Fluid arrangement for the fluidic actuation of motor vehicle components

Abstract

Fluid arrangement (10) for the fluidic actuation of several motor vehicle components (L1, L2, L3, L4), wherein this fluid arrangement (10) has several fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3), of which at least two fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) each comprise a fluid pump (12, 14, 84) with a first delivery direction and with a second delivery direction opposite to the first delivery direction, wherein the fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement such that at least one of the fluid flow sources (S1, S2) is used to actuate two of the motor vehicle components (L1, L3; L2, L3; L1, L4;L2, L4) and at least one of the fluid flow sources (S1, S2) is suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component (L3, L4) which can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources (S2, S1), with at least three fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3), characterized in that at least two of the fluid pumps (12, 14, 84) are each assigned an AND valve (32, 34, 86) which is connected fluidically in parallel to the respective fluid pump (12, 14, 84).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid arrangement for the fluidic actuation of a plurality of motor vehicle components, wherein this fluid arrangement has a plurality of fluid flow sources, of which at least two fluid flow sources each comprise a fluid pump with a first conveying direction and with a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction, wherein the fluid flow sources are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement in such a way that at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating two of the motor vehicle components and at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources.

[0002] The publication WO2015 / 067259 A1 discloses a fluid arrangement for fluidically actuating two motor vehicle components. The fluid arrangement has two fluid flow sources, each of which comprises a fluid pump with a first flow direction and a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction. The fluid flow sources are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement such that both fluid flow sources are suitable for respectively actuating two of the motor vehicle components, with each of the fluid flow sources being suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by the other of the fluid flow sources.

[0003] From the publications DE 10 2012 016235 A1 and WO 2015 / 067259 A1, fluid arrangements for the fluidic actuation of a plurality of motor vehicle components are known, wherein these fluid arrangements have a plurality of fluid flow sources, of which at least two fluid flow sources each comprise a fluid pump with a first conveying direction and a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction, wherein the fluid flow sources are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement such that at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating two of the motor vehicle components and at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources, wherein at least three fluid flow sources are provided. According to WO 2015 / 067259 A1, one of the three fluid flow sources can be a pressure accumulator.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide measures for improving the fluid arrangement for fluidically actuating motor vehicle components. The improvements relate in particular to the dynamics of actuation, the emergency operation characteristics, and functional safety (FuSi).

[0005] According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, each of which may represent an aspect of the invention individually or in combination.

[0006] In the fluid arrangement for the fluidic actuation of motor vehicle components, the invention provides that the fluid arrangement has at least three fluid flow sources, of which at least two fluid flow sources each comprise a fluid pump with a first conveying direction and a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction, wherein the fluid flow sources are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement such that at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating two of the motor vehicle components and at least one of the fluid flow sources is suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources. It is provided that at least two of the fluid pumps are each assigned an AND valve, which is fluidically connected in parallel to the respective fluid pump. Fluid flow sources constructed in this way are known, for example, from the publication mentioned at the outset.

[0007] The use of a third fluid power source is useful for several purposes, namely to support the existing system, to take over its own functions, or to establish a safe state. Advantages include improved dynamics, for example, simultaneous actuation of multiple elements or support of existing motors, a limp-home function, and / or improved functional safety (FuSi) due to redundant control options.

[0008] In general, the third fluid flow source can also comprise a fluid pump with a first conveying direction and a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction. However, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the fluid flow sources, in particular the third fluid flow source, is designed as a fluid pressure accumulator.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fluid flow sources are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement in such a way that (a) at least two of the fluid flow sources are suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources and / or (b) at least two of the fluid flow sources are each suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component that can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two of the fluid flow sources for actuating the at least one motor vehicle component actuatable by these fluid flow sources are fluidly connected to this motor vehicle component via at least one OR valve. The OR valve can be any valve arrangement for forming a fluidic OR logic circuit. In particular, two OR valves are arranged in a cascade.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the motor vehicle components is a clutch and at least one other of the motor vehicle components is a transmission component.

[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one transmission component comprises a transmission actuating device that (i) is designed as a transmission actuator device comprising two transmission actuators or (ii) comprises sliding surface switching elements or differential surface switching elements. Both embodiments of a transmission actuating device are known and proven.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the motor vehicle components is designed as a parking lock or as a cooling device.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the fluid arrangement comprises at least one shut-off valve for shutting off a fluid path between at least one of the motor vehicle components and the at least one fluid flow source for actuating this respective motor vehicle component. Particularly preferably, the fluid arrangement comprises shut-off valves for shutting off the fluid paths between each of the motor vehicle components and the corresponding fluid flow source for actuating this respective motor vehicle component.

