Valve drive system

Abstract

To provide a method of measuring an axial and / or rotational position of at least one operation contour for operating at least one operation means of a valve of an internal combustion engine by a valve train device.SOLUTION: A valve train device 1 includes at least one shaft, where a prescribed number of operation contours 4 for operating at least one operation means of a valve of an internal combustion engine is arranged on the at least one shaft in a relatively nonrotatable manner. A sensor unit 5 with a prescribed number of sensors 6 is provided, and each sensor 6 of the prescribed number of sensors 6 has a spatial sensing area for sensing a physical quantity. In at least one axial position, at least one operation contour 4 of the prescribed number of operation contours 4 is arranged at least in part in the spatial sensing area of at least one sensor 6 of the prescribed number of sensors 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve drive having at least one shaft, on which a number of actuating contours for actuating at least one actuating means of a valve of an internal combustion engine are arranged in a rotationally immovable manner, and a sensor unit is provided with a number of sensors, each of which has a spatial detection area for detecting a physical quantity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an internal combustion engine having at least one valve and at least one valve drive, and to a motorcycle equipped with an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the axial and / or rotational position of at least one actuating contour for actuating at least one actuating means of a valve of an internal combustion engine by means of a valve drive. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art is known for valve trains with actuating profiles, in particular cams, that are axially movable and non-rotatably attached to a shaft (camshaft). Typically, at least two actuating profiles are arranged on the slide in different axial regions, whereby these actuating profiles differ from one another. By axially moving the slide and the actuating profiles arranged on it, one of the at least two actuating profiles can be engaged with an actuating means of the engine valve. The various actuating profiles allow the actuating means of the engine valve to be actuated in different ways depending on the active actuating profile. In particular, two actuating profiles that differ from one another in terms of the phase angle can be realized.

[0003] When the first operating contour is engaged, the engine valve can be opened to a greater extent or for a longer period than when the second operating contour is engaged. Only one operating contour may be provided, in which case the engine valve operating means is either operated by the operating contour or not operated at all.

[0004] German Patent Application No. 10 2011 056 833 A1 discloses a valve drive for an internal combustion engine. The valve drive includes a shaft and first and second slide members arranged on the shaft, non-rotatably but axially movable relative to the shaft. A transmitter wheel with a different number of tongues is arranged on each of the first and second slide members. A transmitter wheel with a gap is arranged on the shaft. Depending on the axial position of the slide members, different tongues are retracted into the gap. A sensor arranged on the transmitter wheel with a gap can contactlessly measure the axial position of the first and second slide members by evaluating the gap / tang pattern. This can be advantageously achieved using only one sensor. The radial position of the shaft can also be measured.

[0005] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0303873 discloses a valve train for an internal combustion engine, which includes a slide with two actuation contours. Two side-by-side, different signal contours are arranged on the slide, and these signal contours are located within the detection area of ​​a sensor. The sensor can determine which actuation contour is active. A separate sensor is arranged on the shaft (camshaft), which can measure the phase of the shaft relative to the crankshaft.

[0006] Single channel sensors are also known which have a separate mechanical profile on the slide, which allows the position of the slide to be detected.

[0007] The disadvantage of the prior art is that a transmission profile must be provided or a separate mechanical device mounted on the slide element is required, which is not always possible due to lack of space, especially when used in motorcycle engines. Furthermore, a large number of components are required, which increases costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving and component-saving means which makes it possible to measure the rotational and / or axial position of an actuating contour for actuating at least one actuating means of a valve of an internal combustion engine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by claims 1, 23, 24 and 25.

[0010] According to the invention, it is provided that at least one operating contour of the predetermined number of operating contours is arranged at least partially in at least one axial position within the spatial detection area of ​​at least one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors.

[0011] The presence of the at least one control contour in the spatial detection area of ​​the at least one sensor can be detected based on the at least one axial position of the at least one control contour, and the axial position of the at least one control contour can be inferred.

[0012] Furthermore, the shape of the control contour can be determined by analyzing the time course of the physical quantity caused by the rotation of the control contour, as different shapes of the control contour can, for example, result in different pulse widths in the time course of the signal associated with the physical quantity.

[0013] It is also possible to measure the rotational position of the actuation contour, for example by the amplitude of a physical quantity, or the phase of the actuation contour relative to the crankshaft, for example by the position in time of the pulses.

