DE102008053055B4 - Arrangement and transmission with such an arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement which comprises at least one closure part for closing a recess of a housing, heat sink parts and a thermogenerator (8), a first side of the thermogenerator (8) being thermally conductive with the closure part and / or with a part which is connected to the closure part in a thermally conductive manner, is connected, wherein a second side of the thermal generator (8) is connected to a first heat sink part (5) in a thermally conductive manner, which is connected to a second heat sink part (13) in a heat-conducting manner to dissipate heat to the environment, with between the closure part and the second heat sink part (13 ) at least one heat barrier (41) is arranged, the closure part, heat barrier (41) and second heat sink part (13) forming the housing for the thermal generator (8), the closure part being designed as a screw-in housing part (1) which can be screwed into a threaded hole in the housing is, wherein the second heat sink part (13) with the force generated by a spring element (12) presses the thermal generator (8) onto the screw-in housing part (1) or a part firmly connected to it, the spring element (12) being supported on the first heat sink part (5) or another housing-forming part of the arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement and transmission with such an arrangement.

It is known to equip the gear housing with an oil drain hole into which a device such as a closure part or the like can be screwed. In this way, an oil change can be carried out during maintenance.

From the DE 10 2004 005 151 A1 It is known to provide a thermal generator on a part which can be connected by means of spring force to a heat sink part which closes a recess in a housing.

The invention is based on the object of improving the safety of systems.

According to the invention, the object is achieved with the arrangement according to the features specified in claim 1.

The advantage here is that at operating temperatures that are higher than the ambient temperatures, the thermal generator can generate energy with which, for example, sensor signals are evaluated or processed and corresponding information can be transmitted to a further electronic circuit arranged in the vicinity, in particular wired or wireless. In particular, the thermal generator can be arranged and protected in the interior of the parts mentioned. Nevertheless, a good thermally conductive coupling of one side to the hot medium and the other side to the environment can be implemented.

In addition, the ability to maintain systems and their safety is improved by the invention.

According to the invention, the screw-in housing part and the thermal barrier are connected via a union nut, which also has a housing-forming effect. The advantage here is that a mechanically stable housing arrangement can be produced for the thermal generator, which is also able to dissipate external forces and impulses and thus protect the thermal generator. Nevertheless, the union nut can be used to achieve a defined pressing force for pressing the thermal generator between the two sides, that is to say contact surfaces that are at the two temperature levels.

In an advantageous embodiment, the screw-in housing part is screwed with an external thread into a threaded hole, in particular into an axial threaded hole, of a housing, in particular a gear housing,
in particular wherein the housing comprises a hot medium, in particular gear lubricating oil. The advantage here is that a firm and sealable closure of the threaded hole is achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, the thermal generator is arranged axially outside the external thread area of the screw-in housing part and / or axially outside the threaded bore. The advantage here is that the heat conduction path to the outer surface of the second heat sink is as short as possible. In addition, the screw-in housing part can be provided with a recess such that the hot medium, in particular a liquid medium, comes as close as possible to the thermal generator and this is only separated from the hot medium by means of the wall thickness of the screw-in housing part or a corresponding receiving part connected to the screw-in housing part.

In an advantageous embodiment, the thermal barrier is designed as a plastic part and / or as a local thinning of a wall thickness. The advantage here is that a simple and inexpensive design is made possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second heat sink part presses the thermal generator onto the screw-in housing part or a part firmly connected to it with the force generated by a spring element, the spring element being supported on the first heat sink part or another housing-forming part of the device. The advantage here is that a defined pressing force for the thermal generator can be produced in a simple manner.

According to the invention, the second heat sink part is provided in a recess of the first heat sink part, with a loose fit being provided for the heat-conducting connection and with an axially directed degree of freedom, in particular to protect the thermal generator, and a rotational degree of freedom for the relative movement of the first to the second heat sink part, in particular for Protection of the thermal generator against excessive forces, such as pressure, pressure, shock, vibration or the like. A loose fit is understood here as a fitting connection which allows mechanical sliding due to the forces generated by the spring element. The advantage here is that an anti-twist device can be provided, in particular against rotational movement when the union nut is screwed onto the screw-in housing part. Thus, a rotary movement between the screw-in housing part and the thermal generator and between the thermal generator and heat sink is prevented.

