locking unit

Abstract

Locking unit (2), comprising a piston (6) and serving to lock the movement of the piston (6) which can be pressurized by a fluid, wherein the locking unit (2) has an electromagnet (8) and at least one detent element (10) and the detent element (10) interacts with the armature (12) or the armature rod (14) of the electromagnet (8) and the piston (6) has at least one detent receptacle (16) and the piston (6) can be fixed by the retaining interaction of the detent element (10) with the detent receptacle (16), wherein the piston (6) is adjustable between a retracted position (S1) and an extended position (S2), wherein the piston (6) is designed at least partially as a hollow part, characterized in that a magnetic element (86) is connected to the piston (6) and at least one magnetic field sensor (88) is attached to or in a housing (40) of the locking unit (2).90) is arranged to detect a magnetic field of the magnetic element (86), wherein the at least one magnetic field sensor (88, 90) is arranged in a fluid opening (96) of the housing (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking unit according to 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.

[0003] However, such a locking unit sometimes has high manufacturing costs and / or complex components, the production of which leads to high costs.

[0004] A locking unit is known from DE 10 2020 115 045 A1. It comprises a piston and serves to lock the movement of the piston, which can be subjected to fluid pressure. The locking unit has an electromagnet and at least one locking element, the locking element interacting with the armature or armature rod of the electromagnet, the piston has at least one locking receptacle, and the piston can be secured by the retaining interaction of the locking element with the locking receptacle. The piston is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position, with the piston being formed as a hollow part, at least in sections.

[0005] DE 10 2017 105 319 A1 relates to a hollow shift sleeve for a gearshift transmission. DE 101 02 960 A1 discloses a hollow shift drum for a gearshift transmission. DE 10 2008 029 267 A1 teaches a shifting device with a shifting element that is a sleeve.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to design a known locking unit in a more cost-effective and production-efficient manner, without, however, compromising on quality.

[0007] Main features of the invention are defined in claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 14.

[0008] 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 designed at least in sections as a hollow part.

[0009] Known pistons can sometimes be designed as solid parts. The piston can be designed as a hollow part, which offers significantly lower manufacturing costs while simultaneously reducing the weight of the piston. This reduces the overall weight of the locking unit according to the invention. This also results in resource conservation and space savings, since components can now be accommodated within the piston.

[0010] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the piston can be designed, at least in sections, as a stamped and rolled part. In stamped and rolled processes, a blank is first punched out of a sheet metal part in a first step. The blank is then formed or rolled in a second step to produce a hollow body, for example a hollow cylinder. The initially opposite edges of the stamped blank can then face each other after rolling and even touch each other. Compared to other processes, such as spinning or flow-forming or deep drawing, both in accordance with DIN 8584, this process has the disadvantage that it is a two-step process (punching, rolling). Furthermore, it has the disadvantage that only relatively simple geometries can be rolled, compared to roll forming or deep drawing, for example. However, this is precisely the previously unrecognized advantage of stamped and rolled processes.Because the stamping roller part is so simple in design, it can also be manufactured very cost-effectively.

[0011] However, the two-stage process opens up another opportunity for cost reduction. While the creation of recesses in components using spinning, flow-forming, or deep-drawing is very complex and costly, the desired recess can be created in the existing hollow body with stamping and rolling – before the forming (rolling) process. Complex cross-operations are therefore completely unnecessary.

[0012] The use of punching rolls is also visible on the component. In particular, the absence of mechanical manufacturing marks (streaks or grooves) on the punched roll part, made possible by the punching process, can be directly verified visually. It has therefore been surprisingly discovered that punching rolls are suitable for reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining quality in the technical context of safety-relevant locking units.

[0013] The piston rod according to the invention can be an assembly and comprise a piston tube and a piston thrust piece that can be manufactured separately. Both can be designed as hollow bodies. The stamping roller part can be part or a section of the piston tube in order to connect elements that can be moved or held by the piston for their mechanical adjustment. The stamping roller part on the piston tube can form a section thereof and be referred to as a stamping roller section. In principle, the stamping roller part can serve to transmit the hydraulic force and locking effect to a downstream mechanism.

[0014] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the punching roller part can accommodate at least one recess and / or at least one penetration opening. A fastening bolt can be arranged in the at least one penetration opening. A follower mechanism can engage this bolt. Furthermore, the recess can serve to allow the follower mechanism to engage the interior of the punching roller part and engage the fastening bolt.

[0015] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the at least one recess can be enclosed on both sides in the longitudinal direction by an annular portion of the stamping roller. This allows for a more stable construction than with an open fork head.

[0016] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the punched roller part can be a hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder can have a constant diameter along its longitudinal extent, which also serves to reduce costs.

