Apparatus having a magnetorheological transmission device

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) comprising a magnetorheological transmission device (1) having two rotary components (2, 3) that are movable relative to one another. Formed between the rotary components (2, 3) is a working gap (4) with a magnetorheological medium (5). An electrical coil unit (6) is used to generate a controllable magnetic field in the working gap (4). A supplementary brake (7) serves to brake the rotatability of the rotary components (2, 3) if the magnetic field of the coil unit (6) breaks down. The supplementary brake (7) comprises a magnetic element (17) which extends in the circumferential direction of the working gap (4) and has at least one magnetic unit (27) including at least one permanent magnet (37) that extends only over part of the circumference.

Description

[0001] Device with a magnetorheological

[0002] transmission device

[0003] The invention relates to a device comprising at least one magnetorheological transmission device with at least two rotating components movable relative to one another. At least one active gap is formed between the rotating components, in which a magnetorheological medium is arranged. A controllable magnetic field can be generated in the active gap by means of at least one electrical coil device in order to influence the rotatability of the rotating components during normal operation.

[0004] Such devices can, for example, be designed as operating devices and serve to adjust operating states. Different torques or forces, stops, and grids for movements can then be set using the magnetorheological transmission device. This allows haptic (tangible) feedback to be transmitted during operation, which supports the user and allows very specific settings, thereby reducing overall operating complexity. Such operating devices are increasingly being used in a wide variety of devices, for example in motor vehicles or medical technology or even in smart devices, for example to select menus or perform precise controls. Such devices are also increasingly being used to operate computers and game consoles. The device should therefore be very compact and at the same time reliable, and have the lowest possible base torque.

[0005] For example, such devices can also be used as a steering input device to specify a steering movement according to the steer-by-wire concept. High demands are placed on such steering input devices. For example, precise steering feedback and play-free or jerk-free steering behavior, particularly around the center position, as well as overall very smooth, harmonious steering behavior are required. If the steering unit is generally (mechanically) stiff (= high basic torque), haptically perfect controllability during normal operation (active return, etc.) is no longer possible. Only very smooth steering units (preferably < 0.3 Nm, for example < 0.1 Nm, basic torque of all steer-by-wire steering components) enable haptically sophisticated and harmonious steering movements. In addition, the steering device must provide orcan counteract the manual steering movement (the torque then corresponds to a braking torque). This is useful, for example, for representing end stops, for supporting the driver when exiting the vehicle, or as a counter-torque during very rapid twisting or steering movements.

[0006] A key feature of such devices is their safety in the event of a malfunction, for example, if the magnetic field of the coil device is lost. In this case, no torque is opposed to the rotational or steering movement, and no resistance is felt during operation. To defuse such potentially dangerous situations, an auxiliary brake can be used to slow the rotation of the rotating components in the event of a malfunction. However, the auxiliary brake often leads to increased costs, installation space, and weight, as well as an increase in the base torque.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device with an improved additional brake which particularly advantageously meets the previously discussed requirements.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0009] The device according to the invention comprises at least one magnetorheological transmission device. The transmission device comprises at least two rotary components movable relative to one another. In particular, the rotary components are arranged coaxially to one another, at least in sections. At least one active gap (running circumferentially) is formed between the rotary components. At least one magnetorheological medium is arranged in the active gap. The device comprises at least one electrical coil device for generating a controllable magnetic field in the active gap. In particular, the generation of the magnetic field serves to influence the rotatability of the rotary components during normal operation (and preferably to brake or release it). The device comprises at least one additional brake for braking the rotatability of the rotary components when the magnetic field of the coil device disappears and in particular in the event of a malfunction.The additional brake comprises at least one magnetic device which extends at least partially in the circumferential direction of the active gap and / or the rotating components. In particular, the magnetic device extends at least partially along the circumference of the active gap and / or the rotating components. In this case, the magnetic device comprises at least one magnetic unit. The magnetic unit comprises at least one permanent magnet which extends only over part of a circumference (in particular of the active gap and / or the rotating components). In particular, the at least one permanent magnet extends over less than 360° of a circumference of 360°. The part of the circumference corresponds in particular to a circumferential segment with an angle of less than 360°.

[0010] The device according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that the permanent magnet(s) only run over part of the circumference. This means that the additional brake can be manufactured considerably more cheaply and with less effort. In addition, the magnetic device can be installed more quickly and easily and can be accommodated in a particularly space-saving manner. A further advantage is that no special tolerance requirements have to be met for the integration of the permanent magnets into the transmission device. For example, the integration of ring magnets requires tight manufacturing tolerances in order to achieve the intended braking effect. In addition, ring magnets are very sensitive to handling and, for example, very brittle.

[0011] The at least one magnet unit is preferably arranged (only) on one of the rotating components and preferably fastened. In particular, all magnet units of the magnetic device are arranged on one (the same) rotating component.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one magnet unit is arranged and preferably fastened to the radially outer rotary component. In particular, the magnet unit is arranged at least partially on the radial and / or axial outer side of the radially outer rotary component. This enables particularly rapid and uncomplicated assembly. The at least one magnet unit can also be arranged on the radially inner rotary component. In this case, it is arranged at least partially on its radial inner side and / or on its axial outer side.

[0013] The at least one magnet unit is preferably arranged and in particular fastened at least partially on a radial or axial outer side of the rotary component facing away from the active gap. The magnet unit can protrude at least partially on the outer side (in the radial and / or axial direction). In particular, the entire magnet unit protrudes on the outer side. The magnet unit can also extend at least partially into the rotary component. The magnet unit can be flush with the outer side of the rotary component. In a particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment, the at least one magnet unit can be mounted from radially outside and / or axially outside the radially outer rotary component. It is also preferred and advantageous that the at least one magnet unit can be mounted when the medium is arranged in the active gap.In other words, the at least one magnet unit can be mounted when the active gap is already filled with the medium. In particular, the magnet unit can be mounted when the rotating components are assembled coaxially as intended. It is also possible for the at least one magnet unit to be mounted from radially inside the radially inner rotating component.

