Sensor holding device, sensor unit, and vibration damping apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor holding device (13) for holding a sensor element (12) on a damper tube (4) in a position detection device (9) of a vibration damping device (1), the sensor holding device including a receiving section (17) for securing the sensor element (12) in a non-detachable manner. A fastening section (14) is also provided on the inner side (21) of the sensor holding device, when arranged in the vibration damping device (1), with the inner side of the sensor holding device (13) facing the damper tube (4), the fastening section defining exactly one receiving opening (25) for securing the sensor holding device (13) on the damper tube (4), for this purpose the receiving opening of the fastening section (14) extends to the inner side (21) and is used to introduce fasteners fixed on the damper tube (4) from the inner side (21). Furthermore, the receiving opening of the fastening section (14) is covered by the receiving area (32) of the receiving section (17) facing the outer side (24) opposite to the inner side (21), and the sensor element (12) is arranged in the receiving area when it is fixed on the receiving section (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor holding device for holding a sensor element on a damper tube in a position detection device of a vibration damping device. The sensor holding device includes a receiving section for securing the sensor element in a secure manner, and a fastening section is further provided on the inner side of the sensor holding device. When arranged in the vibration damping device, the sensor holding device faces the damper tube with this inner side facing it. The fastening section defines exactly one receiving opening for securing the sensor holding device to the damper tube. For this purpose, the receiving opening of the fastening section extends to the inner side and is configured for introducing a fastener secured to the damper tube from the inner side. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a sensor unit using the above-described sensor holding device and a vibration damping device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automotive chassis, shock absorbers are mostly used in the form of telescopic shock absorbers. Some of these are single-tube shock absorbers, but most are double-tube shock absorbers. Regardless of whether the telescopic shock absorber is single-tube or double-tube, it has a slidably guided piston that divides the internal space of the working cylinder into two chambers. This piston is connected to a piston rod. The axially movable piston rod also extends from one end of the shock absorber tube, forming a fixed part for the telescopic shock absorber at the extended end. The other fixed part of the telescopic shock absorber is usually located at one end of the shock absorber tube.

[0003] Some shock absorbers are also equipped with a position detection device, which detects the relative position of the piston rod within the shock absorber tube. This allows determination of the current state of the wheel or axle suspension of the corresponding vehicle chassis. In the position detection device, a sensor unit is typically fixed to the shock absorber tube, while another part of the device is often arranged on a protective tube that surrounds the shock absorber tube and slides relative to the tube along with the piston rod.

[0004] Document DE102021213764A1 discloses a vibration damping device in which the damper, configured as a telescopic damper, is equipped with a position detection device. A portion of the position detection device is a sensor unit, which consists of a sensor element configured as a permanent magnet and a sensor holding device. In the vibration damping device, the sensor holding device is used to fix the sensor element to the damper tube of the damper. For this purpose, the sensor holding device, on the one hand, securely supports the sensor element in a receiving section to prevent detachment, and on the other hand, is fixed to the damper tube by a fastening section. According to document DE102021213764A1, the fastening section located longitudinally next to the receiving section can be equipped with exactly one receiving opening, at which fixation from one side of the damper tube is achieved by introducing a columnar fastener fixed to the damper tube into the receiving opening. However, in the preferred variant of document DE102021213764A1, the fastening section has receiving openings on both sides of the middle receiving section, thereby enabling the sensor holding device to be fixed to two columnar fasteners from one side of the damper tube. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the objective of the present invention is to provide a sensor holding device that enables the position detection device to be implemented in a compact and reliable manner in a vibration damping device.

[0006] This task is solved by starting from the preamble of claim 1 and combining the features of its characterizing portion. The appended dependent claims each provide advantageous improvements to the invention. A sensor unit incorporating the sensor holding device according to the invention is also the subject of claims 13 and 14. Furthermore, claim 15 relates to a vibration damping device.

