Sensor mounting device for a sensor of a coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor receiving device for a sensor of a coupling, in particular a displacement sensor, comprising a fixing device for connecting the sensor receiving device to a coupling, a sensor receptacle for arranging the sensor and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element connects the fixing device and the sensor receiving device, and wherein the connecting element has a sensing area, characterized in that the connecting element is configured such that, in the event of a deflection of the fixing device, a defined, changed, in particular reduced, deflection of the sensing area occurs, wherein the deflection of the sensing area can be detected by a sensor that can be arranged on the sensor receptacle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor receiving device for a sensor of a coupling.

[0002] The invention further relates to a sensor arrangement comprising a sensor receiving device.

[0003] The invention also relates to a coupling with an extendable coupling element, in particular a cylinder, and a sensor arrangement.

[0004] Although the present invention is generally applicable to any sensor receiving devices for sensors of couplings, the present invention is explained in relation to sensor receiving devices for displacement sensors.

[0005] Sensor mounting devices for clutch position sensors are known in a variety of forms. Clutches, especially those for commercial vehicles, comprise a cylinder that extends from the clutch to actuate it. It is necessary to measure the cylinder's current stroke to engage the clutch at the desired time. For this purpose, a 1:1 position sensor is positioned in close proximity to the cylinder, directly measuring the cylinder's stroke relative to the clutch. To prevent the position sensor from rotating during operation and thus no longer being in the desired position, an anti-rotation device is installed.

[0006] One disadvantage is that the anti-rotation device can cause friction and thus wear when the cylinder moves, which can affect the position sensor assembly and / or the cylinder itself. Another disadvantage is that the position sensor assembly is complex and can be expensive due to the large stroke that needs to be measured.

[0007] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sensor receiving device, a sensor arrangement and a coupling with a sensor arrangement, in which a long service life of the sensor receiving device, the sensor arrangement and the coupling can be achieved and which can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sensor receiving device, an alternative sensor arrangement and an alternative coupling with a sensor arrangement.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a sensor receiving device for a sensor of a coupling, in particular a displacement sensor, comprising a fixing device for connecting the sensor receiving device to a coupling, a sensor receptacle for arranging the sensor and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element connects the fixing device and the sensor receiving device, and wherein the connecting element has a sensing area, in that the connecting element is configured such that, in the event of a deflection of the fixing device, a defined, changed, in particular reduced, deflection of the sensing area occurs, wherein the deflection of the sensing area can be detected by a sensor that can be arranged on the sensor receptacle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a sensor arrangement comprising a sensor receiving device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a sensor is arranged in the sensor receiving device, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a deflection of the connecting element in the sensing area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a coupling with an extendable coupling element, in particular a cylinder, and a sensor arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the locking device is arranged on the extendable coupling element.

[0012] One of the advantages achieved is that wear on the sensor mounting device, the sensor assembly, and / or the coupling can be reduced during axial movement of the cylinder. Another advantage is that a rotation lock for the sensor can be easily implemented.

[0013] The term “connecting element” is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, in particular to an elongated, preferably flat object such as a rod, a beam, a pin, a plate or a lever that connects the fixing device and the sensor.

[0014] The term "bending axis" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, in particular to an axis of the connecting element which is stationary when the connecting element is bent and / or about which a bending moment arising during bending acts.

[0015] The term "defined, in particular reduced, deflection" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, specifically to a deflection of the sensing area that is, in particular, less than a deflection of the locking device. The reduction of the deflection of the sensing area can be dependent on the deflection of the locking device. For example, the deflection of the sensing area can be functionally related to the deflection of the locking device, in particular in a linear or non-linear relationship. Preferably, the deflection of the sensing area corresponds to a deflection of the locking device reduced by a factor of [missing value].

[0016] The term "sensing area" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, specifically to an area in which the sensor can measure a deflection of the connecting element. Preferably, the sensing area is located adjacent to the sensor receptacle.

