Sensor arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (1) suitable for detecting a position (P) of a shift element (2) provided on a shift path (s) such that it can be moved parallel to a shift direction (x1) by means of an electric servomotor (3), wherein the sensor arrangement (1) comprises the following: an indicator element (1a) designed to be provided on the shift element (2) and designed to be moved together with the shift element (2) parallel to the shift direction (x1); detection elements (1b), each designed to output an output signal which enables the position of the indicator element (1a) to be determined at least along a portion of the shift direction (x1) when the indicator element (1a) is located in a detection range of the respective detection element (1b), wherein the detection elements (1b) are arranged at a distance from one another in the shift direction (x1) and have at least one first detection element (1b') and a second detection element (1b''), wherein the first detection element (1 b') is positioned in parallel with the shift direction (x1) at a smaller distance from the servomotor (3) than the second detection element (1b"); and an evaluation unit (1) which is designed to determine the position (P) of the shift element (2) on the shift path (s) from the output signals of the detection elements (1b). The invention also relates to an actuation mechanism and a clutch actuator.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Sensor arrangement

[0003] The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting a position of a transmission element provided on a transmission path parallel to a transmission direction by means of an electric servo motor, as well as an actuating mechanism and a clutch actuator.

[0004] In vehicles, various sensor arrangements are conceivable for detecting movable elements. Robust and durable arrangements are preferred.

[0005] The field of application of the invention extends in particular to commercial vehicle construction. A central feature of many manual transmissions in commercial vehicles, particularly for local and distribution transport, long-distance transport as well as for intercity and coach transport, is the group design with a large number of gear steps. This design is increasingly being used in commercial vehicles for automated manual transmissions (AMT). Manual transmissions for commercial vehicles can, in principle, have different degrees of automation. Depending on the design, the starting process, the actuation of the clutch, and gear selection can be automated. In manual transmissions, none of these processes are automated; in semi-automated transmissions, one of these processes is automated; and in fully automatic transmissions, which are of particular interest here, all processes are automated.This results in the need for suitable actuation devices for an automated starting clutch, automated clutch engagement during gearshifts, as well as automated gear selection and engine management. Of central importance for gearshift automation is the precise detection of the position of the shifting elements used to optimize and increase the efficiency of the automated gearshift process. The sensors are typically located in the transmission area. Sensing the clutch actuator is required to detect the clutch position. Depending on the gear ratio, travel of up to 80 mm, for example, must be detected. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding sensor arrangement.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] Preferably, a sensor arrangement is provided for detecting a position of a transmission element displaceably provided on a transmission path parallel to a transmission direction by means of an electric servo motor, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises the following:

[0008] - an indicator element which is designed to be provided on the transmission element and is designed to be displaced together with the transmission element parallel to the transmission direction,

[0009] - detection elements, each of which is designed to output an output signal that enables the position of the indicator element to be determined at least along a section of the transmission direction when the indicator element is located in a detection range of the respective detection element, wherein the detection elements are arranged at a distance from one another in the transmission direction and have at least a first detection element and a second detection element, wherein the first detection element is positioned at a smaller distance from the servomotor parallel to the transmission direction than the second detection element, and

[0010] - an evaluation unit designed to determine the position of the transmission element on the transmission path from the output signals of the detection elements.

[0011] The interaction between the indicator element and the sensing elements, which influences the respective output signal, is preferably contactless, so that the mere presence of the indicator element in the detection range of the respective sensing element ensures that the sensing element outputs a corresponding output signal. This enables the sensor arrangement to operate with as little wear as possible. The transmission direction is preferably designed as a straight line.

[0012] The transmission path is preferably a section of the transmission direction and defined by a first end position and a second end position, which is spaced apart from the first end position in the transmission direction. The transmission element is then provided so as to be displaceable between these two end positions, wherein the invention serves the purpose of determining the position of the transmission element on this transmission path. The position of the transmission element can be defined, for example, by a specific section of the transmission element and its current position on the transmission path. If the specific section of the transmission element is located, for example, in the first end position, this corresponds to the position of the transmission element on the transmission path. The transmission element is then also in the first end position.For example, if the specific section of the transmission element is in the second end position, this corresponds to the position of the transmission element on the transmission path. The transmission element is then also in the second end position. Positions of the transmission element between the two end positions are determined by the position of the specific section of the transmission element between the two end positions.