[0014] It is preferably provided that the spatial detection area of ​​at least one of the predetermined number of sensors is arranged in a defined axial area, so that the axial positions of the predetermined number of control contours can be inferred by detecting the presence of the control contours in the detection area.

[0015] The detection area may be more limited than the physically possible detection area. Preferably, the spatial detection area of ​​at least one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors may be defined to correspond to a spatial area in which the presence of at least one operating contour results in a measurement of a physical quantity exceeding a defined threshold. The measurement of whether the threshold is exceeded or not can be carried out in particular in the evaluation unit.

[0016] The number of sensors and / or operating contours may be one, two or more.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least one slide element is supported on the shaft so as to be axially movable but not rotatable relative to the shaft, and the predetermined number of operating contours are arranged on the at least one slide element, in particular so that the operating contours of the predetermined number of operating contours are supported so as not to be movable relative to each other.

[0018] Alternatively, it may be provided that the shaft is movably supported relative to the actuation means of the valves of the internal combustion engine, the predetermined number of actuation contours being arranged on the shaft, preferably directly.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, each of the actuation contours of the number of actuation contours can contact at least one actuation means of a valve of the internal combustion engine in at least one axial position, and by taking up different axial positions, different actuation contours can actuate the actuation means, thereby enabling different actuations of the valve of the internal combustion engine.

[0020] It is preferably provided that the sensor unit is arranged in a fixed position relative to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, so that by shifting a certain number of actuation contours, different actuation contours can be engaged with the actuation means in each case.

[0021] It may be provided that a certain number of sensors are arranged on a common printed circuit board provided in the sensor units and / or in a common housing of the sensor units, which results in a particularly compact and inexpensive design.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one of the predetermined number of operating contours is arranged in at least one axial position and at least one rotational position at a distance of less than 10 millimeters, preferably less than 5 millimeters, particularly preferably less than 2.5 millimeters, from at least one of the predetermined number of sensors. In this position, the operating contour is preferably within the detection field of this sensor. This distance can be achieved in a rotational position in which the "nose" of the operating contour is arranged facing the sensor.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one sensor of the number of sensors is formed as a contactless sensor, the physical quantity detected by the sensor being, for example, an electromagnetic field, such as a magnetic field, an electric field or an electromagnetic wave.

[0024] Preferably, at least one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors may be configured as a magnetic field sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, in which case the magnetic field generated by and / or influenced by the at least one operating contour is preferably detectable within the detection area of ​​the at least one sensor.

[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment, the presence and / or shape and / or rotational position and / or phase of at least one operating contour of the predetermined number of operating contours may be detectable within the detection area of ​​one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors by this sensor, in particular together with the evaluation unit.

[0026] Detecting the "presence" of at least one operating contour means determining whether the operating contour is located within the detection area.

[0027] Detection of the "shape" of at least one manipulation contour makes it possible to infer which manipulation contour is located within the detection area.

[0028] The detection of the "rotational position" of at least one actuation profile makes it possible to deduce the rotational position of the actuation profile, in particular relative to the crankshaft. In particular, the rotational position may be a static rotational position.

[0029] "Phase" means the phase of rotation of a (cam) shaft relative to, for example, a crankshaft.

[0030] It may be provided that by means of the at least one sensor a physical quantity can be measured which changes in relation to the presence and / or shape and / or rotational position and / or phase of at least one operating contour located within the detection area.

[0031] In particular, it is provided that a signal related to a physical quantity, preferably an electrical signal, can be transmitted to an evaluation unit, by which the signal, in particular its time course, can be evaluated.

[0032] The evaluation unit may be configured to deduce the axial and / or rotational position of the at least one manipulation contour, preferably by evaluating the intensity and / or pulse length of the signal.

[0033] For example, the presence of a defined signal intensity, in particular an average or maximum value, allows the presence of an operating contour in the detection area and thus the axial position of the operating contour, and also the rotational position of at least one operating contour, to be inferred, since the signal intensity may increase or decrease depending on the rotational position.

