Magnet holder, magnetic sensor device having the same, and carrier

Abstract

A magnet holder, a magnetic sensor device having the magnet holder and a vehicle are provided. The magnet holder (100) is for holding a magnet (202) of a magnetic sensor device, wherein the magnet holder (100) comprises an attachment portion (20) for attaching the magnet holder (100) to a first component, a contact portion (40) for providing a contact to a second component comprising a magnetic field sensitive element of the magnetic sensor device, and a bendable strut arrangement (30) interconnecting the attachment portion (20) and the contact portion (40). Furthermore, the magnetic sensor device comprises the magnet (202) and the magnetic field sensitive element, wherein the magnet (202) is held by the magnet holder (100), and a vehicle comprising such a magnetic sensor device is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a magnet holder for holding a magnet in a magnetic sensor device. This utility model also relates to a magnetic sensor device and a carrier including the magnetic sensor device. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic sensors known from the prior art include a magnet and a magnetic field-sensitive component. Such a magnetic sensor can be configured to sense changes in the position of the magnet relative to the magnetic field-sensitive component. Metal particles or components that are part of or near the magnetic sensor may cause electromagnetic interference, which can adversely affect the sensing behavior of the magnetic sensor.

[0003] A magnetic sensor device with a magnetic field sensing element and a magnet is known from DE 101 12 146 A1. The magnet is movably guided on components to compensate for relative movement between the components, and the magnetic field sensing element and the magnet are arranged on these components. Another sensor device is known from DE 10 2005 004 489 A1, which includes a spring preload device for connecting a sensor carriage to a movable component. Utility Model Content

[0004] One aspect of this invention relates to a magnet holder for holding a magnet of a magnetic sensor device. The magnet holder may be configured to accommodate the magnet. The magnetic sensor device may include the magnet. The magnetic sensor device may be configured as a magnetic pulse sensor device or a magnetic proximity sensor device. The magnetic sensor device may be configured to sense relative rotational movement of a component. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic sensor device may be configured to sense relative translational movement of the component.

[0005] The magnet holder includes an attachment portion for attaching the magnet holder to a first component. The attachment portion may be configured to interconnect the magnet and the first component. The attachment portion may be configured to rigidly attach the magnet holder to the first component. Movement of the first component may cause co-movement of the magnet and the first component.

[0006] The magnet holder also includes a contact portion for providing contact with the second component. The contact portion can be configured to movably arrange the magnet holder at the second component. The contact portion can be configured to mate with the second component. The second component includes a magnetic field sensing element of a magnetic sensor device. The magnetic sensor device can be configured to sense relative movement of the magnet relative to the magnetic field sensing element. The magnetic field sensing element can include an electromagnetic coil for sensing changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0007] The magnet retainer also includes a flexible support assembly that interconnects the attachment portion and the contact portion. The flexible support assembly can be designed and manufactured from a material that allows it to bend when compressive stress is applied to the magnet retainer. The flexible support assembly allows for direct interconnection between the attachment portion and the contact portion, wherein the flexible support assembly can be directly connected to the attachment portion, and wherein the flexible support assembly can be directly connected to the contact portion.

[0008] The flexible strut assembly is configured to absorb compression of the magnet retainer under constrained conditions, wherein the magnet retainer is constrained between a first component and a second component. Absorbing the compression of the magnet retainer may include converting compressive stress into bending stress, which may exist in the flexible strut assembly under the constrained conditions of the magnet retainer.

[0009] Compressive stress can be caused by a constraint between the first and second components, wherein the first or second component applies compressive stress to the magnet retainer. The magnet retainer can be clamped between the first and second components, wherein this clamping arrangement of the magnet retainer between the first and second components can result in compression of the magnet retainer, which can be absorbed by the flexible strut device by converting the compressive stress into bending stress.

