DE102007000637A1 - Locking device actuating apparatus for use in e.g. car, has permanent magnet transferring actuating element into operating condition, which permits engagement of locking elements with piston element in non-energized condition of actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (12) has a permanent magnet (14) assigned to an actuating element (15) and arranged with an electromagnetic actuator (13). The magnet transfers the actuating element into an operating condition permitting engagement of locking elements (16A, 16B) with a piston element (7) in a non-energized condition of the actuator. The magnet supplies the actuating element with an actuating force, which is operated in a direction of the piston element. A piston-cylinder-unit (5) has a storage space (8), whose volume is variable based on an operating condition of the piston element.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for actuating a latching device according to the Preamble of claim 1 further defined type.

From the DE 10 2006 014 756.1 a device for storing hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system of a transmission device is known, in which a in a cylinder due to a fluidic pressure axially displaceable piston member of a piston-cylinder unit in a predefined piston position of a locking device is durable. The latching device can be transferred from an activated state into a deactivated state via an electromagnetic actuator by releasing an operative connection between latching elements and the piston element. The operative connection between the latching elements and the piston element is in energized state of the actuator, to which an actuating element is spent by the actuator in an engagement of the latching elements with the piston element avoiding operating state, repealed.

adversely However, it is that the actuating element when de-energized electromagnetic actuator by a spring device is pressed out of the effective range of the latch elements, which is a perfect Functioning of the device has an undesirably high space requirement In addition, the arrangement of the spring means a high production cost for the the spring device surrounding components very high, to a leadership stability for the spring device to disposal to be able to make and a friction between a spring element of the spring device and to keep the components surrounding the spring element as low as possible.

A parking brake, especially for automatic transmission of motor vehicles, is from the DE 198 34 156 A1 known. The parking lock is unlocked via a hydraulic pressure acting on a spring area, and additionally held in this unlocked state by a lock which is actuated by energizing a magnet. The lock remains activated and the parking lock is unlocked until the solenoid is de-energized. The lock is designed such that the magnet in the position in which the lock is actuated, has a lower power consumption than is required for inserting the lock.

there is disadvantageous that the lock only in energized condition the magnet is activated and thus the magnet has a high current consumption having.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a cost-effective device for Actuate a locking device available which require a small space requirement and by a low power consumption is indicated.

According to the invention this Task with a device according to the features of claim 1 solved.

at the device according to the invention to operate a locking device, by means of which in a cylinder due a fluidically pressurized piston element axially displaceable a Piston-cylinder unit is durable in a predefined piston position, the latching device via a electromagnetic actuator by canceling an operative connection between Locking elements and the piston elements of an activated state be converted into a deactivated state. The active compound is in energized state of the actuator, to which an actuator from the actuator into an engagement of the locking elements with the piston element avoiding operating condition has been lifted.

According to the invention actuator associated with a permanent magnet, the actuator in the de-energized State of the actuator in an engagement of the locking elements with transferred to the piston member permitting operating state.

The inventive device thus represents a system which a lock state a latching device is energized upright and by impressing a electric current disabled the lock state. In order to becomes an energy balance compared to the prior art known systems improved since holding phases or activated conditions outweigh a locking device in the operating profile.

In addition, the device according to the invention in comparison to known from practice devices, in particular compared to that of DE 10 2006 014 756.1 known device, characterized by a smaller space requirement and a reduced manufacturing cost, since a permanent magnet in comparison to a spring device has less space requirement and the mutually moving components with lower manufacturing tolerances are executable. The latter advantage results from the fact that the permanent magnet is designed as a rigid body and during actuation of the actuating element, in contrast to a spring means no bulges or the like, which may lead to increased friction during actuation of the Lead actuator, has.

at an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention to operate a latching device is the permanent magnet within the electromagnetic Actuator or so adjacent to the electromagnetic actuator arranged that with energized electromagnetic actuator an electromagnetic weakening the permanent magnetic field is present and the latching device with low Power demand from an activated state to a deactivated one Condition is transferable.