[0034] For example, the pulse length of the signal can be used to infer the shape of the actuation contour, which can then be determined to determine which actuation contour is located in the detection area, and the pulse length can also be used to infer the phase of the actuation contour relative to, for example, the crankshaft.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the axial distance between two sensors of the predetermined number of sensors is greater than the axial width of at least one operating contour of the predetermined number of operating contours, thereby providing a "dead zone" between two detection areas. Due to the axial distance from at least one operating contour, an operating contour can be located between two detection areas without being detected.

[0036] In particular, in such a situation, two operating contours may be provided, whereby a first operating contour is located in the detection area of ​​the sensor and a second operating contour is located in the dead area.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the axial distance between two sensors of the predetermined number of sensors is smaller than the axial width of two adjacently arranged operating contours of the predetermined number of operating contours.

[0038] This prevents two operating contours from occupying a dead area between two detection areas.

[0039] It may be provided that if the presence of an operating contour is detected in its detection area by at least two sensors, preferably by both sensors, an error message can be issued by the evaluation unit for the sensor signals.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous when two operating contours are provided side by side and the detection areas of the two sensors are spaced apart by a distance less than the axial width of the two operating contours. In this case, there are intermediate positions with errors in which one operating contour is at least partially located within the detection area. In these intermediate positions, both sensors detect the presence of an operating contour in their detection area.

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the predetermined number of operating contours provide for a first axial position and a second axial position to be occupied for the sensor unit, in particular the first axial position and the second axial position to be occupied during normal operation, and only in the error-containing function mode can axial positions between the first and second axial positions be occupied.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, it is provided that at least one of the predetermined number of operating contours is located within a detection area of ​​at least one of the predetermined number of sensors at a first axial position and is located outside the detection area of ​​the at least one sensor at a second axial position, and by measuring the presence of the at least one operating contour in the detection area, the axial position can be inferred.

[0043] It is particularly preferred that the number of sensors includes, in particular consists of, a first sensor with a first detection area and a second sensor with a second detection area, where the first and second sensors are arranged in such a way that the first and second detection areas occupy at least partially different spatial areas, i.e., the presence of an operating contour can be detected in multiple areas.

[0044] In a possible embodiment, at least one operating contour of the predetermined number of operating contours is located within the detection area of ​​the first sensor at the first axial position and within the detection area of ​​the second sensor at the second axial position.

[0045] In yet another preferred embodiment, the predetermined number of operating devices includes a first operating device and a second operating device, where it is particularly preferred that the shape of the first operating device is different from the shape of the second operating device.

[0046] In a possible embodiment, the second operating contour is arranged within the detection area of ​​at least one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors at a first axial position, and the first operating contour is arranged within the detection area of ​​this at least one sensor at a second axial position.

[0047] In yet another particularly preferred embodiment, the first operating contour is arranged within the detection area of ​​the first sensor at the first axial position and / or the second operating contour is arranged outside the detection area of ​​the second sensor at the first axial position.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, it may be specified that the second operating contour is within the detection area of ​​the second sensor at the second axial position and / or that the first operating contour is outside the detection area of ​​the first sensor at the second axial position.

[0049] If the first sensor detects the presence of one operating contour (first operating contour), it can be inferred that a first axial position is present. Furthermore, it may be provided that the second sensor does not need to detect the presence of an operating contour to determine that a first axial position is present.

[0050] If the second sensor detects the presence of one operating contour (second operating contour), it can be inferred that a second axial position is present. Furthermore, it may be provided that the first sensor does not need to detect the presence of an operating contour to determine that a second axial position is present.

[0051] If the presence of one operating contour (first operating contour or second operating contour) is detected by both the first and second sensors, an erroneous intermediate position is present and an error notification can be sent and / or the engine can be stopped.

[0052] In particular in the context of the preceding paragraph, the second operating contour may be in contact with the at least one operating means in the first axial position and / or the first operating contour may be in contact with the at least one operating means in the second axial position.

[0053] In particular, the actuating means is arranged in the axial region between the two sensors, in particular in the axial region between the detection areas of the two sensors, whereby the active actuating contour for actuating the actuating means is an actuating contour that is not located in the detection area.

