Method for operating a pump motor of a handling device, and handling device, motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a pump motor (3) of a control device (1) for a brake system, wherein the control device (1) has a pump motor (3), a valve device (4) having at least one electrically actuatable switching valve, an electric first supply terminal (5) which can be electrically connected to the pump motor (3), and an electric second supply terminal (8) which can be electrically connected to the valve device (4), wherein an electric rated operating current for the pump motor (3) is predefined, and wherein the pump motor (3) is electrically connected to the first supply terminal (5) such that the rated operating current is supplied at least in part via the first supply terminal (5). The invention provides that the pump motor (3) is electrically connected to the second supply terminal (8) such that the rated operating current is supplied at least in part via the second supply terminal (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a pump motor of a control device for a braking device, wherein the control device has a pump motor, a valve device having at least one electrically operable switching valve, a first electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the pump motor, and a second electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the valve device, wherein a rated operating current for the pump motor is predetermined, and wherein the pump motor is electrically connected to the first supply terminal such that the rated operating current is provided at least proportionally through the first supply terminal.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an operating device for a braking device, which has a control device.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a braking device with such a control mechanism. Background Technology

[0004] The type of control device described at the beginning is known. For example, the applicant's "Integrated Power Braking" (IPM) is such a control device.

[0005] The operating device includes a pump motor. The pump motor has a rotatably supported rotor. For example, the rotor is arranged anti-torsionally on a shaft, which is rotatably supported within the housing of the operating device. Furthermore, the pump motor has, in particular, multiphase motor windings. For example, the motor windings are part of the stator of the pump motor, fixed to the housing, and are distributed around the rotor such that the rotor can be rotated by appropriate energization of the motor windings or stator windings. The pump motor is configured to operate the pump element of the operating device by rotation of the rotor or shaft. If the operating device is part of a braking device, then hydraulic fluid is delivered to the driven cylinder of the friction brake device of the braking device by operating the pump element, thereby generating a deceleration torque by operating the pump element.

[0006] Furthermore, the actuating device has a valve assembly with at least one electrically operable switching valve. For example, the switching valve is a solenoid valve. Preferably, the valve assembly has multiple electrically operable switching valves. The switching valves are arranged in the fluid lines of the actuating device so that, in order to control the braking process, the flow cross-section of the fluid lines can be selectively shut off or released by the switching valves.

[0007] Furthermore, the operating device has a first electrical supply terminal that can be electrically connected to the pump motor. Therefore, electrical power for operating the pump motor can be provided via the first supply terminal. Additionally, the operating device has a second electrical supply terminal that can be electrically connected to the valve assembly. Therefore, electrical power for switching the on / off valve can be provided via the second supply terminal.

[0008] If the pump components will be operated by a pump motor, a rated operating current for the pump motor is predetermined. The pump motor is then electrically connected to a first supply terminal, such that the rated operating current is provided at least in proportion to the first supply terminal. Depending on known methods for operating the pump motor, the rated operating current may be provided entirely or solely through the first supply terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a method for operating a pump motor of a control device for a braking system, the control device includes the pump motor, a valve device having at least one electrically operable switching valve, a first electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the pump motor, and a second electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the valve device. A rated operating current for the pump motor is predetermined, and the pump motor is electrically connected to the first supply terminal such that the rated operating current is provided at least proportionally through the first supply terminal. The pump motor is also electrically connected to the second supply terminal such that the rated operating current is provided at least proportionally through the second supply terminal. The rated operating current is thus provided proportionally through both the first and second supply terminals. If the control device is part of the braking system of a motor vehicle, the first supply terminal is electrically connected to the voltage source of the motor vehicle via a first electrical supply line. The second supply terminal is electrically connected to the voltage source of the motor vehicle via a second electrical supply line. Because, according to the invention, the rated operating current is provided at least proportionally through the second supply terminal, a smaller current flows through the first supply line compared to known methods, thereby reducing the thermal load on the first supply line. Therefore, the first supply line can be designed to be thinner and thus less expensive.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the pump motor is electrically connected to the second supply terminal only when the rated operating current exceeds a predetermined current threshold. This assumes that the thermal load on the first supply line is acceptable when the rated operating current is below the current threshold. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide the rated operating current in proportion through the second supply terminal. If only the first supply terminal is used to provide the rated operating current, the rated operating current can be provided more simply in terms of methodological technique.