Further Advantages and advantageous developments of the invention result from the claims and the principle described with reference to the drawing Embodiments, in the description of the various embodiments of the clarity half for identical in construction and function Components are the same reference numerals. It shows:

1 a highly schematic representation of a vehicle, which is formed with a vehicle transmission and a device according to the invention;

2 a highly schematic longitudinal sectional view of a piston-cylinder unit with a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein a piston element is arranged in an equivalent to a maximum of a storage space position;

3 the device according to 2 wherein the piston member is in a position equivalent to a minimum of the volume of the storage space;

4 one too 2 and 3 alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein a permanent magnet is executed fixed to the housing;

5 a further embodiment of the device, wherein the permanent magnet is disposed outside of an electromagnetic actuator;

6 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which an actuating element is guided out of a cylinder of a piston-cylinder unit and cooperates with the arranged outside of the electromagnetic actuator permanent magnet;

7 the device according to the invention in conjunction with a fluid-actuated actuator of a transmission device associated with a parking lock device with activated locking device;

8th the device according to 7 with deactivated latching device;

9 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the latching device is formed with each locking element pivotable about a pivot point;

10 the device according to 9 with deactivated locking device;

11 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with the housing fixed executed permanent magnet and with activated locking device;

12 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with the housing fixed executed permanent magnet and a latching device according to 9 ;

13 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the permanent magnet is arranged outside of the electromagnetic actuator and with activated locking device; and

14 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the permanent magnet is arranged outside the piston-cylinder unit.

In 1 is a highly schematic representation of a vehicle 1 , which in a conventional manner with an internal combustion engine 2 and a transmission device 3 is executed. The transmission device 3 can in principle be any known from practice automated manual or automatic transmission, which with hydraulically controllable switching elements 25 . 26 , such as frictional multi-plate clutches or disc brakes is formed.

The transmission device 3 is present with a in 2 highly schematically illustrated hydraulic system 19 , an oil sump 4 and a piston-cylinder unit 5 for storing hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system 19 the transmission device 3 educated. For fuel consumption optimization and a reduction of pollutant emissions of the vehicle 1 a so-called engine start-stop function is provided, by means of which the internal combustion engine 2 in predefined operating states of the vehicle 1 is switched off and restarted if one or more predefined start criteria exists.

That of the transmission device 3 assigned piston-cylinder unit 5 for storing hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system 19 the gearbox Facility 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional detail in FIG 2 shown. The piston-cylinder unit 5 is with a cylinder 6 and a piston member 7 trained, the one with the hydraulic system 19 the transmission device 3 connectable storage space 8th limit, the volume of which depends on an operating state of the piston element 7 is variable between a minimum and a maximum. The piston element 7 is between a in 3 shown first end position and a in 2 shown second end position longitudinally displaceable in the cylinder 6 arranged, the volume of the storage space 8th during a movement of the piston element 7 is reduced in size in the direction of its first end position and enlarged during a movement in the direction of its second end position.

Furthermore, limit the piston element 7 and the cylinder 6 on the storage room 8th opposite side of the piston element 7 the room 9 in which a spring device 10 is arranged. The spring device 10 is designed as a helical spring, which at one end to the storage space 8th opposite end face of the piston element 7 and at the other end to an end face of the cylinder 6 is present and during operation of the piston-cylinder unit 5 acts as a compression spring.

The storage space 8th is present with both a hydraulic system 19 the transmission device 3 as well as with a gear pump 28 the transmission device 3 connected, being between the storage space 8th and the hydraulic system 19 or the gear pump 28 in the filling direction of the storage space 8th locking check valve 29 and one the check valve 29 immediate bypass line 30 is provided, which with a throttle device 31 is executed.

