Elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to an elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor for connecting and transmitting force between two components, with two rigid bearing parts (2, 3) spaced apart from each other, in particular metal bearing parts, each for connecting to one of the two components, with an elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements adhered between the bearing parts (2, 3), and with at least one sensor (7) attached to the elastomer-metal bearing (1) for detecting and measuring a physical quantity.According to the invention, the at least one sensor (7) is screwed to a bearing part (2) in such a way that the sensor (7) is integrated or attached in a cable lug (6) and the cable lug (6) is screwed to the bearing part (2), which is covered by the elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements, and cables (10) extending from the sensor (7) are embedded in the elastomer layer (4) and / or in elastomer elements and protrude from it for connection with cable ends (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor for connecting and transmitting force between two components and a method for its manufacture.

[0002] The terms “elastomer-metal bearing” and “rubber-metal bearing” are to be understood generally and broadly interpreted, as is common in technical circles, where “metal” stands for a deformation-resistant bearing component, which may also be made of plastic, and “rubber” is a synonym for elastomer material.

[0003] The components connected to the elastomer-metal bearing in a force-transmitting manner are part of devices or systems that are exposed to external forces during operation and / or themselves generate forces that lead to deformations in the elastomer-metal bearing.

[0004] An elastomer-metal bearing as part of a device with a sensor and a downstream measuring and evaluation unit is known from EP 3 144 658 B1. Here, the sensor detects deformation of the elastomer material in the elastomer-metal bearing, and deformation measurements are stored in the evaluation unit as a characteristic value for the current component stiffness over a relatively long service life. If, over the course of a long service life, the deformation measurements increase or the component stiffness decreases under comparatively constant loads, this indicates wear and a limited remaining service life of the elastomer-metal bearing.

[0005] In this prior art, the elastomer-metal bearing with sensor is also designed for force-transmitting connections between two components and generally consists of two rigid, spaced-apart bearing parts, in particular metal bearing parts, each for connection to one of the two components. An elastomer layer and / or elastomer elements are bonded between the bearing parts. The sensor attached to the elastomer-metal bearing for detecting component deformation or a derived physical quantity is neither specified nor is its arrangement described, particularly with regard to functional and cost-effective assembly and manufacturing of the elastomer-metal bearing.However, in conjunction with a vulcanization process for introducing elastomer material between the bearing parts, ensuring the correct positioning of a sensor without functional impairment of the sensor and / or the entire elastomer-metal bearing is a complex task due to the high pressures and high temperatures.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose an elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor for force-transmitting connection between two components, in which the integration and attachment of the sensor is simple, cost-efficient and can be carried out without impairing the functionality with a given positional accuracy of the sensor.

[0007] This problem is solved using the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0008] According to claim 1, the at least one sensor is screwed to a bearing part such that the sensor is integrated into or attached to a cable lug and the cable lug is screwed to the bearing part, which is covered by the elastomer layer and / or elastomer elements. Cables extending from the sensor are guided in the elastomer layer and / or elastomer elements and protrude from it with cable ends for connection.

[0009] By screwing the cable lug to the sensor (either mounted or integrated within it) and to the bearing component, the sensor withstands high injection pressures during the manufacturing process. This also ensures that the sensor is firmly, securely, and accurately attached to the bearing component. This makes assembly and manufacturing simple, cost-effective, and without impairing functionality.

[0010] In a particularly advantageous refinement and further development, the elastomer-metal bearing is a rubber-metal bearing with two flat metal bearing components. A threaded section is provided for connecting the cable lug containing the sensor to the metal bearing component. A fastening screw is inserted into this threaded section through a bore in the cable lug (from the elastomer side). This threaded arrangement with the fastening screw prevents rubber from leaking out during the vulcanization process due to the absence of gaps. Since no rubber leaks out, the integrity of the bearing is preserved, clean manufacturing is ensured, and the bearing's function is not impaired.

[0011] Furthermore, only relatively simple and cost-effective metalworking steps are required for arranging the sensor, in particular cutting the thread into the metal bearing part. This makes precise mounting of the sensor simple and inexpensive.

[0012] The elastomer layer and / or elastomer elements, in the form of a rubber layer and / or rubber elements, are vulcanized and bonded between the metal bearing parts. For optimized rubber adhesion, the contact surfaces for the rubber on the metal bearing parts, as well as the cable lug and the cable running against a contact surface, are coated with a known adhesive before vulcanization.

[0013] Before the vulcanization process, the cable ends intended for connection are placed in a pocket within the vulcanization tool and only removed from the pocket after the vulcanization process is complete. This prevents rubber from leaking out of the tool during vulcanization. The exposed cable ends can then be connected to an extension cable or a connector.

