Locking unit with two-part center piece

Abstract

A locking unit (2) comprising a piston (6) and serving to lock the movement of the piston (6) which can be subjected to fluid pressure. The locking unit (2) comprises an electromagnet (8) and at least one locking element (10), the locking element (10) cooperating with the armature (12) or the armature rod (14) of the electromagnet (8), the piston (6) comprising at least one locking receptacle (16), and the piston (6) being fixable by the holding interaction of the locking element (10) with the locking receptacle (16), the piston (6) being adjustable between a retracted retracted position (S1) and an extended extended position (S2), the piston (6) being mounted at least partially in a central piece (44) which is at least partially surrounded by a housing (40), characterized in that the central piece (44) is formed in two parts from a metal part (46) and a plastic part (48).wherein the metal part (46) forms a channel (66) therebetween with the plastic part (48).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Locking units are used, for example, for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles, which are locked when parked. Such locking units are typically designed so that the parking lock is in different positions, i.e., locked or unlocked, depending on the gear position. For this purpose, a piston can be used, for example, which can be moved hydraulically and locked electromechanically. Such a locking unit is known, for example, from international patent application WO 2013 / 131 926 A1. This locking unit comprises a sintered center piece. However, this center piece can be improved in terms of manufacturing and functionality.

[0003] DE 10 2020 115 045 A1 also discloses a locking unit. It comprises a center piece, which forms a bearing surface for a piston pressure piece on its inner side and can be manufactured by 3D printing. The locking unit further comprises a yoke part, which can be made of soft magnetic material.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative or better embodiment of a known locking unit.

[0005] Main features of the invention are defined in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

[0006] According to the invention, a locking unit is therefore proposed, comprising a piston and serving to lock the movement of the piston which can be pressurised with a fluid, wherein the locking unit has an electromagnet and at least one locking element and the locking element interacts with the armature or the armature rod of the electromagnet and the piston has at least one locking receptacle and the piston can be fixed by the holding interaction of the locking element with the locking receptacle, wherein the piston is adjustable between a retracted retracted position and an extended extended position, wherein the piston is mounted at least partially in a central piece which is at least partially surrounded by a housing, wherein the central piece is formed in two parts from a metal part and a plastic part.

[0007] Mounting the piston on the center piece has been shown to lead to advantageous operation. The inventive two-part design of the center piece and the corresponding materials have shown that it can now be designed significantly more cost-effectively and with an expanded range of functions.

[0008] The center piece now has a metal part that can, for example, perform guiding functions for adjacent components and is therefore subject to high stress. Due to its bearing functions, the metal part is made of a suitable metallic bearing material. The metal part can be made of a soft magnetic material. In this case, it can be particularly advantageously part of the electromagnet's magnetic circuit and conduct the magnetic field lines well.

[0009] The centerpiece now also features a plastic part, which was previously manufactured as a complex and costly sintered part. The plastic part can be used for fluid guidance or to support seals, thus reducing the stress on the material. The plastic part can be made of a thermoplastic, preferably a thermoplastic injection-molded part. This is a cost-effective manufacturing process that also allows for the production of virtually any shaped plastic part in a single operation.

[0010] Although the center piece according to the invention comprises two individual parts that can be manufactured separately, it can be considered an assembly and realize the associated advantages. The center piece can be pre-assembled in the locking unit prior to assembly and then made available as an assembly for the locking unit assembly process.

[0011] Each of the two parts of the center piece can now be manufactured separately from the other using a separate manufacturing process, each of which can be adapted to cost, service life, and application. Together, they then form the center piece. Preferably, the center piece consists exclusively of these two parts, more preferably just of these two parts and a sealing ring. The plastic part can, in particular, be designed as a sleeve to allow access to the interior space for additional components.

[0012] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part and the metal part can be connected to one another by a material fit or a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. In particular, injection-molding the plastic part onto the metal part results in an inseparable and permanent connection. Likewise, a subsequent joining step is unnecessary. However, injection-molding can lead to design limitations and / or high costs for an injection mold. However, a force-fitting connection, such as compression molding, is also conceivable, for example, also with a form-fitting connection. Then each part can be manufactured separately and more cost-effectively. Compression molding is also a cost-effective joining step and is rarely prone to errors.

[0013] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part can have support segments extending circumferentially in the longitudinal direction and radially, which can support a pipe section and / or the metal part. The support segments can be formed from the plastic part to reduce costs and integrate functions. The support segments can be web-shaped and reduce the required plastic material to the bare minimum. This prevents, for example, shrinkage or sunken sections, which make it significantly more difficult to maintain tolerances. However, the support segments allow a secure connection to the pipe section / metal part. The area between the plastic part and the metal part and / or between the plastic part and the pipe section can each be a connection area.The support segments can be formed on the outer circumference of the plastic part so as not to restrict the inner circumference for additional components, such as the piston or the armature / anchor rod. The support segments can be arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction to prevent the need for directional pre-assembly or assembly.

[0014] The connecting area can be designed, in particular, as a crown ring. Segment gaps can be formed in the connecting area, extending circumferentially in the longitudinal direction and formed between adjacent support segments. This can, for example, allow the passage of fluid.

[0015] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part can have a support flange projecting in the radial direction on its circumference. The support segments preferably extend from the support flange in one or both directions along the longitudinal direction. The support flange can be formed from the plastic part to reduce costs and integrate functions. The support flange can therefore define two different support segments, namely support segments assigned to the metal part and / or support segments assigned to the pipe section. Each of the support segments is therefore adaptable to the part to be supported. The support flange can project beyond the support segments in the radial direction. The support flange can therefore advantageously assume a self-centering function, for example, by supporting itself against the housing of the locking unit.The support flange can be formed on the outer circumference of the plastic part in order not to limit an inner circumference for further components, for example the piston or the anchor / anchor rod.

[0016] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part can have a longitudinally projecting support flange on its circumference, which supports a sealing ring. The support flange can be formed from the plastic part to reduce costs and integrate functions. The sealing ring does not have to be part of a center piece assembly, but it can certainly be carried by it in the assembled state. The sealing ring can seal the center piece or a channel against the housing of the locking unit. This design is geometrically simple and therefore cost-effective; in particular, the longitudinal extension of the support flange allows the use of a simple "on / off" injection mold. The support flange can protrude from the support flange for cost and space reasons.