[0014] In particular, the at least one magnet unit is arranged (at least with respect to its at least one permanent magnet) at a distance from a rotational axis of the rotary components. In particular, the at least one magnet unit is arranged coaxially to the rotary components and the effective gap. It is possible and advantageous for the at least one magnet unit and the rotary components or the effective gap to be arranged so as to overlap in the radial direction. In particular, the at least one magnet unit and the rotary components and / or the effective gap lie at least partially on a common alignment line in the radial direction. It is also possible for the at least one magnet unit to be arranged offset axially outwards so that it is not arranged so as to overlap the rotary components and / or the effective gap in the radial direction.It is possible and advantageous that the at least one magnet unit is arranged axially next to the rotary components and / or the active gap. The at least one magnet unit is then arranged in particular on an axial outer side of the rotary component. In particular, the magnet unit is arranged with one of the rotary components on a common side of the active gap. In particular, the other rotary component (on which the magnet unit is not arranged) is located on the opposite side of the active gap. It is preferred and advantageous that the at least one magnet unit is conductively and preferably magnetically conductively connected to one of the rotary components (at least with regard to its at least one permanent magnet). In particular, the magnet unit is thereby integrated into a magnetic circuit through which the magnetic field of the magnetic device flows.The magnet unit can be conductively connected to the rotating component directly or indirectly (e.g., via a connecting unit). In particular, the magnet unit has two magnetic poles (a north pole and a south pole). In particular, both magnetic poles are conductively connected to the rotating component.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one permanent magnet of the at least one magnet unit is directly (contactingly) connected to the rotating component. In particular, the rotating component has at least one flattened portion at least in a receiving area for the permanent magnet. The flattened portion is preferably arranged on a radial outer side. This eliminates the need for expensive permanent magnets with complex curvatures. In particular, the at least one permanent magnet is planar in at least one contact area for contact with the rotating component.

[0016] It is also possible for the at least one permanent magnet to be (constantly) curved at least in one contact region for contact with the rotating component. In particular, the curvature of the contact region corresponds to a curvature of the rotating component and in particular to a curvature of its radial outer or inner side. It is possible for the permanent magnet to be curved overall (and not just in the contact region). In particular, the permanent magnet then has the geometry of a ring segment. The ring segment can in particular also be referred to as a circular segment. In particular, the ring segment extends only over part of the circumference. In an advantageous and preferred development, the magnetic device comprises at least one (magnetically) conductive connecting unit.In particular, the at least one magnet unit (at least with respect to its at least one permanent magnet) is (magnetically) conductively connected and preferably firmly connected to one of the rotary components by means of the at least one connecting unit.

[0017] In particular, the connecting unit forms part of a magnetic circuit into which the magnetic device is also integrated. In particular, the connecting unit is connected to a magnetic pole of the permanent magnet and to the rotating component. It is also possible for the connecting unit to be connected to a magnetic pole of the permanent magnet and to an (opposite) magnetic pole of at least one further permanent magnet of the magnetic unit. In particular, the permanent magnets provided for the magnetic unit are connected either to one another or to the rotating component via at least one connecting unit.

[0018] The connecting unit can be curved in a contact region for contact with the rotary component. The connecting unit then has, in particular, the basic geometry of a ring segment. In particular, the curvature of the contact region of the connecting unit corresponds to a curvature of the rotary component. It is also possible for the connecting unit to be planar in a contact region for contact with the rotary component. The rotary component then has, in particular, at least one flattened portion (in a receiving region for the connecting unit).

[0019] It is possible and advantageous for at least one of the rotating components, and in particular at least the rotating component on which the at least one magnet unit is arranged, to have at least one separating gap running in the circumferential direction. In particular, the separating gap divides the rotating component into at least two component sections which are in particular magnetically decoupled from one another. In particular, the separating gap provides a magnetic flux barrier. In particular, this prevents a magnetic short circuit between the rotating component and the at least one magnet unit (arranged thereon). In particular, the separating gap is arranged such that a magnetic field emanating from the magnet device cannot bypass the active gap.

[0020] The separation gap can extend in the radial direction and / or in the axial direction between the component sections. The separation gap can open on a radial outer side and / or on an axial outer side of the rotating component.

[0021] The separation gap can be designed as an air gap. The separation gap can be at least partially filled with a material that is non-magnetic or at least poorly magnetically conductive (plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum), etc.). In particular, the component sections are designed to be magnetically conductive. In particular, the separation gap is sealed from the active gap and / or from the environment. This prevents, in particular, the magnetorheological medium from entering or exiting the separation gap.

[0022] It is possible for the separation gap to be continuous. To ensure that the component sections are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner despite the continuous separation gap, a solid, non-magnetic or poorly conductive material is preferably arranged in the separation gap, over which the component sections are joined and, for example, glued. For example, a ring made of plastic or the like is used for this purpose.

[0023] It is also possible for the separation gap to be interrupted by connecting sections that extend between the component sections and connect them to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the connecting sections are formed by web-like bridges between the component sections and / or by (non-magnetically or poorly conductive) connecting means, e.g., screws or the like. In particular, the web-like bridges are formed integrally with the component sections. The connecting sections (if magnetically conductive) are dimensioned in such a way that they are in a magnetic saturation state under normal operating conditions, so that the magnetic field intended for braking is only insignificantly reduced or not reduced at all.

[0024] It is preferred and advantageous that the at least one connecting unit, together with the at least one magnetic unit, provides a conductive connection between the component sections. It is also possible for the magnetic unit to comprise at least one horseshoe magnet or to be designed as such. The legs of the horseshoe magnet are then each connected, in particular, to a component section. This allows the connecting unit to be omitted if necessary.

[0025] It is possible and advantageous for the at least one permanent magnet to be arranged on (only) one component section. In particular, the connecting unit extends from the permanent magnets to the opposite component section. It is also possible and advantageous for the magnet unit to comprise at least two permanent magnets, of which at least one permanent magnet is arranged on each component section. The permanent magnets are then preferably conductively connected by the connecting unit. In particular, the connecting unit extends between the permanent magnets of the at least one magnet unit separated by the separating gap.

