Actuator for a parking lock

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating actuator (1) for a parking lock (2), comprising at least the following components: - a propulsive means (3) for transmitting an actuating force (5,6) that can be provided by a drive unit (4); - an actuating element (7) which can be moved between an inactive position and an active position by means of the actuating force (5, 6) transmitted by the drive means (3) of the drive unit (4); and - an actuating head (8) which is held by the actuating element (7) and which, in its active position, can be moved into an actuating position in which an actuating force (9) resulting from the actuating force (5, 6) can be exerted on a locking mechanism (10), wherein, at least in the active position of the actuating element (7) and when the actuating force (9) is exerted on the locking mechanism (10), the actuating head (8) is supported against a support surface (11). The actuating actuator (1) is characterized in particular by the fact that the actuating head (8) is tilted from the active position by means of a releasing actuating force (5) about a tilting axis (12) relative to the locking mechanism (10) and / or the support surface (11). wherein the tilting axis (12) is aligned transversely to the actuating force (9) and transversely to the actuating force (5,6). Here is a proposed actuating actuator with which a weak drive unit can be used to actuate a parking lock.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating actuator for a parking lock, a parking lock with such an actuating actuator for a parking lock device of a transmission, a parking lock device with such a parking lock, a transmission with such a parking lock device for a drive train, a drive train with such a transmission, and a motor vehicle with such a drive train.

[0002] Parking locks are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 115 548 A1 or DE 10 2022 103 385 A1. These are motor vehicles with parking locks, for example, with so-called by-wire parking locks, in a normally locked configuration, i.e., with the chassis locked in the (power-off) normal state. A parking lock in a normally locked configuration for a transmission parking lock device is shown in the prior art. In this configuration, a locked state is maintained for an extended period. This results in static friction conditions that impede release with significantly excessive forces. A drive system must be designed accordingly for such forces, even though the actual release is possible with considerably lower forces. This results in increased costs, installation space, and mass.

[0003] Based on this, the present invention aims to overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are defined in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, can also be used.

[0004] The invention relates to an actuating actuator for a parking lock, comprising at least the following components: - a driving means for transmitting an actuating force that can be provided by a drive unit; - an actuating element which can be moved between an inactive position and an active position by means of the actuating force transmitted by the drive element of the drive unit; and - an actuating head which is held by the actuating element and which in its active position can be moved into an actuating position in which an actuating force resulting from the actuating force can be exerted on a locking mechanism, wherein at least in the active position of the actuating element and when the actuating force is exerted on the locking mechanism the actuating head is supported against a support surface.

[0005] The actuating actuator is characterized primarily by the fact that the actuating head is tilted from the active position by means of a releasing actuating force about a tilting axis relative to the locking mechanism and / or the support surface, wherein the tilting axis is oriented transversely to the actuating force and transversely to the actuating force.

[0006] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve solely for unambiguous differentiation and do not indicate any order or ranking of the components referred to. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply the presence of another such component.

[0007] The actuating actuator proposed here comprises a drive element, for example, connectable to a drive unit designed as an electric actuator, preferably an electric one. A force from the drive unit can be transmitted to the actuating element by means of the drive element. The actuating element is, for example, a plunger or rod. The actuating element is configured to transmit the force of the drive element to a locking mechanism, whereby the force, converted or translated into an actuating force, is directed via an actuating head. The actuating head is preferably designed to be movable relative to the actuating element, for example, by means of an energy storage element, which holds it in a position relative to the actuating element corresponding to the actuating position.This ensures that a position of the actuating element corresponding to the locking state does not necessarily force the locking mechanism into immediate engagement. Rather, the locking mechanism is only engaged, i.e., the locking state, when a predetermined limit force, defined by the energy storage element that preloads the actuating head, is undershot. This effectively prevents, with simple means, rejection (due to excessive rotational speed of a corresponding locking gear) or overloading of the locking mechanism and / or the corresponding locking gear as a result of tooth-to-tooth misalignment. In this advantageous embodiment, however, once the locking state is established, the actuating head is at least inhibited relative to the actuating element, i.e., self-locking.

[0008] The energy storage element mentioned is, for example, designed as a helical compression spring, disc spring, magnetic spring, or gas spring. Preferably, the energy storage element is guided as a helical compression spring on the actuating element, i.e., on a spring axis coaxial with the actuating element.

