Locking device, motor power unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device (SV) for an electric motor power unit (EM-AE), said locking device (SV) having a locking mechanism for locking a lockable shaft (W) of the electric motor power unit (EM-AE) and an electric drive (EA) for actuating the locking mechanism, said electric drive being accommodated in addition to the locking mechanism by a housing (SV-G) of the locking device (SV). The housing (SV-G) of the locking device (SV) also accommodates a position sensor device, which has a signal transmitter and a sensor component (18), which interacts with the signal transmitter and which is at least partially designed as metal, the sensor device detects a position of a rotor of an electric machine (EM) of an electric machine power unit (EM-AE) connected to a shaft (W) for commutation of the electric machine (EM). The invention further relates to an electric motor power unit (EM-AE), in particular for driving a vehicle having such a locking device (SV), and to a vehicle having such an electric motor power unit (EM-AE).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a motor power unit, a motor power unit having such a locking device and a vehicle having such a motor power unit. Background Art

[0002] The locking device proposed within the scope of the present disclosure is a development of the locking device described in the German patent applications with application numbers 10 2021 213 737.7 and 10 2021213 739.3. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking device, in particular a locking device for a vehicle.

[0004] This object is achieved by a locking device as set forth and claimed in accordance with claim 1 .

[0005] A locking device for an electric motor power unit is proposed. The locking device has a locking mechanism for locking a lockable shaft of the electric motor power unit and an electric drive for actuating the locking mechanism. In addition to the locking mechanism, the electric drive is also accommodated by a housing of the locking device.

[0006] Here, the locking mechanism comprises a positive locking element which can be actuated in an axial stroke / reciprocating motion and longitudinally relative to the shaft and which can at least partially positively engage with a complementary element on the shaft in a positive locking region for locking the shaft.

[0007] In the end-on state against the shaft-side complementary part, the actuable form-fitting element can now be lockably preloaded or tensioned in a defined manner toward the shaft-side complementary part in the longitudinal direction of the shaft by means of at least one elastic force transmission element.

[0008] In the locked state of the shaft, in which the actuable form-fitting element and the complementary part on the shaft side engage with each other in the form-fitting area of ​​the locking mechanism, the actuable form-fitting element now rests on the housing section of the motor power unit, on which the locking actuator is mounted.

[0009] Here, in the form-locking area and in the circumferential direction of the shaft, the locking mechanism has a movement gap between the actuable form-locking element and the complementary part on the shaft side, which, in combination with the preload / tensioning of the actuable form-locking element toward the complementary part on the shaft side, or more precisely, the above-mentioned preload / tensioning of the actuable form-locking element toward the complementary part on the shaft side, makes it possible for the actuable form-locking element to be locked into the complementary part on the shaft side, or more precisely, for the actuable form-locking element to engage with the complementary part on the shaft side.

[0010] In this case, the shaft-side complementary part is to be understood as a shaft-side counterpart of the actuable form-fitting element, which counterpart is designed or formed in a correspondingly complementary manner to the actuable form-fitting element in the form-fitting region. The shaft-side complementary part can be a correspondingly shaped section of the shaft itself or a separate and correspondingly shaped element engaging with the shaft, which section / element interacts with the actuable form-fitting element in a form-fitting manner.

[0011] Here, an elastic force transmission part is to be understood as a mechanical energy storage device for elastically prestressing / tensioning the actuable form-locking element toward a complementary part on the shaft side, for example in the form of at least one independent spring or independent elastic element and / or in the form of at least one elastic element section integrated in the actuable form-locking element.

[0012] The energy accumulator preloads the actuable form-locking element toward the complementary part on the shaft side until the shaft assumes or acquires an alignment suitable for form-locking relative to the actuable form-locking element. Once this alignment occurs, the energy accumulator presses the actuable form-locking element to snap into the complementary part on the shaft side, thereby locking or blocking the shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be actuated in an energy-saving manner, since neither the actuation nor the preloading / tensioning requires the application of large adjustment forces. Thus, when the actuable form-fitting element engages with the complementary part on the shaft, only the actuable form-fitting element is moved, and also no elements of the drive train that are yet to be locked are moved.

