Method for filling a component

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling a component (1) with a magnetic powder (2), wherein at the start of the method, the component (1) has a main part (3) and a movable element (4) which is movably mounted relative to the main part (3), and a gap (5) exists at least in regions between the main part (3) and the at least one movable element (4). The following method steps are carried out: introducing the magnetic powder (2) into at least one opening (6) of the component (1), the at least one opening (6) connecting the gap (5) to the surroundings, propagating the magnetic powder (2) to and / or through the gap (5) by applying a propagation force to the magnetic powder (2), and closing the at least one opening (6).

Description

[0001] Method for filling a component

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for filling a component.

[0003] Known components, for example in the form of control elements, have a base body and a moving element mounted relative to the base body, wherein there is at least a gap in some areas between the base body and the at least one moving element, in which a magnetic powder is arranged.

[0004] By applying a magnetic field to the magnetic powder, its behavior can be influenced. By aligning the powder particles in the gap, different resistances to the movement of at least one moving element relative to the base body can be achieved and adjusted by modifying the magnetic field.

[0005] In this way, for example, control elements can be realized which - depending on the application of the magnetic field - have different or adjustable properties, which affects the resistance or damping of at least one moving element relative to the base body.

[0006] In other implementations, magnetorheological liquids are used instead of magnetic powders. These are suspensions in which a

[0007] The carrier fluid, for example, contains suspended ferromagnetic particles. The fluid properties of the magnetorheological fluid can be advantageously used for the production of such components because it can easily be pressurized and introduced into the gap.

[0008] However, filling the components with the magnetic powder is significantly more difficult because the powder is not fluid and therefore cannot be conveyed into the gap under pressure.

[0009] Ultimately, unsatisfactory solutions exist for powder filling, where the powder is placed in recesses in the component, the base body, and / or the at least one moving element, and the component is then fully assembled, for example, by attaching a cover or joining the base body with the at least one moving element. In this process, it can easily happen that the magnetic powder bypasses seals and, for example, gets into the at least one bearing, where it can lead to increased wear.

[0010] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a filling method which improves upon the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and / or which allows the component to be filled with the magnetic powder in a simple manner and / or which allows the component to be filled with the magnetic powder without the powder getting into unwanted places as far as possible.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1, namely by a method for filling a component with a magnetic powder, wherein the component has, at the beginning of the method, a base body and a moving element mounted movably relative to the base body, and a gap exists at least partially between the base body and the at least one moving element, wherein the following method steps are carried out

[0012] - Introducing the magnetic powder into at least one opening of the component, wherein the at least one opening connects the gap to the environment,

[0013] - Propagation of the magnetic powder to and / or through the gap by applying a propagation force to the magnetic powder as well as

[0014] - Closing at least one opening.

[0015] An important advantage of the invention is that the magnetic powder can be introduced into the gap and / or moved (propagated) within it without the powder getting into unwanted places, such as bearings.

[0016] The propagation force can be understood as a force, preferably external, that is suitable for moving the magnetic powder from the at least one opening into the gap and further within the gap. However, devices or effects internal to the component can also be used to generate the propagation force. For example, a conductor loop already present in the component can be used to achieve or assist the propagation / movement of the magnetic powder within the gap.

[0017] Various methods for generating the propagation force are described, which can be, for example, magnetic, hydrodynamic, or kinematic in nature. Several examples of generating the propagation force are explained in more detail elsewhere in this document.

[0018] The fact that at least one opening connects the gap to the environment can be understood to mean that the opening is designed in such a way that at least a certain amount of the magnetic powder from the outside, i.e., for example from a reservoir, can enter the gap between the base body and the at least one moving element.

[0019] The propagation force can either provide support or subsequently ensure that this amount of magnetic powder is propagated in the gap.

[0020] It should be mentioned that the gap can be completely filled with magnetic powder or that a partial filling can be produced.

[0021] In particularly preferred embodiments, the component is preferably fully assembled at the beginning of the process, except for the magnetic powder and the sealing of the opening. In other words, the component only lacks the magnetic powder (and the sealing of at least one opening) to be able to function as intended.

[0022] Forms from which certain manufacturing steps also take place after filling with the powder, especially on the outside of the component, are of course also conceivable.

[0023] The method according to the invention is understood as a manufacturing process by which the component is produced in the state present after the method. Accordingly, the direct product of the process is also protected.

[0024] Claim 13 claims the component which is filled with the magnetic powder using the described method.

