Bistable device

Abstract

Bi-stable solenoid actuator, comprising: a ring-shaped steel housing that includes a U-shaped channel; a winding that is wound around a ring-shaped winding support; a ring-shaped steel piston; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; a ring-shaped steel cover; and a return spring.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for controlling a two-state device. The two-state device can be an electric locking differential gear set or a differential gear set that allows two axle shafts to rotate together or independently of each other. BACKGROUND AND DETOUR

[0002] A wheelset can be mechanically connected to a differential gear set. The differential gear set allows each wheel of the wheelset to rotate at a different speed. This enables a vehicle with a differential to turn without any of the wheels slipping. However, there may be situations where it is desirable for both wheels to rotate at the same speed. For example, when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead on a surface with a low coefficient of friction, it may be desirable to lock the differential so that the two wheels coupled to the differential rotate at the same speed, thus increasing the vehicle's traction. One way to lock the differential is to continuously apply electrical energy to a magnet, which locks the differential for as long as a differential lock is desired.However, continuously supplying electrical energy to a magnet can discharge the battery. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a way to lock a differential without continuously applying electrical energy to a magnet.

[0003] The inventors recognized the aforementioned challenges and developed a bistable solenoid actuator comprising: an annular steel housing with a U-shaped channel; a winding wound around an annular winding support; an annular steel piston; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; an annular steel cover; and a return spring.

[0004] By constructing a bistable solenoid actuator, it is possible to lock a differential gear set by applying electrical energy to the actuator and to keep the differential gear set locked even when the electrical energy is removed. In particular, permanent magnets, a steel housing, and a steel cover ensure that a magnetic field is sufficient to lock the differential gear set in its position.

[0005] The bistable solenoid actuator described here offers several advantages. In particular, it can hold a differential gear set in either a locked or unlocked position without requiring an electrical supply to maintain the gear set's operating state. Furthermore, the bistable solenoid actuator is annular in design, allowing it to provide a consistent holding force when engaged and / or during actuation. Consequently, a cam ring can be actuated by the bistable solenoid actuator to engage a side gear without it jumping to one side or the other, thus reducing the possibility of the mechanism jamming.

[0006] It is understood that the above summary serves to present, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are explained in more detail in the full description. It is not intended to identify the main or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that overcome the disadvantages mentioned above or elsewhere in this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example vehicle that includes a locking differential gear set. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example bistable solenoid actuator. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the bistable solenoid actuator. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the bistable solenoid actuator. Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the bistable solenoid actuator integrated into a split differential separator arrangement. The Fig. Figures 6-11 show the magnetic field paths when the bistable solenoid actuator is in the engaged and disengaged operating states. Fig. Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example procedure for the construction and operation of the bistable solenoid actuator. Fig. Figure 13 is an exploded view of the bistable solenoid actuator as an electronic differential lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following description concerns systems and methods for a bistable magnet. The bistable magnet allows a differential gear set to retain its last operating state (e.g., engaged or disengaged) even when no electrical energy is applied to the differential gear set's bistable locking mechanism. The bistable magnet can be incorporated into a vehicle, as in Fig. 1 shown. Fig. Figures 2-11 and 13 show different views of at least parts of the bistable magnet and examples of its use. Fig. Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a procedure for the construction and operation of a bistable magnet.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle powertrain 199 contained in vehicle 10. Mechanical connections are shown in Fig. 1. Solid lines are shown, and electrical connections are shown as dashed lines.

[0009] Vehicle 10 has a front 110 and a rear 111. Vehicle 10 includes front wheels 102 and rear wheels 103. In this example, vehicle 10 is configured as a two-wheel drive vehicle; however, in other examples, vehicle 10 may be configured as an all-wheel drive vehicle. Vehicle 10 includes a power source 12 that can selectively supply power to the rear axle 190. In this example, the power source 12 is an electric machine (e.g., a motor / generator), but in other embodiments, the power source 12 may be an internal combustion engine or a combination of an electric machine and an internal combustion engine. The power source 12 is shown to be mechanically coupled to a gearbox 14, and the gearbox 14 is mechanically coupled to the rear axle 190. The power source 12 can provide mechanical power to the gearbox 14.The rear axle 190 can receive mechanical energy from the gearbox 14, so that the mechanical energy can be transferred to the rear wheels 103. The drive battery 139 can supply the drive source 12 with electrical energy.