[0013] The transmission element is preferably designed as an elongated element, such as a rod or bar, wherein the transmission element further preferably extends in the transmission direction. In particular, an axis of the transmission element, such as a bar axis, is oriented parallel to the transmission direction. The specific section of the transmission element used to determine the position of the transmission element can, in particular, be a bar end.

[0014] The first detection element can be the detection element that is closest to the first end position parallel to the transmission direction. This means that the indicator element is located within the detection range of the first detection element when the transmission element is in the first end position of the transmission path.

[0015] The actuator can, in particular, be positioned behind the first end position, opposite to the transmission direction. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can be positioned so that all detection elements are positioned in front of or behind the actuator along the transmission direction. However, it can also be provided that detection elements are located in front of and behind the actuator in the transmission direction. In this case, the description of the invention can refer in particular to detection elements located on one of the two sides of the actuator. However, this is not mandatory.

[0016] The detection elements are preferably arranged along the transmission direction such that the first detection element is at a distance from the transmission direction that is greater than a distance from the transmission direction of the second detection element arranged downstream in the transmission direction. The distance of the first and second detection elements from the transmission direction is preferably measured from the detection element, for example from a center point of the detection element, as a perpendicular to the transmission direction. The distance is preferably defined along a second direction that is oriented perpendicular to the transmission direction. In particular, this arrangement ensures that the distance between the indicator element and the first detection element is greater than the distance between the indicator element and the second detection element when the indicator element is located in the respective detection area.As a result of a correspondingly increased distance, the distance between the first detection element and the servo motor is also increased. In this way, it is possible to reduce the influence of magnetic interference fields, in particular on the first detection element, which interference is caused by electrical currents from the servo motor. The detection of the indicator element and thus the determination of the position of the transmission element, in particular in the detection range of the first detection element, is thereby improved. In particular, it can be provided that the distance between all detection elements in the transmission direction is reduced along the second direction. This means that the first detection element can have the greatest distance here and the last detection element in the transmission direction can have the smallest distance here.Furthermore, it can be provided that the first detection element and the second detection element, or all detection elements, lie in a plane defined by the transmission direction and the second direction. However, it can also be provided that individual detection elements, or all detection elements, are spaced from this plane. This results in an offset transverse to the transmission direction, as described further below.

[0017] Preferably, the first detection element has a higher measurement sensitivity than the second detection element in order to detect the indicator element within its detection range. Especially when the first detection element is at a greater distance from the transmission direction, as explained above, a possible disadvantage in detecting the indicator element by the first detection element compared to the second detection element can be at least partially compensated.

[0018] Preferably, the first detection element and the second detection element are arranged in a common plane, wherein the plane is inclined relative to the transmission direction. This allows for a simple structural design of the sensor arrangement. Particularly preferably, all detection elements can be arranged on the common plane. The common plane is preferably traversed by the transmission direction or a straight line oriented in the transmission direction.

[0019] Preferably, the common plane is formed by a support element on which the first detection element and the second detection element are arranged. This enables simplified assembly and disassembly of the first and second detection elements, since only the support element needs to be removed.

[0020] In general, it is possible to provide all detection elements on a common support element, thus further facilitating assembly and disassembly. Such a support element can also form a common plane in which all detection elements are arranged. Alternatively or additionally, such a support element or the plane formed by the support element can be inclined relative to the transmission direction.

[0021] Preferably, the carrier element is formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) or preferably comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). This printed circuit board can have the necessary signal lines via which the output signals of the detection elements are routed to the evaluation unit.

[0022] The circuit board can also carry additional cables. In particular, cables that supply electrical power to the actuator can also be routed over it. In this case, zones around the sensing elements that must remain free of these cables to ensure trouble-free operation of the sensor arrangement can be rounded to make these zones as large as possible.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the detection elements is arranged offset transversely to the transmission direction. This can mean that at least one detection element is not arranged aligned in the transmission direction. In particular, it can be provided that the offset arrangement relates to a third direction that is oriented both perpendicular to the transmission direction and to the above-mentioned second direction, wherein the transmission direction and the second direction are also oriented perpendicular to one another. In particular, an arrangement of the detection elements can be selected that in turn enables the greatest possible distance from electrical components, such as the servo motor, whereby interference with the detection elements by such components or their magnetic interference fields can be minimized.Preferably, the indicator element is designed so that it can be detected by any detection element, regardless of whether the respective detection element is aligned with the transmission direction or not. This can be achieved by dimensioning the indicator element accordingly in its extension transverse to the transmission direction, so that it covers all detection areas when traveling through the transmission path. Particularly preferably, all detection elements are arranged offset transversely to the transmission direction.

