DEVICE WITH A MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL TRANSMISSION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device with at least one magnetorheological transmission unit comprising at least two rotating components that are movable relative to each other. At least one effective gap is formed between the rotating components, in which a magnetorheological medium is arranged. A controllable magnetic field can be generated in the effective gap by means of at least one electrical coil assembly in order to influence the rotation of the rotating components during normal operation.

[0002] A generic device is known from WO 2016 / 156544 A1. Such devices can, for example, be designed as operating devices and serve to set operating states. Using the magnetorheological transmission device, different torques or forces, stops, and detents for movements can be set. This allows for haptic (perceptible) feedback during operation, which supports the user, enables very precise settings, and reduces overall operating complexity. Such operating devices are increasingly used in a wide variety of equipment, for example, in motor vehicles, medical technology, and smart devices, to select menus or perform precise controls. Furthermore, such devices are increasingly used in the operation of computers and game consoles.The device should therefore be very compact and reliable in design, and should have the lowest possible basic torque.

[0003] For example, such devices can also be used as steering input devices to specify a steering movement according to the steer-by-wire concept. High demands are placed on such steering input devices. For instance, precise steering feedback and backlash-free or jerk-free steering behavior, especially around the center position, as well as overall very smooth and harmonious steering behavior are required. If the steering unit is generally designed to be (mechanically) stiff (= high base torque), haptically flawless control during normal operation (active return-to-center, etc.) is no longer possible. Only very smooth steering units (preferably < 0.1 Nm base torque for all steer-by-wire steering components) enable haptically sophisticated and harmonious steering movements. In addition, the steering system must be able to provide high torques or counteract the manual steering movement (the torque then corresponds to a braking torque). This is, for example,for displaying end stops, for support when getting out, or as a counter-moment during very fast rotations or steering movements.

[0004] A crucial feature of such devices is their safety in the event of a malfunction, such as a failure of the coil assembly (so-called failsafe). In such a case, no torque is exerted against the rotational or steering movement, and no resistance is felt during operation. To mitigate such potentially very dangerous situations, a failsafe can be used to brake the rotation of the rotating components in the event of a malfunction. However, the integration of the failsafe often leads to an increase in installation space and weight, as well as an increase in the basic torque.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device with improved fault protection which particularly advantageously fulfills the requirements discussed above.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and from the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The device according to the invention comprises at least one magnetorheological transmission device. The transmission device comprises at least two rotating components that are movable relative to each other. At least one effective gap is formed between the rotating components. At least one magnetorheological medium is arranged in the effective gap. The device comprises at least one electrical coil arrangement for generating a controllable magnetic field in the effective gap. In particular, the generation of the magnetic field serves to influence (and preferably to brake or release) the rotation of the rotating components during normal operation. The device comprises at least one fault protection device for braking the rotation of the rotating components in the event of a fault.The fault protection system is designed and configured to generate a magnetic field by means of at least one magnetic field generation device and to influence the magnetorheological medium located in the effective gap with this magnetic field. In particular, this brakes the rotation of the rotating components with a fault braking torque.

[0008] The device according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the fault protection system with its magnetic field generation unit. Such a magnetorheological fault protection system can be designed to be much more compact and lighter than, for example, a mechanical fault protection system. Another advantage is that the magnetic field generation unit acts on the magnetorheological medium located in the effective gap. Such a constructive integration of the fault protection system into the magnetorheological transmission unit requires few components and installation space.

[0009] It is preferred and advantageous that the magnetic field of the coil assembly and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation unit act on the same effective gap and preferably also on the same magnetorheological medium. In particular, a common effective gap is provided for the transmission unit and the fault protection system. Specifically, the effective gap formed between the rotating components also provides the effective gap for the fault protection system. In particular, the effective gap is formed circumferentially around one of the rotating components. The effective gap can have at least one or at least two or more gap sections. The magnetic field of the magnetic field generation unit can act on the same gap section and / or on another (adjacent) gap section of the effective gap. In particular, the gap sections are interconnected and, especially, fluidically connected.

[0010] In particular, the magnetic field of the coil device and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating device pass through the rotating components and the effective gap (and in particular through the magnetorheological medium absorbed in the effective gap).

