Parking lock operating system and method for operating a parking lock operating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a parking lock actuation system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuation element (2) which can be coupled or is coupled to a parking lock (3) and which can be moved between a locking position, in which the parking lock (3) is active, and an unlocking position, in which the parking lock (3) is not active, and a locking element (4) which is designed to positively lock the actuation element (2) in its unlocking position, wherein the actuation element (2) and the locking element (4) are each connected to a hydraulic actuation cylinder (5, 10), and the two hydraulic actuation cylinders (5, 10) are furthermore connected on their pressure chamber (13a, 13b) side to a common hydraulic medium line (14) and are coordinated with one another such that the locking element (4) is already moved from a lower pressure value present in the hydraulic medium line (14) compared to the actuation element (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a parking lock actuation system (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a parking lock operating system for motor vehicles, preferably hybrid or pure electric motor vehicles, the parking lock operating system comprising: an operating element coupled to or already coupled to a parking lock, the operating element being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the parking lock is engaged / the output components of the motor vehicle are locked to prevent rotation, and in the unlocked position, the parking lock is disengaged / the output components of the motor vehicle are released during rotation; and a locking element configured to form-fit / hold the operating element in its unlocked position. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method of operating the parking lock operating system. Background Technology

[0002] This type of parking lock operating system is well known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2017102 804 A1 discloses a device and method for operating a parking lock.

[0003] In these known implementations from the prior art, it has been found that although the parking lock operating system in principle ensures automatic closure of the parking lock, this is not feasible in the context of vehicle transport where the parking lock remains closed, in which case the vehicle network is disconnected, not adequately charged, or the internal combustion engine is shut off. Furthermore, known parking lock operating systems are often relatively complex in construction, i.e., they have a large number of parts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a parking lock operating system that allows the transportation of a motor vehicle by simple means, independent of the charging status of the vehicle's onboard network and independent of the status of the hydraulic system.

[0005] According to the invention, this is achieved by effectively connecting / coupling the operating element and the locking element to the hydraulic operating cylinders respectively, and by connecting and coordinating the two hydraulic operating cylinders to a common hydraulic medium delivery line on one side of their pressure chambers, such that the locking element has already moved from a lower pressure value present in the hydraulic medium delivery line compared to the operating element.

[0006] By coupling the operating cylinders of these two control elements and locking elements, the parking lock achieves the simplest possible construction and direct hydraulic operation. Furthermore, the vehicle's transport status can be reliably switched using simple means, allowing the parking lock to remain unlocked / inactive even under unpressurized hydraulic supply. Therefore, all other operating states of the parking lock system can also be easily controlled.

[0007] Further advantageous implementation methods are described in detail below.

[0008] Accordingly, it has been proven advantageous that the two hydraulic operating cylinders coordinate with each other so that when the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line exceeds the upper pressure value, the operating element moves, at which point the locking element is pressed against the operating element, and / or at which point the operating element is / has been automatically locked in the open position of the parking lock by pressure. Therefore, the operation of the locking element is reliably achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the retaining profile of the locking element is configured such that the locking element supports the operating element through a self-locking connection when it is form-fitted into the operating element, which is elastically pre-tightened toward the locking position. Thus, the form-fitting engagement is also configured by means that can be easily established.

[0010] It has also proven advantageous in this regard to maintain a wedge-shaped region in the profile, which can engage with a side recess introduced in the operating element, or engage in the unlocked position when the locking element is shaped to engage with the operating element. This results in a support that is easy to establish and functionally reliable.

[0011] Advantageously, these two operating cylinders are part of a hydraulic unit, which is connected to additional hydraulic consumables, preferably a clutch adjustment mechanism, a transmission switching mechanism, and / or a coolant supply device. This constitutes a system that is as compact as possible, supplying multiple components of the motor vehicle in an efficient manner.

[0012] For ease of operation of the operating element, it is also suitable to have an electrically operated holding magnet that holds the operating element in its unlocked position.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the two hydraulic operating cylinders are coordinated with each other so that when the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line begins to decrease from a pressure higher than the upper pressure value, firstly, the hydraulic pressure in the (second) operating cylinder associated with the operating element drops below the upper pressure value (thus the operating element experiences tension toward its locked position), and subsequently, the hydraulic pressure in the (first) operating cylinder associated with the locking element drops below a lower pressure value selected smaller than the upper pressure value (thus the locking element experiences tension toward its release position). This ensures the reliable functionality of the parking lock operating system.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a parking lock operating system according to the invention according to at least one of the above embodiments, wherein the locking element is spring-preloaded such that in a first operating state, i.e., in a pressureless state of the first operating cylinder associated with the locking element, it is spaced apart from the operating element, and in a second operating state, i.e., in a state of applied pressure of the operating cylinder, it is pressed against the operating element and engages in a form-fitting manner with the operating element once the operating element moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the operating element is spring-preloaded, so that in the second operating state, i.e., in its unlocked position, this spring preload presses it into a position that strengthens the self-locking connection between the locking element and the operating element, and when the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line drops below the lower pressure value again, the locking element is clamped onto the operating element by means of the retaining profile. Thus, the form-fitting contact between the locking element and the operating element is implemented in the simplest possible way.