In the cylinder 6 is a latch 11 arranged, by means of which the piston element 7 in that to the maximum of the volume of the storage space 8th , ie in the second end position of the piston element 7 , against a restoring tendency of the piston element 7 from an operating condition that is to the minimum of the volume of the storage space 8th equivalent operating state of the piston element 7 is different, towards the minimum of the volume of the storage space 8th equivalent operating state of the piston element 7 is durable. The restoring tendency of the piston element 7 is at the piston-cylinder unit 5 through with the piston element 7 and the housing device 6 cooperating spring device 10 made available.

The piston element 7 is in the area of his space 9 facing side with a opposite a guide area 7A , whose outer diameter in principle the inner diameter of the cylinder 6 corresponds, with one opposite the management area 7A reduced outside diameter piston area performed 7B formed, wherein the piston area 78 is designed as a hollow cylinder.

The locking device 11 is about a device 12 that is an electromagnetic actuator 13 , a permanent magnet 14 and an actuator 15 has operable. Here is the locking device 11 via the electromagnetic actuator 13 by canceling an operative connection between locking elements 16A . 16B and the piston element 7 from an activated state to a deactivated state, the active connection being in the energized state of the actuator 13 to which the actuator 15 from the actor 13 in an engagement of the locking elements 16A . 16B with the piston element 7 avoiding operating condition is removed.

The electromagnetic actuator 13 is surrounded to its interior by magnetic field leading material, in particular ferromagnetic material, with high magnetic permeability. This is adjacent to the piston element 7 facing side of the actuator 13 to a conclusion area 22 while at its the piston element 7 opposite side a magnetic core 23 is arranged, wherein the conclusion area 22 and the magnetic core 23 outside the electromagnetic actuator 13 connected to each other. The inference area 22 and / or the magnetic core 23 can / can in the interior of the actuator 13 protrude.

The permanent magnet 14 is present coaxial and radially within the electromagnetic actuator 13 arranged and fixed with the cylinder 6 axially displaceable executed actuator 15 connected. The permanent magnet 14 is at the in 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment of the device 12 for actuating the latching device 11 right next to one with the actuator 15 firmly connected anchors 24 arranged with high magnetic permeability and also fixed to the actuator 15 connected, bringing the permanent magnet 14 together with the anchor 24 and the actuator 15 in the direction of the axial extent of the cylinder 6 is displaceable.

In de-energized operating state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 acts on the permanent magnet 14 the actuator 15 with one in the opposite direction of the piston element 7 acting force. This power stems from the fact that the magnetic system of permanent magnet 14 , Anchor 24 , Conclusion area 22 and magnetic core 23 strives to minimize its total magnetic energy. It strives to be that of the permanent magnets 14 emanating outgoing magnetic flux as exclusively as possible in the magnetic field leading elements to reduce the total reluctance along the closed magnetic field lines.

In de-energized operating state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 thus shifts the permanent magnet 14 the actuator 15 with his head area 15A in a the latching device 11 activating position in which the over the circumference of the head area 15A arranged distributed and executed as balls locking elements 16A . 16B from the head area 15A of the actuating element 15 radially outward in a displacement of inwardly directed shoulder stops 17A . 17B of the piston element 7 are pressed, so that the piston element 7 moving towards his in 3 shown first end position with its sales discounts 17A and 17B at the locking elements 16A . 16B comes to the concerns and is held in a consistent manner. The actuator 15 is from the permanent magnet 14 in the in 2 held position shown, in turn, the locking elements 16A . 16B from the head area 15A of the actuating element 15 in the in 2 shown position are held.

There is a deactivation signal for the locking device 11 , becomes the electromagnetic actuator 13 energized to such an extent that the actuating element 15 from the electromagnetic actuator 13 in the in 3 shown position is shifted, in which the locking elements 16A and 16B from the sales stops 17A . 17B pressed radially inward and the piston element 7 release. At the same time, a sleeve element 18 from a spring device 20 with his the piston element 7 facing end over the locking elements 16A and 16B pushed so that these between the sleeve element 18 and the actuator 15 are held securely in their mounting position.

