Parking lock in a normal locked configuration

Abstract

The invention relates to a parking lock (1) in a normally locked configuration for a parking lock device (2) of a transmission (3), comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism (4) for locking a locking wheel (5), wherein in operation the locking wheel (5) is blocked in a locking state and in a free state the locking wheel (5) is released; - an actuating actuator (7) with an actuating element (9), wherein in an active position the locking mechanism (4) is led out of the locking state and wherein in a passive position the free state can be assumed by the locking mechanism (4); - a release element (10) comprising a gripping element (11) for gripping a release shoulder (12) of the actuating element (9) and which is movably mounted between a normal position and an unlocking position; and - a locking element (13) for holding the unlocking element (10), wherein the actuating element (9) is gripped in the unlocking position and held in the active position. The parking lock (1) is characterized in particular by the fact that a centering pin (14) is further provided, by means of which the gripping element (11) is aligned relative to the actuating element (9) when gripping. The parking lock proposed here is particularly easy and inexpensive to implement, and the released state of the locking wheel can be reliably detected without additional measuring electronics.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a parking lock in a normally locked configuration for a parking lock device of a transmission, comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism for locking a locking wheel, wherein in use in a locking state the locking wheel is blocked and in a free state the locking wheel is released; - an actuating actuator with an actuating element, wherein in an active position the locking mechanism is led out of the locking state and wherein in a passive position the free state can be assumed by the locking mechanism; - an unlocking element comprising a gripping element for gripping an unlocking shoulder of the actuating element and which is movably mounted between a normal position and an unlocking position; and - a locking element for holding the unlocking element, wherein the actuating element is gripped in the unlocking position and held in the active position. The parking lock is characterized primarily by the fact that a centering pin is also provided, by means of which the gripping element is aligned relative to the actuating element when gripped. The invention further relates to a parking lock device, a transmission with such a parking lock device for a drive train, and a drive train with such a transmission.

[0002] Parking locks are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 115 548 A1 or DE 10 2021 114 494 A1. Motor vehicles with a parking lock, for example with a so-called by-wire parking lock, in a normally locked configuration, i.e. with the chassis blocked in the event of a system failure, which remain in the production plant for an extended period, cannot be moved freely in the plant during assembly without a power supply. It is necessary to adjust the assembly sequence and / or set up a temporary power supply. One solution for this is, for example, a release element. Such a release element is usually operated separately, for example, manually using a (self-locking) screw. This ensures that the vehicle can be moved. However, for commissioning, it must be ensured that the parking lock properly locks the chassis again (for example, in the event of a system failure).This is either subject to human control and thus prone to errors, or additional effort is required for a measuring sensor on the release element. DE 10 2022 103 385 A1 shows a parking lock in a normally locked configuration for a parking lock device of a transmission, in which an unlocking element has a gripping element with which the actuating element of the actuating actuator can be grasped and moved out of the passive position. In the passive position of the actuating element, the locking state can be assumed by the locking mechanism, thus ensuring the normal functionality of the parking lock. In the active position of the actuating element, the locking mechanism of the parking lock is moved out of the locking state, thus unlocking the parking lock. The position of the actuating element is electronically detected by a position sensor, which is preferably integrated into the actuating actuator.This ensures that electronic detection is performed when the actuating element is moved from the passive position or the actuating element is in the active position. This can, for example, be indicated and / or the proper operation of the vehicle can be electronically prevented.

[0003] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are derived from the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically reasonable manner, whereby the explanations from the following description as well as features from the figures, which comprise additional embodiments of the invention, can also be consulted for this purpose.

[0004] The invention relates to a parking lock in a normally locked configuration for a parking lock device of a transmission, comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism for locking a locking wheel in a torque flow, wherein in use the locking mechanism blocks the locking wheel in a locking state and releases the locking wheel in a free state; - an actuating actuator with an actuating element movable along an actuating axis between an active position and a passive position, wherein in the active position of the actuating element the locking mechanism is led out of the locking state and wherein in the passive position of the actuating element the free state can be assumed by the locking mechanism; - an unlocking element comprising a gripping element for gripping an unlocking shoulder of the actuating element and which is movably mounted between a normal position and an unlocking position; and - a locking element for holding the unlocking element in at least the unlocking position, wherein the actuating element of the actuating actuator is free in the normal position of the unlocking element and is gripped and held in the active position in the unlocking position of the unlocking element.

[0005] The parking lock is characterized in particular by the fact that a centering pin is also provided, by means of which the gripping element is aligned relative to the actuating element when gripping.

[0006] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve only to clearly distinguish them and do not reflect the order or ranking of the designated components. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply that another such component must be present.

[0007] The parking lock proposed here is configured in a normally locked configuration, so that in the event of a system failure, for example, a power failure due to a dead battery, the locking mechanism blocks the locking gear. The locking gear is only released from the locking mechanism when energized. In a released state, the locking gear is freely rotatable and, for example, can be used in a motor vehicle transmission, allowing the motor vehicle to roll. In contrast, if the locking gear is locked, the motor vehicle cannot roll when used in a transmission.

[0008] The parking lock is actuated by means of the (for example electrical and / or fluidic, for example pneumatic or hydraulic) actuating actuator or its actuating element. The actuating element, for example in the form of a piston or spindle, is movable along its actuating axis. In its passive position, no external energy absorption is necessary; for example, the actuating element is held in the passive position by means of an (actuator-side) energy storage element. In the active position, external energy absorption is necessary, whereby the counterforce of the energy storage element, if present (for preloading the actuating element into the passive position) and the locking mechanism is overcome by supplying external energy, for example in the form of an electrical voltage or a supply of hydraulic fluid to a slave chamber of the actuating actuator.

