Sensor for a functional unit of a vehicle powertrain, connector, sensor arrangement, vehicle powertrain and method for providing a sensor arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor for a functional unit of a vehicle powertrain, in particular a Hall sensor and / or a PLCD sensor, comprising a sensor housing comprising a head section, wherein a sensor element is arranged in the head section, and a contact section with a connector socket, wherein the sensor housing has a central section arranged between the head section and the contact section for positive locking, in particular clamping, of the sensor, wherein a sensor housing wall of the central section is set back at least partially from the head section and the contact section.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor for a functional unit of a drive train of a vehicle, in particular a Hall sensor and / or a PLCD sensor, with a sensor housing comprising a head section, wherein a sensor element is arranged in the head section, and a contacting section with a plug socket.

[0002] The invention further relates to a plug for a socket of a sensor.

[0003] The invention further relates to a sensor arrangement comprising a sensor and a functional unit, in particular of a drive train of a vehicle, with a housing wall.

[0004] The invention further relates to a drive train of a vehicle with at least one sensor arrangement.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for providing a sensor arrangement.

[0006] Vehicles can be equipped with a multitude of sensors, especially in the powertrain area, where the sensors provide relevant measurement values ​​required by electronic control units. Hall sensors, for example, provide information about the position of valves, shafts, axles, or transmission components, or about wheel speed.

[0007] The functional units have different structural designs due to different customer requirements. The disadvantage is that sensors must be adapted to each individual functional unit and manufactured using a customized production process. This is associated with high development and manufacturing costs.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective, simple and flexibly arrangeable sensor for a drive train of a vehicle, a cost-effective, simple and flexibly arrangeable plug for a plug socket of a sensor, a cost-effective, simple and flexibly arrangeable sensor arrangement, a cost-effective drive train of a vehicle and a cost-effective method for providing a sensor arrangement.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sensor for a vehicle powertrain, an alternative plug for a sensor receptacle, an alternative sensor assembly, a cost-effective vehicle powertrain, and an alternative method for providing a sensor assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects in a sensor for a functional unit of a drive train of a vehicle, in particular a Hall sensor and / or a PLCD sensor, having a sensor housing, comprising a head section, wherein a sensor element is arranged in the head section, and a contacting section with a plug socket, in that the sensor housing has a central section arranged between the head section and the contacting section for positively fixing, in particular clamping, the sensor, wherein a sensor housing wall of the central section is set back at least in some regions relative to the head section and the contacting section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by a plug for a plug socket of a sensor according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plug has a first partial region, designed to connect the plug to the plug socket, and a second partial region, designed to connect a conductor to the plug, wherein the second partial region extends with respect to the first partial region at an angle between 0° and 360°, preferably between 90° and 270°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by a sensor arrangement comprising a sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, and a functional unit, in particular of a drive train of a vehicle, with a housing wall, wherein the sensor in case a) can be fixed to an outer side of the housing wall, in case b) can be fixed to an inner side of the housing wall or in case c) can be fixed at least partially in an opening of the housing wall in a form-fitting manner, preferably wherein the contacting section is arranged on the inner side of the housing wall.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by a drive train of a vehicle having at least one sensor arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 15.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by a method for providing a sensor arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 15, comprising the steps: - Inserting the sensor into the opening of the housing wall of the functional unit, in particular a drive train of a vehicle, by a twisting and inserting movement; - fixing the sensor via the central section and / or the at least one fixing section; - Connect the plug, preferably on the inside of the housing wall.

[0015] A potential advantage of this is increased flexibility in arranging the sensor and connector on various functional units of the powertrain. This reduces the number of sensors with different designs required, which can lead to lower development and production costs for each sensor or connector. Furthermore, a sensor arrangement that is easy and quick to manufacture can be provided, since, for example, fewer different tools are required.

[0016] For example, the sensor can be arranged on an outer side or on an inner side of a housing wall of a functional unit of a drive train. The design of the central section, wherein the sensor housing wall of the central section is at least partially set back from the head section and / or the contacting section, creates a U-shaped outer contour of the sensor housing and thus an undercut. The sensor can thus also be positively secured via the central section, for example in an opening in a housing wall of a functional unit. The positive connection can refer to the central section itself being positively insertable into an opening corresponding to the shape of the central section and / or the undercut being in positive contact with the functional unit. The sensor can therefore be arranged particularly flexibly.The undercut can increase the load-bearing capacity of the mounting. Furthermore, the undercut can serve as a positioning aid, thus facilitating the positioning of the sensor during installation. Depending on the geometric design of the undercut, a clamping effect can be provided.