[0024] In particular, the first detection element and the second detection element each have a detection direction. The detection direction is defined as the central direction of the detection area of ​​the respective detection element and ultimately describes the direction in which the respective detection area and thus the respective detection element are oriented.

[0025] Preferably, the detection directions of the first detection element and the second detection element are oriented parallel to one another. In particular, it can be provided that the detection directions of all detection elements are oriented parallel to one another. This is particularly advantageous if the first detection element and the second detection element, or all detection elements, are arranged in the same plane, so that the installation positions of the corresponding detection elements are then identical. This can also result in a comparable output signal in response to the indicator element in the respective detection area, thereby reducing the application complexity of the sensor arrangement.

[0026] Preferably, the detection range of the detection elements exhibits a linear relationship between the output signal and the position of the indicator element. This means that, as long as the indicator element is located in the respective detection range, a linear output signal is output by the corresponding detection element, which describes the position of the indicator element within the detection range. Thus, the detection range of the detection element can also be defined as the area that generates an output signal according to a linear relationship between the output signal and the position of the indicator element.

[0027] Preferably, it can be provided that the detection elements output the angle at which the indicator element is positioned along the transmission direction relative to the respective detection element via their output signal. The detection elements can be configured such that they only output angles that do not exceed a maximum value. This maximum value can be selected such that the raw signals from which the angle is determined are only processed for positions of the indicator element within the respective detection range. If the indicator element is not located within this detection range, it is preferably provided that the respective output signals are set to limit values, as described below.

[0028] The sensor arrangement is preferably designed such that the output signal of each detection element is set to an upper limit value when the indicator element is located outside the detection range of the corresponding detection element in the transmission direction, and such that the output signal of each detection element is set to a lower limit value when the indicator element is located outside the detection range of the corresponding detection element opposite to the transmission direction. The lower limit value is preferably zero. The upper limit value preferably corresponds to a value that corresponds to the width of the detection range of the corresponding detection element. Alternatively, it can be provided that the lower and upper limit values ​​have values ​​other than zero. The lower limit value is then preferably negative, the upper limit value is then preferably positive, or vice versa.The values ​​between the lower and upper limit ranges are preferably substantially linear, regardless of whether a limit value is zero or not.

[0029] Preferably, the sensor arrangement is designed to add the output signals of the individual detection elements, thereby forming an overall signal suitable for determining the position of the transmission element on the transmission path. The output signals are preferably added in the evaluation unit, which further preferably determines the position of the indicator element and, from this, the position of the transmission element, or directly determines the position of the transmission element on the transmission path.

[0030] If the detection areas are arranged in such a way that they merge seamlessly into one another, the position of the indicator element and thus the position of the transmission element on the transmission path can be determined along the transmission direction as follows:

[0031] In this description, the transmission element is moved by the servo motor in the transmission direction, with the movement starting in a position that corresponds to the first end position of the transmission element. In this position, the indicator element is located at the beginning of the detection range of the first detection element, so that the output signal of the first detection element corresponds to the lower limit value. This can be zero. In this case, the output signal of the other detection elements also corresponds to their lower limit value. This can be zero in each case. Alternatively, the lower limit value can also correspond to a value other than zero. In particular, it can be provided that the output signal of a detection element runs continuously rising or falling between the lower and upper limit values ​​depending on the position of the indicator element and is in particular linearly dependent on the position of the indicator element.