[0011] Preferably, the magnetic field of the coil assembly and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device pass through a common magnetic circuit. This allows for compensation of the magnetic field of the coil assembly by the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device in the event of a malfunction. This is very helpful, for example, in the case of an unintended maximum current being applied to the coil assembly. With separate magnetic circuits, this would not be (easily) possible.

[0012] It is also possible and preferred that the magnetic field of the coil assembly and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating assembly each pass through at least one magnetic circuit and that these magnetic circuits overlap at least partially. In particular, the rotating components each provide at least one section of the magnetic circuit. Specifically, the magnetic circuits overlap at least in one of the rotating components and preferably in both rotating components.

[0013] Within the magnetic circuit, the field lines run parallel to each other, at least in sections. In particular, the magnetic circuit exhibits a homogeneous distribution of field lines (especially compared to the field lines in air). Specifically, the magnetic fields flow through a closed magnetic circuit.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the magnetic field generating device comprises at least one auxiliary electrical coil device for generating the magnetic field. In particular, the fault detection device is suitable and configured to control the auxiliary coil device depending on the operating state of the coil device.

[0015] In particular, the auxiliary coil assembly is smaller and / or has a lower power rating than the coil assembly. Specifically, the fault braking torque is smaller and preferably at least twice as small as the (operationally intended) maximum transmission torque or braking torque of the transmission assembly.

[0016] In particular, the auxiliary coil assembly and the coil assembly each comprise at least one separate supply line for providing (electrical) energy. Specifically, the supply lines exit one of the rotating components at different locations and preferably at different axial end faces.

[0017] The fault protection system preferably includes at least one (electrical) energy storage device for supplying power to the auxiliary coil assembly. In particular, the energy storage device provides a power supply that is independent of the power supply to the coil assembly itself. The energy storage device specifically includes at least one accumulator and / or at least one battery and / or at least one capacitor or the like. It is also possible that the auxiliary coil assembly and the coil assembly are supplied with power from a common source. In this case, separate supply lines are provided.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the rotating components comprises at least one coil holder. In particular, the coil assembly is housed in the coil holder. Preferably, the auxiliary coil assembly is also housed in the coil holder.

[0019] The coil holder is designed, in particular, as an (integral) component of one of the rotating components. The coil holder comprises, in particular, at least one receiving chamber and, in particular, at least one wall arrangement that at least partially surrounds the receiving chamber. In particular, the coil holder (preferably at least the wall arrangement) is at least partially magnetically conductive.

[0020] The magnetically conductive area of ​​the coil holder can be equipped with a contour projecting into the effective gap. This contour can result in a gap height that varies circumferentially. The contour can, for example, be designed as a star shape or similar.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the coil holder comprises a common receiving space for the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly. In particular, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are surrounded by a common wall arrangement.

[0022] It is also possible and advantageous for the coil holder to have at least one receiving space for the coil assembly and at least one receiving space for the additional coil assembly. In embodiments without an additional coil assembly, only the receiving space for the coil assembly is provided. The receiving spaces are, in particular, at least partially spatially separated. In particular, at least one partition is arranged between them, which is preferably magnetically conductive. The partition is provided, in particular, by the rotating component. In particular, the receiving spaces are arranged axially adjacent to one another.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are housed in a common winding arrangement. Preferably, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are wound axially side by side in the winding arrangement. In particular, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly lie axially side by side in the common receiving space. This enables particularly compact radial dimensions.

[0024] It is also possible and preferred that the main coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are wound coaxially to each other in the winding arrangement. In this configuration, the auxiliary coil assembly and the main coil assembly are at least partially aligned with respect to the radial direction. For example, the auxiliary coil assembly can be located radially inside, while the main coil assembly is located radially outside and surrounds the auxiliary coil assembly circumferentially. A reverse arrangement is also possible, in which the main coil assembly is located radially inside and the auxiliary coil assembly is located radially outside. This allows for particularly compact axial dimensions.

[0025] It is possible that the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are magnetically shielded (insulated) from each other. The coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly can be separated from each other by a magnetically non-conductive layer, e.g., made of plastic or a magnetically non-conductive potting compound.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are wound together in the winding arrangement. In other words, the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly cannot be separated from each other without unwinding.