[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid pumps are designed as variable-displacement pumps that can be adjusted in one or both of the delivery directions. Such variable-displacement pumps are known for various applications.

[0016] Finally, it is advantageously provided that the fluid arrangement also includes the motor vehicle components. The fluid arrangement is thus a fluid arrangement for the fluidic actuation of several motor vehicle components in a motor vehicle.

[0017] The invention will be explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments, wherein the features presented below can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination. They show: Fig. 1 a fluid arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 an embodiment of one of the motor vehicle components actuatable via the fluid arrangement, Fig. 3 the fluid arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 a detailed view of a Fig. 3 shown switching element of a transmission actuator, Fig. 5 the fluid arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 the fluid arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and Fig. 7 the fluid arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0018] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of a fluid arrangement 10 for clutch and transmission actuation in a motor vehicle. The fluid arrangement 10 comprises a first fluid pump 12 and a second fluid pump 14. The fluid pumps 12, 14 are pump actuators that, as indicated by arrow symbols, can be operated in opposite flow directions. The fluid pumps 12, 14 shown are also referred to precisely as reversing pumps or reversing pump actuators. Such fluid pumps 12, 14 are known, for example, from the aforementioned WO 2015 / 067259 A1. The fluid pumps 12, 14 enable the actuation of a dual clutch 16 and a transmission actuator 18 in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0019] The dual clutch 16 comprises a first partial clutch 20 and a second partial clutch 22. The first partial clutch 20 of the dual clutch 16 is actuated by the first (reversing) fluid pump 12. The second partial clutch 22 of the dual clutch 16 is actuated by the second (reversing) fluid pump 14.

[0020] The transmission actuating device 18 is designed as a transmission actuator device comprising a first transmission actuator 24 and a second transmission actuator 26. Alternatively, the transmission actuating device 18 can also comprise a transmission actuating device with shift rails, which will be shown later. A shift shaft 28 extends from the transmission actuating device 18 into a corresponding (multi-speed) transmission 30. The first transmission actuator 24 serves to represent a selection function of this transmission 30 and is therefore also referred to as a selection actuator. The second transmission actuator 26 serves to represent a switching function of the transmission 30 and is therefore also referred to as a switching actuator. The switching actuator 26 is designed here as a pivot actuator. Each of the two fluid pumps 12, 14 is assigned an AND valve 32, 34.

[0021] In the example shown, the respective AND valve 32, 34 is implemented as a dual-pressure valve and has two ports with which the AND valve 32, 34 is connected to the respective ports of the associated fluid pumps 12, 14. As a third port, the respective AND valve 32, 34 includes a port with which the AND valve is connected to a (fluid) reservoir.

[0022] The AND valve 32, 34 or dual-pressure valve makes it easy to implement different transmission functions with the (reversing) fluid pumps 12, 14, independent of the direction of rotation. The transmission actuator 18 is coupled to the two fluid pumps 12, 14 via an OR valve 36. This provides, among other advantages, that the fluid pump 12, 14, which is not currently operating its associated clutch 20, 22, can supply one of the transmission actuators 24, 26 with a flow rate and a pressure.

[0023] A valve assembly 38 with two controllable valves 40, 42 designed as proportional directional control valves is connected between the OR valve 36 and the transmission actuator 18. The two valves 40, 42 are designed, for example, as 4 / 3-way valves and are actuated electromagnetically. A symbolically represented spring mechanism preloads the two proportional directional control valves 40, 42 into their illustrated switching positions.

[0024] In the Fig. In the structure of the fluid arrangement 10 shown in Figure 1, each of the parallel circuits of fluid pump and associated AND valve 12, 32; 14, 34 can be understood as fluid flow sources S1, S2. The corresponding counterparts can be understood as the transmission actuator 18 and the clutches 20, 22, i.e., the motor vehicle components L1, L2, L3 as (parts of) corresponding consumers.

