Improved speed sensor ring

Abstract

Signal transmitter device (3) comprising a magnetic interaction surface (10) which can be scanned by a sensor, wherein a first group of parts (6) comprising a first material and a second group of parts (9) comprising a second material are arranged alternately along the magnetic interaction surface (10), wherein the first material and the second material have different magnetic properties, wherein the parts (6) from the first group of parts and the parts (9) from the second group of parts are force-fitted together, wherein at least the parts (6, 9) from the first group of parts and / or from the second group of parts are designed and arranged such that only a fraction of the adjacent surfaces (11, 13) of adjacent parts (6, 9) are force-fit together, characterized in that the parts (6) from the first group of parts and the parts (9) from the second group of parts are each connected to each other by means of a ring-shaped connecting structure (4, 8), wherein the respective ring-shaped connecting structure (4, 8) has the same material as the parts (6, 9) of the respective group of parts.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a signal transmitter device comprising a magnetic interaction surface which can be scanned by a sensor, wherein a first group of parts comprising a first material and a second group of parts comprising a second material are arranged alternately along the magnetic interaction surface, wherein the first material and the second material have different magnetic properties, and wherein the parts from the first group of parts and the parts from the second group of parts are connected to each other by frictional engagement.

[0002] The invention also relates to a signal transmitter arrangement comprising a sensor device and a signal transmitter device.

[0003] Signal generators, sometimes also called speed sensor rings, frequency generator rings, or pulse generator rings, are commonly used in a variety of technical devices. They are used, for example, to determine the speed and sometimes also the position of a device rotating relative to a stationary (main) part of a machine.

[0004] An example of this is the shaft of a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor. Other examples include the pivot point of a vehicle (to which the wheels are attached) or the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.

[0005] Due to the widespread and frequent use of such signaling devices, a large variety of signaling devices are known in the prior art, all of which function reasonably well.

[0006] To name just a few examples of design types known in the prior art: DE 10 2016 118 997 A1 discloses a signal transmitter device comprising a first material and a second material. The first material and the second material exhibit different magnetic properties. The first material and the second material are arranged such that the resulting magnetic behavior of the signal transmitter device varies across a magnetic interaction surface of the signal transmitter device. The signal transmitter device is further configured such that the magnetic interaction surface has a substantially smooth surface, particularly with respect to the standard direction of movement of the magnetic interaction surface.

[0007] DE 42 30 043 A1 describes a pulse ring with a rotation sensor. The pulse ring has an annular section with magnetic or ferromagnetic teeth that are magnetically scanned. The gaps between the teeth are filled with a magnetically neutral material to create a smooth outer surface. The teeth are formed in one piece with the carrier part of the ring, which is subsequently coated with the magnetically neutral material, resulting in a cylindrical outer edge on the carrier part that serves to attach the pulse ring to the vehicle wheel. In this way, the smooth outer surface prevents dirt from adhering to it and impairing the function of the pulse ring.

[0008] DE 195 13 669 A1 discloses a hydrostatic pump or a hydrostatic motor having an output or input shaft mounted in a housing and rotatably connected about an axis to a measuring ring that rotates in a housing interior filled with a hydraulic medium or lubricating oil. The surface contour of the measuring ring is designed such that, viewed in cross-section, it has the same radial extent over its entire circumference. The measuring ring consists of a metal coated with a sprayed-on polymer, or of the polymer with gaps at regular intervals into which a metal is inserted.

[0009] DE 10 2009 053 916 A1 proposes a device comprising a sensor disk with a disk element and signal elements arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the disk element. The disk element is made of plastic by injection molding, and the signal elements are made of metal or plastic. The signal elements are partially surrounded by the plastic of the disk element, wherein the plastic of the disk element and the signal elements are selected from a group consisting of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, and / or fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0010] DE 602 14 588 T2 discloses an angular velocity sensor for a rotor and a method for determining the angular velocity, in which the position at which an event-generating device passes a scanning device is determined using information from measured times at which the event-generating device passed the scanning device during at least one previous complete revolution of the rotor.

[0011] US 2003 / 0 137 203 A1 proposes a magnetic material retention structure for a motor rotor, comprising multiple overlapping silicon steel plates. The outer circumference of each silicon steel plate is recessed to form several receptacles spaced at equal intervals. A magnetic material is placed in each receptacle. Each receptacle has two side faces, a bottom face, and an opening opposite the bottom face. The transitions between the two side faces and the bottom face feature a concave section to provide some elasticity. When the magnetic material is inserted into the receptacles, the silicon steel plates deform in the area of ​​the receptacles to elastically clamp the magnetic material in place.