[0025] The function of the completed component is preferably that the gap, together with the powder filled therein, can be subjected to a magnetic field, so that damping of movements of the at least one moving element relative to the base body can be achieved and preferably specifically adjusted by aligning the particles of the magnetic powder (actually their magnetic moments) in the gap along the magnetic field.

[0026] The resulting component can, for example, be used as a control element. Protection is also sought for this use.

[0027] The control element could, for example, be a rotary knob that generates different resistances to rotational movements depending on the magnetic field.

[0028] The features, functions and measures described in relation to the prior art can also be used in connection with the invention.

[0029] Both the basic body and the at least one moving element can be designed in one or more parts.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. As mentioned, the propagation force can be generated in various ways, with each of the different possibilities being used individually or in combination with one or more of the other possibilities.

[0031] An example of applying the propagation force is to place a magnet on the outside of the component in the area of ​​the gap.

[0032] Applying the magnet creates a magnetic field in the area of ​​the gap, which attracts the magnetic powder and thus allows it to be transported to the desired location in the gap.

[0033] Multiple magnets can also be used in this way.

[0034] The intensity of the magnetic field can be adjusted by changing the distance between the magnet and the component. Therefore, placing the magnet on the component does not necessarily mean that the magnet actually makes contact with the component. Rather, "placing" simply means that the magnet is positioned so that the desired propagation force is exerted on the powder in the gap.

[0035] The magnet can optionally be moved for the purpose of filling the gap, in order to move a quantity of the magnetic powder within the gap.

[0036] The magnet can be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a combination of both. Alternatively or additionally, an external magnetic field can be applied using an external coil.

[0037] An alternative method for generating the propagation force is to provide at least one additional opening on the component and apply a vacuum to it. Starting from the at least one opening, the vacuum can create a gas flow (preferably an air flow) through the gap to the at least one additional opening, which carries the magnetic powder along and propagates it through the gap.

[0038] The at least one further opening connects the gap with the surroundings in the fluid sense, that is, gas, preferably air, which is extracted from the gap by means of a suitable device, passes out of the gap through the at least one further opening.

[0039] A valve may be provided in a line leading from at least one line to a device that generates the negative pressure, by means of which, for example, the volume flow of the gas flow can be set, controlled or regulated.

[0040] An alternative to generating the propagation force is to energize at least one first conductor loop integrated into the component. Energizing this first conductor loop generates a magnetic field that can be used to fill the gap with the magnetic powder. If several first conductor loops are present, they can be referred to as a coil, which is inherently capable of generating magnetic fields by energizing them.

[0041] An alternative to generating the propagation force is to accelerate the movement of the component so that a force resulting in the rest frame of the component forms the propagation force, preferably where the accelerated movement is a rotation and the resulting force is the corresponding centrifugal force.

[0042] Filling by means of a rotation could also be described as centrifugation in this case.

[0043] It may be particularly preferable to provide that

[0044] - the accelerated motion is a rotation ,

[0045] - that at least one moving element and / or the basic body has a hollow cylindrical basic shape ,

[0046] - a rotating shaft capable of being driven to rotate is arranged inside at least one moving element and / or the base body and is fixed in this position and

[0047] - the centrifugal force is generated by rotating the rotating shaft.

[0048] Radial channels can be incorporated in at least one moving element and / or in the base body, so that the magnetic powder can be conveyed to the gap particularly effectively via centrifugal force.

[0049] Another preferred embodiment involves an accelerated movement in the form of an oscillation or vibration, so that the particles of the magnetic powder are kept in motion relative to each other and the jamming of the particles together becomes less likely.

[0050] It may be provided that at least one movement element in the component being filled is rotatably mounted in the base body.

[0051] It may be provided that in the component being filled, at least one bearing is provided for the movable support of the at least one moving element relative to the base body.

[0052] Ideally, at least one bearing, or at least a rolling bearing, is preferred. However, plain bearings are of course also conceivable.

[0053] The component being filled may preferably include at least one seal which seals the at least one bearing against the gap and / or against the magnetic powder located in the gap.

[0054] In the component being filled, at least one second conductor loop can be arranged in such a way that a magnetic field can be generated by energizing the at least one second conductor loop in the area of ​​the gap.

[0055] By incorporating at least one second conductor loop into the component, a magnetic field can be generated that aligns the particles of the magnetic powder, thus enabling the realization of various resistances to the movement of at least one moving element relative to the base body. Components where this magnetic field is generated externally are also conceivable. If several second conductor loops are present, the component can be referred to as a coil, which is inherently known for generating magnetic fields through energization.