[0011] Preferably, when the second supply terminal is electrically connected to the pump motor, the first supply terminal is electrically disconnected from the pump motor. That is, the power supply switches from the first supply terminal to the second supply terminal. Preferably, when the first supply terminal is electrically connected to the pump motor, the second supply terminal is correspondingly electrically disconnected from the pump motor. That is, the power supply switches from the second supply terminal to the first supply terminal. Because only one of the supply terminals is electrically connected to the pump motor, the rated operating current is provided at any given time only through one of the supply terminals. However, if observed over a sufficiently long period, the supply terminals each provide a share of the rated operating current based on the switching between the supply terminals.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device includes a switching mechanism comprising a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch, wherein the first and second semiconductor switches are arranged in a first electrical circuit through which the pump motor is connected / can be connected to a first supply terminal. The first semiconductor switch is equipped with a first diode that blocks the flow of the operating current, and the second semiconductor switch is equipped with a second diode that conducts in the flow of the operating current. Furthermore, to disconnect the first supply terminal from the pump motor, only the first semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode. Therefore, when the second supply terminal is electrically connected to the pump motor, only the first semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode. With the switching mechanism constructed as described above, reliable connection or disconnection between the first supply terminal and the pump motor is feasible. Because only the first semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode, a supply gap in the supply of operating current is avoided when switching from the first supply terminal to the second supply terminal.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the switching device includes a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch, wherein the third and fourth semiconductor switches are arranged in a second electrical circuit through which the pump motor is electrically connected / can be electrically connected to a second supply terminal. The third semiconductor switch is equipped with a third diode that blocks current flow in the direction of operation, and the fourth semiconductor switch is equipped with a fourth diode that conducts current flow in the direction of operation. Furthermore, to disconnect the second supply terminal from the pump motor, only the third semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode. Therefore, when the first supply terminal is electrically connected to the pump motor, only the third semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode. With the switching device constructed as described above, reliable connection or disconnection of the second supply terminal from the pump motor is feasible. Because only the third semiconductor switch is switched to non-conducting mode, a supply gap in supplying operating current is avoided when switching from the second supply terminal to the first supply terminal.

[0014] Preferably, a portion of the rated operating current is provided through the first supply terminal, which differs from the portion of the rated operating current provided through the second supply terminal. Preferably, the first semiconductor switch is operated with a different duty cycle than the third semiconductor switch for this purpose. Alternatively, a portion of the rated operating current is provided through the first supply terminal, corresponding to the portion of the rated operating current provided through the second supply terminal.

[0015] The actuating device according to the invention for a braking device comprises a pump motor, a valve device having at least one electrically operable switching valve, a first electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the pump motor, a second electrical supply terminal electrically connected to the valve device, and a switching device having multiple switches, and is provided with a control device specifically configured to execute the method according to the invention by operating the switching device. This also yields the advantages already mentioned. Other preferred features and combinations thereof are derived from the foregoing description and from the following description. Preferably, the actuating device has a housing in which the pump motor, valve device, first supply terminal, second supply terminal, and switching device are arranged with respect to the housing in a manner fixed to the housing. The components of the actuating device can then easily operate interoperably as a common module.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the switching device has a first electrical line through which a first supply terminal and a pump motor are electrically connected / possibly connected. The first line includes a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch. The first semiconductor switch is equipped with a first diode that blocks current flow in the direction of operation, and the second semiconductor switch is equipped with a second diode that conducts current flow in the direction of operation. As described above, with this switching device configuration, supply gaps can be advantageously avoided when switching from the first supply terminal to the second supply terminal in terms of providing operating current.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the switching device has a second electrical line through which a second supply terminal and a pump motor are electrically connected / possibly connected. The second electrical line includes a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch. The third semiconductor switch is equipped with a third diode that blocks current flow in the direction of the operating current flow, and the fourth semiconductor switch is equipped with a fourth diode that conducts current flow in the direction of the operating current flow. As described above, with this switching device configuration, supply gaps can be advantageously avoided when switching from the second supply terminal to the first supply terminal in terms of providing operating current.