[0017] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent therein.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element comprises at least one magnet and / or magnetic material, in particular wherein the magnet is arranged in the sensing area. For example, the magnet can be fixed to the connecting element, in particular in a recess on the connecting element. An advantage of this is that a magnet for influencing the sensor in the form of a magnetic field sensor can be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is at least partially surrounded by a plastic, in particular by overmolding. This stiffens the connecting element. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element is arranged in a plastic guide, which also stiffens the connecting element. An advantage of this is that a deflection of the connecting element can be more accurately interpreted as a deflection of a cylinder of the coupling.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided at least for the connecting element, the fixing device and / or the sensor receptacle, wherein the housing is formed in one piece. For example, the housing can be manufactured by injection molding. An advantage of this is that the housing can be manufactured cost-effectively. It is also conceivable that the housing consists of several parts, each of which is manufactured individually by injection molding.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a connection device for a plug for supplying electrical energy. An advantage of this is that electrical energy can be supplied to the sensor in a simple manner. It is also conceivable that the plug is arranged directly on the sensor. Furthermore, it is conceivable that electronic signals from the sensor are made available to a control unit via the plug.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises an additional fixing device for securing the housing to a mounting of the coupling. An advantage of this is that the housing can be securely fixed to the coupling in a simple manner.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is at least partially elastic and arranged to be deflectable about a bending axis. In particular, the connecting element can be clamped in a holder so that it can be bent around the holder, with the bending axis running along the holder. An advantage of this is that the connecting element can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element comprises a leaf spring. In particular, the leaf spring can be arranged wholly or partially within the housing. One advantage of this is that a connecting element can be provided in a cost-effective manner. Another advantage is that the bending stiffness of the connecting element can be easily adjusted.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is mounted so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation. For example, the housing could include a bearing in which a torsion bar is mounted, which is connected to the locking device. An advantage of this is that the stroke of the coupling cylinder can be easily calculated based on the stroke of the connecting element.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor receptacle is arranged between a first end region and a second end region of the connecting element, opposite the first end region, in particular wherein the second end region is arranged on the bending axis. Preferably, the first end region is arranged on the locking device. Thus, the sensor can measure the deflection of the connecting element between the axis of rotation and the locking element. An advantage of this is that the required installation space can be reduced.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing has stiffening ribs, particularly in an X-shape, preferably wherein the stiffening ribs are arranged in the area of ​​the connecting element. Thus, the connecting element can be arranged in a region of the housing that is stiffened by stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs can extend along the housing, particularly in an X-shape. An advantage of this is that the bending stiffness of the connecting element can be increased.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor. A magnet arranged in the connecting element can be reliably detected by means of the magnetic sensor, and the deflection of the connecting element can then be detected. In particular, the magnetic sensor can measure the distance between the magnet and the sensor. An advantage of this is that an inexpensive magnetic sensor can be used instead of a costly 1:1 displacement sensor.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is rotated or bent about the axis of rotation and / or bending by up to 60°, preferably up to 45°, and particularly up to 30°, when the extendable coupling element reaches its maximum stroke. The maximum deflection of the connecting element can be influenced by its suitable length. An advantage of this is that the maximum bending force acting on the connecting element at maximum stroke can be reduced.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a length in the direction of extension greater than 20%, preferably greater than 35%, and particularly greater than 50%, of the diameter of the coupling element. An advantage of this is that the maximum bending force acting on the connecting element at maximum deflection can be reduced.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] This is shown in schematic form Fig. 1 a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a rear side of the sensor assembly according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 a coupling with a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of the coupling according to Fig. 3;

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The sensor arrangement 40 comprises a sensor receiving device 1, which includes a locking device 2 and a connecting element 3. The sensor arrangement 40 further comprises a sensor 4 of a sensor device 4'. The sensor 4 and / or the sensor device 4' are arranged in a sensor receiving device 32, which is arranged on the connecting element 3. The locking device 2 is arranged on a first end region 5b of the leaf spring 3, wherein the locking device 2 is configured to engage a cylinder of a clutch (in Fig. (1 not shown) to be fixed. For this purpose, the fixing device 2 comprises two receptacles 8a, 8b through which, for example, screws can be inserted to fix the fixing device 2 to the coupling. Furthermore, the fixing device 2 comprises a shoulder 9 to bridge an axial misalignment between the connecting element 3 and the coupling. The connecting element 3 is arranged in the fixing device 2 such that in the event of an axial movement of the fixing device 2 (in Fig. (1 upwards and downwards) the connecting element 3 is bent accordingly in the same direction. The connecting element 3 is designed here as a flat leaf spring, which is partially overmolded with plastic and is clamped at a second end region 5a in a housing 6 of the sensor receiving device 1, in particular in a holder 7 of the housing 6. The second end region 5a can be arranged at an end of the connecting element 3 opposite the first end region 5b.

[0037] The housing 6 has a connection device 10 for a plug to supply power to the sensor 4. Furthermore, sensor signals from the sensor 4 can be transmitted via the plug to a control unit (not shown). Specifically, the connection device 10 is located at the end 5a of the connecting element 3. The housing 6 also includes a guide 11, in Fig. 1 formed by cross braces in which the connecting element 3 is arranged. The guide 11 can be used to increase the stiffness of the connecting element 3 in order to reduce any "deflection" of the connecting element 3 along its length.