[0027] In particular, the winding arrangement comprises at least one electrical conductor for the coil assembly and at least one electrical conductor for the auxiliary coil assembly. The conductors are, in particular, electrically insulated from one another. Each conductor has, in particular, a separate power supply. According to the winding arrangements described above, the different conductors can be wound axially side by side, coaxially, or interwound. In the interwound winding arrangement, sections of one conductor are located between sections of the other conductor. The conductors are, so to speak, intermingled.

[0028] It is possible and advantageous for the magnetic field generation device to include at least one permanent magnet device for providing the magnetic field. In particular, the fault protection device is suitable and designed to weaken or eliminate the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device during normal operation by means of the coil device and / or the auxiliary coil device. Specifically, the coil device and / or the auxiliary coil device generate a magnetic field that specifically counteracts the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device. Such a permanent magnet device has the advantage that, in the event of a power failure of the coil device, the magnetic field for the fault braking torque is automatically available. Sensors or circuitry for fault detection can potentially be omitted.

[0029] It may be designed so that the coil assembly generates a magnetic field during normal operation, which serves to selectively influence the rotation of the rotating components and simultaneously weakens the magnetic field of the permanent magnet assembly. In this case, the additional coil assembly can be omitted.

[0030] It is also possible, and preferred, that the attenuation of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device during normal operation is handled by the auxiliary coil device. The auxiliary coil device can be solely responsible for counteracting the magnetic field during normal operation. However, it is also possible that the auxiliary coil device acts in addition to the permanent magnet device in the event of a malfunction, for example, by supporting its magnetic field. As described in more detail below, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device and / or the auxiliary coil device can also be used to support the magnetic field of the auxiliary coil device during normal operation.

[0031] Two additional coil devices can also be provided, so that one is available for attenuation during normal operation and the other for the emergency braking torque.

[0032] It is possible that the permanent magnet device is provided by a component with magnetic remanence properties (so-called remanence device). Due to these remanence properties, the component retains its respective magnetic state permanently, or at least until it is demagnetized or remagnetized. Such a component can be magnetized or demagnetized as needed by the coil device and / or the auxiliary coil device. The component could, for example, be one of the rotating components or a section thereof.

[0033] The permanent magnet assembly is, in particular, ring-shaped. Specifically, the permanent magnet assembly comprises at least one permanent magnet. For example, a ring magnet is provided. In particular, the permanent magnet assembly is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the transmission device. The permanent magnet assembly can be axially polarized (or axially magnetized) or radially polarized (or radially magnetized).

[0034] In particular, the permanent magnet assembly is arranged axially next to the coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly. The permanent magnet assembly can be arranged at least partially aligned with the coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly with respect to the axial direction. However, an offset arrangement with respect to the axial direction is also possible.

[0035] In particular, the permanent magnet assembly is enclosed radially by the coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly. It is also possible for the permanent magnet assembly to surround the coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly radially. In other words, the permanent magnet assembly is arranged at least partially aligned with the coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly with respect to the radial direction. However, an offset arrangement with respect to the radial direction is also possible. Preferably, these components are arranged coaxially with each other and also coaxially with the axis of rotation of the transmission device in all embodiments. Preferably, the permanent magnet assembly is enclosed (in the radial direction) at least partially by at least one of the receiving spaces.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one magnetic flux barrier is associated with the permanent magnet assembly. In particular, the flux barrier is suitable and designed to prevent a magnetic short circuit between the permanent magnet assembly and the rotating component supporting the permanent magnet assembly. In particular, the flux barrier extends in a disk shape around the axis of rotation of the transmission device. In particular, the flux barrier extends in a disk shape through the rotating component.

[0037] In particular, the permanent magnet assembly and the flux barrier are arranged coaxially with each other (and preferably coaxially with the axis of rotation of the transmission device). Specifically, the permanent magnet assembly is at least partially enclosed by the flux barrier in the radial direction, or at least partially surrounds the flux barrier in the radial direction. The flux barrier is formed, in particular, in the rotating component that supports the permanent magnet assembly and / or that supports the (additional) coil assembly provided for generating the opposing magnetic field.

[0038] The flux barrier is preferably designed as an air gap or includes at least one such gap. Another suitable magnetically non-conductive material is also possible. The flux barrier or air gap is preferably at least large enough that its magnetic resistance is greater than or equal to the magnetic resistance of the (effective) gap. Otherwise, the magnetic field lines could be closed across the flux barrier.