[0010] The rear axle 190 has two half-shafts, including a first or right half-shaft 190a and a second or left half-shaft 190b. The rear axle 190 can be an integrated axle containing a differential 191. When the vehicle 10 is traveling on roads and cornering, the differential 191 can be open, allowing the right rear wheel 103a to rotate at a different speed than the left rear wheel 103b. The differential 191 enables the vehicle 10 to turn without pulling the right rear wheel 103a or the left rear wheel 103b. The differential 191 can be selectively locked (engaged) or unlocked (disengaged) by means of a bistable solenoid actuator 195, so that the right half-shaft 190a rotates at the same speed as the left half-shaft 190b.

[0011] The control unit 144 can selectively lock and unlock the differential 191 by sending locking and unlocking commands to the bistable solenoid actuator 195. The control unit 144 can lock or unlock the differential 191 depending on the rotational speeds of wheels 103a and 103b. For example, the control unit 144 can lock the differential 191 if the rotational speed difference between the right rear wheel 103a and the left rear wheel 103b exceeds a threshold value.

[0012] The control unit 144 can also communicate with the instrument panel 130, the drive source 12, and other control units, if present. The control unit 144 includes a read-only memory (ROM or non-volatile memory) 114, a random-access memory (RAM) 116, a digital processor or central processing unit (CPU) 160, and inputs and outputs (I / O) 118 (e.g., digital inputs including counters, timers, and discrete inputs; digital outputs; analog inputs; and analog outputs). The control unit 144 can receive signals from sensors 154 and provide control signal outputs to actuators 156. The sensors 154 can include, among others, wheel speed sensors, a drive source temperature sensor, a drive source torque sensor, and a drive source speed sensor. Actuators 156 can include, among others, drive source motor torque actuators (e.g., inverters, etc.).

[0013] The vehicle propulsion system may also include an instrument panel 130 with which the driver can interact. The instrument panel 130 may include an interactive weather data display and reporting system 134 that can transmit weather forecast data to the control unit 144. The instrument panel 130 may also include a display system 132 designed to show information to the vehicle operator. As a non-limiting example, the display system 132 may include a touchscreen or human-machine interface (HMI) that allows the vehicle operator to view graphical information as well as input commands. In some examples, the display system 132 may be wirelessly connected to the internet (not shown) via the control unit 144.In some examples, the vehicle operator can communicate with a website or software application (app) and the control unit 144 via the display system 132. The dashboard 130 and its components can be powered by a traction battery 139 via an inverter (not shown). The battery 139 can also supply power to the control unit 114.

[0014] The instrument panel 130 may also include a user interface 136 through which the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's operating state. In particular, the user interface 136 may be configured to initiate and / or stop the operation of the vehicle's powertrain (for example, the power source 12) based on user input. Various examples of the operator interface 136 may include interfaces that use a physical device, such as an active key that can be inserted into the operator interface 136 to activate the power source 12 and turn on the vehicle 10, or that can be removed to deactivate the power source 12 and turn off the vehicle. Still other examples may additionally or optionally use a start / stop button that is manually pressed by the operator to start or shut down the power source 12.The spatial orientation of vehicle 10 is specified via axes 175.

[0015] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the bistable magnet 195. The bistable solenoid actuator 195 comprises an annular steel housing 202, an annular steel piston 206, permanent magnets 210, and an annular steel cover 204. The annular steel cover 204 is attached to the annular steel housing 202 via threaded connectors 212. A positive terminal + 220 and a negative terminal - 221 are shown for the windings (not shown) of the bistable solenoid actuator 195. The annular steel piston 206 is contained within it, and its movement can be restricted by the annular steel cover 204 and / or the annular steel housing 202. The orientation of the cross-section AA is also shown.