[0017] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the support flange can be built behind the support segments or rest on them. This makes the support flange very stable and allows for high sealing forces to be applied.

[0018] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the metal part can have a cap section and / or a hollow cylinder section extending in the longitudinal direction, which preferably extends from the cap section.

[0019] The cap section can therefore cover the plastic part on the front side, preferably the entire front side, and thus protect it. In addition, the metal part or its cap section can now rest against the electromagnet or its coil body and thus be brought into close proximity to the electromagnet and magnetic circuit in order to achieve improved magnetic flux. It is conceivable for the cap section to form a yoke section. The yoke section can itself be part of the magnetic circuit, which can effectively influence the magnetic field lines. The armature space of the electromagnet can even be delimited by the cap section or the yoke section, which can be pot-shaped. An arrangement can be chosen so that part of the armature can immerse itself in the yoke section.

[0020] The cap section can also form a stop surface for a piston thrust piece of the piston. The cap section can have an end section, from which a cup wall section protrudes radially on the inner circumference, preferably at a right angle, and from which a peripheral wall section protrudes radially on the outer circumference, preferably at a right angle. The cup wall section can circumferentially delimit a connected cup base section. It is also conceivable for the metal part, its cap section, or its end section to have a magnetic cone ring protruding in the longitudinal direction, which serves to effectively introduce the magnetic field into the armature.

[0021] The hollow cylinder section can extend from the cap section, preferably from its cup wall section or cup base section. The hollow cylinder section can have a number of radial locking element bores for receiving the locking elements. This allows the locking elements to be reliably guided. The hollow cylinder section can therefore form a ball cage.

[0022] The metal part may have a penetration hole through which the anchor or anchor rod protrudes and preferably also supports it. The penetration hole may be formed in the pot base section.

[0023] According to the invention, the metal part forms an intermediate channel with the plastic part. According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part can form an intermediate channel and / or a pressure chamber with a pipe section. The spaces between the segments are preferably designed as a fluidic connection between a pressure line channel and a pressure chamber. This enables pressure to be conducted from the pressure line channel into the pressure chamber. It is therefore possible, in a particularly space-saving manner, for the two parts of the middle piece to form channels. It is even conceivable to form two separate channels with the plastic part. A first channel with the metal part can serve to feed fluid into and out of a compensation chamber. The compensation chamber can be created by a longitudinal adjustment of the piston. The first channel serves to equalize the pressure, as fluid can flow into the extendable compensation chamber and vice versa.A second channel with the pipe section is used to direct fluid into and out of the pressure chamber.

[0024] A channel can therefore form between adjacent support segments in the circumferential direction, the plastic part on one radial side and the metal part or pipe section on the opposite radial side. Therefore, more channels are also conceivable.

[0025] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the support flange can separate these two channels in a fluid- and pressure-tight manner. Thus, fluids of different pressures can be conducted in the two channels without pressure equalization or mixing. It is conceivable that the support flange be designed without any perforations in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the metal part can guide the armature of the electromagnet in any of its positions. This is possible, in particular, by means of the cup-shaped yoke part. The armature can be guided by the cup wall section in any of its positions. This design is surprisingly simple in construction and eliminates the need for additional guide elements for the armature. It also saves installation space.

[0027] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, an end section of the cap section can have a material thickness that is at least a factor of 2 greater than the material thickness of an adjacent section or pot wall section. As a result, magnetic field lines are deliberately guided into and through the end section and kept away from the pot wall section in order to create an efficient magnetic circuit. To enhance this effect, it is also conceivable for a transverse center plane of the yoke part or pot-like receiving space (formed by the pot wall section and pot base) to extend through the end section. The material thickness can be the material thickness in the direction of the surface normal of a surface of the affected component.

[0028] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, at least one of the support segments can form a longitudinal stop for the metal part and / or the pipe section. This ensures a secure position during assembly and operation. It is conceivable for the respective longitudinal stop to extend radially and project beyond the respective support segment in the radial direction. This also allows a defined gap to be formed between the metal part / pipe section and, for example, the support flange, which can be part of the first / second channel.

[0029] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, a longitudinal distance can be provided between the pipe section on the one hand and the support flange and / or carrier flange on the other. This allows a defined intermediate space to be formed in a space-saving manner, which can be part of the first / second channel.

[0030] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the plastic part can form a bearing surface for a piston thrust piece. The bearing surface interacts with the lateral surface or outer surface of the piston thrust piece or its O-ring seal.

[0031] Ultimately, it is clear that the center piece performs a variety of tasks and can have diverse effects, in particular fluid guidance, piston bearings, raceway or bearing surface for piston rings or O-ring seals, magnetic flow, magnet armature bearing, formation of a ball cage for the locking elements, anti-twist protection, sensor target, centering / alignment of the assembly within the housing.

[0032] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle with a locking arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a section II after Fig. 1., Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking unit according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a perspective sectional view through a locking unit according to the invention in the retracted position, Fig. 5 shows a perspective sectional view through the locking unit according to the invention of the Fig. 4 in extended position, Fig. 6 shows a section VI after Fig. 3, Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a center piece, Fig. 8 shows a first sectional view of a middle piece, Fig. 9 shows a second sectional view of a center piece, Fig. 10 shows a side view of a piston, Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a stamping rolling section of a piston and Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a locking unit according to the invention.

[0033] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are each designated by the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless expedient. Features already described are not described again to avoid repetition and apply to all elements with identical or corresponding reference numerals, unless explicitly excluded. The disclosures contained in the entire description are analogously applicable to identical parts with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. The positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also relates to the directly described or illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be analogously applied to the new position.Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

[0034] In Fig. 1 shows an electric vehicle 42 with a locking arrangement 1 according to the invention. The electric vehicle 42 merely illustrates the principle according to the invention and additionally comprises two front wheels 220 and two rear wheels 222 that can be driven. For this purpose, at least one electric axle 4 is provided for each rear wheel 222 or one electric axle for both rear wheels 222. Alternatively, a front-wheel or all-wheel drive is also conceivable. Each of the rear wheels 222 has an axle 22 with a gear 224 arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner. The gear 224 is meshed by a gear 226, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a shaft 26 of an electric motor 18. The drive force of the electric motor 18 can thus be transmitted to the rear wheel 222 or the rear wheels 222.

