Coupling device, valve system, and method for operating the valve system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling device for connecting the drive shaft of an actuator to the driven shaft of an exhaust gas valve, wherein the coupling device comprises: a torsion rigid retainer that defines a rotation axis and has a slot extending in the axial direction; a coupling rod that is received in the slot so as to translate relative to the retainer in the direction of the rotation axis; and an elastic element that biases the coupling rod in the direction of the rotation axis and has a mounting portion fixed to the retainer, wherein the coupling rod is capable of rotational movement within the slot by a predetermined tension angle relative to the retainer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a drive shaft of an actuator to a driven shaft of an exhaust gas valve. The present invention also relates to a valve system including an actuator having a drive shaft, an exhaust gas valve having a driven shaft, and a connecting device. Further, the present invention relates to a method of operating the valve system.

Background Art

[0002] An exhaust line valve is usually provided with a connecting device for connecting and operating it to an actuator. Although it is theoretically possible to directly connect the driven shaft of an exhaust gas valve to the drive shaft of an actuator such as an electric motor, it is common to employ a connecting device as an intermediate component for connecting the driven shaft and the drive shaft. The overall problem of the connecting device is to compensate for tolerances due to manufacturing errors and thermal expansion. Due to manufacturing errors, the drive shaft of the valve actuator and the driven shaft of the exhaust gas valve may be displaced in any one or more of the axial direction, radial direction, and / or angular orientation. Further, the valve member of the exhaust gas generally receives a temperature of several hundred degrees Celsius, but since it is necessary for the valve actuator to operate normally over a long period of time and the ambient temperature is significantly lower than 100°, the driven shaft is subjected to significant thermal stress due to the temperature gradient.

[0003] Exhaust systems designed for performance improvement often feature exhaust gas valves to enhance exhaust noise and engine power characteristics. Most systems have only three settings, depending on whether the valve flap is closed or fully open. Often, the sound is quieter when the valve is closed and louder when it's open. Many car enthusiasts prefer louder sounds. However, exhaust gas valve systems must comply with increasingly stringent homologation regulations. To optimize performance while ensuring compliance, there is a need for precisely controlled exhaust gas valve systems that meet both desirable noise emission and engine performance standards.

[0004] According to EP4008892A1, an improved coupling device and an improved valve system are disclosed, which provide a non-rotatable connection between the coupling rod of the coupling device and a retaining element designed to transmit torque generated by the actuator to the drive shaft of the valve member. This configuration allows for rapid and accurate positioning of the valve, while reducing rattle noise and thermal effects on the components of the valve system.

[0005] While the valve system using EP4008892A1 offers significantly improved reliability, there is still room for further optimization, particularly in terms of reducing rattle noise and improving the torsional rigidity of the coupling device.

[0006] Furthermore, a similar valve system design is shown in US10927797B2. In US10927797B2, a fixed spring end is secured by two forming fixtures that surround and hold the spring end in place, while also surrounding the main rotating shaft. When the actuator is assembled to the clutch, the actuator comes into direct contact with the elements that hold the clutch, i.e., the sheet metal parts.

[0007] In addressing the problem of valve rattle, it was found that high torque needed to be transmitted from the actuator to the valve. High torque, especially when applied for a short period of time, is accompanied by high stress. This type of instantaneous torque release causes high stress on the actuator and its gears, resulting in wear and shortening the lifespan of the parts. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, specifically to provide a valve system and coupling device with improved reliability, in particular, one in which the tendency and occurrence of rattling are reduced and the lifespan of the actuator is extended.

[0009] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0010] Accordingly, a coupling device is provided for connecting the drive shaft of an actuator to the driven shaft of an exhaust gas valve. The actuator may specifically include electric motors, such as stepping motors, servo motors, brushed DC motors, electromagnetically excited DC motors, permanent magnet DC motors, brushless DC motors, switching reluctance motors, torque motors, and synchronous motors. Preferably, the actuator is a servo motor or a stepping motor. The driven shaft of the actuator transmits motion from the actuator to a drive component including an exhaust gas valve. Preferably, the drive shaft is directly coupled to the electromagnetic component of an electric motor, or coupled to the electromagnetic component of the motor via a reduction gear transmission.

