Fluid-operated actuation device for a commercial vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid-operated actuation device (100) for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuation force and / or into at least one mechanical actuation torque, in particular for a commercial vehicle, said actuation device comprising: - at least one actuation element (102) for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuation force and / or into at least one mechanical actuation torque, and - at least one housing (104) which has at least one receiving opening (106) in which the actuation element (102) is received in a movable manner, wherein the housing (104) has at least one fluid connection (108) by means of which the receiving opening (106) can be charged with pressurised fluid (F) and / or relieved of pressurised fluid (F); wherein the receiving opening (106) has at least one shape deviation region (112) the shape of which deviates from a receiving cross-section shape of the receiving opening (106).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Fluid-operated actuation device for a commercial vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates to a fluid-operated actuating device for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque, in particular for a commercial vehicle.

[0004] Fluid-operated actuating devices, particularly for commercial vehicles, are already known from the prior art. Fluid-operated actuating devices, for example, designed in the form of hydraulic steering gears for commercial vehicles, are also known from the prior art.

[0005] For example, DE 10 21 0372 A1 shows a motor vehicle steering aid system using a rotation angle sensor with high angular resolution, which has a magnetic track on a pole wheel in which magnetic north and south poles are arranged alternately and whose position relative to a rotationally fixed component is detected by a magnetic field sensor.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to advantageously further develop a fluid-operated actuating device of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular to the effect that this device is more cost-effective or can be expanded to include a replacement and / or redundancy function, in particular for detecting a position of an actuating element.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a fluid-operated actuating device having the features of claim 1. According to this, a fluid-operated actuating device is provided for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising: - at least one actuating element for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque, and

[0008] - at least one housing having at least one receiving opening in which the actuating element is movably received, wherein the housing has at least one fluid connection by means of which the receiving opening can be pressurized with and / or relieved of pressurized fluid; wherein the receiving opening has, at least in some regions, a receiving cross-sectional shape that is adapted to at least one element cross-sectional shape of the actuating element, so that the actuating element is movable in the receiving opening due to the pressurized fluid; wherein, in the assembled state, at least one first intermediate gap is formed between the actuating element and the receiving opening, through which the pressurized fluid can flow with a first leakage mass flow; wherein the receiving opening has at least one shape deviation region whose shape deviates from the receiving cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening;and wherein, in the assembled state, at least one second intermediate gap is formed at least partially between the actuating element and the shape deviation region, through which the pressurized fluid can flow with a second leakage mass flow;

[0009] The invention is based on the fundamental idea that one or more shape deviation regions are arranged at one or more defined positions in the receiving opening. If the actuating element then at least partially travels over the shape deviation region(s) as a result of its movement within the receiving opening, the second leakage mass flow occurs in this region(s) in the second intermediate gap(s). To seal between the actuating element and the receiving opening, the actuating element can have a sealing device. The first intermediate gap can thus be formed additionally or alternatively between the sealing device and the receiving opening in the assembled state, through which the pressurized fluid can flow with a first leakage mass flow.

[0010] Accordingly, in the assembled state, a second intermediate gap can be formed, at least in part, between the sealing device and the shape deviation region, through which the pressurized fluid can flow at a second leakage mass flow. If, in addition or alternatively, the sealing device at least partially traverses the shape deviation region as a result of its movement (together with the actuating element) within the receiving opening, a second leakage mass flow occurs in this region in the second intermediate gap. The first leakage mass flow between the actuating element and the receiving opening can be different (in particular greater than) the first leakage mass flow between the sealing device and the receiving opening.Accordingly, the second leakage mass flow between the actuating element and the shape deviation region can be different (in particular greater than) the second leakage mass flow between the sealing device and the shape deviation region. This second leakage mass flow differs sufficiently from the first leakage mass flow so that the state variables directly or indirectly dependent on the two mass flows can be detected. For fluid supply, the fluid-operated actuating device can be connected or connectable to a fluid pump, in particular via the fluid connection, so that the pump speed and / or pump velocity of the fluid pump, which depends on the first and second leakage mass flows, can be determined or detected.In other words, by detecting the second leakage mass flow or a change in the leakage mass flow, at least one or more defined positions of the shape deviation range in the receiving opening can be deduced, and thus a correspondingly defined position of the actuating element within the receiving opening. This type of position determination of the actuating element by detecting the second leakage mass flow or a change in the leakage mass flow (from the second to the first mass flow or vice versa), the occurrence of which is assigned to specific positions in the receiving opening (via the shape deviation range(s), represents a very simple replacement, supplementary, and / or redundant option for determining the position of the actuating element within the receiving opening.If the fluid-operated actuating device is designed as a steering gear for commercial vehicles and the actuating element can be designed accordingly as a steering gear piston, this can also enable position determination of other components connected to the steering gear piston (such as a segment shaft and / or steering shaft). This eliminates the need for expensive position detection instruments such as angle sensors (or torque-angle sensors and torque sensors) or axial displacement sensors, or these instruments can be added redundantly.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow are different, with the second leakage mass flow in particular being greater than the first leakage mass flow. This makes it easier to distinguish between the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow. Consequently, the detection of the two mass flows, as well as a change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow, or vice versa, is simpler and more precise.

