Coupling device with one signal conductor

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device comprising a coupling assembly, a valve unit and a displacement sensor with a signal conductor, wherein the valve unit is arranged on the coupling assembly, wherein the displacement sensor is arranged on the coupling assembly and is configured to measure a travel distance of a cylinder of the coupling assembly, wherein the valve unit is configured to provide a pressure medium to the coupling assembly and wherein the valve unit has an interface for connection with the displacement sensor, wherein a guide for the signal conductor of the displacement sensor is provided in the coupling assembly and / or in the valve unit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device comprising a coupling assembly, a valve unit and a displacement sensor with a signal conductor.

[0002] Pneumatic, concentric release cylinders are used in heavy commercial vehicles for clutch actuation. Due to their high level of functional integration and compact design, combined with the use of existing peripherals such as compressed air, these systems offer numerous advantages.

[0003] To actuate the clutch, a pressure medium, such as air, is required, which can be supplied by a valve unit, as well as a sensor to measure the clutch's displacement signal. To actuate the clutch, it is necessary to measure the clutch's release travel in order to know when it is fully engaged. For this purpose, the clutch's displacement signal is measured by a sensor. The sensor is connected via a cable to a control unit, which in turn provides control signals to the valve unit.

[0004] A disadvantage of this arrangement is the required installation space and, in particular, the necessary cable routing between sensor, valve unit and control unit, which is time-consuming during assembly.

[0005] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a coupling device in which assembly can be carried out quickly and easily. Furthermore, the required installation space should be reduced.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative coupling device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a coupling device comprising a coupling assembly, a valve unit and a displacement sensor with a signal conductor, wherein the valve unit is arranged on the coupling assembly, wherein the displacement sensor is arranged on the coupling assembly and is configured to measure a travel distance of a cylinder of the coupling assembly, wherein the valve unit is configured to provide a pressure medium to the coupling assembly and wherein the valve unit has an interface for connection with the displacement sensor, in that a guide for the signal conductor of the displacement sensor is provided in the coupling assembly and / or in the valve unit.

[0008] One advantage of this design is that the valve unit can be positioned directly on the coupling device. Another advantage is that the signal conductor guide simplifies assembly, as the conductor can be positioned as desired before installation. Furthermore, the required installation space is reduced because access to the signal conductor is not necessary during assembly. Additionally, a signal conductor between the position sensor and a control unit is no longer required.

[0009] The term signal conductor is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in the description, preferably in the claims, refers in particular to a medium for transmitting data. For example, the signal conductor can be a data cable, in particular a copper cable.