[0035] A wheel 24 or gearwheel is also connected to the shaft 26 in a rotationally fixed manner. This wheel 24 is meshed by a ratchet wheel 20. A piston 6 of a locking unit 2 or a follower mechanism can selectively engage the ratchet wheel 20 to release or prevent rotation of the ratchet wheel 20. In the position shown, the piston is shown in its retracted position S1, and a follower mechanism engages the ratchet wheel 20 in a form-fitting manner. This then results in a mechanical chain of action starting from the piston 6, namely: piston 6 - ratchet wheel 20 - wheel 24 - shaft 26 - gearwheel 226 - gearwheel 224 - axle 22 - rear wheel 222 or the rear wheels 222. This chain of action can also be designed differently or with fewer machine elements.

[0036] The locking assembly 1 for the electric vehicle 42 therefore comprises the locking unit 2, the electric motor 18, and at least one axle 22 that can be driven by the electric motor 18. The locking unit 2 has the piston 6. It also serves to lock the movement of the piston 6, which can be subjected to fluid pressure. In the retracted position S1 shown, the piston 6 acts on the axle(s) 22 in such a way that their rotation is mechanically locked.

[0037] The electric vehicle 42 also includes a drive battery 228 and a coolant circuit 30 with a corresponding line. A pump 28 is provided to circulate the fluid contained in the coolant circuit 30. This pump has two operating directions or directions of rotation, namely suction and pressure. A line 32 is also provided between the pump 28 and the locking unit 2 to apply hydraulic pressure to the piston 6. The line 32 is connected to the coolant circuit 30, and fluid from the coolant circuit can be fed into the line.

[0038] In Fig. 2 is an excerpt II of the Fig. 1, whereby section II is also schematic in nature. From section II of the Fig. 1, only the locking unit 2 is shown. A fluid inlet 100 can be seen, which can be an opening in a housing 40 of the locking unit 2. The line 32 leads to the fluid inlet 100. The locking unit 2 of the Fig. 2 also includes a solenoid valve 36, although a check valve 43 or multiple valves are also conceivable. The valves regulate and control at least one fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet of the locking unit 2 for hydraulically pressurizing the piston 6. The fluid flows through the solenoid valve 36 and a pressure line network to a pressure chamber 80, where it pressurizes the piston 6 to the right in the image plane and moves it into its extended position S2. The piston 6 is pressurized to the left in the image plane by means of a return element, for example a piston spring 114, in order to move it into its retracted position S1. The respective piston position S1, S2 is locked electromechanically, using an electromagnet 8 and a locking unit 120 for this purpose. As will be described in detail later, locking elements 10 can engage in locking receptacles 16, 202, 204 or be locked there, whereby a longitudinal movement of the piston 6 is also blocked.The respective position of the locking unit 120 can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor 98. The respective position of the piston 6 or its piston tube 166 can be detected by means of at least one magnetic field sensor 88, whereby a further magnetic field sensor 90 can also be provided for this purpose.

[0039] In a clever way, the locking unit 2 has an electrical link 230 comprising a BUS system 232. The solenoid valve 36, the electromagnet 8, and the magnetic field sensors 88, 90, and 98 are connected to it for signaling purposes. Furthermore, a single connector or electronics interface 104 is provided. Thus, all electronic components of the locking unit 2 can be supplied with signals via a single electronics interface 104.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking unit 2 according to the invention. This has a longitudinal direction L, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction U. It can be seen that it is arranged in an outer housing 38, of which only one of two shells is shown. The shell shown has a seal 256. The outer housing 38 has bores 258. Screws 260 engage therethrough for its fastening. The housing 40 of the locking unit 2 also has bores 262 through which screws 264 engage for its fastening in the outer housing 38. The outer housing 38 comprises only three openings, namely a fluid opening (not shown), an electrical opening 266, and a mechanical opening (not shown). The electronics interface 104 protrudes through the electrical opening 266.

[0041] Fig. 3 also shows an electrical module housing 102, which is separate from the housing 40 and comprises a stamped grid on which at least one magnetic field sensor 88, 90 is arranged and which comprises a BUS system 232. The stamped grid is overmolded with the plastic of the electrical module housing 102. The electronics interface 104 is formed by the electrical module housing 102.

[0042] The locking unit 2 is with respect to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a perspective sectional view through a locking unit 2 according to the invention in retracted position S1.

[0044] The locking unit 2 has a housing 40, at the front housing end 106 of which an opening 108 is provided, from which the front end 110 of the piston 6 protrudes. The piston 6 is designed as a hollow part. At the rear housing end 112 opposite the opening 108, an electromagnet 8 is connected to the housing 40 in the axial direction or longitudinal direction. The axial direction here means either the axis of symmetry or longitudinal axis L or also the direction of movement of the piston 6. The piston 6 is movably mounted in the housing 40 in the axial direction, in particular along its longitudinal axis L. In particular, the piston 6 is mounted at least partially in a center piece 44 which is at least partially surrounded by the housing 40, wherein the center piece 44 is formed in two parts from a metal part 46 and a plastic part 48.A drive is provided for the movement of the piston 6; in particular, the piston 6 can be subjected to pressure, preferably hydraulic pressure, with the force component of this pressure being directed against the force direction of a piston spring 114. The piston spring 114 is supported at one end on a shoulder 116 or the inner end wall of the housing 40, which adjoins the housing end 106. The other end of the piston spring 114 is supported on a flange ring 118 of the piston 6 or, as shown in this embodiment, on a magnetic element 86 or on a plastic carrier 92. This flange ring 118 is located inside, centrally in the housing 40.

[0045] The piston 6 moves between several positions due to the pressure, in the variant shown here, for example, in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 two positions (retracted position S1, extended position S2) are provided. The position of the piston 6 in the respective positions can be determined by a locking unit 120, which is equipped with locking elements 10. The electromagnet 8 or its elements are used to actuate the locking unit 120, in particular for its locking elements 10. The electromagnet 8 has a coil body 124, which carries a winding 126. This winding 126 has a wire through which electric current can flow. The winding 126 is terminated radially outwardly (relative to the longitudinal axis L) by a magnet housing 128. A magnetic field is generated when the winding 126 is energized.

[0046] An armature chamber 130 is provided inside the coil former 124, wherein the armature chamber 130 in this case fills approximately 2 / 5 of the interior of the coil former 124. The armature chamber 130 is oriented towards the piston 6. The remaining area of the interior of the coil former 124 is filled by a magnetic core 132, which, as is usual, is made of soft magnetic material that guides the magnetic field lines well. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the magnet housing 128 and magnetic core 132 are shown as one piece. Located in the armature chamber 130 is an armature 12, which, in the embodiment shown here, is partially cylindrical and partially truncated cone-shaped, and has a bottom surface 134 on the truncated cone section. A gap 138 can form between the bottom surface 134 and an end surface 136 of the magnetic core 132 facing the armature space 130.

