Elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor

Abstract

Elastomer-metal bearing (1) with at least one sensor (7) for connection and force transmission between two components, with two deformation-resistant, spaced-apart bearing parts (2, 3), in particular metal bearing parts (2, 3), 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 in that that the at least one sensor (7) is screwed to one of the bearing parts (2) is, in such a way, that the sensor (7) is integrated or fixed in a cable lug (6) and the cable lug (6) is screwed to the one bearing part (2), covered by the elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements, and that cables (10) extending from the sensor (7) are located in the elastomer layer (4) and / or in elastomer elements and protrude therefrom for connection with cable ends (11).

Description

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

[0002] The terms “elastomer-metal bearing” and “rubber-metal bearing” are, as is common practice in specialist circles, to be understood generally and interpreted broadly, with “metal” standing for a deformation-resistant bearing component, which can in particular also be made of plastic, and “rubber” being 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 due to their operation and / or themselves generate forces that lead to deformations in the elastomer-metal bearing.

[0004] An elastomer-metal bearing as a component 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 parameter for the current component stiffness over a relatively long service life. If, over the course of a long service life, the deformation measurements increase under relatively constant loads or the component stiffness decreases, wear is detected with a limited remaining service life of the elastomer-metal bearing.

[0005] In this prior art, the elastomer-metal bearing with a sensor is also provided for a force-transmitting connection between two components and generally consists of two deformation-resistant, 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 adhered between the bearing parts. The sensor attached to the elastomer-metal bearing for detecting the component deformation or a physical quantity derived therefrom is neither specified nor indicated, especially for functional, cost-effective assembly and production of the elastomer-metal bearing.However, in conjunction with a vulcanization process for introducing elastomer material between the bearing parts, the correct position 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] Furthermore, from AU 2016102110 A4, a multi-node temperature sensor with a signal cable is known, which connects a plurality of addressable digital temperature sensor nodes in series, which comprise sensor units which are at least partially housed in sleeves of cable lugs, wherein optionally sensor units which are at least partially housed in the sleeves of the cable lugs are impermeably sealed against ambient conditions and further comprise magnet units which are attached to tongues of the cable lugs.

[0007] CN 2 11 536 314 U relates to a monitoring device for indoor hydrants, comprising a concave foil pressure sensor device and an anti-loss sensor device.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 28 07 782 A1 discloses a temperature sensor device for heatable switches which has a temperature sensor.

[0009] Finally, DE 10 2009 015 987 A1 discloses a support device and walking aid as a fixator for surgical lower leg lengthening, comprising an upper support ring and a lower support ring that can be adjusted at a distance from the upper support ring. A sole is arranged below the two support rings. A pressure sensor is mounted in the space between a support plate and the intermediate plate.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to propose an elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor for the force-transmitting connection between two components, in which the integration and attachment of the sensor can be carried out simply, cost-efficiently and without impairing the functionality with a predetermined positional accuracy of the sensor.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0012] According to claim 1, the at least one sensor is screwed to a bearing part such that the sensor is integrated or attached to a cable lug, and the cable lug is screwed to the bearing part, 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 therefrom with cable ends for connection.

[0013] By screwing the cable lug to the sensor housed or integrated within it and screwing it to the bearing part, the sensor can withstand high injection pressures during the manufacturing process and also ensures that the sensor is firmly, securely, and precisely attached to the bearing part. This makes assembly and manufacturing simple, cost-effective, and without compromising functionality.

[0014] In an advantageous refinement and development, the elastomer-metal bearing is a rubber-metal bearing with two flat metal bearing parts. To connect the cable lug containing the sensor to the metal bearing part, a thread is provided there, into which a fastening screw is screwed through a hole in the cable lug (from the elastomer layer side). This thread arrangement with the fastening screw prevents rubber from escaping during the vulcanization process due to the lack of a gap. Since no rubber leaks, the integrity of the bearing is maintained, clean manufacturing is guaranteed, and the bearing's function is not impaired.

[0015] Furthermore, only relatively simple, cost-effective metalworking steps are required for the sensor assembly, particularly the cutting of the thread into the metal bearing part. This allows for precise, simple and cost-effective installation of the sensor.

[0016] The elastomer layer and / or elastomer elements as a rubber layer and / or rubber elements are introduced and bonded between the metal bearing parts by vulcanization. For optimized rubber adhesion, the rubber bonding surfaces on the metal bearing parts, as well as the cable lug and the cable routed against an adhesive surface, are coated with a known adhesive prior to vulcanization.

[0017] Before the vulcanization process, the cable ends intended for a connection are placed in a pocket in the vulcanization tool and only removed from the pocket after the vulcanization process. This prevents rubber from escaping from the tool during the vulcanization process. The exposed cable ends can then be connected to a further cable or a connector.

[0018] Such a connector can advantageously be attached to the edge of the metal bearing part with the vulcanized cable lug and connected to the metal bearing part by screwing. This completes the elastomer-metal bearing with at least one sensor as a functional unit, which can simply be connected with a plug connection for further use.

[0019] Depending on the current installation conditions, the loads encountered, and the objective of evaluating the recorded measurement results, the elastomer-metal bearings according to the invention can have different geometric shapes with different strengths, stiffnesses, and elasticities of the metal bearing parts and elastomer materials. In a geometrically simple embodiment, the metal bearing parts can be flat plate parts, in particular flat, equally spaced plate parts. However, plate parts curved at equal spacing or ring-shaped bushings are also intended to be included.

[0020] 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 sensor can be used with the screw connection according to the invention as a temperature sensor, preferably a thermocouple or resistance temperature sensor. 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 (DMS sensor) for deformations, can also be used.