[0011] An exhaust gas valve may comprise a valve member, such as a flap, mounted on a driven shaft. The driven shaft is configured to receive rotational motion and / or torque from the actuator's drive shaft and to transmit the torque and / or rotational motion to the valve member. Preferably, the valve member, particularly the valve flap, and the driven shaft are connected to each other so as not to rotate. In other words, the driven shaft and the valve member are connected in a manner that prevents torque. For example, the valve member may be welded to the driven shaft. Alternatively, the valve member and the driven shaft may be forged as a single piece. The valve member of the exhaust gas valve is particularly configured to be movable within a preferably tubular section of the exhaust path. The purpose of this is to selectively open or close the said section of the exhaust path for the transmission of exhaust gas and / or sound. In particular, an exhaust gas valve may include a tubular section of an exhaust system in which a flap is located. The flap is dimensioned to be able to close a cube. The shape of the flap may correspond to the shape of the inner cross-section of the tubular section. The driven shaft is preferably positioned perpendicular to the orientation of the tubular section. The driven shaft may be guided into the tubular section through a sealed opening. The driven shaft defines the shaft axis, around which the valve member can rotate. The drive shaft defines the drive axis. In a preferred embodiment of the valve system, the drive axis and the valve axis are coaxially aligned. Alternatively, the valve axis may be offset relative to the drive axis. In particular, it may be angularly and / or radially offset relative to the drive axis. A valve axis that is offset both radially and angularly relative to the drive axis may be described as oblique to the drive axis.

[0012] The valve member can be positioned within the tubular section at multiple different locations where it completely closes the internal cross-section of the three-dimensional section, or at a location where the obstruction by the valve member to the exhaust gas flowing through the tubular section is minimized. The valve member can be oriented within the tubular section to align with the central line of the tubular section. The purpose of this is to minimize the flow resistance caused by the valve member, particularly the flap, to the exhaust gas. The valve member can be positioned at many different locations, particularly from 0° to 90° relative to the central line of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the valve member relative to the pipe of the exhaust gas valve is continuously, and in particular, infinitely variable.

[0013] The coupling device is provided to transmit motion and / or torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft. The coupling device itself defines the axis of rotation. The coupling device according to this disclosure comprises a torsionally rigid retainer having an axially extending slot. It will be evident that the retainer is sufficiently rigid so that the operation of the exhaust gas valve does not cause deformation of the retainer. The torque transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft via the retainer substantially does not cause deformation of the retainer. The maximum force of the actuator drive unit acting on the torsionally rigid retainer causes less than 1%, particularly less than 0.5%, preferably less than 0.1% deformation of the retainer's axis of rotation. The retainer may be manufactured using one or more different manufacturing methods, including turning, milling, and / or sheet metal bending. The coupling device further comprises a coupling rod received in the slot so as to translate relative to the retainer in the direction of the axis of rotation. The coupling rod may move in the slot parallel to the axis of rotation. The coupling rod is received in the slot with no circumferential play relative to the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the coupling device includes an elastic element, particularly a spring, which biases the coupling rod in the direction of the axis of rotation and has a mounting portion fixed to a retainer. The elastic element may have a first end that is firmly attached to the retainer at the mounting portion of the elastic element. The mounting portion of the elastic element may be the end of a spring. The attachment of the elastic element fixed to the retainer may be, for example, by welding, soldering, molding, forging, bonding, etc. The coupling rod is biased by the elastic element in the direction in which it can translate within the slot. Any displacement of the coupling rod within the slot in a first compression direction and / or a second extension direction parallel to the axis of rotation is offset by the biasing force of the elastic element. The coupling rod may be the second end of the elastic element, for example, a spring. The axis of rotation of the coupling device is the axis around which the components rotate to transmit rotational motion from the drive shaft to the driven shaft. The rotating shaft of the coupling device is preferably oriented to be coaxial with respect to both the drive shaft and the valve shaft, or to be angularly offset with respect to both the drive shaft and the valve shaft but radially aligned (intersecting). The coupling device compensates for the misalignment between the drive shaft of the drive shaft and the valve shaft of the driven shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic element is compressible in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the elastic element is stretchable in the axial direction. The elastic element may include a particularly rod-shaped mounting portion at its first axial end and a connecting rod at its second axial end. The elastic element, particularly a coil spring and the connecting rod, may be formed integrally, preferably as a screw having a constant diameter. The connecting rod and the remaining elastic element, particularly the coil spring, may have a constant screw diameter along the entire length of the screw. In a coupling device having an elastic element with a mounting rod at its mounting end, the mounting rod may also have the same constant screw diameter as the connecting rod. The elastic element, including the mounting rod and the connecting rod, may preferably be formed integrally. In particular, the threaded portion forming the linear connecting rod and the threaded portion forming the linear mounting rod intersect each other, particularly at an angle of 90°. Alternatively, the connecting rod and the mounting rod may be arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, the angle between the connecting rod and the mounting rod is less than 60°, particularly less than 30°, and most preferably less than 10°. Such a coupling device may consist, in particular, of a coupling rod and a coil spring including a rigid retainer.