[0016] Another simple operation is achieved by removing the form fit between the locking element and the operating element again, and the locking element returning to the position of the first operating state by overcoming its spring preload until the self-locking connection between the locking element and the operating element is removed, and by being held in its position by a holding magnet until the hydraulic pressure in the (first) operating cylinder associated with the locking element is lower than the pressure value at the bottom.

[0017] In other words, according to the present invention, a simplified hydraulic parking lock actuator (parking lock operating system) in a normal parking configuration with a transport mode is thus realized through the side recess. The spring constants of the locking element (locking element) and the parking lock actuator (operating element) are coordinated with each other such that initially only the locking element moves and travels to the first position (abutting against the operating element); only then is a pressure level reached that causes the parking lock / operating element to also move and the locking element to travel into the groove / reservoir of the parking lock. The side recess is present so that the locking element engages during a pressure drop without current. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The attached diagram shows:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a parking lock operating system according to the invention and configured according to a first embodiment is shown, wherein the hydraulic connection between the operating element and the locking element can be clearly seen.

[0021] Figure 2 The parking lock operating system is shown to be similar to Figure 1The schematic diagram shows that the first operating cylinder, coupled to the locking element, is pressured, causing the locking element to be pressed against the outside of the operating element.

[0022] Figure 3 The parking lock operating system is shown to be similar to Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the operating element is pressure-loaded into its unlocked position by a second operating cylinder associated with it, and the locking element has engaged with the shape of the operating element.

[0023] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the parking lock operating system is shown, in which... Figure 3 Compared to additionally activating the retaining magnet to hold the operating element in the unlocked position,

[0024] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the parking lock operating system is shown, in which... Figure 4 Compared to the two operating cylinders, which engage without pressure when the magnet is activated, causing the locking element to disengage from the operating element again,

[0025] Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the parking lock operating system is shown, in which... Figure 5 Compared to keeping the electromagnet off, thus allowing the operating element to regain its position... Figure 1 The locking position shown is...

[0026] Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the parking lock operating system is shown, in which... Figure 2 Compared to the locking element engaging precisely with the shape of the operating element and preventing the operating element from moving further back into its locked position, and

[0027] Figure 8 A detailed view of the connection area between the operating element and the locking element is shown, as implemented in the parking lock operating system of the second embodiment, wherein the side recess of the operating element is clearly visible.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and intended only for understanding the invention. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0029] pass Figure 1This illustrates the principle and structure of the parking lock operating system 1 according to the present invention. The parking lock operating system 1 has a hydraulic unit 23 / hydraulic side and a mechanical device 24 / mechanical side, shown simplified. The hydraulic unit 23 is coupled to the mechanical device 24 via an operating element 2. The hydraulic unit 23 also typically has an additional hydraulic drain, which is not shown further for the sake of overview. The hydraulic unit 23 is driven / supplyed via a single pump 11 (reversing pump). Accordingly, the hydraulic unit 23 is considered an integral part of the parking lock operating system 1 for the following considerations.

[0030] Parking lock operating system 1 is typically used to operate parking lock 3, which is in Figure 1 The diagram is simplified. In the active position of the parking lock 3, the output components of the vehicle are locked, while in the inactive position of the parking lock 3, the output components can rotate freely and are thus actuated.

[0031] The operating element 2 of the parking lock operating system 1 is directly used to adjust the corresponding parking lock 3. The operating element 2 is effectively connected to the hydraulic unit 23 via the (second) hydraulic operating cylinder 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the operating element 2 is essentially implemented as a piston rod and preloaded toward the locking position by a (second) preload spring 22. In this locking position, the parking lock 3 is activated. When the second operating cylinder 10 is loaded with a hydraulic pressure higher than the upper pressure value, the operating element 2 is pressed from its locking position into the unlocking position against the spring force of the second preload spring 22. Figure 3 and 7 In typical motor vehicle operation, the operating element 2 is held in the unlocked position by the holding magnet 19, which also functions as a stop. Figure 4 When the operating element 2 is held in the unlocked position by the energized holding magnet 19, the hydraulic pressure at the second operating cylinder 10 drops below the upper pressure value again, or the second operating cylinder 10 is activated without pressure. Figure 5 ).