[0018] Preferably, the second line is connected to the first line between the first and second semiconductor switches on one side and the pump motor on the other. The second line is thus electrically connected to the pump motor via the first line. This achieves a technically simple connection between the pump motor and not only the first supply terminal but also the second supply terminal.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the switching device has a third electrical line through which the second supply terminal and the valve device are electrically connected / possibly connected, wherein the third line has a fifth semiconductor switch. Therefore, the switching device can also selectively establish or interrupt the electrical connection between the second supply terminal and the valve device.

[0020] Preferably, the second line is connected to the third line between the fifth semiconductor switch on one side and the valve device on the other. The second line is thus electrically connected to the second supply terminal via the third line. This achieves a technically simple connection between the second line and the second supply terminal.

[0021] Preferably, the operating device includes a first capacitor electrically connected to a first line between a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch on one side and a first supply terminal on the other side. This reduces the load on the voltage source electrically connected to the first supply terminal when performing the method for operating the pump motor.

[0022] Preferably, the operating device includes a second capacitor electrically connected to a second line between a fifth semiconductor switch on one side and a second supply terminal on the other. This reduces the load on the voltage source electrically connected to the second supply terminal when performing the method for operating the pump motor.

[0023] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a braking device with a control mechanism according to the invention, wherein the first and second supply terminals are electrically connected to the same voltage source of the motor vehicle, or wherein the first supply terminal is electrically connected to a voltage source of the motor vehicle different from that of the second supply terminal. This also provides the advantages already mentioned. Other preferred features and combinations thereof are derived from the foregoing description and from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For this purpose, it is shown that:

[0025] Figure 1 The operating mechanism of the braking device is shown, and

[0026] Figure 2 A method for operating a pump motor with a control device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1The control device 1 is shown in the schematic diagram. The control device 1 is part of the braking device of the motor vehicle 2.

[0028] Operating device 1 has in Figure 1 The pump motor 3 is shown in a simplified form. The pump motor 3 has a rotor arranged anti-torsionally on a shaft, which is rotatably supported within the housing of the operating device 1. Furthermore, the pump motor 3 has a stator fixed to the housing, the stator having multi-phase stator windings distributed around the rotor such that the rotor can be rotated by appropriate energization of the stator windings. The pump motor 3 is configured to operate the pump element of the operating device 1 by rotation of the rotor or shaft. Hydraulic fluid is delivered to the driven cylinder of the friction brake device of the braking equipment by operating the pump element, thereby generating a friction braking torque.

[0029] Furthermore, the operating device 1 has a valve device 4. The valve device 4 also... Figure 1 The diagram is simplified only. Valve device 4 has multiple electrically operable switching valves arranged in the fluid line of actuation device 1. To control the braking process, the flow cross-section of the fluid line can be selectively shut off or released by operating the switching valves.

[0030] Furthermore, the control device 1 has a first power supply terminal 5. The first power supply terminal 5 is electrically connected to the voltage source 6 of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, a first power supply line 7 is provided, which is connected to the first power supply terminal 5 on one hand and to the voltage source 6 on the other hand.

[0031] Furthermore, the operating device 1 has a second power supply terminal 8. The second power supply terminal 8 is also electrically connected to the voltage source 6. For this purpose, a second power supply line 9 is provided, which is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 8 on one hand and to the first power supply line 7 on the other hand.

[0032] Supply lines 7 and 9 are part of the vehicle's wiring harness 10. An electronic fuse 11 is provided to supply lines 7 and 9. The fuse 11 is configured to cut off current flow through the first supply line 7 and / or the second supply line 9 in the event of a short circuit.