[0015] In particular, the coupling device may consist of an elastic element, a coupling rod, and a retainer. The rod-shaped mounting portion, i.e., the mounting rod, may be oriented at an angle to the coupling rod, preferably perpendicularly. With respect to the rotation axis of the coupling device, the coupling rod may be oriented in a first transverse direction, and the mounting rod may be oriented in a second transverse direction. By arranging the mounting rod and the coupling rod at an angle to each other, the cardan function of the coupling device can be realized.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connecting rod is capable of rotational motion within the slot by a predetermined tension angle β2 relative to the retainer. This relative rotational motion improves the rattle-free operation of the coupling device. Rag has proven to be a significant problem. In exhaust systems, there are pulses of high-temperature gas emanating from the cylinder, which adversely affect the structure of the valve. The force acting on the assembly inside the valve by these pulses is so strong that it initiates movement around its axis of rotation, causing valve rattle. According to the coupling device of the present invention, this effect is dramatically reduced, and especially prevented, over a wide range of operating conditions. Generally, addressing the problem of valve rattle has been found to require transmitting high torque from the actuator to the valve. However, high torque is accompanied by high stress, especially when high torque is applied for a short period of time. This type of instantaneous torque release generates high stress on the actuator and its gears. To compensate for wear at the most critical valve location, the present invention provides a method that expands the time frame in which maximum torque can be applied, while simultaneously accumulating sufficient torque in the coupling device to compensate for wear and torque loss due to gaps in the assembly during operation.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, a predetermined tension angle β2 is in the range of 5° to 30°, particularly in the range of 7.5° to 25°, in the range of 10° to 20°, in the range of 12.5° to 17.5°, or approximately 15°. Tension angles within the described ranges have been demonstrated to be most effective in counteracting the effects of rattle.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined tension angle is wider than the cross-sectional dimensions of the connecting rod, particularly the diameter of the spring wires forming the connecting rod. By providing a tension angle wider than the cross-sectional dimensions of the connecting rod, it is ensured that rattle is effectively reduced by the tensile angle following the minimum torsional pretensioning motion.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the axial bias of the connecting rod in the direction of the rotation axis is maintained constant during the tension motion of the connecting rod relative to the retainer in the slot. That is, even if further pretensioning motion is performed, the entire coupling device structure remains constant. In particular, since the pretensioning motion can be performed independently of the axial biasing force in the coupling device, damage or side effects due to unintended further axial biasing are prevented.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element comprises a spring, preferably a coil spring, whose diameter increases when the connecting rod rotates within the slot by a predetermined tension angle β2 relative to the retainer. In other words, when the connecting rod rotates within the slot by a predetermined tension angle β2, the spring expands in a direction perpendicular to the translation axis of the connecting device. As a result, the parameters of the spring increase.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention, which may be combined with the above-described aspects and / or preferred embodiments, relates to a valve system comprising: an actuator having a drive shaft and a coupling; an exhaust gas valve having a driven shaft; and a coupling device particularly configured as described above for connecting the driven shaft to the drive shaft.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the above-described aspects and / or preferred embodiments, relates to a valve system comprising: an actuator having a drive shaft and a coupling; an exhaust gas valve having a driven shaft; and a coupling device configured particularly according to the above-described aspects and / or preferred embodiments for connecting the driven shaft to the drive shaft.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the coupling device is configured to transmit torque generated by an actuator to an exhaust gas valve, thereby moving the exhaust gas valve between at least an open and a closed state, wherein the torsional stiffness and / or torque gradient in the open rotation direction differs from that in the closed rotation direction. The valve system may be configured such that the coupling device provides additional tensile motion in the closed direction to ensure higher end-holding torque, thereby eliminating all residual gaps between parts during assembly. A further advantage is that the overall lifespan of the actuator is extended. By providing higher end torque, the effects of rattle can be reduced, and in particular, prevented. When addressing rattle noise and / or effects, it has been found that, unlike conventional coupling devices which aim to have continuous analog values, the torsional stiffness and required torque gradient can be individually adapted and / or flexibly configured.