When filling the storage space 8th and an associated movement of the piston element 7 starting from its first end position in the direction of its second end position, the sleeve element is first 18 from the piston element 7 from the field of locking elements 16A and 16B moved while the piston element 7 not yet in contact with the actuator 15 comes. With increasing filling level of the storage space 8th comes the piston element 7 with the actuating element 15 in plant and expresses this starting from the in 3 shown position in the in 2 shown position in which the locking elements 16A and 16B above a guide slope 21 of the actuating element 15 be pressed radially outward. In this operating condition of the piston-cylinder unit 5 becomes the energization of the electromagnetic actuator 13 interrupted to the actuator 15 by means of the permanent magnet 14 in the to the activated operating state of the locking device 11 equivalent position.

In 4 to 6 is each the piston-cylinder unit 5 according to 2 shown, for actuating the latching device 11 each with the device 12 according to 2 deviating devices 12 are formed. The devices differ 12 according to 4 to 6 from the device 12 according to 2 only in the area of the permanent magnet 14 , which is why regarding the other functionalities of the piston-cylinder unit 5 , the latching device 11 as well as the device 12 to the above description 2 and 3 is referred to and will be discussed below essentially the differences.

The permanent magnet 14 the device 12 according to 4 is fixed to the magnetic core 23 connected and the actuator 15 is shared with the anchor 24 opposite the permanent magnet 14 slidably executed, wherein the actuating element 15 both in the de-energized state and in the energized state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 the above-described positions for activating or deactivating the locking device 11 occupies.

Another embodiment of the device 12 for actuating the latching device 11 is in 5 shown at the permanent magnet 14 on the piston element 7 facing side of the electromagnetic actuator 13 in the inference area 22 is integrated and thus not in the actor 13 radially enclosed inner area is arranged. In this case, for example, a south pole of the permanent magnet 14 in an anchor 24 remote outside area of the permanent magnet 14 provided during the north pole of the permanent magnet in the armature 24 facing inner region of the permanent magnet 14 is formed to the actuator 15 in the manner described above for activating or deactivating the latching device 11 over the device 12 to position accordingly.

At the in 6 illustrated embodiment of the device 12 for actuating the latching device 11 is the permanent magnet 14 outside the piston-cylinder unit 5 arranged and with a housing-fixed component of the transmission device 3 firmly connected. The actuator 15 is present by the on the piston element 7 opposite side of the electromagnetic actuator 13 arranged inference region 22 from the inside of the cylinder 6 led to energized state of the actuator 13 with a contact element 27 gap-free at the permanent magnet 14 to rest. In energized state of the actuator 13 becomes the actuator 15 in the in 6 shown position adjusted to the locking device 11 to disable. Unlike the ones in the 2 to 5 illustrated embodiments, the magnetic system, which tries to minimize its magnetic energy, the actuator 13 itself, the anchor 24 , the inference area 22 and the magnetic core 23 on. Unlike the ones in the 2 to 5 illustrated embodiments, the system strives to that of the electromagnetic actuator 13 emanating outgoing magnetic flux as exclusively as possible in the magnetic field leading elements, to the total reluctance along the closed magnetic field lines, which by the energized electromagnetic actuator 13 stem, reduce.

Issues a control system-side requirement for a starting process of the internal combustion engine 2 becomes the electromagnetic actuator 13 energized in all the above embodiments and the actuator 15 against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 14 in his the latching device 11 deactivating position in which the locking elements 16A and 168 out of engagement with the piston element 7 be guided, moved. At the same time the piston element 7 from the spring device 10 pressed in the direction of its first end position and in the storage space 8th stored hydraulic fluid through the open check valve 29 which now has a considerably larger flow cross-section than the throttle device 31 releases, in the direction of the hydraulic system 19 guided and a control of the switching elements 25 and 26 the transmission device 3 supported to the desired extent.