[0017] Furthermore, the conductor can be connected to the sensor at any angle, which increases the flexibility in the arrangement of the sensor.

[0018] The term "functional unit of a drivetrain" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, to all components of a drivetrain in or on which a sensor can be arranged. These components include, for example, a vehicle engine, a clutch, a transmission, a drive shaft, a propeller shaft, or an axle drive with a differential. The functional unit can also be a component of one of the aforementioned components.

[0019] The term "housing wall" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to a substantially shell-like component that at least partially defines a cavity. The housing wall may also have local thickenings and / or support elements or the like arranged on the housing wall, in particular protruding ones, for accommodating a sensor.

[0020] Further features, advantages and preferred embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the central section has at least one at least partially circumferential seal, wherein the at least one at least partially circumferential seal defines a sealing plane, wherein the head section is arranged on one side of the sealing plane and the contacting section is arranged on the other side of the sealing plane. With the help of the seal, a seal can be ensured between the sensor housing and the functional unit of the drive train in which the sensor is arranged. This can prevent the ingress of water into the functional unit and, at the same time, the escape of lubricants, such as transmission oil, from the functional unit. It is fundamentally conceivable that the functional unit of the drive train additionally or exclusively has a seal. When the sensor is installed, the seal is arranged between the sensor and the functional unit.

[0022] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor housing has at least one fastening section for securing the sensor, wherein the fastening section comprises a projection, in particular a lateral projection, on the sensor housing, wherein the sensor can be secured via the fastening section in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. One of the advantages achieved thereby is that the fastening section provides an additional option for securing the sensor. This can increase the load-bearing capacity of the entire sensor fastening. Furthermore, this provides a particularly simple-to-manufacture design of the fastening section. A form-fitting and / or force-fitting fastening can comprise a plug-in connection and / or clip connection and / or a connection with pin-shaped connecting means.A material bond can include a welded joint, a soldered joint or an adhesive joint.

[0023] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one fastening section has at least one hole, wherein the sensor can be secured in each hole using a pin-shaped connecting means, in particular comprising a screw and a nut. This is advantageous in that it provides a detachable connection. In addition, a fastening with pin-shaped connecting means can have a comparatively high load-bearing capacity and insensitivity to vibrations. This can prevent the sensor from becoming accidentally detached during operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, measurement errors can be reduced. In addition to a screw-nut connection, a rivet connection or a connection with a screw is also conceivable, wherein the functional unit and / or the fastening section has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the screw.

[0024] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one fastening section extends in a fastening plane arranged parallel to the sealing plane, preferably with a longitudinal axis of the hole extending perpendicular to the fastening plane. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the sensor.

[0025] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor housing is constructed in several parts and has a housing cover, preferably on the head section, wherein an axial and / or radial seal is provided by a direct positive and / or non-positive connection between the housing cover and another housing part. Due to the direct positive and / or non-positive connection, sealing elements such as a sealing ring can be dispensed with. Sealing elements made of plastic in particular can age with increasing service life, which can lead to a deterioration in the sealing effect. The advantages achieved in this way are lower maintenance effort and lower maintenance costs. It is conceivable for the radial and / or axial seal to be designed as a tongue and groove connection. The sealing groove or the sealing tongue can have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section.It is also conceivable that the flanks of the sealing groove and / or sealing spring have grooves or steps to increase the sealing effect.

[0026] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first partial region extends in a direction parallel to a sensor axis. This allows for a particularly simple construction.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first and / or second partial region extends parallel to the sealing plane. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the sensor, as well as the connector and the conductor.

[0028] According to an advantageous development of the invention, in case c), in the fixed state, at least a portion of the sensor housing wall of the central portion rests against a hole wall of the opening in the housing wall, preferably with the at least one at least partially circumferential seal arranged between the sensor housing wall of the central portion and the hole wall of the opening in the housing wall. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a sensor arrangement that has a high load-bearing capacity and low sensitivity to vibrations. The positive arrangement of the sensor in the housing wall makes it possible to provide mounting in the plane of the housing wall.