[0009] In the event of a failure of the electrical supply or a loss of fluid supply, the locking mechanism is transferred to the locking state and thus blocks the locking wheel. In order to switch this off for a passive state (also referred to as transport mode, for example in a motor vehicle during production, transport or in a workshop), it is proposed here that an unlocking element is provided which is designed in such a way that the released state of the locking wheel can be maintained, contrary to the normally locked configuration of the parking lock. In this passive state, it is thus ensured that, when the parking lock is used in a motor vehicle transmission, the motor vehicle can continue to roll. In order to cancel this passive state, which is undesirable during normal operation of the parking lock (for example when a motor vehicle is in use), the unlocking element can be deactivated again.

[0010] The locking element is designed to hold the unlocking element in the unlocking position. If the locking element does not hold the unlocking element in the unlocking position, the free state of the locking mechanism cannot be maintained by the unlocking element. This means that the unlocking position and thus the free state of the locking mechanism can only be (permanently) adjusted through the interaction of the unlocking element and the locking element. Otherwise, the blocking of the locking wheel, as described above, can only be released in the active position of the actuating element. The locking element is self-locking at least in the (holding) position corresponding to the unlocking position of the unlocking element, for example by means of a self-locking thread, a catch, or a lock nut.

[0011] Here, it is proposed that the unlocking element is coupled to the actuating element in the unlocking position, in that the gripping element of the unlocking element then grips the actuating element. When the actuating element is gripped by the gripping element, the actuating element can be moved out of the passive position by the unlocking element, preferably into the active position. Specifically, the (gripped) actuating element is moved out of the passive position when the unlocking element is in the unlocking position. In one embodiment, the actuating element is moved into the active position by the unlocking element when the unlocking element is in the unlocking position.In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element cannot be moved into the passive position by means of the actuating actuator and preferably cannot be moved out of the active position when the actuating element is gripped by the unlocking element because the holding force of the locking element cannot be overcome by the actuating actuator.

[0012] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the unlocking element acts directly on the locking mechanism, i.e., the locking mechanism is held in the free state in the unlocked position by the unlocking element, transmitting force. In one embodiment, the unlocking element acts solely indirectly (preferably via the actuating element) on the locking mechanism. For example, the unlocking element acts solely on the locking mechanism by transferring the actuating element from the gripping element of the unlocking element into the active position during the unlocking position. It should be noted that no power consumption of the actuating actuator is required to assume the active position by means of the unlocking element.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, it is geometrically ensured that the unlocking element cannot be moved into the unlocking position, preferably cannot be moved out of the normal position, if the actuating element simultaneously remains in the passive position. This means that the gripping element and the movement of the unlocking element are configured such that the unlocking position can only be assumed when the actuating element is simultaneously in the active position, or a position outside the normal position can only be assumed by the unlocking element if the actuating element is simultaneously gripped by the gripping element.

[0014] However, it is always ensured that the actuating element can be moved back and forth between the passive position and the active position by means of the actuating actuator (unhindered by the unlocking element) as long as the unlocking element is in the normal position. In the normal position of the unlocking element, the gripping element is spaced from the actuating element such that the actuating element is not gripped and is not hindered in its movement. The actuating element can then be moved freely between the passive position and the active position by means of the actuating actuator without an opposing force generated by the unlocking element.

[0015] The actuating element is thus moved out of the passive position (or is in the active position) when the unlocking element is in the unlocking position. This deviating position of the actuating element can be detected, for example, by the actuating element's control electronics. This allows the display of the released state of the locking wheel to be configured, for example, for an interface in the production line or in the workshop and / or a display in the driver's cab when used in a motor vehicle and / or a blocking of the operating release. Therefore, no monitoring of the locking element itself is necessary, nor is any additional measuring electronics required for the unlocking element.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, it is proposed that a centering pin is also provided, by means of which the gripping element is aligned relative to the actuating element during gripping. This centering pin means that the unlocking element (comprising the gripping element) does not have to be mounted particularly rigidly and precisely. Rather, a rough alignment and rough guidance of the movement of the unlocking element are sufficient. Either permanently or before the gripping element is brought into engagement with the actuating element, the gripping element is aligned relative to the actuating element by means of the centering pin. Preferably, the unlocking element is aligned via the interaction of the centering pin and the gripping element itself. In one embodiment, the gripping element is permanently engaged with the centering pin at least during engagement with the actuating element.Preferably, the gripping element is no longer engaged with the centering pin, at least before engagement with the actuating element and at the latest in the unlocking position of the unlocking element (or the active position of the actuating element), i.e., for example, it is freely aligned or sufficiently stably aligned by means of the actuating element itself. This makes the centering pin and the gripping element significantly lighter and more cost-effective to manufacture, for example, to 10 [ten] load cycles over the design service life instead of the 500,000 [five hundred thousand] load cycles required over this service life, for example, with permanent contact.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the unlocking element is pivotally mounted such that it can pivot between its unlocking position and its normal position about a pivot axis (preferably arranged at an angle to the actuating axis). This allows good utilization of the available installation space in a transmission, and at the same time, the unlocking element or the locking element is arranged so that it is easily accessible from outside the transmission. In the unlocking position, the pivoting range of the unlocking element is located in an overlap area with the actuating element of the actuating actuator, so that in the unlocking position, the actuating element is gripped by the gripping element and, when the unlocking element is moved into the unlocking position, is moved at least out of the passive position (preferably into the active position in the unlocking position).

[0018] Such a pivoting release element is also cost-effective to manufacture, and a pivot axis can be easily integrated into a transmission housing. The position of the release element in which the normal-locking function (according to the normal-locked configuration) of the parking lock is not impeded is referred to here as "normal." Alternatively, the release element can be designed, for example, as a purely translationally movable element between the normal position and the unlocking position.

[0019] It is further provided in the embodiment of the parking lock according to the invention that the centering pin is structurally integrated into the actuating actuator.