[0054] In particular, the method according to the invention for determining the axial and / or rotational position of at least one actuating contour for actuating at least one actuating means of a valve of an internal combustion engine by means of a valve drive according to any one of claims 1 to 22 comprises the following method steps: - detecting at least one physical quantity, in particular a magnetic field, by at least one sensor of the predetermined number of sensors, and influencing this at least one physical quantity by an operating contour located in the spatial detection area of ​​the at least one sensor, in particular by the presence, shape, phase and / or rotational position of the operating contour; - at least one sensor sending a signal, preferably an electrical signal, to an evaluation unit in relation to at least one detected physical quantity; - evaluating the signal, preferably the intensity and / or at least one pulse length of the signal, by an evaluation unit; - estimating the axial position and / or rotational position and / or phase of at least one manipulation contour; is stipulated.

[0055] Further embodiments and details can be seen from the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a valve drive device including a sensor unit and a slide member. [Figure 2a] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve drive device having a sensor unit with two sensors and a slide member with two operating contours. [Figure 2b] 2b is another cross-sectional view of an alternative valve drive shown in FIG. 2a. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B show a valve drive with a sensor unit having two sensors and a slide member with two operating contours in a first axial position and in a second axial position; [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with one operating profile and one sensor; [Figure 4b] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with one operating profile and two sensors; [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with two operating contours and one centralized sensor. [Figure 5b] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with two actuation profiles and one distributed sensor; [Figure 6a] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with two operating contours and two sensors spaced apart from one another; [Figure 6b] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve drive with two actuation profiles and two distributed sensors; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve drive device 1 including a sensor unit 5 and a slide member 3. As shown in FIG.

[0058] The slide member 3 has serrations 2 on the inside, and the serrations 2 enable the slide member 3 to be supported on a shaft (or camshaft, not shown) so as to be non-rotatable relative to the shaft but movable in the axial direction.

[0059] The slide element 3 has a number of actuating contours 4, by means of which actuating means 7 of the valves of the internal combustion engine can be actuated. In particular, the actuating contours 4 are formed as cams with projections.

[0060] 2a to 6b, two operating contours 41, 42 are provided at a first end of the slide member 3. Furthermore, another pair of operating contours 10 are provided at a second end of the slide member 3.

[0061] Instead of being arranged on the slide element 3 as shown in Figure 1, the operating contour 4 can in principle also be arranged directly on the shaft, in which case the shaft can be supported so as to be axially movable.

[0062] In both cases, the operating contour 4 can be moved axially with the slide member 3 or can be moved with the shaft.

[0063] The slide member 3 has a switching gate 9, and by using this switching gate 9 the slide member 3 can be moved between two axial positions A1 and A2 by means of, for example, a switching pin (not shown).

[0064] 1 also shows a sensor unit 5. This sensor unit 5 is arranged next to the slide 3, and the side of the sensor unit 5 facing the slide 3 has a number of sensors 6. The sensor unit 5 has a housing in which the number of sensors 6 is arranged. By corresponding, preferably electrical, connection means, the sensor unit 5 is connected to a central control unit, for example, of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

[0065] In particular, the at least one sensor 6 is directed towards the operating contours 4 , 41 , 42 , so that these operating contours can be arranged within the detection area 8 of the at least one sensor 6 .

[0066] The other operating contour 10 is not located within the detection area 8 of the sensor 6 and is therefore not detected. Detection of the other operating contour 10 is not necessarily required, since the axial positions A1, A2 of the slide member 3 can be determined by detecting only the operating contours 4, 41, 42.

[0067] Figure 2a shows a cross-section of the device shown in Figure 1. As can be seen from this cross-section, the two control contours 41, 42 have different shapes, so that the strength or phase of the control of the control means 7 (not shown) differs depending on which control contour is active.

[0068] The sensor unit includes two sensors 6, namely a first sensor 61 and a second sensor 62. The sensors 61 and 62 are arranged on a common printed circuit board 11 and are arranged inside a common housing 12.

[0069] Figure 2b shows another alternative cross-sectional view of the object shown in Figure 2a, from which the shape of the operating contour 41 can be seen.

[0070] Additionally, the operating contour 10 located behind it can be seen. The operating contour 10 has the same shape as the operating contour 42, which is not visible in the drawing. This operating contour has a different shape from the operating contour 41 shown in cross section, and in particular its radial extension is made larger.

[0071] In this rotational position, the operating contour 41 has a minimum distance from the sensor 61 arranged in the sensor unit 5 .

[0072] Due to the same axial arrangement, the operating contour 41 is located within the detection area 81 of the sensor 61 .