[0009] The actuating element is designed to be movable along an actuation axis, and it is proposed here that this movement, at least in the region of the active position, is superimposed on a tilting movement (at least of the actuating head) about the tilting axis. The actuating element can be moved from an (preferably normal) active position to an (preferably deflected) inactive position by means of the drive element. The actuating force of the drive element, which can be transmitted by means of the actuating element, is designed to overcome an antagonistic force of the associated locking mechanism, preferably enabling a (normally locking) locking mechanism to be moved from the locked state to the unlocked state. Alternatively, conversely, a (normally open) locking mechanism can be moved from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0010] The support surface, by means of the actuating head, enables low-force locking of the locking mechanism in the actuating position associated with the active position (but preferably only enabled). However, static friction arises between this support surface and the actuating head.

[0011] It is proposed here that the actuating head can be moved out of the active position in conjunction with a tilting movement around the tilting axis. This tilting movement tilts the actuating head relative to at least one of the two adjacent surfaces, namely the contact surface of the locking mechanism and / or (opposite) the support surface. Any static friction that may be present is thereby eliminated, or the remaining area affected by static friction (ideally line contact or point contact) is significantly reduced. The resulting force required to release the actuating head from the active position can thus be reduced by approximately a factor of 2.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support surface or contact surface of the locking mechanism is designed as a cam track, which assists the tilting movement of the actuating head. In another embodiment, the surface from which the actuating head is to be released by means of the tilting movement is cam-like, but not guiding; rather, it is designed for line contact or point contact. A prerequisite for the achieved release or the defined tilting movement is a movement imposed by the actuating element, and optionally a guiding cam track.

[0013] It should be noted that the actuating force and the actuating force are inclined to each other, preferably (at least approximately) perpendicular to each other. The tilting axis thus defines a second (and third) direction of inclination, and, in the case of a perpendicular arrangement (approximately), the third spatial axis, relative to the actuating force and the actuating force.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is proposed that the actuating head is guided along a cam.

[0015] The cam track is, for example, a lateral guide rail, preferably with rolling elements for low friction, such as those of the actuating head. In one embodiment, a coaxial drive element is provided, for example, a solenoid or spindle drive, by means of which the actuating element is moved, preferably purely axially. The actuating head is forced into a tilting movement about the tilting axis by means of a cam track and is accordingly connected to the actuating element in a relatively movable manner, or the actuating element is connected to the drive element in a relatively movable manner (for example, slidably).

[0016] It should be noted that static friction is a desirable effect for self-inhibition in some applications. For example, in a backdrop, an antagonistic role is therefore preferably not used.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is further proposed that the tilting axis is defined by a support line formed between the actuating head and one of the following components: - the support surface; - the contact surface of the locking mechanism; or - a backdrop for guiding the actuating head.

[0018] The contact line is a line forming contact or a (theoretical) line through one or more contact points. It should be noted that the contact line is not spatially fixed due to axial movement and / or rolling motion, but rather moves as the actuator head moves. The contact line is therefore formed by the interaction of two complementary (force-transmitting, contacting) surfaces, one of which is formed by the actuator head or one of its components.

[0019] In a guide for the actuating head (for example, as described above), the (theoretical) contact line runs, for example, through two points on either side of the actuating head. Alternatively or additionally, the contact line is arranged for a short path with static friction on one side of the actuating head, close to the support surface or close to the contact surface of the locking mechanism, or alternatively, for a short path with static friction on both sides of the actuating head (compared to a previously known tilt-free embodiment), centrally between the support surface and the contact surface of the locking mechanism.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is proposed that the actuating head can be moved between positions by means of the actuating element by means of a drive element rotatable about a drive axis, transmitting the actuating forces of a drive unit, wherein the drive axis of the drive element is aligned parallel to the tilting axis.