[0047] When the winding 126 is not energized, a magnetic spring 140 presses the armature 12 to the right (relative to the image plane), so that the gap 138 has its maximum extent. When the winding 126 is energized, it generates a magnetic field which pulls the armature 12 to the left (relative to the image plane) against the force of the magnetic spring 140, so that the gap 138 is closed or almost closed. The armature 12 carries an armature rod 14. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the armature 12 and armature rod 14 are shown as one piece here. The armature rod 14 is oriented concentrically to the armature 12; the armature 12 and armature rod 14 are mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction L. The design can be selected such that the armature 12 has an axial bore which accommodates the armature rod 14. The armature rod 14 protrudes above the armature 12 on one side. A central axial bore 122 is provided in the magnetic core 132.Fluid can flow into gap 138 through bore 122 to enable rapid movement of armature 12. This fluid can also be expelled through bore 122. Since bore 122 does not support an anchor rod, it can be designed with a significantly smaller diameter, thus saving costs and space.

[0048] The armature chamber 130 is delimited on one side by the magnetic core 132. As already described, the magnetic core 132 fills the part of the interior of the coil former 124 facing away from the piston 6 and thus also defines the axial end of the electromagnet 8, but also of the locking unit 2, together with the magnet housing 128. On the other side, facing the piston 6, the armature chamber 130 is delimited by a yoke part 142, which is preferably made of soft magnetic material in order to guide the magnetic field lines effectively. A part of the armature 12 extends into the yoke part 142. The yoke part 142 can be part of the locking unit 120 and / or the electromagnet 8. The yoke part 142 or a center piece 44 has a penetration bore 144 that receives the armature rod 14 and, if necessary, also supports it.

[0049] Part of the locking unit 120 is a metal part 46 or its hollow cylinder section 64. The metal part 46 also has a cap section 62, which forms the yoke part 142.

[0050] The cap section 62 and the hollow cylinder section 64 each close off a corresponding receiving space in the radial direction R. The cap section 62 or the yoke part 142 delimits the armature space 130 and the hollow cylinder section 64 delimits an interior space 146. The interior space 146 extends in the longitudinal direction L. The magnetic spring 140 is also arranged in the interior space 146 and is supported on the one hand on the cap section 62 or yoke part 142 and on the other hand on a control element 148 which is arranged on the end of the armature rod 14. The control element 148 is fixedly positioned on the armature rod 14 and is longitudinally displaceable therewith. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the armature rod 14 and the control element 148 are shown as one piece here. The control element 148 can have a central axial receiving bore into which the armature rod 14 can be inserted.The control element 148 can then, for example, be suitably pressed onto the armature rod 14 and thus held in position thereon. The control element 148 essentially consists of two different geometric bodies, a cylindrical section 150 and a conical section 152, with the conical section 152 forming a conical surface 154 on its outer surface. A outer surface 156 of the cylindrical section 150 of the control element 148 is guided, and optionally also mounted, on an interior wall 158 that delimits the interior space 146 in the radial direction R. At the axial end of the control element 148 facing the electromagnet 8, there is an annular end face 160, against which one end of the magnetic spring 140 rests and is thus reliably guided and held. The conical surface 154 is located at the end of the control element 148 opposite the end face 160.

[0051] It is conceivable that other designs are also possible for the design of the control element 148. For example, it is also conceivable that the conical surface on the control element is arranged on the side facing the electromagnet 8, and then the mode of operation of the locking unit 2 is possibly changed. The locking unit 2 shown is designed such that when the electromagnet 8 is de-energized, i.e. when the winding 126 is de-energized, the control element 148 pushes the locking elements 10, which are designed as balls in the present case, radially outward and thus blocks the piston 6 in the longitudinal direction L. However, the movement of the piston 6 can also be blocked when the electromagnet 8 is energized. The position of the gap 138 is also variable according to the proposal. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the gap 138 is located on the side of the armature 12 facing away from the locking unit 120, i.e. between the armature 12 and the magnetic core 132. Alternatively, it is also possible for the gap to be formed between the armature and the yoke part, i.e. the side of the armature facing the locking unit.

[0052] The arrangement of the magnetic spring 140 in the interior space 146 is advantageous because it prevents these elements from impairing the magnetic circuit formed in the elements around the armature space 130. Alternatively, the magnetic spring can also be arranged in the armature space or outside the locking unit in order to form a corresponding energy storage device. When current is applied to the winding 126, the gap 138 closes by displacing the armature 12 to the left, which also displaces the armature rod 14 and the control element 148 carried by the armature rod 14 to the left, whereby the magnetic spring 140 is compressed and thus forms an energy storage device for a return movement of the unit consisting of armature 12 - armature rod 14 - control element 148 when the current is removed from the winding 126.

[0053] The hollow cylindrical section 64 of the metal part 46 carries, at its end or end region 162 facing away from the cap section 62 or yoke part 142, the locking element(s) 10, which in this case are designed as balls. The locking elements 10 are provided as balls 10 in a ball cage. The sleeve- or cylinder-like end region 162 of the hollow cylindrical section 64 has a radially oriented (relative to the longitudinal axis L) locking element bore 164 for receiving the locking elements 10 or balls. Depending on the axial position of the control element 148, the locking elements 10 or balls may or may not be able to deflect radially inward.

[0054] In the locking unit 2 shown, the piston 6 comprises two parts. The piston 6 comprises a piston tube 166 partially protruding from the opening 108, and the piston pressure piece 168 manufactured separately from the piston tube. The arrangement is selected such that the piston pressure piece 168 in the housing 40 adjoins and / or can bear against the inner end of the piston tube 166. The piston tube 166 is completely hollow inside. The piston tube 166 bears against the piston pressure piece 168 with its flange ring 118 provided at its end. The flange ring 118 thus forms a radially oriented (relative to the longitudinal axis L) boundary surface of the piston tube 166.

