CN215850622U - Adapter, sensor device and electronic control air suspension system - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to an adapter 10 for connecting a first component to an end of a first pipe element, the adapter 10 comprising a first pipe segment 11, a second pipe segment 12 and a holding clamp 18, the first pipe segment 11 being fixed on the first component by the holding clamp 18; the second pipe section 12 surrounds the end of the first pipe element, the second pipe section 12 being provided with locking means for securing the adaptor 10 to the end of the first pipe element. The utility model also relates to a sensor device and an electrically controlled air suspension system. With the adapter 10, the sensor unit 4 can be arranged on the measuring tube 6 simply and reliably.

Description

Adapter, sensor device and electronic control air suspension system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a first component to an end of a first tubular element. The utility model also relates to a sensor device having a sensor unit with an ultrasonic sensor and a measuring tube, wherein the sensor unit is arranged at an end of the measuring tube. The utility model further relates to a sensor device and an electrically controlled air suspension system having such a sensor device.

Background

The sensor device described in the opening paragraph is known, for example, from a piston-cylinder arrangement with a movement detection device. The cylinder of such a device corresponds here to the measuring tube, and a movement detection device, which is composed of a transmitter and a receiver, is arranged in the piston rod guide (arranged at the first end of the cylinder). The sound waves are transmitted during operation of the motion detection device, and the travel time of the transmitted sound waves is a measure of the distance between the sound source of the motion detection device and the reflector that reflects the transmitted sound waves.

The known sensor device requires a piston rod guide with a movement detection means, which piston rod guide in each case is specifically coordinated with the corresponding cylinder of the sensor device and is adapted to this cylinder. Not only is the production of such a sensor device therefore expensive, but it is also costly to adapt such a sensor device to different types of motor vehicles, for example.

Such a sensor device can be used, for example, to measure a change in the height of the vehicle body of a motor vehicle in the manner in which it is installed in the motor vehicle. The height change can be analyzed, for example, as a measure of the weight load (e.g., the load of the motor vehicle).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model is based on the object of providing an adapter for connecting a first component to an end of a first tube piece. The utility model is also based on the object of specifying a sensor device of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph, which makes it possible to arrange the sensor unit on the measuring tube in a simple and reliable manner while at the same time providing a high level of functional safety of the sensor device. Furthermore, it is an object of the utility model to propose an electrically controlled air suspension system with such a sensor device.

The first-mentioned object is achieved by means of an end adapter for connecting a first component to a first tubular element.

A further object of the utility model is achieved by means of a sensor device of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph and by: the sensor unit has the above-mentioned adapter; and the adapter has an adapter tube section surrounding the end of the measurement tube and is arranged on the end of the measurement tube in such a way that it closes off the end of the measurement tube.

Due to the presence of special adapters in the sensor device, a particular advantage is achieved by the utility model in that, for example, a certain type of sensor unit can be applied to different types of measuring tubes only by selecting a correspondingly suitable adapter in a suitable manner. In this way, significant cost advantages are achieved, in particular when the sensor device is mass-produced for different purposes of use, for example. The different types of measuring tubes described above may differ, for example, in that the measuring tubes have different measuring tube internal diameters and/or different measuring tube external diameters, depending on the type of measuring tube.

In the present invention, the adapter tube section surrounding the measuring tube end also makes it possible to mount the sensor unit on the measuring tube particularly simply and reliably. Furthermore, since the adapter is arranged in a closed-end manner on the end of the measuring tube, it is also ensured that no interfering objects, such as moisture or dust particles, can penetrate into the measuring space within the measuring tube from the side of the sensor unit.

The ultrasonic sensor is advantageously arranged in a protected manner within the measuring tube. The measuring tube can be filled in a simple manner with air, for example. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the measuring tube to have other gases or liquids.

The measuring tube is preferably of rectilinear design, i.e. straight. The sensor unit together with the adapter closes the end of the measuring tube. The adapter is preferably fastened on the end, wherein this fastening may be releasable or non-releasable.

The sensor device according to the utility model is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles, since it is advantageously suitable for mass production (possibly with a multiplicity of variants) on the basis of the special design of the adapter and in particular of the adapter tube section. The sensor device is preferably used for measuring a change in height of the vehicle body relative to the chassis of the motor vehicle. The sensor device is advantageously suitable for use in an on-board weighing system of a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, for example a load-carrying vehicle.

