieved.

[0053] It is optionally possible within the scope of the invention for the sensor circuit board to have at least one sensor element for detecting the approach of the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure.

[0054] It can be provided that the approach and / or the distance are detected by the sensor circuit board. In this case, the at least one sensor element can have at least one conductor loop, which can preferably generate a sensor signal by induction. Due to the configuration of the sensor element, in particular the configuration of the conductor loop, the variation of the sensor signal can be specified during construction depending on the configuration of other components. This allows an application-specific configuration.

[0055] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the present invention that the first wing structure and the second wing structure have an electrically conductive and / or ferromagnetic material, in particular a metal, and that the first wing structure and the second wing structure cooperate with a sensor circuit board to form an inductive sensor. It can be provided that no ferromagnetic material is used so as not to generate (in particular) additional phase shifts that can influence the sensor signal. This can improve the measurement accuracy. It can be provided that a ferromagnetic material is used to generate an overall stronger sensor signal, which can be particularly advantageous if an application is planned in a known environment with interference. Preferably, different sensor types, such as inductive and magnetic sensors, can be combined by ferromagnetic, in particular electrically conductive materials.

[0056] In this case, preferably linear sensors, in particular sensors for short travels, can be realized.

[0057] Preferably, the sensor circuit board can be designed as a rotation sensor, wherein in particular the angle of the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure is determined by the sensor circuit board (although the wing structure itself does not rotate). This can be advantageous in order to use existing and in particular further developed sensor circuit boards (e.g. CIPOS). This can also be advantageous because such a rotation sensor allows precise measurements and / or the resulting profile of the sensor signal can be stable. This can result in a particularly precise determination of the stroke. It can also be provided that a linearization of the sensor signal is performed. This allows a more precise determination of the stroke.

[0058] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the sensor, in particular in addition to the (above) inductive measuring method, implements another, in particular different, physical measuring method for redundant sensing, wherein in particular the first wing structure and the second wing structure are designed to be electrically conductive and form a first and a second capacitor plate, which together with the sensor circuit board form a three-layer plate capacitor.

[0059] Here, redundant sensing can use a variety of measurement methods. Therefore, a variety of sensor technologies can be used, which advantageously prevent so-called "common mode" errors, in particular to avoid: interference sources affect the entire sensor or even make the entire sensor inoperable. This can mean that sensors based on different physical basic principles are constructed or combined. Therefore, optical, capacitive, magnetic and / or inductive sensor technologies can be combined with each other. Advantageously, external interferences can be compensated by other types of measurements (or sensing), which, for example, interfere with inductive measurements or make inductive measurements impossible, thereby maintaining the functionality of the sensor as a whole (despite the interference). Safety can therefore be improved, and in particular, complete failure of the sensor can be prevented.

[0060] In this case, it can be provided that the plate capacitor is formed by the wing structure as capacitor plate and the sensor circuit board as dielectric. At the same time, the sensor circuit board can sense a capacitance that varies as a function of the travel, i.e., in particular the distance between the first and / or second wing structure and the sensor circuit board. This can be used in addition to or as an alternative to an inductive measurement method, advantageously in order to provide redundancy. For example, one capacitor may be affected by moisture, while the other, for example, the inductive measurement, is less strongly affected or is not affected.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor, in particular the sleeve, can have a magnet. Here, the magnet can be integrated into an insulator, in particular into plastic. The magnet can have a spiral magnetization here. It can be provided that the stroke is measured accordingly as a virtual relative rotation, for example in that the sensor circuit board has a CIPOS circuit board. In addition, the sensor, in particular the sensor circuit board, can have a magnetic sensor element, for example a Hall probe, in order to generate a magnetic sensor signal. Thus, (additional) redundant, in particular diversified measurement methods can be implemented. A higher number of redundancies can reduce the failure probability of the sensor (as a whole).

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can also have displacement sensor technology, which is supported in particular by a sensor circuit board based on CIPOS. Therefore, it is possible to determine the stroke directly and in particular not based on the rotation angle between the first wing structure and the second wing structure, in particular similar to the inductive variant described above. This can be achieved, for example, by an additional, adjusted winding technology. Alternatively or additionally, an arc sensor (Segments sensor) can also be used, which can be configured, for example, as a partial segment of a circle and in particular integrated in the sensor circuit board. Therefore, it can be provided that at least one upper index plate and at least one, in particular complementary and / or oppositely disposed lower index plate are provided.

