DE102009002005A1 - Position sensor i.e. four-bit position sensor, for detection of position of transmission element of motor vehicle, has compensating element reducing clearance in chain between movement of transmission element and movement of carriage - Google Patents

Abstract

The sensor (110) has a tolerance compensating element (132) reducing clearance in a transmission chain between a movement of a transmission element and a movement of a sliding carriage (114). The sensor detects a relative position of the sliding carriage to a stator (112). The sliding carriage is connected with the transmission element over a sliding carriage connection (120). The tolerance compensating element includes a linear guiding element (134), and the carriage includes a slide carriage plate (140) arranged in a carriage plane parallel to a displacement path (118).

Description

State of the art

The The invention is based on known position sensors for detection a position of an element. Such position sensors can be used in particular for the detection of transmission elements. In electronic transmission control systems, in many cases an information about a position of a piston or another transmission element which sets the transmission mode, needed. The transmission element can, for example, from the driver via a selector lever and a mechanical transmission system be operated. The sensory determination of the position the transmission element is also referred to as driver request detection. Also in other applications in the automotive sector and / or in the natural sciences and technology often require to obtain position information of at least one element.

To determine the required position information, it is possible, for example, to use position sensors which, for example, can be designed as displacement sensors in order to detect a position along a linear and / or curved path. Such position sensors can be used, for example, within a transmission of a motor vehicle under the direct action of transmission oil (Automatic Transmission Fluid, ATF). Position sensors may for example also be integrated into a mechatronic assembly, for example an electronic module with a gearbox control unit, sensors and possibly also actuators. Examples of position sensors which can also be used in the context of the present invention and modified according to the invention are disclosed in US Pat Robert Bosch GmbH: Sensors in the motor vehicle, edition 2007, pages 136-138 described.

position sensors usually have a fixed part, which also as Stator is called, and a carriage, which with the element whose position is to be sensed. In the stator can For example, in a ATF-tight packaging sensor evaluation are located. Sensing the carriage position relative to the stator can be done for example magnetically. Also other sensor principles However, they are known in principle. The sled will be in usually guided in a guide on the stator and moved by the gear to be sensed. The sled carries, depending on the selected sensor principle, the sensor transmitter stimulating element. The sled is usually at its outer edges in the carriage guide linear and parallel to the direction of movement of the gear element to be sensed, guided, for example at outer edges parallel to a carriage plane. The connection the carriage to be sensed transmission element is in the Realized via a game adaptation.

Problematic However, in many cases such slide guides are that the operating force of the carriage in the guide in de rule of the ratio of available Guide length to force attack lever length depends. The sensing accuracy is independent the chosen sensor principle, significantly influenced by the tilting influences of the sled opposite the stator and the distance of the gear element to be sensed from the transmitter in the stator. The tilting hangs from the necessary game in the leadership and the available standing guide length. Especially for shorter ones Magnetic carriage and in off-center force attack on the slide becomes the guiding characteristics of the carriage negatively influenced in his leadership on the stator. The required Operating force increases. In unfavorable conditions it may even come to a jamming of the carriage. Verkippungseffekte affect the Sensiergenauigkeit the same leadership game stronger, the shorter the sled is. Would be desirable therefore a position sensor with improved guidance, in particular a linear guide, and a reduced Connection game. In particular, a position sensor would be desirable in which the carriage guide with regard to leadership behavior, in particular one Linear guide, is improved and in which the required Operating force of the carriage is reduced, at the same time Reduction of tilting influences on the total sensing tolerance. Furthermore, there would be a reduction in overall sensing tolerance by minimizing or eliminating a backlash of a Carriage-sled desirable.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore proposed a position sensor for detecting a position of an element which at least largely avoids the disadvantages of known position sensors. A position sensor is generally understood to mean a device which is set up to detect a position of the element along a linear or also curved displacement path and / or an orientation of the element. The following essentially assumes a linear displacement path. If curved displacement paths and / or other types of orientations are to be sensed, then the displacement path must be replaced by the local displacement path, for example a tangent of the displacement path. The element may basically be any object capable of changing its position. In particular, it may be Maschi nenelemente act, preferably transmission elements. Accordingly, the position sensor is preferably usable according to the above description in automotive engineering, especially in transmission control systems. However, other applications are possible in principle.