In an advantageous embodiment, recesses for leading out electrical Lines or antenna lines from a circuit board on which the thermal generator is arranged are provided, in particular in the first and / or second heat sink part. The advantage here is that data transmission to a further electronic device is enabled and thus warning information and / or monitoring information and / or measurement information can be evaluated and / or transmitted, displayed and taken into account. Contactless data transmission is also made possible by means of the antenna, so that less installation effort is required even in the case of restricted space conditions or difficult accessibility.

In an advantageous embodiment, the thermal generator is arranged together with a sensor on a circuit board, in particular together with a temperature sensor.

The advantage here is that the energy generated by the generator can be used to supply the sensor and the sensor data can be recorded, processed, evaluated and / or transmitted.

According to the invention, the union nut is connected to a plastic part designed as a heat barrier via a snap ring. The advantage here is that a certain anti-twist protection can be provided. If the union nut is screwed on, the rotation of the thermal barrier can be prevented if the heat sink is held in place by hand or with a tool. The thermal barrier can be securely fixed, for example, by holding the second heat sink part screwed to the heat barrier or by means of a bolt that is positively connected to prevent rotation in the second heat sink part and in the screw-in housing part.

In an advantageous embodiment, a bolt is provided which is positively connected to the screw-in housing part and the first heat sink part in such a way that the first heat sink part is secured against rotation to protect the thermal generator. The advantage here is the increased protection and thus also the increased safety of the thermal generator.

According to the invention, the plastic part designed as a thermal barrier is screw-connected to the second heat sink part. The advantage here is that, on the one hand, a thermal barrier is implemented and, on the other hand, forces can be passed through from the second heat sink part via the thermal barrier to the union nut and then to the screw-in housing part.

According to the invention, the union nut is screw-connected to the screw-in housing part, a stop being provided on the screw-in housing part. The advantage here is that a defined deflection of the spring element can be brought about.

In an advantageous embodiment, the stop is provided on the axial end of the screw-in housing part or on a projection provided on the screw-in housing part, in particular a further thermal barrier being arranged in the stop area. The advantage here is that the poorest possible heat conduction is achieved.

According to the invention, the second heat sink part has cooling fins or cooling fingers. The advantage here is that the heat dissipation to the environment is improved.

According to the invention, a heat barrier medium is arranged between the first heat sink part and the screw-in housing part, in particular the heat barrier medium being air, foam, plastic, poorly heat-conducting potting compound, fine-pored styrofoam, polyurethane foam or styrofoam. The advantage here is that thermal insulation that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture can be achieved.

According to the invention, a receiving part, in particular a copper receiving part, is provided, which is provided sealed to the screw-in housing part by means of a seal and is connected in a thermally conductive manner by means of a contact area, in particular in a bore into which the receiving part is inserted. The advantage here is that a very good thermally conductive connection of the generator to the hot medium is achieved.

Further advantages result from the subclaims.

• In der 1 ist eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in Schnittansicht gezeigt. In den 2 bis 5 sind weitere ähnliche Vorrichtungen gezeigt, wobei Teile mit ähnlicher Funktion mit gleichem Bezugszeichen bezeichnet sind.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures:

• In the 1 a device according to the invention is shown in sectional view. In the 2 until 5 further similar devices are shown, parts with a similar function being denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, a screw-in housing part is inserted into a recess of a housing part (not shown) 1 screwed in, which for this purpose has an external thread, at one axial end region of which there is a thread undercut 18th is provided. In addition, the recess is tightly closed by the screw-in housing part 1 a seal 7th provided between the screw-in housing part 1 and the housing part, not shown, is provided and is preferably designed as an O-ring.