[0032] A total output signal formed by summing the individual output signals can thus be zero or generally correspond to the sum of the lower limit values, which the evaluation unit interprets as a position on the transmission path. It is designed to interpret this value of the total output signal as a position in the first end position. This can be the position of the indicator element or directly of the transmission element. If the transmission element is now moved in the transmission direction, the indicator element passes through the detection range of the first detection element, which then outputs an output signal, preferably linear to the position within the detection range. This corresponds to the position of the indicator element within the detection range of the first detection element.At this point in time, the output signals from the other detection elements remain at their respective lower limit values, as the indicator element is within the detection range of the first detection element. These output signals can be zero. The total output signal can then be determined by adding together the individual output signals. Compared to the first end position, the total output signal has now increased by the amount output by the first detection element, depending on the position of the indicator element within the detection range. The evaluation unit interprets this signal value to mean that the indicator element, or the transmission element itself, has traveled a first distance in the transmission direction. If the indicator element completely passes through the detection range of the first detection element and then leaves it in the transmission direction, the output signal from the first detection element is set to the upper limit value.The output signal of the next detection element, whose detection range is now being traversed by the indicator element, now outputs an output signal corresponding to the position of the indicator element within this detection range, whereby the further detection elements positioned in the transmission direction that have not yet been traversed continue to output their lower limit value. The total output signal, which the evaluation unit now determines by adding the individual output signals, now corresponds to a position of the transmission element along the transmission path that lies within the detection range of the detection element currently being traversed. The upper limit value, which the first detection element now outputs, provides an offset, which, when added together, corresponds to the section already traversed and covered by the detection range of the first detection element.Following this scheme, all detection ranges of the detection elements can now be traversed one after the other, with the total output signal ultimately corresponding to the position of the indicator element or the transmission element. Once the second end position of the transmission path is reached, all output signals of the detection elements are preferably set to their respective upper limit. The evaluation unit then evaluates the sum of these output signals as the maximum travel distance of the indicator element or directly of the transmission element, and thus as the end position.

[0033] If, instead of the configuration described here, the detection areas are not directly adjacent but overlap, this can be taken into account in the evaluation unit. In this case, at least two detection elements would output an output signal simultaneously if the indicator element is located in the overlap area of ​​both detection areas. This can be achieved, for example, by setting the upper and lower limit values ​​of the detection elements accordingly or by adapting the evaluation logic, particularly on a software basis.

[0034] The determinations of the position of the transmission element described here can also be applied to other arrangements of detection elements that are arranged at a distance along the transmission direction.

[0035] Preferably, the first detection element and the second detection element are configured to interact with the indicator element according to the Hall principle in order to output the respective output signal. Particularly preferably, all detection elements are configured accordingly. The detection elements are preferably designed as Hall chips, which are configured to interact with the indicator element, which has magnetic properties so that it can be detected by the Hall chips in the respective detection area. The Hall chips can be provided, in particular, as a component of the aforementioned printed circuit board (PCB).

[0036] In general, the indicator element can be designed as a magnet, whereby the magnet can be provided as a ring magnet for better detection by the detection elements. The ring magnet is preferably oriented such that it is coaxial with the detection direction of this detection element when it is directly opposite this detection element.

[0037] Preferably, an actuating mechanism is further provided which has a transmission element which is provided so as to be displaceable in a transmission direction, wherein the actuating mechanism further comprises a sensor arrangement as described above, wherein the indicator element of the sensor arrangement is connected to the transmission element and the transmission element is designed to be displaced along the transmission direction by means of a, in particular electric, servomotor of the actuating mechanism, whereby a device which is operatively connected to the actuating mechanism is actuated.Preferably, a clutch actuator is further provided which has a transmission element which is provided so as to be displaceable in a transmission direction, wherein the clutch actuator further has a sensor arrangement as described above, wherein the indicator element of the sensor arrangement is connected to the transmission element and the transmission element is designed to be displaced along the transmission direction by means of a, in particular electric, servo motor of the clutch actuator, whereby a clutch is actuated.

[0038] The invention is explained below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] In detail,

[0040] Fig. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the sensor arrangement and

[0041] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a carrier element with detection elements arranged offset to the transmission direction.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the sensor arrangement.

[0043] A sensor arrangement 1 is shown in conjunction with a transmission element 2, which can be displaced in a transmission direction x1 by an electric actuator 3. The transmission element 2 is designed here as a push rod, which can interact, for example, with a clutch to disengage or engage the clutch. The push rod extends in the transmission direction x1.

[0044] Also shown is a transmission path s, which extends between a first left end position and a second right end position parallel to the transmission direction x1. In the illustrated embodiment, a position P of the transmission element 2 is defined as the position of the right-hand end of the transmission element 2 in the drawing, with a position P of the transmission element 2 shown here between the two end positions of the transmission path s.

[0045] At this point, it should be noted that the drawings are not to scale, but are intended merely to illustrate the principle of the invention. For example, in Fig. 1, actuator 3 and transmission element 2 are shown directly next to each other. However, this is not necessarily the case. The actuator 3 can also set the transmission element 2 in motion via a gear, which is not shown here. The transmission element 2 is also shown here with a position P that is located in the middle of the transmission path s.