[0073] 3 shows two axial positions A1 and A2 of the number of actuating contours 4 (and of the slide element 3) relative to the sensor unit 5. The sensor unit 5 is preferably arranged in a fixed position relative to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.

[0074] The upper diagram in FIG. 3 shows a first axial position A1.

[0075] The first operating contour 41 and the first sensor 61 are arranged in a first axial region B1, whereby the first operating contour is located within a detection region 81 of the sensor 61.

[0076] The second actuation contour 42 is located in a second axial region B2, in which no sensors are arranged, and in which actuation means 7 (not shown in FIG. 3) for actuating a valve of the internal combustion engine are arranged.

[0077] Thereby, in the assembled state, the second operating contour 42 is in contact with the operating means 7 in the first axial position A1, at least in defined rotational positions.

[0078] At the first axial position of the predetermined number of operation contours 4, no operation contour is arranged in the third axial region B3, and therefore the sensor 62 arranged in this axial region B3 does not detect the operation contour 4.

[0079] The first axial position A1 can be summarized as follows: the second operating contour 42 is the active operating contour in contact with the operating means 7, a first sensor 61 detects the presence and possibly the shape, phase and / or rotational position of a first operating contour 41; The second sensor 62 does not detect the operating contour 4.

[0080] The lower diagram in FIG. 3 shows a second axial position A2.

[0081] The first sensor 61 is arranged in the first axial region B1, so that the first sensor 61 does not detect the operating contour 4.

[0082] The first actuating contour 41 is arranged in a second axial region B2, in which no sensors are arranged, and in which actuating means 7 (not shown in FIG. 3) for actuating a valve of the internal combustion engine are arranged.

[0083] Thereby, in the assembled state, the first operating contour 41 is in contact with the operating means 7 in the second axial position A2, at least in a defined rotational position.

[0084] At the second axial position A2, the second operation contour 42 is disposed in the third axial region B3. Therefore, the sensor 62 disposed in this axial region B3 detects the second operation contour 42.

[0085] The second axial position A2 can be summarized as follows: the first operating contour 41 is the active operating contour in contact with the operating means 7, a second sensor 62 detects the presence and possibly the shape, phase and / or rotational position of the second operating contour 42; The first sensor 61 does not detect the operating contour 4.

[0086] In principle, only one of the sensors 61, 62 would be sufficient to measure the axial positions A1, A2, the two sensor configuration providing redundancy.

[0087] At intermediate positions (not shown) between the first axial position A1 and the second axial position A2, the first actuation contour 41 may enter the detection area 81 of the first sensor 61, and the second actuation contour 42 may enter the detection area 82 of the second sensor 62. Thus, both sensors 61, 62 can detect the presence of an actuation contour. If this state occurs not only during short shifting processes, an incorrect position is present. Based on the double detection signal, an error message can be triggered or the engine can be automatically shut down.

[0088] The sensors 61, 62 are arranged such that the spatial detection regions 81, 82 are located in defined predetermined axial sections.

[0089] For example, the detection area 81 of the sensor 61 or the detection area 82 of the sensor 62 may include the axial area B1 or B3. In particular, it is desirable that the detection area 81 of the sensor 61 or the detection area 82 of the sensor 62 does not extend into the axial area B2.

[0090] The detection area 81 of the sensor 61 and the detection area 82 of the sensor 62 are also defined in the radial direction, in particular so that at least one "nose" of the operating contour 41 or 42 is detectable.

[0091] The sensitivity of the sensors 61, 62 can be adjusted to the respective dimensions, for example the minimum spacing of the operating contour relative to the sensor.

[0092] 4a to 6b show schematic diagrams of various arrangements of the sensors 6, 61, 62 and the actuating contours 4, 41, 42. A first axial position A1 is shown in the upper diagram, and a second axial position A2 is shown in the lower diagram. Axial regions B1 and B2 (FIGS. 4a and 4b) or axial regions B1, B2 and B3 (FIGS. 5a to 6b) are indicated by dashed-dotted lines (not shown for the sake of clarity). An actuating means 7 for actuating a valve of an internal combustion engine is shown diagrammatically as a pentagon.

[0093] The arrangement shown in FIG. 6a illustrates the situation in FIG.