The housing part (not shown) or the spatial area surrounded by it has during the operation of the system comprising the device at a higher temperature than the ambient air.

The screw-in housing part 1 surrounds a sensor 6th , for example temperature sensor, at least partially forming the housing. There is also a thermal generator 8th on the screw-in housing part 1 arranged and with a first side surface in a thermally conductive manner with the screw-in housing part 1 tied together. The sensor 6th and the generator 8th are on a circuit board 4th arranged, on the side facing away from the generator a first heat sink part 5 is provided.

Another circuit board 2 is by means of a flexible connection area 3 with the circuit board 4th connected and on the first heat sink part 5 intended.

The first heat sink part 5 is with a second heat sink part 13th connected in a thermally conductive manner and at least partially inserted into a receiving bore. A clearance fit is provided for the connection, so that an axial relative movement of the first heat sink part 5 in the second part of the heat sink 13th is executable. In addition, not only this translational degree of freedom is available, but also a rotational one, so that the first heat sink part 5 is rotatable about the axis of the mounting hole.

A spring element 12th , in particular compression spring, is arranged between the first and second heat sink in the axial end region of the receiving bore.

The first heat sink is thus created by means of the spring force 5 pressed with a defined pressing force on the thermal generator or its circuit board.

A spatial region surrounds it, viewed in the radial direction from the axis of the receiving bore 9 for a thermal insulator, which is preferably air, the first housing part 5 and thus blocks the conduction of heat between the screw-in housing part 1 and first heat sink part 5 .

In the first part of the heat sink 5 is also a cable duct 10 intended for electrical lines and / or an antenna line. Thus electrical lines are from the circuit board 2 or 4th can be brought out to the external environment of the device. There is also a corresponding opening for this 16 on the second part of the heat sink 13th intended.

The second heat sink part 13th is screw-connected to a plastic part that acts as a thermal barrier 14th , especially plastic ring. By means of one in an annular groove on the plastic part 14th provided snap rings 11 is a union nut 15th on the plastic part 14th rotatably attached.

The union nut 15th is on an external thread area of the screw-in housing 1 screwed on with an internal thread area provided on it. In addition, it is screwed on until its first axial end is on a projection of the screw-in housing 1 is applied, so there is a corresponding stop.

Between part of the union nut 15th and the screw-in housing part 1 is a space 17th for air available.

The thread undercut 18th on the screw-in housing part 1 also narrows the wall thickness and thus reduces the flow of heat.

Overall, therefore, is the sensor 6th and the thermal generator 8th housing-forming from the screw-in housing 1 the union nut 15th , the plastic part 14th and the second heat sink part 13th surround.

In addition, a first side of the thermal generator is thermally conductive with the screw-in housing part 1 connected, which is thermally conductively connected to the hot medium inside the housing part, not shown, and is thus essentially at the same temperature level. The sensor is also advantageously connected to the screw-in housing and is thus able to detect the temperature of the hot medium, for example the lubricating oil of a transmission.

On the circuit board 4th and or 2 an electronic circuit is arranged, which can be supplied from the thermal generator and provides an electrical signal that contains the information about the temperature value detected by the sensor. Via the electrical lines or antenna line, the corresponding data can thus be transmitted wirelessly, contactlessly by radio or wired to another electronic circuit that is arranged outside.

The one from the screw-in housing part 1 remote side of the thermal generator is above the first and second heat sink ( 5 , 13th ) connected to the environment. This side is therefore in contact with a much lower temperature level than the other side. In this way, greater power can be generated by means of the generator.

The term “thermally connected” is always meant in such a way that the corresponding heat transfer resistance from a first component to the de-connected component is lower than that corresponding heat transfer resistance from the first to another component.

As described above, the union nut 15th on the stop on the screw-in housing part 1 screwed on and thus the plastic part over the locking ring 14th and the second heat sink part screwed to it 13th at a specified distance from the screw-in housing part 1 . In this way the deflection of the spring element 12th that is between the second heat sink part 13th and the first heat sink part 5 is arranged, can be brought to a defined, anticipated value.