[0033] Voltage source 6 here is the vehicle's onboard electrical battery 6. According to another embodiment, supply terminals 5 and 8 are electrically connected to different voltage sources of the vehicle. For example, a first supply line 7 is connected to a first supply terminal 5 on one hand and to a first voltage source on the other, and a second supply line 9 is connected to a second supply terminal 8 on one hand and to a second voltage source on the other.

[0034] Furthermore, the operating device 1 has a switching device 12. The switching device 12 has a first electrical line 13, a second electrical line 14, and a third electrical line 15.

[0035] The first circuit 13 is connected to the first supply terminal 5 on one side and to the pump motor 3 on the other. A first semiconductor switch 16 and a second semiconductor switch 17 of a switching device 12 are arranged in the first circuit 13, with the first semiconductor switch 16 positioned between the first supply terminal 5 and the second semiconductor switch 17. When semiconductor switches 16 and 17 are turned on, an operating current for running the pump motor 3 is supplied through the first supply terminal 5. Regarding the direction of the operating current flowing through the first circuit 13, it is assumed that the operating current flows from the first supply terminal 5 to the pump motor 3. A first diode 18 is provided to the first semiconductor switch 16, which is cut off in the direction of the operating current flow. A second diode 19 is provided to the second semiconductor switch 17, which is turned on in the direction of the operating current flow. The second semiconductor switch 17 is therefore a reverse polarity protection switch 17.

[0036] The third circuit 15 is connected to the second supply terminal 8 on one side and to the valve device 4 on the other. A fifth semiconductor switch 20 of the switching device 12 is arranged in the third circuit 15. When the fifth semiconductor switch 20 is turned on, a valve operating current for operating the valve device 4 is supplied through the second supply terminal 8 via the third circuit 15. Regarding the flow direction of the valve operating current through the third circuit 15, it is assumed that the valve operating current flows from the second supply terminal 8 to the valve device 4. A fifth diode 21 is provided to the fifth semiconductor switch 20, which is turned on in the direction of the valve operating current flow.

[0037] The second circuit 14 is electrically connected to the first circuit 13 between the second semiconductor switch 17 on one side and the pump motor 3 on the other. Furthermore, the second circuit 14 is electrically connected to the third circuit 15 between the fifth semiconductor switch 20 on one side and the valve device 4 on the other. The third semiconductor switch 22 and the fourth semiconductor switch 23 of the switching device 12 are arranged in the second circuit 14, with the third semiconductor switch 22 positioned between the third circuit 15 on one side and the fourth semiconductor switch 23 on the other. When the fifth semiconductor switch 20, the third semiconductor switch 22, and the fourth semiconductor switch 23 are turned on, an operating current for operating the pump motor 3 is supplied through the second supply terminal 8. Regarding the direction of the operating current flowing through the second circuit 14, it is assumed that the operating current flows from the second supply terminal 8 to the pump motor 3. A third diode 24 is provided to the third semiconductor switch 22, which is cut off in the direction of the operating current flowing through the second circuit 14. A fourth diode 25 is provided to the fourth semiconductor switch 23, which is turned on in the direction of the operating current flowing through the second circuit 14. The fourth semiconductor switch 23 is therefore a reverse polarity protection switch 23.

[0038] In addition, the operating device 1 has a first capacitor 26, which is electrically connected to the first line 13 between the first semiconductor switch 16 on one side and the first supply terminal 5 on the other side.

[0039] In addition, the operating device 1 has a second capacitor 27, which is electrically connected to the third line 15 between the fifth semiconductor switch 20 on one side and the second supply terminal 8 on the other side.

[0040] In addition, the operating device 1 has a control device 28, which is connected to semiconductor switches 16, 17, 20, 22 and 23 by signal technology and is configured to operate semiconductor switches 16, 27, 20, 22 and 23.

[0041] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 2 The advantageous methods for operating pump motor 3 are described in detail. Therefore, Figure 2 The method is illustrated using a flowchart.