[0094] FIG. 4a shows one operating contour 4 and one sensor 6, where the sensor 6 and the operating means 7 are arranged in a first axial region B1.

[0095] In the first axial position A1, the operating contour 4 is located in a first axial region B1, whereby the operating contour 4 is located in the detection region 8 of the sensor 6. The operating contour 4 is active, i.e. engaged with the operating means 7.

[0096] In the second axial position A2, the operating contour 4 is located in the second axial region B2 and is therefore neither detected by the sensor 6 nor active.

[0097] A first axial position A1 is present when the operating contour 4 is detected by the sensor 6. If the operating contour 4 is not detected, a second axial position A2 is present.

[0098] The rotational position, phase and / or shape of the manipulation contour can only be measured when the manipulation contour is active.

[0099] In Fig. 4b, an additional sensor 62 is arranged in the second axial region B2. This allows the rotational position and / or shape of the actuation contour 4 to be measured at both axial positions A1 and A2. Furthermore, if both sensors 61, 62 detect the presence of the actuation contour 4, erroneous intermediate positions can be detected.

[0100] The actuating means 7 can be actuated in the first axial position A1 but not in the second axial position A2 using one movable actuating contour 4. The valve is therefore not actuated in the second axial position A2 and remains, for example, permanently closed.

[0101] Typically, different actuations of the valve are desired. For this purpose, two actuation contours 41, 42 having different shapes may be provided. The two actuation contours 41, 42 may be arranged directly next to each other. This is the situation shown in Figures 5a to 6b, but also in Figures 1 to 3.

[0102] 5a to 6b, at the first axial position A1, the first operating contour 41 is disposed in the first axial region B1, and the second operating contour 42 is disposed in the second axial region B2. At the second axial position A2, the first operating contour 41 is disposed in the second axial region B2, and the second operating contour 42 is disposed in the third axial region B3. The second axial region B2 is located between the first axial region B1 and the third axial region B3.

[0103] Since the operating means 7 is arranged in the central second axial region B2, the second operating contour 42 is active at the first axial position A1 and the first operating contour 41 is active at the second axial position A2.

[0104] 5a shows a situation with two actuation contours 41, 42 and one sensor 6. The sensor 6 is arranged in the central second axial region B2, so that the sensor 6 detects the actuation contour 41, 42 that is currently active.

[0105] In this arrangement, the sensor 6 must be able to distinguish between the two actuation contours 41, 42 in order to measure the axial position A1 or A2. This can be done by evaluating the sensor signal, in particular by evaluating the pulse width of the sensor signal. In principle, intermediate positions containing errors can also be detected, but this detection requires complex signal processing.

[0106] Preferably, the measurement of the axial positions A1, A2 is linked to detecting the presence of the operating contours 41, 42 and not, for example, to the shape of the operating contours 41, 42.

[0107] For this purpose, in Fig. 5b, the sensor 6 is arranged in a first axial region B1. At a first axial position A1, the sensor 6 detects the presence of the first operating contour 41. At a second axial position A2, the sensor does not detect the operating contour 42. This makes it easier to measure the axial positions A1, A2.

[0108] The disadvantage is that the detection of the erroneous intermediate position is extremely difficult and requires a complex analysis of the signal. Moreover, the detection is not redundant.

[0109] 6a, two sensors 61, 62 are provided, which are arranged at a distance from each other that is greater than the width of one of the operating contours 41 or 42 and less than the width of both operating contours 41 and 42. In particular, the first sensor 61 is arranged in the first axial region B1 and the second sensor 62 is arranged in the third axial region B3.

[0110] This corresponds to the configuration described with reference to Fig. 3. With this sensor arrangement, redundant measurement of the axial positions A1, A2 is possible based on the presence measurement of the operating element. Furthermore, erroneous intermediate positions can be detected based on the presence measurement of the operating element.

[0111] A first axial position A1 exists when the first sensor 61 detects the operating contour 4 and the second sensor 62 does not detect the operating contour 4. A second axial position A2 exists when the first sensor 61 does not detect the operating contour 4 and the second sensor 62 detects the operating contour 4. If both sensors 61, 62 detect the operating contour 4, an intermediate position including an error can optionally be measured.