[0055] The piston thrust piece 168 has an annular recess 170 on its end face facing the flange ring 118. The annular recess 170 corresponds to the flange ring 118, which can be inserted into the annular recess 170 and can be pressed against the piston thrust piece 168. They are therefore pressed together only due to the force of the applied hydraulic pressure on the one hand and / or the force of the piston spring 114 on the other.

[0056] The piston tube 166 has a tube center piece 94, a tube center piece 70, and a stamping and rolling section 68 adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction L. The tube center pieces 70, 94 are a deep-drawn part. The stamping and rolling section 68 is a stamping and rolling part. It can be seen that the stamping and rolling part or the stamping and rolling section 68 is arranged outside the housing 40 in each of the two positions S1, S2 of the piston 6.

[0057] The tubular center piece 94 forms or supports the flange ring 118. The first tubular center piece 94 adjoins the second tubular center piece 70 at a tapered portion 172 formed as a shoulder. The diameter of the piston tube 166 in the region of the second tubular center piece 70 is smaller than in the region of the first tubular center piece 94. This tapered portion 172 forms a stop.

[0058] The piston 6 or its piston tube 166 is guided in the opening 108. If the piston 6 is displaced to the right, the movement is limited by the shoulder-like taper 172 abutting against the shoulder 116.

[0059] In the retracted position S1 shown here, the piston 6 is pushed into the housing 40, and only the punching roller section 68, which forms an end-side connection region 174 of the piston 6, protrudes from the housing 40. Further elements not shown here, which are moved or held by the piston 6, are connected to the piston 6 in the connection region 174 for their mechanical adjustment. For this purpose, the piston 6 can, for example, have a fastening bolt 176 extending in the radial direction R, on which these elements of a subsequent mechanism (not shown) can be mounted.

[0060] As already explained, all axial sections of the piston tube 166, i.e., the first tube center piece 94, the taper 172, the second tube center piece 70, the punched-roll section 68, and the connecting area 174, are hollow inside. It should be noted that the connecting area 174 has a recess 178 provided in the longitudinal center plane, i.e., it is slotted. To accommodate the fastening bolt 176 or the like, two diametrically opposed bores or other penetration openings 180 are provided in the punched-roll section 68.

[0061] The piston pressure piece 168 is essentially sleeve-like, i.e. radially hollow inside, whereby this and the following details are particularly shown in Fig. 6. Its outer surface 182 or an O-ring seal 198 serves for guidance. At the front end facing the piston tube 166, an outer ring 184 is provided on the piston pressure piece 168. Its outer surface or an O-ring seal 192 is mounted, or at least guided, on an inner wall 186 of the tube piece. The outer ring 184 can bear against the flange ring 118 of the piston tube 166 in the axial direction (relative to the longitudinal axis L). A pressure side 188 of the piston pressure piece 168 or its outer ring 184 facing away from the flange ring 118 can be subjected to pressure, preferably hydraulic pressure, and is therefore also designed to be correspondingly solid.

[0062] An annular pressure chamber 80 is provided here. Therefore, the piston pressure piece 168 is preferably realized as a turned part. It can preferably be made of tool steel. Radially outward, the outer ring 184 has a circumferential groove 190 that accommodates the O-ring seal 192. Since this O-ring seal 192 is exposed to hydraulic pressure, it is also compressed in the radial direction, thus reliably sealing any remaining gap between the radial outer surface of the outer ring 184 and the inner wall 186 of the pipe section.

[0063] Furthermore, a middle piece 44 is provided, which is also in the Fig. 6 to 9 is shown in more detail. The center piece 44 is also sleeve-like and forms a bearing surface 194 for the piston pressure piece 168 on its inner side or the inner side of the plastic part 48. The bearing surface 194 cooperates with the jacket surface or outer surface 182 of the piston pressure piece 168 or its O-ring seal 198. The center piece 44 is fixedly arranged in the locking unit 2. The plastic part 48 and the metal part 46 are pressed together.

[0064] The outer surface 182 can be the outer surface of a cylinder or cylinder section. The outer surface 182 carries the O-ring seal 198 in a circumferential groove 196 at its end facing away from the piston tube 166 and toward the electromagnet 8. This O-ring seal 198 seals the gap remaining between the outer surface 182 and the bearing surface 194, which is under pressure, toward the electromagnet 8. The pressure chamber 80 is thus sealed in the longitudinal direction L between the O-ring seals 192 and 198.

[0065] The piston 6 consists of two components, the piston tube 166 and the piston pressure piece 168, which in the variant shown here are designed to be cantilevered relative to one another, i.e. they are pressed against one another only due to the force of the applied pressure on the one hand and the opposing force of the piston spring 114 on the other. This piston 6, which consists of two components, is initially mounted on the bearing surface 194 of the center piece 44 by the piston pressure piece 168. A further bearing is provided on the outer ring 184 of the piston pressure piece 168 in interaction with the inner wall 186 of the tube piece. In addition, the piston tube 166 is mounted on the inner wall 186 of the tube piece by means of a plastic carrier 92 and on the opening 108 by means of the tube center piece 70.

[0066] An inner surface 200 of the piston pressure piece 168 comprises, at each end, bulges or locking receptacles 202, 204 spaced axially (relative to the longitudinal axis L) from one another. The diameter of the ring-like bulges or ring-like locking receptacles 202, 204 can be larger than the diameter of the inner surface 200 lying between them. The locking receptacles 202, 204 are arranged on the inner surface 200 of the piston pressure piece 168 as a step or internal shoulder. The locking unit 120 is arranged in a stationary manner in the housing 40, wherein the piston 6 is designed to be longitudinally movable relative to the locking unit 120. In the Fig. 4 and Fig. However, in the retracted position S1 shown in Fig. 6, the movement of the piston 6 to the right, in the direction of the opening 108, is blocked by the locking unit 120; the locking unit 2 is blocked in the retracted position of the piston 6.

[0067] The locking unit 120 comprises locking elements 10, each of which is mounted radially (relative to the longitudinal axis L) movably in locking element bores 164. Here, for example, balls 10 of a ball cage. The electromagnet 8 is shown in a de-energized position, i.e., the winding 126 is not energized. Therefore, the gap 138 forms between the armature 12 and the magnetic core 132, since the magnetic spring 140 displaces the armature 12 to the right and thus also the control element 148, on which the magnetic spring 140 is supported. The control element 148 thus reaches the axial position of the locking elements / balls 10 in such a way that the conical surface 154 of the control element 148 acts on the locking elements / balls 10 and pushes them radially (relative to the longitudinal axis L) outward into the locking receptacle 204.However, a longitudinal movement of the piston 6, i.e., a movement of the piston 6 to the right, is then blocked, since a first inner shoulder 206, which delimits the locking receptacle 204, rests against the radially outwardly offset locking elements 10. Due to the corresponding locking element bores 164, the locking elements 10 cannot deflect in the longitudinal direction L or circumferential direction U, and due to the position of the control element 148, they cannot deflect in the radial direction R either. The first inner shoulder 206 is located on the locking receptacle 204 on the side facing the locking receptacle 202.