[0026] In such embodiments, the connecting unit preferably comprises at least one bridge element or is designed as such. In particular, the bridge element spans the separating gap and is connected to the permanent magnet and the rotating component or to the permanent magnet or at least one further permanent magnet. In particular, the permanent magnet is then polarized in the radial direction. The permanent magnets of a magnet unit arranged on opposite component sections are then polarized, in particular rotated by 180°. For example, the north pole is rotated from radially outward to radially inward. In particular, the connecting unit corresponds at least in sections to the radial outer side of the permanent magnet. For example, the connecting unit is curved if the permanent magnet is also curved.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting unit comprises at least two holding elements. In particular, at least one holding element is arranged on each component section. In particular, the holding elements (which belong to a magnet unit) are conductively connected by the at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit. The permanent magnet is then polarized in particular in the axial direction. The permanent magnet is arranged centered in particular along the separating gap. The holding elements are in particular each arranged axially next to the separating gap.

[0028] The magnetic device can have a three-part structure for each provided magnetic unit. The three-part structure comprises, in particular, two permanent magnets and a connecting unit designed as a bridge element. This results in a structure analogous to a horseshoe magnet. The three-part structure can also comprise two connecting units designed as holding elements and a permanent magnet arranged between them.

[0029] The connecting unit can have at least one fastening section for (magnetically) conductive fastening to the rotary component. In particular, the fastening section is planar. It is also possible for the fastening section to correspond to a curvature of the rotary component. In particular, the rotary component then has at least one flattened portion in its receiving area for the connecting unit.

[0030] In one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit is polarized in the axial direction. The magnetic poles are then located opposite one another, in particular, in the axial direction. The axial direction runs, in particular, transversely to the radial direction and / or parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating components. A configuration is also possible in which the at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit is polarized in the radial direction. The magnetic poles are then located opposite one another, in particular, in the radial direction (transversely to the axis of rotation of the rotating components).

[0031] In an advantageous development, the at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit has a cuboid basic geometry. In particular, the permanent magnet is not curved and / or does not follow a curvature of the rotating component. This enables particularly inexpensive production and is particularly advantageous when a plurality of magnet units are provided. Such cuboid permanent magnets can be conductively connected to the rotating component directly or by means of the at least one connecting unit. In particular, the permanent magnet is planar at least in the contact region with the rotating component and / or the connecting unit.

[0032] It is possible for the at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit to be curved and preferably to have the basic geometry of a ring segment. Despite the more complex production, this can be advantageous under certain conditions. For example, it can save installation space if only one or a few large magnet units are provided. In addition, the risk of the magnet unit breaking due to its brittle material is reduced. The connection can be made directly or by means of the at least one connecting unit. Such a ring segment can, for example, extend over an angle of at least 30° or at least 45° or at least 65° or even at least 90° or more of the circumference.

[0033] It is preferred that the at least one magnet unit alone or together with the at least one connecting unit provides a magnetic circuit section. The magnetic circuit section is part of a magnetic circuit of the magnetic device. In particular, the magnetic circuit extends from the magnetic circuit section through the rotary component (on which the magnet unit is arranged) and through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein and through the opposite rotary component and again through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein and back to the magnetic circuit section. The at least one permanent magnet of the magnet unit is integrated into the magnetic circuit in such a way that its magnetic poles are each connected to one end of the magnetic circuit and thereby close the magnetic circuit.If a plurality of magnet units are provided, the individual magnet units preferably form at least one magnetic circuit section, either alone or with the at least one connecting unit. In particular, the magnet device then comprises a plurality of magnetic circuits. In particular, the magnet units are each part of a respective magnetic circuit.

[0034] The magnetic circuit section preferably forms a bypass to a magnetic circuit of the transmission device. The transmission device comprises, in particular, at least one magnetic circuit through which the magnetic flux of the magnetic field of the coil device flows to influence the rotatability of the rotating components during normal operation. The magnetic circuit section (in particular, at least the bypass) is, in particular, connected at least in sections in parallel to the magnetic circuit of the transmission device. If a plurality of magnetic circuits, each with a magnetic circuit section, is provided, each magnetic circuit section, in particular, forms a bypass for the magnetic circuit of the transmission device.

[0035] It is possible for the magnetic circuit section to be directly integrated into the magnetic circuit of the transmission device. In particular, the magnetic circuit section is then connected in series (or in series) to the magnetic circuit of the transmission device, and in particular not in parallel. In particular, the magnetic circuit of the at least one magnet unit is connected in series to the magnetic circuit of the transmission device.

[0036] It is possible and preferred that the magnetic circuit of the transmission device does not run through the magnetic circuit section. In particular, the magnetic circuit of the transmission device runs from the rotary component (on which the magnet unit is not arranged) through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein and through the opposite rotary component (on which the magnet unit is arranged) and through its separating gap and again through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein and back into the rotary component. In particular, the magnetic circuit of the transmission device runs through the component sections and the separating gap between them. In particular, a field strength ora power of the coil device and the resistance of the separating gap are coordinated with one another so that the magnetic flux of the coil device flows at least predominantly through the separating gap and not through the magnetic circuit section. For such coordination, it is preferably taken into account that the at least one permanent magnet of the magnetic unit has magnetic saturation and therefore represents a correspondingly high resistance for the magnetic circuit of the transmission device. The resistance of the separating gap is determined in particular by the width and / or the filling. In particular, the (magnetic) resistance of the separating gap is dimensioned such that it provides a magnetic flux barrier for the magnetic field of the magnetic unit, but not for the magnetic field of the coil device.