Of the Position sensor comprises at least one stator, ie a device, which is arranged substantially stationary and preferably their position when changing the position of the element not changed. Furthermore, the position sensor comprises at least one along a displacement path relative to the Stator movably mounted carriage. Under a sled is generally understood as a moving element. Preferably can the slide, as explained below in more detail is, for example, a substantially flat, slide plate comprise, which is guided in the manner described. Through the guidance of the displacement of the carriage given, for example, as described above, a linear displacement path and / or a curved displacement path. Through the leadership The game of the slide is perpendicular to the displacement path as well preferably limited to the extent of the displacement path.

Of the Sleigh is with at least one slide connection with connected to the element whose position is to be sensed. Under a carriage connection can basically a understood any connection between the element and the carriage whichever is suitable, a position of the element in one Implement carriage position along the displacement path. The position sensor is set to a relative position of the carriage to the stator capture. For example, for this purpose a or a plurality of sensor elements may be provided which these relative Can capture position. For example, this may be with respect to be referred to the above-mentioned prior art. So can the at least one sensor element, for example, at least one Field generator connected to the carriage and / or the stator in particular at least one magnetic field generator, and me very well a sensor connected to the other of these elements, in particular a field sensor, for example a magnetic field sensor, include. However, other measuring principles are also fundamental possible, for example optical measuring principles and / or electrical measuring principles.

to Avoiding the disadvantages of the known position sensors described above is further proposed that the position sensor according to the invention furthermore has at least one tolerance compensation element. This additional tolerance compensation element is set up, to a game in a transmission chain between a Movement of the element and a movement of the carriage at least partially reduce. Under a game is doing in the context of present invention generally a production and / or application-related To understand freedom of movement, in which a mechanical component after assembly within an assembly and / or functional unit can move freely without power transmission. One defined Great game between two items is by one suitable tolerance of the individual parts achievable. As a fit or Game fit can be a combination of two interlocking parts be designated, wherein both parts in particular have the same nominal size can, however, location and size of the tolerance fields can be different. A fit usually exists a tolerance in which the actual dimensions are allowed to move. In the present case, a result of the game in particular a Deviation from a linear transmission of a position of the element in a carriage position along the displacement path be. This game can come about in several ways and can basically any links in the transmission chain include. The transmission chain basically includes this all elements involved in the transmission of forces and / or torques and / or positions between the carriage or the carriage position and the element are involved. The game For example, a game perpendicular to the displacement path and / or a game parallel to the displacement path and / or a tilt include, for example, a tilt about a Verkippungsachse perpendicular to a carriage plane. Under a tolerance compensation element is generally an element to understand, which reduces this game or preferably completely eliminated. For example it may be, as shown above, a reduction and / or Elimination of a game of backlash carriage slipping and / or a reduction and / or elimination of a tilting game act. The mentioned types of game reduction can can also be used in combination. Various examples the realization of such tolerance compensation elements will be below explained in more detail.

The tolerance compensation element may include, for example, at least one linear guide element which is set up to prevent tilting of the carriage perpendicular to the displacement path, at least largely. An at least substantial prevention can also be understood as a reduction compared to an embodiment without the linear guide element. The linear guide element is preferably completely formed by the guide of the carriage. If the displacement path is curved, then the term Linearfüh wide and also includes a linear guide element along this curved displacement path. In this context, tilting of the carriage may, in particular, be understood as tilting about a tilting axis perpendicular to a carriage plane. However, other tilt angles are in principle possible and can be avoided by the linear guide element.

For example the sled can be at its outer edges in a carriage guide be guided parallel to the displacement path, for example at outer edges parallel to a carriage plane. Preferably this is a linear guide. Is the Displacement path curved designed, so is the Carriage guide curved designed so that the parallelism is based on a local course of the displacement path refers. The Linearführungsele element has in this embodiment preferably at least one arranged parallel to the displacement path Rail element on, with the concept of parallelism again here with a crooked displacement path only is to be understood locally. In particular, this is Rail element separated by one of the carriage guide trained rail element. Under a rail element is here to generally understand an element which has at least one projection and at least one recess, wherein the projection in the recess engages and can slide in this.