For example, it is conceivable for the sensor unit and the adapter to form an inseparable single component. In contrast, advantageously enabling a further increase in the flexibility of using the sensor unit is: according to an advantageous development of the utility model, the sensor unit and the adapter are releasably connected to one another. In this way, for example, a certain type of sensor unit can be connected to or used together with different types of measuring tubes by selecting a correspondingly adapted adapter in order to form a sensor device. The adapter can preferably have an anti-rotation protection for ensuring a non-rotatable position of the adapter relative to the sensor unit. The anti-rotation protection can be designed, for example, as an adapter recess on the adapter. The sensor unit engages in the adapter recess in a positive-fit manner.

For example, it is basically conceivable for the adapter of the sensor unit to be glued or, for example, screwed to the end of the measuring tube. Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, for the adapter to be plugged onto the end and to be fixed on the end by means of a holding clamp.

In contrast, a particularly simple and at the same time positionally reliable (in particular rotationally fixed) arrangement of the adapter on the end can be achieved by: according to a further advantageous development of the utility model, the adapter and the end have a locking. In this case, in particular the adapter tube section and the end of the adapter can have a locking. The locking portion is a locking portion common to the adapter and the end portion. The locking portion may also be referred to as a clamping portion. The locking portion may preferably be designed such that it ensures protection against splash water and thus establishes a connection of the adapter and the end in a splash-proof manner. If necessary, locking may be provided in addition to the adapter and end holding clamp connection.

Advantageously further simplifying the structure of the sensor device is: according to a further development of the utility model, a holding fixture is arranged on the adapter for connecting the adapter to the sensor unit. The sensor unit and the adapter are therefore connected to one another in an advantageous manner by means of a single structural element (i.e. a holding clamp), particularly preferably releasably. The holding fixture can be designed, for example, as a clip. The holding fixture can in particular be arranged concentrically with the central axis of the measuring tube. Furthermore, the holding fixture can advantageously have a lead seal, so that, for example, an intended handling in the proximity of the sensor unit leads to a destruction of the lead seal and can therefore be recognized afterwards. In another embodiment, the holding fixture may be arranged on the adapter or the sensor unit in a manner that it is not lost.

According to an advantageous development of the utility model, the adapter has at least one slot, and the holding clamp engages at least partially in the slot. This makes it possible to manufacture the sensor device in a simplified manner and to ensure that the holding fixture is reliably fixed to the adapter. The slot of the adapter may preferably be a circumferential slot. In particular, the slots can be arranged perpendicular (i.e., transversely) to the central axis of the measuring tube. The holding fixture may preferably be arranged at least partially in the slot. The adapter preferably has two slots, and the holding clamps engage with the holding clamp legs in a respective one of the slots.

For example, it is conceivable for the adapter and the end to be glued to one another or to be connected to one another, for example only by means of a locking part. In contrast, an advantageous development of the utility model provides that the holding clamp fixes the adapter on the end. In this way, a reliable, yet simple releasable arrangement of the sensor unit on the measuring tube, for example for maintenance purposes, can be achieved. There may be a holding jig in addition to the adapter and the locking portion of the end portion (for example, in addition to the locking portion described above). The holding fixture may then for example fix the locking portion, e.g. protect the locking portion from being released especially unintentionally.

According to a further advantageous development of the utility model, a seal is arranged between the sensor unit and the adapter. In this way, a reliable closure of the end of the measuring tube can be achieved, in particular even when the sensor unit and the adapter are connected to one another in a releasable manner. The seal may preferably be an O-ring, also referred to as a O-ring or a toroidal ring. The seal can be fixed, for example, by means of a holding clamp, in particular by means of the holding clamp described above.

In principle, it is conceivable for the sensor unit to have a fixed cable connection to a control unit of a motor vehicle, for example. In contrast, it is particularly advantageous, for example, for the subsequent installation of the sensor device according to the utility model in, for example, a motor vehicle: according to a further development of the utility model, the sensor unit has a sensor connection element. The sensor connection element can be designed, for example, as a plug. The sensor connection element can also have sensor electronics, for example for signal processing of the measurement signals of the ultrasonic sensor of the sensor unit.

The above-mentioned object, which is secondly mentioned, is achieved by means of a motor vehicle having a sensor device according to the utility model, a chassis and a vehicle body, wherein a first end of a measuring tube of the sensor device is connected to the vehicle body and a second end of the measuring tube is connected to the chassis.