[0063] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sleeve has a spring element, the travel of which is used to realize the force sensor.

[0064] This can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the above-mentioned sensor technology, wherein the redundancy in particular reduces the probability of failure. Safety can thus be increased and in particular a complete failure of the sensor can be prevented.

[0065] Here, the elastic member can surround the sleeve, in particular completely surround the sleeve. The elastic member can have a helical spring. This can be manufactured particularly easily. It is for a helical spring that the path can be very well proportional to the force, in particular linearly proportional. In particular, it can be provided that the elastic member, in particular the spiral of the elastic member, is designed in such a way that (for example due to the changing spacing of the individual spirals) the path is substantially linear with respect to the force. The elastic member can alternatively or additionally have a disc spring. This can (comprehensively) exert a particularly uniform force on the sleeve. Here, the position or stroke can be determined via a sensor circuit board (in particular as described above). Based on the knowledge of the force curve of the elastic member or the elastic member, the force can be determined accordingly (for example via a control unit).

[0066] Furthermore, according to a second aspect, the above object is further achieved by a method according to the present invention for a sensor for detecting a movement with a short stroke, in particular for a pedal of a vehicle, the method comprising:

[0067] - providing a sensor according to any one of the preceding claims,

[0068] - moving the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure along the stroke direction towards the first or second end position (in particular by a user),

[0069] - detecting said movement by a sensor circuit board for inductive detection in order to provide a sensor signal,

[0070] - providing said sensor signal to a control unit,

[0071] - processing the sensor signal by a control unit to provide an output signal,

[0072] - Output signals are provided by the control unit, for example for operating the vehicle.

[0073] Here, the control unit can be linked to the sensor circuit board, for example, via a data connection. Preferably, the control unit can be arranged to control and / or regulate the sensor circuit board. Thus, the detection of the movement can be initiated. The sensor signal can be designed here according to the movement, preferably according to the stroke. Here, the sensor signal can have a stable variation curve between the first and second end positions (preferably substantially linearly). Thus, a superposition between the signals generated by the first and / or second wing structure can be achieved. Thus, the stroke can be determined particularly accurately. In other words, the sensor signal can be proportional to the stroke. It can be provided that the nonlinearity is compensated by linearization, for example by calibration and / or by using a lookup table.

[0074] The same advantages therefore result with respect to the method according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the sensor according to the invention (first aspect).

[0075] According to a third aspect, the above object is also achieved by a computer program product according to the present invention, the computer program product comprising instructions, which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to the second aspect.

[0076] Consequently, the same advantages result with respect to the computer program product according to the invention as have been described with respect to the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0077] According to a fourth aspect, the above object is also achieved by a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention, in which instructions are stored, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0078] The same advantages therefore result with respect to the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the first, second and / or third aspect.

[0079] According to a fifth aspect, the above object is also achieved by a control unit according to the invention, the control unit having a computing unit and a memory unit in which instructions are stored, which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit, execute the method according to the second aspect.

[0080] The control unit can, for example, control and / or regulate a drive of the vehicle, in particular as a function of the sensor signal, in particular if the sensor is a sensor coupled to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. It can also be provided that the sensor signal is provided to another control unit of the vehicle in order to enable further processing.

[0081] The same advantages therefore arise with respect to the control unit according to the invention as have been described with respect to the sensor according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention and / or the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention.

[0082] According to a sixth aspect, the above object is also achieved by a vehicle according to the invention, said vehicle comprising a control unit according to the fifth aspect and / or a sensor according to the first aspect.

[0083] The same advantages therefore result with respect to the vehicle according to the invention as have already been described with respect to the first, second, third, fourth and / or fifth aspects.

[0084] The sensor according to the invention can be used in particular for pedals of vehicles. This is advantageous for future vehicles, which are increasingly capable of driving autonomously. Drive-by-wire systems can generally enable new possibilities with their sensors. Thus, in the future, using these sensors, pedals can be realized that have only a short stroke and / or can be easily integrated, for example into the floor of the cockpit. Due to the flat design and / or the absence of rotation (active rotation), a particularly space-saving introduction can be achieved, especially with predefined installation space dimensions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. In the drawings:

[0086] Figure 1 A vehicle 200 is shown;

[0087] Figure 2 A sensor 100 is shown;

[0088] Figure 3 A sensor 100 is shown;

[0089] Figure 4 Show the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for technical features of different exemplary embodiments.