[0012] Further signaling devices are disclosed in FR 3 102 220 A1, US 5 183 341 A, JP H09 - 127 142 A and DE 10 2020 131 667 A1.

[0013] It is undisputed that these sensor rings function quite well in practice and offer certain advantages. Nevertheless, the challenge always lies in finding a good compromise between simple and inexpensive manufacturing on the one hand, and a reliable and durable design for the respective sensor ring on the other.

[0014] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a signal transmitter device that has a magnetic interaction surface which can be scanned by a sensor and which is improved compared to signal transmitter devices known in the prior art. In particular, its manufacture should be cost-effective without significantly impairing its reliability and service life.

[0015] A signal transmitter device according to claim 1 solves this problem.

[0016] It is proposed to design a signal transmitter device having a magnetic interaction surface that can be scanned by a sensor, wherein a first group of parts having a first material and a second group of parts having a second material are arranged alternately along the magnetic interaction surface, wherein the first material and the second material have different magnetic properties, wherein the parts of the first group of parts and the parts of the second group of parts are force-fit connected to each other, and wherein at least the parts from the first group of parts and / or from the second group of parts are designed and arranged such that only a fraction of the adjacent surfaces of adjacent parts are force-fit connected to each other.The parts from the first group of parts and the parts from the second group of parts are each connected to each other by means of a ring-shaped connecting structure, the respective ring-shaped connecting structure having the same material as the parts of the respective group of parts.

[0017] When we speak of the parts being arranged alternately, this is typically understood to mean that, viewed along the longitudinal extent of the magnetic interaction surface, a part from the first group of parts is followed by a part from the second group of parts, which in turn is followed by a part from the first group of parts, and so on. The alternating arrangement can also be viewed as a kind of rack and pinion arrangement. Usually, preferably only two groups of parts are used for the magnetic interaction surface (i.e., "first material - second material - first material - second material - first material - etc."). However, it is possible to arrange sections of a different (third) material at essentially any position, even between a part from the first group of parts and a part from the second group.Possible arrangements would therefore be (without restriction): “first material - second material - third material - first material - second material - third material - first material - etc.”; “first material - third material - second material - third material - first material - etc.”; or similar. The third (or further) group of parts can be parts that are substantially similar to the parts from the first and / or second groups. However, the third group of parts / the third material (or several) can also serve a different purpose. For example, a third material could be an adhesive or glue to support / improve the positive connection between at least some of the parts from the first and / or second groups.In this context, it should be noted that the parts from the third group of parts / a third material can also be considered as not constituting a different group of parts (which means that such an embodiment with glue / adhesive can fall under the aforementioned preferred possibility of using (only) two groups of parts for the magnetic interaction surface, to give just one example). Furthermore, it should be noted that additional / different materials can be used for sections of the signal transmitter device that differ from the magnetic interaction surface.For example, if the signal transmitter device has a wheel-like shape, the support structure between an axle bearing and the magnetic interaction surface can be made of a material that differs from both the first and the second material (of course, it is possible that these parts also have the first and / or the second material).