[0010] Therefore, the magnet retainer can provide a favorable binding contact between the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element independently of the varying compression states between the first and second components. Thus, the magnet retainer includes a flexible support device for converting compressive stress into bending stress, which induces a reaction force in the magnet retainer to achieve the binding contact. Due to the binding contact between the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element, electromagnetic interference to the magnetic sensor device can be reduced because the distance between the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element can remain constant. The binding contact also provides a favorable mating contact between the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element, which prevents residual metal particles from accumulating in the contact area between the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the magnet holder, the attachment portion, contact portion, and flexible support device can be manufactured as a single piece from a plastic material. Therefore, the attachment portion, contact portion, and flexible support device can be integrally formed from a plastic material. The flexible support device can be manufactured from a plastic material, wherein the flexible support device can be manufactured without metal. Therefore, the magnet holder can reduce electromagnetic interference to the magnetic sensor device in an advantageous manner due to the material properties of the magnet holder according to this embodiment.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the magnet holder may further include a magnet, which may be a permanent magnet. According to this embodiment, the magnet may be arranged at the contact portion. Therefore, the contact portion may be configured to provide contact with the second component without an air gap between the magnet and the second component. The magnet may be overmolded with a plastic material. The magnet may be arranged on the opposite side of the contact portion relative to the side of the contact portion configured to contact the second component. Overmolding the magnet on the opposite side of the contact portion provides a gapless contact between the magnet and the second component. Therefore, residual metal particles that may be attracted by the magnet can be advantageously collected in multiple portions of the magnet that do not interfere with the magnetic induction effect of the magnet's magnetic field on the magnetic field-sensitive element, because residual metal particles may not collect between the magnet and the magnetic field-sensitive element.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the magnet holder can be manufactured in a single production stage using a plastic molding process. The plastic molding process may include molding the attachment portion, contact portion, and flexible support assembly. The plastic molding process may also include overmolding the magnet. The plastic molding process may include both plastic molding and overmolding using the same plastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the overmolding of the magnet may be performed in an additional production stage using a plastic molding process. Therefore, the magnet holder can be manufactured efficiently and robustly. The magnet holder can also be manufactured without additional metal retaining components to hold the magnet on the contact portion.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the magnet retainer, the plastic material may be a glass fiber reinforced plastic material. The inventors have recognized that glass fiber reinforced plastic materials can provide advantageous material properties, wherein the magnet retainer includes tensile strength that allows the magnet retainer to be resistant to damage under constrained conditions.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the attachment, contact, and flexible support assembly can collectively surround a receiving space for accommodating the magnet. The attachment, contact, and flexible support assembly can provide a closed enclosure around the magnet. This closed enclosure may include a circumferential surface that surrounds the magnet. Therefore, the magnet can be advantageously protected and shielded within the receiving space.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the flexible support assembly may include two flexible supports, each of which interconnects the attachment portion with the contact portion. The two flexible supports may surround the receiving space, wherein the magnet may be housed between the two flexible supports. The two flexible supports may be arranged spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the flexible support assembly may include a symmetrical design with respect to the direction of stress acting on the magnet holder under constrained conditions. Thus, torsional stress under constrained conditions can be avoided, thereby providing a defined and restrained contact between the magnet and the magnetic field-sensitive element.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the magnet retainer, each of the two flexible struts may include a longitudinal strip-like element. The two flexible struts may be at least partially flat. The flexible strut assembly may also be configured as a disengaged spring cup for absorbing compression of the magnet retainer under constrained conditions and for providing a reaction force, such as a compressive force, which can provide contact between the contact portion and the second component. Therefore, a reliably secure contact between the contact portion and the second component can be provided.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the magnet retainer, in the unconstrained state of the magnet retainer, the flexible support assembly may include a zigzag shape having at least one bend. In the unconstrained state, the magnet retainer is not constrained between the first and second components. The zigzag shape may have at least one bend, which may be a C-shaped bend or an S-shaped bend. Therefore, the bend of the flexible support assembly in the constrained state of the magnet retainer may be pre-shaped to predefine a pre-defined zigzag portion of the flexible support assembly, such as a correspondingly outwardly oriented bend.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, in a constrained state, the flexible support assembly can be bent into a zigzag shape, the zigzag shape having at least one bend. The zigzag shape may include a C-shaped bend or a double bend, which may be a C-shaped bend or an S-shaped bend. The at least one bend may bend outward to provide a receiving space for accommodating a magnet. The zigzag shape of the flexible support assembly in a constrained state may be derived from or can be achieved by the zigzag shape of the flexible support assembly in an unconstrained state.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the attachment portion can be configured for tool-free attachment of the magnet holder to the first component. The attachment portion can be configured for form-locking or force-locking of the attachment portion to the first component. The attachment portion can be configured for clip-on attachment to the first component. The attachment portion can be configured for cable tie attachment to the first component, wherein the attachment portion may include a cable tie, which may be an integral part of the attachment portion. Therefore, the magnet holder can be directly attached to the first component without tools. The attachment portion can also be configured for metal-free attachment of the magnet holder to the first component. Alternatively, the attachment portion can be attached to the first component by performing plastic welding, plastic brazing, or plastic gluing.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the magnet retainer, the attachment portion can be configured to receive a fastener for securing the magnet retainer to a first component. The attachment portion can be configured to removably receive the fastener. The magnet retainer may include a fastener, which may be a separate part of the attachment portion. The fastener can be manually attached to the attachment portion to receive the fastener. The fastener can be removably attached to the attachment portion to receive the fastener. The fastener can be configured for tool-free attachment of the magnet retainer to the first component. The fastener can be configured for form-locking or force-locking of the attachment portion to the first component. The fastener can be configured for clip-on attachment to the first component. According to an embodiment, the fastener can be a retaining ring for securing the magnet retainer to a recess in the first component. The retaining ring can be a safety ring, a snap ring, or a circlip. According to another embodiment, the fastener can be a cable tie for securing the magnet retainer to the first component.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the magnet holder, the contact portion may be configured to contact and guide the second component during relative movement of the second component relative to the first component. The relative movement of the second component relative to the first component may include relative rotational movement of the second component relative to the first component. The relative movement may alternatively or additionally include relative translational movement of the second component relative to the first component.