[0010] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal conductor is fixed within the guide. In particular, the signal conductor is fixed immovably within the guide. For example, the guide can be a recess in the coupling device into which the signal conductor is embedded. It is also conceivable that the guide is provided in the form of clamps, eyelets, or hooks that secure the signal conductor. An advantage of this is that the signal conductor is not displaced even under pressure and / or tension. This allows, for example, the valve unit to be fixed to the coupling device and / or to the signal conductor without the signal conductor being displaced.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valve unit has a first contact surface and the coupling device has a second contact surface, wherein, in the arranged state of the valve unit on the coupling device, the first and second contact surfaces face each other and wherein the two contact surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a gap of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and particularly less than 1 mm. The first and second contact surfaces are, in particular, those surfaces on which the coupling device and the valve unit can be arranged relative to each other. The small gap between the contact surfaces reduces the required installation space. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the transmission of vibrations from the valve unit to the coupling device is reduced.Another advantage is that the required length of the signal conductor for connecting the position sensor and the valve unit can be reduced.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the interface of the valve unit is arranged on the first contact surface or on a surface opposite the first contact surface. If the interface is arranged on the first contact surface, the required length of the signal conductor for connecting the position sensor and the valve unit can be reduced. When the interface is arranged on the surface opposite the first contact surface, the signal conductor can be easily positioned, as this surface is freely accessible to an installer.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an electrical interface, in particular a connector, for the signal conductor of the position sensor is arranged on the second contact surface of the coupling device. The interface of the valve unit can, in particular, be designed as a plug socket, so that the connector of the signal conductor can be inserted into the plug socket of the valve unit, thus establishing the electrical connection between the position sensor and the valve unit. By arranging the electrical interface on the second contact surface, the required length of the signal conductor can be reduced, since the second contact surface can be located directly on the valve unit. Furthermore, a short connection path between the valve unit and the position sensor can be achieved.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the interface of the valve unit and the electrical interface of the signal conductor are oriented towards each other such that, when the valve unit is mounted on the coupling device, the interface of the valve unit and the electrical interface of the signal conductor are electrically connected. In particular, this ensures that the interface of the valve unit and the electrical interface of the signal conductor are automatically connected when the valve unit is mounted on the coupling device. An advantage of this is that the electrical connection of the position sensor to the valve unit is simplified. Specifically, manual connection of the position sensor's plug to the valve unit's connector is no longer necessary.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one guide element is provided in the second contact surface, which, when the valve unit is arranged on the coupling device, can project into at least one corresponding recess on the first contact surface. In particular, two or three guide elements can be provided. An advantage of this is that the guide element provides a centering aid, so that the valve unit can be more easily arranged in the intended position on the coupling device. A further advantage is that the valve unit and the coupling device are mechanically coupled by means of the guide elements, so that vibrations in the connector or the interface can be reduced.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one guide element and the electrical interface of the signal conductor, on the one hand, and the at least one recess and the interface of the valve unit, on the other hand, are each arranged relative to one another such that a plug axis of the electrical interface aligns with an insertion axis of the interface when a central axis of the at least one guide element aligns with a central axis of the at least one recess. The guide elements ensure a defined position of the valve unit relative to the coupling device. Furthermore, the fixed relative position of the interface of the valve unit and the electrical interface of the signal conductor to the guide element ensures that the two interfaces also have a fixed position relative to each other during assembly.One advantage of this is that during assembly, the electrical interface and the interface of the valve unit are automatically connected, eliminating the need for manual connection.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling device can be arranged on the valve unit such that the at least one guide element of the coupling device partially projects into the at least one recess of the valve unit, wherein the interface of the valve unit and the electrical interface of the signal conductor are electrically isolated from each other. Thus, when the valve unit is arranged on the coupling device, the guide elements are first guided into the recesses before the interfaces of the valve unit and the signal conductor are electrically connected. An advantage of this is that incorrect connection of the interfaces is prevented.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal conductor is guided through an opening in the valve unit. The opening can be located, in particular, in the surface opposite the contact surface. An advantage of this is that the signal conductor can be easily secured in the valve unit.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position sensor is arranged on a radially inner or radially outer surface of the coupling device. An advantage of this is that the position sensor can be arranged depending on the available installation space.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide comprises a die-cut grid. This allows for the simple provision of a guide for the signal conductor. Furthermore, the signal conductor, and in particular the connector of the signal conductor, can be easily secured within the guide.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the accompanying description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0023] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments and configurations of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components or elements. This shows Fig. 1 a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a contact area between coupling device and valve unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 a coupling device with a cable guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The coupling device 1 comprises a coupling assembly 2, a valve unit 3, and a position sensor 4. The coupling assembly 2 can be used, in particular, in heavy commercial vehicles to perform a coupling operation. For this purpose, a clutch disc (not shown) is moved by compressed air. The position sensor 4 is arranged to detect how far the clutch disc has already extended. A passing magnet (not shown) can be detected by means of the position sensor 4, and thus the stroke or travel distance of the clutch disc can be determined.

[0027] The compressed air required for the coupling process is supplied by the valve unit 3. This air is supplied via a connection 5 of the coupling device 2. A control unit (not shown) of the valve unit can determine, by means of a position signal from the coupling device 2, how much compressed air should be supplied to the coupling device 2. The position signal can be determined by the position sensor 4 of the coupling device, whereby the position signal corresponds to a travel distance of a clutch disc (not shown) of the coupling device 2. This travel distance is necessary to determine whether the clutch is already fully engaged. A signal conductor 6, here in the form of a connecting cable, is provided to transmit the position signal from the position sensor 4 to the valve unit 3. This signal conductor is connected to the position sensor 4.