[0018] For the magnetic interaction surface to function correctly, the first and second materials generally need to differ in their magnetic behavior. Specifically, the first and / or second material should induce a different signal in the sensor (it is sufficient that a sensor signal is generated when switching from the first to the second material and vice versa). The magnetic behavior of the parts from the first group and the parts from the second group (and even multiple groups) can vary in several ways. For example, different magnetic behavior is conceivable with respect to the underlying physical effect of each material.To clarify, the first material can be a non-magnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic material, while the second material can be a ferromagnetic material. However, other combinations are also possible. Particularly with ferromagnetic materials, a distinction can be made between hard magnetic materials (which may or may not exhibit permanent magnetism per se) and soft magnetic materials. Due to the limited magnetic effect of paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials, both can be considered (essentially) non-magnetic (especially within the scope of the present application and / or invention). A further distinction between different magnetic behaviors can be made based on the strength of the respective effect.For example, both the first and second materials can be magnetic, with the first being a soft magnetic material and the second a hard magnetic material (or the like). It is even possible that the first and second materials are drawn from the group exhibiting the same underlying physical effect, while differing in the strength of that effect. For instance, both the first and second materials can be soft magnetic. However, it is possible that the first material has a lower (relative) magnetic susceptibility to the second (or vice versa). Furthermore, it should be noted that "first material" and "second material" should not simply be understood as referring to different "pure" substances / materials.Of course, it is possible that one or both of the materials involved are composite materials, comprising a mixture of different materials (e.g., an alloy, a ceramic substance, or a plastic material containing small particles of a ferromagnetic material). It is even possible that the first and second materials are mixtures of the same components, but with different proportions of those components. The "resulting magnetic behavior" can be understood, in particular, as the "combined magnetic effect" at a specific location with respect to the signaling device, especially with respect to the magnetic interaction area.Typically, this specific location is a position where the sensor (especially the magnetic sensor) is typically positioned when the signaling device is deployed in its intended location within a more complex machine (including the sensor itself). It is important to note that the specific location (i.e., where the sensor is typically located) normally moves relative to the signaling device (more precisely, the signaling device typically moves relative to the specific location; specifically, the location where the sensor is positioned). The specific location at which the measurement is taken (especially the position of the sensor) is typically considered with respect to a reference frame of the more complex machine in which the signaling device is deployed. In this reference frame, the specific location (of the sensor) is at rest.For example, when the signaling device (and usually the sensor as well) is used in a vehicle, the vehicle's reference frame typically moves relative to a factory building. Therefore, both the signaling device and the vehicle's sensor typically move relative to the factory building, while the sensor remains stationary relative to the vehicle body. Furthermore, the resulting magnetic behavior of the signaling device can change in any number of ways. Not only can an (absolute) value such as the magnetic susceptibility and / or the (absolute) strength of a permanent magnetic field vary, but also, additionally and / or alternatively, the direction of the susceptibility, the direction of a permanent magnetic field, and so on.It is particularly important to note that the parts from the first group and the parts from the second group may differ to some extent within the group, but may also preferably be (highly) similar and / or (essentially) identical. This may relate to their respective size, external shape, magnetic behavior, and / or material composition. Therefore, certain, typically small, variations in composition are permitted, even within the same group of parts. The crucial distinction between the first and second groups of parts generally lies in the fact that they can be clearly distinguished from one another, particularly by a sensor positioned near the magnetic interaction surface when the signal transmitter device is used as intended.Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "comprising a material" can (preferably) mean that the respective part consists (essentially) of the respective material. However, it is perfectly acceptable for a filler material or the like to be used to a certain extent in combination with at least the first and / or the second material, whereby the ratio of filler material to the first and / or second material in the respective group may vary, at least to some degree. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that while it is possible to use even more groups of parts, it is generally preferred if exactly two groups of parts are used in the signal transmitter device proposed here.

[0019] The parts from the first group and the parts from the second group are connected to each other by friction. It should be noted that this does not preclude the presence of an "intermediate material," which would mean that the parts from the first group and / or the parts from the second group can be connected to the respective "intermediate material," in particular by friction. The generalization in this sense is obvious to the person skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the friction connection does not preclude the use of other joining techniques, such as a positive-locking connection and / or a positive-locking connection "in addition" to the existing friction connection (where the glue / adhesive of the positive-locking connection may or may not be considered a third material, as previously described). In general, however, a friction connection may suffice.Furthermore, the friction-fit connection can be a kind of "basic connection", so that - for example - a positive-locking connection with a certain amount of play can be provided, so that the positive-locking connection mainly plays a role as a fallback position and / or in the event that very high revolutions per minute occur or the like, while the friction-fit connection proposed here at least prevents the corresponding parts from coming loose when stationary or the like.

[0020] It is proposed here to design the friction-fit connection such that only a fraction of the adjacent surfaces of the neighboring parts are frictionally connected. Up to now, the entire surface area of ​​the adjacent surfaces has generally been used for a friction-fit connection. The underlying idea was obviously to create a particularly strong connection. However, it has turned out that for most applications it is sufficient if only a fraction of the respective surfaces form the friction-fit connection. This fraction can be chosen from a range between 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% (lower limit) to 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% (upper limit) of the total size of the respective area.It is acknowledged that certain combinations of upper and lower limits make no sense and should be omitted, which is obvious to the expert.