[0024] In embodiments of the present invention, the torque gradient in the open rotation direction is steeper and preferably continuous than the torque gradient in the closed rotation direction. It has been found that lowering the gradient of the torque curve in the closed direction is beneficial to achieve higher torque holding values ​​at the end positions. Vibrations during exhaust system use tend to reduce end holding torque, but this effect can be compensated for by the torque gradient of the present invention.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the valve system according to the present invention, the torque gradient in the closing rotation direction is smaller when the closing angle is between 0° and a predetermined tension angle β2 than when the closing angle is between β2 and the exhaust gas valve is fully closed. In other words, in the closing direction, the torque gradient curve has two stages of curvature. The first is the response due to the torsional stiffness of the elastic element, and the second is the response due to the torsional stiffness of the elastic element and retainer as a single component. On the one hand, the effects of rattle can be limited, or even prevented. On the other hand, the lifespan of the actuator can be shortened.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention that can be combined with the above-described aspects and preferred embodiments, there is provided a valve system including an actuator having a drive shaft and a connection part, an exhaust gas valve having a driven shaft, and a connection device configured according to one of the above-described aspects and / or preferred embodiments of the present invention for connecting the driven shaft to the drive shaft.

[0027] The connection device has a torsional rigidity retainer and an elastic element biased with respect to the retainer in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft. Further, the torque generated by the actuator is transmitted to the exhaust gas valve through the connection device via three separate torque transmission interfaces of the connection part. One torque transmission interface can be provided between the connection part and the elastic element, particularly by the shape and / or press - fit engagement of the elastic element with the connection part of the actuator. The connection part of the actuator can include an axially extending slot. The end of the elastic element, which can be configured as a spring, can be received therein, so that the torque generated by the torque generating device or the rotating device can be transmitted to the exhaust gas valve via the elastic element. Further, at least one, particularly two additional torque transmission interfaces can be provided between the retainer and the connection part of the actuator. The retainer can be received in the engagement slot of the actuator by shape and / or press - fit and have an engagement part.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element biases the connection device in the rotational direction. In particular, the elastic element includes a first biasing connection device via its rotational direction torsional force. In particular, the elastic element connecting the coil springs can surround the rigid retainer, particularly in a screw - like or spiral shape, and / or can have two ends, one of which is received in a slot configured to provide a holding force against the retainer.

