DE102022209475B3 - Actuator for a chassis device - Google Patents

Abstract

An actuator (2) for a chassis device, in particular for an actively adjustable roll stabilizer (1) or a steering device of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hollow shaft, a drive unit (15, 16) connected thereto, the actuator (2) having a shaft-fixed end (5a ) and has an output-side end (5b), which can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation (3) by means of the drive unit (15, 16) by applying a torque (M) acting between the ends (5a, 5b) of the actuator (2), and a sensor device (10) for detecting the transmitted torque (M) using inverse magnetostriction, the sensor device (10) comprising a primary sensor formed at least in regions by the hollow shaft and a sensor unit (11) arranged within the hollow shaft, characterized in that the sensor unit (11) comprises a sensor housing (23) and means (25) for holding the sensor unit (11), which touch the sensor housing tangentially and axially only at points in order to hold it in a defined position.

Description

The invention relates to an actuator for a chassis device, in particular for an actively adjustable roll stabilizer or a steering device of a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1 and an actively adjustable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle according to claim 18.

From motor vehicle technology, in particular chassis technology, it is known to equip motor vehicles with a so-called roll stabilizer. In a simple embodiment, this is a substantially C-shaped torsion bar spring, which is rotatably mounted in the central area relative to the vehicle body and whose outer, opposite ends are each coupled to a wheel suspension. Thanks to this design, the roll stabilizer ensures that the body of the vehicle not only deflects on the outside side of the curve when cornering (due to the centrifugal force), but also that the wheel on the inside of the curve is lowered slightly (copy behavior).

To further increase driving comfort and vehicle stability, it is known to make roll stabilizers actively adjustable. In this case, the roll stabilizer comprises an actuator and is divided into two stabilizer sections that can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation with the help of the actuator. By rotating the stabilizer sections relative to one another, a rolling movement of the vehicle body is specifically generated or a rolling movement of the vehicle body caused by external influences is specifically counteracted. In order to control the actuator as required, it may be expedient to detect a torque acting between the stabilizer sections, in particular in order to allow this to flow into a control circuit of the actuator, for example.

It can also be useful for other actuators used in chassis technology, such as on a steering device of a motor vehicle, to detect a torque acting on the actuator.

Out of DE 10 2011 078 819 A1 an actively adjustable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle is known, between the two stabilizer sections of which an actuator for rotating the stabilizer sections is arranged. The roll stabilizer has a sensor device that works according to the principle of inverse magnetostriction to detect a torque acting between the stabilizer sections. For this purpose, a magnetically coded primary sensor is arranged on a stabilizer section, with a magnetic field sensor being provided as a secondary sensor, which converts changes in the magnetic field of the primary sensor into an electrical signal. The magnetically coded primary sensor is formed by a section of the stabilizer part. The disadvantage of this is that a magnetic coding has to be introduced into the stabilizer section. The magnetic coding is also exposed to external influences (for example mechanical influences such as stone chips, vibration or the like, and/or thermal influences) during operational use (of the motor vehicle), which may limit or at least deteriorate the functionality of the sensor device. According to one in 6 the DE 10 2011 078 819 A1 In the situation shown, the secondary sensor is arranged radially within a sleeve forming the primary sensor, which in turn is attached in a materially bonded manner on the inside in a stabilizer section.

Please also refer to the patent disclosures DE 10 2018 110 553 A1 , DE 10 2021 200 750 A1 and DE 10 2014 208 334 A1 , from which actuators for roll stabilizers with a sensor device for detecting torque are known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator for a chassis device, in particular for an actively adjustable roll stabilizer or a steering device of a motor vehicle, whose torque can be detected reliably and with high accuracy, whose sensor device is exposed to external influences to the least possible extent and which is easy to produce. According to this task, an actively adjustable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle should be specified.

The object is initially solved by an actuator for a chassis device with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, this has: a hollow shaft, a drive unit connected thereto, the actuator having a shaft-fixed end and an output-side end, which is activated by means of the drive unit by applying a Torque acting between the ends of the actuator can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation, and a sensor device for detecting the transmitted torque using inverse magnetostriction. According to the invention, the sensor device comprises a primary sensor formed at least in regions by the hollow shaft and a sensor unit arranged within the hollow shaft. In particular, the primary sensor formed by the hollow shaft serves as a so-called “Hook deformation body” [linear behavior with regard to the acting force (mechanical tension) and the resulting Deformation (mechanical stretching)], which transforms the mechanical torque load into a measurable change in its magnetic properties using an inverse magnetostrictive effect, in particular the so-called inverse Villari effect (“length magnetostriction”). The sensor unit in turn serves in particular as a so-called secondary sensor, the magnetically acting coupling electronics of which, on the one hand, dynamically excites the hollow shaft with a magnetic field and, on the other hand, measures the magnetic reaction of the hollow shaft - in particular in two axes diagonal to the axis of symmetry of the hollow shaft.