[0056] In particularly preferred embodiments, the at least one first conductor loop and the at least one second conductor loop are identical, so that one and the same at least one conductor loop can be used for filling the component and, in its intended use, for aligning the particles of the magnetic powder.

[0057] The magnetic powder preferably consists mainly of or contains ferromagnetic components. However, the use of powders with diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferrimagnetic, antiferromagnetic and / or metamagnetic components is conceivable in principle.

[0058] A carbonyl iron powder is particularly suitable as a magnetic powder.

[0059] In certain forms, it is pure carbonyl iron powder.

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the magnetic powder contains at least one additive, such as graphite or molybdenum sulfate, wherein the main component of the magnetic powder is the carbonyl iron powder.

[0061] The carbonyl iron powder particles can be coated, for example with corrosion and / or wear inhibitors. The at least one opening and / or the at least one further opening can be provided in the base body and / or in the at least one moving element.

[0062] The at least one opening and / or the at least one further opening can be closed by means of at least one of the following: at least one plug; at least one sleeve, which is preferably inserted radially inside the at least one moving element;

[0063] It can be provided that the gap has an increased gap dimension along predetermined paths to promote the propagation of the magnetic powder through the gap. That is, an increased gap dimension along a predetermined path creates less resistance to the propagation of the magnetic powder through the gap, so that the powder is preferentially and / or faster conveyed along the predetermined path.

[0064] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the figures and the accompanying figure description. These show:

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the

[0066] Implementation of exemplary filling procedures,

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a filled

[0068] building element ,

[0069] Fig. 3 schematically shows a component to be filled.

[0070] Fig. 4 schematically shows a component to be filled.

[0071] Fig. 5 schematically shows an enlarged gap dimension, and Figs. 6 and 7 show two schematic representations of a

[0072] Example of a filling process.

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram for carrying out exemplary filling processes. Magnetic powder 2 is conveyed from a reservoir 19 to a component 1 to be filled.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, the base body 3 is designed as a housing.

[0075] It should be mentioned that the gap 5 does not only extend in the plane of the sectional view of Fig. 1, but can rather be understood as a three-dimensional volume, which is bounded on the inside by the movement element 4 and on the outside by the inner surface of the base body 3.

[0076] It should be mentioned that, from a functional point of view, component 1 is completed (fully assembled) at the beginning of the filling process, except for the magnetic powder 2 in the gap 5 and the closing of the gap 5.

[0077] The magnetic powder 2 is introduced via the opening 6 into the gap 5 between the base body 2 and the moving element 4 of the component 1.

[0078] To transport the magnetic powder 2 further in the gap 5, so that the gap 5 is filled to the highest possible degree of filling, various possibilities are used alternatively or cumulatively.

[0079] It is possible, for example, to provide a further opening 9 on the base body and to generate a vacuum at this further opening 9 using a pump 20. This allows an airflow (or more generally a gas flow) to be generated from the opening 6 through the gap 5 to the further opening 9. The airflow carries particles of the magnetic powder 2 with it, so that the gap 5 can be filled starting from the opening 2.

[0080] To adjust, control or regulate the airflow, a valve 21 (here, for example, a solenoid valve) can be provided in the line which connects the further opening 9 in the component 1 to the pump 20.

[0081] For example, this can prevent the gap 5 from being blocked by an excessively strong airflow and thus by too many entrained particles of the magnetic powder 2.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, a magnet 7 can be arranged on an outer surface 8 of the component 1, so that the magnetic powder 2 is drawn by the attractive force of the magnet 7 in the gap 5 into the area closest to the magnet 7. In Fig. 1, this would be the upper right area of ​​the component 1, because that is where the magnet 7 is located.

[0083] The magnet 7 can also be moved along the outside 8 of the component 1, so that the magnetic powder 2 can be transported (i.e. moved or propagated) in the gap 5 in this way.

[0084] Magnet 7 can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0085] Instead of magnet 7, an external coil can also be used to generate an external magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to use a coil integrated in component 1, namely the first conductor loops 10, which are identical to the second conductor loops 14, for propagating the magnetic powder 2 in the gap 5. By energizing the coil, a magnetic field is generated, so that – similar to the option with magnet 7 – an attractive effect is exerted on the particles of the magnetic powder 2, which propagates the magnetic powder 2 in the gap 5.