[0014] Such a connector can advantageously be attached to the edge of the metal bearing part with the vulcanized-in cable lug and connected to the metal bearing part by screwing. This completes the elastomer-metal bearing with the at least one sensor as a functional unit, which can be further connected for use simply by means of a plug connection.

[0015] Depending on the current installation conditions, the loads occurring, and the objective in evaluating the recorded measurement results, the elastomer-metal bearings according to the invention can have different geometric shapes with varying thicknesses, stiffnesses, and elasticities of the metal bearing components and elastomer materials. In a geometrically simple embodiment, the metal bearing components can be flat plate components, in particular planar plate components spaced at equal intervals. However, the invention also includes plate components curved at equal intervals or ring-shaped embodiments closed into bushings.

[0016] In principle, all known sensors for detecting physical quantities can be used in the arrangement according to the invention, provided they can withstand manufacturing-related and / or operational environmental influences. Particularly preferably, a temperature sensor, preferably a thermocouple or resistance temperature sensor, can be used with the screw connection according to the invention. Depending on the circumstances and / or the physical quantities to be detected, a pressure sensor, for example a film sensor (FSR sensor), or a strain sensor, in particular a strain gauge sensor for deformations, can also be used.

[0017] The selection of sensors must be adapted in particular to the loads that occur during operation, whereby all commonly occurring loads should be included, such as static pressure loads, gimbal loads with flexural loads in the elastomer material, as well as cyclic and periodic loads, etc.

[0018] For the purposes of illustrating the arrangement according to the invention, only one sensor on a bearing part of the elastomer-metal bearing is described in detail above. One or more sensors, even with different sensor characteristics, can be attached to a bearing part and optionally also to the second, opposing bearing part by means of screws, so that more detailed condition statements can be made based on a multiple measurement results. Such an arrangement is also to be included in the scope of protection.

[0019] It is generally known to optionally introduce a preload into the elastomer material in elastomer-metal bearings. Similarly, in the elastomer-metal bearing with sensor according to the invention, a preload can be built up in the elastomer layer and / or in elastomer elements during manufacturing or in the operational installation situation at the connection between two components.

[0020] In a further development of a complete system, the measurement signals acquired by at least one or more sensors of the elastomer-metal bearing during its operational installation are to be fed into a measurement and evaluation unit. There, in conjunction with evaluation programs, monitoring of the condition of the elastomer-metal bearing and / or connected components and / or functional analyses of devices and systems in which the components are installed can be carried out, possibly in conjunction with control interventions.

[0021] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an elastomer-metal bearing as described above is claimed, wherein in a first process step a sensor is screwed onto or into a cable lug on one bearing part, optionally several sensors on both bearing parts. Subsequently, in a further process step, the two bearing parts are spaced apart and placed in a vulcanizing tool with the sensor(s) projecting into the space between them. Finally, in a further process step, elastomer material is injected and bonded between the bearing parts in a vulcanizing process.

[0022] An exemplary embodiment of an elastomer-metal bearing according to the invention is shown in a drawing.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1. A finished elastomer-metal bearing in a perspective view from below, and Fig. 2 the lower part of the elastomer-metal bearing to Fig. 1 under the elastomer layer.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary, geometrically simple elastomer-metal bearing 1 in a perspective view from below. The elastomer-metal bearing 1 consists of two rigid, spaced-apart metal bearing parts 2, 3. The metal bearing parts 2, 3 are designed for connection and force transmission between two components of a device or system that are relatively movable under the influence of force. The schematically simplified design and representation of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are the metal bearing parts 2, 3 planar, equally spaced plate parts for a system connection without special connecting elements to other components, since the essential aspect of the invention is the arrangement and attachment of a sensor.

[0025] Between the plate-shaped metal bearing part 2 and the uniformly spaced plate-shaped metal bearing part 3, an elastomer layer 4 is introduced and bonded as a rubber layer in a vulcanizing tool during a vulcanization process. A relative load between the metal bearing parts 2 and 3, in conjunction with deformation in the elastomer layer 4, is possible, for example, when the elastomer-metal bearing 1 is clamped between two components to be joined.

[0026] In Fig. In addition, a plug 5 is shown, which is screwed onto the metal bearing part 2 from below.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the elastomer-metal bearing 1 under the elastomer layer 4 with the elastomer layer 4 omitted: A (not visible) sensor 7, shown here as a temperature sensor, is integrated into a cable lug 6. A threaded hole 8 is located in the center of the metal bearing part 2. The cable lug 6 is firmly connected to the metal bearing part 2 by a mounting screw 9 through a bore.