[0037] It is possible for the magnetic circuit of the transmission device to extend from the rotating component (on which the magnetic unit is not arranged) through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein and then from there (bypassing the rotating component with the separating gap) directly back to the rotating component (on which the magnetic unit is not arranged). In such a configuration, a field strength or a power of the coil device and a resistance of the separating gap are coordinated with one another in such a way that the magnetic flux of the coil device flows at least predominantly not through the separating gap, but through the active gap with the magnetorheological medium located therein.

[0038] In a preferred and advantageous embodiment, the magnetic device comprises a plurality of magnetic units. This allows strong braking torques in the event of an accident to be generated using very compact and cost-effective permanent magnets. The magnetic units are preferably spaced apart around the circumference (at least with respect to their respective at least one permanent magnet). A series without any spacing can also be provided.

[0039] The magnet units are preferably distributed symmetrically around the circumference. This allows the braking torque in the event of an accident to be reliably and inexpensively canceled out during normal operation using the magnetic field of the coil device. The magnet units can also be distributed asymmetrically around the circumference. In this case, an additional electrical coil device is provided. In particular, the magnet units are arranged coaxially to the active gap. In particular, the magnet units are lined up along the separating gap. The magnet units can span the separating gap. The magnet units can also be arranged next to the separating gap on one of the component sections. In particular, each magnet unit provides a magnetic circuit section. In particular, the individual magnet units are identical or at least analogous and, for example, mirror-symmetrical.

[0040] The magnetic device comprises, in particular, at least two magnetic units. The magnetic device can also comprise at least three or at least four or at least five or at least six magnetic units. The magnetic device can comprise at least eight or at least ten or at least twelve magnetic units. For example, up to 24 or up to 36 magnetic units or more can be provided. In particular, the number of magnetic units is matched to the size of the transmission device and the desired emergency braking torque.

[0041] Preferably, the magnet units together extend over an angle of at least 45°, or at least 65°, or at least 75°, and preferably at least 80° of the circumference. This enables reliable provision of the emergency braking torque. In particular, the individual magnet units have a length of only a few degrees of the circumference.

[0042] In particular, at least one connecting unit is assigned to each magnet unit. In particular, the connecting units are also spaced apart around the circumference. In particular, the magnet units, together with their at least one associated connecting unit, each form a pre-assembly unit. This further simplifies assembly.

[0043] It is possible for a plurality of magnet units or all magnet units to be assigned a common connecting unit. In particular, several or even all magnet units are then fastened to the rotating component by means of the common connecting unit. In particular, the common connecting unit has the basic geometry of a ring segment and preferably corresponds to the curvature of the rotating component. In particular, the common connecting unit extends over at least part of the circumference. The common connecting unit can also extend over the entire circumference (360°) and be designed, for example, as a closed ring. The common connecting unit can form a pre-assembly unit with the magnet units. By assembling the pre-assembly unit, several or all magnet units can then be handled and fastened simultaneously.

[0044] In particular, the magnet units, either alone or with their at least one associated connecting unit, each provide a magnetic circuit section. In particular, each magnet unit is assigned at least one connecting unit to form a magnetic circuit section. If multiple magnet units have at least one common connecting unit, each magnet unit, in particular together with the common connecting unit, forms a magnetic circuit section.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, only one magnet unit is provided. In particular, the magnet unit then extends over an angle of at least 45° or at least 75° and preferably at least 80° of the circumference. In particular, the magnet unit extends over an angle of at least 88° and preferably at least 90° (at least a quarter) of the circumference. In particular, the magnet unit extends over an angle of a maximum of 180° of the circumference. This offers advantages in terms of installation space and at the same time enables correspondingly uncomplicated assembly, for example from radially outside. Two such magnet units can also be provided. In all embodiments, it is preferred and advantageous that at least one electrical counter-field generating device is assigned to the magnet device.In particular, the opposing field generating device is suitable and designed to at least partially attenuate or eliminate the at least one magnetic field emanating from the magnetic device. In particular, the opposing field generating device generates at least one magnetic field that is opposite to the at least one magnetic field of the magnetic device.

[0046] The opposing field generating device is preferably provided by the coil device of the transmission device. It is also preferred and advantageous for the opposing field generating device to comprise at least one additional electrical coil device. In particular, the additional coil device then provides at least one magnetic field that is opposite to the at least one magnetic field of the magnetic device.

[0047] It is possible and advantageous for the additional coil device to have at least one additional coil for each provided magnet unit. In particular, the additional coil is arranged on the magnet unit and / or on the at least one associated connecting unit. In particular, at least one additional coil is provided for each magnet unit. In particular, at least one additional coil is provided for each magnetic circuit of the magnet device. This also allows the magnetic fields of magnet units distributed asymmetrically over the circumference to be reliably eliminated.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one magnetic field emanating from the magnetic device can be used to amplify the magnetic field emanating from the coil device of the transmission device. In particular, the magnetic fields of the individual magnet units amplify the magnetic field emanating from the transmission device. Such amplification is provided in particular during normal operation. In particular, the coil device is suitable and designed to generate a magnetic field which runs in the same direction as the at least one magnetic field of the magnetic device. In this way, a stronger braking torque can be generated with the same power consumption of the coil device.

[0049] The device can be designed as a steering input device for inputting a steering command according to the steer-by-wire concept. In particular, one of the rotary components is then coupled to a steering unit and, for example, a steering wheel. In particular, the mobility of the steering unit can thereby be specifically braked. The steering input device can comprise at least one drive device for generating a torque acting on the steering unit, so that the steering unit can be actively moved. In particular, the transmission device is then designed as a coupling device, so that the drive device can be coupled to the steering unit with an adjustable coupling torque. In this case, in particular, one of the rotary components can be coupled to the drive device and one of the rotary components can be coupled to an output.

[0050] The steering input device may comprise an actuator device that converts a steering movement performed by the steering unit into a vehicle movement. In particular, the steering unit and the actuator device are only operatively connected according to the steer-by-wire concept.

[0051] The device can be designed as an operating device for adjusting 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 designed, for example, as a rotary knob or a joystick or the like.