[0042] In the first step S1, the control device 28 pre-sets the rated operating current for the pump motor 3. The stator windings of the pump motor 3 should be loaded with the rated operating current. This causes the pump motor 3 to run and, in this respect, performs the braking process.

[0043] In the second step S2, the control device 28 compares the rated operating current with the current threshold.

[0044] If the rated operating current is less than the current threshold, then refer to step S3. In step S3, the control device 28 then operates the first semiconductor switch 16 and the second semiconductor switch 17, thereby electrically connecting the first supply terminal 5 to the pump motor 3. Therefore, operating current for operating the pump motor 3 is provided through the first supply terminal 5. Preferably, in step S3, at least one of the semiconductor switches 16 and 17 is operated in a clock-controlled manner to adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through the first line 13 to the magnitude of the rated operating current.

[0045] If the rated operating current is greater than the current threshold, refer to step S4. In step S4, the control device 28 then manipulates the first semiconductor switch 16 and the second semiconductor switch 17 for a predetermined first duration, thereby electrically connecting the first supply terminal 5 to the pump motor 3. Therefore, during the first duration, operating current for operating the pump motor 3 is provided through the first supply terminal 5. Preferably, at least one of the semiconductor switches 16 and 17 is also manipulated in a clock-controlled manner in step S4 to adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through the first line 13 to the magnitude of the rated operating current. As the first duration ends, at least the first semiconductor switch 16 is switched off. The first supply terminal 5 is thus electrically disconnected from the pump motor 3. The second semiconductor switch 17 preferably remains on after the first duration ends.

[0046] In the fifth step S5, immediately following the fourth step S4, the control device 28 electrically connects the second supply terminal 8 to the pump motor 3 by switching the fifth semiconductor switch 20, the third semiconductor switch 22, and the fourth semiconductor switch 23 to conduction for a predetermined second duration. That is, the second supply terminal 8 is electrically connected to the pump motor 3 immediately after the first supply terminal 5 and the pump motor 3 are electrically disconnected from each other. Therefore, during the second duration, operating current is supplied through the second supply terminal 8. Preferably, in the fifth step S5, at least one of the semiconductor switches 20, 22, and 23 is also operated in a clock-controlled manner to adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through the second line 14 to the magnitude of the rated operating current. As the second duration ends, at least the third semiconductor switch 22 is switched to non-conducting, and the process returns to the fourth step S4. The second supply terminal 8 is thus electrically disconnected from the pump motor 3 as the second duration ends. The fourth semiconductor switch 23 preferably remains conducting after the end of the second duration.

[0047] Therefore, if the rated operating current is greater than the current threshold, supply terminals 5 and 8 are alternately electrically connected to the pump motor 3 or the stator winding of the pump motor 3. The rated operating current is correspondingly and alternately provided through the first supply terminal 5 and the second supply terminal 8, such that supply terminals 5 and 8 each provide a share of the rated operating current.