[0029] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor can be secured directly via the at least one fastening section. One of the advantages achieved is a particularly simple and cost-effective design with minimal assembly effort.

[0030] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a support element is provided, wherein the sensor can be secured indirectly via the support element. The sensor can be secured to the support element via the at least one fastening section, and the support element can be secured to or in the housing wall. The support element can be designed such that the sensor can be arranged on a functional unit with any geometric configuration. The support element also allows for particularly easy retrofitting of the sensor.

[0031] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor can be secured to the support element via a plug connection, preferably wherein the plug connection comprises a linear guide, in particular in a guide plane parallel to the mounting plane. This is advantageous in that the linear guide can serve as an assembly and / or positioning aid. Furthermore, this enables particularly simple and quick assembly of the sensor.

[0032] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a plug according to one of claims 7 to 9 is arranged in the plug socket. This allows the flexibility in the arrangement of the sensor to be further increased.

[0033] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings, and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0034] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

[0036] In schematic form Fig. 1 a spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view; and Fig. 2 shows a further spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 shows a further spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows a further spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view; and Fig. 5 a sectional view of a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 a section of the sectional view according to Fig. 5 of a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4; and Fig. 7 Intermediate steps of inserting a sensor in the context of a method for providing a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4.

[0037] The Fig. 1 shows a spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view.

[0038] The Fig. The sensor 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a sensor housing 3 with a head section 4 and a contacting section 5, wherein the contacting section 5 comprises a plug socket 6. In the case of a Hall sensor, the sensor element 7 may comprise a semiconductor plate.

[0039] A central section 8 is arranged between the head section 4 and the contacting section 5 for the positively locking fixing, in particular clamping, of the sensor 1. The sensor housing wall 9 of the central section 8 is partially set back from the head section 4 and the contacting section 5, so that the contacting section 5 of the sensor housing 3 has an undercut 10. In addition, the central section 8 has a circumferential seal 11. The circumferential seal 11 defines a sealing plane 12, with the head section 4 being arranged on one side of the sealing plane 12 and the contacting section 5 on the other side of the sealing plane 12.

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor 1 has a fastening section 13 for securing the sensor 1, wherein the fastening section 13 comprises a lateral projection 14 on the sensor housing 3. Furthermore, the fastening section 13 has a hole 15, wherein the sensor 1 can be secured to a support element 18 using a screw 16 and a nut 17. The support element 18 has a through-hole 19 for this purpose. The fastening section 13 extends in a fastening plane 20 arranged parallel to the sealing plane 12, wherein a longitudinal axis 21 of the hole 15 extends perpendicular to the fastening plane 20.

[0041] The sensor 1 can be secured to the support element 18 via a plug connection 23, wherein the plug connection 23 comprises a linear guide 24 in a guide plane 25 parallel to the fastening plane 20. In the region of the contacting section 5, the sensor housing 3 has a circumferential spring 26, which can be guided in a groove 27 in the support element 18 corresponding to the spring 26.

[0042] A plug 28 is arranged in the plug socket 6 of the sensor 1. The plug 28 has a first partial region 29, designed for connecting the plug 28 to the plug socket 6, and a second partial region 30, designed for connecting a conductor 31 to the plug 28. The second partial region 30 extends at an angle 32 of 180° relative to the first partial region 29. The conductor 31, in particular for power supply and data transmission, is connected to the second partial region 30. The first partial region 29 extends in a direction parallel to a sensor axis 33. Furthermore, the first partial region 29 and second partial region 30 extend parallel to the sealing plane 12.

[0043] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each show a spatial view of another sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] At the Fig. 2, the second partial area 30 extends at an angle 32 of 90° relative to the first partial area 29. The design of the sensor 1 and the carrier element 18 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 1.

[0045] At the Fig. 3, the second partial area 30 also extends at an angle 32 of 90° relative to the first partial area 29. The design of the sensor 1 corresponds to that shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The arrangement of the sensor 1 is different from the arrangement in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is rotated by 180° in the fastening plane 20. The support element 18 therefore has a through hole 19 for receiving the screw 16 and the nut 17, which is arranged on the side of the sensor 1 facing the conductor 31. In the illustration in Fig. 3, the through hole 19 as well as the screw 16 and the nut 17 are covered by the sensor 1 and the plug 28.