[0068] Furthermore, in the retracted position S1, the end of the piston pressure piece 168 facing away from the piston tube 166 rests against a radially extending stop surface 208 of the center piece 44 and thus also blocks a movement of the piston 6 to the left, in the direction of the electromagnet 8.

[0069] For the sake of completeness, we would also like to point out Fig. 5, in which the position is shown in which the piston 6 is extended as far as possible to the right out of the housing 40, i.e. into the extended position S2. This extended position S2 is limited on the one hand by the abutment of the taper 172 on the shoulder 116 in the region of the opening 108 of the housing 40. In this position, the electromagnet 8 is again switched off, i.e. the winding 126 is not supplied with current, whereby the control element 148 pushes the locking elements / balls 10 into the locking receptacle 202 of the piston pressure piece 168 and thus, on the other hand, blocks movement to the left. The radially pushed out locking elements / balls 10 then rest against a second inner shoulder 210, which limits the locking receptacle 202. The locking receptacle 204 can be a first locking receptacle; the locking receptacle 202 can be a second locking receptacle. The second inner shoulder 210 is located on the side of the locking receptacle 202 facing the locking receptacle 204.As already described, the two locking receptacles 202, 204 are axially spaced from each other (relative to the longitudinal axis L).

[0070] The piston 6, in particular the piston thrust piece 168, is movably mounted between the radially inner hollow cylinder section 64 and the radially outer plastic part 48 of the center piece 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the center piece 44 occupies a central position in the locking unit 2. On the one hand, it supports the housing 40 on its radial outer side 212 and / or by means of a sealing ring 60. On the other hand, it also establishes a connection to the electromagnet 8, in particular to its magnet housing 128.

[0071] Furthermore, the center piece 44 provides radial alignment of the electromagnet 8 to the locking unit 120. In this area, it is advantageous to achieve a high level of concentricity.

[0072] The middle piece 44 has a connecting region 214 on its side facing away from the electromagnet 8 or towards the piston tube 166. This connecting region 214 is a component of the middle piece 44. The connecting region 214 has several functions. Firstly, it supports a tube piece 54, which can also be referred to as a sleeve piece, which is part of the housing 40 and provides an inner housing wall or tube piece inner wall 186 on its inside. Furthermore, at least a part of the connecting region 214 delimits the pressure chamber 80, i.e. is in contact with the pressurizable fluid. For this purpose, the tube piece 54 is pushed or pressed onto the connecting region 214. As already described, the piston 6, in particular its piston pressure piece 168, is guided on the inner wall 186 of the tube piece, in this respect the tube piece 54 has the properties of a cylinder.the pipe section 54 directs the fluid or the pressure of the fluid for adjusting the piston 6 not only on its pipe section inner wall 186, but also on its pipe outer side 216. The pipe section 54 has a rounded inner peripheral edge 300 on the inner peripheral side at one end and a rounded outer peripheral edge 302 on the other end.

[0073] The mounting of one end of the tube section 54 on the center section 44 underscores the central importance of the center section 44 in the embodiment shown here. The other end of the tube section 54 is mounted in the housing 40, and the inside of the tube section 54 serves as a bearing or guide for the piston 6. In the present embodiment, the tube section 54 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the housing 40 on the right side in the region of a projection or step 218.

[0074] The locking unit has a piston sensor system and a control element sensor system. The piston sensor system comprises a magnetic element 86 or piston target and two magnetic field sensors 88, 90 or piston sensors. The magnetic element 86 is overmolded by a plastic carrier 92, which is designed as a plastic ring and has a support surface 290 on its outer circumference that can slide along the inner wall 186 of the tube piece to support the piston 6. The plastic carrier 92 is pressed onto the piston 6 and arranged in an axial end region of the piston tube 166 against the flange ring 118. The two magnetic field sensors 88, 90 are each arranged in a fluid opening 96 and can be surrounded by fluid. The control element sensor system comprises a magnetic element 292 or control element target and a magnetic field sensor 98 or control element sensor at the housing end 106. The magnetic element 292 is arranged at one end on a connecting rod 298.At the other end, the connecting rod 298 is fixedly and therefore longitudinally displaceably connected to the control element 148.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows a perspective sectional view through the locking unit 2 according to the invention of the Fig. 4 in extended position S2. It can be seen that the piston 6 is displaced out of the housing 40. This extended position S2 is again secured by the locking unit 120 as described. The locking elements 10 are in Fig. 5 hidden.

[0076] Fig. 6 shows a section VI after Fig. 3, where the check valve 34 is particularly visible, which is designed as a 3 / 2-way ball check valve. The check valve 34 replaces the solenoid valve 36 from Fig. 2. It allows fluid flow into the locking unit 2, as indicated by fluid path F1. However, it prevents fluid flow out of the locking unit 2 at this point, as visualized by fluid path F2. This prevents air from entering the hydraulic system and foaming. Fig. 6 shows the open position of the check valve 34. The check valve 34 comprises a valve housing 234, which is formed integrally with the housing 40 of the locking unit 2. It also comprises a valve closing spring 236 and, as a closing element, a ball or closing ball 238. The valve closing spring 236 biases the closing ball 238 into a closed position at a sealing seat 240. The closing ball 238 can be guided on its adjustment path between its positions. The sealing seat 240 is formed by a valve cover 242, which forms the valve inlet 100 and has a filter element 244. The valve cover 242 is fixedly connected to the valve housing 234. The valve housing 234 has a first channel 246, which leads from the valve inlet 100 to a pressure line channel 250 in the housing 40. The pressure line channel 250 is formed between the inner wall of the housing 40 and the pipe outer side 216.From there, the pipe section 54 is flushed along F1 and the fluid enters the pressure chamber 80. When the fluid is expelled from the pressure chamber 80, it follows fluid path F2, in which case the check valve 34 is closed (not shown). The fluid path F2 then runs through the first channel 246 into a second channel 248, in which the valve closing spring 236 is also arranged. The fluid exits the housing 40 through a fluid opening 96 via an outlet channel 252 between the inner wall of the housing 40 and the pipe outer side 216. A sealing ring 254 fluidically separates the pressure line channel 250 and the outlet channel 252 from one another.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a center piece 44.