[0021] However, using only a fraction of the size (area) of the respective surfaces can significantly simplify the manufacturing process. In particular, according to the present proposal, the respective contact surfaces can be dimensioned such that the individual parts / surfaces / sections used to create the force-fit connection must be deformed when the parts are joined. This deformation can be used to achieve a particularly advantageous force-fit connection.

[0022] Furthermore, it is possible that only part of the two adjacent parts exhibits a specific deformation to create such a force-fit connection. However, it is also possible that both parts of the two adjacent parts exhibit a corresponding surface deformation to create a force-fit connection.

[0023] In particular, it is proposed that the signal transmitter device be designed and configured such that the parts from the first group of parts and / or the parts from the second group of parts have at least one projecting surface section, preferably at least one rib-like projecting surface section, in particular to effect the aforementioned frictional connection. Consequently, it is possible that the opposite, corresponding neighboring surface (section) is (essentially) planar. This can refer in particular to the area surrounding the region where contact is established between the adjacent parts to create the frictional connection. However, it is also possible that the two adjacent surfaces have a projection (rib-like projection) to create the frictional connection.Although a ridge-like projection is preferred, other types of projections are also possible, such as knob-like projections, etc. The ridge-like projection can preferably be arranged in a direction that is (essentially) perpendicular (normal) to the direction of the force (motion-induced force) acting on the respective parts when the signal transmitter is used in the intended machine / at the intended location and in the intended manner. In the case of a wheel-shaped / circular signal transmitter, the respective ridge is therefore typically oriented in a substantially axial direction. The number of projecting surface sections (so to speak, per total surface area) is typically relatively small and can vary between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (lower limit) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (upper limit). Again, certain combinations are not permissible.Furthermore, an exact number can also be chosen from the lower and upper limits. Initial trials have shown this design to be particularly versatile, yet it is relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0024] It is further proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the parts from the first group exhibit higher deformability than the parts from the second group. Additionally or alternatively, the signal transmitter device can be designed and configured such that a surface section of a part, preferably a projection, which has a deformation for contacting another part, exhibits higher deformability compared to the corresponding adjacent surface of the neighboring part. In this way, joining the respective parts is particularly easy. The resulting frictional connection can also be particularly durable and exhibit comparatively high strength.While the deformed part / protrusion may be made of a different material (in particular a material especially suitable for this purpose) than the “basic body” of the respective part from the first and / or second group of parts, it is generally preferred if it is made of (essentially) the same material as the “basic body” of the respective part from the first and / or second group of parts.

[0025] It is further proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that, at least in some parts, protruding surface sections are arranged on both sides of the surface in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the magnetic interaction area. In this way, the respective part is, in effect, clamped from both directions. However, it is also possible to provide such protruding surface sections only on one side of the respective part. This simplifies the manufacturing of the signal transmitter device (in particular, the respective part; or the pre-assembled assembly comprising the respective part).

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the first material (and / or possibly the second material and / or possibly an additional material) comprises a non-magnetic material and / or a soft magnetic material and / or a material from the group consisting of resins, plastics, elastomers, plastomers, copper, and copper alloys. Additionally or alternatively, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the second material (and / or possibly the first material and / or possibly an additional material) comprises a magnetic material and / or a hard magnetic material and / or a material from the group consisting of iron, iron alloys, steel, and ferrites. Initial tests have shown that such a design is particularly advantageous.Particularly when a material with no (or only low) permanent magnetism is used, the accumulation of metallic particles on the signal transmitter can be avoided, which is especially advantageous. Furthermore, when using a (soft and / or hard) magnetic material in combination with a non-magnetic material, a particularly strong change in the resulting magnetic behavior (especially at the sensor location) along the magnetic interaction surface of the signal transmitter can be achieved. Therefore, a simpler and less sensitive sensor can be used. If, in addition, iron, steel, or similar materials are used as one of the "base materials" of the signal transmitter, a particularly rigid and stable signal transmitter can be realized, since metals and similar materials typically exhibit high strength and are comparatively inexpensive and / or readily available.Furthermore, they are a standard material for many technical applications.