[0017] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the punching roller part can be arranged, preferably completely, outside a housing of the locking unit in each of the two positions of the piston. This allows the punching roller part to have the shortest possible longitudinal extension and low manufacturing costs.

[0018] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the stamped-roll section can be brazed or welded to the piston or to a central tube section of the piston, preferably by laser welding. Although the multi-part production of the piston tube requires the individual parts to be joined to form a single piston tube, the advantages of the stamped-roll part outweigh the disadvantages of the explicit connection. Laser welding enables the production of two different parts, which can thus be manufactured more cost-effectively overall. For example, a one-piece version of the piston tube as a deep-drawn part would be difficult or only possible with great effort due to the high degree of deformation, or at least not more cost-effective.

[0019] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the at least one tube center piece can be a deep-drawn part. With a tube center piece as a deep-drawn part, relatively complex piston contours can be realized in a single processing step. Especially in combination with the stamped and rolled part, this results in an overall highly functional yet cost-effective piston tube.

[0020] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the interconnected edges of the punched roll section can have a positive fit, preferably a puzzle fit. This allows the positive fit geometries at the edges to be formed cost-effectively during punching.

[0021] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, after rolling and establishing the positive locking, the positive locking geometries can be caulked or locally plastically deformed with a forming tool. This can eliminate any play in the positive locking caused by manufacturing tolerances.

[0022] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the housing of the locking unit can have or form a meandering fluid channel that is fluidically connected to a pressure chamber of the locking unit. Therefore, a fluid channel with many turns and a corresponding length should be provided in a manageably small area. Until now, housings have only had one connection hole, to which surrounding systems must be adapted. However, if this connection hole has to be relocated on the housing, this can lead to high redesign costs or may not be possible at all. The meandering fluid channel can be covered by a cover. A connection hole can then be provided in the cover, whereby the connection hole can be located at any point along the meandering fluid channel. This allows for highly variable adaptation to customer requirements while maintaining the same housing design.This leads to significantly lower costs, since only a cover needs to be redesigned, and not the entire locking unit.

[0023] In addition, the meandering fluid channel can be formed integrally with the housing, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part, whereby a simple “open / close” tool can be used for this purpose, which also contributes to cost reduction.

[0024] Another cost-saving feature is that the fluid inlet can be routed to the optimal entry point on the piston without replacement. On the customer system side, another cost-saving feature is that the fluid is routed to the optimal fluid transfer point using a simplified channel system in the housing or by eliminating an intermediate level in the pressure distribution system.

[0025] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the meandering fluid channel can run at least on and / or along one housing side. This allows the meandering fluid channel to be arranged in one plane, and a cover to be designed with as little complexity as possible.

[0026] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the housing can have a cover that covers the meandering fluid channel and has a fluid opening that opens into the meandering fluid channel. The basic idea behind this is that a component that must be provided for respective adaptations should be designed as cost-effectively as possible in order to reduce overall costs. With such a cover, customers now have many options for defining their own fluid transfer point without having to modify the housing. The cover is therefore the only part that needs to be manufactured individually. The meandering fluid channel offers a multitude of fluid transfer points. Furthermore, it is even possible to change a fluid transfer point in an existing locking unit in a simple and cost-effective manner simply by providing a different cover.The combination of meandering fluid channel and cover thus realizes the advantages of a modular design.

[0027] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the housing can have a parting plane in which the meandering fluid channel, preferably also a meandering seal, is arranged. Due to the parting plane, the housing can be open along the meandering fluid channel and can also be manufactured open and delivered to a customer. An adjacent component can then be designed to match the customer's specifications. As a result, the cover can be simply a plate, without any depth extension. This creates both a cost-effective yet highly effective seal and a conceivably cost-effective cover.

[0028] According to the invention, a magnetic element (piston target) is connected to the piston, and at least one magnetic field sensor (piston sensor) for detecting a magnetic field of the magnetic element is arranged on or in the housing. The magnetic element is therefore longitudinally adjustable together with the piston. The locking unit can comprise a piston sensor system to detect the position of the magnetic element and thus also of the piston. Using such a locking unit, it is not only possible to lock the piston, but also to easily obtain feedback as to the actual position of the piston. Ultimately, the position of the piston is crucial for whether the vehicle can move unintentionally or whether the locking unit reliably prevents unintentional movement. Using such a piston sensor system, a cost-effective and reliable source of information about the position of the piston is created.

[0029] The at least one magnetic field sensor can, in particular, be a Hall sensor. Due to the coupling of the magnetic element to the piston, the magnetic element generally moves with the piston. Its position can be sensed by the at least one magnetic field sensor. In particular, based on the magnetic field strength or the angle at which the magnetic field lines penetrate the magnetic field sensor, it can be determined how close the magnetic element is to the affected magnetic field sensor or whether it is possibly shielded by other components. The magnetic element can, in particular, be a permanent magnet, for example, magnetized hard ferrite.