[0046] The sensor arrangement 1 shown serves to determine the position P of the transmission element 2, which is provided on the transmission path s by means of the electric servo motor 3 so as to be displaceable parallel to the transmission direction x1, wherein the sensor arrangement 1 comprises the following:

[0047] - an indicator element 1 a which is provided on the transmission element 2 and can be moved together with the transmission element 2 parallel to the transmission direction x1,

[0048] - detection elements 1 b, each of which is designed to output an output signal that enables the position of the indicator element 1 a to be determined at least along a section of the transmission direction x1 when the indicator element 1 a is located in a detection range of the respective detection element 1 b, wherein the detection elements 1 b are arranged at a distance from one another in the transmission direction x1 and have at least a first detection element 1 b' and a second detection element 1 b", wherein the first detection element 1 b' is positioned at a smaller distance from the servo motor 3 parallel to the transmission direction x1 than the second detection element 1 b", and

[0049] - an evaluation unit 4, which is designed to determine the position P of the transmission element 2 on the transmission path s from the output signals of the detection elements 1b. In particular, the sensor arrangement 1 shown here operates such that the detection elements 1b detect the indicator element 1a as soon as it is located within the respective detection range of the respective detection element 1b. As a result, the detection elements 1b output a corresponding output signal. The evaluation unit 4 then determines the position of the transmission element 2 from the output signals.

[0050] The servo motor 3 is arranged here opposite to the transmission direction x1 behind the detection elements 1 b.

[0051] The detection elements 1b are designed as Hall chips and arranged in a common plane 1d. The plane 1d is formed by a carrier element, namely a printed circuit board 1c (PCB). Accordingly, the indicator element 1a is designed to be magnetic or as a magnet, preferably as a ring magnet, so that the detection elements 1b can output a corresponding output signal in response to the detection of the indicator element 1a when the indicator element 1a is located in a detection range of a detection element 1b or passes through this range when displaced along the transmission direction x1.

[0052] The detection elements 1b have a detection direction x2, which is defined as the central direction of the detection area of ​​the respective detection element 1b. This ultimately describes the direction in which the respective detection area and thus the respective detection element 1b are aligned. In this case, all detection elements 1b and their detection directions x2 are aligned parallel to one another. Furthermore, the alignments of the detection elements 1b and the detection directions x2 are oriented perpendicular to the plane 1d formed by the circuit board 1c.

[0053] The plane 1d is here inclined with respect to the transmission direction x1 in such a way that a distance d1 of the first transmission element 1 b' to the transmission direction x1 results which is greater than a distance d2 of the second transmission element 1 b" to the transmission direction x1 or, in this example, than a distance of all further transmission elements 1 b to the transmission direction x1. The distances are defined in a second direction which, in this case, is oriented perpendicular to the transmission direction x1 and, at the same time, runs downwards in the plane of the drawing.

[0054] This means that the air gap between the indicator element 1 a and the first detection element 1 b' is larger than the air gap between the indicator element 1 a and the second detection element 1 b". This means that an output signal of the first detection element 1 b' in response to the detected indicator element 1 a will be comparatively weaker. To compensate for this, the sensitivity of the first detection element 1 b' can be increased, which here is arranged with the greatest distance d1 to the transmission direction x1. It is also conceivable to adjust the sensitivity of all detection elements 1 b accordingly in order to compensate for a deterioration in the detection of the indicator element 1 a due to the now increased distance of the respective detection element 1 b to the transmission direction x1.

[0055] As can be seen from the drawing, by increasing the distance between the detection elements 1 b and the transmission direction x1, it has been achieved that they are now also located at a greater distance from the servomotor 3. This is a significant advantage of this arrangement, since it can be achieved that a disruptive influence of the servomotor 3 due to magnetic interference fields generated by it has a lesser effect on the detection elements 1 b and, above all, on the first detection element 1 b', which is closest to the servomotor 3 opposite the transmission direction x1.

[0056] The evaluation unit 4 receives all output signals of the detection elements 1 b, which are fed to the evaluation unit 4 via the circuit board 1 c, and determines the position P of the transmission element therefrom.