[0016] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section AA of the bistable solenoid actuator 195. The cross-section shows that the annular steel housing 202 encompasses a U-shaped channel 320. The U-shaped channel 320 is at least partially occupied by an annular steel piston 206, an annular winding carrier 304, and windings 302. The cross-section also shows how the permanent magnet 210 is in physical contact with the annular steel cover 204 and the annular steel housing 202. The annular steel piston can move as indicated by arrow 350.

[0017] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the bistable solenoid actuator 195. The annular steel housing 202, the annular winding support 304, the annular steel piston 206, and the annular steel cover 204 are arranged concentrically around a center point indicated by line 402. In this example, permanent magnets 210 are arranged in a circle around the center point indicated by line 402. While there are multiple permanent magnets in this example, it is evident that a single circular permanent magnet can also be used in other examples. The windings 302 are shown wound around the winding support 304.

[0018] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a differential 191, which includes a differential separating device that can be actuated via a bistable solenoid actuator 195. Fasteners (e.g., bolts) 502 pass through holes (not shown) in the first half of the split differential housing 504 and in the second half of the split differential housing 512. The fasteners 502 connect the first half of the split differential housing 504 and the second half of the split differential housing 512 to the ring gear 514. The first half of the split differential housing 504 and the second half of the split differential housing 512 cover the differential gear set nest 506. The annular steel piston 206 of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 can exert a force on the pressure plateau 516 in the direction indicated by the arrow 530 to move the cam ring towards the differential gear set nest 506.This allows the chamfered teeth 540 of the cam ring to engage with the chamfered teeth 542 of the differential gear set nest. The second half of the split differential housing 512 passes through a through-hole in a ring gear (not shown), and the second half of the split differential housing 512 includes through-holes (not shown) to allow the pressure plateau to contact the cam ring 510. The return spring 508 exerts a force in the direction of arrow 532 to disengage the chamfered teeth of the cam ring 540 from the chamfered teeth of the differential gear set nest 542. An axle shaft can be inserted into the bistable solenoid actuator 195 and the differential 191 in the direction indicated by arrow 552, so that the axle shaft engages with the differential gear set nest 506.

[0019] Thus, the system offers, according to the Fig. 1-5 A bistable solenoid actuator comprising: an annular steel housing with a U-shaped channel; a winding wound around an annular winding support; an annular steel piston; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; an annular steel cover; and a return spring. In a first example, the bistable solenoid actuator includes the winding and the winding support being inserted into the U-shaped channel. In a second example, which may include the first example, the bistable solenoid actuator includes an annular steel piston being inserted into the U-shaped channel. In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the bistable solenoid actuator includes the annular steel cover covering part of the U-shaped channel.In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first three examples, the bistable solenoid actuator comprises one or more permanent magnets arranged between the U-shaped channel and the annular steel cover. In a fifth example, which may include one or more of the first four examples, the bistable solenoid actuator comprises an annular steel piston arranged between the U-shaped channel and the annular winding carrier. In a sixth example, which may include one or more of the first five examples, the bistable solenoid actuator comprises the annular steel housing configured to receive a shaft through a through-hole in the annular steel housing.

[0020] Additionally, the system of Fig. 1-5 presents a bistable solenoid actuator comprising: an annular steel housing containing a U-shaped channel; a winding wound around an annular winding support; an annular steel piston having an L-shaped cross-section; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; an annular steel cover; and a return spring. In a first example, the bistable solenoid actuator is configured such that, in an engaged position, the annular steel piston is physically in contact with the annular steel cover and the U-shaped channel. In a second example, which may include the first example, the bistable solenoid actuator is configured such that, in a non-engaged position, the annular steel piston is physically in contact with the U-shaped channel and does not come into contact with the annular steel cover.In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the bistable solenoid actuator comprises the annular steel cover being brought into physical contact with the one or more permanent magnets. In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first through third examples, the bistable solenoid actuator comprises one or more permanent magnets arranged between the U-shaped channel and the annular steel cover.