When screwing on the union nut 15th on the screw-in housing part 1 is because of the snap ring 11 the second heat sink part 13th can be held in place so that it does not turn when the screws are screwed. This is how the generator is 8th protectable from stress.

In addition, external impacts do not affect the generator 8th , since the closed housing, which is formed from the second heat sink part, the plastic part, the union nut and the screw-in housing part, absorbs them.

In the 2 is in contrast to 1 the union nut with a projection on the stop 20th at the axial end of the screw-in housing part 1 unscrewed. This means that there is less heat flow from the screw-in housing part 1 to the second heat sink 13th brought about. A bolt is used to prevent rotation 31 between the first heat sink part 5 and screw-in housing part 1 provided, in the recesses of which the end regions of the bolt can be fixed, which is guided through a radial bore in the first heat sink part.

In 2 is the circuit board 4th Circularly designed, the screw-in housing part has a recess directed towards the interior of the housing part, not shown, in such a way that the hot medium, such as lubricating oil, comes as close as possible to the thermal generator, which is now arranged outside the recess of the housing part, not shown, which is covered by the screw-in housing part. The thermal generator is axially closer to the spring element 12th arranged towards the thread undercut 18th and the seal 7th .

The recess for the hot medium ends at a receiving part 32 , which is preferably made of a material that conducts heat well, such as copper. Between the receiving part 32 and the screw-in housing part 1 is a seal 33 intended. One side of the generator 8th instead of touching the screw-in housing part as in 1 now the receiving part 32 . The receiving part 32 is provided in the shape of a trough and from the outside into the bore in the screw-in housing part 1 plugged in or screwed in in an alternative embodiment. The receiving part 32 is also axially above the thread undercut 18th and the seal 7th .

In 3 is different to 2 the attack 30th for the union nut 15th on an axially closer to the thread undercut 18th and on the seal 7th lying projection provided. Otherwise is 3 essentially the same as the 2 .

In the 4th is different to 3 in the area of the stop 30th a thermal barrier 41 intended. Otherwise is 4th essentially the same as the 3 . The receiving part 32 is provided with an annular, wave-like shape that provides flexible storage for the thermal generator and the circuit board to which it is connected. In this way, security is further increased.

In the 5 is in contrast to 4th the receiving part 32 replaced by a corresponding one-piece molding of the screw-in housing part 1 .

In contrast to the 4th assigns 6th the first heat sink part 50 outwardly directed cooling fins that run parallel. Otherwise is 5 essentially the same as the 4th . Alternatively, however, instead of cooling fins, there are also cooling fingers on the cooling body part 70 can be used as in 7th shown. In this way, the performance of the generator can be further improved and cooling that is essentially equally good can be achieved regardless of the direction of installation.

In 8th has the first heat sink part 80 radially running, parallel cooling fins. Improved cooling can thus be achieved with a corresponding installation position

In 9 are in contrast to 4th first and second heat sink part in one piece as a heat sink part 90 executed. As in 4th is in turn a ring-shaped, that is to say provided in the circumferential direction, undulating in the radial direction of the receiving part 32 intended to protect the thermal generator. The elastic deflectability of this undulating formation, that is to say its spring constant, is, however, at least 10 times greater than the elastic deflectability of the spring element, that is to say the spring constant.

Preferably the devices are according to 1 until 9 can be screwed into the threaded hole of a gearbox housing. In this way, on the one hand, an oil drain plug can be replaced by a device according to the invention and, on the other hand, a temperature sensor that can be screwed into the threaded hole and that is as direct and close as possible to the hot medium whose temperature is to be determined.

The sensor signals can be transmitted electrically or by radio to a further electronic circuit by means of the energy generated by the thermal generator. It is particularly advantageous that an antenna can be provided on the second cooling body towards the surroundings, which antenna thus also dissipates heat to the surroundings like a cold finger. In this way, the antenna implements, on the one hand, a means for contactless transmission of measured value data and, on the other hand, also a means for heat dissipation.