[0007] According to the present invention, a sensor holding device is provided for holding a sensor element on a damper tube in a position detection device of a vibration damping device. The sensor holding device includes a receiving section for securing the sensor element in a secure manner. A fastening section is also provided on the inner side of the sensor holding device, which faces the damper tube when arranged in the vibration damping device. The fastening section defines exactly one receiving opening for securing the sensor holding device to the damper tube. For this purpose, the receiving opening of the fastening section extends to the inner side and is configured for introducing a fastener secured to the damper tube from the inner side.

[0008] The sensor holding device of the present invention is therefore configured to fix a sensor element to the damper tube of a vibration damping device, so as to realize a position detection device in the vibration damping device. The sensor holding device has a receiving section and a fastening section, wherein the receiving section is used to fix the sensor element to the sensor holding device, and the fastening section is used to fix the sensor holding device to the damper tube when applied in the vibration damping device. Thus, the result of applying the sensor holding device according to the invention in the vibration damping device is that the sensor element is also fixed to the damper tube, thereby enabling the realization of a position detection device in the vibration damping device. Preferably, the position detection device is used to detect the relative position of the sensor element along the translational direction relative to another sensor component, which is kinematically coupled to the piston rod of the vibration damping device.

[0009] The receiving section of the sensor holding device according to the invention is configured to securely fasten the sensor element to be fixed to the damper tube in a detachable manner. Here, "detachable" should be understood as: when the sensor element is arranged on or at a target position within the sensor holding device, the receiving section subsequently prevents the sensor element from unintentionally detaching from that target position. The receiving section can be configured for non-removably securing the sensor element, for example, for achieving a material connection between the sensor element and the sensor holding device on the receiving section. However, the receiving section is preferably configured for removably securing the sensor element, so that, for example, the sensor element can also be replaced. In this case, the receiving section is configured to form a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the sensor element.

[0010] The fastening section for securing the sensor retaining device to the damper tube is equipped with exactly one receiving opening. When the sensor retaining device is used in a vibration damping device, it is secured by introducing a fastener into said receiving opening, which is then secured to one side of the damper tube. Because the fastening section has exactly one receiving opening, the sensor retaining device is secured to the damper tube using only one fastener. Particularly preferably, the receiving opening is configured to introduce and receive a substantially cylindrical fastener on the damper tube. In the sense of this invention, "secured" to the damper tube refers to the rigid arrangement of the fastener on the damper tube.

[0011] In this invention, the fastening section of the sensor holding device is constructed on the inner side, which faces the damper tube when the sensor holding device is applied in a vibration damping device. Therefore, fasteners can also be introduced from the inner side into a receiving opening in the fastening section, for which the receiving opening opens to the inner side of the sensor holding device.

[0012] The fastening section is also specifically configured to prevent the fastener from unintentionally dislodging from the fixed position after it has been introduced into the receiving opening and secured. Dislodging of the fastener would otherwise cause the sensor retaining device to inadvertently detach from the damper tube. Alternatively or supplementarily, the fastening section may also be secured to one side of the damper tube at a location away from the receiving opening if necessary.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor holding device is integrally constructed, i.e., the receiving section and the fastening section, as well as other possible components of the sensor holding device, are integrally formed. Particularly preferably, the sensor holding device is made of plastic material, wherein it can be manufactured as an injection molded part during an injection molding process. Manufacturing with plastic also has the advantage that when the sensor holding device is used in an inductive position detection device, the sensor holding device itself does not cause changes in the magnetic field.

[0014] The technical teaching of this invention is that the receiving opening of the fastening section, facing the outer side opposite the inner side, is covered by the receiving area of ​​the receiving section, and the sensor element is arranged in the receiving area when fixed to the receiving section. In other words, viewed from the outer side, the outer side is opposite the inner side in the sensor holding device, the receiving opening of the fastening section is covered by the receiving area, and the sensor element is arranged in the receiving area when fixed to the receiving section.

