Mounting plate for a coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining plate for a clutch, in particular for a displacement sensor of a clutch release cylinder, comprising a first area and a second area, wherein the second area has a sensor receiving device, wherein the first area has a central opening, wherein the retaining plate comprises two legs, wherein the central opening is partially enclosed by the two legs in the circumferential direction and is partially open in the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a retaining plate for a clutch, in particular for a displacement sensor of a release cylinder of a clutch, comprising a first area and a second area, wherein the second area has a sensor receiving device, and wherein the first area has a central opening.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing at least one retaining plate.

[0003] The invention further relates to a coupling with a retaining plate.

[0004] Although the present invention is generally applicable to any retaining plates for clutches, the present invention is explained in relation to retaining plates for a displacement sensor of a clutch release cylinder.

[0005] Mounting plates for couplings are available in a variety of forms. These can be attached to a coupling, particularly one for heavy commercial vehicles. The mounting plates allow for the attachment of sensors, gearboxes, and / or air inlets to the coupling. These plates are circular, conforming to the geometry of the coupling, and are stamped from sheet metal.

[0006] One disadvantage is that the geometry of the mounting plates results in a high proportion of sheet metal waste.

[0007] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a retaining plate for a coupling, a method for manufacturing at least one retaining plate and a coupling with a retaining plate that can be manufactured more cost-effectively, especially in large quantities.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative retaining plate for a coupling, an alternative method for manufacturing at least one retaining plate and an alternative coupling with a retaining plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a retaining plate for a clutch, in particular for a displacement sensor of a clutch release cylinder, comprising a first area and a second area, wherein the second area has a sensor receiving device, wherein the first area has a central opening, in that the retaining plate comprises two legs, wherein the central opening is partially enclosed by the two legs in the circumferential direction and is partially open in the circumferential direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems by a method for manufacturing at least one retaining plate according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps: - Providing a plate-shaped element; - Selecting a position on the plate-shaped element where the retaining element is to be punched or cut; - Punching and / or cutting a geometry of the retaining plate from the plate-shaped element at the selected position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a coupling with a retaining plate according to one of claims 1 to 14.

[0012] One of the advantages achieved is that multiple retaining plates can be nested and punched or cut simultaneously, resulting in less waste and overall lower production costs. Another advantage is the reduction in the required quantity of each plate-shaped element. Furthermore, cycle time during production can be reduced.

[0013] The term "retaining plate for a coupling" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to a plate that is suitable for arranging further elements of the coupling and / or the coupling itself. In particular, the retaining plate can be designed as a retaining sheet.

[0014] The term "central opening" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to an opening that is arranged at the center of the retaining plate and is partially enclosed by two legs of the retaining plate. In particular, the central opening, when the retaining plate is installed on a coupling, is arranged on a central axis of the coupling.