[0021] In this embodiment, a joint system is formed, and the drive element is a device rotating about a fixed (drive) axis of rotation, thus achieving a lever-joint movement. The actuating element is attached to the drive element (via a connection point or a connecting bearing) at a distance from the drive axis of the drive element and thus, when the drive element rotates about this drive axis, executes a movement with an axial component (stroke movement of the actuating head) and a transverse component (causing the tilting movement in conjunction with the support surface and the contact surface of the locking mechanism). It should be noted that at certain points, the respective component can be zero. With suitable design, this is exploited such that the axial component is exactly zero or nearly zero in the active position, and the transverse component is (possibly nearly) maximal.This means that all or a large portion of the driving force is translated into the tilting motion, and little or no force is translated into the actuating force. This also creates the subsequent advantage of achieving force transmission for the axial component, because a relatively large lever arm is converted into a small axial component of the movement.

[0022] As a result, a drive unit with a low maximum torque that can be generated at the drive element can be used. This saves costs, installation space, and mass, or alternatively (or additionally), allows for greater forces to be provided to release the actuating element (or the actuating head) from the active position (or the actuating position).

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is further proposed that a contact point of the actuating head on the support surface, a connection point of the actuating element with the drive means and the drive axis in the active position can be connected by means of a straight line.

[0024] First, it should be noted that in one embodiment, the contact point is part of a support line or contact line of a line contact. Furthermore, it should be noted that the active position is not necessarily a point and / or an angular position, but in an advantageous embodiment defines an (active) area, for example, with an axial extent of less than 1% (one percent), for example, from 1 mm to 5 mm, of the axial actuation travel between (the respective most extreme point) of the active position and the inactive position. The straight line is not necessarily, but preferably, arranged at the most extreme point of the active position, with tolerance-related deviation. Alternatively, an overtravel is set, for example, for a kneeling motion, as explained below.In a pivoted mechanism, an angle of inclination is established between the lever (held by the distance between the connection point of the actuating element on the drive shaft) and the line connecting the contact point of the actuating head and the connection point of the actuating element on the drive shaft). This angle of inclination is opposite to the angle of inclination when the actuating element returns to its inactive position. Therefore, a (preferably small) axial stroke is required in the direction away from the inactive position before the actuating element (or the actuating head from the actuating position) can be moved from the active position towards the inactive position. It should be noted that the actuating head does not necessarily have to follow the (purely) axial movement or, if applicable, the entire movement of the actuating element.Rather, in one embodiment, the actuating head is connected to the actuating element with sufficient relative mobility such that, during this release, the actuating head is either not moved at all or only tilts around the tilting axis in the area of ​​the overtravel movement. During this tilting, as already described, depending on the embodiment, an axial component of the movement occurs relative to the locking mechanism and / or the support surface. The state is traversed in which the straight line between the three aforementioned points of the actuating actuator's joint system is arranged.

[0025] The advantage of the resulting straight line, as explained above, is that the axial component at this point in the movement is minimal and is solely caused by the rolling motion and geometric extension of the actuating head, as well as the position of the tilting axis. This significantly shortens the distance traveled when overcoming static friction, while also maximizing the torque provided by the drive mechanism. It should be noted that static friction is primarily eliminated geometrically by shifting the contact between the actuating head, the support surface, and preferably the corresponding contact surface of the locking mechanism after the initial tilting motion (subject to static friction) has been initiated.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is proposed that the actuating head and the support surface are arranged to roll against each other in such a way that the locking mechanism remains free from a lifting movement.

[0027] Under certain circumstances, it is desirable for the active position of the actuating element, and thus the locking state of the locking mechanism, to be maintained without the application of external energy, namely by means of the self-locking of the actuating head between the support surface and the contact surface of the locking mechanism. It is particularly advantageous if the actuating head and the support surface roll against each other, so that the movement of the actuating head against the corresponding contact surface of the locking mechanism has no or only a minimal effect on the actuating force. It should be noted that the actuating force is largely determined by the torque applied to the locked locking wheel. One possibility is a corresponding rolling surface on the actuating head towards the support surface and / or on the support surface itself, preferably for line contact or point contact.Another possibility is a complementary rolling surface on the actuating head facing the contact surface and / or the contact surface of the locking mechanism. In one embodiment, both are combined. In another embodiment, the tilting movement of the actuating head is free of a lifting movement, or a lifting movement is only permitted within a (technically determined) tolerance range.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating actuator, it is proposed that the support surface outside the active position has a surface portion inclined away from the locking mechanism.