[0078] The two-part design of the central piece 44 is clearly visible. The plastic part 48 forms support segments 50, 52 on the outer circumference, which run in the longitudinal direction L, are equidistant in the circumferential direction U and extend in the radial direction R, which support the pipe section 54 and the metal part 46, as well as the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The area between the plastic part 48 and the metal part 46 is a connecting area 286, and the area between the plastic part 48 and the pipe section 54 is also a connecting area 288. The connecting areas 286, 288 are each designed as a crown ring. In each connecting area 286, 288, segment gaps 272 are formed that extend in the longitudinal direction L and are formed between adjacent support segments 50, 52.

[0079] Fig. Fig. 8 shows a first sectional view of a center piece 44 through a support segment 50, 52, wherein Fig. 9 also shows a sectional view of the middle piece 44, but this time through a segment gap 272.

[0080] The metal part 46 has a cap section 62 and a hollow cylindrical section 64 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The cap section 62 covers the plastic part 48 at the end face. The metal part 46 also bears against the electromagnet 8 or its coil body 124. The cap section 62 forms the yoke part 142, which is itself part of the magnetic circuit. The armature chamber 130 of the electromagnet 8 is even delimited by the cap section 62 or the yoke part 142, which can be pot-shaped. An arrangement can be selected such that part of the armature 12 can be inserted into the yoke part 142.

[0081] The cap section 62 forms a stop surface 208 for the piston thrust piece 168 of the piston 6. The cap section 62 has an end section 268, from which a cup wall section 270 protrudes at right angles on the radial inner circumference and a peripheral wall section 274 protrudes at right angles on the radial outer circumference. The cup wall section 270 circumferentially delimits a connected cup base section 278. The cup wall section 270 and the cup base section 278 form a cup-shaped receiving space 282 for the armature 12. The metal part 46 has a magnetic cone ring 276 protruding in the longitudinal direction L toward the electromagnet 8. The end section 268 of the cap section 62 has a material thickness in the longitudinal direction L that is at least a factor of two greater than the material thickness of the adjacent cup wall section 270 in the radial direction R.In addition, a transverse center plane QJ of the yoke part 142 or the pot-shaped receiving space 282 extends through the end section 268.

[0082] The hollow cylinder section 64 extends from the cup base section 278. The hollow cylinder section has the locking element bores 164 for receiving the locking elements 10. The hollow cylinder section 64 can therefore form a ball cage. The metal part 46 has a penetration bore 144 in the cup base section 278, through which the armature 12 or the armature rod 14 protrudes and preferably also supports it. It is also evident that the metal part 46 guides the armature 12 in each of its positions.

[0083] The plastic part 48 has a support flange 56 on its outer circumference that projects in the radial direction R. Starting from the support flange 56, the support segments 50 extend to one side in the longitudinal direction L, and the support segments 52 extend to the other side in the longitudinal direction L. The support flange projects beyond the support segments 50, 52 in the radial direction R and centers the center piece 44 relative to the housing 40. The plastic part 48 also has a support flange 58 on its outer circumference that projects in the longitudinal direction L and carries a sealing ring 60. The support flange 58 is formed integrally with the support flange 56 and is supported in the radial direction R on the support segments 50; they form the backbone of the support flange 58.

[0084] This is particularly evident from Fig. 9, that the metal part 46 forms first channels 66 with the plastic part 48 in between. The first channels 66 lead to a compensation chamber 280, designated in Fig. 4. The compensation chamber 280 can be created by a longitudinal adjustment of the piston 6. The first channel 66 serves for pressure equalization. The plastic part 48 forms, with the pipe section 54, second channels 67 located therebetween. The second channels 67 lead to the pressure chamber 80. The segment spaces 272 are therefore designed as a fluidic connection. The first and second channels 66, 67 are channels 66, 67 formed by the plastic part 48 and separated from one another. A respective channel 66, 67 is therefore formed between support segments 50, 52 adjacent in the circumferential direction U, the plastic part 48 on the radial inside, and the metal part 46 or the pipe section 54 on the opposite radial side, i.e., the radial outside.

[0085] It is also evident that the support flange 56 separates these two channels 66, 67 in a fluid-tight and pressure-tight manner, wherein the support flange 56 is expediently designed without any openings in the longitudinal direction L. The support segments 52 each form a longitudinal stop 284 for the metal part 46, wherein the respective longitudinal stops 284 extend in the radial direction R and protrude beyond the respective support segment 52 in the radial direction R. Between the pipe section 54 on the one hand and the support flange 58 on the other hand, a longitudinal distance A is provided, as in Fig. 8 shown.

[0086] Fig. 10 shows a side view of a piston 6, showing the diametrically opposed recesses 178. The recesses 178 are designed as elongated holes. Diametrically opposed penetration openings 180, in which the fastening bolt 176 is held, are also visible. The recesses 178 and the fastening bolt 176 are logically aligned with one another in the radial direction R. The stamped-roll section 68 is brazed or welded to the piston 6 or to a tubular center piece 70 of the piston 6, with a weld seam 76 being shown as an example. The two interconnected edges 72 of the stamped-roll section 68 form a positive fit with one another, which is designed here as a puzzle lock 74. The puzzle-shaped edges 72 have positive fit geometries for this purpose.

[0087] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a stamping rolling section of a piston 6 of the Fig. 10, where it can be seen that the recesses 178 are enclosed on both sides in the longitudinal direction L by an annular portion 294 of the punching roller part or punching roller section 68. This allows for a more stable construction than with an open fork head, which has a recess that is open on one side. The punching roller part or punching roller section 68 is designed as a hollow cylinder with a constant diameter along its longitudinal extent.

[0088] Fig.12 shows a perspective view of a locking unit 2 according to the invention, wherein the housing 40 forms a meandering fluid channel 78. The meandering fluid channel 78 is fluidically connected to the pressure chamber 80 and basically serves to introduce fluid into the locking unit 2. The meandering fluid channel 78 runs along a housing side 82, wherein the housing 40 has a parting plane T in which a meandering seal 84 is arranged. A cover, which covers the meandering fluid channel 78 and the meandering seal 84, can be screwed to bores 296. However, the cover is hidden to visualize the fluid channel 78. However, it has a fluid opening that opens into the meandering fluid channel 78.