[0015] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent therein.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the central opening is enclosed in a radial direction within an angular range between 210° and 330°, preferably between 240° and 300°, and particularly between 260° and 280°. An advantage of this is that the retaining plate is sufficiently dimensioned to reliably secure other components, and at the same time, the retaining plates can be manufactured nested within one another.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a concave recess and a corresponding convex projection are provided in the area of ​​the central opening. In particular, during the production of the retaining plates, the position of the plates can be selected such that the convex projection rests against the concave recess. An advantage of this is that material waste is reduced. A further advantage is that additional space is provided for spacers of the retaining plate, such as mounting bosses.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first region has at least one rectangular recess, wherein the second region comprises at least one, preferably two, rectangular projections corresponding to the rectangular recess. The rectangular projection can, in particular, be bent over and secured in a coupling to fix the retaining plate to the coupling. An advantage of this is that the retaining plate can be securely fixed and, at the same time, material waste during production can be reduced.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two legs is convex at an end region, wherein the convex end region can be arranged flush with the central opening. In particular, the curvature of the convex end region can correspond to the curvature of the central opening. An advantage of this is that a leg of a retaining plate can be inserted far into the central opening of another retaining plate, allowing the retaining plates to be punched closely together during production, thus further reducing waste.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor receiving device has a substantially T-shaped recess. This T-shaped recess can, for example, define two wings that can be folded over or bent. The sensor element can then be arranged on these wings. An advantage of this is that the sensor element can be arranged more easily.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a portion of the first leg has a geometry such that a portion of the second leg can be arranged flush with the portion of the first leg. In other words, the legs of two retaining plates can be arranged next to each other. This allows the retaining plates to be stamped closely nested during production, thus further reducing waste.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one projection, preferably several projections, in particular several mounting bosses, is provided on the mounting plate, extending perpendicular to a principal plane of extension of the mounting plate. For example, the projections can be produced by pressing the mounting plate in at defined positions. The projections can bridge axial misalignment between the mounting plate and a coupling. An advantage of this is that the mounting plate can be made thinner. In particular, it is advantageous that the mounting plate can be made thinner without altering the connection of an air line.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the projections is arranged on the convex projection. An advantage of this is that the projections can be distributed over a wide area of ​​the mounting plate.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an opening is provided for connecting and / or routing an air line. An advantage of this is that the air line can be easily arranged on the coupling.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining plate has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, and particularly between 1.25 mm and 2 mm. An advantage of this is that the retaining plate has sufficient strength and is simultaneously inexpensive to manufacture.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two, preferably at least three, retaining plates are punched or cut from a plate-shaped element, wherein the position of the at least two retaining plates is selected such that one leg of a second retaining plate, preferably one leg each of a second and a third retaining plate, is positioned in an area corresponding to the central opening of a first retaining plate. An advantage of this is that the amount of material waste can be reduced.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] This is shown in schematic form Fig. 1 an arrangement of several retaining plates according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a further retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 a coupling with a retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 a coupling with a retaining plate and a gearbox in a sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of several retaining plates according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 1 shows four identical retaining plates 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d. A retaining plate 1a comprises a first region 2 and a second region 3. The first region 2 comprises two legs 4a, 4b, which partially, but not completely, enclose a circular central opening 5 in the circumferential direction 23. Since the central opening 5 is not completely enclosed in the circumferential direction 23, the legs 4a, 4b can be positioned within the central opening 5. For example, the second leg 4b of retaining plate 1a and the first leg 4a'' of the third retaining plate 1c are arranged in the central opening 5' of retaining plate 1b. Thus, when punching the retaining plates, the scrap can be reduced compared to known fully closed retaining plates, since with fully closed retaining plates the central opening must be completely punched out and discarded.In particular, the central opening 5 is not enclosed in a circumferential direction 23 within an angle range 7 of 80° to 100°, but is open in the circumferential direction 23, so that the first leg 4a and the second leg 4b can be arranged therein. In particular, the first leg 4a and the second leg 4b can be arranged simultaneously in the central opening 5.

[0033] To enable the production of the retaining plate 1a with minimal waste, the geometry of the retaining plate 1a has been further adapted. The first leg 4a has a convex end region 6 which has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the central opening 5, so that the end region 6 can be arranged in a curvature of the central opening 5 and is flush with the central opening.

[0034] The first leg 4a includes a rectangular recess 10, which corresponds to a rectangular projection 11a in the second area 3. Thus, two retaining plates 1a, 1c can be arranged such that the rectangular projection 11a extends into the rectangular recess 10'' of the retaining plate 1c.

[0035] In particular, an entire sub-section 14 of the first leg 4a has a geometry that corresponds to a sub-section 15 of the second leg 4b, such that the sub-section 14 of the first leg 4a of the retaining plate 1a can be arranged on a second sub-section 15'' of the second leg 4b'' of the retaining plate 1c and is flush with the second sub-section 15''. The first sub-section 14 can, for example, comprise at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and in particular at least 60% of the length of the first leg. Similarly, the second sub-section 15 can comprise at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and in particular at least 60% of the length of the second leg; in particular, the second sub-section 15 can extend into the second section 3.