[0015] The sensor holding device according to the present invention has the following advantages: Since the fastening section has exactly one receiving opening, the sensor holding device can be compactly fixed and arranged in the position detection device of the vibration damping device. This compact structure is further enhanced by the fact that exactly one receiving opening is covered by the receiving area of ​​the receiving section, so that when the sensor element is fixed, the receiving opening is located below the sensor element when viewed from the outside. Therefore, the receiving opening and the receiving section are nested, allowing the sensor holding device to be implemented more compactly, and thus requiring less space overall when applying the sensor holding device in the vibration damping device. The technique of covering the receiving opening with the receiving area also has the advantage that when the sensor element is subsequently fixed to the receiving section, the fastener inserted into the receiving opening is shielded from view on the outside. This reduces or even completely eliminates the interference of the fastener on the position detection device, which operates primarily by inductive means.

[0016] The key aspect of this invention is that the receiving area, which accommodates the opening and thus the fastener, and the receiving area, which in turn serves as the fixing area for the sensor element, are positioned opposite each other on the sensor holding device, such that the receiving opening is covered by the receiving area from the outer side. For this purpose, the receiving area is located between the receiving opening and the outer side of the sensor holding device.

[0017] Preferably, the receiving section of the sensor holding device is oriented outwards. When the sensor holding device is arranged in a vibration damping device, its outer surface faces, in particular, the sensor component, with which the sensor element needs to interact for position detection in the position detection device. Therefore, in its installed state in a vibration damping device, the sensor holding device is specifically oriented radially inwards with its inner surface and radially outwards with its outer surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening section and the receiving section are arranged longitudinally between two load-bearing sections located on both sides. These load-bearing sections extend laterally to the longitudinal direction, at least on their inner surfaces, and form contact surfaces on their inner surfaces for supporting the sensor holding device on the damper tube. This advantageously and without problem provides a sufficiently large load-bearing portion for mounting the sensor holding device on the damper tube. Due to the transverse orientation and curvature of the load-bearing sections, support for the damper tube can also be achieved on the load-bearing sections. Preferably, each individual load-bearing section has reinforcing ribs in the region of the connection between the fastening section and the receiving section, the reinforcing ribs extending outwards between the respective load-bearing section and the receiving section, as well as the fastening section.

[0019] Preferably, the curvature of the corresponding bearing section is oriented along the outer contour of the damper tube. Thus, the bearing sections on both sides can be used to center the sensor holding device on the damper tube by selecting the corresponding curvature of the bearing section according to the cylindrical outer contour of the damper tube and constructing it as a segment of an inner cylinder. The corresponding curvature of the bearing section can be selected such that the bearing section forms a mating part of the outer contour of the damper tube on the inner side of the sensor holding device. When the bearing sections on both sides are constructed aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, supporting the sensor holding device on the damper tube according to a specified method will cause the longitudinal direction of the sensor holding device to be oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the damper tube.

[0020] As an alternative or supplement, each individual load-bearing section is elastically constructed and serves to generate a preload force toward the outer surface when the sensor holding device is secured to the damper tube. Thus, during the process of securing the sensor holding device to the damper tube, a preload is induced toward the outer surface of the sensor holding device, thereby achieving a gapless fixation of the sensor holding device to the damper tube. When this variant is combined with the above-described improvement, the load-bearing sections preferably have a greater curvature than the outer contour of the damper tube in the unloaded state. When the sensor holding device is placed on the damper tube, the load-bearing sections undergo elastic deformation, thereby generating a preload force on one hand and causing the load-bearing sections to adhere to the damper tube with their contact surfaces on the other. Preferably, the load-bearing sections each have a shape similar to a leaf spring.