In 7 is the piston-cylinder unit 5 designed as a fluid-actuated actuator of the transmission device associated and not shown parking brake device, wherein the piston element 7 from the latching device 11 is stable in an operating state equivalent to a deployed state of the parking brake device.

The piston element 7 is calculated from an in 8th shown first end position by supplying pressurized fluid via an inlet bore 32 in one of the piston element 7 and the cylinder 6 limited pressure chamber 33 in the in 7 shown displaced position, wherein the piston element 7 with his sales stops 17A and 17B with activated locking device 11 positive fit on the locking elements 16A and 16B is applied. The permanent magnet of the device 12 is in the same way as the device 12 according to 3 within the electromagnetic actuator 13 arranged and fixed to the actuator 15 and the anchor 24 connected. Here are the poles of the permanent magnet 14 arranged such that the actuating element 15 in the de-energized state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 from the permanent magnet 14 in the in 7 shown position is shifted and the locking device 11 activated. In energized state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 exercises the electromagnetic actuator 13 on the electrically generated magnetic field on the actuator 15 such a force that this against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 14 in the in 8th shown and the locking device 11 deactivating position in the direction of the piston element 7 is moved.

In 9 is the piston-cylinder unit 5 according to 7 with the device 12 for actuating the latching device 11 according to 7 illustrated, wherein the latching device 11 according to 9 from the latching device according to 7 deviates in the manner described below and with a to the locking device 11 adapted piston element 7 cooperates in the manner described above.

In his the leadership area 7A opposite end region is the piston area 7B hat-shaped with a truncated cone area 7C formed, wherein the conical surface of the truncated cone area 7C of the piston element 7 the locking device 11 facing and during a movement of the piston element 7 starting from its first end position in the direction of its second end position to avoid terminals with guide slopes of the locking elements 16A and 168 cooperates accordingly. The locking elements 16A and 168 are at one end about housing-fixed pivot points 34A and 348 rotatable and at the other end in each case with the truncated cone area 7C of the piston element 7 for holding the piston element 7 in the in 9 shown manner can be brought into operative connection.

The actuator 15 will be in the in 9 shown position of the permanent magnet 14 held, because the electromagnetic actuator 13 is not energized. The locking device 11 is activated and the piston element 7 is opposite to the force direction shown by the arrow F on the piston element 7 attacking spring device in the in 9 held position held.

If there is a corresponding requirement for engaging the parking brake, the electromagnetic actuator 13 energized and the actuator 15 from the in 9 position shown in the in 10 shifted position shown, wherein the locking elements 16A and 16B through the head area 15A of the actuating element 15 in the in 10 shown manner out of engagement with the truncated cone area 8C be guided and the piston element 7 release. The piston element 7 is due to the spring force F of the spring device not shown in accordance with pressure-free space 33 in the in 10 shown position to come up with a pawl of the parking brake device in a parking lock gear in a conventional manner.

On the pressure room 33 opposite side of the piston element 7 limit the cylinder 6 and the piston member 7 another room, via a vent line 35 To avoid malfunction of the piston-cylinder unit is kept depressurized.

In the 11 illustrated piston-cylinder unit 5 acts with a locking device 11 together, which one to 7 described locking device 11 corresponds, the device 12 for actuating the latching device 11 essentially the same 4 described device 12 corresponds to enable or disable the latch. Regarding the further operation of the piston-cylinder unit 5 , the latching device 11 as well as the device 12 Reference is therefore made to the above description.

In the 12 The arrangement shown differs from that in 11 shown arrangement only in the region of the piston element 7 and the latching device 11 where both the piston element 7 as well as the latching device 11 which to 9 described embodiments of the piston element and the latching device correspond, wherein the actuating element 15 in the 12 shown position in energized state of the electromagnetic actuator 13 occupies and the locking device 11 disabled.

In the 13 illustrated piston-cylinder unit 5 acts with a locking device 11 according to 7 together, which with a device 12 according to 5 is pressed. While the latching device 11 the piston-cylinder unit according to 14 from a device 12 according to 6 is pressed.