[0020] In this embodiment, the centering pin is structurally close to the actuating element and thus close to the manufacturing and assembly tolerances. The chain of tolerances is therefore advantageously short. Manufacturing effort and costs are therefore low. In one embodiment, the centering pin is a component of a housing of the actuating actuator. In one embodiment, the centering pin is a component of a guide cylinder for the actuating element. The centering pin is preferably formed integrally with a component of the actuating actuator. In one embodiment, the centering pin is formed from a single piece of material with the respective component of the actuating actuator by means of primary forming (e.g., injection molding) or machining (e.g., milling).

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the centering pin, in interaction with the gripping element, has a low coefficient of friction and / or is self-lubricating, for example, by means of a material pairing of polyamide [PA], preferably PA66, and a metal, with the gripping element preferably being made of metal. With a sufficiently soft material pairing, a fit with minimal play, or even a transition fit (potentially including an overlap), can be tolerated between the centering pin and at least one gripping section of the gripping element.

[0022] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the parking lock that the unlocking element is held pivotably guided on a bolt and is pre-tensioned by means of a leg spring about the pivot axis from the unlocking position towards the normal position, wherein the unlocking element is also held axially pre-tensioned by means of the leg spring.

[0023] It should be noted that for this feature, the combination with the centering pin as described above is advantageous but not mandatory.

[0024] In this embodiment, the unlocking element is pivotally mounted and at the same time this mounting of the unlocking element is kept particularly simple. The bolt is, for example, integrated in a gearbox and screwed into a wall of a gearbox housing. The unlocking element has a corresponding opening through which the unlocking element is guided on the bolt so that it can pivot about the bolt axis (pivot axis). For the unlocking element to pivot, a clearance fit is necessary and thus there is potential instability transverse to the bolt axis. Here it is proposed that a leg spring be inserted, by means of which the unlocking element for the function described above that the unlocking element remains in the normal position as long as it is not or has not been moved into the unlocking position by the locking element.The leg spring itself is preferably also held by the bolt and, if necessary, guided for correct assembly. In a suitable embodiment of the leg spring, the spring wire is wound (axially) with a gap, i.e., spaced apart, in the wound section. This allows for axial preload similar to that of a helical compression spring or helical tension spring. According to the present proposal, this resulting axial force can be used for preload, thus supporting the unlocking element against a tilting movement about a (tilting) axis transverse to the bolt axis (i.e., pivot axis).

[0025] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the parking lock that the unlocking element comprises a stop surface, by means of which the unlocking element in the unlocking position is in force-transmitting contact with a corresponding counter-stop, wherein a tilting movement of the unlocking element to an axis perpendicular to a pivot axis of the unlocking element is preferably prevented by the counter-stop according to an embodiment according to the above description.

[0026] It should be noted that for this feature, the combination with the centering pin as described above is advantageous but not mandatory.

[0027] Here, it is proposed that the travel of the unlocking element in the unlocking position is defined and limited as a result of the interaction between its stop surface and a corresponding counter-stop (for example, integrated into a gear during use). In some embodiments, a relatively large play range is provided for reaching the free state of the locking mechanism, and therefore there is no risk of a double fit. Here, too, the force-transmitting contact is preferably advantageous for preventing noise emissions. Furthermore, the locking mechanism and the actuating element are reliably protected from excessive force introduction by the locking element when this force-transmitting contact is achieved between the unlocking element and the corresponding counter-stop (namely, before reaching a potentially critical open-block position or similar in the case of the locking mechanism).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the counter-stop is also configured such that a tilting movement, as described above, is prevented or its maximum extent and / or agility is significantly reduced. In one embodiment, the unlocking element is no longer guided by the centering pin, at least in the unlocking position. Thus, the counter-stop reduces or even prevents excessive loading on the gripped actuating element caused by a tilting movement or displacement of the unlocking element. Or at least, any potentially disruptive noise emission is reduced or even prevented.

[0029] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the parking lock that the gripping element has a first gripping section and a second gripping section, wherein the first gripping section is funnel-shaped and wider on the actuating element side than the second gripping section and the second gripping section is designed to grip the unlocking shoulder, wherein preferably the first gripping portion is wider than the unlocking shoulder of the unlocking element.

[0030] By forming two gripping sections, in a tilted state of the unlocking element, the first gripping section, in interaction with the centering pin, is guided into the correct alignment due to the funnel shape of the first gripping section. In one embodiment, in the normal position, the unlocking element is permanently engaged with the centering pin via the first gripping section. In an alternative embodiment, the first gripping section only comes into contact with the centering pin during the transition from the normal position (towards the unlocking position) to the position of the unlocking element in which it engages for the first time (the actuating element). In both cases, during the transition from the normal position to the unlocking position, the unlocking element is increasingly aligned by the centering pin via the first gripping section due to the funnel shape, and the centering pin is guided towards the narrower second gripping section.As described above, the second gripping section is preferably closely toleranced to the centering pin. In one embodiment, the first gripping section is designed to grip the actuating element. In a preferred embodiment, exclusively the second gripping section is designed to grip the actuating element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the centering pin is designed with a width that is equal to the width of the (engaging) section of the actuating element to be gripped. The width is tolerated corresponding to the second gripping section, with greater play preferably being provided between the actuating element and the second gripping section, so that canting of the second gripping section with the relevant section of the actuating element is reliably ruled out.

[0031] It should be noted that for this feature, the combination with the centering pin as described above is advantageous but not mandatory.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment without a centering pin, the gripping element is aligned during engagement by means of the actuating element itself via the gripping sections as described above in interaction with the centering pin.

[0033] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the parking lock that the unlocking element can assume a mounting position which is moved away from the unlocking position beyond the normal position, wherein the unlocking element is in a collision position with the actuating actuator in the mounting position, wherein the unlocking element is preferably held in the mounting position by means of the locking element.