[0030] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the magnetic element can be surrounded by a plastic carrier, more preferably by overmolding. This enables separate, cost-effective production, allowing for easy assembly. The plastic carrier can, for example, be a plastic ring that is attached, preferably pressed, to the piston.

[0031] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, the magnetic element can be arranged on the outer circumference of the piston, preferably on its tubular centerpiece, in particular in an axial end region of the piston tube. The arrangement on the outer circumference serves not only to deliberately expose it for reliable sensing (better signal than arrangement in a metallic piston) by the magnetic field sensor(s), but also to support the piston. The magnetic element itself or its plastic carrier can have a support surface on the outer circumference that is guided on an inner circumferential surface, for example, on the inner wall of a tubular section. The arrangement in the axial end region of the piston tube leads to the magnetic element being arranged as low as possible in the locking unit. This allows for shorter cables, a more compact and cost-effective sensor design.

[0032] According to the invention, the at least one magnetic field sensor is arranged in a fluid opening, preferably in a pressure relief port, of the housing. This allows for the shortest possible distance to the magnetic element, especially if it is arranged on the outer circumference of the piston. The fluid opening can lead to a tank or transmission oil sump.

[0033] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, a control element can be connected to an armature or an armature rod of the electromagnet, which control element pushes the locking elements radially outward depending on its position. A further magnetic element (control element target) can be connected to the control element, and a further magnetic field sensor (control element sensor) for detecting a magnetic field of the further magnetic element can be arranged in the locking unit. The further magnetic element is thus longitudinally adjustable together with the control element. The locking unit can comprise a control element sensor to detect the position of the further magnetic element and thus also of the control element.The combination of piston sensors and control element sensors not only reliably detects the respective position of the sensed component, but also allows the status of the locking unit to be determined via a plausibility comparison. For example, the piston sensors can determine the states "piston retracted" and "piston extended," while the control element sensors can determine the states "locking elements released" and "locking elements locked." It is conceivable that the piston prevents the vehicle from rolling when in the retracted position and allows it to roll when in the extended position. A theoretical state of "piston retracted" and "locking elements released" may initially indicate that the vehicle is prevented from rolling because the piston is sensed in the retracted position, but this position is not permanently fixed because the locking elements are released. A functionality test can then also be performed.

[0034] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the piston or at least its tubular centerpiece(s) can be made of a ferromagnetic material. This can be particularly useful if the magnetic element of the piston sensor system is located on the outer circumference of the piston and no control element sensor system is provided within the piston. Ferromagnetic material is also easily weldable, especially with regard to the stamped roller part.

[0035] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the piston or at least its tubular centerpiece(s) can be made of a non-ferromagnetic material. This can be particularly advantageous if the magnetic element of the control element sensor system is arranged in the piston. In this case, the propagation of the magnetic field and thus the measurement are not, or only slightly, hindered or disturbed by the piston.

[0036] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, a lead frame can be included, which preferably carries the at least one magnetic field sensor and / or is surrounded by a plastic, preferably overmolded. Lead frames are circuit boards that are cut out of a material using a punching tool in order to avoid any superfluous circuit board surface. The advantage of the lead frame is that it enables three-dimensional structures that are not possible using a simple circuit board. A further cost-related advantage is that the connection technology can be integrated directly into the lead frame, thus requiring no additional electrical interface. Here, electrical interlinking can advantageously be achieved, whereby only one electronic interface can be provided.The surrounding plastic can be the housing of the locking unit or a separate housing, for example an electrical module housing.

[0037] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, it can have an electrical module housing that is separate from and attached to the housing and has an electronics interface, which is preferably the only electronics interface of the locking unit. Electrical components of the locking unit can therefore be combined in the electrical module housing. Separate cables with multiple connectors are no longer necessary. The electrical module housing can be a plastic injection-molded part and can include or overmold the lead frame, one or more of the sensors, in particular the magnetic field sensors of the piston sensor system, a BUS system, and an electronics interface. This increases robustness through a reduced number of interfaces, reduces costs through fewer components, and reduces assembly effort and the risk of failure.

[0038] According to a further development of the locking unit according to the invention, it can comprise a BUS system to which one or more of the following components are connected: solenoid valve, electromagnet, magnetic field sensor. The electrical output signals from the sensors can ideally be provided via a bus system (CAN, SENT). The BUS system enables a drastic reduction in the number of printed circuit boards and thus serves to reduce costs. The wiring between the control units connected to a BUS system is standardized. Furthermore, the number of required data lines is significantly lower.