[0029] In a suitable embodiment of the locking mechanism, this inclined surface portion allows the releasing movement of the actuating element (i.e., from the active position to the inactive position) to be supported by a releasing preload force of the locking mechanism. This increases the speed of the release process and / or the certainty that the inactive position or the free state can be reached. Alternatively, precisely because of the guiding inclination, any residual force acting on the locking mechanism is reduced, negligibly small, or even eliminated compared to a straight support surface. Preferably, however, contact between the actuating head and the locking mechanism is maintained between the inactive and active positions.In cases of noise generation problems, a minimal preload is preferably maintained to prevent unintentional separation (resulting in rattling).

[0030] According to another aspect, a parking lock for a parking lock device of a gearbox is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism for locking a ratchet wheel in a torque flow, wherein, in the engagement of the locking mechanism, the ratchet wheel is blocked in a locking state and, in a free state, the ratchet wheel is released; and - an actuating actuator according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the active position and the inactive position are assigned as state-changing positions of the actuating element to the respective states of the locking mechanism, wherein preferably in the active position of the actuating element the locking mechanism is led out of the locking state and wherein the inactive position of the actuating element corresponds to the locking state of the locking mechanism.

[0031] The parking lock proposed here is designed such that the locking mechanism blocks the locking wheel in a locked position, and the locking mechanism only releases the locking wheel in a free position. In the free position, the locking wheel is freely rotatable. For example, when used in a motor vehicle transmission, the vehicle can then be rolled. It should be noted that the locking wheel is integrated into the torque flow of a transmission. When the actuating element is engaged in the locked position, the locking mechanism blocks the torque flow, and the transmission is locked. Therefore, in such a transmission application, the motor vehicle cannot be rolled when the locking wheel is in the locked position. The parking lock comprises an actuating actuator with an actuating element connected to the locking mechanism.The actuating element is connected to the locking mechanism in such a way that, when the actuating element is in the active position, the locking mechanism is in a state that deviates from the normal state. With a parking lock in a normal-locking configuration, the free state can therefore be actively brought about by means of the actuating actuator. However, the state that deviates from the normal state does not need to be actively maintained (i.e., by external energy input), but is held passively, for example by means of self-locking.

[0032] The parking lock proposed here is configured in one embodiment as a bistable mechanism, such that the locking mechanism is held in a locked state when de-energized and in a free state when de-energized. In the locked state, the locking mechanism blocks the locking wheel, while in the free state, the locking wheel is freely rotatable, allowing the vehicle to roll, for example, when used in a motor vehicle transmission. In such a transmission application, the vehicle cannot roll when the locking wheel is locked. The parking lock is actuated by means of the (e.g., electrically driven) actuating actuator or its actuating element. The actuating element, for example, a piston or spindle, is movable along its actuating axis.In its passive park position, no external energy input is required; for example, the actuating element is held in the park position by static friction. To move it to the driving position, an external energy input is necessary, whereby the counterforce of the self-locking mechanism is overcome by supplying external energy, for example, in the form of an electrical voltage. When the actuating element is in the driving position, no external energy input is required, and the locking mechanism remains de-energized in the free state. In the event of a power failure, the locking mechanism remains in the free state, and thus the locking wheel remains rotatable.

[0033] In one embodiment, the actuating actuator is configured such that (normally locked) in the active position of the actuating element, the locking mechanism is disengaged from the locked state, and the inactive position of the actuating element corresponds to the locked state of the locking mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating actuator is configured such that (normally free) in the inactive position of the actuating element, the locking mechanism is disengaged from the locked state, and the active position of the actuating element corresponds to the locked state of the locking mechanism. Preferably, holding only one of the two positions requires an external energy input, for example, the provision of an electrically generated torque by the drive unit. Alternatively, as described above, both positions can be held without requiring any energy input.

[0034] According to another aspect, a parking lock device is proposed, comprising a locking wheel for arrangement in a lockable torque flow and a parking lock according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the locking wheel can be blocked by means of the locking mechanism.

[0035] The parking lock device proposed here comprises a parking lock and a corresponding locking wheel. The locking wheel is integrated into a lockable torque flow of a motor vehicle's drivetrain, preferably in a transmission, and can be locked as described above.