[0033] To operate the second operating cylinder 10, which is coupled / coupled via a schematically shown valve 15 to pump 11 / pump 11 outlet 12. In a first position, with valve 15 in a spring-loaded rest position, the second operating cylinder 10, connected to valve 15 via hydraulic medium delivery line 14, is pressurelessly activated / connected to the return tank. In a second position, pump outlet 12 is connected to the second operating cylinder 10. This second position corresponds to the electromagnetically activated position of valve 15.

[0034] Furthermore, the parking lock operating system 1 has a locking element 4 that acts on the operating element 2, and this locking element is also operated / adjusted by the hydraulic unit 23. The locking element 4 is implemented as a bolt / pin and is movable laterally relative to the operating element 2. The locking element 4 is coupled to and can be moved by the first hydraulic operating cylinder 5 of the hydraulic unit 23. According to... Figure 1 In the unpressurized state of the first operating cylinder 5, the (first) preload spring 20 of the locking element 4 is used to support the locking element 4 in a position spaced apart from the operating element 2.

[0035] Locking element 4 is used to shape-fit / lock operating element 2 in its unlocked position, preferably for implementing a transport state of a motor vehicle. Locking element 4 has a retaining profile 6 at its end facing operating element 2, said end being shape-fittingly engaged with operating element 2. In a first embodiment, the retaining profile 6 primarily frictionally abuts against a complementary recess 18 of operating element 2. According to the invention... Figure 8 In another second embodiment, the other construction of the embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, wherein the operating element 2 is additionally provided with a side recess 8 in its empty portion 18, and a wedge-shaped region 9 that maintains the contour 6 and is complementary to the structure of the side recess 8 engages in the side recess, thereby locking the element 4 to be supported on the operating element 2 in the same shape in its longitudinal direction.

[0036] Returning to the first embodiment, it can also be seen that the first operating cylinder 5 and the second operating cylinder 10 are coupled to the valve 15 via the same hydraulic medium delivery line 14. Therefore, the (first) pressure chamber 13a of the first operating cylinder 5 always has the same hydraulic pressure as the (second) pressure chamber 13b of the second operating cylinder 10. These two hydraulic operating cylinders 5 and 10 (by the specific size ratio of their pistons 17a and 17b pressure surfaces 16a and 16b and by the size of their preload springs 20 and 22) are coordinated such that the locking element 4 has already moved from a lower pressure value existing in the hydraulic medium delivery line 14 compared to the operating element 2. Therefore, these two hydraulic operating cylinders 5 and 10 are coordinated such that the operating element 2 only moves when the pressure value in the hydraulic medium delivery line 14 exceeds the upper pressure value, at which the locking element 4 has already been pressed against the operating element 2.

[0037] At the same time, the two hydraulic operating cylinders 5 and 10 coordinate with each other so that when the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery pipeline 14 starts to decrease from a pressure higher than the upper pressure value, firstly, the hydraulic pressure in the second operating cylinder 10 drops below the upper pressure value, and then immediately the hydraulic pressure in the first operating cylinder 5 drops below the lower pressure value selected to be lower than the upper pressure value.

[0038] If passed Figure 2As can be seen, in order to implement the transport state, the locking element 4 is first pressed against the (radial) outer side 21 of the operating element 2 while the first operating cylinder 5 is under loaded pressure / activated (i.e., when the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line 14 is higher than the pressure value at the bottom). In this case, the valve 15 is in the second position.

[0039] In passing Figure 2 After this state is shown, it is reached according to Figure 7 In this state, the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line 14 is further increased to exceed the upper pressure value. From the upper pressure value, the second operating cylinder 10 moves out and finally reaches its unlocked position. While maintaining the profile 6 traveling through the recess 18 (e.g., slot) of the operating element 2, the locking element 4 engages with the operating element 2 in a form-fitting manner via hydraulic pre-tightening, such that the operating element 2 is fixed along its longitudinal direction by the locking element 4. The locking element 4 is positioned such that, in the form-fitting engagement state with the operating element 2, the operating element 2 is positioned in its unlocked position, thus the parking lock 3 is inactive. The locking element 4 therefore engages with the operating element 2 in a form-fitting manner to support the unlocked position of the operating element 2. Figure 2 and Figure 7 In the middle, keep magnet 19 connected / disconnected without current.