[0029] Further embodiments of the present invention, which can be combined with the embodiments described above and preferred embodiments, provide a method for operating a valve system according to one of the embodiments described above of the further embodiments. The valve system includes an actuator having a drive shaft and a coupling; an exhaust gas valve having a driven shaft; and a coupling device that defines a rotation axis, configured according to one of the embodiments described above and / or preferred embodiments, for connecting the driven shaft to the drive shaft. The coupling device includes a torsionally rigid retainer and an elastic element, particularly in the shape of a coil spring, comprising a coupling rod biased in the direction of the rotation axis and a mounting portion fixed to the retainer. The method of operation comprises the following steps: a) A step of opening the exhaust gas valve by rotating the coupling device and the exhaust gas valve by a predetermined opening angle via an actuator; b) The step of closing the exhaust gas valve by rotating the coupling device and the exhaust gas valve by a predetermined closing angle via an actuator; c) A step of further rotating the coupling device by a predetermined tension angle β2 relative to the front retainer in the direction of the closing angle.

[0030] Valve rattle remains a significant problem. In exhaust systems, pulses of high-temperature gas exiting the cylinders negatively affect the valve structure. The force acting on the internal assembly of the valve due to these pulses is so strong that it initiates movement around its axis of rotation, resulting in valve rattle. According to the coupling device of the present invention, this effect is dramatically reduced, and especially prevented, across a wide range of operating conditions. Generally, addressing the problem of valve rattle has been found to require transmitting high torque from the actuator to the valve. However, high torque is accompanied by high stress, especially when high torque is applied for a short period of time. This type of instantaneous torque release generates high stress on the actuator and its gears. To compensate for wear at the most critical valve locations, the present invention provides a method that expands the time frame in which maximum torque can be applied, while simultaneously accumulating sufficient torque in the coupling device to compensate for wear and torque loss due to gaps in the assembly during operation.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and are described in detail below.

[0032] The following description is made with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals may be used in different drawings to identify the same or successive elements. In the following description, specific structures, functions, etc., are described for illustrative purposes only, not as limitations, to allow for a full understanding of the various embodiments of the claimed invention.

[0033] However, those skilled in the art who have an interest in the disclosure herein will understand that various embodiments of the claimed invention can also be implemented in other embodiments that deviate from these particular details. In certain cases, descriptions of well-known apparatus and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary details. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a valve system according to the present invention, including an actuator, an exhaust gas valve, and a coupling device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the valve system of Figure 1 in a perspective view. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of the coupling device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the elastic elements of the coupling device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the coupling device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows two torque graphs at the end of the coupling device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a further illustration of another embodiment of the coupling device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a further illustration of another embodiment of the coupling device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] In the following description of preferred embodiments of a valve system or coupling device according to the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0036] The coupling device according to the present invention is generally shown by reference numeral 1. The coupling device 1 comprises a torsion rigidity retainer 2 and an elastic element 4 as its main components. The valve system according to the present invention is generally shown by reference numeral 7. The valve system 7 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises an actuator 3, an exhaust gas valve 5, and a coupling device 1 as its main components.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the valve system 7 includes a coupling device 1 positioned between an actuator 3 and an exhaust gas valve 5, which transmits rotational motion from the actuator 3 to the exhaust gas valve 5. The actuator 3 has a drive shaft 31. The exhaust gas valve 5 has a driven shaft 51. The coupling device 1 connects the drive shaft 31 to the driven shaft 51 to transmit force and / or motion from the actuator 3 to the exhaust gas valve.

