Patent ID: 12215737

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows part of a perspective and partially transparent side view of a first chassis component1according to the invention. The chassis component1comprises a joint inner portion2and the structural component3. The joint inner portion2in this example embodiment is in the form of a joint sleeve made of metal. The structural component3determines the basic shape of the chassis component1. The structural component3is strong and of stable shape in its own right, and in this example embodiment is made of metal. Furthermore, the structural component3comprises a joint holder4. In this case the joint holder4is in the form of a perforation or through-going opening in the structural component3. The joint inner portion is fitted into the joint holder4, in which it can move in an articulated manner.

In addition, the chassis component1has a measuring device5. The measuring device5is designed to determine a relative position of the joint inner portion2with respect to the structural component3. For this, the measuring device5comprises a first measuring element6and a second measuring element7. The first measuring element6is arranged or fixed on the structural component3and the second measuring element7is arranged or fixed on the joint inner portion2. Here, the first measuring element6is shown as partially transparent.

The joint inner portion2extends out of the joint holder4. In this case the second measuring element7is fixed to a section8of the joint inner portion which is outside the joint holder4. The section8of the joint inner portion2is in the form of a simply stepped free end of the joint inner portion2. The second measuring element7has an annular holding section9. The annular holding section9is press-fitted onto the stepped section8of the joint inner portion2or onto an outer circumference of the section8.

In this case the holding section9and the section8of the joint inner portion2that co-operates with the said holding section9form an rotation-preventing means10for preventing or blocking any relative movement or rotation of the second measuring element7relative to the joint inner portion2. In this example embodiment the rotation-preventing means10is in the form of a flat area11on the outer circumference of the section8of the joint inner portion2, which co-operates with another flat area12on an inside circumference of the holding section9.

The second measuring element7has a web-like projection13. The web-like projection13extends in the radial direction away from the holding section9and outward relative to a central longitudinal axis of the joint inner portion2(not shown). At a free end of the web-like projection13there is arranged a magnet14of the second measuring element7. The magnet14is orientated so that it faces toward the first measuring element6. In this example embodiment the magnet14is fitted at the front end of a free end of the projection13. Here, the said front end faces toward the first measuring element6. In particular, a plane of the front end is orientated parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the joint inner portion2, at least when the joint inner portion2is in the undeflected position shown.

The magnet14is arranged inside a magnet holder15. Here, the magnet holder15is shown as partially transparent. The magnet holder15is made of a plastic and the magnet14is completely surrounded by the plastic of the magnet holder15. In this example embodiment the web-like projection13has two holes16. For greater clarity only one hole16is provided with an index. The magnet holder15is injection-molded directly onto the free end of the web-like projection13. In this case the plastic material of the magnet holder15passes through the holes16, so that the magnet holder15is attached reliably to the projection13, thereby excluding any relative movement between them.

The first measuring element6comprises a magnetic field sensor17. In this case the magnetic field sensor17faces toward the magnet14of the second measuring element7. The distance between the magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14is smaller than 10 mm. The first measuring element6is fixed on a flat surface section18of the structural component3, close to the joint holder4. In this example embodiment the flat surface section18is produced by a separate machining operation on the structural component3. The first measuring element6is fixed to the structural component3by a fixing means19. To co-operate with the fixing means19the structural component3comprises a fixing seat20. In this example embodiment the fixing means19is in the form of a screw, which is screwed into the fixing seat20.

In addition, in this example embodiment the structural component3has an orientation seat21. The structure and function of the orientation seat21is explained in greater detail with reference to the next figure.

FIG.2shows part of a sectioned side view of the first chassis component1according to the invention as shown inFIG.1. In this example embodiment the orientation seat21is in the form of a blind-hole-like cavity in the structural component3. The first measuring element6comprises an orientation element22for the correctly orientated positioning of the first measuring element6on the structural component3. Thanks to the co-operation of the orientation seat21with the orientation element22and in combination with the co-operation of the fixing means19with the fixing seat20, the first measuring element6is unambiguously orientated and positioned on the structural component3and in relation to the second measuring element7. In this case the magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14are positioned in such manner that the distance A between them is less than 10 mm.

In this example embodiment the joint inner portion2is in the form of a joint sleeve in combination with a rubber pad23. The joint inner portion2has a central longitudinal axis24. Concentrically with the central longitudinal axis24the joint inner portion2has a through-going opening25. The rubber pad23is arranged between the joint inner portion2and an outer sleeve26, In this example embodiment the outer sleeve26is made of metal. The joint inner portion2, together with the rubber pad3and the outer sleeve26, are press-fitted into the joint holder4. Thus, the joint inner portion2together with the rubber pad23and the outer sleeve26form a rubber joint.

At an end facing away from the magnetic field sensor17the first measuring element6has a plug-in section27. A signal line (not shown here) and/or an electric lead can be connected to the first measuring element6by means of the plug-in section27. In that way a measurement signal of the measuring device5or of the first measuring element6can be relayed to an evaluation device (not shown here).