[0040] As in the end Figure 7 As seen in the diagram, when the locking element 4 is form-fitted into the operating element 2, the connection 7 between the locking element 4 and the operating element 2 is self-locking. Accordingly, even if the second operating cylinder 10 is no longer pressured by the pump 11, the locking element 4 remains self-lockingly form-fitted into the operating element 2.

[0041] In the second embodiment, the wedge-shaped region 9 is configured to abut against the side recess 8, which is complementary to the wedge-shaped region 9, such that the self-locking connection 7 is reinforced by the spring force of the second preload spring 22. Therefore, the spring force of the second preload spring 22 is coordinated with the spring force of the first preload spring 20, so that the locking element 4 will not be pulled out / released from the self-locking connection 7 with the operating element 2 when the first operating cylinder 5 and the second operating cylinder 10 are without pressure.

[0042] If based on Figure 6 Operating element 2 should be unlocked again / self-locking connection 7 should be released again, then operating element 2, if... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the device is first pulled toward the holding magnet 19 by keeping the magnet 19 energized / connected. Then, after the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line 14 drops below the lower pressure value, the locking element 4 automatically disengages from the operating element 2 due to the preload of the first preload spring 20, allowing the operating element 2 to move into its locked position.

[0043] Therefore, according to the present invention, the combination is implemented. Figures 1 to 7 The functions of System 1 shown below will be described again.

[0044] Figure 1 This shows the basic position (mode P, stationary vehicle) with no current and no pressure when parking lock 3 is closed.

[0045] To unlock the parking lock 3, the hydraulic system 23 is pressurized (until it is between the lower and upper pressure values). Initially, the pressure is sufficient to cause the locking piston 17a to overcome the (low) force of the piston return spring 20, thereby pressing the locking element 4 against the operating element 2. Figure 2 The system pressure is insufficient to displace the parking lock piston 17b against the force of the piston return spring 22 (and the operating force of the parking lock 3, etc.), so that the parking lock piston is initially held in its basic position.

[0046] A further increase in system pressure (exceeding the upper pressure value) now causes movement of the parking lock piston 17b and the operating element 2, thereby opening the parking lock 3 (in this case, the required pressure level is related to the load on the parking lock mechanism 24). Furthermore, the axial displacement of the operating element 2 causes the form-fitting element (recess 18) to coincide with the locking element 4, so that the locking element engages by pressure operation. Figure 3 ).

[0047] At the end of the axial movement (of operating element 2), the armature (operating element 2 / second piston 17b) rests against the yoke of the retaining magnet 19. Now, the retaining magnet 19 can be energized to keep the parking lock 3 open. Figure 4 ).

[0048] If system 23 is now engaged without pressure, then first the parking lock piston 17b (strong spring 22) and then the locking piston 17a (weak spring 20) return to their respective basic positions. Figure 5 Therefore, the parking lock system 1 is in normal parking mode: in the event of a power outage, the magnet 19 remains released and the parking lock 3 is closed. Figure 6 ).

[0049] In the same way, parking lock 3 can also be closed periodically as desired by the driver. This is achieved by de-energizing and releasing magnet 19, thus closing parking lock 3. Figure 6 ).

[0050] If the transport mode is to be activated (parking lock 3 remains open without pressure and current), then system 23 is first loaded with full pressure (above the pressure value at the top) in order to open parking lock 3 and engage locking element 4. Figures 1 to 3However, now, the retaining magnet 19 is not energized; instead, the hydraulic pressure is reduced again (to the pressure between the lower and upper pressure values). Therefore, initially determined by the high spring force, the parking lock piston 17b and operating element 2 retract until the locking element 4 hooks onto the retaining side edge (preferably configured according to...). Figure 8 (the concave part of the side) Figure 7 Now, the hydraulic pressure can return to zero completely, and the parking lock 3 does not close because the locking element 4 locks the operating element 2 in a position in which the parking lock 3 (or parking lock mechanism) is open.

[0051] If you want to leave the transport mode, you must first apply the full system pressure again (higher than the pressure value at the top), thereby moving the operating element 2 slightly further away (and away from the range of action of the form-fitting element 18 / side recess 8). Figure 3 ).

[0052] Now, keep magnet 19 energized so that operating element 2 is held in its fully disengaged position. Figure 4 ).