[0089] A method for operating the locking arrangement 1 or the locking unit 2 may provide at least the following steps: a. Determine that the piston 6 of the locking unit 2 is to be moved from its retracted position S1 or its extended position S2 to the other of the two positions S1, S2 (target position), b. Determine in which operating direction the pump 28 of the coolant circuit 30 is operated, whereby ◯ if suction operation of pump 28 is detected, the operating direction of pump 28 is changed to pressure operation, or ◯ when pressure operation of pump 28 is detected, the operating direction of pump 28 is maintained in pressure operation, c. Pressurising the piston 6 by means of hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump, d. Determine that the piston 6 has reached the target position, e. If suction operation is detected in b): reset pump 28 to suction operation.

[0090] The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in a variety of ways. All features and advantages apparent from the claims, the description, and the drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, may be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.

[0091] The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures.

[0092] To avoid repetition, features disclosed by the device should also be considered as disclosed by the method and claimable. Likewise, features disclosed by the method should also be considered as disclosed by the device and claimable. List of reference symbols 1 locking arrangement 2 locking unit 4 electric axles 6 pistons 8 Electromagnet 10 locking element 12 anchors 14 anchor rod 16 locking mount 18 electric motor 20 ratchet wheel 22 Axis 24 wheel 26 Wave 28 Pump 30 Coolant circuit 32 Line 34 Check valve 36 Solenoid valve 38 outer casings 40 housings 42 electric vehicles 44 Middle section 46 metal part 48 plastic part 50 support segment 52 support segment 54 pipe section 56 Support flange 58 support flange 60 sealing ring 62 Cap section 64 hollow cylinder section 66 channel 67 Channel 68 punching roll section 70 pipe center piece 72 Rand 74 Puzzle closure 76 Weld seam 78 Fluid channel 80 printing room 82 Housing side 84 Seal 86 magnetic element 88 Magnetic field sensor 90 magnetic field sensor 92 plastic carriers 94 Pipe center piece 96 Fluid opening 98 Magnetic field sensor 100 Fluid inlet 102 electrical module housings 104 Electronics interface 106 Housing end 108 Opening 110 front end 112 Housing end 114 piston spring 116 paragraph 118 Flange ring 120 locking unit 122 bore 124 coil bodies 126 winding 128 magnet housings 130 anchor room 132 magnetic core 134 floor area 136 final surface 138 gap 140 magnetic spring 142 yoke part 144 penetration drilling 146 Interior 148 Control 150 cylinder section 152 Cone section 154 conical surface 156 lateral surface 158 interior wall 160 frontal area 162 End area 164 locking element hole 166 piston tube 168 piston pressure piece 170 ring recess 172 Rejuvenation 174 Connection area 176 fastening bolts 178 recess 180 penetration opening 182 exterior area 184 Outer ring 186 Pipe section inner wall 188 printed pages 190 circumferential groove 192 O-ring seal 194 storage space 196 circumferential groove 198 O-ring seal 200 interior area 202 locking mount 204 locking mount 206 inside shoulder 208 stop surface 212 Outside 214 Connection area 216 Pipe outside 218 level 220 front wheel 222 rear wheel 224 gear 226 gear 228 traction battery 230 chaining 232 bus system 234 valve housing 236 valve closing spring 238 locking ball 240 sealing seat 242 valve cover 244 filter element 246 channel 248 channel 250 pressure pipe channel 252 exhaust port 254 sealing ring 256 Seal 258 bore 260 screw 262 bore 264 screw 266 Electric opening 268 frontal section 270 pot wall section 272 Intersegmental space 274 Perimeter wall section 276 Magnetic cone ring 278 Pot bottom section 280 compensation space 282 Recording Room 284 Longitudinal stop 286 connection area 288 connection area 290 support area 292 magnetic element 294 ring section 296 bore 298 connecting rod 300 inner peripheral edge 302 outer peripheral edge II Excerpt IV Excerpt A Longitudinal distance F1 fluid path F2 fluid path L Longitudinal axis QJ transverse median plane R Radial direction S1 retracted position S2 extended position T parting line U circumferential direction

Claims

[1] Locking unit (2) comprising a piston (6) and serving to lock the movement of the piston (6) which can be pressurised with a fluid, wherein the locking unit (2) has an electromagnet (8) and at least one locking element (10), and the locking element (10) cooperates with the armature (12) or the armature rod (14) of the electromagnet (8), and the piston (6) has at least one locking receptacle (16), and the piston (6) can be fixed by the holding interaction of the locking element (10) with the locking receptacle (16), wherein the piston (6) is adjustable between a retracted retracted position (S1) and an extended extended position (S2), wherein the piston (6) is mounted at least partially in a central piece (44) which is at least partially surrounded by a housing (40), characterized bythat the central piece (44) is formed in two parts from a metal part (46) and a plastic part (48), wherein the metal part (46) forms a channel (66) therebetween with the plastic part (48). [2] Locking unit (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the plastic part (48) and the metal part (46) are connected to one another in a materially bonded or force- and / or form-fitting manner. [3] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plastic part (48) has support segments (50, 52) which run circumferentially in the longitudinal direction (L) and extend in the radial direction (R) and which carry a pipe section (54) and / or the metal part (46). [4] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the plastic part (48) has a support flange (56) projecting in the radial direction (R) on the circumference, preferably the support segments (50, 52) extend from the support flange (56) in one or both directions. [5] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plastic part (48) has a support flange (58) projecting in the longitudinal direction (L) on its circumference, which carries a sealing ring (60). [6] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metal part (46) has a cap portion (62) and / or a hollow cylinder portion (64) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), which preferably extends from the cap portion (62). [7] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the plastic part (48) forms an intermediate channel (67) and / or a pressure chamber (80) with a pipe section (54). [8] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metal part (46) guides the armature (12) of the electromagnet (8) in each of its positions. [9] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an end section (268) of the cap section (62) has a material thickness which is at least a factor of 2 greater than the material thickness of an adjacent section or pot wall section (270). [10] Locking unit (2) according to claim 3, characterized by that at least one of the support segments (50, 52) forms a longitudinal stop (284) for the metal part (46) and / or the pipe section (54).

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