[0057] In the configuration shown, the detection areas are arranged so that they merge seamlessly into one another. This allows the position of the indicator element along the transmission direction x1, and thus the position P of the transmission element 2 on the transmission path x1, to be determined as follows: In this description, the transmission element 2 is moved in the transmission direction x1 by the servo motor 3, with the movement starting in a position that corresponds to the first end position of the transmission element 2. In this position P, the indicator element 1a is located at the beginning of the detection area of ​​the first detection element 1b', so that the output signal of the first detection element 1b' corresponds to the lower limit value. This can be zero. The output signal of the other detection elements 1b also corresponds to their lower limit value in this case. This can each be zero.Alternatively, the lower limit value can also correspond to a value other than zero. In particular, it can be provided that the output signal of a detection element 1b runs continuously rising or falling between the lower and upper limit values ​​depending on the position of the indicator element 1a and, in particular, is linearly dependent on the position of the indicator element 1a.

[0058] A total output signal formed by adding the individual output signals by the evaluation unit 4 can thus be zero or generally correspond to the sum of the lower limit values, which the evaluation unit interprets as the position on the transmission path s, wherein it is designed to interpret this value of the total output signal as position P in the first end position. This can be the position of the indicator element or directly of the transmission element. If the transmission element 2 is now moved in the transmission direction x1, the indicator element 1a passes through the detection range of the first detection element 1b', wherein the latter outputs an output signal, preferably linear to the position within the detection range. This corresponds to the position of the indicator element 1a within the detection range of the first detection element 1b'.At this point in time, the output signals of the additional detection elements 1 b remain at their respective lower limit values, as the indicator element is within the detection range of the first detection element. These output signals can be zero. The total output signal can now be determined again by adding the individual output signals. Compared to the first end position, the total output signal has now increased by the amount that the first detection element 1 b' now outputs, corresponding to the position of the indicator element 1 a within the detection range. This signal value is then interpreted by the evaluation unit 4 to indicate that the indicator element 1 a, or directly the transmission element 2, has traveled a first distance in the transmission direction x1.If the indicator element 1 a completely passes through the detection range of the first detection element 1 b' and leaves this in the transmission direction x1, the output signal of the first detection element is set to the upper limit value. The output signal of the next detection element 1 b", whose detection range is now passed through by the indicator element, now outputs an output signal corresponding to the position of the indicator element 1 a within this detection range, whereby the other detection elements 1 b positioned in the transmission direction, which have not yet been passed through, continue to output their lower limit value. The total output signal, which the evaluation unit now determines by adding the individual output signals, now corresponds to a position of the transmission element 2 along the transmission path s that lies within the detection range of the detection element 1 b" currently passed through.The upper limit value, which the first detection element 1 b' now outputs, provides an offset which, when added together, corresponds to the section already traversed, which is covered by the detection range of the first detection element 1 b'. According to this scheme, all detection ranges of the detection elements 1 b can now be traversed one after the other, with the total output signal ultimately corresponding to the position of the indicator element 1 a or the transmission element 2. Once the second end position of the transmission path s is reached, preferably all output signals of the detection elements 1 b are set to the respective upper limit value. The evaluation unit 4 then evaluates the sum of these output signals as the maximum travel distance of the indicator element 1 a or directly of the transmission element 2 and thus as the end position.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an arrangement of detection elements in which the detection elements are arranged offset from the transmission direction.

[0060] The detection elements 1b shown in this drawing are arranged offset relative to the transmission direction x1. This can be applied in particular to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. Then, the viewing direction in Fig. 2 would be directed opposite to the detection direction x2 shown in Fig. 1. The offset relative to the transmission direction x1 here refers to a third direction oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1.

[0061] In the configuration shown, at least one of the detection elements 1 b is arranged offset transversely to the transmission direction x1. This means that at least one detection element 1 b is not arranged in alignment in the transmission direction x1. In particular, an arrangement of the detection elements can be selected which in turn enables the greatest possible distance from electrical components, such as the servo motor 3, whereby the interference with the detection elements 1 b due to magnetic interference fields generated by these components can be minimized. In the illustration shown, this is achieved in particular by the arrangement of the first detection element 1 b', which, due to the offset transversely to the transmission direction x1, has an increased distance from the servo motor 3 compared to an arrangement in which there is no offset.

[0062] In the configuration shown, the indicator element 1a is preferably designed so that it can be detected by any detection element 1b, regardless of whether it is aligned with the transmission direction x1 or not. This can be achieved by designing an indicator element 1a that is wide enough transversely to the transmission direction x1, so that it covers all detection areas when traveling along the transmission path.