[0112] 6b shows yet another embodiment, in which a first sensor 61 is arranged in a first axial region B1 and a second sensor 62 is arranged in a second axial region B2. The measurement of intermediate positions, including errors, is not readily possible by simple presence measurements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Valve drive system 2 serrations 3 Slide member 4 Operation Contour 41 First operating contour 42 Second operating contour 5 Sensor Unit 6 sensors 61 First Sensor 62 Second Sensor 7 Operating means 8 Detection Area 81 Detection area of ​​first sensor 82 Second sensor detection area 9 Switching Gate 10 Undetectable operating contours 11 Printed wiring board 12 Housing A1 First axial position A2 Second axial position B1 First axial region B2 Second axial region B3 Third axial region

Claims

1. A valve drive (1) having at least one shaft, wherein a plurality of actuating contours (4) for actuating at least one actuating means (7) of a valve of an internal combustion engine are arranged on the at least one shaft so as not to be rotatable relative to the at least one shaft, and a sensor unit (5) having a plurality of sensors (6), each of the sensors (6) having a spatial detection area (8) for detecting a physical quantity, at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is at least partially arranged in the spatial detection area (8) of at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) at at least one axial position (A1, A2), - at least one slide element (3) is supported on said shaft so as to be axially movable and non-rotatable relative to said shaft, said operating contours (4) being arranged on said at least one slide element (3); and / or - said shaft is supported so as to be movable relative to said actuating means (7) of a valve of an internal combustion engine, said actuating contours (4) being arranged on said shaft; 1. The method according to claim 1, wherein an error signal can be issued by an evaluation unit of the sensor signals if at least two sensors (6) detect the presence of an operating contour (4) within their detection area (8). Valve drive system (1).

2. The spatial detection area (8) of the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is - arranged in a defined axial region, and / or - corresponds to a spatial region in which the presence of at least one operating contour (4) causes the measurement of a physical quantity to exceed a defined threshold value; The valve drive (1) according to claim 1.

3. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of actuation contours (4) is in contact with the at least one actuation means (7) of a valve of an internal combustion engine in at least one axial position (A1, A2) and at least one rotational position.

4. 2. The valve drive (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) is arranged in a fixed position relative to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.

5. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (6) are arranged on a common printed circuit board (11) provided in the sensor unit (5) and / or are arranged in a common housing (12) of the sensor unit (5).

6. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is arranged at a distance of less than 10 millimeters from the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) in at least one axial position (A1, A2) and in at least one rotational position.

7. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is arranged at a distance of less than 5 millimeters from the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) in at least one axial position (A1, A2) and in at least one rotational position.

8. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is arranged at a distance of less than 2.5 millimeters from the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) in at least one axial position (A1, A2) and in at least one rotational position.

9. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is configured as a contactless sensor and / or the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is configured as a magnetic field sensor.

10. 10. The valve drive (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is configured as a Hall sensor.

11. 10. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic field generated by and / or influenced by the at least one operating contour (4) is detectable within the detection area (8) of the at least one sensor (6).

12. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the presence, shape, rotational position and / or phase of at least one of the plurality of operating contours (4) is detectable by one of the plurality of sensors (6) within the detection area (8) of the sensor (6).

13. 2. The valve drive device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is capable of measuring a physical quantity that changes in relation to the presence, shape, phase and / or rotational position of the at least one operating contour (4) located within the detection area (8).

14. 2. The valve drive (1) according to claim 1, wherein a signal related to a physical quantity can be transmitted to an evaluation unit, by means of which said signal can be evaluated.

15. 15. The valve drive (1) according to claim 14, wherein the signal related to a physical quantity is an electrical signal.

16. 15. The valve drive (1) according to claim 14, wherein the evaluation unit is capable of evaluating the time course of the signal.

17. 2. The valve drive (1) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to deduce the axial position (A1, A2) and / or the rotational position and / or the phase of the at least one actuating contour (4).

18. 18. The valve drive (1) according to claim 17, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to deduce the axial position (A1, A2) and / or the rotational position and / or the phase of the at least one actuation contour (4) by evaluating the intensity and / or the pulse length of the signals of the plurality of sensors (6).

19. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axial distance between two sensors (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is greater than the axial width of at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) and / or is smaller than the axial width of two operating contours (4) arranged next to each other of the plurality of operating contours (4).