[0053] If the system pressure now returns to zero, while the magnet 19 remains energized, then the locking element 4 moves away from the form-fitting elements 3 and 18 by the force of the piston return spring 20 (feasible, since the side recess 8 is no longer engaged). Figure 5 ).

[0054] With system 23 now completely stress-free, and operating element 2 and locking element 4 in their respective basic positions, retaining magnet 19 can also be de-energized so as to close parking lock 3.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1 Parking lock operating system

[0057] 2 Operating elements

[0058] 3 Parking locks

[0059] 4 Locking elements

[0060] 5 First operating cylinder

[0061] 6. Maintain the outline

[0062] 7 Connections

[0063] 8. Side concave portion

[0064] 9. Wedge-shaped region

[0065] 10 Second Operating Cylinder

[0066] 11 pumps

[0067] 12 Exports

[0068] 13a First Pressure Chamber

[0069] 13b Second Pressure Chamber

[0070] 14 Hydraulic medium delivery pipeline

[0071] 15 valves

[0072] 16a First pressure surface

[0073] 16b Second pressure surface

[0074] 17a First Piston

[0075] 17b Second Piston

[0076] 18. Empty space

[0077] 19. Maintain the magnet

[0078] 20 First preload spring

[0079] 21 Outer side

[0080] 22 Second preload spring

[0081] 23 Hydraulic Unit

[0082] 24 Mechanical devices

Claims

1. A parking lock operating system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: an operating element (2) coupled to or already coupled to a parking lock (3), the operating element (2) being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the parking lock (3) is activated in the locked position and deactivated in the unlocked position; and a locking element (4) configured to shape-fit the operating element (2) only in its unlocked position, characterized in that, The locking element (4) is effectively connected to the first hydraulic operating cylinder (5) and the operating element (2) is effectively connected to the second hydraulic operating cylinder (10). The pressure chambers (13a, 13b) of the first operating cylinder (5) and the second operating cylinder (10) are connected to and coordinated with each other through a common hydraulic medium delivery line (14) such that, in the pressurized state of the first operating cylinder (5), the locking element (4) moves toward the operating element from a lower pressure value in the hydraulic medium delivery line (14) compared to the operating element (2), and when the first pressure value is exceeded in the hydraulic medium delivery line (14), the operating element (2) is moved from the locked position. At the first pressure value, the locking element (4) is pressed against the operating element (2), and once the operating element (2) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking element engages with the operating element (2) in a form-fitting manner.

2. The parking lock operating system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining profile (6) of the locking element (4) is configured such that the locking element (4) supports the operating element (2) via a self-locking connection (7) when it is shape-fitted into the operating element (2) which is elastically pre-tightened toward the locking position.

3. The parking lock operating system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining profile (6) has a wedge-shaped region (9) that can engage with the side recess (8) introduced into the operating element (2).

4. The parking lock operating system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first operating cylinder (5) and the second operating cylinder (10) coordinate with each other such that when the pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line (14) begins to decrease from a pressure higher than a first pressure value, firstly, the hydraulic pressure in the operating cylinder (10) associated with the operating element (2) drops below the first pressure value, and then the hydraulic pressure in the operating cylinder (5) associated with the locking element (4) drops below a second pressure value selected to be less than the first pressure value.

5. The parking lock operating system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, There is an electrically operated holding magnet (19) that holds the operating element (2) in its unlocked position.

6. A method for operating a parking lock operating system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking element (4) is spring-preloaded such that in a first operating state, i.e., in a depressurized state of a first operating cylinder (5) associated with the locking element, the locking element is spaced apart from the operating element (2), and in a second operating state, i.e., in a pressurized state of the first operating cylinder (5), the locking element is pressed against the operating element (2) and engages with the operating element (2) in a form-fitting manner once the operating element (2) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating element (2) is spring-preloaded, such that in the second operating state, i.e., in the unlocked position of the operating element, the operating element is pressed into a position reinforced by the spring preload into the self-locking connection (7) between the locking element (4) and the operating element (2), and the locking element (4) is clamped onto the operating element (2) by retaining profile (6) when the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic medium delivery line (14) drops again to a second pressure value less than the first pressure value.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The form fit between the locking element (4) and the operating element (2) is cancelled again, and the locking element (4) returns to the position of the first operating state by moving the operating element (2) against its spring preload until the self-locking connection (7) between the locking element (4) and the operating element (2) is cancelled, and the operating element is held in position by holding magnet (19) during this period until the hydraulic pressure in the operating cylinder (5) associated with the locking element (4) is lower than the second pressure value.

Images