In a further development, however, the electronic circuit on the circuit board is also used 4th supplied with energy, so that even an evaluation and processing of the recorded temperature values is possible. For example, it is possible to determine how many operating hours a particular temperature value or temperature range has occurred. An oil aging value for the lubricating oil of the transmission can also be determined from the weighted sum of such time values and thus warning information for an oil change or exceeding the intended service life of the transmission can be output. The thermal generator thus enables the electronic circuit to store and process the recorded temperature values and / or to determine parameters and / or to carry out monitoring. When the transmission is in operation, the lubricating oil temperature is advantageously greater than the ambient temperature, and thus energy can also be generated for operating the electronic circuit.

A thermogenerator working according to the Seebeck effect is selected as the thermogenerator, which is between the temperature level of the axially inner side of the thermogenerator, which is coupled to the hot medium in a manner that conducts heat as well as possible and is therefore essentially at its temperature level, and the temperature level of the axially outer side of the thermal generator, which is coupled to the environment via the heat sink parts in a manner that conducts heat as well as possible and is thus essentially at its temperature level, is arranged and operates.

Overall, the device can be screwed into the threaded hole of a gear housing as a screw part and thus replaces an oil drain plug. The device then represents a sensor housing whose energy supply is self-sufficient and only available during operation. Batteries or other energy storage devices are not required for the supply. It goes without saying that in other embodiments it is possible to add additional energy stores and / or batteries.

The above-described pressing improves the heat transfer from the sides of the thermal generator to the parts, each with a corresponding temperature level.

Preferably the one is on the circuit board 4th and or 2 provided electronic circuit, a DC-DC converter is also available.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, heat-conducting foil or heat-conducting paste is provided on the sides of the thermal generator.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, an external hexagon, on which a screwing tool can engage, is provided for screwing the union nut onto its outside.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the second heat sink part itself is used as an antenna, for which purpose an antenna line is routed from the printed circuit board to the second heat sink part. In particular, when cooling fins or cooling fingers are provided on the second heat sink part, these are appropriately matched to the frequency to be transmitted.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the heat sink parts are made from a material of high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. The union nut is made of steel or plastic, for example. The plastic part is made of a poorly thermally conductive material.

In any case, good heat-conducting connection elements should be provided between the hot medium, thermal generator, circuit board and heat sink. Poorly thermally conductive materials should be provided between the thermal generator and the screw-in housing part, if a receiving part 32 for heat conduction to the thermal generator is available. In addition, a poorly thermally conductive material should be provided for the plastic ring, all plastic parts, seals, union nuts, anti-rotation devices.

List of reference symbols

1

Screw-in housing part

2

Circuit board

3rd

flexible connection area

4th

Circuit board

5

first heat sink part

6th

Temperature sensor

7th

poetry

8th

Thermal generator

9

Room area for thermal insulator, preferably air

10

Cable duct, in particular for electrical lines and / or antennas

11

Snap ring

12th

Spring element, in particular compression spring

13th

second heat sink part

14th

Plastic part, in particular a plastic ring

15th

Union nut

16

opening

17th

Room area for air

18th

Thread undercut

20th

attack

30th

attack

31

Anti-twist device, especially bolts

32

Receiving part, in particular made of copper

33

poetry

41

Thermal barrier

50

first heat sink part

70

first heat sink part

80

first heat sink part

90

first heat sink part

Claims (26)