[0036] In one embodiment, the parking lock and the locking wheel form a single unit. Such a unit can be supplied as a single, integrated component and installed at the intended mounting location, for example in a motor vehicle, without the need to disassemble it. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism, and in another embodiment also the locking wheel, form a single unit, while the actuating actuator is separate, with the actuating actuator forming a separate additional unit in yet another embodiment. When installed in a drivetrain, for example in a motor vehicle, the locking wheel is arranged such that at least one of the consumers is prevented from transmitting or receiving torque when the locking mechanism is in the locked state, i.e., when the locking wheel is blocked.In one embodiment, a drive unit for the propulsion means is a separate component from the actuating actuator (and preferably also from the locking mechanism and locking wheel), and can be replaced, for example, during maintenance work.

[0037] According to another aspect, a gearbox for a drive train is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - a parking lock device according to an embodiment as described above; - a drive unit for transmitting an actuating force to the drive element of the actuating actuator; - a torque transmission gear which includes the locking wheel; and - a gearbox housing which surrounds a gearbox compartment, wherein the locking mechanism of the parking lock, preferably completely, particularly preferably the entire parking lock device including the drive unit, is arranged in the gearbox compartment.

[0038] The transmission, for example an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle's drivetrain, includes the differential gear. For instance, the differential gear forms a spur gear in a torque transmission, such as a selectable reduction gearbox. The transmission has a torque input, for example one or more input shafts, and a torque output, for example one or more output shafts. Within the transmission, the torque is redirected, reduced, multiplied, and / or distributed according to the load (as a differential).

[0039] In one embodiment, the transmission includes a clutch, for example a friction clutch or a dog clutch, in the torque flow. The torque input is located on the drive motor side, and the torque output is located on the consumer side. However, the torque direction can also be reversed, from a consumer (during recuperation) to a drive motor or a generator. Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the transmission, it is proposed that the parking lock, either entirely or just the locking mechanism, be integrated into a transmission compartment formed by the transmission housing. In one embodiment, the drive unit is located outside the transmission housing or projects from or into it. Alternatively, the drive unit is located entirely within the transmission housing.

[0040] According to another aspect, a powertrain is proposed comprising at least the following components: - at least one drive motor to deliver torque; - at least one consumer to absorb a torque; and - a transmission according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the at least one drive machine and the at least one consumer are connected to each other by means of the transmission in a torque-transmitting manner, wherein torque transmission between the drive machine and the at least one consumer is prevented by means of the parking lock device in the locking state of the locking mechanism.

[0041] The proposed powertrain comprises at least one drive motor, for example an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive motor, which, at least in one main state, forms the torque source of a torque flow. Furthermore, it comprises at least one consumer, for example the drive wheels of a motor vehicle, which, at least in one main state, forms the torque sink of the torque flow.

[0042] An intermediate gearbox, according to an embodiment as described above, is installed, through which the (preferably entire wheel-side) torque flow is routed. If the gearbox is locked, the torque flow is blocked and torque transmission in the drive train between the torque source and torque sink is prevented.

[0043] The proposed drive train includes a gearbox which has a parking lock device with which a relatively weak drive unit can be used, because force-increasing effects due to static friction resulting from the tilting movement of the actuating head can be significantly reduced.

[0044] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least one drive wheel and a drive train according to an embodiment as described above, wherein a torque can be transferred from the at least one drive motor of the drive train to the at least one drive wheel for propulsion of the motor vehicle, and rolling of the motor vehicle is prevented by means of the parking lock device in the locking state of the locking mechanism.

[0045] The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car, a truck, or a motorized two-wheeler. The motor vehicle has a drivetrain according to an embodiment as described above. The torque available from the at least one drive motor is transmitted via the transmission to the at least one drive wheel (consumer). The transmission described here is a (preferably switchable) transmission. Alternatively, the transmission is, for example, a fixed transmission, i.e., with an unchangeable gear ratio, or a differential, or a slip clutch. The parking lock device proposed here is preferably designed as described above and is particularly preferably integrated into the transmission.

[0046] Rotation of at least one drive wheel is only possible in the park position if the parking lock (and the legally required parking brake) are released. For further details, please refer to the description of the parking lock device above.

[0047] The proposed drive train includes a gearbox which has a parking lock device with which a relatively weak drive unit can be used, because force-increasing effects due to static friction resulting from the tilting movement of the actuating head can be significantly reduced.