[0014] Here, the housing of the locking device also accommodates a position sensor device, which has a signal transmitter and a sensor component that is at least partially designed to be metal and cooperates with the signal transmitter, wherein the sensor device detects the position of the rotor of the electric motor of the motor power unit connected to the shaft for commutation / rectification of the electric motor.

[0015] Advantageously, such a locking device contributes to reducing the number of components and thus the installation space, thereby also advantageously simplifying the assembly complexity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the signal transmitter is designed to be fixed in position relative to the housing, and the sensor component is designed to be fixed in position relative to the shaft.

[0017] In another embodiment, a multifunctional shaft adapter for connecting to a lockable shaft is also accommodated by the housing, the shaft adapter being essentially made of plastic, in which a contact piece for externally exciting the rotor of a synchronous motor of a motor power unit connected to the shaft is embedded, wherein the plastic of the shaft adapter is materially connected to a form-fitting element for connection to the shaft, wherein the sensor component is accommodated in a fixed position by the plastic of the shaft adapter.

[0018] The positive-locking element facing the shaft adapter, which is the positive-locking element on the shaft side, can actuate the other positive-locking element of the locking mechanism in the axial stroke movement and longitudinally relative to the shaft for positively locking the shaft.

[0019] The proposed shaft adapter enables, on the one hand, the locking or locking function of the locking device (since it is part of the locking mechanism of the locking device) and, on the other hand, enables the described external excitation of the synchronous machine.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor component is designed as a disk-shaped element and is at least partially metallic.

[0021] In another embodiment, the signal transmitter is designed as an integrated component of the printed circuit board, and the disk-shaped element is arranged opposite the printed circuit board.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the printed circuit board has, in addition to sensor electronics for the position sensor device, motor electronics for controlling the electric drive.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the contact element of the shaft adapter comprises at least two slip rings for contacting associated wipers and at least one conductor associated with the respective slip ring, which extends from the associated slip ring through the plastic of the shaft adapter.

[0024] In another embodiment, the electric drive is arranged transversely to the shaft. Advantageously, this transverse arrangement creates structural space for the housing of the locking device to accommodate the contact element.

[0025] In this context, transverse is understood to mean either an arrangement of the electric drive orthogonally to the shaft, or an arrangement in which the longitudinal axis of the electric drive forms an acute or obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis of the lockable shaft.

[0026] In this case, the housing of the locking device also accommodates at least two brushes, which serve to excite the rotor of the synchronous motor of the motor power unit connected to the shaft from the outside.

[0027] In another embodiment, the brush is arranged radially relative to the axis. This radial arrangement is also conducive to a compact implementation of the locking device.

[0028] It is proposed that the sliding brush abuts against or contacts the relevant sliding ring of the contact piece in a spring-preloaded manner. Thus, it is ensured that the sliding brush that wears over time follows the relevant sliding ring.

[0029] Furthermore, an electric motor power unit is proposed, in particular for driving a vehicle, having a locking device of the type described above, which is mounted on the housing of the electric motor of the electric motor power unit (claim 7 ).

[0030] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed having an electric motor power unit of the type described above (claim 8 ).

[0031] Here, a vehicle is to be understood as any type of electrically operated vehicle or motor vehicle, but in particular as a passenger car and / or a commercial vehicle. Here, the vehicle is preferably a partially and in particular fully automatically operated vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention is further explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Further advantageous developments of the invention are obtained from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. Among them:

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motor power unit with the proposed locking device is shown (left), and in addition an isolated, perspective enlarged view of a part of the locking device is also shown (right);

[0034] Figure 2 The plan view shows Figure 1 The locking device shown in ;

[0035] Figure 3 The arrangement of the locking mechanism of the locking device together with the contact piece is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 The stereogram shows Figure 3 The arrangement of the locking mechanism and the contacts shown in ;

[0037] Figure 5 A multifunctional shaft adapter showing a locking device;

[0038] Figure 6 The form-fitting area between the lockable shaft and the locking device is shown in a sectional view;

[0039] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 A three-dimensional enlarged view of the form-fitting area shown in ; and

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective cutaway view of a locking device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The proposed locking device SV is mounted on an electric motor power unit EM-AE, in particular for driving a vehicle. Here, the electric motor power unit EM-AE comprises an electric motor EM in the form of a separately excited synchronous motor and a reducer RG coupled to the electric motor. The locking device SV is arranged on the housing EM-G of the synchronous motor.