20. 20. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 19, wherein the axial distance between two sensors (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) is greater than the axial width of just one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4).

21. 20. The valve drive (1) according to claim 19, wherein two actuation contours (4) are provided.

22. 2. The valve drive (1) according to claim 1, wherein an error signal can be issued by an evaluation unit for the sensor signals if both sensors (6) detect the presence of an actuation contour (4) within their detection range (8).

23. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein an error signal can be issued by an evaluation unit of the sensor signal when the sensor (6) detects the presence of an actuation contour (4) within its detection area (8) for a defined period of time.

24. 2. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating contours (4) are adapted to occupy a first axial position (A1) and a second axial position (A2) relative to the sensor unit (5).

25. 25. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 24, wherein at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is arranged within the detection area (8) of at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) at the first axial position (A1) and is arranged outside the detection area (8) of the at least one sensor (6) at the second axial position (A2).

26. 25. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of sensors (6) includes a first sensor (61) having a first detection area (81) and a second sensor (62) having a second detection area (82).

27. 25. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of sensors (6) comprises a first sensor (61) having a first detection area (81) and a second sensor (62) having a second detection area (82).

28. 27. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 26, wherein the first sensor (61) and the second sensor (62) are arranged such that the first detection area (81) and the second detection area (82) occupy at least partially different spatial areas from each other.

29. 27. The valve drive device (1) according to claim 26, wherein the first sensor (61) and the second sensor (62) are arranged so that the first detection area (81) and the second detection area (82) do not overlap.

30. 27. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 26, wherein at least one operating contour (4) of the plurality of operating contours (4) is arranged within the detection area (81) of the first sensor (61) at the first axial position (A1) and within the detection area (82) of the second sensor (62) at the second axial position (A2).

31. 27. The valve drive (1) according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of actuation contours (4) comprises a first actuation contour (41) and a second actuation contour (42).

32. 32. The valve train (1) according to claim 31, wherein the shape of the first operating contour (41) is different from the shape of the second operating contour (42).

33. 32. The valve drive system (1) according to claim 31, wherein the second operating contour (42) is arranged within the detection area (8) of at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6) at the first axial position (A1), and the first operating contour (41) is arranged within the detection area (8) of the at least one sensor (6) at the second axial position (A2).

34. the first operating contour (41) is arranged within the detection area (81) of the first sensor (61) at the first axial position (A1), and / or the second operating contour (42) is arranged outside the detection area (82) of the second sensor (62) at the first axial position (A1), and / or the second operating contour (42) is within the detection area (82) of the second sensor (62) at the second axial position (A2) and / or the first operating contour (41) is outside the detection area (81) of the first sensor (61) at the second axial position (A2), 32. The valve drive (1) according to claim 31.

35. 35. The valve drive (1) according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the second actuation contour (42) in the first axial position (A1) and / or the first actuation contour (41) in the second axial position (A2) are in contact with the at least one actuation means (7) in at least one rotational position.

36. 10. An internal combustion engine including at least one valve and at least one valve drive system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one valve is operable by said at least one valve drive system.

37. 37. An internal combustion engine according to claim 36, wherein said at least one valve is operable by means of said at least one operating means (7).

38. A motorcycle equipped with the internal combustion engine according to claim 36 or 37.

39. 2. A method for measuring the axial position of at least one actuation contour (4) for actuating at least one actuating means (7) of a valve of an internal combustion engine by means of a valve drive (1) according to claim 1, comprising: The method steps are as follows: - detecting at least one physical quantity by at least one sensor (6) of a plurality of sensors (6), wherein said at least one physical quantity is influenced by said operating contour (4) located within a spatial detection area (8) of said at least one sensor (6); - said at least one sensor (6) sending a signal to an evaluation unit related to said at least one detected physical quantity; - evaluating said signal by said evaluation unit; - estimating the axial position of said at least one operating contour (4); A method comprising:

40. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one physical quantity is a magnetic field.

41. 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein in the step of detecting at least one physical quantity by at least one sensor (6) of the plurality of sensors (6), the at least one physical quantity is influenced by the presence, shape, phase and / or rotational position of the operating contour (4).

42. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the signal is an electrical signal.

43. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein in the step of evaluating the signal by the evaluation unit, an intensity and / or at least one pulse length of the signal is evaluated by the evaluation unit.

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