[0021] According to another possible design of the invention, the receiving opening is surrounded by snap-fit ​​elements, which are elastically constructed transversely to the orientation of the receiving opening and extend into the receiving opening so as to be pre-tightened relative to the fastener when the fastener is introduced into the receiving opening. This advantageously achieves a force-transmitting fit and / or form-fit fixation between the fastening section and the fastener inserted into the receiving opening. Particularly preferably, after the fastener is inserted into a fixed position in the receiving opening, the snap-fit ​​elements are pre-tightened relative to a region of the fastener located behind the annular flange of the fastener along the insertion direction. This prevents the fastener from unintentionally dislodging from the receiving opening by the form-fitting snap-fit ​​elements.

[0022] In an improved version of the aforementioned possible design, each individual snap-fit ​​element is formed by a resilient leg that defines a hook-like shape with a V-shaped cross-section for the corresponding snap-fit ​​element. Thus, a single snap-fit ​​element is constructed as a snap hook, thereby enabling proper securing of the fastener within the receiving opening. In the V-shaped cross-section of each individual snap-fit ​​element, the respective vertices where the two corresponding legs intersect are specifically oriented towards the inner surface of the sensor holding device.

[0023] Specifically, one of the legs has a free end, with a corresponding snap-fit ​​element extending into a receiving opening through this free end. In this regard, the free end supports the corresponding snap-fit ​​element on the fastener when the fastener is introduced into the receiving opening, thereby preventing the fastener from dislodging from the receiving opening. This is particularly advantageous when the fastener is supported on a support shoulder at the corresponding free end, which is formed by an annular flange of the fastener.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the fixing section constitutes an outlet opposite to the inner side of the receiving opening for the fastener, wherein the outlet is visible from the outside of the sensor holding device through at least one window. Thus, it is easy to check through the at least one window whether the fastener has been inserted sufficiently deep into the receiving opening as required. Preferably, the at least one window is configured as a through portion extending laterally to both the inner and outer sides.

[0025] In an improved embodiment described above, the fastening section further includes a tab on the outlet side, the tab extending to a target dimension. The fastener is led out from the outlet to this target dimension to secure the sensor retaining device to the damper tube as specified. Advantageously, it is easier to visually inspect whether the fastener is inserted deeply enough through at least one window. When this variation is combined with a possible design of the snap-fit ​​element according to the invention, the tab can advantageously be constructed on the free end of the leg of each snap-fit ​​element.

[0026] According to another possible design of the invention, the sensor holding device has at least one through-hole extending longitudinally through the sensor holding device on the inner side. This enables a drainage function, allowing liquid or ice to be drained when the sensor holding device is used in a vibration damping device.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the receiving area on the receiving section is formed by a support portion facing the outer side, the support portion forming a support surface for the sensor element. In an improved embodiment, the receiving section further defines mating surfaces on both sides of the support portion on the lateral side, the mating surfaces being used to fit and fix the legs of the U-shaped sensor element. Thus, the receiving opening of the fastening section is reliably surrounded by the U-shaped sensor element. Furthermore, by fixing the sensor element on the lateral side, reliable anti-detachment fixation of the sensor element can be achieved. Particularly preferably, a recess is defined on the lateral side of the receiving section, into which the retaining piece of the U-shaped sensor element can be inserted to achieve a form-fit fixation.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a sensor unit that, in addition to a sensor element, has one or more sensor holding devices of the above-described variations. The sensor element is fixed to a receiving section of the sensor holding device. Specifically, the sensor element is a metal component that induces eddy currents in the generated magnetic field.