[0034] It is proposed here that the unlocking element can assume an assembly position, or preferably inevitably assumes it (without further manipulation), for advantageously simple and / or secure assembly while the actuating actuator is not yet mounted. Manipulation is, for example, manual adjustment and / or adjustment of the locking element to a position outside the normal position, for example corresponding to the unlocking position of the unlocking element. The assembly position is located beyond a path between the normal position and the unlocking position of the unlocking element, specifically behind the normal position when viewed from the unlocking position. In an advantageous embodiment, the assembly position is defined by the unlocking element resting against a corresponding actuating surface of the locking element in its normal position.This is particularly advantageous because the pairing of the unlocking element and the actuating surface of the locking element must already be tolerated within a defined framework to ensure the function of unlocking the parking lock.

[0035] Due to the collision position between the unlocking element in the mounting position and the actuating actuator in the mounted position, the unlocking element is moved from the mounting position toward the normal position by the actuating actuator during assembly, preferably automatically during blind assembly (e.g., when pushed into its mounted position). Thus, by allowing the unlocking element to be moved beyond the normal position, for example, pivoted about a pivot axis or displaced along a translational axis, and moved by the actuating actuator during assembly, the unlocking element is then held in a defined (at least minimal) preload. Preferably, the position into which the unlocking element has been moved when the actuating actuator is mounted corresponds to its normal position.The resulting preload ensures that the release element rests against the actuating actuator and, with appropriate preload, is held in a defined position. Noise generation (e.g., due to the release element swinging freely back and forth) can also be prevented. A different contact surface, such as a housing wall integrated into a gearbox in an application, can also be used for this function. However, the advantage of the actuating actuator is that feedback is provided during assembly (noticeable resistance when inserting the actuating actuator) and that a pre-designed component is used for the defined preload of the release element.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating actuator cannot be disassembled or cannot be disassembled safely if the unlocking element is held in the normal position or could not assume the assembly position because a collision then occurs or can occur between the gripping element of the unlocking element and the actuating element and / or the centering pin, for example due to an undercut of the actuating element or due to a possible jamming between the centering pin and the gripping element.

[0037] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the parking lock that the locking element is formed by a screw bolt, preferably designed with a self-locking thread, wherein the locking element preferably has a sealing shoulder which is in sealing contact with a counter sealing surface at least in the position corresponding to the normal position of the unlocking element.

[0038] The locking element can thus be easily moved by hand, for example using a standard tool or a special tool, into an unlocking position, in which the unlocking element is moved into the unlocking position. The locking element is preferably designed as a grub screw, so that a screw head does not have to be located outside a threaded hole when the locking element is in the normal position, for example, always countersunk into the housing wall of a gearbox. The thread is preferably self-locking, so that the locking element holds itself in the respective position without any additional means.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element itself simultaneously forms a sealing element, so that when integrated into a gearbox, a (preferably wet) gearbox chamber of the gearbox is protected from environmental influences (e.g. dirt and splash water) and the surrounding area is protected from media escaping from the gearbox chamber. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the sealing function is formed by means of a sealing shoulder of the locking element, which (exclusively) in the normal position abuts against a corresponding counter-sealing surface in such a way that a seal is formed by the contact of the material pairing. Preferably, an elastomer-like sealing ring, for example, is arranged between the sealing shoulder and the corresponding counter-sealing surface.

[0040] According to a further aspect, a parking lock device is proposed, comprising a locking wheel for arranging in a lockable torque flow and a parking lock according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the locking wheel can be locked by means of the locking mechanism.

[0041] The parking lock device proposed here comprises a parking lock and a corresponding locking gear. The locking gear is integrated into the drive train of a motor vehicle, preferably into a transmission, and can be locked by means of the locking mechanism as described above, preventing it from rotating about its wheel axis.

[0042] In one embodiment, the parking lock and the locking gear form a single structural unit. Such a structural unit can be delivered for installation as a coherent component and can be mounted at the intended installation location, for example, in a motor vehicle, without the need to disassemble this structural unit. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism, and in one embodiment also the locking gear, are a single structural unit, while the actuating actuator is formed separately. In one embodiment, the actuating actuator forms a separate, further structural unit.

[0043] The locking gear is arranged in the installation in a drive train in such a way that at least one of the consumers is prevented from transmitting or absorbing torque when the locking mechanism is in the locking state, i.e. the locking gear is blocked.

[0044] The parking lock device proposed here is, among other things, particularly simple in design, can be inserted into an existing installation space, the unlocking function is easy to operate, and a released state of the locking wheel can be easily and reliably detected without additional measuring electronics.

[0045] According to a further aspect, a transmission for a drive train is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - a parking lock device according to an embodiment as described above; - a torque transmission gear comprising the locking wheel; and - a transmission housing which surrounds a transmission chamber, wherein the locking mechanism of the parking lock, preferably completely, particularly preferably the entire parking lock device, is arranged in the transmission chamber.

[0046] The transmission, for example, an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle drivetrain, includes the locking gear. For example, the locking gear forms a spur gear of a torque transmission gear designed as a shiftable transmission. The transmission has a torque input, for example, one or more transmission input shafts, and a torque output, for example, one or more transmission output shafts. In the transmission, the torque is redirected, reduced, increased, and / or distributed according to the required torque (as a differential).

[0047] In one embodiment, the transmission includes a clutch, for example a friction clutch and / or a dog clutch, in the torque flow. The torque input is located on the drive engine side, and the torque output is located on the consumer side. However, the torque direction is also possible in the opposite direction, from a consumer (during recuperation) to a drive engine or a generator. Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the transmission, it is proposed that the parking lock as a whole, or solely the locking mechanism, be integrated into a transmission chamber formed by a transmission housing.

[0048] The transmission proposed here comprises a parking lock device which, among other things, is particularly simple in design, can be inserted into an existing installation space, the unlocking function is easy to operate, and in which a released state of the locking wheel can be easily and reliably detected without additional measuring electronics.