[0012] It is further conceivable that the actuating device comprises a detection device and / or is connectable or connected to a detection device for detecting:

[0013] - the first leakage mass flow and / or the second leakage mass flow; and / or

[0014] - at least one change of the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow; and / or

[0015] - at least one change of the second leakage mass flow to the leakage mass flow.

[0016] Leakage mass flows or changes therein detected by the detection device and the associated position data of the actuating element or the components connected to the actuating element (as described above) can be efficiently and quickly transmitted to an electronic control and / or regulating device, allowing simple and targeted processing of the detected leakage mass flows and the associated position data of the actuating element. Alternatively, the leakage mass flows or changes therein can be detected indirectly via a state variable that depends on the first and / or second leakage mass flow or changes therein.

[0017] It is also conceivable that the detection device is connected or connectable to the receiving opening for detecting at least one state variable, in particular a fluid state variable, which is dependent on the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow. This connection or connectability offers additional or alternative detection options, detection principles, or detection locations, which increases the detection accuracy or the detection reliability or detection redundancy. For example, a pressure sensor can be provided that opens into the receiving opening, wherein the pressure in the receiving opening depends on the different leakage mass flows or their changes, thus allowing conclusions to be drawn easily about the position of the actuating element or the components connected to the actuating element (as described above).The first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow, or changes therein, can be determined or detected primarily via the pump speed and / or pump velocity of the fluid pump, which are dependent on the two mass flows. The detection of at least one state variable dependent on the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow can therefore optionally be performed by means of the detection device.

[0018] Furthermore, it is possible for the housing to be connectable or connected to at least one fluid pump via the fluid connection for supplying the receiving opening with the pressurised fluid; wherein the state variable is assigned to the first leakage mass flow in the form of at least a first pump speed and to the second leakage mass flow in the form of a second pump speed. Alternatively, it can be provided that the fluid pump is flanged directly to the housing so that it is connectable or connected to the fluid pump via the fluid connection for supplying the receiving opening with the pressurised fluid. Due to the operating principle as a fluid-operated actuating device, this is dependent on a fluid pump to generate the pressurised fluid anyway.Since the flow rate of fluid into the intake opening depends, among other things, on the first and second leakage mass flow, and the flow rate in turn depends on the pump speed, the pump speed represents a particularly simple state variable or operating variable for inferring the first and second leakage mass flow or a change in the mass flow. The second pump speed can, in particular, be higher than the first pump speed.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the fluid pump is rotationally fixedly coupled to at least one electric drive motor for driving it, so that the first pump speed and the second pump speed can be detected by at least one speed detection device of the electric drive motor. The speed of the electric drive motor is an important control and regulation variable that must be detected anyway for its control and regulation. Since the pump speed depends on the first and second leakage mass flow or a change in the leakage mass flow, the pump speed can be used to determine the first and second leakage mass flow or at least a change in the leakage mass flow. By detecting the pump speed via the speed detection device of the electric drive motor, no additional detection device is required, which makes detection very simple and cost-effective.

[0020] It is also conceivable for the receiving opening to have an axial extension length along its main axis of extension, which is delimited by a first axial end point and a second axial end point, wherein the actuating element is axially displaceable along the axial extension length within the first axial end point and the second axial end point; and / or wherein the receiving opening, by means of its opening radius and its opening angle, forms a radian length that is delimited by a first radial end point and a second radial end point, wherein the actuating element is rotatable along the radian length at least within the first radial end point and the second radial end point. The axial extension length or the radian length can be used to form a detection area with a defined geometric dimension or length, which in particular increases the detection accuracy.In addition, this makes it very easy to define the corresponding axial or radial endpoints. In the case of rotation, the rotating actuating element can rotate at least within both endpoints or overshoot them. In the case of an axially displaceable actuating element, it can preferably only be periodically displaced back and forth within both endpoints as a geometric boundary.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a shape deviation region is positioned along the axial extension length at the first axial end point and / or at the second axial end point and / or at an axial intermediate point between the first axial end point and the second axial end point; and / or wherein a shape deviation region is positioned along the radian length at the first radial end point and / or at the second radial end point and / or at a radial intermediate point between the first radial end point and the second radial end point. This provides a clear assignment of the position of the actuating element between at and between the first end points and the second end points, which further increases the detection accuracy.

