Bearing for a sensor

Abstract

Bearing for a sensor (10), wherein the bearing (22) has an annular base body (31) and at least one spring element (24), wherein the base body (31) defines an axial direction and a radial direction, and the at least one spring element (24) is arranged on the circumference of the base body (31) and extends at least partially in the radial direction, wherein a section (32) of the at least one spring element (24) extends in the axial direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bearing for a sensor and a sensor with such a bearing. The invention further relates to a method for mounting such a sensor. State of the art

[0002] Sensors, also known as detectors, probes, or transducers, are technical components that measure certain physical or chemical properties and / or the material properties of their environment, either qualitatively or quantitatively as a measurand. Sensors that measure kinematic variables are particularly considered here. Examples include torque sensors and angle sensors.

[0003] A torque sensor is a sensor for measuring the physical quantity torque. Torque indicates the strength of a force acting on a rotatably mounted body. A rotation angle sensor is used in vehicles, for example, wherever a rotational movement is detected. In vehicles, rotation angle sensors are used, for example, to measure the steering angle or throttle position.

[0004] Bearings are particularly used in such sensors. Bearings are machine elements that guide components that move relative to each other. Bearings enable movements in desired degrees of freedom and prevent movements in undesired degrees of freedom.

[0005] It should be noted that bearings used in sensors should be designed in such a way that they can also compensate for tolerances in the system, in this case the sensor. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] Against this background, a bearing according to claim 1, a sensor having the features of claim 10, and a method according to claim 14 are presented. Embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description.

[0007] The bearing presented here is designed for a sensor, such as a torque sensor or a rotation angle sensor. This sensor is used, for example, in a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle. The bearing comprises an annular base body and at least one spring element. The annular base body defines an axial direction and a radial direction. The axis thus runs through the base body, which is coaxial with this axis.

[0008] The at least one spring element is arranged on the circumference of the base body and extends at least partially in the radial direction, with a section of the at least one spring element also extending in the axial direction. This means that the at least one spring element extends at least partially radially outward from the base body and is arranged at one end on this base body. A section of the at least one spring element, typically the section with the free end of the spring element, also extends in the axial direction. This special shape of the at least one spring element results in its resilient properties.

[0009] The at least one spring element can be designed as a web with a recess. The spring properties of the at least one spring element can be determined by the dimensions of the web and the recess, as well as the selection of the material.

[0010] The spring element can be integrally formed on the base body. In this case, the bearing can be manufactured with the base body and at least one spring element in a single process step, e.g., in an injection molding process.

[0011] At least two or at least three spring elements can be provided. These can be arranged equidistantly, i.e., at the same distance from each other, around the circumference of the base body.

[0012] The material for the bearing can be selected from a group consisting of: plastics with and without glass fiber, carbon fiber reinforced plastics, metal, e.g. spring steel, metal-plastic compounds.

[0013] Furthermore, a grease groove can be formed in the base body in order to provide lubrication of the bearing, in particular during operation.

[0014] In addition, a slot can be formed in the base body in order to compensate for any existing tolerances or dimensional changes during operation.

[0015] The sensor described has a bearing of the type described herein and is designed, for example, as a torque sensor or as a rotation angle sensor, in particular for use in a vehicle.

[0016] The sensor may have a rotor, a sensor housing and / or a fixing ring as additional components.

[0017] The presented procedure is used to assemble a bearing of the type described here with the following steps: - The bearing is positioned relative to a recess in a sensor housing, - the bearing is rotated, e.g. clockwise, spring elements of the bearing engage in the sensor housing, - Attaching a fixing ring. Attachment is achieved by bayonet locking, hot-staking, threading, or other fastening mechanisms.

[0018] It is therefore intended that a bearing with spring elements ensures tolerance compensation in a sensor and that the assembly process of the sensor is optimized for the sensor unit.

[0019] The advantage is that the possible misalignment of the sensor unit in the system does not impair the bearing function, and tolerance compensation is ensured. Furthermore, the design provides advantages regarding the robustness of the sensor position interface, the adjustment function provided by the slot in the bearing and the grease groove, and the centering of the rotor to the sensor assembly for the sensor unit assembly process.

[0020] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0021] 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. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows two views of a section through an embodiment of the sensor presented. Fig. 2 shows the sensor Fig. 1 in different representations and production stages to illustrate the described assembly process. Embodiments of the invention

[0022] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawings using embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the structure of the sensor presented here and the bearing it contains in three diagrams. The left side shows a cross-section through a sensor, designated overall by reference numeral 10 and designed as a rotary angle sensor. Reference numeral 12 denotes the actual sensor unit. An arrow 14 indicates the radial fixation of the sensor housing by crush ribs. These are plastic elements that are deformed during the assembly process.