[0029] Preferably, the sensor element is constructed as a U-shaped plate, which is fixed on the receiving section, and the receiving section has lateral sides located on both sides of the supporting part.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vibration damping device comprising a damper tube on which a sensor unit of a position detection device according to the invention is fixed. Specifically, another sensor component of the position detection device is fixed to a protective tube, which is slidable together with and surrounds the damper tube along with a piston rod introduced into the damper tube. Thus, in the vibration damping device, the sensor unit is radially positioned between the damper tube and the protective tube. The fixing of the protective tube to the piston rod is preferably performed at the end of the piston rod extending from the damper tube, wherein the piston rod at the opposite end carries a slidably guided piston within the damper tube. Attached Figure Description

[0031] An advantageous embodiment of the invention described below is shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a vibration damping device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device shown; Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device shown illustrates the area of ​​the sensor unit of the position detection device according to the invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A standalone perspective view of the sensor unit shown; Figure 5 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the sensor unit shown; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A separate perspective view of the sensor holding device of the sensor unit shown corresponds to a preferred possible design of the present invention; and Figure 7 for Figures 1 to 3 An end-side view of the sensor unit in the vibration damping device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a vibration damping device 1 is shown, which is constructed for use in the chassis of a motor vehicle and is configured as a telescopic shock absorber. For connection within the chassis, the vibration damping device 1 is equipped with two connection points in the form of support holes 2 and 3, wherein support hole 2 is fixed to one end of the shock absorber tube 4.

[0033] Another support hole 3 is fixed to one end of the piston rod 5, which is introduced into the damper tube 4 at its opposite end, and at this opposite end carries the piston of the vibration damping device 1, which is not visible here. As also combined Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device 1 shows that the damper tube 4 exists as a container tube, which surrounds the working cylinder 6 and together with the working cylinder 6 defines the compensation cavity 7 located in the middle.

[0034] The piston rod 5, together with the piston, is slidably guided relative to the damper tube 4 and the working cylinder 6, wherein the sliding is damped hydraulically or pneumatically in a manner known in principle to those skilled in the art. In the vibration damping device 1, the piston rod 5 is also rigidly connected to a protective tube 8, which radially surrounds the damper tube 4 and moves together with the piston rod 5 due to the rigid connection.

[0035] In order to determine the relative position of the piston rod 5 and the piston arranged thereon with respect to the damper tube 4 and the working cylinder 6, and thus to infer the current state of the vehicle wheel or axle suspension, the vibration damping device 1 is provided with a position detection device 9. This position detection device 9, preferably operating as an inductive sensor, consists of a sensor unit 10 fixed to the side of the damper tube 4 and a sensor component 11 arranged on the side of the protective tube 8. The sensor component 11 is here constructed as a sensor circuit board, wherein, as particularly... Figure 2 As can be seen, the sensor circuit board covers the protective tube 8 circumferentially and is arranged radially around the sensor unit 10. The area where the sensor circuit board extends axially on the protective tube 8 corresponds to the possible axial movement range of the radially inner side of the sensor unit 10 when the damper tube 4 and the protective tube 8 move relative to each other.

[0036] As in Figure 3 In China and especially afterwards Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the sensor unit 10 consists of a sensor element 12 and a sensor holding device 13, which is constructed according to a preferred possible design of the present invention, and secures the sensor element 12 to the damper tube 4 in a way that prevents it from detaching. For this purpose, the sensor holding device 13 is equipped with a fastening section 14, through which the sensor holding device 13 is fixed to a fastener 15 in the vibration damping device 1. The fastener 15 is welded and fixed radially outward on one side of the damper tube 4, and the fastener 15 has a cylindrical shape that widens into an annular flange 16 at its end opposite to the damper tube 4. This is particularly evident in… Figure 2 and Figure 3 This can be seen separately.

[0037] On the other hand, the sensor holding device 13 also includes a receiving section 17 on which the sensor element 10 is fixed. For example, particularly... Figure 5 As can be seen, the sensor element 10 exists in the form of a U-shaped plate, wherein the sensor element is made of a metal material, preferably aluminum.