[0049] Here, an assembly method for a transmission according to an embodiment with an assembly position that can be assumed by the unlocking element according to the above description is proposed, comprising at least the following steps in the order mentioned: a. with the release element and locking element mounted, transferring the release element into the mounting position; b. Inserting the actuator into the gearbox compartment; c. upon contact between the release element and the actuating actuator during insertion according to step b., transferring the release element to the normal position, wherein in the normal position: - the gripping element of the unlocking element is aligned by means of the centering pin; and / or - the unlocking element is spaced from the locking element.

[0050] In step a., the unlocking element is held in the mounting position, preferably as described above, by means of the locking element. The mounting position is outside the path of the unlocking element during operation (i.e., beyond the normal position). In the embodiment of the transmission proposed here, the actuating actuator can be mounted in step b. by sliding it into the transmission or its transmission housing, preferably by blind mounting in a housing opening that is easily accessible from the outside (particularly preferred for easy access for maintenance and / or replacement of the actuating actuator).

[0051] Due to the collision between the unlocking element in the assembly position and the actuating actuator in the assembled position, contact is established between the unlocking element and a corresponding contact surface of the actuating actuator in step c. Thus, when the actuating actuator is moved (by insertion) into the assembled position, the unlocking element is moved into the normal position, preferably counteracting a preload force of the unlocking element, for example, a leg spring of an unlocking element pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0052] In one embodiment, the gripping element of the unlocking element is then already aligned by means of the centering pin, for example, roughly aligned via the first gripping section of the gripping element of the unlocking element or already (sufficiently) precisely aligned via the second gripping section according to the corresponding embodiment described above. Alternatively, the gripping element is not yet engaged with the centering pin in the normal position, but is preferably already held sufficiently precisely via the bearing (for example, the bolt with the pivot axis) to ensure that the centering pin is gripped by the gripping element when the unlocking element is transferred from the normal position to a position engaging the actuating element.

[0053] In one embodiment, the unlocking element is spaced apart from the locking element in its normal position. This prevents an undefined contact with potential noise generation. Furthermore, a material pairing between the corresponding contact surface of the actuating actuator (e.g., made of a plastic) and the unlocking element (e.g., metallic) is preferably formed that is more favorable for suppressing noise emissions than with the locking element (e.g., also metallic).

[0054] According to a further aspect, a drive train is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - at least one drive machine for delivering torque; - at least one consumer for absorbing a torque; and - a transmission according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the at least one drive motor and the at least one consumer are connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the transmission, wherein a torque transmission between the drive motor and the at least one consumer is prevented by means of the parking lock device in the locking state of the locking mechanism.

[0055] The drive train proposed here comprises at least one drive machine, for example an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive machine, which forms the torque source of a torque flow at least in one main state. Furthermore, at least one consumer is included, for example drive wheels of a motor vehicle, which forms the torque sink of the torque flow at least in one main state. A transmission according to an embodiment as described above is interposed, via which the (preferably entire wheel-side) torque flow is routed. When the transmission is locked, the torque flow is locked, and torque transmission in the drive train between the torque source and the torque sink is prevented.

[0056] The drive train proposed here comprises a transmission having such a parking lock device which, among other things, is particularly simple in design, can be inserted into an existing installation space, the unlocking function is easy to operate, and in which a released state of the locking wheel can be easily and reliably detected without additional measuring electronics.

[0057] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least one drive wheel and a drive train according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein, for propelling the motor vehicle, a torque can be delivered from the at least one drive motor of the drive train to the at least one drive wheel, and rolling of the motor vehicle is prevented by means of the parking lock device in the locking state of the locking mechanism.

[0058] The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car, a truck, or a motorized two-wheeler. The motor vehicle has a drive train according to an embodiment as described above. The torque output by the at least one prime mover is transmitted via the transmission to the at least one drive wheel (consumer). The transmission referred to here is preferably a switchable transmission. Alternatively, the transmission is, for example, a fixed transmission, i.e., with an unchangeable transmission ratio, or a differential or a slip clutch. The parking lock device proposed here is preferably designed as described above and particularly preferably integrated into the transmission.

[0059] A rotational movement of at least one drive wheel in a park position is only possible if the parking lock (and the legally required parking brake) are released. For further details, please refer to the above description of the parking lock device.

[0060] The motor vehicle proposed here comprises a drive train with a transmission having such a parking lock device, which, among other things, is particularly simply designed, can be inserted into an existing installation space, the unlocking function is easy to operate, and in which a released state of the locking wheel can be easily and reliably detected without additional measuring electronics.

[0061] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, whereby it should be noted that the drawings are not to scale and are not suitable for defining proportions. It is shown in Fig. 1: in a spatial view a section of a parking barrier; Fig. 2: in a cross-sectional view a parking lock with the release element in normal position; Fig. 3: in a cross-sectional view a parking lock with the release element according to Fig. 2 in unlocking position; Fig. 4: in a sectioned spatial detail view of the parking lock in a gearbox compartment; Fig. 5: in a sectional view a section of the parking lock at the gripping element; Fig. 6: in a cross-sectional view a parking lock with the release element according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in assembly position; and Fig. 7: a drive train with a parking lock device in a motor vehicle.

[0062] In Fig. 1 shows a spatial view of a section of a parking lock 1. In the top left of the illustration, an actuator 7 with a (largely concealed) actuating element 9, here designed as a plunger, can be seen. In the bottom left of the illustration, a locking mechanism 4 can be seen, in which the cross member 49 and the parking lock pawl 47 are (at least largely) concealed (compare Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 6). On the right in the illustration, a pivotable release element 10 and an associated locking element 13 can be seen. The release element 10 is mounted in the manner of a lever on a bolt 15, by means of which a pivot axis 17 is defined for a pivoting movement of the release element 10. The bolt 15 simultaneously serves as a receptacle for a leg spring 16, by means of which the release element 10 is pretensioned in a pivoted manner in the direction of the locking element 13. The locking element 13 is designed as a screw bolt 25, which here (purely optional) has a sealing shoulder 26, on which a clamping ring 44 and a sealing ring 43 can also be seen, which in the normal position of the locking element 13 are designed to seal a gear chamber 31 of a gear housing 30 (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 6). When the locking element 13 is moved out of its normal position (here screwed), its actuating surface 58 strikes the unlocking element 10, and the unlocking element 10 is thereby moved from its normal position toward the gripping position and then ultimately into the unlocking position (here pivoted about the pivot axis 17).