[0025] Another multi-way valve 44 is arranged in the fluid path 46 between the OR valve 36 and the valves 40, 42 of the valve arrangement 38, which can alternatively direct the flow of the fluid pumps 12, 14 into a fluid branch 48, which leads via a check valve 50 to a fluid pressure accumulator 52 on the one hand, and to another motor vehicle component / another consumer L4 on the other hand. In this context, the fluid pressure accumulator 52 is to be viewed as a fluid flow source S3. The further consumer L4 is, for example, a claw clutch 54, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0026] In addition to the fluid arrangement 10 to be controlled, Fig. 1 shows an exemplary arrangement and signaling connection of a group of control units 56, 58, 60, 62. A first of the control units is designed as a higher-level control unit (master control unit - ECU) 56. This higher-level control unit 56 is signaling-connected to every other control unit (HCU, LCU) 58, 60, 62 in the group of control units. The signaling connections are shown in the figures as dashed lines. The other control units 58, 60, 62 are assigned to the following components of the fluid arrangement 10:

[0027] The control unit 58 is a control unit (HCU) for the transmission actuator 18, i.e., for the transmission actuators 24, 26. The control unit 60 is a control unit (LCU) for the first fluid pump 12, and the control unit 62 is a control unit (LCU) for the second fluid pump 14.

[0028] The Fig. 1 is therefore a fluid arrangement for the fluidic actuation of motor vehicle components L1, L2, L3, L4, of which two motor vehicle components L1, L2 are clutches 20, 22, a further motor vehicle component L3 is a transmission actuating device 18, and a further motor vehicle component L4 has a completely different function. The fluid arrangement 10 has three fluid flow sources S1, S2, S3. Two of these fluid flow sources S1, S2 each have a fluid pump 12, 14 with a first conveying direction and with a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction. These two fluid flow sources S1, S2 are fluidically connected / can be connected (via the OR valve 36 and the multi-way valve 44) in the fluid arrangement 10 to the motor vehicle components L1, L2, L3, L4 in such a way that both fluid flow sources S1, S2 can be used to actuate two of the motor vehicle components L1, L3 orL2, L3, and the third fluid flow source S3 are also suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component L4 that can also be actuated by the other fluid flow sources S1, S2. The third fluid flow source S3, designed as a fluid pressure accumulator 52, is a pressure reserve that can be used exclusively to actuate / feed the motor vehicle component L4.

[0029] The Fig. 2 shows an example of the motor vehicle component L4, namely a claw clutch 54, which can be opened and / or closed by the fluid pressure accumulator 52 via a multi-way valve 64 and a (differential area) switching element 66.

[0030] The Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the fluid arrangement 10, which in large parts of the fluid arrangement of Fig. 1, so that only the differences will be discussed here. In this embodiment of the fluid arrangement 10, the two fluid pumps 12, 14 operate shift rails in the transmission via sliding surface shift elements 70 and a control arrangement 72 not explicitly shown. The transmission actuating device 18 is therefore a transmission actuating device with constant-surface shift rails (instead of transmission actuators 24, 26). The third fluid flow source S3, designed as a fluid pressure accumulator 52, is connected in such a way that, after a valve 74 is opened, it puts all of the shift rails 70 into a neutral position. Other applications of the pressure accumulator 52 are also conceivable. The reverse design of the valve 74, which puts the transmission 30 into the safe state in the event of a power failure, is also advantageous.

[0031] An embodiment of a switching element 70 with such a neutral position connection is shown in Fig. 4 is shown schematically. An AND valve (dual-pressure valve) 76 connected to the switching element is required or not required depending on the peripheral design and is therefore shown in dashed lines. The piston of the switching element contains channels designed so that, when not in the center position, the discharge line is connected to the right or left chamber. Check valves prevent malfunction during normal operation. The check valve 78 outside the piston is optional.

[0032] The Fig. 5 also shows a fluid arrangement 10 with a third fluid flow source S3 embodied as a fluid pressure accumulator 52. In this embodiment of the fluid arrangement 10, the two fluid pumps 12, 14, preferably embodied as variable-displacement pumps, operate the differential area shift elements / rails 80 via multi-way valves 82 in the transmission. The third fluid flow source S3 embodied as a fluid pressure accumulator 52 is connected such that, after the valve 74 is opened, it moves all shift rails 80 to a neutral position. Other applications of the pressure accumulator 52 are also conceivable.