[0048] 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, although it should be noted that the drawings are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is illustrated in Fig. 1: a parking lock device with a rotatable drive element with the locking mechanism in the locking state; Fig. 2: a parking lock device with a rotatable drive element with the locking mechanism when the locking state is released; Fig. 3: a parking lock device with a rotatable drive element with the locking mechanism in the free position; and Fig. 4: a drive train with a parking lock device in a motor vehicle.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 1 is a parking lock device 17 with a rotatable drive element 3 and the locking mechanism 10, shown in a schematic sketch in the locked state. It should be noted beforehand that the axial direction, or axial component, is defined parallel to the longest extent of the actuating element 7, and the transverse component in the plane of the blade perpendicular to it. The locking wheel 19 is shown in section and is, for example, a component of a gearbox 18 (not shown here, compare [reference]). Fig. 4) The locking mechanism 10 of the parking lock 2 is formed here (purely optionally) by a lever 38 with engagement cams 37. This lever 38 is pivotable about a lever axis 39 (compare Fig. 3) In this embodiment, the actuating actuator 1 comprises a drive element 3, which is rotatable about a drive axis 13 (perpendicular to the plane of the blade in the illustration) by means of a (for example, electric) drive unit 4 (here concealed). The actuating element 7 is attached to the drive element 3 via a connection point 15 at a distance from the drive axis 13 and is axially movable when the drive element 3 rotates about the drive axis 13. This axial movement is also superimposed on a tilting movement due to a transverse component of the movement. In this embodiment, the actuating head 8 is displaceable relative to the actuating element 7 and is held in the actuating position shown by means of an energy storage element 41 (for example, a helical compression spring) against an end stop 40 of the actuating element 7.Thus, the actuating head 8 avoids a movement due to the locking actuating force 6 on the actuating element 7 when the actuating element 7 moves from the inactive position (compare . Fig. 3) is moved into the active position shown, but the lever 38 of the locking mechanism 10 is in a tooth-to-tooth position with the locking wheel 19 or is rejected due to excessively rapid rotation of the locking wheel 19. Only below a force limit defined by the energy storage element 41 is the actuating head 8 moved into the actuating position shown here, and the locking mechanism 10 is forced into the locked state by the application of the actuating force 9 via the contact surface 29. Due to the self-locking between the contact surface 29 of the lever 38 and the actuating head 8, the actuating head 8 is held in the actuating position without an external energy supply, and the locking mechanism 10 cannot assume the free state.

[0050] The actuating head 8 is supported on the complementary support surface 11 opposite the contact surface 29 of the lever 38 of the locking mechanism 10. Here, the support surface 11 is not planar, but rather, in the actuating position assumed by the actuating head 8 during the locking state, it is in (at least technically approximate) line contact with the actuating head 8. In this line contact, the current contact point 14 (or the contact line) of the actuating head 8 is formed with the support surface 11. This (current) contact point 14 forms the (current) tilting axis 12. Furthermore, the support surface 11 has a surface portion 30 inclined away from the contact surface 29 of the locking mechanism 10 in the direction of the inactive position of the actuating element 7 (or the actuating head 8 being pulled along).The (theoretical) lever lines 42 and 43 indicate that a straight, kink-free line 16 is formed between the support surface 11 (or the current contact point 14) and the drive axis 13. In one respect, this supports self-locking because the moment lever for releasing the actuating element 7 from the active position is zero (or minimal). This is reinforced by shifting the connection point 15 downwards in the diagram (or towards the locking mechanism 10), so that the lever lines 42 and 43 are angled, thus reinforcing or securing self-locking by means of a counter-rotating moment lever.However, primarily, at the start of the movement of the actuating head 8 from the position shown, the axial component of the movement is minimal, and thus a (approximately or initially) pure tilting movement about the support point 14 (i.e., here the tilting axis 12) of the actuating head 8 is executed. The (axial) relative movement between the actuating head 8 and the contact surface 29 of the lever 38 of the locking mechanism 10 is therefore very small. The available torque of the drive element 3 is thus used efficiently.