[0063] In Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a parking lock 1 (for example as in Fig. 1) with the unlocking element 10 in the normal position integrated into a gear 3 in the gear chamber 31 of the gear housing 30. The locking element 13 is held in a wall of the gear housing 30 by means of a (preferably simple regulating) thread 24 and, in this embodiment, in its normal position, is (purely optional) spaced from the unlocking element 10 in the normal position. The (purely optional) sealing shoulder 26 with the sealing ring 43 is in sealing contact with a counter sealing surface 27 of the gear housing 30, so that the gear chamber 31 is protected from the ingress of dirt or splash water, and the escape of a medium (for example, gear oil) is prevented.The unlocking element 10 is in force-transmitting contact in the region of its gripping element 11 with a contact surface 51 of the actuating actuator 7 (here purely optionally formed as a unit), in that the unlocking element 10 is moved away from the unlocking position by its leg spring 16 (cf. Fig. 3) is pre-tensioned against this contact surface 51 (compare in detail Fig. 6).

[0064] At the bottom left of the illustration, the parking lock pawl 47 of the locking mechanism 4 is for engagement with a locking wheel 5 (not shown here, compare Fig. 7) and the cross member 49 acting on the rear side of the parking lock pawl 47 can be seen. The cross member 49 is pre-tensioned approximately upwards in the illustration by means of an energy storage element 48 on the lock side (here a helical compression spring), i.e., towards the actuating element 9 of the actuating actuator 7 (shown top left). Therefore, if the actuating element 9 is in the passive position shown, the parking lock pawl 47 is released from the free state (as in Fig. 3) into the locked state. The actuating element 9 is preloaded into the passive position by means of an actuator-side energy storage element 48 (passive), thus requiring no external energy input. With the release element 10 in its normal position, it is ensured that the parking lock pawl 47 is forced into the locked state in the event of a power failure.

[0065] The actuating element 9 comprises a position magnet 45, whose position can be reliably detected electronically by a position sensor 46 (e.g., a Hall sensor). In the illustrated (optional) embodiment, the actuating element 9 itself is composed of a tubular element and a separate (here purely optionally cork-like) actuating tip. The actuating tip encompasses the unlocking shoulder 12 for engaging behind the gripping portion of the unlocking element 10.

[0066] The unlocking element 10 comprises a gripping element 11 at the tip of the unlocking element 10 furthest from the pivot axis 17. The gripping element 11 is designed to grip the actuating element 9 via its unlocking shoulder 12. Thus, the actuating element 9 can be pulled from the passive position shown into its active position by means of the locking element 13 via the unlocking element 10. This can be electronically detected by the position sensor 46. No external energy absorption from the actuating actuator 7 is necessary; instead, the force is transferred from the locking element 13 to the unlocking element 10, thus transferring it into its unlocking position (see Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the gripping element 11 is already pre-aligned with the actuating element 9 via a centering pin 14. The centering pin 14 is formed integrally with the actuating actuator 7, preferably from a plastic component.

[0067] Here, attention should already be drawn to the stop surface 18 of the unlocking element 10, which in the unlocking position is brought into force-transmitting contact with the counter-stop 19 (here purely optionally formed by a wall of the gear housing 30).

[0068] In Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a parking lock 1 with the unlocking element 10 according to Fig. 2 in the unlocking position. It can be seen that the locking element 13 (now in its unlocking position) acts on the unlocking element 10 by means of its actuating surface 58 such that the latter is forced into its unlocking position. In this advantageous embodiment, the previously mentioned stop surface 18 of the unlocking element 10 is brought into force-transmitting contact with the corresponding counter-stop 19. This ensures that the unlocking element 10, or rather its gripping element 11, assumes a defined position and, moreover, (purely optionally), prevents a tilting movement 20 of the unlocking element 10 about a tilting axis 21 transverse to its pivot axis 17.

[0069] The actuating element 9 is pulled from its passive position into its active position by the actuating actuator 7 due to the interaction of the gripping element 11 of the unlocking element 10 and the unlocking shoulder 12 of the actuating element 9. In this embodiment, the cross member 49 of the locking mechanism 4 is forced into its releasing position by the actuating element 9 itself. Alternatively or additionally, the cross member 49 is in direct force-transmitting contact with the unlocking element 10. In comparison to the illustration in Fig. 2 clearly shows that the parking lock pawl 47 is disengaged from a locking gear 5 (not shown), meaning that the locking gear 5 is now freely rotatable. The parking lock pawl 47 is also preloaded in this releasing direction by a preload spring 50.

[0070] It should be noted that in this optional embodiment, the locking element 13 in the unlocked position with the sealing shoulder 26 does not seal the gear chamber 31 (sufficiently for use) because the locking element 13 is screwed into the gear chamber 31. For the usual unlocking application, this is harmless (for example, in a workshop) or there is a low risk of contamination of the gear chamber 31 and / or leakage of a medium from the gear chamber 31 due, for example, to the low speed of a motor vehicle 35 in this state (rolling of the motor vehicle 35 by hand).