[0028] A cable 10 runs from the cable lug 6 along the metal bearing part 2 towards the connector-side edge. The cable ends 11 are already connected (after a vulcanization process) to the terminals of the connector 5. Before a vulcanization process, the metal bearing part 2 with the screwed-on cable lug 6, but without the connector 5, is inserted into a vulcanization tool together with the spaced-away metal bearing part 3 and the cable ends housed in a pocket.

[0029] After the vulcanization process, the elastomer-metal bearing 1 is removed from the tool, the connector 5 is mounted, and the exposed cable ends 11 are connected to the connector, so that the finished elastomer-metal bearing 1 is thus ready for use. Fig. 1 equals 1. Reference symbol list 1 Elastomer-metal bearing 2 metal bearing parts 3 metal bearing part 4 elastomer layer 5 plugs 6 cable lug 7 Sensor 8 threads 9 fastening screw 10 cables 11 cable ends QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 144 658 B1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor for connection and force transmission between two components, with two deformation-resistant, spaced-apart bearing parts (2, 3), in particular metal bearing parts, each for connection to one of the two components, with an elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements adhered between the bearing parts (2, 3), and with at least one sensor (7) attached to the elastomer-metal bearing (1) for detecting and measuring a physical quantity, characterized by , that the at least one sensor (7) is screwed to a bearing part (2) in such a way that the sensor (7) is integrated or fastened in a cable lug (6) and the cable lug (6) is screwed to the bearing part (2), covered by the elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements, and that cables (10) extending from the sensor (7) lie in the elastomer layer (4) and / or in elastomer elements and protrude therefrom for connection with cable ends (11). [2] Elastomer-metal bearing according to claim 1, characterized by that the elastomer-metal bearing (1) is a rubber-metal bearing with two flat metal bearing parts (2, 3), that for connecting the cable lug (6) containing the sensor (7) to the metal bearing part (2), a thread (8) is provided there, into which a fastening screw (9) is screwed through a hole in the cable lug (6), that the elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements are introduced and adhered as a rubber layer and / or rubber elements by vulcanization between the metal bearing parts (2, 3), and that before the vulcanization process, the adhesive surfaces for rubber on the metal bearing parts (2, 3) as well as the cable lug (6) and the cable (10) guided against an adhesive surface are coated with adhesive for optimized rubber adhesion. [3] Elastomer-metal bearing according to claim 2, characterized by that before the vulcanization process, cable ends (11) are accommodated in a pocket in the vulcanization tool and after the vulcanization process, the exposed cable ends (11) are connected to further cables or a plug (5). [4] Elastomer-metal bearing according to claim 3, characterized bythat the plug (5) is attached to the edge of the metal bearing part (2) with the vulcanized cable lug (6) and is connected to this metal bearing part (2) by screwing. [5] Elastomer-metal bearing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the two bearing parts (2, 3), in particular metal bearing parts, are flat plate parts, in particular flat, equally spaced plate parts or plate parts bent at the same distance or annular bushings. [6] Elastomer-metal bearing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the at least one sensor (7) is a temperature sensor, preferably a thermocouple or resistance temperature sensor, or a pressure sensor, in particular a film sensor (FSR sensor), or a strain sensor, in particular a strain gauge sensor (DMS sensor). [7] Elastomer-metal bearing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat one or more, possibly different sensors (7), are each attached by screwing to a bearing part (2), and that one or more, possibly different sensors (7), are attached by screwing to the second opposite bearing part (3). [8] Elastomer-metal bearing according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that a prestress is built up in the elastomer layer (4) and / or in elastomer elements during manufacture or in the operational installation situation when connecting two components. [9] Elastomer-metal bearing according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat in the operational installation situation of the elastomer-metal bearing (1), the measurement signals of the at least one or more sensors (7) are fed to a measurement and evaluation unit with which monitoring of states of the elastomer-metal bearing (1) and / or connected components and / or functional analyses of devices and systems in which the components are installed can be carried out in evaluation programs, if necessary in conjunction with control interventions. [10] Method for producing an elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that at least one sensor (7) is screwed into or onto a cable lug (6) on a bearing part (2), optionally several sensors (7) on both bearing parts (2, 3), that the two bearing parts (2, 3) are placed at a distance from each other, with a sensor (7) or sensors projecting into the distance, and that in a subsequent vulcanization process, elastomer material is injected between the bearing parts (2, 3) and adhered.

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