[0052] In particular, the transmission of power or torque can be specifically varied using the transmission device. In particular, the transmission of power or torque between the rotating components can be adjusted by means of the coil device and its magnetic field in the active gap. In particular, this also results in a change in the resistance to movement for the rotatability of the rotating components. The transmission device can be used as a clutch device or as a brake device. The rotating components then serve in particular as clutch components or brake components and can be referred to as such. The torque can also be referred to as braking torque or clutch torque.

[0053] When reference is made to the at least one magnet unit or the magnet unit within the scope of the present invention, this particularly means all of the magnet units provided in the magnet device. In particular, the at least one magnet unit only extends over part of the circumference. The at least one magnet unit consists in particular of at least one permanent magnet. The magnet unit can consist of only one permanent magnet. The magnet unit can consist of at least (only) two permanent magnets. It is also possible for the magnet unit to consist of at least three or at least four or more permanent magnets. When reference is made to the at least one permanent magnet within the scope of the present invention, this particularly means all of the permanent magnets of the magnet unit. The permanent magnets of a magnet unit can be arranged at a distance from one another or in contact with one another.It is possible that the magnet unit includes other components in addition to the permanent magnets.

[0054] In particular, the at least one magnet unit provides at least one magnetic field which acts on the magnetorheological medium located in the active gap, so that the rotatability of the rotating components can be braked by means of the additional brake when the magnetic field of the coil device disappears. In particular, the magnetic device of the additional brake acts on the magnetorheological medium arranged in the active gap. In particular, the magnetic field of the coil device and the magnetic field of the magnetic device act on the same active gap and preferably also on the same magnetorheological medium. In particular, the additional brake and the transmission device use the same active gap and the same magnetorheological medium and preferably also at least partially the same conductive sections of the rotating components.

[0055] In particular, a common operating gap is provided for the transmission device and the additional brake. In particular, the operating gap formed between the rotating components also provides the operating gap for the additional brake. In particular, the operating gap is formed circumferentially around one of the rotating components. The operating gap can have at least one or at least two or more gap sections. The magnetic field of the magnetic device can act on the same gap section and / or on another (adjacent) gap section of the operating gap. In particular, the gap sections are connected to one another and, in particular, fluidly connected. Such structural integration of the additional brake into the transmission device requires particularly little installation space.

[0056] The braking torque of the auxiliary brake is referred to in the context of the present invention as the emergency braking torque. This also includes, in particular, other possible uses of the braking torque, for example for braking in standby mode or when the transmission device is switched off, or for amplifying a transmission torque of the transmission device. The transmission torque of the transmission device can be a braking torque or a clutch torque. In particular, the permanent magnet provides the magnetic field independently of a power supply to the auxiliary brake and the coil device. It is possible for the permanent magnet to be provided by a material with suitable remanence properties, so that it can be demagnetized and magnetized by a magnetic field (for example by means of the coil device).When reference is made to a direction of the magnetic field in the context of the present invention, this particularly means the direction of the magnetic flux (in particular in a magnetic circuit).

[0057] In particular, the coil device is attached to one of the rotating components. In particular, the coil device and the at least one magnet unit are attached to different (opposite) rotating components. In particular, the coil device is not attached to the rotating component that has the separating gap. In particular, the rotating components are at least partially magnetically conductive. In particular, the rotating components are at least partially made of a magnetically conductive material. In particular, the rotating components are at least partially magnetically conductive where the magnetic circuit is provided.

[0058] In all embodiments, it is particularly preferred and advantageous for the magnetorheological medium to be in the form of a powder. In particular, the powder is contained in a gas, preferably in air. In particular, the magnetorheological medium comprises magnetically responsive (magnetizable) particles and gas as a filling medium. In particular, the magnetically responsive particles are contained in air. In particular, the magnetorheological medium is in the form of a powder. With such a magnetorheological medium, the invention presented here enables a particularly low fundamental moment. Alternatively, it is conceivable and possible for the magnetorheological medium to comprise magnetizable particles and a carrier fluid, such as oil, water, or alcohol.

[0059] It is particularly preferred that the magnetizable particles (in each case) consist predominantly of carbonyl iron powder or derivatives thereof. Other magnetically responsive particles are also possible. The magnetizable particles can have coatings to protect against abrasion and / or corrosion and / or additional components to make the magnetically responsive particles more durable, abrasion-resistant, and / or more lubricious during operation. The magnetorheological medium can, for example, comprise a graphite additive.

[0060] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0061] Showing:

[0062] Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a sectional side view;

[0063] Figure 2 shows the device of Fig. 1 in a sectioned

[0064] front view;

[0065] Figure 3 shows another device in a sectioned

[0066] side view ;

[0067] Figure 4 shows the device of Fig. 3 in a sectioned

[0068] front view;

[0069] Figure 5 shows another device in a sectioned

[0070] side view ;

[0071] Figure 6 shows the device of Fig. 5 in a sectioned

[0072] front view;

[0073] Fig. 7 and 8 detail representations of a device in different operating states in sectional side views;

[0074] Fig. 9 and 10 show a further device in different operating states in sectional side views;

[0075] Figure 11 shows a detailed representation of the device of Figure 3 in a perspective view;

[0076] Figure 12 shows another device in a sectioned

[0077] side view ;

[0078] Figure 13 shows the device of Fig. 12 in a sectioned

[0079] front view; and

[0080] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of the device of Figure 12 in a sectional front view.

[0081] Figures 1 and 2 show a device 100 according to the invention with a magnetorheological transmission device 1 with two rotary components 2, 3. The device 100 is designed here as a steering input device 300 for controlling a vehicle according to the steer-by-wire concept. For this purpose, one of the rotary components 2, 3 is connected to a steering unit 301 and, for example, a steering wheel. The transmission device 1 can thus generate haptic feedback at the steering unit 301 or engage the torque of a drive device (not shown here). However, the device 100 can also be designed as another type of operating device, for example, as a rotary knob or thumbwheel.