[0023] Another aspect of this invention relates to a magnetic sensor device. The magnetic sensor device includes a magnet and a magnetic field sensing element. The magnet and the magnetic field sensing element can be constructed as described with respect to previous aspects of this invention. The magnetic sensor device can be configured to sense relative movement of a second component relative to a first component. The magnet of the magnetic sensor device is held by a magnet holder according to the foregoing aspects. The magnetic sensor device may include the magnet holder.

[0024] Another aspect of this invention relates to a vehicle comprising a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component may be constructed as described with respect to the preceding aspects. The vehicle includes a magnetic sensor device according to the foregoing aspects for sensing the relative movement of the second component relative to the first component. The first component may be a vehicle component, and the second component may be another vehicle component. During operation of the vehicle, the other vehicle component may include relative movement relative to the first vehicle component. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 The carrier, magnetic sensor device, and magnet holder according to an embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 2 The illustration shows an embodiment of the present invention in an unconstrained state. Figure 1 Magnet holder.

[0027] Figure 3 The present invention illustrates a constrained state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Magnet holder.

[0028] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a non-constrained state according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Magnet holder. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A carrier 300 is schematically shown. The carrier 300 includes a first component 2 and a second component 4. During operation of the carrier 300, the second component 4 moves relative to the first component 2. The second component 4 moves translationally relative to the first component 2. Alternatively or additionally, the second component 4 moves rotationally relative to the first component 2. The corresponding movement of the second component 4 relative to the first component 2 is caused by at least one of a translational movement of the first component 2 relative to the second component 4, a rotational movement of the first component 2 relative to the second component 4, a translational movement of the second component 4 relative to the first component 2, and a rotational movement of the second component 4 relative to the first component 2.

[0030] The carrier 300 includes a magnetic sensor device 200 for sensing movement of the second component 4 relative to the first component 2. The magnetic sensor device 200 includes a magnet 202 and a magnetic field sensing element 204. According to an embodiment of the magnetic sensor device 200, the magnet 202 is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. According to another embodiment of the magnetic sensor device 200, the magnetic field sensing element 204 is an electric coil or a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor. The magnetic field sensing element 204 is configured to sense changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 202. The magnetic field sensing element 204 is also configured to generate an electrical signal based on the sensed changes in the magnetic field.

[0031] A magnet 202 is attached to a first component 2, and a magnetic field sensing element 204 is attached to a second component 4. The magnet 202 is indirectly attached to the first component 2 via a magnet holder 100, which is directly attached to the first component 2. The magnet holder 100 is movably in contact with the second component 4. The magnet holder 100 is in a constrained state C, wherein the magnet holder 100 is constrained between the first component 2 and the second component 4. In the constrained state C, the magnet holder 100 is clamped between the first component 2 and the second component 4, wherein the magnet holder 100 is compressed by compressive stress acting on it. The magnet holder 100 is configured to absorb compressive stress while remaining attached to the first component 2 and still in contact with the second component 4.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view shows the magnet retainer 100 in its unconstrained state N. The magnet retainer 100 includes an attachment portion 20 configured to attach the magnet retainer 100 to a first component 2. The magnet retainer 100 is attached to the first component 2, which, according to an embodiment, is a cylindrical component. The attachment portion 20 includes a tool-free attachment mechanism 22. The tool-free attachment mechanism 22 includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism that includes a stop 24 for clamping the attachment portion 20 onto the first component 2. According to the embodiment where the first component 2 is a cylindrical component, the stop 24 includes a flexible latch band 25 that includes a latch lever 26. The latch lever 26 can engage with a latch retainer 27 disposed on the attachment portion 20 for clamping the attachment portion 20 onto the first component 2.