[0039] It is possible and advantageous for the flux barrier to be provided by the permanent magnet device. In particular, the permanent magnet device extends to a radially inner and / or radially outer end of the rotating component. This also reliably prevents a magnetic short circuit.

[0040] It is preferred and advantageous that the fault protection system is designed and configured to reduce the magnetic field of the coil assembly by means of the auxiliary coil assembly (controlled). In particular, this counteracts an undesirably large braking effect in the event of a fault. Preferably, the magnetic fields of the coil assembly and the auxiliary coil assembly are contained in a common magnetic circuit. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one control device is provided which is designed and configured to use the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device to support the magnetic field of the coil assembly during normal operation. This can be the magnetic field of the permanent magnet assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly. Such support can be achieved, for example, by activating the auxiliary coil assembly during normal operation.Additionally or alternatively, such support can also be provided by not weakening the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device during normal operation, or by selectively weakening it less.

[0041] Within the scope of the present invention, a malfunction is understood to mean, in particular, a failure of the coil assembly.

[0042] In particular, this results in the loss of the magnetic field of the coil assembly. The fault protection system serves primarily to ensure that the rotating components are neither blocked nor able to move without resistance in the event of a fault. Without the fault protection system presented here, the rotating components would be freely rotatable in the event of a fault (apart from the basic torque). It is possible that the failure of the coil assembly is intentional (e.g., when the device is switched off). In this case, the fault protection system preferably provides a locking brake that secures the rotating components against unintentional movement. In particular, the fault protection system is designed and configured to at least partially replace and / or supplement the magnetic field of the coil assembly with the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device. Specifically, the magnetic field generation device can provide a magnetic field when the magnetic field of the coil assembly is lost in the event of a fault.In particular, the magnetic field generating device can provide a magnetic field that supports the magnetic field of the coil device during normal operation and / or weakens it in the event of a malfunction.

[0043] In particular, the fault detection device is suitable and designed to detect the fault and especially the failure of the coil device (e.g. with a sensor).

[0044] In particular, the fault protection system is designed and configured to automatically brake the rotation of the rotating components with the fault braking torque upon detection of a fault. A circuit may be provided which, in the event of a power failure to the coil unit, automatically activates the auxiliary coil unit to brake with the fault braking torque.

[0045] In particular, the transmission device allows for the targeted modification of force or torque transmission. Specifically, the force or torque transmission between the rotating components can be adjusted by means of the coil assembly and its magnetic field in the effective gap. This also results in a change in the resistance to rotation of the rotating components. The transmission device can be used as a clutch or a brake. In this case, the rotating components function specifically as clutch components or brake components and can be described as such. The torque can also be referred to as braking torque or clutch torque.

[0046] The device can be designed as an operating device for setting operating states by means of rotary movements and / or linear movements (which are converted into rotary movements). In particular, the resistance of the rotary movement can be specifically adjusted. Such an operating device is, for example, a rotary knob, a joystick, or the like. A device designed as a coupling device can, for example, be used in a steering control system to specify a steering movement according to the steer-by-wire concept. In this case, one of the rotary components can be coupled to a drive and another to an output.

[0047] In an advantageous application of the device according to the invention, the transmission device can be configured as a braking device for a hinge. The braking resistance of the hinge's rotational movement (or of components fixed to the respective rotating component of the transmission device) is preferably adjustable. In this context, the fault condition can alternatively be referred to as the parking brake condition, in which the fault braking device (= parking brake device) provides a (high, in particular maximum) braking torque (parking brake torque) when the coil is de-energized. The normal condition can be referred to in this context as the position change condition, in which the hinge can be operated freely.Preferably, the locking brake is provided by the aforementioned permanent magnet device and / or the aforementioned remanence device, such that no current is applied when the locking brake is engaged, yet the movement of the components connected to the hinge is braked relative to each other by the locking brake torque. By weakening the permanent magnet or the remanence device using the coil device, the hinge can preferably be adjusted to a reduced braking torque to allow (easy) movement of the components relative to each other. This allows the hinge to be actuated with particularly little effort (i.e., when changing position). In the desired relative position of the hinge, the current to the coil device is preferably switched off, thus creating, in particular, an (energy-saving or energy-free) fixation in a new locking position.The setting of the locking positions is preferably possible across the entire operating range of the hinge in any desired or intended position.