[0082] Between the rotating components 2, 3, an active gap 4 is formed, in which a magnetorheological medium 5 is arranged. The dimensions of the active gap 4 are not drawn to scale here and in the other figures for reasons of visibility. A seal 14 is provided to seal the active gap 4. The inner rotating component 2 is rotatably mounted on the outer rotating component 3 by means of a bearing unit 12 and, for example, one or more plain bearings. The outer rotating component 3 here comprises two transverse walls 63, which close off the active gap 4 in the axial direction. The bearing unit 12 is arranged here on at least one transverse wall 63. The transverse walls 63 also serve, in particular, to seal the active gap 4.

[0083] A magnetic field is generated via a coil device 6 attached to the inner rotating component 2. The magnetic field influences the medium 5, so that the mobility of the rotating components 2, 3 is subjected to a specific torque.

[0084] The magnetically conductive sections of the rotating components 2, 3 that extend into the effective gap 4 can be equipped with a circumferential contour. This results in a different gap height in the circumferential direction, with the elevations acting as magnetic field concentrators. Here, for example, the inner rotating component 2 is equipped with a star contour 24.

[0085] An additional brake 7 with a magnetic device 17 serves to brake the rotation of the rotating components 2, 3 in the event of a loss of the magnetic field of the coil device 6, for example, in the event of a malfunction. The magnetic device 17 here comprises a magnetic unit 27 with two permanent magnets 37. The magnetic field of the magnetic unit 27 runs in a magnetic circuit 47 shown in dashed lines. The permanent magnets 37 have opposite polarization with respect to the radial direction.

[0086] Since the magnetic circuit 47 also extends through the effective gap 4 and the medium 5, the rotation of the rotating components 2, 3 is thereby slowed. The arrows indicate the direction of flow of the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit 47. The dashed line within the permanent magnets 37 symbolically indicates the polarization of the permanent magnets 37.

[0087] To prevent a magnetic short circuit between the magnet unit 27 and the rotating component 3, a separating gap 43 is formed in the rotating component 3. The separating gap 43 creates two component sections 53 that are magnetically decoupled from one another. The separating gap 43 extends radially between the component sections 53. Furthermore, the transverse walls 63 are preferably also non-magnetically conductive.

[0088] A permanent magnet 37 of the magnet unit 27 is magnetically connected to each component section 53. The permanent magnets 37 are interconnected by means of a connecting unit 8, thus closing the magnetic circuit 47. The connecting unit 8 is designed here as a bridge element 28.

[0089] The magnet unit 27, together with its connecting unit 8, forms a magnetic circuit section 87, which provides part of the magnetic circuit 47. With respect to the magnetic circuit of the coil device 6 during normal operation, the magnetic circuit section 87 represents a bypass.

[0090] The magnet unit 27 extends here only over a portion of the circumference, which corresponds to an angle 37b of slightly less than 90°. This allows the use of permanent magnets 37, which are considerably cheaper and easier to manufacture than, for example, ring magnets.

[0091] In addition, the magnet unit 27 is attached to a radial outer side 13 of the outer rotating component 3. The magnet unit 27 can be mounted after the rotating components 2, 3 have been assembled and the active gap 4 has been filled with the medium 5. This enables particularly economical and uncomplicated assembly. The magnet unit 27 and the rotating components 2, 3, as well as the active gap 4, are arranged overlapping in the radial direction.

[0092] The permanent magnets 37 are attached in direct contact to a receiving area 23 of the outer side 13 of the rotating component 3. For this purpose, they have a contact area 37a that follows the curvature of the receiving area 23 or the entire outer side 13 of the rotating component 3.

[0093] The magnet unit 27 here has the basic geometry of a ring segment. Accordingly, the permanent magnets 37 are designed as ring segments. The bridge element 28 also follows the curvature of the permanent magnets 37 and is designed as a ring segment. This results in a very compact design overall, so that the diameter of the transmission device 1 is only slightly increased due to the additional brake 7.

[0094] The auxiliary brake 7 shown here, with its magnet unit 27 and the targeted path of the magnetic circuit 47, provides a reliable braking torque in the event of a malfunction. As a result, the rotating components 2, 3 cannot be rotated without resistance in the event of a malfunction. Rotation without resistance could lead to excessive and thus very dangerous steering movements in the steering control device 300.

[0095] To eliminate the accidental braking torque during normal operation, the magnetic field of the magnet unit 27 is specifically superimposed with a magnetic field of a counter-field generating device 57. For this purpose, the counter-field generating device 57 generates a magnetic field that is directed opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet unit 27.

[0096] In the device 100 shown here, the opposing field generating device 57 can be provided by the coil device 6 of the transmission device 1. However, the individual magnet unit 27 is only arranged on part of the circumference here. If its magnetic field is eliminated by the coil device 6, a braking torque is present. This is because if the magnetic field of the coil device 6 cancels out the magnetic field of the magnet unit 27 in the associated angular range, an effective magnetic field of the coil device 6 remains in the remaining angular range of the circumference. If a complete cancellation of the accident braking torque is desired, the device 100 shown here can be equipped with an additional coil device 67, which is shown in more detail in Figures 7 and 8. The additional coil device 67 comprises an additional coil device 67, which is arranged here on the connecting unit 8.If several magnet units 27 distributed asymmetrically over the circumference are provided, the additional coil device 67 comprises, for example, at least one additional coil 77 for each magnet unit 27.

[0097] The additional coil 77 is integrated into the magnetic circuit 47 of the magnet unit 27. When the additional coil 77 is not energized (as shown in Figure 7), the course of the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit 47 is not influenced. When the coil is energized (shown in Figure 8), it generates a magnetic field which is oriented opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet unit 27. This results in the magnetic circuit 47a shown in dashed lines in Figure 8 for the magnet unit 27 and the magnetic circuit 77a for the additional coil 77. The magnetic field of the magnet unit 27 is, so to speak, displaced from the magnetic circuit 47.