[0024] It should be noted that the sensor 10 can also be designed without the radial fixation.

[0025] In the center, the sensor 10 is also shown in a sectional view and enlarged compared to the illustration on the left. The illustration shows a rotor 20, a bearing 22 with tolerance-compensating spring elements 24, a sensor housing 26, a grease groove 28, and a fixing ring 30.

[0026] On the right side of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the bearing 22, which has an annular base body 31, on whose circumference the spring elements 24, in this case three spring elements 24, are arranged. These are distributed at equal intervals around the circumference of the base body 31, thus being offset by 120° from each other.

[0027] The bearing 22 is shown in section in the middle illustration. This clearly shows that it has the annular base body 31. From this, the spring elements 24 extend radially, which in turn extend outwardly at least in sections and have a section 32 that extends radially, downwards in the illustration.

[0028] The spring elements 24 are web-like and each have a recess 34. The design of the spring elements 24, in particular the material used, the dimensioning of the thickness of the web and the recess 34, define the properties, in particular the spring properties, of the spring elements 24.

[0029] The grease groove 28 enables lubrication during operation of the sensor 10. A slot 36 provided in the base body 31 enables tolerance compensation when installing the bearing 22 on the rotor 20 of the sensor 10 and during operation.

[0030] Furthermore, a first axis 40 shows the position of the sensor unit 12 during normal operation. A second axis 44 illustrates a misalignment of the sensor unit 12, as can occur during operation. The bearing 22, thanks to the spring elements 24, allows for compensation for this misalignment, which represents a misalignment of the sensor unit 12, so that the sensor 10's function is not impaired.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the sensor 10, in this case a rotation angle sensor, in different perspectives and manufacturing or production stages.

[0032] On the left, an exploded view of the sensor 10 is shown, including the sensor housing 26, the rotor 20, the bearing 22 with tolerance-compensating spring elements, and the fixing ring 30. The tolerance-compensating bearing 22 provides tolerance compensation during misalignment of the sensor unit within the system or within the sensor 10. In particular, radial tolerance compensation is achieved through the spring elements on the circumference of the bearing 22.

[0033] The illustrations on the right illustrate the process for mounting the sensor 10. The individual steps are labeled 1, 2 and 3: 1. Bearing 22 is positioned relative to the recess in the sensor housing 26, 2. Bearing 22 is turned clockwise and the spring elements engage in the sensor housing 26, ie an axial, radial and rotational fixation, 3. Mounting of the fixing ring 30, e.g. by hot caulking, bayonet lock, etc.

[0034] An arrow 50 indicates the rotational movement during assembly. An arrow 52 illustrates the locking movement of the spring element.

[0035] The bearing 22 mounted in this way enables tolerance compensation through the spring elements of the bearing 22. It should be noted that the bearing function of the bearing 22 is maintained even if the sensor unit is tilted, so that reliable operation is guaranteed.

Claims

[1] Bearing for a sensor (10), wherein the bearing (22) has an annular base body (31) and at least one spring element (24), wherein the base body (31) defines an axial direction and a radial direction, and the at least one spring element (24) is arranged on the circumference of the base body (31) and extends at least in sections in the radial direction, wherein a section (32) of the at least one spring element (24) extends in the axial direction. [2] Bearing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element (24) is designed as a web having a recess (34). [3] Bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring element (24) is integrally formed on the base body (31). [4] Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least two spring elements (24) are provided. [5] Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least three spring elements (24) are provided. [6] Bearing according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the spring elements (24) are arranged equidistantly on the circumference of the base body (31). [7] Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material for the bearing (22) is selected from a group consisting of: plastics with and without glass fiber, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, metal, e.g. spring steel, metal-plastic compounds. [8] Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which a grease groove (28) is formed in the base body (31). [9] Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a slot (36) is formed in the base body (31). [10] Sensor with a bearing (22) according to one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Sensor according to claim 10, which is designed as a torque sensor. [12] Sensor according to claim 10, which is designed as a rotation angle sensor. [13] Sensor according to one of claims 10 to 12, which has as further components a rotor (20), a sensor housing (26) and / or a fixing ring (30). [14] Method for assembling a bearing (22) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - The bearing (22) is positioned relative to a recess in a sensor housing (26), - the bearing (22) is rotated, spring elements (24) of the bearing (22) engage in the sensor housing (26), - Attaching a fixing ring (30).

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