[0048] The following object is claimed: a device comprising at least one magnetorheological transmission device with at least two rotating components movable relative to each other, wherein at least one effective gap is formed between the rotating components and wherein a magnetorheological medium is arranged in the effective gap, and comprising at least one electrical coil device for generating a controllable magnetic field in the effective gap in order to influence the rotatability of the rotating components in normal operation (or in the case of a change of position), and comprising at least one locking brake device for braking the rotatability of the rotating components in the event of a loss (non-presence) of the magnetic field of the electrical coil device (or independently of the magnetic field of the electrical coil device).(with inactive coil device); wherein the locking brake device is suitable and configured to generate a magnetic field by means of at least one magnetic field generating device and to influence the magnetorheological medium arranged in the effective gap with the magnetic field in order to brake the rotation of the rotating components with a locking brake torque; and comprising a hinge device with two hinge units pivotable relative to each other (over a swivel angle range), wherein at least one of the hinge units is coupled to one of the rotating components, such that the pivotability of the hinge units is controlled by means of the transmission device in normal operation orIn the event of a change in position (where the relative position of the hinge units to each other is changed), the hinge units can be selectively (adjustably) braked, and the pivoting of the hinge units can be selectively braked by means of the parking brake device in the event of a parking brake failure (where the magnetic field of the electrical coil device is not present or the coil device is inactive).

[0049] The magnetic field generation device of the parking brake system is designed in particular as described herein for the magnetic field generation device of the fault protection system. Specifically, the magnetic field generation device comprises at least one permanent magnet device and / or at least one remanence device, or is designed as such. The parking brake system is preferably (and where practical and feasible) designed like the fault protection system. In particular, the electrical coil device is suitable and designed to counteract the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device in a targeted manner, so that the parking brake torque is at least partially eliminated when required (especially at least during normal operation or in the event of a change in position), and the relative position of the hinge units to each other can be changed without the parking brake torque.In particular, the parking brake device is suitable and designed to determine the pivotability of the hinge units at any angular position within a provided pivot angle range of the hinge units.

[0050] The rotating components are arranged, in particular, coaxially to each other and / or coaxially to the axis of rotation of the transmission device. In particular, one rotating component can be designated as the inner rotating component and another as the outer rotating component. In particular, the inner rotating component and / or the outer rotating component can be equipped with the magnetic field generating device.

[0051] In particular, the coil holder is arranged on (only) one of the rotating components. The permanent magnet assembly can be arranged on one or both rotating components. The permanent magnet assembly can be arranged on the same rotating component as the coil holder. Additionally or alternatively, the permanent magnet assembly can be arranged on the rotating component that does not have the coil holder.

[0052] In its intended operating state, one of the rotating components is stationary and, in particular, mounted on a torque support. The torque support is, in particular, a support structure (which can also be referred to as a load-bearing structure) and is, for example, part of a vehicle body, a console, or the like. The coil assembly and / or the auxiliary coil assembly are arranged on the stationary rotating component. The supply lines, in particular, run through the stationary rotating component. The stationary rotating component can be the inner or the outer rotating component.

[0053] In all embodiments, it is preferred that the magnetorheological medium comprises magnetorheological particles and gas as a filling medium. In particular, the magnetorheological particles are suspended in air. The magnetorheological medium is especially preferred as a powder. With such a magnetorheological medium, the invention presented here enables a particularly low basic torque. Alternatively, it is conceivable and possible that the magnetorheological medium comprises magnetorheological particles and a carrier fluid, such as oil, water, or alcohol.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the magnetorheological particles (each) consist predominantly of carbonyl iron powder or derivatives thereof. Other magnetorheologically responsive particles are also possible. The magnetorheological particles may have coatings for protection against abrasion and / or corrosion and / or additional components to make them more durable, abrasion-resistant, and / or lubricating during operation. The magnetorheological medium and / or the magnetorheological particles may, for example, include an additive such as graphite.

[0055] Within the scope of the present invention, a magnetically non-conductive material is understood to be, in particular, a material with a permeability of less than ten and preferably less than one. Magnetically conductive materials are understood to be, in particular, materials with a permeability greater than ten and preferably ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic conductivity is the "relative magnetic permeability," which is also referred to simply as "magnetic permeability."