An arrangement which comprises at least one closure part for closing a recess in a housing, heat sink parts and a thermal generator (8), wherein a first side of the thermal generator (8) is connected in a thermally conductive manner to the closure part and / or to a part which is connected to the closure part in a thermally conductive manner, wherein a second side of the thermal generator (8) is connected in a thermally conductive manner to a first heat sink part (5) which is connected in a heat-conductive manner to a second heat sink part (13) for dissipating heat to the environment, at least one thermal barrier (41) being arranged between the closure part and the second heat sink part (13), the closure part, thermal barrier (41) and second heat sink part (13) forming the housing for the thermal generator (8), wherein the closure part is designed as a screw-in housing part (1) which can be screwed into a threaded bore of the housing, the second heat sink part (13) with the force generated by a spring element (12) the thermal generator (8) on the screw-in housing part (1) or a with this firmly connected part presses, the spring element (12) being supported on the first heat sink part (5) or another housing-forming part of the arrangement. Arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the arrangement comprises a sensor, a heat sink part (5) being used as an antenna for the contactless transmission of the sensor signals or of information generated by monitoring and evaluating the sensor signal. Arrangement according to Claim 2 , characterized in that recesses are provided in the first and / or second heat sink part (5, 13) for leading out electrical lines or antenna lines from at least one circuit board (2, 4) on which the thermal generator (8) is arranged. Arrangement according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the thermal generator (8) is arranged together with the sensor on the at least one circuit board (2, 4). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw-in housing part (1) and thermal barrier (41) are connected via a union nut (15) which also has a housing-forming effect. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw-in housing part (1) can be screwed with an external thread into the threaded bore of the housing, which is a threaded bore in the axial direction. Arrangement according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the screw-in housing part (1) has a recess which is provided in the axial region of the external thread and has a smaller radial distance than the external thread. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 6 or 7th , characterized in that the thermal generator (8) is arranged axially outside the axial area of the external thread of the screw-in housing part (1) and / or axially outside the axial area of the threaded hole. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal barrier (41) is designed as a plastic part (14) and / or as a local thinning of a wall thickness. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the The first heat sink part (5) is provided in a recess of the second heat sink part, a clearance fit being provided for the heat-conducting connection and an axially directed degree of freedom, in particular to protect the thermal generator (8), and a rotational degree of freedom for the relative movement of the first to the second heat sink part is, in particular to protect the thermal generator (8) against external forces, such as impulses, pressure or excessive pressure. Arrangement according to Claim 10 , characterized in that means, such as thermal paste, are provided in the area of the clearance fit. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bolt is provided which is positively connected to the screw-in housing part (1) and the first heat sink part (5) in such a way that a rotation lock (31) of the first heat sink part to protect the thermal generator (8 ) is reached. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 2 until 12th , characterized in that the sensor is a torque, oil aging, moisture, vibration, abrasion particle content, pressure, transverse force, axial force, speed, dielectric constant determination and / or temperature sensor (6). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal generator (8) is designed as a temperature sensor (6). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 5 bist 14, characterized in that the union nut (15) is connected to a plastic part (14) via a snap ring (11). Arrangement according to Claim 15 , characterized in that the plastic part (14) is screw-connected to the second heat sink part (13). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 5 until 16 , characterized in that the union nut (15) is screw-connected to the screw-in housing part (1), a stop (20) being provided on the screw-in housing part (1). Arrangement according to Claim 17 , characterized in that the stop (20) is provided on the axial end of the screw-in housing part (1) or on a projection provided on the screw-in housing part (1). Arrangement according to Claim 17 or 18th , characterized in that a further thermal barrier (41) is arranged in the stop area. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second heat sink part (13) has cooling ribs or cooling fingers. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a heat barrier medium is arranged between the first heat sink part (5) and screw-in housing part (1). Arrangement according to Claim 21 , characterized in that the thermal barrier medium is air. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving part (32), in particular a copper receiving part, is provided, which is provided in a sealed manner to the screw-in housing part (1) by means of a seal (7) and is connected in a thermally conductive manner by means of a contact area, in particular in a bore in which the receiving part (32) is inserted. Transmission with an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is a transmission housing which has the recess, and that the recess is closed by the at least one closure part of the arrangement. Gearbox after Claim 24 , characterized in that the cooling fins are arranged in such a way that a convective or actively driven air flow by a fan flows past the fins, the fan being non-rotatably connected to a rotor shaft which is a driving shaft of the transmission. Gearbox after Claim 25 , characterized in that the gear housing comprises a hot medium, in particular gear lubricating oil.

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