[0021] With reference to Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 and the predictive magnetic field strength lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is disengaged and no electrical energy is supplied to it. In this position, the magnetic field is weaker, as indicated by lines 602 emanating from the permanent magnet 210. This magnetic field is not strong enough to overcome the load generated by the return spring (e.g., 508 in Figure 508). Fig. 5) This keeps the piston in its non-engagement position, in which the chamfered teeth of the cam ring 540 do not engage with the chamfered teeth of the differential gear set nest 542. The annular steel piston 206 is in its non-engagement position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202, and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 within the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0022] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 and the predictive magnetic field strength lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is disengaged and electrical energy is supplied to it in a first direction. In this example, the magnetic field generated by the supply of electrical energy to the windings 302 and the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 210 combine to form a stronger magnetic field, as indicated by the lines 702 emanating from the permanent magnet 210. This magnetic field is strong enough to overcome the load generated by the return spring (e.g., 508 in Figure 508). Fig. 5) Consequently, the ring-shaped steel piston 208 moves into the position shortly after electrical energy is applied to the windings 302. Fig. 8 position shown. The annular steel piston 206 is shown in its non-engagement position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202 and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 inside the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0023] With reference to Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 and the predictive magnetic field strength lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is actuated and electrical energy is supplied to it in a first direction. Here, too, the magnetic field generated by the current supply to the windings 302 and the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 210 combine to form a stronger magnetic field, as indicated by the lines 802 emanating from the permanent magnet 210. This magnetic field is strong enough to actuate the return spring (e.g., 508 in Fig. 5) compressed and to keep the differential locked or engaged. The annular steel piston 206 is shown in its engaged position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202, and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 within the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0024] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-section of a bistable solenoid actuator 195, illustrating the predictive magnetic field strength lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is inset and no electrical energy is supplied to the bistable solenoid actuator 195 in a first direction. In this example, the magnetic field generated by permanent magnet 210 is strong enough to hold the annular steel piston 206 in an inset or differential locking position. The magnetic field lines are represented by lines 902, and the magnetic field is strong because there is no air gap between the annular steel cover 204 and the annular steel piston 206. The annular steel piston 206 is shown in its engagement position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202 and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 inside the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the bistable solenoid actuator 195, illustrating the magnetic field lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is actuated and electrical energy is applied to it in a second direction. By applying the electrical energy in the second direction, the magnetic field generated by the windings 302 cancels out the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 210. Consequently, the resulting magnetic field is not strong enough to overcome the forces in Fig. 5 to overcome the force of the return spring 508 shown. Fig. Figure 10 shows the magnetic field lines indicated by lines 902 before the annular steel piston 206 begins to move due to the spring force. The annular steel piston 206 is shown in its engaged position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202, and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 within the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 and the predictive magnetic field strength lines when the bistable solenoid actuator 195 is engaged and electrical energy is supplied to it in the second direction. Here, the annular steel piston 206 is shown in a non-engaged position, in which the differential is open and not locked. An air gap is now present between the annular steel piston 206 and the annular steel cover 204, which helps to interrupt the formation of concentrated magnetic field lines that could cause the annular steel piston to move into its engaged position. Fig. Figure 11 shows the magnetic field lines indicated by lines 1102 after the annular steel piston 206 begins to move due to the spring force. The annular steel piston 206 is shown in its non-engaged position, and the annular steel cover 204, the annular steel housing 202, and the annular winding carrier 304 hold the annular steel piston 206 within the bistable solenoid actuator 195.

[0027] In Fig. Section 12 now presents a method for the construction and application of a bistable solenoid actuator. The method according to Fig. 12 can be performed by a person or by machines. Furthermore, parts of the procedure can be performed according to Fig. 12. These actions are executed via a control unit containing executable instructions stored in non-volatile memory. The control unit can employ sensors and actuators to modify the operating states of the bistable solenoid actuator in the real world.

[0028] In process 1200 at 1202, the annular steel housing, the annular winding carrier, the annular steel piston, the differential housing, the pressure plateau, the cam ring, and the annular steel cover are formed. These components can be cast, stamped, or formed by other known methods. Process 1200 continues to 1204.

[0029] Method 1200 at 1204 inserts the winding carrier and the windings wound around the winding carrier into the U-shaped channel of the annular steel housing. Method 1200 continues with 1206.

[0030] Method 1200 at 1206 brings permanent magnets into direct contact with the ring-shaped steel housing. Method 1200 continues with 1208.