[0039] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, it can comprise an internal tubular section which is designed as a guide for the piston and which delimits a pressure chamber on the inner circumference and a pressure line channel on the outer circumference and an outlet channel on the outer circumference. The guide on the tubular section ensures particularly good guidance of the piston, so that it can be moved as smoothly as possible. The pressure line channel can conduct fluid into and out of the pressure chamber. The outlet channel serves to discharge fluid from the housing, preferably exclusively. In an advantageous cost-reducing manner, the one tubular section forms a radial boundary for three elements at once: the pressure chamber, the pressure line channel and the outlet channel.It is conceivable that a valve, preferably a check valve, is arranged between the pressure line channel and the outlet channel, which allows fluid flow into the locking unit. The pressure line channel and the outlet channel can be fluidically connected via the check valve. Internal means that the pipe section is arranged within the housing.

[0040] The pressure line channel is preferably bounded at least partially radially, relative to the longitudinal axis of the piston, on the inside by the outside of the tubular section and on the outside by the inner wall of the housing. The tubular section can be connected to the housing, mounted there, or be part of the housing. The piston preferably bears against the tubular section. This allows for particularly advantageous guidance of the piston along the tubular section. The bearing can occur along the entire circumference. Preferably, the piston slides along the tubular section.

[0041] According to a conceivable development of the locking unit according to the invention, the tubular section can have a rounded or flattened inner peripheral edge on one end axially on the inner peripheral side and / or a rounded or flattened outer peripheral edge on the other end axially. The rounded edge can be produced, for example, with a flanged edge. Using such geometries, the tubular section can be easily and self-centeringly inserted into the housing. It is conceivable that the corresponding inner peripheral edge faces the electromagnet or center piece. Other components can also be easily and self-centeringly inserted into the tubular section. Furthermore, these geometries prevent damage during assembly and thus also reduce costs and complexity.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] A wheel 24 or gear 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 - gear 226 - gear 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The locking unit 2 is with respect to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a perspective sectional view through a locking unit 2 according to the invention in retracted position S1.

[0054] 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, the center piece 44 being 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The two sections 62, 64 each enclose 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 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 the 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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-shaped 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 lateral 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 141 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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 62 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 218 or a step 218.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 moved 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.

[0086] 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 an outlet channel 252 between the inner wall of the housing 40 and the pipe outer side 216 through a fluid opening 96. A sealing ring 254 fluidically separates the pressure line channel 250 and the outlet channel 252 from one another.

[0087] Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a center section 44.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Fig. Figure 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 rear of the support flange 58.

[0094] 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.

[0095] It is also evident that the support flange 56 separates these two channels 66, 67 in a fluid-tight and pressure-tight manner, whereby 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, whereby 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 designed at least in sections as a hollow part, characterized bythat a magnetic element (86) is connected to the piston (6) and at least one magnetic field sensor (88, 90) for detecting a magnetic field of the magnetic element (86) is arranged on or in a housing (40) of the locking unit (2), wherein the at least one magnetic field sensor (88, 90) is arranged in a fluid opening (96) of the housing (40). [2] Locking unit (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the piston (6) is designed at least in sections as a stamped rolling part. [3] Locking unit (2) according to claim 2, characterized by that the stamping roller section (68) is brazed or welded to the piston (6) or to a tube center piece (70, 94), preferably by means of laser welding. [4] Locking unit (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the interconnected edges (72) of the punching roll section (68) have a puzzle closure (74). [5] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (40) of the locking unit (2) has or forms a meander-shaped fluid channel (78) which is fluidly connected to a pressure chamber (80) of the locking unit (2). [6] Locking unit (2) according to claim 5, characterized by that the meandering fluid channel (78) runs at least on and / or along one housing side (82) of the housing (40) of the locking unit (2). [7] Locking unit (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the housing (40) of the locking unit (2) has a cover which covers the meander-shaped fluid channel (78) and has a fluid opening (96) which opens into the meander-shaped fluid channel (78). [8] Locking unit (2) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized bythat the housing (40) of the locking unit (2) has a parting plane (T) in which the meander-shaped fluid channel (78), preferably also a meander-shaped seal (84), is arranged. [9] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the magnetic element (86) is surrounded by a plastic carrier (92), more preferably overmolded. [10] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the magnetic element (86) is arranged on the outer circumference of the piston (6), preferably on its tube middle piece (70, 94), in particular in an axial end region (162) of the piston tube (166). [11] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one magnetic field sensor (88, 90) is arranged in a pressure relief connection of the housing (40). [12] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises a punched grid which preferably carries the at least one magnetic field sensor (88, 90, 98) and / or is surrounded by a plastic, preferably is overmolded. [13] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that it has an electric module housing (102) which is separate from and fastened to the housing (40) of the locking unit (2), which has an electronics interface (104), which is preferably the only electronics interface (104) of the locking unit (2). [14] Locking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises a BUS system (232) to which one or more of the following components are connected: solenoid valve (36), electromagnet (8), magnetic field sensor (88, 90, 98).

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