Claims

1. A method for operating a pump motor of a control device of a brake device, wherein, The actuating device (1) has the pump motor (3), a valve device (4) having at least one electrically actuatable on-off valve, an electric first supply terminal (5) which can be electrically connected to the pump motor (3), and an electric second supply terminal (8) which can be electrically connected to the valve device (4), wherein an electric rated operating current for the pump motor (3) is predefined, and wherein the pump motor (3) is electrically connected to the first supply terminal (5) such that the rated operating current is provided at least in part via the first supply terminal (5), characterized in that the pump motor (3) is electrically connected to the second supply terminal (8) such that the rated operating current is provided at least in part via the second supply terminal (8).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The pump motor (3) is electrically connected to the second supply terminal (8) only if the rated operating current exceeds a predefined current threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first supply terminal (5) is electrically separated from the pump motor (3) when the second supply terminal (8) is electrically connected to the pump motor (3).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuating device (1) has a switching device (12) which has a first semiconductor switch (16) and a second semiconductor switch (17), wherein the first semiconductor switch (16) and the second semiconductor switch (17) are arranged in a first electrical line (13) via which the pump motor (3) is connected / connectable to the first supply terminal (5), wherein the first semiconductor switch (16) is provided with a first diode (18) which is blocked in the flow direction of an operating current, wherein the second semiconductor switch (17) is provided with a second diode (19) which is conductive in the flow direction of the operating current, and wherein, in order to separate the first supply terminal (5) from the pump motor (3), only the first semiconductor switch (16) is switched to be non-conductive.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The switching device (12) has a third semiconductor switch (22) and a fourth semiconductor switch (23), wherein the third semiconductor switch (22) and the fourth semiconductor switch (23) are arranged in a second electrical line (14) via which the pump motor (3) is electrically connected / connectable to the second supply terminal (8), wherein the third semiconductor switch (22) is provided with a third diode (24) which is blocked in the flow direction of the operating current, wherein the fourth semiconductor switch (23) is provided with a fourth diode (25) which is conductive in the flow direction of the operating current, and wherein, in order to separate the second supply terminal (8) from the pump motor (3), only the third semiconductor switch (22) is switched to be non-conductive.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A different portion of the rated operating current is provided via the first supply terminal (5) than the portion of the rated operating current which is provided via the second supply terminal (8).

7. A control device for a brake system, having a pump motor (3), a valve device (4) having at least one electrically actuatable on-off valve, an electric first supply terminal (5) which can be electrically connected to the pump motor (3), an electric second supply terminal (8) which can be electrically connected to the valve device (4), and a switch device (12) having a plurality of switches, characterized in that A control device (28) is provided which is exclusively set up to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 by actuating the switching device (12).

8. The steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The switch device (12) has a first electrical line (13) through which the first supply terminal (5) and the pump motor (3) are electrically connected / are electrically connectable, wherein the first electrical line (13) has a first semiconductor switch (16) and a second semiconductor switch (17), wherein the first semiconductor switch (16) is provided with a first diode (18) which is blocked in the flow direction of the operating current, and wherein the second semiconductor switch (17) is provided with a second diode (19) which is conductive in the flow direction of the operating current.

9. The steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The switch device (12) has a second electrical line (14) through which the second supply terminal (8) and the pump motor (3) are electrically connected / are electrically connectable, wherein the second electrical line (14) has a third semiconductor switch (22) and a fourth semiconductor switch (23), wherein the third semiconductor switch (22) is provided with a third diode (24) which is blocked in the flow direction of the operating current, and wherein the fourth semiconductor switch (23) is provided with a fourth diode (25) which is conductive in the flow direction of the operating current.

10. The steering device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second electrical line (14) is connected to the first electrical line (13) between the first semiconductor switch (16) and the second semiconductor switch (17) on the one hand and the pump motor (3) on the other hand.

11. The steering device of claim 9, wherein The switch device (12) has a third electrical line (15) through which the second supply terminal (8) and the valve device (4) are electrically connected / are electrically connectable, wherein the third electrical line (15) has a fifth semiconductor switch (20).

12. The steering device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second electrical line (14) is connected to the third electrical line (15) between the fifth semiconductor switch (20) on the one hand and the valve device (4) on the other hand.

13. The steering device of claim 8, wherein, A first capacitor (26) is provided which is electrically connected to the first electrical line (13) between the first semiconductor switch (16) and the second semiconductor switch (17) on the one hand and the first supply terminal (5) on the other hand.

14. The steering device of claim 11, wherein, A second capacitor (27) is provided which is electrically connected to the second electrical line (14) between the fifth semiconductor switch (20) on the one hand and the second supply terminal (8) on the other hand.

15. Motor vehicle (2) with a brake device, which has a control device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 14, wherein The first supply terminal (5) and the second supply terminal (8) are electrically connected to one and the same voltage source (6) of a motor vehicle (2), or wherein the first supply terminal (5) is electrically connected to a different voltage source of the motor vehicle (2) than the second supply terminal (8).

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