[0031] In 1208, according to method 1200, the annular steel cover is placed over the annular steel housing, the annular steel piston, the annular winding carrier, the windings, and the permanent magnets to form a bistable solenoid actuator. Method 1200 continues with 1210.

[0032] At 1210, procedure 1200 brings the bistable solenoid actuator into contact with a differential housing. Procedure 1200 continues with 1212.

[0033] In process 1200 at 1212, the annular steel piston of the bistable magnetic drive is brought into direct contact with a pressure plate, and the pressure plate is in direct contact with a cam ring. Process 1200 continues with 1214.

[0034] In step 1214, a shaft is guided through the bistable solenoid valve actuator in step 1200. Step 1200 continues with step 1216.

[0035] At 1216, procedure 1200 assesses whether there is a request to change an operating state of the bistable differential lock device (e.g., to open or lock the differential). If so, the answer is yes, and procedure 1200 continues to 1218. Otherwise, the answer is no, and procedure 1200 continues to the end.

[0036] At 1218, method 1200 applies electrical energy in a first direction to the windings of the bistable solenoid actuator to reduce the permanent magnetic field so that the spring can open the differential (e.g., positive terminal of the battery or power source to a first terminal of the windings and negative terminal of the battery or power source to a second terminal of the windings), or alternatively in a second direction to lock the differential (to lock the axle shafts together) (e.g., positive terminal of the battery or power source to the second terminal of the windings and negative terminal of the battery or power source to the first terminal of the windings). Method 1200 continues at 1220.

[0037] At 1220, procedure 1200 assesses whether the bistable solenoid actuator has changed its operating state. If so, the answer is yes, and procedure 1200 continues to 1222. Otherwise, the answer is no, and procedure 1200 returns to 1218.

[0038] At 1222, procedure 1200 interrupts the power supply to the windings of the bistable magnet drive to save power. Procedure 1200 then continues to the end.

[0039] Thus, method 1200 enables the design and application of a bistable solenoid actuator. The bistable magnetic drive is ring-shaped, allowing for uniform pressure to be exerted on a pressure plateau and a cam ring, thereby reducing the possibility of the mechanism binding.

[0040] The procedure according to Fig. Document 12 provides a method for a bistable solenoid actuator comprising the following: forming an annular steel housing comprising a U-shaped channel; forming an annular winding support and winding a coil around the annular winding support; inserting the annular winding support and the coil into the U-shaped channel; arranging one or more permanent magnets in direct contact with the annular steel housing; fitting an annular steel cover over at least a portion of the U-shaped channel; and installing the bistable solenoid actuator in a differential housing. In a first example, the method further comprises inserting a shaft through the bistable solenoid actuator. In a second example, which may include the first example, the method further comprises supplying electrical energy in a first direction to the coil in response to a request to lock the differential.In a third example, which may include one or both of the first and second examples, the method further comprises supplying electrical energy to the winding in a second direction in response to a request to unlock the differential. In a fourth example, which may include one or more of the first through third examples, the method further comprises removing electrical energy from the winding while a differential is locked and maintaining the locking of the differential. In a fifth example, which may include one or more of the first through fourth examples, the method further comprises inserting an annular steel piston into the U-shaped channel and into a through-hole of the annular winding support.In a sixth example, which may include one or more of the first five examples, the method further comprises bringing the annular steel piston into contact with a pressure plateau. In a seventh example, which may include one or more of the first six examples, the method further comprises applying the pressure plateau to a cam ring.

[0041] With reference to Fig. Figure 13 shows a section through an electronic differential lock and part of a differential. In particular, it shows Fig.13 the differential housing 1312 and within the housing 132 a locking side gear 1304 together with a return spring 1306 and a cam ring 1308. The cam ring 1308 and the locking side gear 1304 have chamfered teeth 1302 that can interlock to lock the locking side gear 1304. The bistable solenoid actuator 195 fits over part of the housing 132 and can exert a force on the pressure plateau 1310, causing the pressure plateau 1310 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow 1350.