The chassis of the motor vehicle may be, for example, an unsprung chassis. The vehicle body may in particular be a sprung vehicle body. In order to damp the vehicle body, at least one spring, for example a leaf spring (in particular a leaf spring set) and/or an air spring, can be arranged between the chassis and the vehicle body. Depending on the loading or unloading of the vehicle body, the spring arranged between the chassis and the vehicle body is loaded or unloaded, i.e. the weight load acting on the spring varies. The spacing between the chassis and the vehicle body varies in correspondence with the variation in the weight load (i.e., the loading or unloading of the spring). Such a change in the spacing (change may also be referred to or regarded as a height change between the chassis and the vehicle body) can advantageously be detected and measured by means of a sensor device. This height variation is a measure of the variation in the weight load on the vehicle body. It is thus possible to draw conclusions about the size of the load of the motor vehicle by measuring the height change. Loading of the motor vehicle causes the spacing to decrease and thus a negative height change between the vehicle body and the chassis, while unloading of the motor vehicle causes the spacing to increase and thus a positive height change between the vehicle body and the chassis. The sensor device can therefore advantageously be part of the vehicle's own weight detection system of the motor vehicle (so-called on-board weighing system).

It is particularly advantageous with the utility model that, for example, the sensor for detecting the weight does not have to be arranged directly on or at, for example, a steel spring (in particular a leaf spring), which could lead to damage to the spring. Furthermore, it is advantageous with the aid of the utility model that the sensor for detecting the weight need not be arranged directly on or at the axle of the motor vehicle, which arrangement may lead to falsification of the measurement result, since it is costly and difficult to distinguish between an additional weight load of the motor vehicle, for example, and driving over uneven roadways or curb.

According to an advantageous further development of the utility model, a vibration damper is arranged between the vehicle body and the chassis, wherein the vibration damper is connected with a first vibration damper end to the vehicle body and with a second vibration damper end to the chassis, and wherein the sensor device is arranged on the vibration damper. In this refinement, it is particularly advantageous if the sensor device can be installed subsequently (for example as a spare part) in a simple manner in the motor vehicle. The damper can be, in particular, a cylindrical damper. The measuring tube of the sensor device is preferably arranged parallel to the vibration damper.

According to a further advantageous development of the utility model, the first end of the measuring tube is fastened at one damper end and the second end of the measuring tube is fastened at the second damper end. The first end of the measuring tube is preferably the end on which the adapter is arranged. The measuring tube can preferably be subsequently mounted (for example screwed or clamped) on the damper. Furthermore, the measuring tube can be fastened to the damper in a releasable manner, so that the measuring tube can be removed from the damper, for example, in a simple manner.

The utility model also relates to improvements of the electrically controlled air suspension system according to the utility model, which have the features as already described in connection with the improvements of the sensor device according to the utility model and vice versa.

The utility model also comprises a combination of features of the described embodiments.

Drawings

Embodiments of the utility model are schematically and roughly illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below. In the schematic and rough illustration, it is shown that:

figure 1 shows a part of a sensor device in a sectional view,

figure 2 shows the sensor device according to figure 1 in a perspective view,

figure 3 shows a sensor unit of the sensor device according to figure 1 in a perspective view,

figure 4 shows in a perspective view an adapter of the sensor device according to figure 1,

figure 5 shows in a perspective view a holding fixture of the sensor device according to figure 1,

FIG. 6 shows a part of a vibration damper and a sensor device in a perspective view, an

Fig. 7 shows a motor vehicle with a plurality of sensor devices.

Corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a detail of a sensor device 1 in a schematic and rough illustration, which has a sensor unit 4 with an ultrasonic sensor 2. The sensor device 1 also has a linear measuring tube 6, only a part of the measuring tube 6 being shown here with a first end 8. The sensor unit 4 is arranged on a first end 8 of the measurement pipe 6.

The sensor device 1 further has an adapter 10 for connecting the sensor unit 4 (first component) to the first end 8 of the measuring tube 6 (first tube).

The adapter 10 comprises a first pipe segment 11, a second pipe segment 12 and a holding clamp 18, wherein the first pipe segment 11 is fixed on the sensor unit 4 through the holding clamp 18; the second pipe section 12 surrounds the end of the measuring pipe 6 and is arranged on the first end 8 in such a way that it closes the first end 8.

The sensor unit can be formed as a single component with the adapter, that is to say in particular in one piece. In contrast, in the embodiment shown here, the sensor unit 4 and the adapter 10 form two components. The sensor unit 4 and the adapter 10 are also releasably connected to each other.

The first pipe section 11 at least partly encloses the sensor unit 4 or a part of the sensor unit 4, in this embodiment the first pipe section 11 partly encloses a part of the sensor unit 4 and is fixed to the sensor unit 4 by means of a holding clamp 18.