[0042] The locking device SV has a locking mechanism and an electric drive EA for actuating the locking mechanism. In addition to the drive EA, the locking mechanism is also accommodated by a housing SV-G of the locking device. Figure 2 It is clearly shown that the housing segment EM-G of the synchronous machine simultaneously forms the housing SV-G of the locking device.

[0043] Here, the drive EA is arranged transversely and orthogonally to the shaft W or axis XX. In embodiments not shown here, the drive EA can also be arranged relative to the shaft such that the longitudinal axis of the drive EA forms an acute or obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis XX of the shaft W.

[0044] Here, the drive EA drives the helical gear shaft 8, which in turn cooperates with the gear section 10 of the spindle nut SM with an internal thread. Here, the spindle nut SM is engaged in a longitudinally movable manner with a spindle S with a corresponding external thread, which together with the spindle nut SM forms a so-called screw drive or a so-called helical gear drive, which converts the rotational movement (left-hand or right-hand) of the spindle nut SM into a translational movement of the spindle nut SM along the spindle S and in the longitudinal direction XX, more precisely along the axis W. Here, the spindle S is arranged in a fixed position relative to the housing SV-G and is supported relative to the housing SV-G ( Figure 2 ).

[0045] On the shaft side, the spindle nut SM is elastically preloaded by an annular element RE, which is accommodated by the spindle nut SM itself in a low-friction manner via a rolling bearing, and a separate spring, for example in the form of a helical spring 18, towards the form-locking element 4 which can be actuated in the longitudinal direction XX, more precisely along the axis W. Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0046] The form-fitting element 4 is thus elastically connected via, for example, three helical springs 18 distributed over the circumference of the ring element RE to a movement mechanism of the locking device SV which effects an axial stroke movement of the form-fitting element 4 .

[0047] Here, the form-locking element 4 is metallic and high-strength and is implemented in the form of a closed, circumferential, annular element having an inner toothing IV and an outer toothing 5. The inner toothing IV can be moved in a form-locking manner into the outer toothing AV of the shaft-side, metallic, high-strength complementary part 6 for locking the shaft W, while the outer toothing 5 always cooperates in a form-locking manner with a complementarily designed section of the motor housing EM-G. The latter's form-locking ensures that the form-locking element 4 is guided and supported relative to the motor housing EM-G. Here, the outer toothing 5 enables a suitable and uniform force distribution on the circumference of the form-locking element 4 and at the same time a suitable and uniform force introduction into the motor housing EM-G. Here, Figure 7 The section with the internal toothing 5 which is formed on the motor housing EM-G in a complementary manner to the external toothing 5 is shown. For the sake of simplicity, the positive locking element 4 is not shown here or is concealed or omitted.

[0048] As a result, in the locked state of the shaft W, both the static and the dynamic torque loads of the drive train are introduced into the motor housing EM-G via the external toothing 5 .

[0049] In addition to the external toothing 5, an outer contour of the form-fitting element 4 in the form of a separate, radial, claw-like projection can alternatively be provided. In this regard, reference is made to the German patent applications Nos. 10 2021 213 737.7 and 102021 213 739.3 already mentioned at the outset, which describe and illustrate this.

[0050] The locking device SV further comprises a multifunctional shaft adapter 12 which passes through the spindle S and extends into the region of the hollow shaft W. The shaft adapter 12 is essentially made of plastic, in which two metallic slip rings 14a, 14b and metallic conductor tracks or contact rails 16 associated with the respective slip rings 14a, 14b are embedded. The conductor tracks 16 extend from the relevant slip rings 14a, 14b in the direction of the hollow shaft W through the plastic of the shaft adapter 12.