[0046] The Fig. 4 shows a further spatial view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view.

[0047] In Fig. 4 shows a sensor 1 and a functional unit 2 of a drive train of a vehicle with a housing wall 22.

[0048] The housing wall 22 has an opening 34, wherein the opening 34 corresponds to the shape of the central section 8. Therefore, the sensor 1 can be arranged in the opening 34 and secured in a form-fitting manner via the central section 8. Furthermore, the sensor 1 can be secured to or in the housing wall 22 via the fastening section 13 using a screw-nut connection.

[0049] The sensor housing wall 9 of the central section 8 is partially recessed relative to the head section 4 and the contacting section 5, so that the contacting section 5 of the sensor housing 3 has an undercut 10. The contacting section 5 is arranged on the inner side 35 of the housing wall 22. Thus, the sensor 1 is additionally secured to the housing wall 22 via the undercut 10.

[0050] In addition, the sensor arrangement Fig. 4 a plug 28 with a flat conductor 36.

[0051] The Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4.

[0052] This shows that the central section 8 has a circumferential seal 11. In the fixed state, a portion of the sensor housing wall 9 of the central section 8 rests against the hole wall 37 of the opening 34 of the housing wall 22. The circumferential seal 11 is arranged between the sensor housing wall 9 of the central section 8 and the hole wall 37 of the opening 34 of the housing wall 22.

[0053] A sensor element 7 is arranged in the head section 4.

[0054] The Fig. 6 shows a section of the sectional view according to Fig. 5 of a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4.

[0055] The sensor housing 3 is constructed in several parts and has a housing cover 38 on the head section 4. In addition, an axial seal 39 and a radial seal 40 are provided by a direct positive and non-positive connection between the housing cover 38 and a further housing part 41. The housing cover 38 has a triangular sealing spring 42 in the area of ​​the axial seal 39 and a trapezoidal sealing groove 43 in the area of ​​the radial seal 40. In contrast, the further housing part 41 has an at least partially corresponding sealing groove 43 in the area of ​​the axial seal 39 and an at least partially corresponding sealing spring 42 in the area of ​​the radial seal 40. The sealing springs 42 and the sealing groove 43 interlock.

[0056] The Fig. 7 shows intermediate steps of inserting a sensor in the context of a method for providing a sensor arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 4.

[0057] The sensor 1 is inserted into the opening 34 of the housing wall 22 of the functional unit 2 by a twisting and inserting movement. First, the undercut 10 on the contact section 5 is guided to the inner side 35 of the housing wall 22. The sensor 1 is then rotated in a plane perpendicular to the mounting plane 20, and simultaneously, the central section 8 is inserted into the opening 34 of the housing wall 22. Thus, the sensor 1 is arranged in the position in which it can be additionally secured via the mounting section 13.

[0058] In summary, at least one of the embodiments of the invention has at least one of the following features and / or at least one of the following advantages: - Increased flexibility in arranging the sensor and connector on different functional units. - Lower development and production costs. - Sensor arrangement that can be manufactured quickly and easily. - Space-saving arrangement. - Simple and robust construction. - High load capacity and insensitivity to vibrations. - Less maintenance effort and lower maintenance costs. - Easy retrofitting.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. Reference symbol 1 sensor, Hall sensor 2 functional unit 3 sensor housings 4 Head section 5 Contacting section 6 socket 7 Sensor element, semiconductor plate 8 Middle section 9 Sensor housing wall of the middle section 8 10 Undercut 11 Seal 12 Density level 13 Fastening section 14 Lateral projection 15 holes 16 Screw 17 Mother 18 support element 19 through hole 20 mounting level 21 Longitudinal axis of the hole 15 22 Housing wall of a functional unit 2 23 Plug connection 24 linear guide 25 management level 26 Spring of the linear guide 24 27 Groove of the linear guide 24 28 plugs 29 First section 30 Second section 31 ladder 32 angles 33 Sensor axis 34 Opening in the housing wall 22 35 Inside of the housing wall 22 36 flat conductors 37 hole wall 38 Housing cover 39 Axial seal 40 Radial seal 41 Additional housing part 42 Sealing spring of the seal 39, 40 43 Sealing groove of the seal 39, 40

