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DE-102024210830-A1 - Sensor device for a clutch

DE102024210830A1DE 102024210830 A1DE102024210830 A1DE 102024210830A1DE-102024210830-A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device comprising a holding device and a sensor element for arrangement on a cylinder of a coupling, wherein the holding device comprises a base element and at least two substantially parallel extensions, wherein a cavity for receiving a magnet is formed between the extensions, wherein the extensions are connected on a side facing away from the base element by a connecting element, wherein the base element, the extensions and the connecting element are formed in one piece, wherein the sensor element is arranged in the connecting element.

Inventors

  • Stephan Hahn

Assignees

  • ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241112

Claims (16)

  1. Sensor device (1), comprising a holding device (2) and a sensor element (3), for arrangement on a cylinder (32) of a coupling (30), wherein the holding device (2) comprises a base element (4) and at least two substantially parallel extensions (5a, 5b), wherein a cavity (7) for receiving a magnet (22) is formed between the extensions (5a, 5b), characterized in that the extensions (5a, 5b) are connected on a side facing away from the base element (4) by a connecting element (8), wherein the base element (4), the extensions (5a, 5b) and the connecting element (8) are formed in one piece, and wherein the sensor element (3) is arranged in the connecting element (8).
  2. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor element (3) is at least partially, in particular completely, overmolded with plastic.
  3. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the basic element (4), the extensions (5a, 5b) and/or the connecting element (8) are made of a thermoset plastic.
  4. Sensor device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least one opening is provided in the connecting element (8), wherein a fastening means for fixing the sensor element (3) is arranged in the opening.
  5. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 4 characterized in that the opening is designed to be sealed.
  6. Sensor device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the connecting element (8) extends along a direction of extension between the at least two extensions (5a, 5b), wherein a plug interface (12) is arranged at one end of the connecting element (8) in the direction of extension and/or wherein a plug interface (12) is arranged on the connecting element (8) between the at least two extensions (5a, 5b).
  7. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the connector interface (12) is made of a thermoset and/or a thermoplastic.
  8. Sensor device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the sensor element (3) is arranged on a circuit board (10) and/or that the sensor element (3) is connected to an electronic connecting element, in particular a stamped grid (11).
  9. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the die-cut grid (11) is bent over at one end area.
  10. Sensor device (1) according to one of the Claims 8 until 9 , characterized in that the sensor element (3) is arranged on a side of the circuit board (10) which faces the cavity (7).
  11. System consisting of a sensor device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 as well as a magnetic holder (22) with a magnet (20), wherein the magnetic holder (20) can be arranged in the cavity (7) of the sensor device (1).
  12. System (34) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the magnet holder (20) is made of a plastic, in particular wherein the magnet (22) is overmolded with the plastic.
  13. System (34) according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that a thread is provided in the magnetic holder (20), wherein the thread is incorporated into the plastic.
  14. System (34) according to one of the Claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that the magnet (22) is frustoconical in shape.
  15. System (34) according to one of the Claims 11 until 14 , characterized in that the magnet (22) has a maximum extent along an extent direction (28), wherein the magnet (22) has a length along the extent direction which corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, in particular at least 60% of a length of the magnet holder (20) along the extent direction.
  16. Coupling (30) with a system (34) according to one of the Claims 11 until 15

Description

The invention relates to a sensor device comprising a holding device and a sensor element for arrangement on a cylinder of a coupling, wherein the holding device comprises a base element and at least two substantially parallel extensions, wherein a cavity for receiving a magnet is formed between the extensions. The invention also relates to a system consisting of a sensor device and a magnet holder with a magnet. The invention further relates to a coupling with a system. Although the present invention is generally applicable to any sensor devices for clutches, the present invention is explained in relation to sensor devices for pneumatic clutches of commercial vehicles. A sensor device for pneumatic clutches of commercial vehicles, for example, is made from the DE 10 2020 201 276 A1 A sensor device has become known. This device comprises a holding element with a horizontal base element, wherein two vertical extensions are arranged on the base element, such that a cavity is formed between the extensions. A magnet can be inserted into this cavity, the magnet being fixed to a cylinder of the coupling. A sensor can be screwed onto the sensor device, which can detect a magnetic field of the magnet. When the clutch is engaged, the cylinder extends, causing the magnet to move up and/or down within the cavity. This movement is detected by the sensor, which then measures the cylinder's disengagement travel and thus controls the clutch. The sensor's extensions serve both to mount the sensor and to prevent the magnet, and consequently the cylinder, from rotating. One disadvantage is that both the position of the sensor relative to the holding device and the position of the magnet relative to the holding device are subject to tolerances. These tolerances can lead to the release travel not being measured with sufficient accuracy, thus preventing precise control of the clutch. One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sensor device, a system consisting of a sensor device and a magnet holder, and a coupling with a system in which a more reliable determination of the disengagement distance can be ensured. Another object of the present invention is to specify an alternative sensor device, an alternative system consisting of a sensor device and a magnet holder, and an alternative coupling with a system. In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a sensor device comprising a holding device and a sensor element for arrangement on a cylinder of a coupling, wherein the holding device comprises a base element and at least two substantially parallel extensions, wherein a cavity for receiving a magnet is formed between the extensions, in that the extensions are connected on a side facing away from the base element by a connecting element, wherein the base element, the extensions and the connecting element are formed in one piece, and wherein the sensor element is arranged in the connecting element. In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a system comprising a sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a magnet holder with a magnet, wherein the magnet holder can be arranged in the cavity of the sensor device. In one embodiment, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a coupling with a system according to one of claims 11 to 15. One of the advantages achieved is that the sensor's position relative to the mounting device can be precisely adjusted. Another advantage is that the sensor can be positioned close to the magnet, thus improving measurement quality. The term "connecting element" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to a connection between the two extensions. In particular, the connecting element is arranged on the extensions so that it extends over the cavity between the two extensions. The term “sensor element” is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to a sensor for detecting an object, especially the position of an object. In particular, the sensor element can be a magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor. Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent therein. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor element is at least partially, and in particular completely, overmolded with plastic. An advantage of this is that the sensor element can be reliably protected from environmental influences. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element, the extensions, and/or the connecting element are made of a thermoset plastic. In particular, the entire holding device is made of one or more thermosets. For example, the holding device can be manufactured by injection molding. An advantage of this is that it enables low-wear movement of the magnet