[0028] The connecting cable 6 is arranged in a guide 7, specifically inserted into the guide 7. The guide 7 extends from the position sensor 4 to the valve unit 3. The guide 7 prevents the connecting cable 6 from moving during assembly. The guide 7 is designed as a recess in the coupling device 2. Starting from the position sensor 4, the guide 7 extends radially outwards and then curves along an end region 18. In particular, the guide 7 is located at an outer edge of the coupling device 2. The guide 7 terminates in a region where the valve unit 3 is located. In particular, the guide 7 can be U-shaped.

[0029] The displacement sensor 4 is located on a radially inner surface 14 of the coupling device 2. It is also conceivable that the displacement sensor 4 is arranged on a radially outer surface 15 of the coupling device 2.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a contact area between the coupling device and the valve unit.

[0031] The valve unit 3 has a first contact area 8, and the coupling device 2 has a second contact area 9. In the arranged state of the coupling device 2 and the valve unit 3, the two contact areas 8 and 9 face each other. In particular, the contact areas 8 and 9 are arranged opposite each other. An interface 10, here in the form of a plug, is arranged on the valve unit 3. An electrical interface 11, here in the form of a socket, is arranged on the coupling device 2. It is also conceivable that a plug is arranged on the coupling device 2 and a socket on the valve unit 3. The socket is connected to the displacement sensor by means of the connecting cable 6 and can transmit data from the displacement sensor.By inserting the plug 10 into the socket 11, an electrical contact is established between the plug 10 and the socket 11 and the data from the displacement sensor can be transmitted to the valve unit 3.

[0032] The connector socket 11 is fixed in the coupling device 2. This means, in particular, that the position of the connector socket 11 is fixed in relation to two guide elements 12a, 12b. The guide elements 12a, 12b project from the coupling device 2 parallel to the connector 10. In other words, the guide elements 12a, 12b project perpendicularly from the contact surface 8 and in the direction of the valve unit 3. Specifically, the length of the guide elements 12a, 12b is greater than the length of the connector socket 11. This means that when the valve unit 3 is attached to the coupling device 2, the guide elements 12a, 12b make contact with the valve unit 3 first. Corresponding recesses 13a, 13b are provided in the valve unit 3 for the guide elements 12a, 12b.

[0033] When the valve unit 3 is positioned on the coupling device 2, the guide elements 12a, 12b engage in the recesses 13a, 13b and thus center the valve unit 3 with respect to the coupling device 2. The socket 11 and the plug 10 are positioned on their respective contact surfaces 8, 9 such that these surfaces face each other when the guide elements 12a, 12b engage in the recesses 13a, 13b. If the valve unit 3 is subsequently moved further towards the coupling device 2, the plug 10 is automatically inserted into the socket 11, establishing electrical contact between them. The position sensor is thus connected to the valve unit 3 via the connecting cable 6. Specifically, the plug 10 and / or the socket 11 can be fixed to either the coupling device 2 or the valve unit 3.This prevents the position of the plug 10 or the socket 11 from changing when the valve unit 3 is attached to the coupling device 2. The valve unit 3 can have a control unit (not shown) which, using position data transmitted via the connecting cable 6 of the valve unit 3, controls the valve unit 3 so that a required quantity of compressed air is supplied via the port 5 of the coupling device 2.

[0034] Since the connection between socket 11 and plug 10 is made automatically when the valve unit 3 is attached to the coupling device 2, plug 10 and socket 11 can be positioned on contact surfaces 8 and 9. With a manual connection of plug 10 and socket 11, this contact area would be inaccessible or difficult to reach. Therefore, the required cable length can also be reduced.

[0035] It is conceivable that the coupling device 2 incorporates a punched grid into which the plug 10 can engage, thus eliminating the need for a separate component for the plug socket 11. For this purpose, a piston unit 16, in which the guide 7 is provided, of the coupling device 2 could, in particular, be made of plastic.

[0036] A cover 19 is arranged on the coupling device 2, which at least partially covers the guide 7. This holds the signal conductor 6 in the guide 7 and protects it at the same time.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a coupling device with a cable guide.