[0027] It is further proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the magnetic interaction surface is formed as a closed surface, in particular as a round surface, preferably as a circular surface. Additionally or alternatively, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device as an annular object and / or as a wheel-shaped object. With such a design, the signal transmitter device typically exhibits low viscous forces opposing movement. Moreover, such a shape corresponds to the typical requirements of machines in which the signal transmitter device is typically used. Since the proposed shapes roughly correspond to the usual design for signal transmitter devices, the proposed signal transmitter device can be used as a "direct replacement solution," which may increase the acceptance of the device.Furthermore, the proposed design generally results in a particularly stable structure for the resulting signal transmitter device. In addition, the proposed design, especially its circular shape, will facilitate the assembly of the resulting signal transmitter device.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that at least some of the parts from the first group and / or at least some of the parts from the second group have a bar-like shape along the magnetic interaction surface. This makes it particularly easy to implement the alternating arrangement / rack-like design of the magnetic interaction surface. Moreover, the output signal that the sensor can generate can also be particularly advantageous. The term "bar-like shape" can be interpreted broadly. In particular, cube-shaped or cuboid shapes are also possible. However, other shapes are also possible. Nevertheless, a strictly rectangular or square cross-section is generally preferred.Although the present proposal, when implemented with a force-fit connection utilizing only a fraction of the adjacent surfaces, particularly when using projecting surface sections, results in a certain deviation from the aforementioned forms when these forms are considered in a strictly mathematical sense, these cross-sections can therefore be regarded as a "basic form" that is modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0029] As mentioned, the signal transmitter device is designed such that the parts from the first group and the parts from the second group are each connected to one another by means of an annular connecting structure, the respective annular connecting structure being made of the same material as the parts of the respective group. This allows for the prefabrication of two separately manageable sub-assemblies, which are then simply joined together to complete the signal transmitter device. This joining can be carried out using a comb-like connection method. In particular, a block-shaped (bar-like) part protruding from the annular connecting structure can be positioned at an angular offset such that the block is located next to a gap in the adjacent pre-assembled sub-assembly.Then, a simple linear movement can join the two parts together. In particular, it may even be possible to manufacture one or both pre-assembled sub-assemblies separately using a molding, casting, sintering, or other manufacturing process. The two pre-assembled sub-assemblies are then joined together.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the parts and the corresponding ring-shaped connecting structure are provided as a pre-assembled sub-assembly, preferably as a one-piece sub-assembly. This would make the manufacture of the signal transmitter device even simpler and more cost-effective. For example, the pre-assembled sub-assembly, which includes a ring-shaped structure and corresponding bar-like parts, can be easily manufactured using injection molding.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that at least one of the ring-shaped connecting structures is arranged on one side of the magnetic interaction surface. This allows for the realization of a highly symmetrical signal transmitter device. In addition, the viscous forces can be particularly low when the signal transmitter device is moved in its usual direction of motion (when used in its final machine). Providing two separate assemblies, which are then simply joined together as described above, can also be implemented very easily.

[0032] It is further proposed to design and configure the signal transmitter device such that the magnetic interaction surface has a substantially smooth surface, particularly with respect to the standard direction of movement of the magnetic interaction surface. Preferably, the signal transmitter device is designed and configured such that substantially all exposed surfaces of the signal transmitter device have a substantially smooth surface, particularly with respect to the standard direction of movement of the signal transmitter device. In this way, viscous forces that occur when rotating the signal transmitter device can be minimized. This is particularly advantageous when the signal transmitter device is used in a hydraulic system and may be partially or even completely immersed in hydraulic oil (which is quite common in hydraulic applications).This design can reduce mechanical / hydrodynamic losses, which can lead to higher efficiency of the final assembly. Furthermore, it can also reduce hydraulic oil heating and potentially noise generation.

[0033] It is further proposed to design the signal generator device such that the parts from the first group of parts and / or the parts from the second group of parts are uniformly spaced, or that the parts from the first group of parts and / or the parts from the second group of parts are spaced in a special coding arrangement, and / or that the signal generator device, in particular the parts from the first group of parts and / or the parts from the second group of parts, is designed and / or configured such that the magnetic interaction surface generates a substantially binary signal. By selecting an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the signal generator device can be used for typical requirements. For example, the signal generator device can be used for a simple measurement of speed (e.g., the rotational speed of an axis).With the aid of a special encoding, it is also possible to determine the position of the signal transmitter (which could be, for example, the axle of a wheel or the crankshaft of an engine, etc.). Typically, it is preferred if the resulting signal is of binary type. This is not only because the resulting logic is generally easier to implement. Additionally, with a binary signal, dirt accumulation, changes to the devices, or similar factors usually play a less significant role (whereas, in the case of using an analog signal (the magnitude / reading of the respective signal), where the value contains some information, this usually leads to "misreadings"). Parts from a third group of components / a third material may or may not be used to implement a special encoding arrangement.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed to design the signal transmitter device such that the magnetic interaction surface and / or a circular surface of the signal transmitter device has a surface with at least two angled surface areas. This design can be advantageous for weight reduction and / or space optimization. The use of an angled surface area can simplify the sensor arrangement and / or improve the signal induced in the sensor. The angle between the two surface areas, i.e., the flat surface area and the tapered / angled / bent surface area, can preferably be between 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30° (lower limit) and 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, or 70° (upper limit). It should be noted that an angle of 0° corresponds to a flat surface without any discernible curvature.