[0033] The Fig. 6 shows a configuration of the fluid arrangement 10 in which the third fluid flow source S3 - just like the other two fluid flow sources S1, S2 - has a fluid pump 84 with two delivery directions. Here, too, a parallel-connected AND valve 86 and a control unit 88 are assigned to the fluid pump 84. A passive 3-way valve 90 enables dynamic support of one of the pumps 12, 14 of the first two fluid flow sources S1, S2 in the right-hand delivery direction. The valve 90 is actuated via the pressure of the adjacent lines. The third motor vehicle component (e.g., a claw clutch, a transmission, a cooling component, etc.) can be operated in the left-hand delivery direction. Yet another motor vehicle component (consumer L4) can also be a transmission actuator 24, 26, shift rails 70 with equal areas, or shift rails 80 with differential areas.Alternatively, the consumer L3 is formed by shift rails of a first partial transmission and consumer L4 by shift rails of a second partial transmission.

[0034] The Fig. 7 finally shows a configuration of the fluid arrangement analogous to that of Fig. 8 with an active 3-way valve 90. The active valve 90 allows the pumps 12, 14 of the other fluid flow sources S1, S2 to be supported by source S3 as needed. A variation of the consumer L3 is also shown here. Consumer L3 can now be operated by the pumps 12, 14, 84 of all three fluid flow sources S1, S2, S3. The third fluid flow source S3 is connected to the consumer L3 on its other side via another OR valve 92. The OR valves 36, 92 can also be cascaded in a different order than the one shown. List of reference symbols 10 Fluid arrangement 12 Pump 14 Pump 16 dual clutch 18 Gearbox actuator 20 Partial coupling, second 22 Partial coupling, first 24 Gear actuator, first 26 Gear actuator, second 28 Shift shaft 30 gearboxes 32 AND valve 34 AND valve 36 OR valve 38 Valve arrangement 40 valve 42 Valve 44 Multi-way valve 46 Fluid path 48 Fluid branch 50 check valve 52 fluid pressure accumulators 54 Claw coupling 56 Control unit, higher-level 58 Control unit, subordinate 60 Control unit, subordinate 62 Control unit, subordinate 64 multi-way valve 66 switching element 68 Coupling device 70 Switching element, sliding surfaces 72 Control arrangement 74 Multi-way valve 76 AND valve 78 Check valve 80 switching element, differential surfaces 82 multi-way valve 84 Pump 86 AND valve 88 Control unit, subordinate 90 multi-way valve 92 OR valve S1 - S3 fluid flow source L1 - L4 Consumer / Motor Vehicle Component

Claims

[1] Fluid arrangement (10) for the fluidic actuation of a plurality of motor vehicle components (L1, L2, L3, L4), wherein this fluid arrangement (10) has a plurality of fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3), of which at least two fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) each comprise a fluid pump (12, 14, 84) with a first conveying direction and with a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction, wherein the fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) are fluidically interconnected in the fluid arrangement in such a way that at least one of the fluid flow sources (S1, S2) is suitable for actuating two of the motor vehicle components (L1, L3; L2, L3; L1, L4; L2, L4) and at least one of the fluid flow sources (S1, S2) is suitable for actuating a motor vehicle component (L3, L4) which can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources (S2, S1), with at least three fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3), characterized bythat at least two of the fluid pumps (12, 14, 84) are each assigned an AND valve (32, 34, 86) which is fluidically connected in parallel to the respective fluid pump (12, 14, 84). [2] Fluid arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the fluid flow sources (S3) is designed as a fluid pressure accumulator (52). [3] Fluid arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) are fluidically connected in the fluid arrangement (10) in such a way that at least two of the fluid flow sources (S2, S3) are used to actuate - a motor vehicle component (L3) which can also be actuated by another of the fluid flow sources (S1) and / or - each one is also suitable for motor vehicle components (L3) that can be actuated by a different one of the fluid flow sources (S1). [4] Fluid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat at least two of the fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) for actuating the at least one motor vehicle component (L3, L4) actuatable by these fluid flow sources (S1, S2, S3) are fluidically connected to this motor vehicle component (L3, L4) via at least one OR valve (36, 92). [5] Fluid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , at least one of the motor vehicle components (L1, L2) is a clutch (20, 22) and at least one other of the motor vehicle components (L3, L4) is a transmission component. [6] Fluid arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by that the at least one transmission component has a transmission actuating device (18) which - is designed as a gear actuator device comprising two gear actuators (24, 26) or - sliding surface switching elements (70) or differential surface switching elements (80). [7] Fluid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat one of the motor vehicle components (L4) is designed as a parking lock or as a cooling device. [8] Fluid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the fluid pumps (12, 14, 84) are designed as variable displacement pumps which are adjustable in one and / or the other conveying direction. [9] Fluid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the fluid arrangement (10) includes the motor vehicle components (L1, L2, L3, L4).

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