[0051] In addition, the plastic of the shaft adapter 12 is injection-molded or materially connected to the shaft-side complementary part 6, which is designed in the form of a metal adapter ring. Figure 6 By way of example, an annular projection of the adapter ring or the form-fitting element 6 is described, which is formed on the end face of the adapter ring 6 and is formed in a dovetail-shaped manner facing the form-fitting element 4 and is surrounded by the plastic flange of the shaft adapter 12. In this case, the adapter ring 6 has an external toothing AV that is complementary to the internal toothing IV and also has an inner contour or internal toothing, by means of which the adapter ring 6 and thus the shaft adapter 12 are pressed onto the outer contour or external toothing of the hollow shaft W that is designed to be complementary to each other.

[0052] Advantageously, the proposed locking device SV can be adapted to different shaft diameters via an adapter ring 6 .

[0053] Two brushes 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b are arranged radially relative to the shaft adapter 12, which are assigned to two slip rings 14a, 14b and are accommodated by the housing SV-G. The brushes 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b abut or contact the associated slip rings 14a, 14b in a spring-preloaded manner. The brushes 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, which are assigned to the slip rings 14a, 14b and are paired, are arranged relative to each other so that they enclose an angle ( Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0054] For the purpose of aligning the two form-fitting elements 4 , 6 with one another, a constricted section 7 ( 2 ) having a centering effect is integrally formed on the end face of the form-fitting element 6 and facing the form-fitting element 4 . Figure 6 , Figure 7 ). In the event of an axial misalignment between the form-locking element 4 and the form-locking element 6 or the hollow shaft W, the inner toothing IV can come close to the tapered section or centering section 7 during the longitudinal displacement of the form-locking element 4 in the direction of XX in order to align it relative to the outer toothing AV and thus the hollow shaft W. In addition to the locking function, the form-locking element 6 thus also has a centering function, which ensures that the two form-locking elements 4, 6 are coaxially aligned with each other. In this way, a uniform force distribution over the circumference of the two form-locking elements 4, 6 is ensured in the engaged state.

[0055] Furthermore, the locking device SV comprises a position sensor device, which operates, for example, inductively, for detecting the position of a rotor of a synchronous motor connected to the shaft W, in order to achieve effective electronic commutation of the synchronous motor. Figure 8 By way of example, the position sensor arrangement is described in the region of an outer end of the shaft adapter 12 , more precisely in the region of the end of the shaft adapter 12 facing away from the shaft end.

[0056] Here, a signal transmitter having a coil arrangement is provided, which is fixed in position relative to the housing SV-G and integrated into the printed circuit board 20, and which cooperates with a sensor component in the form of a metallic, disk-shaped element 18, which is fixed in position relative to the hollow shaft W. The element 18 (arranged opposite the printed circuit board) is accommodated by the plastic of the shaft adapter 12 and is accommodated in a fixed position relative to the shaft adapter 12. Here, the element 18 has individual radial claw-like projections on the circumference, which themselves cause a detuning of the magnetic field acting thereon. Here, at least these radial claw-like projections can be embodied magnetically, for example ferromagnetically. In a simple embodiment, the disk-shaped element 18 is made completely of a non-magnetic metal (such as aluminum).

[0057] Furthermore, such a position sensor device can alternatively also be arranged in the region of the form-fitting elements 4 , 6 or on the shaft side.

[0058] In addition to the signal transmitter, sensor electronics for the position sensor device and motor electronics for controlling the electric drive EA are also integrated in the printed circuit board 20 .

[0059] The proposed locking device is a compact, space-saving and cost-effective solution in the sense of a parking brake or locking actuator in a drive train, in particular of a vehicle, according to which the locking mechanism is integrated in the electric motor EM and the locking device is integrated in the electric motor housing EM-G.

[0060] In vehicles with such a locking device, this means that in a parking situation in which the vehicle is stationary, the vehicle can be locked or locked, for example at the will of the driver.