Of the In particular, a carriage can be moved in a direction to move in the Slider plate arranged substantially parallel carriage plane include. Under a slide plate can, for example a flat element understood, but also deviations are possible from a planar geometry, for example by protrusions, applied to the carriage plate Elements or the like. The carriage plate can be, for example be designed rectangular, preferably longer Edges of the rectangle designed parallel to the displacement path are. If such a carriage level is provided, then this is optional Rail element preferably designed such that this is extends into the carriage plane. This means that one Engagement of the sub-elements of the rail element, such as the projection and the depression, in one another takes place in a direction which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the carriage plane.

So can the linear guide element, in particular the rail element, For example, at least one guide and at least an engaging in the guide groove guide rib exhibit. This intervention may preferably, as stated above, take place perpendicular to the carriage plane. This means that yourself the elevation of the guide rib preferably substantially extends perpendicular to the carriage plane, and also the dimension of the Depth of the guide groove. This embodiment causes a at least substantial reduction of tilting tendency of the carriage. The outer edges of the carriage should not be in contact stand with the carriage guide. That should be as possible an air gap is ensured.

The Rail element, for example, centrally between the guides be arranged on the outer edge and / or within a middle third between these guides. Basically you can also several guide grooves and several guide ribs be provided. However, it is preferred if exactly one guide groove and exactly one guide rib is provided, since then reduce the game and the chaining particularly efficient or even minimize. It is particularly preferred if the stator the guide rib and the carriage has the guide groove. However, reverse embodiments are possible. Are several Guide grooves and a plurality of guide ribs provided which, as shown above, is less preferred, so may these also distributed differently on the stator and the slide so that, for example, the stator at least one guide rib and at least one guide groove and the carriage the respective corresponding counter elements. Especially preferred is, but exactly one guide rib and exactly one guide groove, wherein the guide rib may be provided on the stator can and the guide groove on the slide, or vice versa.

The Guiding the outer edges of the carriage, for example take place in outer rails of the stator, so rails, which for example the carriage, for example a carriage plate, slightly. Preferably, the rail element then set up so that this relative to the carriage positioned to the outer rails that during a displacement of the carriage along the displacement path the outer edges of the Slide plate in one dimension of the carriage plane vertically Do not touch the outer rails for the displacement path. In other words, the outer edges of the carriage plate, So the edges of the carriage plate parallel to Verschiebungsweg and perpendicular to the carriage plane, not in the outer rails grind.

The above-described embodiments of the tolerance compensation element relate in particular to an improvement of the carriage guide with regard to the guiding behavior of a linear guide. By the above-mentioned embodiments, as described above, the required operating force of the carriage can be reduced while at the same time reducing the tilting influences on the Ge velvet Sensierungstoleranz. By introducing the linear guide element, in particular in the form of the rail element, for example in the form of a narrow rib in a groove, the Verkippungseffek te described above can be effectively compensated. Since such construction elements can be manufactured with low tolerances, in particular with smaller tolerances than a guidance of the outer edges of the carriage in outer rails, and since such construction elements can be made less prone to delay, less play in the leadership of the carriage can be realized. This improves the sensing accuracy by reducing the tilting effects. It is now even possible, with reasonable Sensiergenauigkeitsverlust the magnet slide also off-center bind to the gear element to be sensed. Accordingly, the carriage connection, for example, engage the carriage off-center, without, for example, a snagging of the carriage is to be feared to a greater extent. The unfavorable guide length-force attack lever length ratio is also improved using the invention. This increases the design freedom in the overall construction of the position sensor and / or the device in which the position sensor is to be used, for example in the construction of the transmission. The improvement of the guiding properties and the sensing accuracy by the optional groove / rib design is also applicable regardless of the selected sensor principle. As stated above, both the groove on the carriage and the rib on the carriage guide or the stator can be configured as well as vice versa, the rib on the carriage and the groove on the carriage guide or the stator.