[0098] In Figures 7 and 8, the magnet unit 27 is equipped, purely by way of example, with only one permanent magnet 37. Accordingly, the bridge element 28 is designed to connect the permanent magnet 37 to the opposite component section 53. Such an embodiment can also be provided for the devices 100 of Figures 1 to 4. However, the device 100 presented in Figures 7 and 8 can also be equipped with a magnet unit 27 or a bridge element 28, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

[0099] Figures 3 and 4 show a variant of the previously presented device 100, in which a plurality of magnet units 27 distributed symmetrically over the circumference are provided. This allows the magnetic field of the magnet device 17 to be completely eliminated, if necessary, by the magnetic field of the coil device 6. If an asymmetric distribution of the magnet units 27 is provided, the magnet units 27 are preferably each equipped with an additional coil 77. The operation of the additional coil 77 for eliminating the magnetic field of the magnet device 17 then takes place in particular as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0100] The magnet units 27 each have two cuboid-shaped permanent magnets 37 with planar contact areas 37a.

[0101] This results in lower manufacturing costs, and permanent magnets 37 with low manufacturing accuracy can be used for the connection to the rotating component 3. The magnet units 27 are connected by means of cuboid-shaped bridge elements 28. To ensure a highly conductive connection, receiving areas 23 for the permanent magnets 37 are formed on the outer side 13 of the rotating component 3. These receiving areas have flattened portions 33. This design is particularly clearly visible in the detailed illustration in Figure 11.

[0102] Figures 5 and 6 show a variant of the device 100 in which the magnet units 27 are distributed over the circumference and each comprise a cuboid permanent magnet

[0103] 37. The permanent magnets 37 have an axial polarization here.

[0104] In order to connect the individual magnet units 27 to both component sections 53, two connecting units 8 are provided for each magnet unit 27. The connecting units 8 are designed here as holding elements 38, which are each conductively connected to a magnetic pole and a component section 53. However, it is also possible for two holding elements 38 to be designed to connect all magnet units 27. In this case, the holding elements

[0105] 38, for example, are designed as circumferential rings.

[0106] The holding elements 38 each have a fastening section 18 which is adapted to the curvature of the outer side 13 of the rotating component 3 in the receiving area 23 for the permanent magnets 37. This variant also enables the economical and advantageous use of cuboid-shaped permanent magnets 37.

[0107] Figure 9 shows the device 100 of Figures 5 and 6 in normal operation. In this case, the coil device 6 of the transmission device 1 is active and generates a magnetic field which extends through a magnetic circuit 16 and is directed opposite to the magnetic field of the magnetic device 17. In this case, the magnetic field of the coil device 6 displaces the magnetic field of the magnetic device 17 from the active gap 4. As a result, the braking torque in the event of an accident can be completely eliminated. The magnetic field of the magnetic device 17 meanwhile flows through a magnetic circuit 47, which here extends at least partially through the component sections 53 and the separating gap 43.

[0108] Depending on the magnetic resistance of the separating gap 43, the magnetic circuit 47 can also extend at least partially through the air. This would then result in a magnetic circuit 47 that runs through the magnetic circuit section 87 and the air layers located radially further outward from the magnetic circuit section 87. Fundamentally, it is important for the elimination of the accident braking torque that the magnetic circuit 47 no longer runs through the effective gap 4. Furthermore, the magnetic circuit 16 of the coil device 6 should not run through the opposite rotational component 3.

[0109] If, during normal operation, the rotation of the rotating components 2, 3 is to be slowed down, a stronger magnetic field is generated by the coil device 6. This field then extends through a magnetic circuit (not shown here), which also runs through the component sections 53 and overcomes the separating gap 43.

[0110] Figure 10 shows the device 100 of Figures 5 and 6 in normal operation, in which a particularly high braking torque and / or particularly energy-saving operation is desired. For this purpose, the coil device 6 generates a magnetic field which runs in the same direction as the magnetic field of the magnetic device 17. This results in the magnetic circuit 16 shown here for the magnetic field of the coil device 6 and the magnetic circuit 47 for the magnetic device 17. Since both magnetic circuits 16, 47 run through the active gap 4, both contribute to generating the braking torque.

[0111] Figure 12 shows a variant of the device 100 in which the magnet unit 27 is arranged axially next to the rotary components 2, 3 and the active gap 4. In this case, the magnet unit 27 is attached to an axial outer side of the outer rotary component 3.

[0112] The magnet unit 27 here has the basic geometry of a ring segment, so that it extends only over part of the circumference. For example, the magnet unit 27 is designed analogously to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. In principle, however, other magnet units 27 can also be used here, for example, as described with reference to Figures 3 to 11.

[0113] The separating gap 43 extends axially between the component sections 53 and opens onto the axial outer side of the rotating component 3. In order to specifically maintain the magnetic field in the desired magnetic circuit 47, at least the left transverse wall 63 is designed to be non-magnetically conductive.

[0114] Figure 13 shows the device 100 of Figure 12 in a front view sectioned along the dot-dash line. The hatching lines are not shown for clarity. For illustration, the magnet unit 27 of the auxiliary brake 7 is also shown, even though it is not located in the section plane.

[0115] The separation gap 43 is formed continuously here. To connect the component sections 53 to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, a ring made of PTFE (or another magnetically non-conductive material) is arranged in the separation gap 43 and is firmly connected to the component sections 53, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0116] Figure 14 shows a variant of the device 100 of Figure 13, in which the separating gap 43 is interrupted by connecting sections 73. The connecting sections 73 connect the component sections 53 to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The connecting sections 73 are web-like bridges that are integrally connected to the component sections 53. The width or thickness of the bridges is chosen to be correspondingly small, so that while a reliable connection is ensured, the bridges quickly experience magnetic saturation during operation. Thus, the bridges do not have an adverse effect on the magnetic field of the auxiliary brake 7.