[0056] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0057] It shows: Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows the device of the Fig. 1in a sectional side view; Figure 3 another device in a sectional side view; Figures 4-5 detailed views of embodiments of the coupling device according to Fig. 3 Figure 6 shows another device in a cut side view; Figure 7 shows the device in a cut front view; and Figure 8 shows a purely schematic representation of a device designed as a steering control device.

[0058] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a device 100 according to the invention with a magnetorheological transmission device 10 having two rotating components 20, 30 and a fault protection device 305 (not shown here) with a magnetic field generation device 345 for braking the rotation of the rotating components 20, 30 in the event of a fault. For the sake of clarity, the dimensions and proportions are shown here and in the other figures purely schematically and, in particular, not to scale.

[0059] The device 100 is, for example, an operating device. For this purpose, the (outer) rotary component 20 is designed, for example, as a rotary knob or a thumbwheel. The transmission device 10 then generates haptic feedback while the rotary knob or thumbwheel is turned to set operating states.

[0060] However, the device 100 can also be designed, for example, as a steering control device 300, as described in relation to the Fig. 8 will be described in more detail. The transmission device 10 then serves, for example, as an actuator of a steer-by-wire steering unit of a vehicle or in a steering wheel of a game controller.

[0061] The (inner) rotary component 30 is fixedly mounted to a torque support 303 (not shown in detail here) and, for example, a support structure 313 (bracket, body, etc.). The outer rotary component 20 is rotatably mounted on the inner rotary component 30. For this purpose, a bearing unit 8 and, for example, a plain bearing are provided (see Fig. 2 ).

[0062] The Fig. 2 shows the internal structure of device 100 of the Fig. 1A working gap 5 is formed between the rotating components 20 and 30, in which a magnetorheological medium 6 is arranged. For clarity, the dimensions of the working gap 5 are not drawn to scale here and in the other figures. A seal 7 is provided to seal the working gap 5. A magnetic field is generated by a coil assembly 26 attached to the inner rotating component 30. The magnetic field influences the medium 6, so that the movement of the rotating component 20 is subjected to a controlled torque.

[0063] The rotating component 30 is equipped with a coil receptacle 23, which here has two receiving compartments 23a and 23b. The coil assembly 26 for operating the coupling device 1 is located in receiving compartment 23a. The (additional) coil assembly 426 of the fault protection device 305 is located in receiving compartment 23b. The magnetic circuits are shown here with dashed lines.

[0064] The magnetic field for the fault braking torque is generated by a permanent magnet device 325. To eliminate the fault braking torque during normal operation, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device 325 is selectively superimposed with a magnetic field of the coil device 426.

[0065] Alternatively, the fault protection device 305 shown here can also be equipped without the permanent magnet device 325. In this case, the fault braking torque is generated by the coil device 426. For this purpose, the coil device 426 is equipped, for example, with its own separate power supply (its own energy storage device and / or separate supply line).

[0066] The Figure 3 Figure 100 shows a device in which the coil assemblies 26 and 426 are housed in a common receiving space 23c. The coil assembly 426 can be used to generate the magnetic field in the event of a malfunction. The common magnetic circuit is shown here with a dashed line.

[0067] It is also possible that the magnetic field is provided in the event of a malfunction by means of a permanent magnet device 325, shown here with a dashed line. In this case, the coil assembly 426 serves to cancel or attenuate the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device 325 during normal operation. The coil assemblies 26 and 426 are each equipped with their own supply line 36 and 436, respectively.

[0068] For the coil assemblies 26, 426, a winding arrangement 26b is provided here, in which they are arranged axially next to each other in the receiving space 23c. The coil assemblies 26, 426 can be structurally separated from each other in the receiving space 23c by means of a (not shown here) magnetically non-conductive, in particular annular, separating layer.

[0069] In the Figure 4An alternative winding arrangement 26b of the coil assemblies 26, 426 is shown. Here, a coaxial winding arrangement 26b is provided, in which the coil assembly 26 is located radially outside and the coil assembly 426 is located radially inside. If required, a reversed arrangement can also be provided. Here too, a separating layer (here, for example, cylindrical) can be provided between the coil assemblies 26, 426.

[0070] In the Figure 5The coil assemblies 26, 426 are wound one inside the other and housed in the common receiving space 23c. Each coil assemblies 26, 426 has at least one electrically insulated conductor 26a, 426a. During the manufacture of the winding arrangement 26b, both conductors 26a, 426a were wound simultaneously into the receiving space 23c, resulting in the multiple winding shown here. The conductors 26a, 426a, or wires of the coil assemblies 26, 426, are greatly enlarged here for better visibility and are not shown to scale.