The holding clip 18 is designed here as a U-shaped clip (see fig. 5), the holding clip 18 being formed in one piece, for example from a plastic material or, for example, a metal material (for example a metal wire).

As is evident in particular from fig. 4, the adapter 10 has a receptacle 20 for holding the clip 18. The receptacle 20 is designed in the exemplary embodiment shown here as a slot 22. The holding fixture 18 engages at least partially into the slot 22 (see fig. 2). Furthermore, the receptacle 20 has a second slot 23 in this embodiment. The holding clip 18 engages with holding clip legs 35, 37 (see fig. 5) in a respective one of the slots 22, 23 of the receptacle 20.

In order to seal the connection of the sensor unit 4 and the adapter 10 and the first end 8 of the measuring tube 6, a seal 14 is arranged between the sensor unit 4 and the adapter 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the seal 14 is designed as an O-ring 16. The holding clamp 18 also secures the seal 14 between the adapter 10 and the sensor unit 4 and thus ensures a reliable seal.

The adapter 10 and the first end 8 of the measuring tube 6 also have a common locking portion 24. The locking portion 24 has a projection 26 on the adapter tube section 12 of the adapter 10 and a recess 28 in the first end 8 of the measuring tube 6. The recesses 28 correspond to the projections 26 in such a way that the projections 26 snap into the measuring tube 6 in the assembled state of the sensor unit 4 and the measuring tube 6. The locking 24 ensures, in particular, a rotationally fixed arrangement of the adapter 10 and the measuring tube 6.

Furthermore, the adapter 10 has an anti-rotation protection 31 for ensuring a position of the adapter 10 that cannot be rotated relative to the sensor unit 4. The anti-rotation protection 31 is designed here as an adapter recess 33 on the adapter 10. The sensor unit 4 engages in the adapter recess 33 in a positive-fit manner (see fig. 2).

As is evident, for example, from fig. 3, the sensor unit 4 has a receptacle 30 of the sensor unit 4 for holding the clip 18, which receptacle corresponds to the receptacle 20 of the adapter 10 for holding the clip 18. The receptacle 30 of the sensor unit 4 is designed here as a recess 32. Fig. 5 shows a holding jig 8 with clamping regions 34, 36 of holding jig legs 35, 37 which engage into the receptacle 20 of the adapter 10 and into the receptacle 30 of the sensor unit 4.

The sensor unit 4 also has a sensor connection element 38. The sensor connection element 38 has a plug 40 for connecting the sensor device 1, for example, to a control unit of a motor vehicle.

Fig. 7 shows in a bold outline a suspension system in a motor vehicle 42 for the elastic connection of the vehicle body to the chassis, the motor vehicle 42 (which may in particular be a commercial vehicle, for example a utility vehicle) having in this embodiment a front axle 56 and a first rear axle 58 as well as a second rear axle 60. The front axle 56 and the two rear axles 58, 60 are components of the chassis of the motor vehicle 42. The vehicle body of the motor vehicle 42 is suspended relative to the front axle 56 by means of a leaf spring arrangement 62. The vehicle body is suspended relative to the rear axles 58, 60 by means of air spring devices 64, 66, respectively. Thus, in this embodiment only the rear axle 60 is an electronically controlled air suspension system. In other embodiments, such as passenger cars, both the front and rear axles are electronically controlled air suspension systems.

The electronically controlled air suspension system includes a controller 52, solenoid valves 53, air spring assemblies 64, 66, shock absorbers 44, and sensor apparatus 1.

A plurality of shock absorbers 44 are arranged between the vehicle body and the chassis. The dampers 44 are each connected with a first damper end 46 to the vehicle body and with a second damper end 48 to the chassis, on which dampers 44 the sensor device 1 is arranged (see fig. 6).

The first ends 8 of the measuring tubes 6 are in each case fastened to the respective first damper ends 46, and the second ends 50 of the measuring tubes 6 are fastened to the respective second damper ends 48. The sensor device 1 is connected to a controller 52 of the motor vehicle 42.

The sensor unit 4 with the ultrasonic sensor 2 is responsible for detecting the change of the height of the vehicle (the height of the vehicle body relative to the chassis) and transmitting the detected data to the controller 52, and the controller 52 also receives other information, such as speed information, brake information, door information, air supply pressure information and the like, comprehensively judges the current state of the motor vehicle, drives the electromagnetic valve to work according to control logic, and realizes the adjustment of each air spring device through air charging and discharging.