[0071] In Fig. 4 is a sectioned spatial detail view of the parking lock 1 (for example according to the Fig. 1) in a gear chamber 31 of a gearbox 3. The sectional plane here runs through the bolt axis (pivot axis 17 of the unlocking element 10) of the bolt 15, on which the unlocking element 10 (which is designed to be pivotable here purely optionally) is mounted. The tip of the locking element 13 can also be seen in the section here, and in the background the actuating element 9 and the actuating actuator 7. The bolt 15 is formed in one piece with a threaded portion 52 for connection to the gearbox housing 30 of the gearbox 3. Axially adjoining this is a stop shoulder 53, and axially adjoining this is a bolt head 54, here with a hexagon socket 55. The unlocking element 10 is received on the bolt head 54 so as to lie axially against the stop shoulder 53. Here, a retaining ring 56 is also provided (purely optional), by means of which the unlocking element 10 is axially secured on the bolt head 54.This design results in a small support width against a tilting movement 20, as indicated here with respect to a tilting axis 21 transverse to the pivot axis 17. In this advantageous embodiment, the leg spring 16, which is designed to preload the unlocking element 10 about the pivot axis 17, also exerts an axial preload force on the unlocking element 10 to counteract the tilting movement 20. For this purpose, the spring wire of this leg spring 16 is wound (axially) with a gap in the wound section. This creates stiffening against this tilting movement 20, so that the unlocking element 10 assumes the correct orientation in a state without load. However, this correct orientation is only required in a state when the actuating element 9 is to be gripped.Then the gripping element 11 of the unlocking element 10 is (at least initially before and until the engagement) by means of the centering pin 14, for example as in . Fig. 1 shown, guided.

[0072] In Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a section of the parking lock 1 (for example as in Fig. 4) is shown with the gripping element 11. The actuating element 9 is cut transversely to its actuating axis 8 in such a way that the unlocking shoulder 12 of the actuating element 9 is not shown (i.e., lies above the shown cutting plane, compare for example with the embodiment according to Fig. 2) The gripping element 11 of the unlocking element 10 comprises a first gripping section 22 and a second gripping section 23, wherein the second gripping section 23 has a width 42 which is narrower than that of the first gripping section 22. The unlocking element 10 is located in the illustration beyond the gripping position, for example in the normal position, preferably adjacent to the contact surface 51 of the actuating actuator 7 in the background of the illustration. In the case of a relative tilt (as for example in Fig. 4), the centering pin 14 is nevertheless gripped by the first gripping section 22 when the unlocking element 10 is moved towards the gripping position, which is to the left in this illustration. Due to the funnel shape of the first gripping section 22, the gripping element 11 is pushed onto the centering pin 14 in such a way that it is received by the narrower second gripping section 23. The width 42 of the second gripping section 23 is designed to correspond to the centering pin 14. Here, moreover (purely optionally), the width 42 of the second gripping section 23 is designed to correspond to the engagement section 57 of the actuating element 9, wherein the first gripping section 22 is preferably designed in such a way that the actuating element 9 cannot be gripped with it, because it is designed to be wider than the unlocking shoulder 12 of the actuating element 9 (not shown here in the sectional view).In one embodiment, the width 42 of the second gripping portion 23 is very narrowly toleranced to the centering pin 14, for example with a transition fit, and / or is tolerated with a slight play to the engagement portion 57 of the actuating element 9.

[0073] In Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a parking lock 1 with the unlocking element 10 according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in the assembled position. The locking element 13 is in its normal position, and the gear chamber 31 is sealed in this embodiment by the sealing ring 43 and sealing shoulder 26 of the locking element 13. The locking mechanism 4 is in the locking state. Both are thus as in Fig. 2. In contrast to the illustration in Fig. 2, the actuating actuator 7 is not yet in its final installation position, but is positioned (at least approximately) upwardly along its actuating axis 8, as shown. The unlocking element 10 can assume its mounting position, which is located beyond its normal position, i.e., pivoted further open here by means of the leg spring 16. The unlocking element 10 is in contact (here purely optionally with its gripping element 11) with the corresponding contact surface 51 of the actuating actuator 7. In this embodiment, the mounting position is defined by the locking element 13, which is in force-transmitting contact with the unlocking element 10.

[0074] As soon as the actuator 7 is moved towards its final position (as shown in Fig. 2) is transferred (here inserted), this must be done against the pretension of the unlocking element 10 by means of the leg spring 16. The normal position, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown, is thus held under pretension of the unlocking element 10 against the contact surface 51 of the actuating actuator 7.

[0075] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the unlocking element 10 is permanently held in the normal position by the actuating surface 58 of the locking element 13 and is preferably spaced apart from the actuating actuator 7. In another embodiment, during assembly of the actuating actuator 7, the unlocking element 10 is held by the locking element 13 in the normal position or a position even further toward the gripping position, so that the actuating actuator 7 and the unlocking element 10 do not collide with each other during assembly.

[0076] In Fig. 7 shows a purely schematic plan view of a motor vehicle 35 with a drive train 28, wherein a drive machine 32, here optionally shown as an electric motor, is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 39, along a motor axis 41. The motor axis 41 is arranged in the direction of travel in front of a driver's cab 40 of the motor vehicle 35. The drive train 28 is configured to propel the motor vehicle 35 by driving a left drive wheel 33 and a right drive wheel 34 (here optionally the front axle of the motor vehicle 35) by means of a torque output from the drive machine 32 via a torque transmission gear 29 (here purely optionally designed as a manual transmission), thus forming a torque flow 6 shown in dashed lines (here shown with the direction corresponding to a traction torque).For example, the torque transmission gear 29 designed as a manual transmission can be switched by a vehicle driver using a gearshift lever 38 in the driver's cab 40.

[0077] A parking lock device 2 with a locking gear 5 is now arranged in the torque flow 6, with which the left drive gear 33 and the right drive gear 34 can be locked. The parking lock device 2 comprises a locking gear 5, for example a gear wheel of the torque transmission gear 29 or an additional gear of the torque transmission gear 29, and a parking lock 1, wherein the parking lock 1 comprises a locking mechanism 4 and an actuating actuator 7. The locking mechanism 4 is, for example, as shown in Fig.1. Here, an embodiment of the parking lock device 2 is shown, in which (optionally) the locking mechanism 4 is arranged within the transmission chamber 31 in the transmission housing 30 of the manual transmission and (optionally) the motor of the manual drive is arranged outside the transmission housing 30.