[0038] The sensor holding device 13 is integrally made of plastic material and, in addition to the fastening section 14 and the receiving section 17, also has two load-bearing sections 18 and 19. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Besides China, there are still Figure 6 As can be seen in a separate view of the sensor holding device 13, two bearing sections 18 and 19 extend along the sensor holding device 13. Figure 6 The longitudinal direction 20 of the sensor holding device 13 shown is disposed on both sides of the fastening section 14 and the receiving section 17, which are thus located between the two bearing sections 18 and 19 along the longitudinal direction 20. The bearing sections 18 and 19 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction 20 and have curved orientations.

[0039] As according to Figure 6 As can be seen from the bearing section 19, the bearing sections 18 and 19 are respectively equipped with mating surfaces 22 and 23 on the inner side 21 of the sensor holding device 13, which faces the damper tube 4 in the vibration damping device 1 with the inner side facing the damper tube 4. When the sensor holding device 13 is fixed to the fastener 15, the sensor holding device 11 is supported on the columnar outer contour of the damper tube 4 at the mating surfaces 22 and 23 of the corresponding bearing sections 18 or 19. The bearing sections 18 and 19 are constructed as leaf springs and are elastic, wherein the bending direction of the corresponding bearing sections 18 or 19 is constructed to have a greater curvature than the outer contour of the damper tube 4. This causes the sensor holding device 13 to be pre-tightened towards the outer side 24 when it is placed on the damper tube 4 and fixed to the fastener 15, the outer side 24 being opposite to the inner side 21 on the sensor holding device 13 and facing the sensor component 11 in the vibration damping device 1.

[0040] In order to secure the damper tube 4 to the fastener 15, the fastening section 12 is provided on the inner side 21 of the sensor holding device 11, and defines exactly one of the fasteners. Figure 2 and Figure 3As can be seen, a receiving opening 25 is provided, into which a fastener 15 is inserted for fixation. The receiving opening 25 also opens at the inner side 21 of the sensor holding device 13 and is configured in a funnel shape. On the fastening section 14, the receiving opening 25 is surrounded by a plurality of snap-fit ​​elements 26, which are configured as resilient snap hooks of the fastening section 14.

[0041] like Figure 3 Specifically, each individual snap-fit ​​element 26 has a V-shaped cross-section, with its apex oriented towards the inner side 21 on the sensor holding device 13, and is formed by two legs 27 and 28 respectively. The respective legs 27 and 28 are elastically designed transversely to the receiving opening 25, with the corresponding free end 29 of one leg 28 extending into the receiving opening 25. During the process of introducing the fastener 15 into the receiving opening 25 to secure the sensor unit 10 to the damper tube 4, the snap-fit ​​elements 26 are gradually elastically pressed back by the flange 16 of the fastener 15, thereby bringing the corresponding legs 27 and 28 of each individual snap-fit ​​element 26 closer together. The corresponding leg 28 of the corresponding snap-fit ​​element 26 is pre-tightened with its corresponding end 29 against the flange 16 of the fastener 15. Once the fastener 15, together with the flange 16, is extended from the outlet 30, the latching element 26, together with the leg 28, springs back and engages the flange 16 from the rear with its end 29, and the receiving opening 25 is provided with the outlet facing outwards towards the outer side 24. Thus, the fastening section 14 is prevented from disengaging from the fastener 15 by the form-fitting engagement of its end 29 with the flange 16.

[0042] When the sensor unit 10 is fixed to the damper tube 4, and the sensor holding device 13 is placed on the damper tube 4, the bearing sections 18 and 19, due to their curvature, cause the sensor holding device 13 to be oriented with its longitudinal direction 20 parallel to the longitudinal central axis 31 of the damper tube 4. During the insertion of the fastener 15 into the receiving opening 25, the bearing sections 18 and 19 also pre-tighten the sensor holding device 13 toward the outer side 24, i.e., toward the sensor component 11, thereby ensuring that after the fastener 15, together with the flange 16, is led out from the outlet 30, the pre-tightening of the locking element 26, together with its end 29, toward the flange 16 is also guaranteed. This also results in the sensor holding device 13 and the sensor unit 10 being held on the damper tube 4 without gaps.