According to the invention, the actuator is characterized in that the sensor unit comprises a sensor housing and means for holding the sensor unit, which touch the sensor housing tangentially and axially only at points in order to hold it in a defined position. In the context of the invention, the terms tangential and axial are to be understood in relation to the orientation of the axis of rotation of the drive unit of the actuator. Accordingly, “axial” means parallel to the axis of rotation. Accordingly, “tangential” is synonymous with “circumferential”.

This is based on the finding that the sensor unit expediently has a sensor housing, in particular in order to accommodate a coil arrangement required for torque measurement. For this purpose, the sensor housing can advantageously be arranged in such a way that it contacts the hollow shaft on the inside and at the same time accommodates a coil arrangement. The sensor housing therefore has the particular function of holding a coil arrangement required for the magnetic excitation and for measuring the magnetic reactions in a defined relative position relative to the hollow shaft serving as the primary sensor, which is as uninfluenced as possible by operating influences. This is advantageously done by the sensor housing contacting the hollow shaft on the inside, whereby a distance between the hollow shaft and the coil arrangement that can be specified by the housing design can be achieved in a structurally simple manner. Since the relative position of the coil arrangement with respect to the hollow shaft serving as the primary sensor has a high influence on the measurement results and their quality, the sensor unit according to the invention further comprises means for holding the sensor unit, which touch the sensor housing tangentially and axially only at points in order to keep it in a defined position hold. This measure advantageously avoids mechanical interactions between the means for holding the sensor unit and the sensor housing. For example, under torque load, it can happen that the means for holding the sensor unit are deformed - due to a deformation of the hollow shaft. However, since there is only point contact between the sensor housing and the holding means, disadvantageous mechanical interactions can be advantageously avoided. In other words, a deformation of the holding means does not cause any displacement or other change in position of the sensor housing due to the design according to the invention. The relative position of the sensor housing relative to the hollow shaft serving as the primary sensor remains largely unaffected by operational deformations of the holding means. The holding means used can be designed in a manner to be explained.

It should be noted that the expression “pointwise” used in this application, in particular in claim 1 as well as in the description, is to be understood and interpreted in a technically practical sense. The expression is intended to make it clear that the means for holding the sensor unit contact the sensor housing tangentially and axially exclusively via contact points that have a small extent from a technical and practical point of view; i.e. an expansion that is sufficient to transmit the required holding forces, but is not unnecessarily larger. In practice, this “pointwise” expansion in the sense of the invention can and will exceed a pointwise expansion in the physics-theoretical sense, simply because a certain surface contact occurs due to elasticity and/or plastic deformation of the contact partners (retaining means and sensor housing). This fact is expressly included in the term used, “exclusively point contact”.

According to a preferred development of the actuator, the hollow shaft is part of an actuator housing that accommodates the drive unit, the sensor unit being arranged within the actuator housing, which serves as a primary sensor at least in some areas. In other words, in this case the hollow shaft can at least partially form the actuator housing, which accommodates the drive unit of the actuator. By arranging the sensor unit within this actuator housing, its protection from external mechanical or thermal influences is guaranteed. By using part of the actuator housing as a primary sensor, functional integration is advantageously achieved.

Advantageously, the shaft-fixed end and the output-side end of the actuator can each be connected to opposite stabilizer sections of the roll stabilizer in order to be able to rotate them relative to one another about the axis of rotation by means of the drive unit.

According to a preferred development of the actuator, fitting lugs projecting in tangential directions and/or in axial directions are formed on the sensor housing. These fitting lugs serve to touch the sensor housing tangentially and/or axially only at certain points in order to hold it in a defined position.

Different designs are conceivable. According to a preferred development, two fitting lugs protrude from the sensor housing in each of the two tangential directions. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that two fitting lugs protrude from the sensor housing in each of the two axial directions.

The sensor housing can be designed in different ways. The sensor housing advantageously has a trough-like basic shape, which has a curvature on its radially outward-facing underside that is adapted to the contour of the inner wall of the actuator housing.

The sensor housing expediently has a receiving area for the coil arrangement, particularly near the curved underside.