[0038] The coupling device 1 according to Fig.3 also comprises a coupling device 2, a valve unit 3, and a position sensor 4. The position sensor 4 is arranged on a radially outer surface of the coupling device 2. Since the position sensor 4 is not located inside the coupling device 2, but rather on the outside, the connecting cable is not arranged in a recessed guide of the coupling device 2, but is guided along the outside of the coupling device 2 and the valve unit 3. In particular, an opening in a retaining plate 17 of the valve unit 3 is provided as a guide 7, through which the connecting cable 6 is guided. The retaining plate 17 is arranged on a side facing away from the contact surface 8 of the valve unit 3. Additionally, fastening elements, such as clips, cable ties, or hooks (not shown), can be provided with which the connecting cable 6 can be secured to the coupling device 2 and the valve unit 3.Since the connecting cable 6 is routed externally, it can be easily positioned during the assembly of the coupling device 1. In particular, the connecting cable 6 is routed directly along the valve unit 3 and / or the coupling device 2 to prevent possible damage to the connecting cable 6 during assembly.

[0039] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of the following features and / or realize at least one of the following advantages: - Automatic connection of position sensor and valve unit, - Small installation space, and - Easy to assemble.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. Reference sign 1 coupling device 2 Coupling device 3 valve unit 4 Position sensor 5 connection 6 Signal line 7 Leadership 8 first contact surface 9 second contact surface 10 Interface of the valve assembly 11 Coupling device interface 12 Guide element 13 indentation 14 radial inner surface 15 radial outer surface 16 piston units 17 Retaining plate 18 End range 19 Coverage

Claims

[1] Coupling device (1), comprising a coupling device (2), a valve unit (3) and a displacement sensor (4) with a signal conductor (6), wherein the valve unit (3) is arranged on the coupling device (2), wherein the displacement sensor (4) is arranged on the coupling device (2) and is designed to measure a travel path of a cylinder of the coupling device (2), wherein the valve unit (3) is designed to provide a pressure medium to the coupling device (2) and wherein the valve unit (3) has an interface (10) for connection to the displacement sensor (4), characterized by that a guide (7) for the signal conductor (6) of the displacement sensor (4) is provided in the coupling device (2) and / or in the valve unit (3). [2] Coupling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the signal conductor (6) is fixed in the guide (7). [3] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized byin that the valve unit (3) has a first contact surface (8) and the coupling device (2) has a second contact surface (9), wherein in the arranged state of the valve unit (3) on the coupling device (2) the first (8) and second contact surface (9) face each other and wherein the two contact surfaces (8, 9) are spaced apart from each other by means of a gap of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, in particular less than 1 mm. [4] Coupling device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the interface (10) of the valve unit (3) is arranged on the first contact surface (8) or on a surface opposite the first contact surface (8). [5] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized bythat an electrical interface (11), in particular a plug or a socket, of the signal conductor (6) of the displacement sensor (4) is arranged on the second contact surface (9) of the coupling device (2). [6] Coupling device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the interface (10) of the valve unit (3) and the electrical interface (11) of the signal conductor (6) face each other in such a way that, when the valve unit (3) is arranged on the coupling device (2), the interface (10) of the valve unit (3) and the electrical interface (11) of the signal conductor (6) are electrically connected. [7] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat at least one guide element (12a, 12b) is provided in the second contact surface (9), which can project into at least one corresponding indentation (13a, 13b) on the first contact surface (8) when the valve unit (3) is arranged on the coupling device (2). [8] Coupling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one guide element (12a, 12b) and the electrical interface (11) of the signal conductor (6) on the one hand and the at least one indentation (13a, 13b) and the interface (10) of the valve unit (3) on the other hand are each arranged relative to one another in such a way that a plug-in axis of the electrical interface (11) is aligned with an insertion axis of the interface (10) when a central axis of the at least one guide element (12a, 12b) is aligned with a central axis of the at least one indentation (13a, 13b). [9] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized bythat the coupling device (1) can be arranged on the valve unit (3) in such a way that the at least one guide element (12a, 12b) of the coupling device (2) partially projects into the at least one indentation (13a, 13b) of the valve unit (3), wherein the interface (10) of the valve unit (3) and the electrical interface (11) of the signal conductor (6) are electrically separated from one another. [10] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the signal conductor (6) is guided through an opening (7) of the valve unit (3). [11] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the displacement sensor (4) is arranged on a radially inner (14) or radially outer surface (15) of the coupling device (2). [12] Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the guide (7) comprises a punched grid.

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