[0038] A projection 12 is provided on the connecting device 10, on which the sensor 4 is arranged. The sensor 4 extends to a projection 13 on the connecting element 3, but is not connected to the projection 13. Thus, the connecting element 3 can bend independently of the sensor 4 about a bending axis 14, the bending axis 14 being located in the holder 7. In particular, the bending axis 14 is perpendicular to a principal extension direction 15 of the connecting element 3, that is, in particular, the direction of the maximum extension of the connecting element 3. The projection 13 defines a sensing area 31 in which the sensor 4 can detect a deflection of the connecting element 3. The sensor 4 can, in particular, be a Hall sensor for detecting a magnet and can be arranged between the bending axis 14 and the fixing device 2. Fig. 1, that is, to the left of the bending axis 14 and to the right of the fixing device 2. In other words, the sensor 4 is arranged between the first end region 5b and the second end region 5a, which is located on the bracket 7 of the housing 6. The sensor receptacle 32 is also arranged between the first end region 5b and the second end region 5a.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the sensor assembly according to Fig. 1.

[0040] In Fig. 2 is a rear side of the sensor arrangement 40 according to Fig. Figure 1 shows that a recess 16 is formed on the projection 13, in which a magnet 17 is fixed. Since the sensor (in Fig. (2 not shown) is arranged adjacent to the projection 13 and thus adjacent to the magnet 17, the sensor can detect the magnet 17, in particular measure a distance between the magnet 17 and the sensor. In the arranged state of the sensor arrangement 40, the fixing device 2 can be moved in the axial direction (in Fig. 2 perpendicular to the plane of the leaf spring upwards and downwards), thereby bending the connecting element 3 in the same direction. This changes the distance of the magnet 17 relative to the sensor, which can be measured by the sensor. Thus, the sensor can detect the deflection of the connecting element 3 along a direction 29 that is essentially perpendicular to the main extension direction 15 of the connecting element 3 and, in particular, parallel to a stroke direction of the coupling in the arranged state.

[0041] A further locking device 18 is arranged on the extension 12, by means of which the sensor arrangement 40 can be positioned on a mounting plate of a coupling (not shown), in particular fixed against rotation. The further locking device 18, the extension 12, the connecting device 10 and the guide 11 can be manufactured in one piece by injection molding.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a coupling with a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In Fig. 3 is a sensor arrangement 1, in particular a sensor arrangement 40 according to Fig. 1, is fixed to a coupling 20 by means of the fixing device 2, in particular to a cylinder 21 of the coupling 20. In addition, the sensor arrangement 40 is fixed to a retaining plate 22 of the coupling 20 by means of the further fixing device (not shown).

[0044] The coupling 20 is located in Fig. 3 at bottom dead center. During operation, the clutch can be engaged by extending cylinder 21, in Fig. 3 upwards. The stroke 23 of the cylinder 21 is to be measured. The sensor 4 is used for this purpose. Due to the stroke 23 of the cylinder 21, the locking device 2 is also raised by the same stroke 23, so that the connecting element 3 is bent upwards in the form of a bending spring. This leads to an axial deflection or an axial stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 or the projection 13, so that the magnet arranged therein (in Fig. (3 not shown) is also raised. In particular, the sensing area 31 of the connecting element 3 is deflected, the deflection 24 of the sensing area 31, which corresponds to the axial stroke of the projection 13, being dependent on the deflection or stroke of the locking device 2. This means that a deflection 24 of the sensing area 31 results in a defined reduced deflection 23 of the locking device. In particular, the deflection 24 of the sensing area can be functionally related to the deflection 23 of the locking device. This deflection of the magnet can be measured by the sensor 4 as a change in the distance between the sensor and the magnet, and the stroke 23 of the cylinder 21 can be calculated from this. This will be shown in the following Fig. 4 explained in more detail.

[0045] The length 28 of the connecting element 3 can, in particular, be more than 50% of the diameter 30 of the cylinder 21. The sensor assembly 40 is fixed to both the mounting plate 22 and the cylinder 21, thus providing circumferential rotation protection for the cylinder 21. In the arranged state of the sensor assembly 40 on the coupling 20, the connecting element 3 extends along the circumferential direction 33 of the coupling 20.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of the coupling according to Fig. 3.