According to a preferred development of the actuator, the holding means extend at least partially over the sensor housing and touch it in at least one holding area in order to exert a contact pressure on the sensor housing that acts radially from the inside to the outside in relation to the axis of rotation against the actuator housing.

The holding means preferably have two side brackets and two end webs, which are connected to form a closed, essentially rectangular structure.

The holding means can be designed differently depending on the design of the sensor housing. A preferred development provides that the holding means surround the sensor housing in a frame-like manner and are preferably designed as a so-called cage tab. In the context of the invention, the term cage tab is understood to mean an at least dual-functional component which partially encloses the sensor housing (word component: “cage”) and also has a connection area (word component: “tab”) which establishes a connection to the hollow shaft.

An advantageous structural design provides that one or more, preferably two, holding areas are formed on the sensor housing in the form of shoulders on which the holding means rest. The holding areas thus serve to ensure a safe introduction of force from the holding means to the sensor housing.

The holding means can be materially connected to the hollow shaft, in particular the actuator housing, in particular glued, soldered or welded to it.

Preferably, several, in particular two, contact areas are formed on the holding means, via which the holding means are connected to the actuator housing.

The contact areas are advantageously each formed on an end web of the holding means. In particular, the contact areas protrude from it in the circumferential direction.

In order to ensure that the relative position of the sensor housing relative to the hollow shaft remains unchanged over the service life of the actuator, an advantageous development provides that the holding means, in particular the contact areas formed thereon, are elastically deformed in the radial direction in a state connected to the actuator housing in order to use the restoring forces caused thereby Press the sensor housing from the radial inside against the actuator housing.

According to an advantageous development of the actuator, the sensor unit has a sensor housing and holding means connected to the actuator housing for pressing the sensor housing from radially inside against the actuator housing.

The sensor housing is advantageously manufactured as a molded part, in particular as a plastic molded part.

The drive unit of the actuator can be an electric motor, which can also be drive-connected to a gearbox, in particular a multi-stage planetary gearbox, to form a drive unit.

The coil arrangement used according to the invention can be designed in different ways. This advantageously includes a transmitter coil for magnetizing the primary sensor and one, preferably several, receiver coils for detecting the magnetic field of the magnetized primary sensor. By arranging the coils together, an easy-to-handle and easy-to-assemble unit can advantageously be created.

The transmitter coil and a plurality of receiver coils are preferably arranged on the coil board, in particular next to one another. coil board and coil carrier board are preferably connected to each other.

The sensor housing expediently also accommodates an electronic circuit board that is electrically connected to the coil arrangement.

The task mentioned at the beginning is further solved by an actively adjustable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle according to the features of claim 18. According to the invention, this has an actuator according to the type described above, the shaft-fixed end of which is connected to a stabilizer section and the output-side end of which is connected to a stabilizer section.

• 1 einen aktiv verstellbaren Wankstabilisator eines Kraftfahrzeugs, in Zusammenwirkung mit gegenüberliegenden Radaufhängungen der rechten und linken Fahrzeugseite in schematischer Ansicht,
• 2 einen Aktuator eines verstellbaren Wankstabilisators mit Sensoreinrichtung zur Drehmomenterfassung in vereinfacht schematischer Darstellung,
• 3 eine an einem wie in 2 dargestellten Aktuator zum Einsatz kommende Sensoreinrichtung im axialen Schnitt des Aktuators in schematisch vereinfachter Darstellung,
• 4 eine Sensoreinheit einer Sensoreinrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung von radial schräg außen,
• 5 die Sensoreinrichtung gemäß 4 in perspektivischer Schnittdarstellung, schräg von der Seite,
• 6 die Sensoreinheit der 4 und 5, angeordnet im Aktuatorgehäuse (Hohlwelle) eines Aktuators im axialen Schnitt, wobei aus Darstellungsgründen übrige Elemente des Aktuators weggelassen sind,
• 7 die im Aktuatorgehäuse (Hohlwelle) angeordnete Sensoreinheit (Sekundärsensor) im Anordnungszustand wie in 6 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben,
• 8 die Sensoreinheit in einer alternativen perspektivischen Darstellung von radial außen,
• 9 die Sensoreinheit in perspektivischer Darstellung schräg von der Seite,
• 10 die Sensoreinheit in Draufsicht,
• 11 eine Spulenträgerplatine in vereinfachter Darstellung in Draufsicht mit kreuzweise ausgerichteten Langlöchern.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. This also results in further features and advantageous effects of the invention. In the drawing shows:

• 1 an actively adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, in cooperation with opposing wheel suspensions on the right and left side of the vehicle in a schematic view,
• 2 an actuator of an adjustable roll stabilizer with a sensor device for detecting torque in a simplified schematic representation,
• 3 one on one as in 2 The sensor device used in the actuator is shown in an axial section of the actuator in a schematically simplified representation,
• 4 a sensor unit of a sensor device in a perspective view from the radially oblique outside,
• 5 the sensor device according to 4 in a perspective sectional view, diagonally from the side,
• 6 the sensor unit of the 4 and 5 , arranged in the actuator housing (hollow shaft) of an actuator in axial section, with other elements of the actuator being omitted for reasons of illustration,
• 7 the sensor unit (secondary sensor) arranged in the actuator housing (hollow shaft) in the arrangement state as in 6 in a perspective view from diagonally above,
• 8th the sensor unit in an alternative perspective view from the radial outside,
• 9 the sensor unit in a perspective view diagonally from the side,
• 10 the sensor unit in top view,
• 11 a coil carrier board in a simplified representation in a top view with crosswise aligned elongated holes.

To illustrate the area of application of the invention shows 1 First, an actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1 for a motor vehicle in a simplified, schematic, perspective view. The adjustable roll stabilizer 1 is part of a not completely shown chassis of a motor vehicle (not shown). A left wheel 7a and a right wheel 7b arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle are each connected to the body of the motor vehicle via a wheel suspension 8a and 8b (shown in simplified form). The left wheel 7a and the associated wheel suspension 8a or the right wheel 7b and the associated wheel suspension 8b are each coupled to an outer end of an associated stabilizer section 6a or 6b of the actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1. The two stabilizer sections 6a and 6b are connected to one another in the center of the vehicle via an actuator 2 - shown in simplified form as a substantially cylindrical body.

In a manner known per se, the adjustable roll stabilizer 1 is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the vehicle body about an axis of rotation 3 (mounting not shown in more detail). The actuator 2, shown in simplified form as a cylindrical body, essentially comprises an actuator housing 4 which is essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 3 and which is designed at least in some areas as a hollow shaft and acts accordingly.

In the actuator housing 4, among other things, an electric motor 15 and a multi-stage planetary gear 16 are arranged; see below 2 referred to, the one as in 1 shows the actuator 2 used in a schematic side view, the approximate position of the electric motor 15 and gear 16 being indicated by arrows. The stabilizer sections 6a and 6b are in drive connection to one another via part of the actuator housing 4, the electric motor 15 and the multi-stage planetary gear 16 arranged coaxially therewith. When the electric motor 15 is stationary, the two stabilizer sections 6a, 6b are rigidly connected to one another via the actuator 2. By rotating the electric motor 15, the stabilizer sections 6a, 6b can be rotated relative to one another about the axis of rotation 3 depending on the direction of rotation. This is how the adjustable roll stabilizer 1 can be adjusted according to 1 Adjust in a manner known per se, which makes it possible to influence the roll behavior of a motor vehicle equipped with the roll stabilizer 1.

According to the schematic representation shown, the stabilizer section 6a is fixed to the housing, ie it is connected to one end 5a of the actuator housing 4 in a rotationally fixed manner. On the other hand, the stabilizer section 6b is connected to the actuator 2 at its output end 5b. That is, the stabilizer section 6b is rotatably mounted relative to the actuator housing 4, but at the same time is drive-connected to the transmission output of the actuator 2. Depending on the operating state of the motor vehicle equipped with the roll stabilizer 1, a torque M acts between the stabilizer sections 6a, 6b, which is in 1 is referred to as a double arrow acting around the axis of rotation 3. The strength and direction of the torque M depend on the respective operating state.

The in 2 Actuator 2 shown, which is part of a as in 1 schematically shown adjustable roll stabilizer 1, is further provided with a control 14, which - like the electric motor 15 and the multi-stage planetary gear 16 - is located within the actuator housing 4 in an area of the actuator housing facing the stabilizer section 6a fixed to the housing. The controller 14 includes, among other things, electrical and/or electronic components, among other things for controlling and powering the electric motor 15. Furthermore, a sensor device 10 is arranged in this area of the actuator housing 4, which works according to the principle of active inverse magnetostriction and with which a Torque M acting on the actuator 2 about the axis of rotation can be recorded and measured.