[0021] 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, cardanic loads with flexion loads in the elastomer material, as well as cyclic and periodic loads, etc.

[0022] To clarify the arrangement according to the invention, only one sensor on each bearing part of the elastomer-metal bearing is described in detail above. One or more sensors, even with different sensor properties, can be attached by screwing to one bearing part and, if necessary, also to the second, opposite bearing part, so that more detailed status statements can be made based on a plurality of measurement results. Such an arrangement is also intended to be covered by the scope of protection.

[0023] It is generally known to use preload in the elastomer material in elastomer-metal bearings if necessary. In the elastomer-metal bearing with sensor technology according to the invention, preload can also be applied in the elastomer layer and / or in elastomer elements during manufacture or during operational installation when connecting two components.

[0024] In a further development of an overall system, the measurement signals of at least one or more sensors recorded in the operational installation situation of the elastomer-metal bearing are to be fed to a measurement and evaluation unit. There, in conjunction with evaluation programs, monitoring of the conditions 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 performed, if necessary in conjunction with control interventions.

[0025] Furthermore, a method for producing 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, and optionally several sensors are screwed onto both bearing parts. Subsequently, in a further process step, the two bearing parts are placed in a vulcanizing tool at a distance from one another, with the sensors projecting into the distance. Subsequently, in a further process step, elastomer material is injected between the bearing parts and adhered in a vulcanizing process.

[0026] An embodiment of an elastomer-metal bearing according to the invention is shown by way of example in a drawing.

[0027] 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 Fig. 1 under the elastomer layer.

[0028] In Fig. 1 shows an exemplary, geometrically simple, elastomer-metal bearing 1 in a perspective view from below. The elastomer-metal bearing 1 consists of two deformation-resistant, spaced-apart metal bearing parts 2, 3. The metal bearing parts 2, 3 are designed for the connection and force transmission between two components of a device or system that are relatively movable under the action of force. In the schematically largely simplified design and representation of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the metal bearing parts 2, 3 are flat, equally spaced plate parts for a contact connection without special connecting elements to other components, since the essential aspect of the invention is the arrangement and attachment of a sensor.

[0029] Between the plate-shaped metal bearing part 2 and the evenly spaced plate-shaped metal bearing part 3, an elastomer layer 4 is introduced and adhered as a rubber layer in a vulcanizing tool during a vulcanization process. Relative loading between the metal bearing parts 2 and 3, combined with deformation in the elastomer layer 4, is possible, for example, if the elastomer-metal bearing 1 is clamped between two components to be joined.

[0030] In Fig. 1 also shows a plug 5 which is screwed to the side of the metal bearing part 2 from below.

[0031] In Fig. 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 thread 8 is located centrally in the metal bearing part 2. The cable lug 6 is firmly connected to the metal bearing part 2 through a hole with a fastening screw 9.

[0032] Starting from the cable lug 6, a cable 10 runs along the metal bearing part 2 toward the connector-side edge. The cable ends 11 are already connected (after a vulcanization process) to the terminals of the connector 5. Before the vulcanization process, the metal bearing part 2, with the screwed-on cable lug 6 but still without the connector 5, is inserted into a vulcanization tool together with the spaced-apart metal bearing part 3 and the calving ends housed in a pocket.

[0033] After the vulcanization process, the elastomer-metal bearing 1 is removed from the tool and 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 Fig. 1 results. List of reference symbols 1 elastomer-metal bearing 2 metal bearing part 3 metal bearing part 4 Elastomer layer 5 plugs 6 cable lug 7 Sensor 8 threads 9 Fixing screw 10 cables 11 cable ends

Claims

[1] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) with at least one sensor (7) for connection and force transmission between two components, with two rigid, spaced-apart bearing parts (2, 3), in particular metal bearing parts (2, 3), each for connection with 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 at least one sensor (7) is screwed to one of the bearing parts (2) is, in such a way, that the sensor (7) is integrated or attached in a cable lug (6) and the cable lug (6) is screwed onto one bearing part (2), which is covered by the elastomer layer (4) and / or elastomer elements, and that 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). [2] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) 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) with where a thread (8) is attached to one of the metal bearing parts (2), into which a fastening screw (9) is screwed through a bore 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 between the metal bearing parts (2, 3) by vulcanization, and that prior to 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 an adhesive agent for optimized rubber adhesion. [3] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that before the vulcanization process cable ends (11) are housed 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 (1) according to claim 3, characterized by, that the plug (5) is attached to the edge of the one 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 (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the two bearing parts (2, 3), in particular metal bearing parts (2, 3), are planar plate parts, in particular flat plate parts spaced at the same distance or plate parts bent at the same distance or ring-shaped bushings. [6] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to any 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, or a strain sensor, in particular a strain gauge sensor. [7] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that one or more, possibly different, sensors (7) are attached to one of the bearing parts (2) by means of screws, and that one or more, possibly different, sensors (7) are attached to the second opposite bearing part (3) by means of screws. [8] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a prestress is built up in the elastomer layer (4) and / or in the elastomer elements during manufacturing or in the operational installation situation when connecting two components. [9] Elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that in the operational installation situation of the elastomer-metal bearing (1) the measurement signals of at least one or several sensors (7) are supplied to a measuring and evaluation unit, with which monitoring of the 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, possibly in conjunction with control interventions. [10] Method for producing an elastomer-metal bearing (1) according to any 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), or, if necessary, several sensors (7) are screwed onto both bearing parts (2, 3), that the two bearing parts (2, 3) are spaced apart, with a sensor (7) projecting into the space or sensors being inserted into a vulcanizing tool, and that in a subsequent vulcanization process elastomer material is injected and bonded between the bearing parts (2, 3).

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