[0038] The coupling device 1 provides an axial gap to allow for thermal expansion of the exhaust gas valve, etc. In particular, the coupling device 1 may be configured as a cardan element that compensates for the radial offset between the rotation axis A3 of the drive shaft 31 and the rotation axis A5 of the driven shaft 51. That is, if the axis A3 of the actuator 3 is not aligned coaxially with the axis A4 of the exhaust gas valve 5 and is radially offset, such radial offset can be compensated by the coupling device 1.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the valve coupling device 1 may be configured to compensate for the angular offset between the rotation axis A3 of the actuator 3 and the rotation axis A5 of the exhaust gas valve 5. For example, if the rotation axis A5 of the valve is tilted or oblique with respect to the axis A5 of the actuator 5, the coupling device 1 compensates for the misalignment and connects the valve 5 to the actuator 3.

[0040] A first embodiment of the coupling device 1 is shown in cross-sectional views in Figures 3 to 5. In Figure 4, the retainer 2 is not shown for illustrative purposes. In this embodiment, the elastic element 4 of the coupling device 1 is realized as a hollow cylindrical coil spring 41. The coil spring 41 has a first end portion that realizes the mounting portion 42. The second end portion of the coil spring 41 realizes the coupling rod 45.

[0041] The torsional rigidity retainer 2 is connected to the elastic element 4. The retainer 3 consists of a hollow cylindrical body 28 having a stepped diameter. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 28 has a narrow section 81 and a wide section 83. The wall thickness of the cylindrical body 28 is essentially constant.

[0042] The narrow portion 81 includes a circular recess 24. The circular recess 24 can completely surround the mounting portion 42 received therein in the circumferential direction. The mounting portion 42 of the elastic element 4 can be fixed to the retainer 2 by welding. The mounting portion 42 is inserted into the recess 24 of the retainer 2, and the elastic element 4 is fixed in the position of the retainer 2 and the recess 24 that receives the mounting portion 42, preventing relative rotational movement of the mounting portion 42 with respect to the retainer 2. Once the mounting portion 42 of the elastic element 4 is fixed to the retainer 2, only the connecting rod 45 remains movable relative to the retainer 2.

[0043] In the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis A of the coupling device 1, the coupling rod 45 is essentially unable to rotate relative to the retainer 2. The coupling rod 45 is received in the slot 25 of the retainer 2 by shape and / or press-fit. When torque acts on the coupling rod, the coupling rod 45 transmits the torque to the edge 27 of the slot 25. The edges 27 of the slot 25 are arranged facing each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis A and are distanced from each other by a distance that defines the width of the slot 25. Since the elastic element is fixed to the retainer 2 at its mounting portion 42 by, for example, welding, bonding, overmolding, etc., and the coupling rod 45 is received in the slot 25, torque acting on the coupling rod 45 or the mounting portion 42 due to external influence is transmitted to the torsionally rigid retainer. The axial range of the slot 25 within the cylindrical body 28 of the retainer 2 is less than 10 times, preferably less than 5 times, and more preferably less than 3 times the axial width, preferably less than the diameter, of the coupling rod 45. The axial range of the slot 25 at the bottom of the retainer 2 is less than half the axial range of the retainer 2. In the assembled state of the coupling device 1, preferably in the assembled state of the valve system 7, the coupling rod 45 is fully received in the slot 24 in the direction of the rotation axis A. It will be clear that the terms “direction of the rotation axis” and “axial” are used synonymously in this disclosure.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, key features of the present invention for reducing rattle are illustrated. The slot 25, in which the connecting rod 45 is received, extends over a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction in addition to its axial range. This predetermined distance is particularly wider than the cross-sectional dimensions of the connecting rod 45 realized by the wires of the coil spring 41 by at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 150%, or at least 200%. By providing a circumferential slot range, the connecting rod 45 is rotatable within the slot 25 by a predetermined tension angle β2 relative to the retainer 2. This tension angle β2 is defined by the circumferential range of the slot 25. As a result, the torsional stiffness and / or torque gradient in the first rotational direction, specifically the open rotational direction, differs from the torsional stiffness and / or torque gradient in the second rotational direction, specifically the closed rotational direction. The closed rotational direction is denoted by reference numeral βc, and the open rotational direction by reference numeral βo.