[0035] Furthermore, a signal transmitter arrangement is proposed that includes a sensor device and a signal transmitter assembly according to the preceding disclosure. In particular, the signal transmitter assembly and the sensor device are combined in a "meaningful manner." Specifically, this generally means that in the arrangement proposed here, the sensor detects the (varying) magnetic behavior of the signal transmitter assembly along a magnetic interaction surface of the same. Moreover, the arrangement and positions of the two devices are chosen such that the sensor generates a good signal and / or that, at least under standard operating conditions, no adverse mechanical effects (e.g., shock or the like) occur. In particular, the signal transmitter assembly and / or the signal transmitter assembly according to the preceding disclosure can be used for any type of rotating device.In particular, the rotating device may be an axle, crankshaft, wheel, wheel carrier, spindle assembly, and / or shaft of essentially any type of machine. The machine may be (to name only a few examples) an engine, internal combustion engine, machine tool, electric motor, electric generator, fluid power machine, fluid pump, fluid motor (where the fluid in these cases may be hydraulic oil and / or water), turbine, vehicle body assembly, landing gear assembly, generator assembly, wind generator assembly, or the like. The signaling device and / or signaling device may be used for stationary machinery, land vehicles (including use on roads, off-road, and / or railways), watercraft, aircraft, and / or spacecraft.In particular, vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, vehicles with hydraulic systems, forklifts, tractors, agricultural machinery, construction vehicles, construction equipment, and the like are possible. Further advantages, features, and objectives of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1: two corresponding assembly rings, one of which has block-shaped parts of a first group comprising a first material, connected to each other by a connecting ring, and the other of which has block-shaped parts of a second group comprising a second material, connected to each other by a connecting ring, in a schematic top view; Fig. 2: an enlarged view of a section of the first assembly ring in a schematic top view and in a schematic perspective view; Fig. 3: a schematic perspective view of the assembled signal transmitter device; Fig. 4: An enlarged view showing details of the block-shaped parts of the subassembly rings, both in the pre-assembled and assembled states; Fig. 5: An enlarged view of different sides of a section of an assembled signal transmitter device in a top view or in a perspective view.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an arrangement of two assembly rings 1, 2. The two assembly rings 1, 2 are still separate from each other. However, the orientation of the two assembly rings 1, 2 is such that they can be easily connected to form the finished signal generator device 3 (pulse generator ring; see Figure 1). Fig. 3) to form. For this, the two assembly rings 1, 2 must be moved laterally relative to each other (linear movement in the drawing plane of Fig. 1) When the two mounting rings 1, 2 are correctly aligned (where a certain angular alignment may be required by rotating the two assembly rings 1, 2 relative to each other in the direction of rotation), the two assembly rings 1, 2 are pushed towards each other in a comb-like manner (movement perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). Fig. 1) When the two assembly rings 1, 2 are fully connected to each other, the signal transmitter device - 3 is in accordance with Fig. 3 completed.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged section of one of the assembly rings 1, 2, here of the first assembly ring 1, in a schematic top view ( Fig. 2a) and in a schematic perspective view ( Fig. 2b) shown.

[0038] As can be seen, the assembly ring 1 has a connecting ring 4 with an overall circular shape. A plurality of essentially bar-shaped interaction elements 6 are provided along the outer circumferential edge 5 of the connecting ring 4. Since the outer circumferential surface of the signal transmitter device 3, or the magnetic interaction surface 10 of the signal transmitter device 3, has an angled surface (see also Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) The blocks of the bar-like interaction parts 6 do not have a strictly cuboid shape; instead, a corner section of the cuboid is, so to speak, cut off from the bar-like interaction part 6. The interaction parts 6 and the connecting ring 4 form a single-piece device. It should be noted that the arrangement is designed such that only one side section of the interaction parts 6 is connected to the connecting ring 4. In the view of Fig. 2. The connecting ring 4 lies flat on the table surface, while the multitude of bar-like interaction parts 6 face the viewer. Fig. Show 2.