In 2 For reasons of simplification, the stabilizer sections 6a, 6b are shortened and shown in simplified form as stubs extending along the axis of rotation 3. The actuator 2 located between these, which connects the stabilizer sections 6a and 6b to one another (see Fig. 1 ), has an electric motor 15 and a coaxially arranged multi-stage planetary gear 16, which are arranged together with the controller 14 within the actuator housing 4. As already in connection with 1 explained, the stabilizer section 6a is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the actuator housing 4, while the stabilizer section 6b is rotatably mounted relative to the actuator housing 4 and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the output of the multi-stage planetary gear 16 in order to move relative to the (fixed to the housing) by means of the electric motor 15 and the gear 16. Stabilizer section 6a to be rotatable. The housing-fixed end 5a of the actuator is therefore connected to the stabilizer section 6a, while at the output end 5b of the actuator the stabilizer section 6b is rotatably mounted relative to the actuator housing 4 and is in drive connection at least with the multi-stage planetary gear 16 and the electric motor 15. Alternatively or additionally, further or other elements could also be present in the drive train formed in this way, for example a clutch, brake, a spring and/or damping device.

The sensor device 10 of the actuator 2 essentially comprises a primary sensor and a secondary sensor. An axial section of the actuator housing 4, which is located between the electric motor 15 and the housing-fixed end of the actuator 5a, is made of a magnetizable material. According to the physical effect of inverse magnetostriction, ie a change in magnetization due to mechanical stresses, this region of the actuator housing 4, which is designed as a hollow shaft and which transmits the torque M between the stabilizer sections 6a and 6b, can be used as a primary sensor. For this purpose, a sensor unit 11 is further arranged within the actuator housing 4, which acts as a so-called secondary sensor, as in 3 shown schematically.

Based on 3 , which is an axial section through the actuator 2 2 in the area of the sensor unit 11 shows schematically, the functioning of the sensor device 10 is explained: Within the essentially rotationally symmetrical actuator housing 4 is a sensor unit 11 (secondary sensor) near the housing wall of the actuator housing 4, so in particular radially within a section of the actuator housing 4 serving as a primary sensor ( hollow shaft). The sensor unit 11 has a curved sensor head facing the inner wall of the actuator housing 4 (hollow shaft), which is equipped with a transmitter coil 12 and several receiver coils 13. By means of the transmitter coil 12 arranged on the sensor unit 11, a region of the actuator housing 4 in its vicinity (specially treated hollow shaft section of the actuator housing 4) can be actively magnetized. The magnetic response of the primary sensor is detected by means of the receiver coils 13 of the sensor unit 11 (secondary sensor).

If there is a torque M on the actuator housing 4, as in 3 indicated by the curved double arrow, the mechanical stresses caused in the material of the actuator housing 4 - according to the principle of inverse magnetostriction - cause the hollow shaft to transform the mechanical torque load (the torque M) into measurable changes in its magnetic properties. The design and material selection of the hollow shaft ensures linearity and accuracy over its service life. The change in the magnetic properties is detected via the receiver coils 13. Thus The sensor device 10 can detect and measure (determine the direction and height) a torque M acting on the actuator housing 4 (hollow shaft) of the actuator 2 through the interaction of the primary sensor and secondary sensor.

Based on the following 4 to 11 Explanations are made regarding the structural design of the sensor device 10, in the case of 4 , 5 and 6 to 10 based on an exemplary embodiment, which is described below in different aspects. Since the figures mentioned refer to the same exemplary embodiment, the following description of the exemplary embodiment applies equally to all of the figures mentioned.

The 4 , 5 and 8 to 10 show a sensor unit 11 according to one and the same exemplary embodiment in different views, the sensor unit 11 being shown by itself in these figures. On the other hand, they show 6 and 7 the sensor unit 11 is installed in a hollow shaft section of the actuator housing 4 (installed state). For illustration and clear presentation are in the 6 and 7 In addition to the sensor unit 11 and the hollow shaft section of the actuator housing 4, other parts and components of an actuator are omitted. It is understood that the one in the 6 and 7 illustrated section of the actuator housing 4 part of one as based on 2 or. 1 shown actuator of a roll stabilizer can be.

First of all, the following is based on the 4 , 5 and 6 to 10 the sensor unit 11 is described with regard to its structure. As essential elements, the sensor unit 11 therefore has a sensor housing 23, a coil board 22, and a coil carrier board 18 (in the sectional view according to 6 and 7 designated), an electronic board 17 and a cage tab 25. The sensor housing 23 is a trough-shaped plastic part with a radially outwardly curved underside. The curvature of the underside is selected such that the sensor housing 23 essentially follows the curvature of the inner wall of the actuator housing 4 when installed in the actuator housing 4 (hollow shaft).