[0036] The second area 3 can, in particular, have two rectangular projections 11a, 11b arranged opposite each other. These can be folded down or bent over to position the retaining plate 1a on a coupling. Furthermore, the second area 3 can also be bent over along a bending line 12 to position the retaining plate on a coupling. Within the second area 3, a substantially T-shaped recess 13 is provided, which is arranged between the rectangular projections 11a, 11b. The T-shaped recess 13 forms two wings 17a, 17b, which can also be bent over.

[0037] The retaining plate 1a, for example, has a thickness of 1.5 mm and includes an opening 16 on which an air connection can be arranged.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The retaining plate 1a essentially corresponds to the retaining plate 1a according to Fig. 1. In contrast to the retaining plate 1a according to Fig. In the retaining plate 1a shown in the figure, the second region 3 is bent over so that the second region 3 extends perpendicularly to the first region 2. Furthermore, the two wings 17a, 17b, as well as the rectangular projections 11a, 11b, are also bent over by 90 degrees. The two wings 17a, 17b are part of a sensor receiving device 22, with which a sensor (in Fig. (2 not shown) can be arranged in the second area 3.

[0040] The second leg 4b has a concave recess 8 and a convex projection 9, wherein the recess 8 and the convex projection 9 correspond to each other in such a way that the convex projection 9 of a retaining plate 1a can engage in the concave recess 8 of the retaining plate 1a and be flush with the concave recess 8.

[0041] Six projections 18a-g are provided on the retaining plate 1a, which are formed by pressing the retaining plate 1a into it. The projections 18a-g are formed perpendicular to a principal extension plane 21 of the retaining plate 1a, that is, perpendicular to a plane along the highest extension of the retaining plate 1a. In particular, the projections extend in the same direction as the bent second area 3. It is also conceivable that three, four, five, seven, or eight projections are provided. The projections 18a-g are specifically designed as retaining domes arranged along the circumference of the central opening 5. One of the projections 18a is arranged on the convex projection 9. In addition, further openings 19a-19e are provided with which the retaining plate 1a can be fixed and / or on which connections can be arranged.

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

[0043] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a retaining plate 1a which is arranged on a coupling 30, in particular a retaining plate 1a according to Fig. 2. The second section 3 of the retaining plate 1a is bent over, and a sensor element 31 is arranged on this second section 3. The sensor element 31 can, for example, be a displacement sensor for a release cylinder 32. The central opening 5 is arranged such that the release cylinder 32 can be extended from the clutch 30 without contacting the retaining plate 1a.

[0044] The retaining plate 1a does not rest against the coupling 30 with its entire surface, but only with its projections 18a-g. Analogous to the projections 18a-g, the air connection 16 is also axially pressed in, so that a circumferential ring 20 is provided around the air inlet 16. This ring 20 can be used as a positioning aid for a sealing element such as an O-ring.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a coupling with a retaining plate and a gearbox according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view.

[0046] On one side of the mounting plate 1a - in Fig. 4 on the right - is a gearbox 34 arranged and on the opposite side - in Fig. 4 left - a coupling 30. The coupling 30 can in particular be the coupling 30 according to Fig. 3. Since the retaining plate 1a does not rest against the coupling 30 with its entire surface, a gap 33 is formed between the coupling 30 and the retaining plate 1a. A sealant 35, here in the form of an O-ring, can be arranged in this gap 33. The O-ring 35 can have a thickness of 3 mm and seal the air connection 16 of the retaining plate 1a. The raised sections (not shown here) thus provide a gap with a thickness of 3 mm into which an O-ring with a thickness of 3 mm can be inserted, while simultaneously limiting the thickness of the retaining plate 1a to 1.5 mm.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Using this method, several retaining plates can be manufactured from a single plate-shaped element.

[0049] In step S1, a plate-shaped element is provided, in particular a sheet of metal.

[0050] In a further step S2, a position on the plate-shaped element is selected where a retaining plate 1a-d is to be punched. In particular, several positions are determined where several retaining plates 1a-d are to be punched. The position of the retaining plates 1a-d is chosen in particular as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the retaining plates 1-ad are arranged such that each leg 4a, 4b of the retaining plates 1a-d projects into the central opening 5 of another retaining plate 1a-d and preferably contacts the other retaining plate 1a-d. In particular, each leg 4a, 4b of two adjacent retaining plates 1a-d is arranged in a central opening 5 of the retaining plates 1a-d. Preferably, every second retaining plate 1a-d is arranged rotated by 180° with respect to the first retaining plate 1a-d.