Of Furthermore, the sensing accuracy usually depends on the size of the backlash in the slide connection from. Under a backlash is to understand the game in general with which at a reversal of the direction of movement of the sensed Elements the position of the element along a carriage position of the displacement path is transmitted. This reversal game usually results from the mechanical play adaptation of both Parts, so the position sensor and the element to be sensed. To keep this game small, are usually very tight manufacturing tolerances for the dimensions of both parts, in particular to the elements of the transmission chain, in particular elements, which form a driver fit required.

As described above, the at least one tolerance compensation element also be set up to reduce said backlash, or completely eliminate. For this purpose, the tolerance compensation element as All or part of it on the transmission chain interact to reduce the backlash. In particular, that can Tolerance compensation element wholly or partly the carriage connection and / or at least one connected to the carriage connection Element. The carriage connection can, for example, vertically extend to the displacement path, but also angle deviations from a vertical orientation to the displacement possible are. Furthermore, the carriage attachment can essentially to the in the displacement path substantially parallel carriage plane extend, so arranged for example in the carriage plane be or parallel to this sled level outside the Sled level. Various examples are given below explained.

Around especially to reduce the backlash, but also to others To reduce types of game in the transmission chain the tolerance compensation element can accordingly alternatively or in addition to the above-described linear guide element in one or more of the described embodiments, at least have a spring element. This at least one spring element is set to a spring force parallel to the displacement path take. In other words, the spring element can be configured its extension parallel to the displacement path or with at least one directional component parallel to the displacement path according to a force along the displacement path and / or with a component parallel to the displacement path at least partially to change elastically. The at least one spring element can For example, include an elastic material, for example an elastic plastic material. Alternatively or in addition However, the at least one spring element but also at least one Mechanical spring include, for example, at least one coil spring and / or at least one leaf spring. For example, the spring element comprise at least one rigid part and a relative to the rigid Part stored spring part, such as a leaf spring. Various Embodiments are shown in more detail below. The spring element can basically be at least one location in the transmission chain be arranged. It is particularly preferred if the spring element at least partially connected to the carriage connection. This may also imply that the spring element as part of the carriage connection is designed.

In particular, the carriage connection may comprise at least one connecting lever extending from the carriage and preferably fixedly connected to the carriage. For example, this connection lever, as shown above, be arranged in a carriage plane and / or perpendicular to the displacement path. is provided such a connection lever, the spring element may be formed, for example, on a to be sensed element assigning head of the connection lever. For example, the spring element may be formed on this head at least partially as part of the connection lever, in particular in one piece with the connection lever. However, a multi-piece design is possible in principle. Alternatively or additionally, the spring element may also be formed at least partially as a spring element separate from the connection lever between the connection lever and the element to be sensed. Various configurations are possible.

By the resilient design of the connection of the carriage, for example of the magnetic carriage, to the element to be sensed, for example the transmission element, the backlash of this connection, at least be reduced and preferably eliminated. This has the advantage that this backlash from the total tolerance chain of Sensiergenauigkeit falls out and thus the accuracy of the position sensing can be increased. This increases the design freedom in the design of the entire device, which the position sensor used, for example in the transmission design. For defined Conditions can also be, for example, only one Side of the slide connection, for example, only one side of the connection lever to be equipped with the spring element. The other side of the carriage connection, for example the connection lever, but can be made stiff. The stiff side then represents the Defined reference edge, for example, for the location of Switching points of the position sensor and / or for example the location of a sensor measuring range. The improvement of Sensiergenauigkeit By eliminating the backlash in the connection is independent applicable from the selected sensor principle. The spring element For example, in the manufacture of the carriage formed with be, for example together with the connection lever. To this Way can be the production of a separate part avoid. Alternatively, however, the spring element can also be wholly or partly be designed as an additional part, for example, any Appropriate Neten material, such as a plastic and / or a Metal and / or an elastomer. Various configurations are conceivable.

Brief description of the drawings

embodiments The invention is illustrated in the drawings and in the following Descriptions explained in more detail.