[0047] In Fig.Figure 4 shows a section of the coupling 20, illustrating three different positions of the connecting element 3 of the sensor assembly 40. Between the bottom dead center 25a and the top dead center 25b, the magnet (not shown) in the projection 13, and thus the connecting element 3, can have a maximum stroke 24. This maximum stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 corresponds to a maximum stroke 23 of the cylinder 21. The stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 can be measured by means of the sensor 4, and taking into account the defined reduction, in particular the functional relationship of the reduction between the stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 in the sensing area 31 and the stroke 23 of the cylinder 21, which can depend on the length 28 of the connecting element 3 and the distance 26 between the sensor 4 and the bending axis 14, the stroke 23 of the cylinder can be calculated.In particular, the maximum stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 can correspond to a maximum rotation of the connecting element 3 by an angle 27 about the bending axis 14 of less than 30°.

[0048] It is also conceivable that instead of a Hall sensor 4 with a magnet, a different sensor is used that can measure the stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 and / or the angle 27 traveled by the connecting element 3. For example, the connecting element 3 could be connected to the sensor arrangement 40 by a spring, whereby the spring force can be measured. Based on the spring force, the stroke 24 of the connecting element 3 can be determined.

[0049] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting element 3 is not clamped in the holder 6 and is bendable about the bending axis 14, but is mounted in the holder 6 and is thus rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation 14'.

[0050] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of the following features and / or provide at least one of the following advantages: - Wear-free sensor arrangement. - Inexpensive to manufacture. - Simple anti-rotation device.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many ways. Reference symbol list 1 Sensor arrangement 2 Locking device 3 Connecting element 4 Sensor 4' Sensor setup 5a, Second end area 5b First end area 6 cases 7 bracket 8a, 8b recordings Paragraph 9 10 Connection device 11 Leadership 12th extension 13 lead 14, 14' Bending axis, Rotation axis 15 Main direction of extension 16 bags 17 Magnet 18 Additional fixing device 20 Clutch 21 cylinders 22 Mounting plate 23 Cylinder stroke 24 stroke of the connecting element 25a, 25b Lower / Upper dead center 26 distance 27 angles 28 Length of the connecting element 29 Direction of deflection 30 Diameter of the cylinder 31 Sensing area 32 sensor recording 33 Circumferential direction

Claims

[1] Sensor receiving device (1) for a sensor (4) of a coupling (20), in particular a displacement sensor, comprising a fixing device (2) for connecting the sensor receiving device (1) to a coupling (20), a sensor receptacle (32) for arranging the sensor (4) and a connecting element (3), wherein the connecting element (3) connects the fixing device (2) and the sensor receiving device (2), wherein the connecting element has a sensing area (31), characterized by , that the connecting element (3) is designed such that, in the event of a deflection of the fixing device (2), a defined, modified, in particular reduced, deflection of the sensing area (31) occurs, wherein the deflection (24) of the sensing area (31) can be detected by a sensor that can be arranged on the sensor receptacle. [2] Sensor receiving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the connecting element (3) comprises at least one magnet (17) and / or magnetic material, in particular wherein the magnet is arranged in the sensing area (31). [3] Sensor receiving device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) is at least partially surrounded by a plastic, in particular overmolded. [4] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a housing (6) is provided at least for the connecting element (3), the fixing device (2) and / or the sensor receptacle (32), wherein the housing (6) is formed in one piece. [5] Sensor receiving device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the housing (6) includes a connection device (10) for a plug for the provision of electrical power. [6] Sensor receiving device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by, that the housing (6) includes a further fixing device (18) for fixing the housing (6) to a bracket of the coupling (20). [7] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) is at least partially elastic and is arranged to be deflectable about a bending axis (14). [8] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) comprises a leaf spring. [9] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) is mounted so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation (14). [10] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by, that the sensor receptacle (32) is arranged between a first end region (5b) and a second end region (5a) of the connecting element (3) opposite the first end region (5b), in particular wherein the second end region (5a) is arranged on the bending axis (14). [11] Sensor receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized by that the housing has stiffening ribs, in particular in an X-shape, preferably wherein the stiffening ribs are arranged in the area of ​​the connecting element (3). [12] Sensor arrangement (40) comprising a sensor receiving device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a sensor is arranged in the sensor receiving (32), wherein the sensor is configured to measure a deflection of the connecting element (3) in the sensing area (31). [13] Sensor arrangement (40) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the sensor (4) is a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor. [14] Coupling (20) with an extendable coupling element (21), in particular a cylinder, and a sensor arrangement (40) according to one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the locking device (2) is arranged on the extendable coupling element (21). [15] Coupling (20) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) is rotated or bent about the axis of rotation and / or bending (14) by up to 60°, preferably up to 45°, in particular up to 30°, when the extendable coupling element (21) has a maximum stroke (23). [16] Coupling (20) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by , that the connecting element (3) has a length (28) in the direction of the extension direction (15) greater than 20%, preferably greater than 35%, in particular greater than 50%, of the diameter (30) of the coupling element (21).

Images