[0043] As is especially Figure 5 and Figure 6As can be seen from the diagram, the receiving section 17 of the sensor holding device 13 forms a receiving area 32, and the sensor element 12, when fixed, is supported on the outer side 24 of the sensor holding device 13 with its top surface 33. A support portion 34 is provided in the receiving area 32, forming a support surface for the top surface 33 of the sensor element 12 facing the outer side 24. The receiving area 32 covers the receiving opening 25 of the fastening section 14 facing the outer side 24, so that the top surface 33 of the sensor element 12 is located above the receiving opening 25 when fixed to the sensor holding device 13. This results in the top surface 33 of the sensor element 12 being radially positioned between the fastener 15 inserted into the receiving opening 25 and the sensor component 11, thus preventing the fastener 15 itself from causing eddy currents and thus avoiding interference with position measurement. Furthermore, the nesting of the fastening section 14 below the receiving area 32 makes the fixation of the sensor unit 10 more compact.

[0044] Furthermore, the receiving section 17 also defines lateral sides 35 and 36, which are transverse to the longitudinal direction 20 and located on both sides of the bearing portion 34. This is particularly evident in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the lateral sides 35 and 36 are used here to fit the legs 37 and 38 of the U-shaped sensor element 12, and as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The transverse sides 35 are respectively equipped with recesses 39 and 40. After the sensor element 12 is placed, the retaining pieces 41 of the legs 37 and 38 can be pressed into the recesses under plastic deformation. Thus, the sensor element 12 is held in a form-fit manner on the receiving section 17 of the sensor holding device 13. This fixing of the sensor element 12 to the sensor holding device 13 is performed before the sensor holding device 13 is fixed to the vibration damper tube 4, so the sensor unit 10 exists as a pre-assembled component module.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the sensor holding device 13 is provided with windows 42 and 43, through which the outlet 30 can be observed from the outside of the sensor holding device 13. This allows for checking whether the retaining member 15 is fully inserted into the receiving opening 25 during the installation of the sensor unit 10 onto the damper tube 4. Because, as... Figure 7 As shown in the end view of the sensor unit 10, the flange 16 of the fastener 15 is then displayed in the corresponding window 42 or 43. Furthermore, some of the snap-fit ​​elements 26 are also equipped with tabs 44 that extend from the respective ends 29 of the respective legs 28 toward the outer surface 24 to a target dimension, to which the fastener 15, along with its flange 16, is led out from the outlet 30. This allows for easy visual inspection of the correct positioning of the sensor unit 10 on the fastener 15.

[0046] Finally, as in Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen, the sensor holding device 13 has a through portion 45 extending along the longitudinal direction 20 on its inner side 21. This through portion 45 serves as a drainage through portion, through which liquid or ice can be discharged from the area of ​​the sensor unit 10.

[0047] According to the technical solution of the present invention, a sensor holding device can be provided, which enables the position detection device to be implemented in a vibration damping device in a compact and reliable manner. List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Vibration damping equipment 2 Support Holes 3 Support holes 4. Vibration damper tube 5 Piston rod 6 working cylinders 7. Compensation cavity 8 Protective tubes 9. Position detection device 10 sensor units 11 Sensor components 12 Sensor Components 13 Sensor holding device 14 Fastening Section 15 Fasteners 16 flanges 17 Accommodation Section 18 Bearing Section 19 Bearing Section 20. Vertical direction 21 Inner surface 22 bonding surfaces 23. Lamination Surface 24. Outer surface 25 Accommodation opening 26. Clip-on components 27 legs 28 legs 29 end 30. Exit 31. Longitudinal centerline 32 Accommodation Area 33 Top surface 34 Load-bearing section 35 Lateral side 36 Lateral side 37 legs 38 legs 39 recess 40 recess 41. Hold tablets 42 windows 43 windows 44 stitching 45. Through section.