Basically corresponds the device for actuating the locking device in conjunction with the locking device a Locking system which is locked by means of a permanent magnet and by means of an electromagnetic actuator or an electromagnet is unlocked. Thus, a piston element is independent of electric energy in a desired operating state durable and accordingly without any time delay even after longer vehicle rest periods a simple manner releasable, for example, a hydraulic fluid volume to feed into a hydraulic system of a transmission device or to operate a parking lock device. Basically in the execution a piston-cylinder unit as a hydraulic fluid volume reservoir, which is formed with the device according to the invention, an anticipation time with an activated engine start-stop function for a restart in comparison shortened to known from the prior art systems.

1

vehicle

2

Internal combustion engine

3

transmission device

4

oil sump

5

Piston-cylinder unit

6

cylinder

7

piston element

7A

guide region

7B

piston area

7C

Tapered zone

8th

storage space

9

room

10

spring means

11

locking device

12

contraption

13

electromagnetic actuator

14

permanent magnet

15

actuator

15A

head area

16A

locking element

16B

locking element

17A

paragraph stop

17B

paragraph stop

18

sleeve member

19

hydraulic system

20

spring means

21

guide slope

22

Inference area

23

magnetic core

24

anchor

25

switching element

26

switching element

27

contact element

28

transmission pump

29

check valve

30

bypass line

31

throttling device

32

supply line

33

pressure chamber

34A

pivot point

34B

pivot point

34

vent

F

Force direction, spring force

Claims (9)

Contraption ( 12 ) for actuating a latching device ( 11 ), by means of which one in a cylinder ( 6 ) due to a fluidic pressure axially displaceable piston element ( 7 ) of a col ben cylinder unit ( 5 ) is durable in a predefined piston position, wherein the latching device ( 11 ) via an electromagnetic actuator ( 13 ) by canceling an operative connection between locking elements ( 16A . 16B ) and the piston element ( 7 ) can be converted from an activated state into a deactivated state and the operative connection in the energized state of the actuator ( 13 ) to which an actuator ( 15 ) of the actuator ( 13 ) in an engagement of the locking elements ( 16A . 16B ) with the piston element ( 7 ) is spent, is canceled, characterized in that the actuating element ( 15 ) a permanent magnet ( 14 ) associated with the actuating element ( 15 ) in the de-energized state of the actuator ( 13 ) in an engagement of the locking elements ( 16A . 16B ) with the piston element ( 7 ) permitting operating state. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 14 ) within the electromagnetic actuator ( 13 ) is arranged. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 14 ) outside the electromagnetic actuator ( 13 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 14 ) the actuating element ( 15 ) with a in the direction of the piston element ( 7 ) acted upon actuating force. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 14 ) the actuating element ( 15 ) with one of the piston element ( 7 ) directed away actuation force. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the piston-cylinder unit ( 5 ) a memory space ( 8th ) for storing hydraulic fluid supplied with a hydraulic system ( 19 ) a transmission device ( 34 ) is in operative connection for the exchange of hydraulic fluid, wherein the volume of the storage space ( 8th ) in dependence on an operating state of the piston element ( 7 ) is variable between a minimum and a maximum. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the piston element ( 7 ) by means of the latching device ( 11 ) at least in that to the maximum of the volume of the storage space ( 8th ) equivalent operating state against a restoring tendency of the piston element ( 7 ) starting from an operating state that is dependent on the minimum of the volume of the storage space ( 8th ) is different in the direction of its to the minimum of the volume of the storage space ( 8th ) equivalent operating state is durable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the piston-cylinder unit ( 5 ) a fluidically actuatable actuator of a transmission device ( 3 ) associated with the parking brake device, wherein the piston element ( 7 ) of the activated locking device ( 11 ) is stable in an operating state equivalent to a deployed state of the parking brake device. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a spring device ( 11 ) is provided, by means of which the piston element ( 7 ) with one of the locking device ( 11 ) directed away spring force is applied.