Like in the 4 , 8th and 9 shown, four support pads 27 are formed on the underside of the sensor housing 23, which protrude radially from the curved plane of the underside of the sensor housing 23. When installed in the actuator housing 4 (see 6 and 7 ), the sensor housing 23 contacts the actuator housing 4 exclusively via the four support pads 27. In this way it is ensured that the sensor housing 23 occupies a defined relative position relative to the actuator housing 4 (thus the primary sensor), which remains unchanged over the operating period of the actuator 2.

On the underside of the sensor housing 23 are, for example in 4 can be seen, two housing slots 28 are formed. Each of the housing slots 28 extends parallel to the axis of rotation 3 (based on the installed state in the actuator housing 4), thus orthogonal to the direction of curvature of the underside of the sensor housing 23.

In the sensor housing 23 is, as best in the 6 and 7 can be seen, a coil carrier board 18 arranged in the bottom area. It is a flat, rectangular component that is held in position relative to the sensor housing 23 via four retaining pins 21, each of the four retaining pins 21 protruding through a hole 20 formed in the coil carrier board 18. Accordingly, the coil carrier board 18 is locked in the plane in four areas relative to the sensor housing 23.

On the underside, the coil carrier board 18 rests on the sensor housing 23, at least in its outer areas, as shown in 6 can be seen, which ensures that the coil carrier board 18 is held at a defined distance from the sensor housing 23 and thus at a defined distance and close to the actuator housing 4.

Below the coil carrier board 18, the coil board 22 is arranged, which is attached to the coil carrier board 18. On the coil board 22 there is an arrangement of sensor coils - not visible here - comprising at least one transmitter coil and one receiver coil (see explanation for 3 ). Because the coil board 22 is attached to the coil carrier board 18, the transmitter and receiver coils arranged on the coil board 22 are also in a defined position relative to the actuator housing 4. The relative position of the coil board 22 relative to the actuator housing 4 is for the reliability and accuracy of the sensor device 10 is very important.

As in 4 To see, the coil board 22 protrudes in opposite areas into the two housing slots 28 formed on the sensor housing 23, so that these - as in 4 shown - becomes partially visible from below.

As in 5 As can be seen, a large number of contact pins 19 are formed on the coil carrier board 18, which in the exemplary embodiment shown protrude in two rows parallel to one another orthogonally from the coil carrier board 18 in the direction of the electronic board 17 and penetrate it. The contact pins 19 serve to provide electrically necessary contacts between to produce the coil carrier board 18 or the coil board 22 arranged thereon and electronic circuits located on the electronic board 17. The individual pins 19 penetrate the electronic board 17, in particular without forming a rigid mechanical connection to the electronic board 17. This ensures in particular that there is a certain mechanical decoupling between the coil board 22 and the electronic board 17. In this way, it is avoided that, for example, changes in position of the electronic board 17, which can be caused in particular by temperature influences or other disruptive influences, influence the relative position of the coil board 22 relative to the actuator housing 4, which would lead to a deterioration in the accuracy of the sensor device. The electrical connection between pins 19 and circuits on the electronic board 17 is established in a manner to be explained.

Like in the 4, 6 to 10 As can be seen, a so-called cage tab 25 is also assigned to the sensor housing 23. The cage tab 25 contributes significantly to holding the sensor housing 23 in a defined relative position relative to the actuator housing 4 (hollow shaft), particularly over the lifespan of the sensor device 10. The cage tab 25 is a metallic molded part which surrounds the sensor housing 23 like a frame. The cage tab has resilient properties, in particular it is inherently resiliently deformable. The cage tab 25 has two brackets 33, 34 that run parallel to one another and each end at a front connecting web 35 and a rear connecting web 36, respectively. The front and rear connecting webs 35, 36 also run parallel to each other, orthogonal to the two brackets 33, 34. An approximately teardrop-shaped soldering surface 26 is formed on the front connecting web 35, which protrudes forward from the cage tab 25, and there is a corresponding one on the rear bracket rear-facing drop-shaped soldering surface 26 is formed. The terms “front” and “rear” in this context refer to the circumferential extent of the sensor housing 23.

Like that 4 , 8th , 9 and 10 As can be seen, the brackets 33, 34 of the cage tab 25 run laterally from the sensor housing 23, while the connecting webs 35, 36 run transversely parallel to the end faces of the sensor housing 23, see in particular 10 .

As in 9 As can be seen, the brackets 33, 34 of the cage tab 25 are supported in their central areas on a shoulder 31 formed on the sensor housing 23. A radially outwardly acting force can be exerted on the sensor housing 23 by the cage tab 25 via the shoulder 31. A radially inward-pointing projection in the form of a holding arm 32 formed on the shoulder 31 prevents the bracket 33, 34 of the cage tab 25 from slipping laterally outwards from the shoulder 31.