FIG.3shows part of a partially transparent view from above, of the first chassis component1according to the invention shown inFIGS.1and2, with the second measuring element7in three different positions. The second measuring element7is in one case shown in a central initial position28. In the initial position28, which corresponds to an undeflected position of the joint inner portion2, the magnet14is orientated toward the magnetic field sensor17with a minimum distance A, as inFIG.2. In other words, in the initial position28the magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14are opposite one another.

In addition, the second measuring element7in the partially transparent representation is shown in two end positions29and30which differ from one another. The end positions29and30are obtained by virtue of a twisting or rotation of the joint inner portion2together with the second measuring element7about the central longitudinal axis24. Owing to the resulting displacement of the magnet14, this results in a magnetic field change that can be detected by the magnetic field sensor17. From that, a relative position of the structural component3with respect to the joint inner portion2can be determined.

In this example embodiment, the first end position29is reached starting from the initial position28by a rotation about the central longitudinal axis24through +25°. The second end position30is reached starting from the initial position28by a rotation about the central longitudinal axis24through −25°. Thus, in this example embodiment, positions within an angular range of 50° can be detected by the measuring device5.

FIG.4shows part of a partially transparent side view of the first chassis component1according to the invention, shown inFIGS.1and2, and with the second measuring element7in three further different positions. In the first place the second measuring element7is shown in a central initial position31. Starting from that initial position31, as indicated by the end positions32,33shown, a tilt of the first measuring element6can take place about a rotation axis34. In this case the rotation axis34extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis24. Furthermore, the rotation axis34extends through a joint mid-point of the joint inner portion2.

Starting from the initial position31, by virtue of a tilt through +6°, the magnet14of the second measuring element7reaches the first end position32. Starting from the initial position31, by virtue of a tilt through −6°, the magnet14of the second measuring element7reaches the first end position33. Thus, in this case there is a maximum angular range of 12° for tilting about the rotation axis34and the mid-point of the joint. The magnetic field change brought about by the tilting can be detected by the magnetic field sensor17.

FIG.5shows part of a perspective partially transparent view from above, of the first measuring element6with the magnetic field sensor17and the second measuring element7with the magnet14in accordance with the first chassis component1according to the invention, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The magnet holder15is in this case shown as transparent. Otherwise than in the version illustrated inFIGS.1to4, in the variant shown here the magnet holder15is not injection-molded directly onto the free end of the web-like projection13. Instead, the magnet holder15is attached to the web-like projection13by a releasable plug-in and latch connection35. This enables the magnet14to be replaced or changed.

To form the plug-in and latch connection35in this example embodiment, the magnet holder15has two interlocking elements36, although here, for the sake of greater clarity, only one interlocking element36is indexed. The web-like projection13has interlocking elements37designed to correspond with the interlocking elements36. In this example embodiment, the interlocking elements37are in the form of latch receivers, in this case in the form of holes16. The interlocking elements36of the magnet holder15are here in the form of latch detents, which engage or snap into the holes16with interlock.

In the chassis component1according toFIGS.1to5, the magnetic field sensor17is positioned perpendicularly to the length of the structural component3. Correspondingly, in accordance with the magnetic field sensor17, the magnet14too is positioned perpendicularly to the length of the structural component3, or to a plane of the holding section9, and is arranged inside the magnet holder15.

FIG.6shows part of a perspective and partially transparent side view of a second chassis component38according to the invention. The same features as previously are given the same indexes. To that extent, in order to avoid repetitions reference should also be made to the previous description.

Otherwise than in the chassis component1, in the chassis component38shown here the magnet14is not arranged at the front of the free end of the projection13. Instead, the magnet14is arranged in the area of a side39of the web-like projection13, the side39facing toward the structural component3. The magnetic field sensor17is arranged between the magnet14and the structural component3.

Compared with the chassis component1, owing to the arrangement of the magnet14and the magnetic field sensor17the configuration of the chassis component38shown here is somewhat flatter and thus space-saving.

FIG.7shows part of a sectioned side view of the second chassis component38according to the invention according, toFIG.6. The same features as before are given the same indexes. To that extent, in order to avoid repetitions reference should also be made to the earlier description.

Whereas in the chassis component1according toFIGS.1to5the distance A extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis24, in the chassis component38shown in this case the distance A extends in the axial direction or parallel to the central longitudinal axis24.

FIG.8shows part of a partially transparent view from above, of the second chassis component38according to the invention, shown inFIGS.6and7, with the second measuring element7in three different positions. The same features are given the same indexes as before. To avoid repetitions, reference should in particular be made to the earlier Fit whose description is correspondingly applicable here.