[0071] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows a device 100 in which the fault protection device 305 has a permanent magnet assembly 325 arranged radially inside the coil assembly 26. In addition to its primary function, the coil assembly 26 also serves to attenuate or cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnet assembly 325 during normal operation. The permanent magnet assembly 325 is designed as a ring magnet that extends radially inward only over a portion of the rotating component 30. To prevent a magnetic short circuit, a magnetic flux barrier 446 and, for example, an air gap are formed radially inside the permanent magnet assembly 325.

[0072] The magnetically conductive sections of the rotating components 20, 30 projecting into the gap 5 (e.g., axially adjacent to the receiving space 23c) can be provided with a circumferential contour. This results in a different gap height in the circumferential direction. For example, a star contour 5a or the like can be provided, as shown in the Figure 7 shown.

[0073] As in the Fig. 2 As outlined, an internal or external control device 40 can be provided to utilize the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device 325 and / or the auxiliary coil device 426 in normal operation to support the magnetic field of the coil device 26.

[0074] The Figure 8Figure 100 shows a device 100, which serves as a steering control unit 300 for controlling a vehicle 330 (only partially shown here) according to the steer-by-wire concept. For this purpose, a steering unit 301, designed here as a steering wheel 311, is electrically or electronically connected to an actuator 307. The actuator 307 can, for example, adjust one, two, or more wheels of the vehicle 330 and thereby convert the steering movement executed by the steering unit 301 into a vehicle movement.

[0075] The movement or position of the steering unit 301 and / or the torque is detected here with a sensor device 70 and, for example, with a rotary angle sensor or torque sensor or a combination of both.

[0076] The steering unit 301 is integrated here into a power train 310, which also includes a drive unit 302 with an electric drive motor 312 and a magnetorheological coupling unit 1 with coupling components 2, 3. The coupling unit 1 and its coupling components 2, 3 are provided by the transmission unit 10 with its rotary components 20, 30. The transmission unit 10 is configured here, for example, as described previously.

[0077] The coupling device 1 is connected in series (in series) to the drive device 302 in the power train 310 in order to be able to selectively change the power flow between the drive device 302 and the steering unit 301.

[0078] In the example shown here, the coupling device 1 is arranged between the steering unit 301 and the drive unit 302 in the powertrain 110. The steering unit 301 is connected to the coupling component 3 via a steering shaft 322 in a rotationally fixed manner. The coupling component 2 is connected to the drive unit 302 in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, the coupling component 2 can be actively rotated, for example, by the drive motor 312.

[0079] The drive unit 302 is attached here to a support structure 313 of the vehicle 330, which serves as a torque support 303 for the drive unit 302. Depending on how the frictional engagement between the coupling components 2, 3 is set, the torque coming from the drive unit 302 is transmitted to the steering unit 101 completely, to a certain extent, or not at all.

[0080] To provide a particularly strong and even more reliable torque support 303 for the clutch assembly 1, the steering control device 300 shown here can be equipped in a further development with a self-locking gear assembly 304 (e.g., worm gear). The gear assembly 304 is, for example, part of the drive assembly 302 and is connected between the drive motor 312 and the clutch assembly 1.

[0081] The fault protection device 305 serves to ensure that the steering unit 301 is not blocked in the event of a fault and cannot be moved without resistance. It is equipped, for example, with the auxiliary coil unit 426, the permanent magnet unit 325, and its own electrical energy storage device 335.

[0082] The coil mounting 23 presented here, or the special winding arrangement 26b, provides a particularly safe and reliable fault protection device 305. At the same time, it requires very little installation space, allowing it to be housed within the (inner) rotating component 30. Furthermore, by integrating it into a common magnetic circuit, the additional coil assembly 426 can prevent excessive current flow to the coil assembly 26 in the event of a fault. This allows its magnetic field to be completely eliminated if necessary. Reference symbol list: 1 Magnetorheological coupling device 302 drive unit 303 Torque support 2, 3 Clutch component 304 Gearbox 4 component 305 Fault protection 5 gap 307 Actuator setup 6 medium 310 Powertrain 7 seal 311 steering wheel 8 Storage unit 312 drive motor 10 Transmission device 313 abutment structure 20 Rotary component 322 steering shaft 23 Coil holder 325 Permanent magnet device 23a Recording room 23b Recording room 330 vehicle 23c Recording room 335 Energy storage 26 Coil assembly 345 Magnetic field generating device 26a Director 26b winding arrangement 426 Additional coil device 30 Rotary component 426a Director 36 Supply line 436 Supply line 40 Control unit 446 river barrier 70 Sensor device 100 device 300 Steering control device 301 Steering unit