Regarding 10 It can be seen that a total of eight fitting lugs 24 are formed on the sensor housing 23 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Of these, four fitting lugs 24 point forwards or backwards (tangential direction) from the sensor housing 23, while four further fitting lugs 24 protrude from the sensor housing 23 in the lateral direction (in opposite axial directions). The sensor housing 23 rests in the tangential direction and in the axial direction on the cage tab 25 only in the contact points specified by the eight fitting lugs 24. In this way it is ensured that the relative position of the sensor housing 23 relative to the actuator housing 4 after assembly is as decoupled as possible from possible deformations (thermal or mechanical) or other disruptive influences that could affect the relative position of the sensor housing 23 relative to the actuator housing 4. The fitting lugs 24 are advantageously cut to size and/or abraded during assembly due to the deflection of the cage tab 25, so that a play-free connection is created (at room temperature equal to the assembly temperature).

To attach the sensor unit 11 to the actuator housing 4, the sensor unit 11 including the cage tab 25 is inserted into the actuator housing 4, as shown in FIG 6 and 7 shown. The four support pads 27 formed on the underside of the sensor housing 23 ensure that the coil board 22 in particular assumes a defined relative position relative to the actuator housing 4.

To attach the sensor unit 11 to the actuator housing 4, the cage tab 25 is pressed downwards, that is to say radially outwards, in the area of the two projecting soldering surfaces 26 (and thus slightly elastically deformed) and then soldered to the inner wall of the actuator housing 4, i.e. in a cohesive manner with it tied together. It should be mentioned that the cage tab 25 can also be connected to the actuator housing 4 in an alternative manner, in particular by a welded connection, preferably by resistance spot welding.

Due to the previous slight elastic deformation, the cage tab 25 in its deformed state in the area of the brackets 33, 34 exerts a restoring force on the shoulders 31 of the sensor housing 23, so that the entire sensor housing 23 corresponds to that in 9 arrows shown permanently is pressed against the wall of the actuator housing 4. The flow of force from the resilient cage tab 25 to the sensor housing 23 is optimized in such a way that the support pads 27 (contact areas to the actuator housing 4) are each approximately below the level caused by the in 9 Force introduction points indicated by force arrows are arranged, so that the electronics, the coil carrier and the coil board are largely kept out of the flow of force. Due to the contact of the sensor housing 23 exclusively via the four support pads 27 on the actuator housing 4, a frictional and non-positive connection is created, which ensures permanent positioning of the sensor housing 23.

According to the in 5 As can be seen from the design of the sensor unit 11, some of which have already been explained previously, the electronic board 17 is largely mechanically decoupled from the coil carrier board 18 or the coil board 22. In this context, it should be mentioned that during operational use of the sensor unit 11, there is heating and thus thermally caused expansion of the sensor unit 11 Electronic board 17 can come. Other components such as the housing 23, the pins 19, the coil carrier board 18, the coil board 22, the cage tab 25 can also heat up (or cool down) due to operation. The structure described ensures that, in particular, thermal changes in length in the board level (electronic board 17) can be compensated for. A relative position of the coil board 22 relative to the actuator housing 4 that was initially assumed when the sensor unit 11 was installed can therefore be maintained largely unchanged over the operating period.

As described with reference to the previous figures, and especially in the 6 and 7 shown, the coil carrier board 18, which is connected to the coil board 22 in order to hold it in a defined relative position relative to the actuator housing 4, is locked relative to the sensor housing 23 via 4 retaining pins 21. The retaining pins 21 each penetrate holes 20 formed in the coil carrier board 18.

Since thermal or mechanical expansion of the coil carrier board 18 can occur due to operational reasons - for example due to the influence of temperature or mechanical influences - which, in the unfavorable case, can result in a change in the relative position of the coil board 22 relative to the actuator housing 4 11 shown coil carrier board 18, the four through holes 20 are each designed as elongated holes and have a cross arrangement to one another.

In the 11 The coil carrier board 18 shown has a square base area in plan view, in which diagonals (alternatively shown in dashed lines) are drawn. Each of the elongated holes 20 is aligned parallel to the diagonal intersecting the respective elongated hole. In a normal state, which is characterized in particular by a normal ambient temperature such as 21 ° C, the fastening pins 21 are each in the middle of the respective elongated hole 20. In this way it is ensured that at least the center of the coil carrier board 18 is in spite of a possible taking place (for example thermal) expansion of the coil carrier board 18 in both surface directions does not change with regard to its relative position relative to the actuator housing 4. The elongated holes 20 in the crosswise arrangement, on the one hand, specify a statically determined position of the coil carrier board 18; at the same time, the elongated hole arrangement allows the size of the coil carrier board 18 to be changed without this changing the position of the center of the coil carrier board 18 or distorting the storage comes. According to the same principle, changes in size of the sensor housing 23 - for example thermally caused ones - are compensated for.

