DE102010042223A1 - Torque producing device for use in fixing device for fixing wheel at bodywork of e.g. commercial vehicle, has spiral or helical torque producing element arranged around rotation axis of torque producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) has a spiral or helical torque producing element (102) arranged around a rotation axis (114) of the device. The torque producing element comprises a piezo-element (110) i.e. patch transducer, for producing torque. A fixed element (104) e.g. housing, and a rotatable element (106) e.g. shaft (112), are connected together by the torque producing element. The shaft lies on the rotation axis, or is extended along the rotation axis of the device. A position of an end (116) of the torque producing element is changed relative to the shaft around the axis. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a fixing device for fixing a component at another component, comprising a torque producing device (2) a vehicle comprising a fixing device for fixing a component at another component, comprising a torque producing device.

Description

The present invention relates to a torque generating device for generating a torque about an axis of rotation.

Such torque generating devices are generally known in the art. For example, it is known to generate torques with electric motors or hydraulic motors. However, such devices have the disadvantage that either only small torques can be generated or large and heavy devices for generating high torques are necessary.

The present invention has for its object to provide a torque generating device which has a small footprint and by means of which high torques can be generated.

This object is achieved in a torque generating device according to the invention in that the torque generating device comprises a torque generating element, which is arranged substantially helically and / or helically about a rotational axis of the torque to be generated and has at least one piezoelectric element for generating the torque.

The fact that the torque generating device according to the invention comprises a spirally and / or helically arranged about a rotational axis of the torque to be generated, torque generating element, in a particularly simple manner, a torque between a first component, which, for example, in the center of the spiral and / or arranged helically arranged, a torque-generating element, and a second component, which is for example arranged at an outer end of the helical and / or helical, a torque-generating element, are generated.

By "helical" in this specification and the appended claims is meant the shape of a curve about a point or about an axis which, depending on the direction of travel, moves away from the point or axis or approaches the point or axis.

In particular, this can be understood to mean an Archimedean spiral which can be described in a planar polar coordinate system with r (φ) = a · φ, where r (φ) is the position in the plane, a is a constant and φ is the rotation angle.

Furthermore, this can be understood to mean a logarithmic spiral which can be described in a planar polar coordinate system with r (φ) = b · e ^{a · φ} , where r (φ) is the position in the plane, b and a constants and φ the rotation angle is.

By "helical" in this specification and the appended claims is meant the shape of a curve that winds with a constant or variable pitch substantially around a shell of a cylinder or a cone.

beschreiben,
wobei x →(t) die Position im Raum, h die Ganghöhe und c eine Konstante ist. t und r sind vorzugsweise variabel, insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass r von t abhängt.In particular, such a helical curve can be in Cartesian

describe,
where x → (t) is the position in space, h is the pitch and c is a constant. t and r are preferably variable, in particular it can be provided that r depends on t.

Characterized in that the torque-generating element has at least one piezoelectric element for generating the torque, particularly high torques can be generated. At the same time this only a small space requirement is guaranteed, since no expensive electric motors and / or hydraulic motors must be used to generate a torque.

By means of the piezo-element having a torque-generating element preferably very high torques of one hundred and more Newton meters can be generated.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one piezoelectric element is designed as a piezo-area converter. Such piezo-area transducers can, in particular, be arranged on surfaces, for example on a surface of the element producing a torque which is arranged spirally and / or helically about the axis of rotation of the torque to be generated. By applying a voltage to the at least one piezoelectric element, a deformation of the torque-generating element can then be effected, which generates the torque to be generated.

It is advantageous if the torque generating device comprises a stationary element and a rotatable element, which are connected to each other by means of the torque-generating element.

For example, it may be provided that the stationary element of the torque generating device is a housing of the torque generating device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the stationary element of the torque generating device is a lying on the axis of rotation shaft of the torque generating device.

The rotatable member of the torque generating device may be, for example, a housing of the torque generating device.

Alternatively, it may also be provided that the rotatable element of the torque-generating device is a shaft of the torque-generating device lying on the axis of rotation.

For example, in the case where the stationary member of the torque generating apparatus is a rotary shaft of the torque generating apparatus and at the same time the rotatable member of the torque generating apparatus is a housing of the torque generating apparatus, by generating a torque by means of the torque generating apparatus on the rotatable member, that is on the housing, arranged component in a particularly simple manner to a on the stationary element, that is, on the shaft lying on the rotation axis, arranged further component are rotated.