[0039] The first assembly ring 1 is made of a thermoplastic material. Assembly ring 1 can therefore be easily manufactured using injection molding. Each assembly ring 1 can thus be produced simply and very cost-effectively.

[0040] The second assembly ring 2 has a fundamentally similar structure. Specifically, the second assembly ring 2 features a connecting ring 7. Similar to the first assembly ring 1, a multitude of bar-like interaction elements 9 are attached in a single-piece design to the radially outer circumferential edge 8 of the connecting ring 7. It should be noted that in the view of Fig. 1 the bar-like interaction parts 9 although from the viewer of Fig. 1 away, i.e., pointing towards the table plane. Nevertheless, the bar-like interaction parts 9 (which in this case are also designed as a kind of cuboid with a truncated corner area) protrude from the connecting ring 7, although this is not clearly visible in the drawing.

[0041] In the assembled state of the signal transmitter 3, the bar-like interaction elements 6 of the first assembly ring 2 and the bar-like interaction elements 9 of the second assembly ring 2 are arranged alternately, thus forming a magnetic interaction surface 10 on the radially outer side of the signal transmitter 3. Due to the different magnetic properties of the selected materials (i.e., the first assembly ring 1 – and thus the bar-like interaction elements 6 – on the one hand, and the second assembly ring 2 – and thus the bar-like interaction elements 9 – on the other), a magnetic sensor located near the magnetic interaction surface 10 of the signal transmitter 3 can detect a varying magnetic signal when the signal transmitter 3 is rotated. It should be noted that the magnetic interaction surface 10 is bent in the illustrated embodiment.The magnetic interaction surface 10 comprises a first, flat section 14, which is aligned parallel to the axial direction. Adjacent to the flat section 14, an inclined section 15 is arranged at an angle of 45° with respect to the flat section 14 of the magnetic interaction surface 10.

[0042] The second assembly ring 2 is made of steel and therefore exhibits ferromagnetic properties. Assembly ring 2 can be manufactured using abrasive manufacturing processes known from the prior art.

[0043] A key detail of the construction of the signal transmitter device 3 is derived from the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is visible. In detail, it shows Fig. 4 an enlarged view showing the details of the block-shaped parts 6, 9 of the assembly rings 1, 2 both in the pre-assembled state ( Fig. 4a) as well as in the assembled state ( Fig. 4b) shows.

[0044] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bar-like interaction parts 6 of the first assembly ring 1 (which is made of thermoplastic material in this case) have projecting ribs 12 on their side surfaces 11. Specifically, each side surface 11 of each interaction part 6 has two projecting ribs 12. A side surface 11 of an interaction part 6 is a side surface 11 that is perpendicular to a direction of rotation / tangential direction of the assembly ring 1 / the signal transmitter 3. These side surfaces 11 contact the corresponding surface sides 13 of the bar-like interaction parts 9 of the second assembly ring 2 when the two assembly rings 1, 2 are joined together to form the signal transmitter 3 (see in particular Figure 4). Fig. 4b). As in Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 4, the surface sides 13 of the bar-like interaction parts 9 of the assembly ring 2 are essentially flat (see in particular Figure 4). Fig. 4a), i.e., they do not have any projecting webs or other types of projections that are approximately similar to the projecting webs 12 of the interaction part 6 of the first assembly ring 1. This difference is essentially due to the two different materials used, their material properties, and their machinability. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that bar-like projections 12 can be easily produced by injection molding, as used in the manufacture of the first assembly ring 1, whereas machining them by abrasive techniques is more problematic.

[0045] When the two assembly rings 1, 2 are joined to form the signal transmitter device 3, the projecting webs 12 of the interaction part 6 of the first assembly ring 1 are deformed by contact with the adjacent surface faces 13 of the interaction parts 9 of the second assembly ring 2. Due to the material properties of thermoplastic materials, in particular their (at least to a certain degree) elastic deformability, the deformation and the tendency to return to their original (undeformed) shape create a force-fit connection between the two assembly rings 1, 2, thereby holding the two assembly rings 1, 2 firmly together to form the signal transmitter device 3. This assembly situation is derived from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 especially clearly. Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of various sides of a section of an assembled signal transmitter device 3, as described in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. Figure 5a shows the situation in a top view of a first side surface 16 (the side which has the angled part 15 of the magnetic interaction surface 10), with a slightly perspective aspect also shown for clarity. Fig. Figure 5b shows a top view of a second side surface 17, which is opposite the first side surface 16 of the signal transmitter device 3.