[0051] In Fig. 2 is the parking lock device 17 according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism 10 during the release of the locked state in a schematic sketch. A releasing actuating force 5 is applied to the actuating element 7, which results from the torque of the drive element 3 (or the drive unit 4). It is particularly evident from the kink between the (theoretical) lever lines 42, 43 that the drive element 3, compared to the locked state (see Figure 1), is under reduced torque. Fig. 1) has already traveled a relatively long (rotational) path. Nevertheless, the actuating head 8 has not yet been moved axially, or only minimally, on the support surface 11, but has mainly been tilted about the tilting axis 12, which is oriented transversely to the actuating force 9 and the actuating force 6. Due to the complementary shape or position of the actuating head 8 on the support surface 11, a stroke movement 45 of the engagement cam 37 of the locking mechanism 10 is zero or negligible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the small axial travel of the actuating element 7 results in a high transmission of the provided torque of the drive element 3 into the releasing actuating force 5.Thus, in addition to the effect of releasing the static friction between the actuating head 8 and the support surface 11, this relative arrangement of the actuating element 7 to the rotatable drive element 3 about its drive axis 13 also results in a reduction of the maximum required torque. Following the initial tilting of the actuating head 8, the static friction is geometrically eliminated, and in this embodiment, line contact is also formed between the actuating head 8 and the contact surface 29 of the lever 38 of the locking mechanism 10.

[0052] In Fig. 3 is the parking lock device 17 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the locking mechanism 10 in its free state in a schematic sketch. Here, the actuating element 7 is in the inactive position, and thus the actuating head 8 is completely removed from the actuating position. The lever 38 of the locking mechanism 10 is now in a raised position, and thus the locking wheel 19 is in its free state. It should be noted that the distance between the rotational position of the drive element 3, as shown in Figure 2, is... Fig. 2 shown and the rotational position shown here has a large axial component and a small transverse component, so that a quick transition to the free state can be achieved here with a low required releasing actuating force 5.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a motor vehicle 28 with a drive train 21 in a top view, wherein a drive motor 25, optionally shown here as an electric motor, is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 34, along a motor axis 36. The motor axis 36 is arranged in the direction of travel in front of a driver's cab 35 of the motor vehicle 28. The drive train 21 is configured to propel the motor vehicle 28 by driving a left drive wheel 26 and a right drive wheel 27 (optionally the front axle of the motor vehicle 28) by means of a torque output from the drive motor 25 via a torque transmission transmission 22 (optionally designed here as a gearbox), thus forming a torque flow 20 (shown here with the direction corresponding to a tractive torque), shown with dashed lines.For example, the torque transmission transmission 22, designed as a manual transmission, can be switched by a vehicle driver using a gearshift lever 32 in the driver's cab 35.

[0054] A parking lock device 17 with a locking wheel 19 is arranged in the torque flow 20, enabling the left drive wheel 26 and the right drive wheel 27 to be locked. The parking lock device 17 comprises a locking wheel 19, for example a gear wheel of the torque transmission transmission 22 or an additional wheel of the torque transmission transmission 22, and a parking lock 2, wherein the parking lock 2 comprises a locking mechanism 10 and an actuating actuator 1. The locking mechanism 10 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig.Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the parking lock device 17, in which (optionally) the locking mechanism 10 is located inside the transmission compartment 24 in the transmission housing 23 of the manual transmission and (optionally) the drive unit 4 of the parking lock device 17 is located outside the transmission housing 23.

[0055] The locking wheel 19 is arranged in the torque flow 20 such that it prevents the motor vehicle 28 from rolling away. The parking lock device 17 can be operated here by at least one of the following operating elements: - from a gearshift lever 32, for example by means of a park shift position “P”, - a parking lever 31; and / or - an ignition button 33 (alternatively an ignition key).

[0056] Furthermore, the parking lock device 17 is preferably automatically operable; for example, when leaving the motor vehicle 28 (e.g., after locking), the parking lock 2 is automatically engaged.