[0061] If the alignment of the shaft W in the parking situation does not allow locking by the form-locking element 4, the form-locking element 4 can be preloaded or tensioned longitudinally relative to the shaft W and with a definable force toward the shaft W by the spindle drive - formed by the spindle S and the spindle nut SM - and the helical spring 18 in a state in which the form-locking element 4 bears at the end against the shaft-side complementary part or form-locking element 6 or the external toothing AV for locking. If the shaft W is then twisted or rotated only slightly further, the locking of the form-locking element 4 with the form-locking element 6 and thus with the shaft 6 can take place when a corresponding alignment of the shaft W is achieved that allows locking. In the parking situation, this further (twisting) rotation of the shaft W can now be induced on the vehicle system side.

[0062] However, the described movement play between the two form-fitting elements 4 , 6 and in the circumferential direction of the axis W also enables the following emergency response in the event of a vehicle malfunction in which the electric motor of the electric motor unit EM-AE fails.

[0063] If the electric motor EM fails during driving and the vehicle is subsequently braked to a standstill on a sloped road, the proposed locking device SV makes it possible to lock or freeze the vehicle when rolling from a standstill, specifically to the maximum rotational speed of the shaft W or the maximum speed of the vehicle associated with the movement play.

[0064] Here, the positive locking element 4 is locked with the positive locking element 6 and thus with the shaft W while utilizing the play, and thus the vehicle is brought to a standstill up to the maximum rotational speed of the shaft W or the maximum speed of the vehicle associated with the play.

[0065] The form-locking element 4 is preloaded or tensioned toward the shaft W with a definable force longitudinally relative to the shaft W by a spindle drive and a helical spring 18 until it is locked when the end side is in contact with the form-locking element 6 or the external toothing AV. Once the shaft W has undergone corresponding alignment with the form-locking element 4, locking is finally achieved.

[0066] Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the preceding description, it should be noted that a variety of modifications may be implemented. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples, which should not limit the scope of protection, application and structure in any way. On the contrary, the above description provides guidance for those skilled in the art to implement at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various modifications may be made, in particular in terms of the functions and arrangements of the described components, without departing from the scope of protection obtained from the claims and equivalent feature combinations.

Claims

1. A locking device (SV) for an electric motor power unit (EM-AE), wherein: The locking device (SV) comprises a locking mechanism for locking a lockable shaft (W) of the motor power unit (EM-AE) and an electric drive (EA) for actuating the locking mechanism, which, in addition to the locking mechanism, is also accommodated by a housing (SV-G) of the locking device (SV). The housing (SV-G) of the locking device (SV) also accommodates a position sensor device, which has a signal transmitter and a sensor component (18) that is at least partially designed to be metal and cooperates with the signal transmitter. The sensor device detects the position of the rotor of the electric motor (EM) of the electric motor power unit (EM-AE) connected to the shaft (W) for reversing the electric motor (EM).

2. The locking device (SV) according to claim 1, wherein: The signal transmitter is designed to be fixed relative to the housing (SV-G), and the sensor component (18) is designed to be fixed relative to the shaft (W).

3. A locking device (SV) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing (SV-G) also accommodates a multifunctional shaft adapter (12) for connection to a lockable shaft (W), the shaft adapter being substantially made of plastic, in which contacts for a rotor of a synchronous motor of an electric motor power unit (EM-AE) connected to the shaft (W) are embedded for external excitation, wherein the plastic of the shaft adapter (12) is materially connected to a form-locking element (6) for connection to the shaft (W), wherein a sensor component (18) is fixedly accommodated by the plastic of the shaft adapter (12).

4. A locking device (SV) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor component (18) is designed as a disk-shaped element and is at least partially metallic.

5. Locking device (SV) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The signal transmitter is designed as an integrated component of a circuit board (20), and the disk-shaped element (18) is arranged opposite to the circuit board (20).

6. The locking device (SV) according to claim 5, wherein: In addition to sensor electronics for the position sensor device, the printed circuit board (20) also has motor electronics for controlling an electric drive (EA).

7. An electric motor power unit (EM-AE), in particular for driving a vehicle having a locking device (SV) according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking device being mounted on a housing (EM-G) of an electric motor (EM) of the electric motor power unit (EM-AE).

8. A vehicle having an electric motor-electrical unit (EM-AE) according to claim 7.

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