[0046] Of course, it is also possible to increase the strength of the connection by applying adhesive and / or shaping the relevant parts in such a way as to create an additional form-fitting connection.

[0047] It should be noted that a single or a multitude of features of one, several or all of the detailed embodiments currently disclosed may be used in combination with the general description of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Signal transmitter device (3) comprising a magnetic interaction surface (10) which can be scanned by a sensor, wherein a first group of parts (6) comprising a first material and a second group of parts (9) comprising a second material are arranged alternately along the magnetic interaction surface (10), wherein the first material and the second material have different magnetic properties, wherein the parts (6) from the first group of parts and the parts (9) from the second group of parts are force-fitted together, wherein at least the parts (6, 9) from the first group of parts and / or from the second group of parts are designed and arranged such that only a fraction of the adjacent surfaces (11, 13) of adjacent parts (6, 9) are force-fit together, characterized by, that the parts (6) from the first group of parts and the parts (9) from the second group of parts are each connected to each other by means of a ring-shaped connecting structure (4, 8), wherein the respective ring-shaped connecting structure (4, 8) has the same material as the parts (6, 9) of the respective group of parts. [2] Signal transmitter device (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the parts (6) from the first group of parts and / or the parts (9) from the second group of parts have at least one projecting surface section (11), preferably at least one rib-like (12) projecting surface section (11). [3] Signal transmitter device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, preferably according to claim 2, characterized bythat the parts (6) from the first group of parts have a higher deformability than the parts (9) from the second group of parts, and / or wherein a surface section (11) of a part (6) having a deformation (12) for contacting another part (9), more preferably a projection (12) of a part (6), has a higher deformability than the corresponding adjacent surface side (13) of the adjacent part (9). [4] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that at least in some parts (6) projecting (12) surface sections are arranged on both surface sides (11) viewed in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the magnetic interaction surface (10). [5] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first material is a non-magnetic material and / or a soft magnetic material and / or a material taken from the group comprising resin, plastics, elastomers, plastomers, copper and copper alloys and / or that the second material is a magnetic material and / or a hard magnetic material and / or a material taken from the group comprising iron, iron alloys, steel and ferrites. [6] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic interaction surface (10) is designed as a closed surface, in particular as a round surface, preferably as a circular surface (10) and / or that the signal transmitter device (3) is designed as a ring-shaped object and / or wheel-shaped object. [7] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least some of the parts (6) from the first group of parts and / or at least some of the parts (9) from the second group of parts have a bar-like shape along the magnetic interaction surface (10). [8] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the parts (6, 9) and the corresponding ring-shaped connecting structure (4, 8) are designed as a pre-assembled sub-assembly (1, 2), preferably as a one-piece sub-assembly (1, 2). [9] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the ring-shaped connecting structures (4, 8) is arranged on one side (16, 17) of the magnetic interaction surface (10). [10] Signal transmitter device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the signal transmitter device is designed and configured such that the magnetic interaction surface (10) has a substantially smooth surface, particularly with respect to the standard direction of movement of the magnetic interaction surface (10), wherein the signal transmitter device (3) is preferably designed and configured such that substantially all exposed surfaces of the signal transmitter device (3) have a substantially smooth surface, particularly with respect to the standard direction of movement of the signal transmitter device (3). [11] Signal transmitter device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the parts (6) from the first group of parts and / or the parts (9) from the second group of parts are uniformly spaced apart, or that the parts from the first group of parts and / or the parts from the second group of parts are spaced apart in a special coding arrangement, and / or that the signal generator device (3), in particular the parts (6) from the first group of parts and / or the parts (9) from the second group of parts, is / are designed and / or configured such that the magnetic interaction surface (10) generates a substantially binary signal. [12] Signal transmitter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic interaction surface (10) and / or a circular surface (10) of the signal transmitter device (3) has a surface which has at least two surface areas (14, 15) arranged at an angle to each other. [13] Signal transmitter arrangement comprising a sensor device and a signal transmitter device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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