[0117] List of reference symbols:

[0118] 1 transmission device 37a contact area

[0119] 2 rotation component 37b angle

[0120] 3 Rotating component 38 Holding element

[0121] 4 Effective gap 43 Separation gap

[0122] 5 Medium 47 Magnetic circuit

[0123] 6 Coil device 47a Magnetic field

[0124] 7 Additional brake 53 Component section

[0125] 8 Connection unit 57 Counter field generation

[0126] 12 Storage unit setup

[0127] 13 Outside 63 Cross wall

[0128] 14 Seal 67 Additional coil device

[0129] 16 Magnetic circuit 73 Connecting section

[0130] 17 Magnetic device 77 Additional coil

[0131] 18 Mounting section 77a Magnetic field

[0132] 23 Recording area 87 Magnetic circuit section

[0133] 24 star contour 100 device

[0134] 27 Magnet unit 300 steering input device

[0135] 28 Bridge element 301 Steering unit

[0136] 33 Flattening

[0137] 37 Permanent magnet

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (100) comprising a magnetorheological transmission device (1) with at least two rotary components (2, 3) movable relative to one another, comprising a radially inner rotary component (2) and a radially outer rotary component (3), wherein an active gap (4) is formed between the rotary components (2, 3) and wherein a magnetorheological medium (5) is arranged in the active gap (4), and comprising at least one electrical coil device (6) for generating a controllable magnetic field in the active gap (4) in order to influence the rotatability of the rotary components (2, 3) during normal operation, and comprising an additional brake (7) for braking the rotatability of the rotary components (2, 3) upon loss of the magnetic field of the coil device (6) and in particular in the event of a malfunction, characterized in that the additional brake (7) has a magnetic device (17) extending at least partially in the circumferential direction of the active gap (4),which comprises at least one magnet unit (27) with at least one permanent magnet (37) extending only over part of a circumference., 2. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) is arranged and preferably fastened to one of the rotary components (2, 3).

3. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) is arranged on the radially outer rotary component (3).

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) is arranged at least partially on a radial outer side (13) of the rotary component (2, 3) facing away from the active gap (4).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) can be mounted from radially outside the radially outer rotary component (3) and / or wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) can be mounted when the medium (5) is arranged in the active gap (4).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) is arranged at a distance from a rotational axis of the rotary components (2, 3) and coaxial with the rotary components (2, 3) and the effective gap (4).

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) is magnetically conductively connected to one of the rotary components (2, 3).

8. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is directly connected to the rotary component (2, 3) and wherein the rotary component (2, 3) has at least one flattened portion (33) at least in a receiving region (23) for the permanent magnet (37) or wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is curved at least in a contact region (37a) for contact with the rotary component (2, 3).

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic device (17) comprises at least one magnetically conductive connecting unit (8) and wherein the at least one magnetic unit (27) is magnetically conductively connected to one of the rotary components (2, 3) by means of the at least one connecting unit (8).

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the rotary components (2, 3) has a circumferentially extending separating gap (43) which divides the rotary component (2, 3) into at least two component sections (53) so that a magnetic short circuit between the rotating component (2, 3) and the at least one magnet unit (27) is prevented.

11. Device (100) according to the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting unit (8) together with the at least one magnet unit (27) provides a conductive connection between the component sections (53).

12. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is arranged on a component section (53) and wherein the connecting unit (8) extends from the permanent magnet (37) to the opposite component section (53) or wherein the magnet unit (27) comprises at least two permanent magnets (37) and wherein at least one permanent magnet (37) is arranged on each of the component sections (53) and wherein the permanent magnets (37) are conductively connected by the connecting unit (8).

13. Device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the connecting unit (8) comprises at least two holding elements (38) and wherein at least one holding element (38) is arranged on a component section (53) and wherein the holding elements (38) are conductively connected by the at least one permanent magnet (37).

14. Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one connecting unit (8) has at least one fastening section (18) for conductive fastening to the rotary component (2, 3) and wherein the fastening section (18) is planar or wherein the fastening section (18) corresponds to a curvature of the rotary component (2, 3).

15. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is polarized in the axial direction or wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is polarized in the radial direction.

16. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) has a cuboid basic geometry or wherein the at least one permanent magnet (37) is curved and preferably has the basic geometry of a ring segment.

17. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one magnet unit (27) alone or together with the at least one connecting unit (8) provides a magnetic circuit section (87) which is part of a magnetic circuit (47) of the magnetic device (17), and wherein the magnetic circuit (47) extends from the magnetic circuit section (87) through the rotary component (2, 3) and the active gap (4) with the medium (5) located therein and the opposite rotary component (2, 3) and again through the active gap (4) with the medium (5) located therein and back to the magnetic circuit section (87).

18. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic circuit section (87) has a bypass to a magnetic circuit (16) of the transmission device (1) or wherein the magnetic circuit section (87) is directly integrated into a magnetic circuit (16) of the transmission device (1).

19. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic device (17) comprises a plurality of magnetic units (27) and wherein the magnetic units (17) are spaced apart over the circumference.

20. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnet units (27) are distributed symmetrically over the circumference.

21. Device (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the magnet units (27) together extend over an angle of at least 75° and preferably at least 80° of the circumference.

22. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein only one magnet unit (27) is provided and wherein the magnet unit (27) extends over an angle of at least 75° and preferably at least 80° of the circumference.

23. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic device (17) is assigned at least one electrical counter-field generating device (57) and wherein the counter-field generating device (57) is suitable and designed to weaken or eliminate the at least one magnetic field emanating from the magnetic device (17).

24. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opposing field generating device (57) is provided by the coil device (6) of the transmission device (1) and / or wherein the opposing field generating device (57) comprises at least one additional electrical coil device (67) and wherein the additional coil device (67) preferably comprises at least one additional coil (77) for each provided magnet unit (27).

25. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one magnetic field emanating from the magnet device (17) can be used to amplify the magnetic field emanating from the coil device (6) of the transmission device (1).

26. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a steering input device (300) for inputting a steering command according to the steer-by-wire concept, wherein one of the rotary components (2, 3) is coupled to a steering unit (301) so that the mobility of the steering unit (301) can be braked in a targeted manner.

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