Information on the loading state of the motor vehicle 42 (for example, the carrying weight) calculated by the controller 52 from the measurement value of the sensor device 1 can be displayed on the display device 54. The display device 54 may be, for example, an integral part of the motor vehicle 42. It is however also conceivable that the display device 54 is a device located outside the vehicle, for example a mobile communication unit such as a smartphone or a computer of a transportation centre.

The leaf spring arrangement 62 has two leaf spring sets, and the air spring arrangements 64, 66 each have two air springs. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the respective sensor device 1 is arranged in parallel with the spring arrangement (leaf spring arrangement 62, air spring arrangement 64, 66) between the vehicle axles (front axle 56, rear axle 58, 60) and the vehicle body. The sensor devices 1 are each assigned to a respective spring (leaf spring set, air spring).

The motor vehicle 42 has an on-board weighing system, i.e. the vehicle's own weight detection system. The sensor device 1 and the controller 52 and the display device 54 are at least partially part of this on-board weighing system, in particular at least partially, since in particular the controller 52 and the display device 54 can also and possibly can also assume further functions for the motor vehicle 42 in addition to the function for the on-board weighing system.

In summary, the embodiments show how a sensor device (with a sensor unit with an ultrasonic sensor and a measuring tube) and a motor vehicle with such a sensor device can be provided by the utility model, in particular for measuring height variations of the vehicle body relative to the chassis, in particular in an on-board weighing system.

Claims (10)

1. An adapter (10), characterized in that the adapter (10) is used for connecting a first component to an end of a first pipe fitting, the adapter (10) comprising a first pipe section (11), a second pipe section (12) and a holding clamp (18), the first pipe section (11) being fixed on the first component by the holding clamp (18); a second pipe section (12) surrounds the end of the first pipe section, the second pipe section (12) being provided with a locking portion for fixing the adaptor (10) to the end of the first pipe section.

2. The adapter (10) of claim 1, wherein the first tube segment (11) at least partially surrounds the first component or a portion of the first component, the first tube segment (11) having at least one slot (22), the retention clip (18) at least partially engaging into the slot (22) to secure the adapter (10) to the first component.

3. The adapter (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first pipe section (11) also has a second slot (23), the holding clamp (18) being a U-shaped clamp with holding clamp legs (35, 37) engaging into a respective one of the slots (22, 23), respectively.

4. A sensor device (1), characterized in that the sensor device (1) comprises a sensor unit (4), a measuring tube (6) and an adapter (10), the adapter (10) being used for connecting the sensor unit (4) to an end of the measuring tube (6), the adapter (10) comprising a first tube section (11), a second tube section (12) and a holding clamp (18), the first tube section (11) being fixed on the sensor unit (4) by the holding clamp (18); the second pipe section (12) surrounds the first end (8) of the measuring pipe (6), the second pipe section (12) being provided with a locking for fixing the adapter (10) to the first end (8) of the measuring pipe (6).

5. Sensor device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first tube section (11) at least partially encloses the sensor unit (4) or a part of the sensor unit (4), that the outside of the enclosed sensor unit (4) or part of the sensor unit (4) is provided with a groove (32), that the first tube section (11) has at least one slot (22), that the holding clamp (18) at least partially engages into the slot (22) and snaps into said groove (32), and that the adapter (10) is fixed on the sensor unit (4).

6. Sensor device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the adapter (10) is a separate component, or in that the adapter (10) and the sensor unit (4) constitute a single component which cannot be separated, or in that the adapter (10) is fastened to the end of the measuring tube (6) constituting a single component which cannot be separated.

7. Sensor device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a seal (14) is provided between the sensor unit (4) and the adapter (10).

8. Sensor device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor unit (4) further has a sensor connection element (38).

9. An electrically controlled air suspension system for elastically connecting a vehicle body with a chassis, characterized in that the electrically controlled air suspension system comprises a controller (52), air spring devices (64, 66), solenoid valves (53) and shock absorbers (44), the shock absorbers (44) being connected to the vehicle body with a first shock absorber end (46) and to the chassis with a second shock absorber end (48), respectively, a sensor device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8 being arranged on the shock absorbers (44), respectively, the sensor device (1) being connected with the controller (52).

10. An electrically controlled air suspension system according to claim 9, characterised in that the first end (8) of the measuring tube (6) of the sensor device (1) is fastened to the first damper end (46) and the second end (50) of the measuring tube (6) is fastened to the second damper end (48).

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