[0057] Here is a proposed actuating actuator with which a weak drive unit can be used to actuate a parking lock. Reference symbol list 1 Actuator 2 parking restrictions 3 propellants 4 Drive unit 5 releasing actuating force 6 locking actuating force 7 Actuating element 8 Actuating head 9 Actuating force 10 Locking mechanism 11 Support surface 12 tipping axle 13 Drive axle 14 Support point 15 connection point 16 straight line 17 Parking lock device 18 gearboxes 19 locking wheel 20 Torque flow 21 Powertrain 22 Torque transmission gearboxes 23 Gearbox housing 24 Gearbox compartment 25 Drive machine 26 left drive wheel 27 right drive wheel 28 Motor vehicle 29 Contact area 30 inclined surface area 31 parking levers 32 Gear shift lever 33 Ignition button 34 Longitudinal axis 35 Driver's cab 36 Motor axle 37 engagement cams 38 levers 39 Lever axle 40 strikes 41 Energy storage element 42 Lever line on the drive side 43 actuation-side lever lines 44 static friction 45 stroke movement QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 115 548 A1

[0002] DE 10 2022 103 385 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Actuating actuator (1) for a parking lock (2), comprising at least the following components: - a drive means (3) for transmitting an actuating force (5, 6) that can be provided by a drive unit (4); - an actuating element (7) which is movable between an inactive position and an active position by means of the actuating force (5, 6) of the drive unit (4) transmitted by the drive means (3); and - an actuating head (8) which is held by the actuating element (7) and in its active position can be transferred into an actuating position in which an actuating force (9) resulting from the actuating force (5, 6) can be exerted on a locking mechanism (10), wherein at least in the active position of the actuating element (7) and when exerting the actuating force (9) on the locking mechanism (10), the actuating head (8) is supported on a support surface (11), characterized by , that the actuating head (8) is tilted from the active position by means of a releasing actuating force (5) about a tilting axis (12) relative to the locking mechanism (10) and / or the support surface (11), wherein the tilting axis (12) is aligned transversely to the actuating force (9) and transversely to the actuating force (5,6). [2] Actuating actuator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating head (8) is movable between the positions by means of the actuating element (7) from a drive means (3) rotatable about a drive axis (13), transmitting the actuating forces (5, 6) of a drive unit (4), wherein the drive axis (13) of the drive means (3) is aligned parallel to the tilt axis (12). [3] Actuating actuator (1) according to claim 2, wherein a support point (14) of the actuating head (8) on the support surface (11), a connection point (15) of the actuating element (7) with the drive means (3) and the drive axis (13) in the active position can be connected by means of a straight line (16). [4] Parking lock (2) for a parking lock device (17) of a transmission (18), comprising at least the following components: - a locking mechanism (10) for locking a locking wheel (19) in a torque flow (20), wherein in use the locking mechanism (10) blocks the locking wheel (19) in a locking state and releases the locking wheel (19) in a free state; and - an actuating actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active position and the inactive position are assigned as state-changing positions of the actuating element (7) to the respective states of the locking mechanism (10), wherein preferably in the active position of the actuating element (7) the locking mechanism (10) is led out of the locking state and wherein the inactive position of the actuating element (7) corresponds to the locking state of the locking mechanism (10). [5] Parking lock device (17) comprising a locking wheel (19) for arranging in a lockable torque flow (20) and a parking lock (2) according to claim 4, wherein the locking wheel (19) is lockable by means of the locking mechanism (10). [6] Transmission (18) for a drive train (21), comprising at least the following components: - a parking lock device (17) according to claim 5; - a drive unit (4) for delivering an actuating force (5, 6) to the drive means (3) of the actuating actuator (1); - a torque transmission gear (22) comprising the locking wheel (19); and - a transmission housing (23) which surrounds a transmission chamber (24), wherein the locking mechanism (10) of the parking lock (2), preferably completely, particularly preferably the entire parking lock device (17) including the drive unit (4), is arranged in the transmission chamber (24). [7] Drive train (21) comprising at least the following components: - at least one drive machine (25) for delivering a torque; - at least one consumer (26, 27) for absorbing a torque; and - a transmission (18) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one drive machine (25) and the at least one consumer (26, 27) are connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the transmission (18), wherein a torque transmission between the drive machine (25) and the at least one consumer (26, 27) is prevented by means of the parking lock device (17) in the locking state of the locking mechanism (10). [8] Motor vehicle (28), comprising at least one drive wheel (26, 27) and a drive train (21) according to claim 7, wherein, for propelling the motor vehicle (28), a torque can be delivered from the at least one drive motor (25) of the drive train (21) to the at least one drive wheel (26, 27), and rolling of the motor vehicle (28) is prevented by means of the parking lock device (17) in the locking state of the locking mechanism (10).

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