[0042] The electronic differential lock can function as follows: When the cam ring 1308 is in a disengaged state, the annular steel piston 206 is held open by the return spring 1306 and the superconducting magnets (not shown). By applying an electrical voltage to the windings (not shown) of the bistable solenoid actuator 195, the annular steel piston 206 is moved into an engaged state, in which the return spring 1306 is compressed and the chamfered teeth of the cam ring 1308 engage with the chamfered teeth of the locking side gear 1304. The electrical energy can be disconnected from the windings (not shown) of the bistable solenoid actuator 195. Nevertheless, the permanent magnets (not shown) of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 hold the annular steel piston 206 in the engaged state.Electrical energy can be supplied in a second direction to the windings of the bistable solenoid actuator 195 to cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. This allows the return spring to separate the cam ring 1308 from the locking side gear 1304, thus unlocking the differential. The separation is facilitated by the return spring because no force is exerted through the windings to move the annular steel piston 206.

[0043] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be noted that these serve only as examples and do not constitute limitations or restrictions. It is understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and that these specific examples should not be considered restrictive, as many variations are possible. The technology described above can, for example, be applied to powertrains that include various types of drive sources, including different types of electric machines, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions. The technology can be used as a standalone system or in combination with other power transmission systems, e.g.,including, but not limited to, machinery and drive systems for tandem axles, electric trailer axles, P4 axles, hybrid vehicles, battery-powered vehicles, agriculture, shipping, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and on- and off-road vehicles. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter.

[0044] Note that the example designs and control routines contained herein can be used with various system configurations. In some examples, the control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-volatile memory and executed by the control system, including the control unit, in combination with the various sensors, actuators, and other transmission and / or vehicle hardware components. Furthermore, parts of the methods may be physical actions performed in the real world to change the state of a device. The described actions, operations, and / or functions may graphically represent code to be programmed into non-volatile memory of the computer-readable storage medium in the vehicle and / or transmission control system.The specific routines described here can represent one or more of a range of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multitasking, multithreading, and the like. Thus, various actions, operations, and / or functions shown can be performed in parallel in the sequence presented, or in some cases, omitted. Likewise, the processing sequence can deviate from that described here to achieve the characteristics and advantages of the examples presented, but this serves to simplify the presentation and description. One or more of the actions, processes, and / or functions shown can be performed repeatedly, depending on the strategy used. One or more of the procedural steps described here can also be omitted if desired.

[0045] The following claims highlight in particular certain combinations and subcombinations that are to be considered novel and not obvious. These claims may refer to "one" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be understood as including one or more such elements, not as requiring or excluding two or more such elements. Further combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by presenting new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they have a broader, narrower, the same, or different scope than the original claims, are also to be considered as belonging to the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means plus or minus five percent of the range.

Claims

[1] Bistable solenoid actuator comprising: a ring-shaped steel housing that includes a U-shaped channel; a winding that is wound around a ring-shaped winding support; a ring-shaped steel piston; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; a ring-shaped steel cover; and a return spring. [2] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 1, wherein the winding and the annular winding carrier are inserted into the U-shaped channel. [3] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 2, wherein the annular steel piston is inserted into the U-shaped channel. [4] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 3, wherein the annular steel cover covers part of the U-shaped channel. [5] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 4, wherein the permanent magnet(s) are arranged between the U-shaped channel and the annular steel cover. [6] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 5, wherein the annular steel piston is arranged between the U-shaped channel and the annular winding carrier. [7] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 6, wherein the annular steel housing is configured to accommodate an axle shaft through a through hole in the annular steel housing. [8] Bistable solenoid actuator, comprising: a ring-shaped steel housing that includes a U-shaped channel; a winding that is wound around a ring-shaped winding support; an annular steel piston, wherein the annular steel piston has an L-shaped cross-section; one or more permanent magnets arranged in a circle; a ring-shaped steel cover; and a return spring. [9] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 8, wherein the annular steel piston is arranged to be in an engagement position in physical contact with the annular steel cover and the U-shaped channel. [10] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the annular steel piston is arranged to be in a non-engagement position in physical contact with the U-shaped channel and not in contact with the annular steel cover. [11] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 10, wherein the annular steel cover is in physical contact with the one or more permanent magnets. [12] Bistable solenoid actuator according to claim 11, wherein one or more permanent magnets are in physical contact with the annular steel housing.

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