[0086] Both the magnet 7 and the first / second conductor loop 10, 14 generate an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The particles of the magnetic powder 2 are dipoles. As is known, dipoles are attracted in an inhomogeneous magnetic field towards the direction of higher magnetic field strength. This is the basis for the propagation effect of the magnet 7 or the coil as described previously.

[0087] In particularly preferred embodiments, external or internal magnetic fields (e.g., generated by the magnet 7 and / or an external or internal coil) can be combined with the aforementioned gas flow. The particles of the magnetic powder 2 entrained in the gas flow can thus be held at the desired location in the gap 5 by means of the magnetic field.

[0088] After filling the component 1 with the magnetic powder 2 in one or more of the aforementioned ways, the opening 6 and the further opening 9 are closed, here by means of a plug 15, see Fig. 2, and the component 1 is ready for use. Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view through a component 1 that has been filled with magnetic powder 2, for example, in a manner as described in connection with Fig. 1.

[0089] As mentioned, the component 1 has a base body 3, here in the form of a housing, and a movement element 4, between which there is a gap 5 which in this embodiment is largely filled with magnetic powder 2.

[0090] The base body 3 is multi-part in this example.

[0091] Also visible are bearings 12 and seals 13, which protect the bearings, among other things, from the ingress of magnetic powder 2 from the gap 5.

[0092] In this exemplary embodiment, the movement element 4 is rotatably mounted in the base body 3.

[0093] As can be seen in conjunction with Fig. 1 and the accompanying description, the component 1 and the gap 5 thereof can be filled with magnetic powder 2, the component 1 being designed in such a way that the bearings 12 are protected at all times by means of the seals 13 from the magnetic powder 2, which would of course cause undesirable wear in the bearings.

[0094] In known methods for filling the gap 2, this was not the case because the filling had to take place, for example, on the unassembled base body 1. As mentioned, the opening 6 and the further opening 9 are closed, for example, with plugs 15, so that the component 1 can be used directly, for example, as a control element (for example, as a rotary knob) or generally as a brake.

[0095] For this purpose, the coil (first / second conductor loops 10 , 14 ) can be energized so that the particles of the magnetic powder 2 in the gap 5 align themselves with the magnetic field lines of the magnetic field generated by the coil .

[0096] This creates a resistance in the gap 5, especially in the area of ​​the coil 10, 14, between the moving element 4 and the base body 3, so that, for example, when used as a control element, it is possible to generate resistances or detents in the rotary movement in certain desired positions.

[0097] Figs. 3 and 4 show schematic representations of components 1 in a sectional view, with predetermined paths 17 indicated by dashed lines, along which the magnetic powder 2 is preferably to be propagated.

[0098] For this purpose, the movement elements 4 have an increased gap dimension 18 on the predetermined paths, which is shown in the purely schematic sectional view from Fig. 5.

[0099] In other words, the movement elements 4 in Figures 3 and 4 have an increased depth along the predetermined paths 17, allowing the particles of the magnetic powder 2 to propagate with less resistance in these areas. Furthermore, it can be provided that the magnetic powder 2 is conveyed to the corresponding areas in the peripheral regions of the gap 5 via the predetermined paths, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and then the movement element 4 is moved slightly so that the other areas in the periphery of the gap 5 can also be filled, thus ensuring that as much of the peripheral region of the gap 5 as possible is filled with magnetic powder 2.

[0100] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a component 1 which has a base body 3 and a movement element 4 rotatably mounted in the base body 3.

[0101] Bearings 12 and seals 13 are visible, which protect the bearings 12 from the magnetic powder 2 that is filled into the gap 5 between the base body 3 and the moving element 4.

[0102] The component 1 is attached to a rotatably driven rotating shaft 11 for filling with the magnetic powder.

[0103] Magnetic powder 2 is fed to the moving element 4 via the openings 6, causing the rotating shaft 11, and thus the moving element 4 and – if freely mounted – in most cases probably also the base body 3, to rotate about the common axis of rotation (shown as dashed lines in Figures 6 and 7) due to friction. In the rest frame of the moving element 4, the rotation is an accelerated motion, which manifests itself as a centrifugal force acting on the component 1 and the supplied magnetic powder 2. This centrifugal force transports the magnetic powder along the radial channels 22 and thus into the gap 5.

[0104] The feeding of the magnetic powder 2 to the openings 6 can take place before and / or during the rotation of the rotating shaft 11 .

[0105] After filling the component 1 according to Fig. 6, an internally arranged, concentric sleeve 16 can be used according to Fig. 7 to close the opening 6.