Reference symbols

1

Roll stabilizer

2

actuator

3

Axis of rotation

4

Actuator housing (hollow shaft)

5a

end of the actuator fixed to the housing

5b

output end of the actuator

6a

Stabilizer section (fixed to housing)

6b

Stabilizer section (output side)

7a, 7b

wheel

8a, 8b

suspension

10

Sensor device

11

Sensor unit (secondary sensor)

12

Transmitter coil

13

Receiver coil

14

steering

15

Electric motor

16

(multi-stage planetary) gearbox

17

Electronic board

18

Coil carrier board

19

Contact pin

20

Hole

21

retaining pin

22

coil board

23

Sensor housing

24

Pass nose

25

Cage tab

26

soldering surface

27

Support pad

28

Housing slot

31

shoulder

32

Holding arm

33

hanger

34

hanger

35

web

36

web

M

Torque

Claims (18)

Actuator (2) for a chassis device, in particular for an actively adjustable roll stabilizer (1) or a steering device of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hollow shaft, a drive unit (15, 16) connected thereto, the actuator (2) having a shaft-fixed end (5a) and has an output-side end (5b), which can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation (3) by means of the drive unit (15, 16) by applying a torque (M) acting between the ends (5a, 5b) of the actuator (2), and a sensor device (10) for detecting the transmitted torque (M) using inverse magnetostriction, the sensor device (10) comprising a primary sensor formed at least in some areas by the hollow shaft and a sensor unit (11) arranged within the hollow shaft, characterized in that the Sensor unit (11) comprises a sensor housing (23) and means (25) for holding the sensor unit (11), which touch the sensor housing tangentially and axially only at points in order to hold it in a defined position. Actuator (2) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the hollow shaft is part of an actuator housing (4) which accommodates the drive unit (15, 16), the sensor unit (11) being arranged within the actuator housing (4), which at least partially serves as a primary sensor. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft-fixed end (5a) and the output-side end (5b) can each be connected to opposite stabilizer sections (6a, 6b) of the roll stabilizer (1) in order to control them by means of the drive unit ( 15, 16) to rotate the rotation axis (3) against each other. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fitting lugs (24) projecting in tangential directions and/or in axial directions are formed on the sensor housing (23). Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two fitting lugs (24) protrude from the sensor housing (23) in each of the two tangential directions. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two fitting lugs (24) protrude from the sensor housing (23) in each of the two axial directions. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor housing (23) has a trough-like basic shape, which has a curvature on its radially outward-facing underside that is adapted to the contour of the inner wall of the actuator housing (4). Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor housing has a receiving area for the coil arrangement (12, 13), particularly in the area of the curved underside. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (25) extend at least partially over the sensor housing (23) and touch it radially in at least one holding area (31) in order to apply an in With respect to the axis of rotation (3) to exert a contact pressure acting radially from the inside to the outside against the actuator housing (4). Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (25) have two side brackets (33, 34) and two end webs (35, 36), which are connected to form a closed, essentially rectangular structure. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (25) surround the sensor housing (23) like a frame and are preferably designed as a so-called cage tab. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more, preferably two, holding areas in the form of shoulders (31) are formed on the sensor housing (23), on which the holding means (25) rest in the radial direction. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (25) are cohesively connected to the actuator housing (4), in particular glued, soldered or welded to it. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several, in particular two, contact areas (26) are formed on the holding means (25), via which the holding means (25) are connected to the actuator housing (4). Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact areas (26) are each formed on an end web (35, 36) of the holding means (25), in particular protruding therefrom in the circumferential direction. Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (25) are elastically deformed in the radial direction in a state connected to the actuator housing (4) in order to hold the sensor housing (23) from the radial inside against by means of the restoring forces caused thereby to press the actuator housing (4). Actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (11) has a sensor housing (23) and holding means (25) connected to the actuator housing (4) for pressing the sensor housing (23) from radially inside against the actuator housing ( 4). Actively adjustable roll stabilizer (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the shaft-fixed end (5a) of which is connected to a stabilizer section (6a) and the output-side end (5b) of which is connected to a stabilizer section (6b).

Images