[0033] The magnet holder 100 also includes a contact portion 40 configured to contact a second component 4. The magnet holder 100 contacts the second component 4, which, according to an embodiment, is a cylindrical component. The magnet holder 100 includes a concave contact surface 42, which, according to this embodiment, is a cylindrical surface. A magnet 202 is disposed on the contact portion 40 on the opposite side of the contact portion 40 relative to the concave contact surface 42.

[0034] The magnet holder 100 also includes a flexible support assembly 30 having two flexible supports 32. Each flexible support 32 includes a longitudinal strip-shaped element 34 that flattens in the bending direction of each flexible support 32. The flexible support assembly 30 and the two flexible supports 32 respectively interconnect the attachment portion 20 and the contact portion 40. The flexible supports 32 are arranged spaced apart from each other and interconnect the attachment portion 20 and the contact portion 40 at two opposite sides. The flexible supports 32 are arranged in a trapezoidal arrangement, wherein the trapezoidal arrangement tapers in the direction of the contact portion 40. The flexible supports 32 include the outer surface 11 of the magnet holder 100. The attachment portion 20, the flexible supports 32, and the contact portion 40 surround a magnet 202, which is arranged in a receiving space 12 surrounded by the attachment portion 20, the flexible supports 32, and the contact portion 40.

[0035] The attachment 20, contact 40, and flexible support assembly 30 are made of a single piece of plastic material 10, which, according to an embodiment, is a glass fiber reinforced plastic material. The attachment 20, contact 40, and flexible support assembly 30 are metal-free. The magnet 202 is overmolded from the plastic material 10. An overmolded member 44 covering the magnet 202 is arranged at the contact 40. The overmolded member 44 is arranged at the contact 40 to provide a gapless arrangement of the magnet 202 to the contact 40. The magnet 202 is arranged at a constant distance relative to the concave contact surface 42, without any gaps between the magnet 202 and the contact surface 42. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the open gap between the magnet 202 and the concave contact surface 42 under constrained state C.

[0036] Figure 3The magnet holder 100 is shown in perspective view in a constrained state C. In constrained state C, the flexible strut assembly 30 absorbs compressive stress by converting the compressive stress into bending stress in the flexible struts 32. Both flexible struts 32 bend outwards, each including a bend 36 caused by the bending stress. In constrained state C, the magnet holder 100 is compressed, while the contact portion 40 still contacts the second component 4. The compressive and bending stresses do flatten the receiving space 12, but do not affect the constant distance of the magnet 202 relative to the concave contact surface 42.

[0037] Figure 4 A magnet retainer 100 according to another embodiment is shown in a side view, the magnet retainer 100 in its unconstrained state N. The magnet retainer 100 is configured according to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The magnet holder 100 of this embodiment differs from that of the magnet holder according to the following description. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The magnet holder 100 of the embodiment. The magnet holder 100 and according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The difference in the embodiment of the magnet holder 100 is that the attachment portion 20, configured to attach the magnet holder 100 to the first component 2, is configured to receive the fastener 50. The attachment portion 20 includes a receiving structure 28, wherein the fastener 50 is detachably held in a form-locking manner. According to the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 50 is a recess for attaching the magnet holder 100 to the first component 2 (which is located in...). Figure 4 (Not shown) A retaining ring 52. In the attached state where the magnet holder 100 is attached to the first component 2, the retaining ring 52 engages the groove to prevent movement of the magnet holder 100 relative to the first component 2. If the first component 2 is a cylindrical component, the retaining ring 52 engages the groove, which is a circumferential groove of the cylindrical component, to prevent axial movement of the magnet holder 100 relative to the cylindrical axis of the first component 2. According to this embodiment, the tool-free attachment mechanism 22 includes a retaining ring 52, wherein the retaining ring 52 snaps into the groove.