[0091] Figure 1 A vehicle 200 is shown, which comprises a control unit ECU having a computing unit CU and a memory unit MU. Furthermore, the vehicle 200 has a pedal 201 coupled to a sensor 100 . The sensor 100 can sense a travel of the pedal 201 in a travel direction 202 .

[0092] Figure 2A sensor 100 is shown which comprises a first wing structure 10 and a second wing structure 20. The sensor 100 can be symmetrical about the stroke direction 202. Here, the sleeve 40 and the first wing structure 10 and / or the second wing structure 20 can be symmetrical, the sleeve preferably being connected to the first wing structure 10 and / or the second wing structure 20, in particular being connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The first wing structure 10 has a plurality of first wings 11 and a plurality of first wing gaps 12. Here, the number 13 of first wings is nine and the number 14 of first wing gaps is nine. The second wing structure 20 has a plurality of second wings 21 and a plurality of second wing gaps 22. Here, the number 23 of second wings is nine and the number 24 of second wing gaps is nine. The first wing structure 10 and the second wing structure 20 here have an annular area adjacent to the sleeve 40. The first wing 11 and the second wing 21 do not overlap. Therefore, the first wing structure 10 and the second wing structure 20 can be rotated relative to each other, for example, so that the second wing 21 is covered by the first wing 11 by about 50% along the stroke direction 202 (for example, here from above). Conversely, the first wing 11 can be covered by the second wing 21 by approximately 50% along the stroke direction 202 (eg, viewed here from below).

[0093] Figure 3 Shown (especially with reference to Figure 2 ) a sensor 100 with a first wing structure 10 and a second wing structure 20 and a sleeve 40. In addition, a sensor circuit board 30 is shown, which in particular comprises at least one sensor element 31. The sensor circuit board 30 is arranged between the first wing structure 10 and the second wing structure 20, and the planar extensions of the first wing structure 10, the second wing structure 20 and the sensor circuit board are arranged in parallel, in particular perpendicular to the stroke direction 202. The stroke direction 202 can be regarded here as an axis of symmetry for the first wing structure 10, the second wing structure 20, the sensor circuit board 30 and / or the sleeve 40. Preferably, the sensor circuit board 30 is essentially stationary, while the first wing structure 10, the second wing structure 20 and / or the sleeve 40 can be moved along, preferably only along, the stroke direction 202 relative to the sensor circuit board. The movement can be reversible here and can preferably take place between a first end point at which the first wing structure 10 essentially contacts the sensor circuit board 30 and a second end point at which the second wing structure 20 contacts the sensor circuit board 30. The sensor circuit board 30, in particular the at least one sensor element 31, can be configured to sense a travel movement, in particular to sense a travel movement inductively. The corresponding sensor signal can be transmitted to the control unit ECU. Thus, for example, a drive of the vehicle 200 can be controlled and / or regulated based on the sensor signal, in particular if the sensor 100 is a sensor 100 coupled to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle 200.

[0094] Figure 4 A method is shown for a sensor 100 for detecting a movement with a short travel, in particular for a pedal 201 of a vehicle 200, the method comprising:

[0095] - providing 110 a sensor 100 according to any one of the preceding claims,

[0096] - moving 120 the first wing structure 10 and / or the second wing structure 20 in a stroke direction 202 towards a first or second end position (in particular by a user),

[0097] - detecting 130 the movement 120 by means of a sensor circuit board 30 for inductive detection in order to provide a sensor signal,

[0098] - providing 140 said sensor signal to the control unit ECU,

[0099] - processing 150 the sensor signal by a control unit ECU in order to provide an output signal,

[0100] The output signal is provided 160 by the control unit ECU, for example for operating the vehicle 200 .