FIG.9shows part of a partially transparent side view of the second chassis component38according to the invention, shown inFIGS.6and7, with the second measuring element7in three further different positions. The same features are given the same indexes as before. To that extent, to avoid repetitions reference should in particular also be made to the earlier description of the earlierFIG.4, whose description is correspondingly applicable here.

FIG.10shows part of a perspective and partially transparent side view of a further chassis component40according to the invention. The same features are given the same indexes as before. To that extent, to avoid repetitions reference should also be made to the earlier description.

In this example embodiment, the chassis component40has no rotation-preventing means10. Instead, according to this example embodiment the holding section9of the second measuring element7comprises a number of holding elements41on its inside circumference. In this example embodiment a total of four holding elements41are distributed uniformly around the inside circumference of the annular holding section9. The holding elements41are, for example, in this case in the form of fixing detents and are formed integrally with the holding section9. By means of the holding elements41the second measuring element7is pressed onto the outer circumference of the section8of the joint inner portion2and at the same time held on it rotationally fixed relative to the joint inner portion2. In this example embodiment, otherwise than in the variants shown inFIGS.1to9, an orientated press-fitting of the joint formed by the joint inner portion, the rubber pad23and the outer sleeve26can be dispensed with.

In this example embodiment, the first measuring element6comprises a guideway42. In this example embodiment, the guideway42is formed by two curved side-plates43and44a distance apart from one another. The guideway42is formed on an end of the first measuring element6that faces toward the second measuring element7. Inside the guideway42the magnet14of the second measuring element7is guided. Thus, the magnet14is guided between the two side-plates43,44.

In this example embodiment, the web-like projection13is formed from a first projection section45and a second projection section46. The two projection sections45,46are connected to one another by a hinge47so that they can pivot relatively to one another. In this example embodiment the second projection section46at the same time forms the magnet holder15, in which the magnet14is arranged in the area of a free end of the second projection section46facing away from the hinge47.

FIG.11shows part of a sectioned side view of the said further chassis component40according to the invention, as shown inFIG.10. The same features as before are given the same indexes. To that extent, to avoid repetitions reference should also be made to the previous description.

The magnetic field sensor17of the first measuring element6is arranged inside the side-plate43of the guideway42. The guideway42enables a rotation of the second measuring element7or the magnet14about the central longitudinal axis24of the joint inner portion2. At the same time, the guideway42prevents or reduces tilting of the magnet14in a direction axial in relation to the central longitudinal axis24. In that way a tilting movement of the joint inner portion2about the rotation axis34perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis24is compensated by the hinge47. For that purpose, a pivot axis of the hinge47is orientated parallel to the rotation axis34.

FIG.12shows part of a partially transparent view from above, of the further chassis component40according to the invention as shown inFIGS.10and11, with the second measuring element7in three different positions. The same features are given the same indexes as before. To avoid repetitions, reference should be made in particular to the earlier description concerningFIGS.3and8.

In this example embodiment, the first measuring element6has a single magnetic field sensor17. Alternatively, the first measuring element6can have more than one, in particular three magnetic field sensors17. For example, as already indicated here, a single magnetic field sensor17can be arranged centrally within the guideway42of the first measuring element6. In that case, a distance between the central magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14in the initial position28is at its smallest.

In addition, the first measuring element6can have two further magnetic field sensors17(not shown here). In that case a second magnetic field sensor17can be arranged on the first measuring element6and inside the guideway42in such manner that the distance between the second magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14in the first end position29shown here is at its smallest. A third magnetic field sensor17(not shown here) can be arranged on the first measuring element6and inside the guideway42in such manner that a distance between the third magnetic field sensor17and the magnet14in the second end position30shown here is at its smallest.

FIG.13shows part of a partially transparent side view of the further chassis component40according to the invention, as shown inFIGS.10and11, with the second measuring element7in three further different positions. The same features are given the same indexes as before. To that extent, to avoid repetitions reference should also be made to the previous description, particularly with reference toFIGS.4and9.

During a tilting movement of the joint inner portion2about the rotation axis34the holding section9and the first projection section45also tilt. However, owing to the hinge47and the guideway of the second projection section46and the magnet holder15inside the guideway42, a displacement of the magnet14in a direction axial relative to the central longitudinal axis24is prevented or at least partially compensated or counteracted.

INDEXES

1Chassis component2Joint inner portion3Structural component4Joint holder5Measuring device6First measuring element7Second measuring element8Section9Holding section10Rotation-preventing means11Flat area12Further flat area13Web-like projection14Magnet15Magnet holder16Hole17Magnetic field sensor18Surface section19Fixing means20Fixing seat21Orientation seat22Orientation element23Rubber pad24Central longitudinal axis25Through-going opening26Outer sleeve27Plug-in section28Initial position29End position30End position31Initial position32End position33End position34Rotation axis35Plug-in/latch connection36Interlocking element37Interlocking element38Chassis component39Side40Chassis component41Holding element42Guideway43Side-plate44Side-plate45First projection section46Second projection section47HingeA distance