The torque generating device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a fixing device for fixing a first component to a second component, comprising at least one torque generating device, wherein the at least one torque generating device is preferably so on the first component and the second component can be arranged that by means of the torque generating device a Torque between the first component and the second component can be generated.

It is favorable if the fixing device comprises at least one spring device for the resilient arrangement of the first component on the second component.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that by means of the at least one torque generating device of the at least one fixing device, a spring characteristic of a spring element of the spring device can be influenced. In this way, a particularly variable spring device can be provided. For example, it may be provided that a spring stiffness of the spring element of the spring device can be influenced by means of the torque generating device.

The fixing device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, comprising at least one fixing device for fixing wheels on a support structure, for example on a body, of the vehicle.

Due to the inventive use of the fixing device on a vehicle for fixing wheels to a body, a particularly comfortable and / or sporty design of the vehicle can take place. Thus, by using the fixing device according to the invention with the torque generating device according to the invention in particular influence of spring elements of a spring device of the fixing device by means of the torque generating device done, so that the suspension of the vehicle, that is, the suspension of the body on the wheels, are desired either sporty or comfortable can and / or an automatic adjustment of the spring characteristic of the spring elements of the spring device can be made to special driving conditions of the vehicle.

It is advantageous if the fixing device comprises at least one spring device which has a spring element designed as a transverse leaf spring. Thus, it can be provided in particular that the transverse leaf spring is mounted at its bearing points on the body of the vehicle by means of fixing devices according to the invention, so that the spring characteristics of the transverse leaf spring can be selectively influenced by means of the torque generating devices according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the fixing device comprises at least one spring device which has a spring element designed as a longitudinal leaf spring. For example, it may be provided that the spring element embodied as a longitudinal leaf spring is mounted on a body of the vehicle by means of at least one fixing device according to the invention, so that the spring element designed as a longitudinal leaf spring can be specifically influenced with regard to its spring characteristic by means of the torque generating device according to the invention.

In particular, it can be provided that by means of the at least one torque generating device, the at least one fixing device, a bias on at least one spring element of the at least one spring device can be applied, so that in particular a hardness of the at least one spring element is adjustable. In this way, a desired chassis hardness of the vehicle can be set very easily.

It is also favorable if, by means of the at least one torque generating device, the at least one fixing device can deflect a deflection of the at least one spring element of the at least one spring device, so that, in particular, an undesired rolling movement of the vehicle can be reduced. In this way, a simple roll stabilization of the vehicle can take place.

Furthermore, the torque generating device according to the invention, the fixing device according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention preferably have the following features and / or advantages:
A bearing point of a component to be influenced by means of the torque generating device is preferably not clamped firmly and / or torque-free. Rather, a storage is preferably carried out so that by means of the torque generating device according to the invention, a torque can be applied to the component to be stored.

The torques achieved according to the invention are preferably at a very high level, which conventionally can only be achieved with large electric motors, additional gears or hydraulic motors, often requiring a very complex construction of electrical and hydraulic machines. According to the invention can be effected by means of piezo-surface elements (Piezoflächenaktoren) on a surface of the spring elements similar.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the piezo surface transducers (Piezoflächenaktoren) are spirally and / or helically executed, that is even form a torque-generating element, and preferably similar to a balance spring of a clockwork, actively generate bending stresses and thus a torque ,

Due to the high power density of piezo-surface transducers (piezo surface actuators) is preferably a high torque with low weight of the torque generating device to achieve.

In order to prevent damage to the piezo surface transducers (piezo surface actuators) by exceeding the load limits specified by the inherent strength / stiffness of the piezo surface transducers (piezo surface actuators), it can be provided that the piezo surface transducers (piezo surface actuators) are mounted on a carrier or a carrier spring be applied.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, depending on the polarization of the voltage applied to the at least one piezoelectric element, a positive or a negative torque can be generated.

In particular, when using both sides provided with piezo-elements carriers or carrier springs (a torque-generating element) can be provided that the two sides of a torque-generating element (carrier or carrier spring) are subjected to different polarized voltages to a mutual extinguishing To prevent the generated torque and the effect generated, that is, the generated torque, preferably to double.

In particular, the torque generating device according to the invention makes it possible to generate a high torque with low deflection, that is to say at low angles and preferably with high accuracy.