Claims

[1] Sensor (1) for a functional unit (2) of a drive train of a vehicle, in particular a Hall sensor and / or a PLCD sensor, with a sensor housing (3) comprising a head section (4), wherein a sensor element (7) is arranged in the head section (4), and a contacting section (4) with a plug socket (6), characterized by that the sensor housing (3) has a central section (8) arranged between the head section (4) and the contacting section (5) for the positive fixing, in particular clamping, of the sensor (1), wherein a sensor housing wall (9) of the central section (8) is set back at least in some areas relative to the head section (4) and the contacting section (5). [2] Sensor (1) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the central section (8) has at least one at least partially circumferential seal (11), wherein the at least one at least partially circumferential seal (11) defines a sealing plane (12), wherein the head section (4) is arranged on one side of the sealing plane (12) and the contacting section (5) is arranged on the other side of the sealing plane (12). [3] Sensor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the sensor housing (3) has at least one fastening section (13) for fixing the sensor (1), wherein the fastening section (13) comprises a projection (14), in particular a lateral projection, on the sensor housing (3), wherein the sensor (1) can be fixed in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner via the fastening section (13). [4] Sensor (1) according to claim 3, characterized byin that the at least one fastening section (13) has at least one hole (15), wherein the sensor (1) can be fixed to each hole (15) by means of a pin-shaped connecting means, in particular comprising a screw (16) and a nut (17). [5] Sensor (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the at least one fastening section (13) extends in a fastening plane (20) arranged parallel to the sealing plane (12), preferably wherein a longitudinal axis (21) of the hole (15) extends perpendicular to the fastening plane (20). [6] Sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by in that the sensor housing (3) is designed in several parts and has a housing cover (38), preferably on the head section (4), wherein an axial and / or radial seal (39, 40) is provided by a direct positive and / or non-positive connection between the housing cover (38) and a further housing part (41). [7] Plug (28) for a plug socket (6) of a sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plug (28) has a first partial region (29), designed to connect the plug (28) to the plug socket (6), and a second partial region (30), designed to connect a conductor (31) to the plug (28), wherein the second partial region (30) extends with respect to the first partial region (29) at an angle (32) between 0° and 360°, preferably between 90° and 270°. [8] Plug (28) according to claim 7, characterized by that the first partial area (29) extends in a direction parallel to a sensor axis (33). [9] Plug (28) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the first and / or second partial region (29, 30) extends parallel to the sealing plane (12). [10] Sensor arrangement, comprising a sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, and a functional unit (2), in particular of a drive train of a vehicle, with a housing wall (22), wherein the sensor (1) in case a) can be fixed to an outer side of the housing wall (22), in case b) can be fixed to an inner side (35) of the housing wall (22) or in case c) can be fixed at least partially in an opening (34) of the housing wall (22) in a form-fitting manner, preferably wherein the contacting section (5) is arranged on the inner side (35) of the housing wall (22). [11] Sensor arrangement according to claim 10, characterized byin case c) in the fixed state at least a part of the sensor housing wall (9) of the central section (8) rests against a hole wall (37) of the opening (34) of the housing wall (22), preferably wherein the at least one at least partially circumferential seal (11) is arranged between the sensor housing wall (9) of the central section (8) and the hole wall (37) of the opening (34) of the housing wall (22). [12] Sensor arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the sensor (1) can be fixed directly via the at least one fastening section (13). [13] Sensor arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that a carrier element (18) is arranged, wherein the sensor (1) can be fixed indirectly via the carrier element (18), wherein the sensor (1) can be fixed to the carrier element (18) via the at least one fastening section (13) and the carrier element (18) can be fixed on or in the housing wall (22). [14] Sensor arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by that the sensor (1) can be fixed to the carrier element (18) via a plug connection (23), preferably wherein the plug connection (23) comprises a linear guide (24), in particular in a guide plane (25) parallel to the fastening plane (20). [15] Sensor arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by that a plug (28) according to one of claims 7 to 9 is arranged in the plug socket (6). [16] Drive train of a vehicle with at least one sensor arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 15. [17] A method for providing a sensor arrangement according to any one of claims 10 to 15, comprising the steps: - inserting the sensor (1) into the opening (34) of the housing wall (22) of the functional unit (2), in particular of a drive train of a vehicle, by a twisting and inserting movement; - fixing the sensor (1) via the central section (8) and / or the at least one fastening section (13); - Connect the plug (28), preferably on the inside (35) of the housing wall (22).

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