[0101] Reference numerals list

[0102] 10First Wing Structure

[0103] 11First Wing

[0104] 12 First Wing Clearance

[0105] 13First wing quantity

[0106] 14First wing clearance quantity

[0107] 20 Second wing structure

[0108] 21 Second Wing

[0109] 22 Second wing clearance

[0110] 23 Second wing quantity

[0111] 24 Second wing clearance quantity

[0112] 30 sensor circuit board

[0113] 31 sensor elements

[0114] 40 sleeve

[0115] 42 elastic parts

[0116] 100 sensors

[0117] 110 Provide sensor

[0118] 120 Moving the first wing structure and / or the second wing structure

[0119] 130 Detection of motion

[0120] 140 provides sensor signals to the control unit

[0121] 150 Processing sensor signals

[0122] 160 provides output signal

[0123] 200 vehicles

[0124] 201 Pedals

[0125] 202 Travel Direction

[0126] CU computing unit

[0127] ECU control unit

[0128] MU memory unit

Claims

1. A sensor (100) for detecting a movement with a short stroke, in particular a sensor for a pedal (201) of a vehicle (200), the sensor comprising: - first wing structure (10); - a second wing structure (20) spaced apart from the first wing structure (10) in the direction of travel (202); - a sensor circuit board (30) for sensingly detecting a movement of the first wing structure (10) and / or the second wing structure (20), the sensor circuit board (30) being arranged between the first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20); - A sleeve (40) connecting the first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20), the sleeve (40) being arranged to be movable relative to the sensor circuit board (30).

2. The sensor (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) has at least one first wing (11) and at least one first wing gap (12), and / or the second wing structure (20) has at least one second wing (21) and at least one second wing gap (22).

3. The sensor (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) can be moved along a stroke direction (202) substantially up to the sensor circuit board (30) into a first end position, And / or the second wing structure (20) can be moved along the stroke direction (202) essentially as far as the sensor circuit board (30) into the second end position.

4. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20) are rotated relative to each other perpendicularly to the stroke direction (202) through a rotation angle, in particular a constant rotation angle, preferably, the rotation angle is designed so that the at least one first wing (11) covers substantially half of the at least second wing gap (22), and the at least one second wing (21) covers substantially half of the at least one first wing gap (12).

5. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20) and / or the sleeve (40) are arranged to be rotationally fixed relative to the sensor circuit board (30). Preferably, the first wing structure (10), the second wing structure (20) and the sleeve (40) are connected, in particular, are integrally connected.

6. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20) are coupled to each other and can be moved relative to the sensor circuit board (30) along a stroke direction (202), in particular when a stroke movement is applied externally, for example by operating a coupled pedal (201), and in particular, the sensor circuit board (30) does not move when a stroke movement is applied externally, for example by operating a coupled pedal (201).

7. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The sensor circuit board (30) has at least one sensor element (31) for detecting the approach of the first wing structure (10) and / or the second wing structure (20).

8. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20) have conductive material, in particular metal, and the first wing structure and the second wing structure cooperate with a sensor circuit board (30) to form an inductive sensor (100).

9. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The sensor (100) implements an additional, in particular different, physical measurement method for redundant sensing, in particular the first wing structure (10) and the second wing structure (20) are designed to be electrically conductive and form a first and a second capacitor plate which together with the sensor circuit board (30) form a three-layer plate capacitor.

10. The sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The sleeve (40) has an elastic member (42), the stroke of which is used to realize a force sensor.

11. A method for a sensor (100) for detecting a movement with a short stroke, in particular a pedal (201) for a vehicle (200), the method comprising: - providing (110) a sensor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, - in particular by a user moving (120) the first wing structure (10) and / or the second wing structure (20) along a stroke direction (202) towards a first or second end position, - detecting (130) the movement (120) by a sensor circuit board (30) for inductive detection in order to provide a sensor signal, - providing (140) said sensor signal to a control unit (ECU), - processing (150) the sensor signal by a control unit (ECU) to provide an output signal, - An output signal is provided (160) by a control unit (ECU), for example for operating a vehicle (200).

12. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the preceding claim.

13. A computer-readable data carrier having stored therein instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 11.

14. A control unit (ECU) having a computing unit (CU) and a memory unit (MU) in which instructions are stored, which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit (CU), carry out the method according to claim 11.

15. A vehicle (200) comprising a control unit (ECU) according to the preceding claim and / or a sensor (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10.

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