[0038] The magnet holder 100 also includes a contact portion 40 and a magnet 202, both as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The magnet holder 100 is constructed as described in the embodiment. The magnet holder 100 also includes a flexible support assembly 30, which, together with... Figure 2 and Figure 3The difference between the flexible support assembly 30 of the embodiment of the magnet holder 100 and the one in which each flexible support 32 includes a bend 36 that has been pre-formed in an unconstrained state N. Each bend 36 includes an S-shaped bend 36.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 2 First component

[0041] 4 Second component

[0042] 10 Plastic materials

[0043] 12 storage spaces

[0044] 20 Attachment

[0045] 22 Tool-free attachments

[0046] 24 stopper

[0047] 25 latching band

[0048] 26 latches

[0049] 27 Latch Retainer

[0050] 28 containment structure

[0051] 30 Flexible Column Device

[0052] 32 Flexible Supports

[0053] 34 strip elements

[0054] 36 bends

[0055] 40 Contact Department

[0056] 42 concave contact surface

[0057] 44 Overmolded parts

[0058] 50 Fasteners

[0059] 52 retaining ring

[0060] 100 Magnet Holder

[0061] 200 magnetic sensor device

[0062] 202 Magnet

[0063] 204 magnetic field sensing element

[0064] 300 vehicles

[0065] C Constraint State

[0066] N represents the unconstrained state.

Claims

1. A magnet holder (100) for holding a magnet (202) of a magnetic sensor device (200). in, The magnet holder (100) includes: Attachment part (20), said attachment part (20) for attaching the magnet holder (100) to the first component (2), and The contact portion (40) is used to provide contact with the second component (4), which includes the magnetic field sensing element (204) of the magnetic sensor device (200). The magnet holder (100) is characterized in that it includes a flexible support device (30) that interconnects the attachment portion (20) and the contact portion (40). The flexible support device (30) is configured to absorb compression of the magnet holder (100) under a constrained state (C), in which the magnet holder (100) is constrained between the first component (2) and the second component (4).

2. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attachment (20), the contact (40), and the flexible support device (30) are made of plastic material (10) as a single piece.

3. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The magnet holder (100) also includes the magnet (202). The feature is that the magnet (202) is arranged at the contact portion (40), and wherein the magnet (202) is covered with plastic material (10).

4. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The magnet holder (100) also includes the magnet (202). The feature is that the magnet (202) is arranged at the contact portion (40), and wherein the magnet (202) is covered with plastic material (10).

5. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnet holder (100) is manufactured in one production stage using a plastic molding process, which includes plastic molding the attachment (20), the contact (40) and the flexible support device (30), and overmolding the magnet (202).

6. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnet holder (100) is manufactured in one production stage using a plastic molding process, which includes plastic molding the attachment (20), the contact (40) and the flexible support device (30), and overmolding the magnet (202).

7. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The plastic material (10) is a glass fiber reinforced plastic material.

8. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The attachment portion (20), the contact portion (40), and the flexible support device (30) together form a receiving space (12) for accommodating the magnet (202).

9. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The flexible support assembly (30) includes two flexible supports (32), each of which interconnects the attachment portion (20) and the contact portion (40). The two flexible support pillars (32) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

10. The magnet holder (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the two flexible struts (32) includes a longitudinal strip element (34).

11. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In the unconstrained state (N) of the magnet holder (100), the flexible support device (30) includes a zigzag shape having at least one bend (36).

12. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Under the constrained state (C) of the magnet holder (100), the flexible support device (30) is bent into a zigzag shape having at least one bend (36).

13. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The attachment (20) is configured for tool-free attachment of the magnet holder (100) to the first component (2).

14. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The attachment (20) is configured to receive a fastener (50) for securing the magnet holder (100) to the first component (2).

15. The magnet holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The contact portion (40) is configured to contact and guide the second component (4) during relative movement of the second component (4) relative to the first component (2).

16. A magnetic sensor device (200), the magnetic sensor device (200) comprising a magnet (202) and a magnetic field sensing element (204), characterized in that, The magnet (202) is held by a magnet holder (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A vehicle (300) comprising a first component (2) and a second component (4), characterized in that, The carrier (300) includes a magnetic sensor device (200) according to claim 16 for sensing the relative movement of the second component (4) relative to the first component (2).

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