In principle, the torque generating device according to the invention and / or the fixing device according to the invention are suitable for use in vehicles according to the invention, in particular in utility vehicles and / or motor vehicles. Furthermore, the torque generating device according to the invention and the fixing device according to the invention are also suitable for use in medical technology, in which in particular the high accuracy of the torque generating device according to the invention may be advantageous.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

In the drawings show:

1 a first embodiment of a torque generating device with a stationary element acting on a rotational axis of the torque generating device;

2 a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the torque generating device of 1 in a state in which a voltage is applied to a piezo element of the torque generating device;

3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a torque generating device, with one at an axis of rotation the torque generating device disposed rotatable member;

4 a schematic representation of the second embodiment of the torque generating device of 3 in a state in which a voltage is applied to a piezo element of the torque generating device;

5 a schematic perspective view of an axle of a vehicle, comprising two torque generating devices for influencing a suspension of the wheels of the vehicle; and

6 a schematic section through a portion of a trailing arm of the axle of the vehicle and the torque generating device arranged therein.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

One in the 1 and 2 presented as a whole with " 100 The torque generating device includes a torque generating element 102 , a stationary element 104 , a rotatable element 106 and on a surface 108 the torque generating element 102 trained piezo elements 110 ,

In the in the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment of the torque generating device 100 is the stationary element 104 on a wave 112 the torque generating device 100 arranged, which along a rotation axis 114 the torque generating device 100 extends.

Starting from this wave 112 and fixed to the same rotationally fixed torque generating element 102 , which spirals around the shaft 112 extends. Alternatively or additionally, however, it may also be provided that the torque-generating element 102 helically around the shaft 112 and / or along the shaft 112 extends.

By means of on the surface 108 the torque generating element 102 arranged piezo elements 110 can be a position of an end 116 the torque generating element 102 which of the wave 112 the torque generating element 102 is turned away and on which the rotatable element 106 can be fixed relative to the shaft 112 around the axis of rotation 114 to be changed.

In particular 2 it can be seen that shifts the shaft 112 opposite end 116 the torque generating element 102 depending on the amount and the polarization of the to the piezo element 110 applied voltage clockwise or counterclockwise.

By the arrangement of a rotatable element 106 at the end 116 the torque generating element 102 can thus with respect to the axis of rotation 114 the torque generating device 100 and with respect to the fixed element 104 a torque on the rotatable element 106 be applied.

One in the 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of the torque generating device 100 is different from the one in the 1 and 2 shown first embodiment in that the stationary element 104 at the shaft 112 opposite end 116 of the torque-generating element 102 is arranged. Accordingly, the rotatable element 106 at the in the 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of the torque generating device 100 the wave 112 or on the wave 112 arranged.

Incidentally, the right in the 3 and 4 illustrated second embodiment of the torque generating device 100 in terms of structure and function with in the 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment, so that reference is made to the above description in this respect.

In 5 is a preferred application of the torque generating device 100 shown.

The torque generating device 100 finds application in a vehicle 120 which is an axis 122 for storage of two wheels 124 includes. The wheels 124 of the vehicle 120 are by means of a trailing arm axle 126 stored, which two trailing arms 128 having, via a fastening device 130 on a (not shown) carrier of a support structure of the vehicle 120 can be arranged.

The trailing arm 128 the trailing arm axle 126 of the vehicle 120 include as torsion springs 132 trained mainsprings 134 by means of which rigid bearing elements 136 the trailing arm 128 by means of the fastening device 130 on the support structure of the vehicle 120 are resiliently mounted. The trailing arm 128 thus form together with the main feathers 134 a spring device 150 for resilient arrangement of the wheels 124 of the vehicle 120 on a support structure of the vehicle 120 ,

A damping of the wheels 124 done by means of damping devices 138 ,

For additional stabilization of the axle 122 (Longitudinal link axle 126 ) of the vehicle 120 is a torsion bar 140 provided, which is in a direction perpendicular to a direction of travel 142 of the vehicle 120 and substantially horizontally, that is in a transverse direction 144 extends.

The torsion bar 140 extends from a bearing element 136 facing the end of the torsion spring 132 of a trailing arm 128 to the corresponding bearing element 136 with respect to a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle 120 opposite side at the end of the torsion spring 132 of the other trailing arm 128 at least in sections within the main springs 134 ,

At the ends of the torsion bar 140 this is by means of a fixing device 146 with the bearing elements 136 the trailing arm 128 connected (see in particular 6 ).

As 6 it can be seen, is the torque generating device 100 on the one hand on the bearing element 136 of the trailing arm 128 and on the other hand on the torsion bar 140 fixed.