It demonstrate:

1A and 1B an example of a position sensor according to the prior art;

2A and 2 B An embodiment of a position sensor according to the invention with a linear guide element;

3 a first embodiment of a position sensor according to the invention with a spring element; and

4 A second embodiment of a position sensor according to the invention with a spring element.

embodiments

In the 1A and 1B is in a front view ( 1A ) or a view from the side ( 1B ) An example of a position sensor according to the prior art 110 shown. For example, this position sensor can 110 to act a 4-bit position sensor, which is used for example in a transmission control module of an automatic mode. The position sensor 110 includes a stator 112 in which a substantially shaped as a rectangular plate carriage 114 at the edge in a carriage guide 116 is movably mounted. A possible displacement path is in 1A through the arrow 118 symbolizes. The displacement path 118 runs in 1A in the drawing plane and in 1B into the drawing plane.

The sled 114 is via a sled connection 120 with a transmission element 122 coupled. The transmission element 122 , which acts as an element to be sensed here, can move in one direction 124 move. The slide connection 120 includes a connection lever 126 which is substantially parallel to one through the plate of the carriage 114 defined carriage level 128 (please refer 1B , in 1A parallel to the plane of the drawing). About the connection lever 126 which is in a coupling head 130 of the transmission element 122 engages a game adjustment, a movement of the transmission element 122 on the sled 114 be transmitted. A position of the carriage 114 along the displacement path 118 can by means of suitable, in the 1A and 1B unillustrated sensors are detected, for example by means of magnetic field generators and magnetic sensors, which with the carriage 114 or stature 112 are coupled.

The in the 1A and 1B shown position sensor 110 has the disadvantages described above that the carriage 114 to a tilt about an axis perpendicular to the plane in 1A tends to tilt and thus to a considerable increase in the operating force and inaccuracies in the sensing can result. In addition, by the coupling of the connection lever 126 to the coupling head 130 the total Sensingstoleranz increased overall, especially since this coupling has a comparatively high backlash with respect to a carriage entrainment.

In the 2A and 2 B is a first embodiment of a position sensor according to the invention in a perspective view obliquely from the front ( 2A ) or a view from the side ( 2 B ). The embodiment is initially substantially analogous to the position sensor 110 according to the 1A and 1B configured, so that for the details of this embodiment, reference may be made largely to these figures. In contrast to the prior art, the position sensor 110 according to the in the 2A and 2 B illustrated embodiment additionally a tolerance compensation element 132 in the form of a linear guide element 134 with a rail element 136 on. The tolerance compensation element 132 has in the illustrated embodiment, a guide rib 138 , The leadership rib 138 extends from a back wall 142 of the stator 112 from perpendicular to the carriage plane 128 in a guide groove 144 the slide plate 140 into it.

The guide groove 144 and the leadership rib 138 form the rail element in this embodiment 136 , which as a linear guide element 134 acts. As in particular from 2A shows, the linear guide element extends 134 essentially parallel to the displacement path 118 , The linear guide element 134 , which can be made with low tolerance, effectively prevents tilting of the carriage 114 about a Verkippungsachse perpendicular to the carriage plane 128 , even with an off-center lever attack by the connection lever 126 , Furthermore, the linear guide element 134 set up to reduce friction in the carriage guide 116 to reduce. For this purpose, the linear guide element 134 For example, designed such that outer edges 146 the slide plate 140 outer rails 148 the carriage guide 116 do not touch, leaving between these outer edges 146 and the outer rails 148 an air gap 150 remains.

In the 3 and 4 are further embodiments of inventive position sensors 110 which also has tolerance compensation elements 132 feature. For much of the design of these position sensors 110 can be made to the description of the above embodiments. In contrast to the embodiment according to the 2A and 2 B includes the tolerance compensation element 132 in the in the 3 and 4 illustrated embodiments, alternatively or additionally, at least one spring element 152 which is in a transmission chain between a movement of the transmission element 122 and a movement of the sled 114 is coupled. The embodiments in the 3 and 4 differ in the arrangement and design of this spring element 152 , The spring element 152 can be a spring force parallel to the displacement path 118 take.