Claims

1. Sensor holding device (13) for holding a sensor element (12) on a damper tube (4) in a position detection device (9) of a vibration damping device (1), comprising a receiving section (17) for secure fixing of the sensor element (12), wherein A fastening section (14) is also provided on the inner side (21) of the sensor holding device. When arranged in the vibration damping device (1), the sensor holding device (13) faces the damper tube (4) with the inner side facing the damper tube. The fastening section defines exactly one receiving opening (25) for fixing the sensor holding device (13) to the damper tube (4). For this purpose, the receiving opening (25) of the fastening section (14) extends to the inner side (21) and is configured to introduce a fastener (15) fixed to the damper tube (4) from the inner side (21). The fastening section (14) is characterized in that the receiving opening (25) facing the outer side (24) opposite to the inner side (21) is covered by the receiving area (32) of the receiving section (17). When fixed to the receiving section (17), the sensor element (12) is arranged in the receiving area.

2. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that The fastening section (14) and the receiving section (17) are arranged in the longitudinal direction (20) between two load-bearing sections (18, 19) located on both sides. These two load-bearing sections extend laterally to the longitudinal direction (20) at least on the inner side (21) and form a mating surface (22, 23) on the inner side (21) for supporting the sensor holding device (13) on the damper tube (4).

3. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The direction of the corresponding bending of the corresponding load-bearing sections (18, 19) is oriented along the outer contour of the damper tube (4).

4. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each individual load-bearing section (18, 19) is elastically constructed and is used to generate a preload toward the outer side (24) when the sensor holding device (13) is fixed to the damper tube (4).

5. The sensor holding device (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving opening (25) is surrounded by snap-fit ​​elements (26), which are elastically configured transverse to the orientation of the receiving opening (25) and extend into the receiving opening (25) so as to be pre-tightened relative to the fastener (15) when the fastener (15) is introduced into the receiving opening (25).

6. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each individual snap-fit ​​element (26) is formed by resilient legs (27, 28) that define the hook shape of the corresponding snap-fit ​​element (26) having a V-shaped cross-section.

7. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the legs (27, 28) has a free end (29), and the corresponding snap-fit ​​element (26) extends into the receiving opening (25) with the free end therein, wherein the free end (29) supports the corresponding snap-fit ​​element (26) on the fastener (15) when the fastener (15) is introduced into the receiving opening (25), thereby preventing the fastener (15) from dislodging from the receiving opening (25).

8. The sensor holding device (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving opening (25) has an outlet (30) for the fastener (15) facing away from the inner side (21), wherein the outlet (30) can be seen from the outside of the sensor holding device (13) through at least one window (42, 43).

9. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fastening section (14) is further provided with a tab (44) on the side of the outlet (30), the tab extending to a target size, and the fastener (15) being led out from the outlet (30) to the target size in order to fix the sensor holding device (13) on the damper tube (4) as specified.

10. The sensor holding device (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor holding device has at least one through portion (45) that extends through the sensor holding device (13) in the longitudinal direction (20) on the inner side (21).

11. The sensor holding device (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving area (32) on the receiving section (17) is formed by a support portion (34) facing the outer side (24), which forms a support surface for the sensor element (12).

12. The sensor holding device (13) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The receiving section (17) also defines mating surfaces on the lateral sides (35, 36) on both sides of the bearing portion (34), which are used to fit and fix the legs (37, 38) of the U-shaped sensor element (12).

13. A sensor unit (10) comprising a sensor element (12) fixed to a sensor holding device (13) according to any one or more of claims 1 to 12.

14. The sensor unit (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sensor element (12) is constructed as a U-shaped plate, which is fixed on the receiving section (17) of the sensor holding device (13) according to claim 12.

15. Vibration damping device (1), the vibration damping device comprising a damper tube (4), wherein a sensor unit (10) of a position detection device (9) according to claim 13 or 14 is fixed on the damper tube.

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