The torsion bar 140 thus serves as a wave 112 the torque generating device 100 and is, for example, the rotatable element 106 , The bearing element 136 of the trailing arm 128 is therefore the stationary element 104 , The main feathers 134 and / or the trailing arm 128 form a case 152 the torque generating device 100 ,

The definition of the rotatable element 106 and the fixed element 104 is in this embodiment of the torque generating device 100 but not decisive, since only a relative movement of the torsion bar 140 with respect to the bearing element 136 of the trailing arm 128 is of interest. Basically, consequently, the wave 112 the stationary element 104 and the bearing element 136 of the trailing arm 128 the rotatable element 106 be. On the function of the torque generating device 100 this does not change anything.

By means of the torque generating device 100 can be a torque between the torsion bar 140 and the bearing element 136 of the trailing arm 128 be generated.

The installation of the torque generating device 100 can be done for example in a neutral chamfer, that is without bias, or with bias.

In operation of the vehicle 120 For example, it may happen that one of the wheels 124 For example, when cornering is more heavily loaded than the other of the wheels 124 of the vehicle 120 ,

By means of the torsion bar 140 this can be a rotational movement of a wheel 124 one along the torsion bar 140 extending axis 148 which the axis of rotation 114 the torque generating device 100 is, on the other of the wheels 124 of the vehicle 120 be transmitted. By means of the torque-generating devices 100 can be influenced in this case, to which extent a transmission of this rotational movement by means of the torsion bar 140 he follows. For example, a transmission can be increased or decreased.

By means of the torque generating device 100 This is an active influence on the driving behavior of the vehicle 120 possible.

Thereby, that the torque generating device 100 a torque generating element 102 comprising, which is substantially helical and / or helical about an axis of rotation 114 of the torque to be generated is arranged and at least one piezoelectric element 110 for generating the torque, there is a small footprint of the torque generating device 100 guaranteed. Furthermore, this can produce a particularly high torque.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Torque-generating apparatus

102

Torque generating element

104

stationary element

106

rotatable element

108

surface

110

Piezo element

112

wave

114

axis of rotation

116

The End

120

vehicle

122

axis

124

bikes

126

Trailing arm axis

128

Trailing arm

130

fastening device

132

torsion spring

134

mainspring

136

bearing element

138

damping device

140

torsion bar

142

direction of travel

144

transversely

146

fixation device

148

axis

150

spring device

152

casing

Claims (15)

A torque generating device comprising a torque-generating element ( 102 ), which essentially spiral and / or helically around a rotation axis ( 114 ) of the torque to be generated is arranged and at least one piezoelectric element ( 110 ) for generating the torque. Torque generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one piezoelectric element ( 110 ) is designed as a piezo-area converter. Torque generating device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the torque generating device ( 100 ) a stationary element ( 104 ) and a rotatable element ( 106 ), which by means of the torque-generating element ( 102 ) are interconnected. Torque generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixed element ( 104 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ) a housing of the torque generating device ( 100 ). Torque generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixed element ( 104 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ) one on the axis of rotation ( 114 ) lying wave ( 112 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ). Torque generating device according to one of claims 3 or 5, characterized in that the rotatable element ( 106 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ) a housing of the torque generating device ( 100 ). Torque generating device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the rotatable element ( 106 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ) one on the axis of rotation ( 114 ) lying wave ( 112 ) of the torque generating device ( 100 ). Fixing device for fixing a first component to a second component, comprising at least one torque-generating device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one torque generating device ( 100 ) can be arranged on the first component and on the second component, that by means of the torque generating device ( 100 ) A torque between the first component and the second component can be generated. Fixing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing device ( 146 ) at least one spring device ( 150 ) for resilient arrangement of the first component on the second component. Fixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that by means of the at least one torque generating device ( 100 ) of the at least one fixing device ( 146 ) a spring characteristic of a spring element ( 134 . 140 ) of the spring device ( 150 ) is influenced. Vehicle comprising at least one fixing device ( 146 ) according to one of claims 8 to 10 for fixing wheels ( 124 ) on a support structure of the vehicle ( 120 ). Vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the fixing device ( 146 ) at least one spring device ( 150 ), which has a spring element designed as a transverse leaf spring. Vehicle according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the fixing device ( 146 ) at least one spring device ( 150 ) comprising a spring element designed as a longitudinal leaf spring. Vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that by means of the at least one torque generating device ( 100 ) of the at least one fixing device ( 146 ) a bias on at least one spring element of the at least one spring device ( 150 ) is applicable, so that a hardness of the at least one spring element is adjustable. Vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that by means of the at least one torque generating device ( 100 ) of the at least one fixing device ( 146 ) a deflection of the at least one spring element of the at least one spring device ( 150 ) can be counteracted, so that an undesirable rolling movement of the vehicle ( 120 ) can be reduced.

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