[0051] In a further step S3, the retaining plates 1a-d are punched according to the selected positions. The geometry and arrangement of the retaining plates 1a-d reduce the amount of waste of sheet material. This allows

[0052] In addition, the second area can optionally be bent over and / or the raised areas can be formed by pressing in the retaining plate.

[0053] 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: - Reduction of sheet metal waste. - Increased cycle time. - Reduction of manufacturing costs.

[0054] 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 1a-d Mounting plate 2 First area 3 Second area 4a, 4a'' First leg 4b, 4b'' Second leg 5.5' Central opening 6 End area 7 angle range 8 Concave recess 9 Convex protrusion 10, 10'' Rectangular recess 11 Rectangular protrusion 12 Bending curve 13 T-shaped recess 14 First sub-area 15, 15'' Second sub-area 16 air connection 17a, 17b Wing 18a-f Surveys 19 more openings 20 Circumferential Ring 21 Main extent level 22 Sensor recording device 23 Circumferential direction 30 Clutch 31 Sensor element 32 release cylinders 33 gap 34 gearboxes 35 Sealants

Claims

[1] Retaining plate (1a-1d) for a clutch (30), in particular for a displacement sensor (31) of a release cylinder (32) of a clutch (30), comprising a first area (2) and a second area (3), wherein the second area (3) has a sensor receiving device, wherein the first area (2) has a central opening (5), characterized by , that the retaining plate (1a-1d) comprises two legs (4a, 4b), wherein the central opening (5) is partially enclosed by the two legs (4a, 4b) in the circumferential direction (23) and is partially open in the circumferential direction (23). [2] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the central opening (5) is enclosed in a circumferential direction within an angular range (7) between 210° and 330°, preferably between 240° and 300°, in particular between 260° and 280°. [3] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by, that the central opening (5) is essentially circular in an area where the central opening (5) is enclosed by the legs (4a, 4b). [4] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that in the area of ​​the central opening (5) a concave recess (8) and a convex projection (9) corresponding to the concave recess are provided. [5] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the first area (2) has at least one rectangular recess (10), wherein the second area (3) comprises at least one, preferably two, rectangular projections (11a, 11b) corresponding to the rectangular recess. [6] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that at least one of the two legs (4a, 4b) is convex at an end region (6), wherein the convex end region (6) can be arranged flush with the central opening (5). [7] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the second area (3) has an essentially T-shaped recess (13). [8] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a sub-area (14) of the first leg (4a) has such a geometry that a sub-area (15) of the second leg (4b) can be arranged flush with the sub-area (14) of the first leg (4a). [9] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that at least one projection (18a-g), preferably several projections (18a-g), in particular several mounting bosses, is provided on the retaining plate (1a-1d), which extends perpendicular to a main extension plane (21) of the retaining plate (1a-1d). [10] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to claim 9, characterized by , that at least one of the elevations (18a-g) is located on the convex projection (9). [11] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that an opening (16) is provided for the connection and / or routing of an air duct. [12] Retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized by , that the retaining plate (1a-1d) has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, in particular between 1.25 mm and 2 mm. [13] Method for manufacturing at least one retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps: - Providing a plate-shaped element; - Selecting a position on the plate-shaped element where the retaining element is to be punched or cut; - Punching and / or cutting a geometry of the retaining plate (1a-1d) from the plate-shaped element at the selected position. [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by , that at least two, preferably at least three, retaining plates (1a-1d) are punched or cut from a plate-shaped element, wherein the position of the at least two retaining plates (1a-1d) is selected such that a leg of a second retaining plate (1a-1d), preferably one leg each of a second and a third retaining plate (1a-1d), is positioned in an area corresponding to the central opening (5) of a first retaining plate (1a-1d). [15] Coupling (30) with a retaining plate (1a-1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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