[0106] It should be noted that a free space may exist between the sleeve 16 and the rest of the component 1 (see Fig. 7). This space may contain magnetic powder 2, so that the free space can function as an internal reservoir 19 for magnetic powder 2, allowing magnetic powder to be supplied even during operation of the component 1.

[0107] In general, for the sake of clarity, not all bearings 12, seals 13, predetermined paths 17 and possibly other elements in the respective figure have been provided with reference symbols in the figures.

[0108] Further embodiments are readily conceivable. For example, the sleeve 16 with the reservoir 19 thereby created could be inserted, and only then could the rotation of the component 1 be realized by the rotating shaft 11. This would fill the gap 5 from the internal reservoir 19 with magnetic powder.

[0109] A rotational axis of the rotating shaft 11 can be used that is oriented transversely to that of the moving element 4, so that propagation of the magnetic powder 2 in the axial direction with respect to the rotational axis of the moving element 4 can also be achieved. Likewise, it is of course conceivable to fill components 1 with magnetic powder 2, whereby at least one moving element 4 can perform a linear movement relative to the base body 3, either exclusively or in addition to the rotational movement.

[0110] Legend for the reference numbers:

[0111] magnetic powder component

[0112] basic body

[0113] movement element

[0114] gap

[0115] opening

[0116] magnet

[0117] Outside, further opening, first conductor loop

[0118] Rotating shaft

[0119] Storage

[0120] Seal for the second conductor loop

[0121] Plug

[0122] sleeve predetermined paths enlarged gap

[0123] reservoir

[0124] pump

[0125] Valve radial channels

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for filling a component (1) with a magnetic powder (2) , wherein the component (1) has at the beginning of the method a base body (3) and a moving element (4) which is movably mounted relative to the base body (3) and there is at least a partial gap (5) between the base body (3) and the at least one moving element (4), wherein the following method steps are carried out - Introducing the magnetic powder (2) into at least one opening (6) of the component (1) , wherein the at least one opening (6) connects the gap (5) to the environment, - Propagating the magnetic powder (2) to and / or through the gap (5) by acting upon the magnetic powder (2) with a propagation force as well as - Closing at least one opening (6) .

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the propagation force is generated by at least one of the following: - Applying a magnet (7) to an outer surface (8) of the component (1) in the area of ​​the gap (5) and / or otherwise applying an external magnetic field through an external coil; - Applying a negative pressure to at least one further opening (9) of the component (1), wherein the at least a further opening (9) connects the gap (5) with the surroundings in the fluid sense; - Energizing at least one first conductor loop (10) integrated in the component (1) ; - Accelerated movement of the component (1) such that a resulting force in the rest frame of the component (1) forms the propagation force, preferably wherein the accelerated movement is a rotation and the resulting force is the corresponding centrifugal force.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein - the accelerated motion is a rotation, - that at least one movement element (4) and / or the basic body (3) has a hollow cylindrical basic shape, - a rotating shaft (11) that can be driven to rotate is arranged inside the at least one moving element (4) and / or the base body (3) and is fixed in this position and the centrifugal force is generated by rotating the rotating shaft (11).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (1) is filled in which the at least one movement element (4) is rotatably mounted in the base body (3).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (1) is filled in which at least one bearing (12) is provided for the movable bearing of the at least one movement element (4) relative to the base body (3).

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the component (1) is filled in which the at least one bearing (12) is designed as a rolling bearing.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the component (1) is filled in which at least one seal (13) is provided which seals the at least one bearing (12) against the gap (5) and / or against the magnetic powder (2) located in the gap (5).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (1) is filled in which at least a second conductor loop (14) is arranged such that a magnetic field can be built up by energizing the at least one second conductor loop (14) in the area of ​​the gap (5).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a carbonyl iron powder is used as the magnetic powder (2).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (1) is filled in which the at least one opening (6) and / or the at least one further opening (9) is provided in the base body (3) and / or in the at least one movement element (4).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one opening (6) and / or the at least one further opening (9) is closed by means of at least one of the following: at least one plug (15) . at least one sleeve (16) which is preferably inserted radially inside the at least one moving element (4) and / or the base body (3).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (1) is filled in which the gap (5) has an enlarged gap dimension (18) at predetermined paths (17) to promote the propagation of the magnetic powder (2) through the gap (5).

13. Component comprising a base body (3) and at least one movement element (4) movably mounted relative to the base body (3), wherein a gap (5) exists at least partially between the base body (3) and the at least one movement element (4), wherein the gap is filled by means of a method according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Use of a component (1) according to claim 13 as an operating element.

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