[0078] The locking wheel 5 is arranged in the torque flow 6 in such a way that the motor vehicle 35 can be prevented from rolling away. The parking lock device 2 can be actuated with at least one of the following control elements: - by a gearshift lever 38, for example by means of a parking position “P”, - a parking lever 37; and / or - an ignition button 36 (alternatively an ignition key).

[0079] Furthermore, the parking lock device 2 can preferably be actuated automatically, for example, when leaving the motor vehicle 35 (for example after locking it), the parking lock 1 is automatically engaged.

[0080] The parking lock proposed here is particularly simple and cost-effective to implement and a released state of the locking wheel can be reliably detected without additional measuring electronics. List of reference symbols 1 parking lock 2 parking lock device 3 gearboxes 4 Locking mechanism 5 Locking wheel 6 Torque flow 7 Actuator 8 Actuating axis 9 Actuating element 10 Release element 11 Gripping element 12 Release step 13 Locking element 14 Centering pin 15 bolts 16 torsion spring 17 Swivel axis 18 Stop surface 19 Counter stop 20 Tilting movement 21 Tilting axis 22 first gripping section 23 second gripping section 24 threads 25 screw bolts 26 Sealing heel 27 Counter sealing surface 28 Drivetrain 29 torque transmission gears 30 Gearbox housing 31 Gearbox compartment 32 drive machine 33 left drive wheel 34 right drive wheel 35 motor vehicle 36 ignition button 37 Parking lever 38 Gearshift lever 39 Longitudinal axis 40 Driver's cab 41 Motor axle 42 width 43 Sealing ring 44 clamping ring 45 Position magnet 46 Position sensor 47 Parking lock pawl 48 Energy storage element 49 Traverse 50 preload spring 51 contact surface 52 threaded section 53 Stop paragraph 54 Bolt head 55 hexagon socket 56 Retaining ring 57 intervention section 58 operating area

Claims

[1] Parking lock (1) in a normally locked configuration for a parking lock device (2) of a transmission (3), comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism (4) for locking a locking wheel (5) in a torque flow (6), wherein in use the locking mechanism (4) blocks the locking wheel (5) in a locking state and releases the locking wheel (5) in a free state; - an actuating actuator (7) with an actuating element (9) which is movable along an actuating axis (8) between an active position and a passive position, wherein in the active position of the actuating element (9) the locking mechanism (4) is led out of the locking state and wherein in the passive position of the actuating element (9) the free state can be assumed by the locking mechanism (4); - an unlocking element (10) which comprises a gripping element (11) for gripping an unlocking shoulder (12) of the actuating element (9) and which is movably mounted between a normal position and an unlocking position; and - a locking element (13) for holding the unlocking element (10) in at least the unlocking position, wherein the actuating element (9) of the actuating actuator (7) is free in the normal position of the unlocking element (10) and is gripped and held in the active position in the unlocking position of the unlocking element (10), wherein a centering pin (14) is further provided, by means of which the gripping element (11) is aligned relative to the actuating element (9) during gripping, characterized by , that the centering pin (14) is structurally integrated into the actuating actuator (7). [2] Parking lock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking element (10) is pivotally guided on a bolt (15) and is pretensioned by means of a leg spring (16) about the pivot axis (17) from the unlocking position towards the normal position, wherein the unlocking element (10) is also held axially prestressed by means of the leg spring (16). [3] Parking lock (1) according to claim 2, wherein the unlocking element (10) comprises a stop surface (18) by means of which the unlocking element (10) in the unlocking position is in force-transmitting contact with a corresponding counter-stop (19), wherein a tilting movement (20) of the unlocking element (10) to an axis (21) perpendicular to a pivot axis (17) of the unlocking element (10) according to claim 2 is preferably prevented by the counter-stop (19). [4] Parking lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping element (11) has a first gripping section (22) and a second gripping section (23), wherein the first gripping section (22) is funnel-shaped and wider on the actuating element side than the second gripping section (23), and the second gripping section (23) is designed to grip the unlocking shoulder (12), wherein preferably the first gripping portion (22) is wider than the unlocking shoulder (12) of the unlocking element (10). [5] Parking lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unlocking element (10) can assume a mounting position which is moved away from the unlocking position beyond the normal position, wherein the unlocking element (10) is in a collision position with the actuating actuator (7) in the mounting position, wherein the unlocking element (10) is preferably held in the mounting position by means of the locking element (13). [6] Parking lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (13) is formed by a screw bolt (25), preferably designed with a self-locking thread (24), wherein preferably the locking element (13) has a sealing shoulder (26) which at least in the normal position of the unlocking element (10) corresponding position is in sealing contact with a counter sealing surface (27). [7] Parking lock device (2), comprising a locking wheel (5) for arranging in a lockable torque flow (6) and a parking lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking wheel (5) can be blocked by means of the locking mechanism (4). [8] Transmission (3) for a drive train (28), comprising at least the following components: - a parking lock device (2) according to claim 7; - a torque transmission gear (29) comprising the locking wheel (5); and - a transmission housing (30) which surrounds a transmission chamber (31), wherein the locking mechanism (4) of the parking lock (1), preferably completely, particularly preferably the entire parking lock device (2), is arranged in the transmission chamber (31). [9] Drive train (28) comprising at least the following components: - at least one drive machine (32) for delivering a torque; - at least one consumer (33, 34) for absorbing a torque; and - a transmission (3) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one drive machine (32) and the at least one consumer (33, 34) are connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the transmission (3), wherein a torque transmission between the drive machine (32) and the at least one consumer (33,34) by means of the Parking lock device (2) is prevented in the locking state of the locking mechanism (4).

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