[0045] The behavior of the valve system 7 of the present invention, particularly the coupling device of the present invention, is shown in the torque graph of Figure 6. The graph on the left shows the torque behavior when the valve flap is already in the fully open position, and the graph on the right shows the torque behavior when the valve flap is already in the fully closed position. When the actuator provides the opening torque before a predetermined time slot (until T1), the actuator initially overcomes the frictional resistance inside the valve, so no rotational motion occurs. Once the friction inside the valve is overcome, the valve flap opens fully (T1). No further rotational motion occurs after this point. However, the actuator reduces its maximum opening torque (β) in order to apply a bias force / pretensioning force. open is β end open (Compatible with)

[0046] Referring to the torque graph on the right, which shows the rotational motion of the valve flap closing, the actuator, here again, initially overcomes the friction inside the valve and then completely closes the valve flap (T1). As seen in the graph on the right in Figure 6, the rotational motion of closing has a stepped torque gradient. In the first phase (β2), the torque gradient is at the end phase (β) of the closing operation.endclosed The torque graph is smaller than that in the first closing phase (β2), but β endclosed - In this phase, the torsional stiffness of the retainer and the elastic elements of the unit is active. Realizing this type of behavior in the coupling device can extend the life of the actuator. By achieving this high torque transmission, the time frame in which the maximum torque gradient can be applied is expanded, and at the same time, because sufficient torque is present in the coupling device 1, rattle problems can be reduced or prevented by compensating for friction and torque loss caused by gaps that appear in the assembly during operation.

[0047] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, it is shown that the coil spring 41 engages with the retainer 2 on one side (Figure 7) and with the drive shaft 31 of the actuator 3 on the other side (Figure 8). As described above, the connecting rod 45 is received in the slot 25 so that pretensioning operation is possible within the range of the pretensioning angle β2. In Figure 8, the engagement of the mounting portion of the coil spring 41 in the recess 24 of the connecting portion 31 of the actuator 3 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0048] In Figure 8, a further aspect of the present invention is highlighted with respect to a separate torque transmission interface. A torque transmission interface for transmitting torque generated by the actuator 3 to the exhaust gas valve 5 via the coupling device 1 is provided by two radially opposing contact lines 72 of the coupling device 1. The mounting portion 42 of the elastic element 4 is seated on the engaging portion 33 of the drive shaft 31 of the actuator 3. A single contact line 71 is realized between the mounting portion 42 and the drive shaft 31. The engaging portion 33 of the drive shaft 31 extends into the coupling device 1 between the engaging portions 33 and firmly grips the edge of the bridge portion 20a of the retainer.

[0049] The features disclosed in the above description, the drawings, and the claims may be important, either individually or in combination, for realizing different embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] 1 Coupling device 2 Torsional rigidity retainer 3 Actuators 4 Elastic elements 5. Exhaust gas valve 7-valve system 20a Bridge section 21 holes 24 recesses 25 slots 27 Edge 28 Cylindrical body 31 Drive shaft 33 Engaging part 41 Coil spring 42 Mounting part 45 connecting rods 51 Driven shaft 71 Contact Line 72 Contact lines 81 Narrow part 83 Wide section A-axis β angle

Claims

1. A coupling device (1) for connecting the drive shaft (31) of an actuator (3) to the driven shaft (51) of an exhaust gas valve (5), wherein the coupling device (1) defines a rotating shaft (A), A torsionally rigid retainer (2) having an axially extending slot (25), A connecting rod (45) is received in the slot (25) so as to translate relative to the retainer (2) in the direction of the rotation axis (A), An elastic element (4) that biases the connecting rod (45) in the direction of the rotation axis (A), the elastic element (4) having a mounting portion (42) fixed to the retainer (2), Equipped with, The connecting rod (45) is positioned within the slot (25) at a predetermined tension angle (β) relative to the retainer (2). ２ ) Only rotational motion is possible. Coupling device (1).