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) comprising at least one magnetorheological transmission device (10) with at least two rotary components (20, 30) that are movable relative to one another, wherein at least one working gap (5) is formed between the rotary components (20, 30) and a magnetorheological medium (6) is arranged in the working gap (5), and comprising at least one electrical coil device (26) for generating a controllable magnetic field in the working gap (5) in order to influence the rotatability of the rotary components (20, 30) during normal operation, characterized in that at least one failure protection element (305) is provided for decelerating the rotatability of the rotary components (20, 30) in the event of a failure, and in that the failure protection element (305) is suitable and designed for generating a magnetic field by means of at least one magnetic field generation device (345) and for influencing the magnetorheological medium (6) arranged in the working gap (5) with the magnetic field in order to decelerate the rotatability of the rotary components (20, 30) with a failure braking torque.

2. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic field of the coil device (26) and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device (345) act upon the same working gap (5).

3. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field of the coil device (26) and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device (345) extend through the rotary components (20, 30) and the working gap (5).

4. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field of the coil device (26) and the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device (345) extend at least partially through a common magnetic circuit.

5. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field generation device (345) comprises at least one electrical auxiliary coil device (426) for generating the magnetic field, and wherein the auxiliary coil device (426) is designed smaller and / or with a lower output than the coil device (26).

6. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary coil device (426) and the coil device (26) respectively have at least one separate supply line (36, 436) for being supplied with energy and / or wherein the failure protection element (305) comprises at least one energy storage (335) for the energy supply of the auxiliary coil device (426), and wherein the energy storage (335) provides an energy supply that is independent of an energy supply of the coil device (26).

7. The apparatus (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein at least one of the rotary components (20, 30) has at least one coil receptacle (23), in which the coil device (26) is accommodated, and wherein the auxiliary coil device (426) is also accommodated in the coil receptacle (23).

8. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the coil receptacle (23) has a common receptacle space (23c) for the coil device (26) and the auxiliary coil device (426) or wherein the coil receptacle (23) has at least one receptacle space (23a) for the coil device (26) and at least one receptacle space (23b) for the auxiliary coil device (426).

9. The apparatus (100) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the coil device (26) and the auxiliary coil device (426) are accommodated in a common winding arrangement (26b), and wherein the coil device (26) and the auxiliary coil device (426) are wound up axially adjacent to one another or coaxially to one another or wound into one another in the winding arrangement (26b).

10. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field generation device (345) comprises at least one permanent magnet device (325) for making available the magnetic field, and wherein the failure protection element (305) is suitable and designed for weakening or eliminating the magnetic field of the permanent magnet device (325) by means of the coil device (26) and / or the auxiliary coil device (426) during normal operation.

11. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the permanent magnet device (325) is arranged axially adjacent to the coil device (26) and / or the auxiliary coil device (426).

12. The apparatus (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet device (325) is enclosed by the coil device (26) and / or the auxiliary coil device (426) in the radial direction or wherein the permanent magnet device (325) encloses the coil device (26) and / or the auxiliary coil device (426) in the radial direction.

13. The apparatus (100) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein at least one magnetic flux barrier (446) is assigned to the permanent magnet device (325), wherein said magnetic flux barrier prevents a magnetic short circuit between the permanent magnet device (325) and the rotary component (20, 30) carrying the permanent magnet device (325), and wherein the permanent magnet device (325) and the flux barrier (446) are arranged coaxially to one another.

14. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the failure protection element (305) is suitable and designed for reducing the magnetic field of the coil device (26) by means of the auxiliary coil device (426) in order to counteract an undesirably strong braking effect in the event of a failure.

15. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising at least one control device (40) that is suitable and designed for using the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation device (345) for supporting the magnetic field of the coil device (26) during normal operation.