In the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the spring element 152 as part of the connection lever 126 designed, at a the coupling head 130 of the transmission element 122 assigning head 154 of the connection lever 126 , The slide connection 120 So it's on the side of the sled 114 in the example shown fixed to the carriage 114 whereas these are on the side of the transmission element 122 is designed resilient. The spring element 152 includes in the illustrated embodiment a rigid element 156 and a resilient element 158 which is at least partially flexible and with the rigid element 156 connected is. In contrast to the one-piece design of the spring element 152 with the connection lever 126 according to 3 is in 4 an embodiment with a multi-part design of the spring element 152 shown. Again, in this embodiment includes the carriage connection 120 a connection lever 126 , which stuck with the sledge 114 connected is. This connection lever 126 is as a stiff element 156 designed. As a separate component includes the carriage connection 120 but still a resilient element 158 which is flexible and, for example, in a corresponding recess 160 of the stiff element 156 can be plugged in, so that the resilient element 158 one of the stiff element 156 protruding spring arm forms. The stiff element 156 and the resilient element 158 can each projections 162 have, which on the transmission element 122 , For example, the coupling head 130 of the transmission element 132 , can lie.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• - Robert Bosch GmbH: Sensors in the motor vehicle, edition 2007, pages 136-138 [0002]

Claims (12)

Position sensor ( 110 ) for detecting a position of an element, in particular a transmission element ( 122 ) comprising at least one stator ( 112 ) and at least one along a displacement path ( 118 ) relative to the stator ( 112 ) movably mounted carriages ( 114 ), wherein the carriage ( 114 ) via at least one slide connection ( 120 ) is connectable to the element, wherein the position sensor ( 110 ) is set to a relative position of the carriage ( 114 ) to the stator ( 112 ), the position sensor ( 110 ) at least one tolerance compensation element ( 132 ), wherein the tolerance compensation element ( 132 ) is adapted to a game in a transmission chain between a movement of the element and a movement of the carriage ( 114 ) at least partially. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tolerance compensation element ( 132 ) at least one linear guide element ( 134 ), which is arranged to prevent tilting of the carriage ( 114 ) perpendicular to the displacement path ( 118 ) at least largely prevent. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the carriage ( 114 ) at its outer edges ( 146 ) in a carriage guide ( 116 ) parallel to the displacement path ( 118 ) is guided, wherein the linear guide element ( 134 ) at least one parallel to the displacement path ( 118 ) arranged rail element ( 136 ), in particular one of the carriage guide ( 116 ) separately formed rail element ( 136 ). Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the carriage ( 114 ) one in a to the displacement path ( 118 ) substantially parallel carriage plane ( 128 ) arranged slide plate ( 140 ), wherein the rail element ( 136 ) into the carriage plate ( 140 ) extends into it. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the linear guide element ( 134 ), in particular the rail element ( 136 ), at least one guide groove ( 144 ) and at least one in the guide groove ( 144 ) engaging guide rib ( 138 ) having. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the stator ( 112 ) the leadership rib ( 138 ) and wherein the carriage ( 114 ) the guide groove ( 144 ) having. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the guidance of the outer edges ( 146 ) of the carriage ( 114 ) in outer rails ( 148 ) of the stator ( 112 ), wherein the rail element ( 136 ) is set up such that when the carriage is displaced ( 114 ) along the displacement path ( 118 ) the outer edges ( 146 ) a carriage plate ( 140 ) of the carriage ( 114 ) in one dimension of the carriage plane ( 128 ) perpendicular to the displacement path ( 118 ) the outer rails ( 148 ) do not touch. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element ( 132 ) at least one spring element ( 152 ), which is adapted to a spring force parallel to the displacement path ( 118 ). Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring element ( 152 ) with the slide connection ( 120 ) connected is. Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the carriage connection ( 120 ) at least one of the carriage ( 114 ) extending from and preferably with the carriage ( 114 ) firmly connected connection lever ( 126 ). Position sensor ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring element ( 152 ) on a head assigning the element ( 154 ) of the connection lever ( 126 ) at least partially as part of the connection lever ( 126 ) is formed, in particular integrally with the connection lever ( 126 ). Position sensor ( 110 ) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the spring element ( 152 ) at least partially than by the connection lever ( 126 ) separate spring element ( 152 ) between the connection lever ( 126 ) and the element is formed.