2. The predetermined tension angle (β2) is in the range of 5° to 30°, particularly in the range of 7.5° to 25°, in the range of 10° to 20°, in the range of 12.5° to 17.5°, or approximately 15°. The coupling device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined tension angle (β2) is wider than the cross-sectional dimensions of the connecting rod (45), particularly the diameter of the spring wire forming the connecting rod (45). The coupling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The axial bias of the connecting rod (45) in the direction of the rotation axis (A) is maintained constant during the tensile motion of the connecting rod (45) relative to the retainer (2) within the slot (25). The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The elastic element (4) comprises a spring, preferably a coil spring, whose diameter increases when the connecting rod (45) rotates within the slot (25) relative to the retainer (2) by the predetermined tension angle (β2). A coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An actuator (3) having a drive shaft (31) and a connecting portion, An exhaust gas valve (5) having a driven shaft (51), The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driven shaft (51) is connected to the drive shaft (31), A valve system (7) equipped with the following:

7. An actuator (3) having a drive shaft (31) and a connecting portion, An exhaust gas valve (5) having a driven shaft (51), A coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driven shaft (51) is connected to the drive shaft (31), and the coupling device (1) is configured to transmit the torque generated by the actuator (3) to the exhaust gas valve (5) to move the exhaust gas valve (5) between at least one open state and a closed state, In particular, in the valve system (7) according to claim 6, The torsional rigidity and / or torque gradient in the open rotation direction is different from the torsional rigidity and / or torque gradient in the closed rotation direction. Valve system (7).

8. The torque gradient in the open rotation direction is steeper than the torque gradient in the closed rotation direction, and preferably continuous. The valve system (7) according to claim 7.

9. Between a closing angle of 0° and a predetermined tension angle (β2), the torque gradient in the closing rotation direction is smaller than that between a closing angle of β2 and the fully closed state of the exhaust gas valve (5). The valve system (7) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. An actuator (3) having a drive shaft (31) and a connecting portion, An exhaust gas valve (5) having a driven shaft (51), A coupling device (1) for connecting the driven shaft (51) to the drive shaft (31), the coupling device (1) having a torsion rigidity retainer (2) and an elastic element (4) that is biased with respect to the retainer (2) in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (31), A valve system (7) according to one of claims 6 to 9, comprising: The torque generated by the actuator (3) is transmitted to the coupling device (1) via the three separate torque transmission interfaces of the coupling portion and the coupling device (1). Valve system (7).

11. The elastic element (4) biases the coupling device (1) in the direction of rotation. In particular, the elastic element (4) includes a coil spring (41) that biases the connecting device (1) in the direction of rotation via its torsional force. The valve system (7) according to one of claims 6 to 10.

12. A method for operating a valve system (7) as described in one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the valve system (7) comprises an actuator (3) having a drive shaft (31) and a connecting portion, an exhaust gas valve (5) having a driven shaft (51), and a coupling device (1) as described in one of claims 1 to 5, which connects the driven shaft (51) to the drive shaft (31) and defines a rotating shaft (A), wherein the coupling device (1) comprises a torsion rigidity retainer (2) and an elastic element (4) in the shape of a coil spring (41), the elastic element (4) comprising a connecting rod (45) biased in the direction of the rotating shaft (A) and a mounting portion (42) fixed to the retainer (2), a) The step of opening the exhaust gas valve (5) by rotating the coupling device (1) and the exhaust gas valve (5) by a predetermined opening angle via the actuator (3), b) The step of closing the exhaust gas valve (5) by rotating the coupling device (1) and the exhaust gas valve (5) by a predetermined closing angle via the actuator (3), c) The coupling device (1) is positioned relative to the retainer (2) at a predetermined tension angle (β) in the direction of the closing angle. ２ ) and the step of rotating it further, A method for providing this.

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