[0063] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0064] 1 Sensor arrangement

[0065] 1a Indicator element 1b Detection elements

[0066] 1 b' first detection element

[0067] 1 b" second detection element

[0068] 1 c circuit board

[0069] 1d Level 2 transmission element

[0070] 3 actuator

[0071] 4 Evaluation unit d1 Distance d2 Distance P Position s Transmission path x1 Transmission direction x2 Detection direction

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Sensor arrangement (1) for detecting a position (P) of a transmission element (2) provided on a transmission path (s) parallel to a transmission direction (x1) by means of an electric servomotor (3), wherein the sensor arrangement (1) comprises the following: - an indicator element (1 a) which is designed to be provided on the transmission element (2) and is designed to be displaced together with the transmission element (2) parallel to the transmission direction (x1), - detection elements (1 b), each of which is designed to output an output signal that enables the position of the indicator element (1 a) to be determined at least along a section of the transmission direction (x1) when the indicator element (1 a) is located in a detection range of the respective detection element (1 b), wherein the detection elements (1 b) are arranged at a distance from one another in the transmission direction (x1) and have at least a first detection element (1 b') and a second detection element (1 b"), wherein the first detection element (1 b') is positioned at a smaller distance from the servomotor (3) parallel to the transmission direction (x1) than the second detection element (1 b"), and - an evaluation unit (4) which is designed to determine the position (P) of the transmission element (2) on the transmission path (s) from the output signals of the detection elements (1 b).

2. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detection elements (1b) are arranged along the transmission direction (x1) such that the first detection element (1b') has a distance (d1) to the transmission direction (x1) which is greater than a distance (d2) to the transmission direction (x1) of the second detection element (1b") arranged downstream in the transmission direction (x1).

3. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first detection element (1 b') has a higher measuring sensitivity compared to the second detection element (1 b") in order to detect the indicator element (1 a) in its detection range.

4. Sensor arrangement (1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first detection element (1 b') and the second detection element (1 b") are arranged in a common plane (1d), wherein the plane (1d) is inclined with respect to the transmission direction (x1 ).

5. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein the common plane (1d) is formed by a support element on which the first detection element (1b') and the second detection element (1b") are arranged.

6. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the carrier element is formed by a printed circuit board (1 c) or has a printed circuit board (1 c).

7. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the detection elements is arranged offset transversely to the transmission direction (x1).

8. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first detection element (1 b') and the second detection element (1 b") each have a detection direction (x2).

9. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the detection directions (x2) of the first detection element (1 b') and the second detection element (1 b") are oriented parallel to one another.

10. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection range of the detection elements (1 b) has a linear relationship between the output signal and the position of the indicator element (1 a).

11. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor arrangement (1 ) is designed such that the output signal of each detection element (1 b) is set to an upper limit value when the indicator element (1 a) is located outside the detection range of the corresponding detection element (1 b) in the transmission direction and such that the output signal of each detection element (1 b) is set to a lower limit value when the indicator element (1 a) is located outside the detection range of the corresponding detection element (1 b) opposite to the transmission direction (x1 ).

12. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor arrangement (1) is designed to add the output signals of the individual detection elements (1b), thereby forming an overall signal which is suitable for determining the position (P) of the transmission element (2) on the transmission path (s).

13. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first detection element (1 b') and the second detection element (1 b") are designed to interact with the indicator element (1 a) according to the Hall principle in order to output the respective output signal, and / or wherein the indicator element (1 a) is designed as a magnet, in particular as a ring magnet.

14. Actuating mechanism with a transmission element (2) which is provided so as to be displaceable in a transmission direction (x1) and a sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the indicator element (1 a) of the sensor arrangement (1) is connected to the transmission element (2) and the transmission element (2) is designed to be displaced along the transmission direction (x1) by means of a servo motor (3) of the actuating mechanism, whereby a device which is operatively connected to the actuating mechanism is actuated.

15. Clutch actuator with a transmission element (2) which is arranged in a Transmission direction (x1 ) is provided displaceably and a sensor arrangement (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the indicator element (1a) of the sensor arrangement (1) is connected to the transmission element (2) and the transmission element (2) is designed to be displaced along the transmission direction (x1) by means of a servo motor (3) of the clutch actuator, whereby a clutch is actuated.

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