[0022] It is further possible for the axial extension length to have a length value such that a length scale is formed between the first axial end point and the second axial end point, wherein the detection device is configured to assign an axial positioning of the actuating element to the first axial end point or the second axial end point or the axial intermediate point at a shape deviation region by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa; and / or wherein the radian length has a radian length value such that a radian length scale is formed between the first radial end point and the second radial end point, wherein the detection device is configured to assign an axial positioning of the actuating element to the first axial end point or the second axial end point at a shape deviation region by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa,to assign a radian position of the actuating element to the first radial end point or the second radial end point or the radial intermediate point in a form deviation range. Furthermore, positioning the form deviation range along the axial extension length at the first axial / radial end point and at the second axial / radial end point allows for a simple way of defining a reference point. Furthermore, it is possible to position several axial / radial intermediate points as intermediate point increments between the first axial / radial end point and the second axial / radial end point. With an increasing number of axial / radial intermediate points (and the form deviation ranges arranged thereat), the detection accuracy can become increasingly more precise using simple means. The ability to vary or increase the number of intermediate points creates a very simple way ofto increase detection accuracy.,

[0023] Additionally, the shape deviation region can be configured as at least one recess. This configuration has the advantage that it can be easily inserted into the receiving opening and is therefore easy to manufacture. Preferably, the shape deviation region is configured as at least one recess. The recess has a width, depth, and length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range. The recess can also have one or more inclined recess sections.

[0024] It is further conceivable that the shape deviation region is positioned at the first axial end point and at the second axial end point and / or at the axial intermediate point, wherein the recess has at least a first width and / or length at the first axial end point, and wherein the recess has at least a second width and / or length at the second axial end point and / or at the axial intermediate point; and / or wherein the shape deviation region is positioned at the first radial end point and at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point, wherein the recess has at least a first width and / or length at the first radial end point, and wherein the recess has at least a second width and / or length at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point.

[0025] Due to the different lengths and widths of the form deviation range, the positioning of the actuating element can still be clearly assigned to the first end point and the second end point and / or the intermediate point. This further improves detection accuracy.

[0026] It is also conceivable for the first width to have a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and / or for the first length to have a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range; and / or for the second width to have a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and / or for the second length to have a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range. The dimensions in a single-digit or double-digit pm range allow for a minimally necessary shape deviation while still allowing the first or second leakage mass flow or the leakage mass flow change to be sufficiently distinguishable or detectable. In addition, the dimensions in a single-digit or double-digit pm range reduce wear between the actuating element and the receiving opening. Alternatively, it can be provided that the first length and / or the second length can have a length in a three-digit pm range.Alternatively, it can be provided that the first width and / or the second width can have a width in a single-digit or double-digit mm range.

[0027] It is also possible for the fluid to be designed as a hydraulic fluid and for the fluid-operated actuating device to be designed as a hydraulic steering gear for a motor vehicle, in particular a hydraulic recirculating ball screw steering gear for a commercial vehicle; wherein the actuating element is designed as an actuating piston for the hydraulic actuation of at least one segment shaft; and wherein the receiving opening is designed as a piston opening that is at least partially cylindrical, in which the actuating piston is received so as to be axially displaceable along its main axis of extension. The design of the fluid-operated actuating device as a hydraulic steering gear has the particular advantage that the piston position can be very easily detected via the differently arranged shape deviation regions in the piston opening using the fluid pump, which in this application is designed as a hydraulic pump.Consequently, the steering gear can be designed more cost-effectively, since, for example, the leakage mass flow detection or its modification and the inventive assignment to the piston position eliminate the need for expensive detection devices, or these devices can be supplemented redundantly. The hydraulic steering gear can also be designed, in particular, as a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic ball screw steering gear for a commercial vehicle. The fluid connection can additionally or alternatively be encompassed by a steering valve.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that a central ball screw bore is arranged in the actuating piston, in which, in the assembled state, at least one steering spindle and at least one ball circuit with several balls are accommodated, wherein the steering spindle has a transmission ratio, whereby a rotation of the steering spindle about the steering angle φ corresponds to an axial displacement x of the actuating piston due to its transmission ratio, so that an associated axial positioning of the actuating piston at the first end point xi or the second end point X2 or the intermediate point x w a first final steering angle φ1, a second final steering angle φ2or an intermediate steering angle φ w The detection of the different axial piston positions xi, X2 and x w can be converted into corresponding steering angles φ1, φ2 and φ by the kinematic conversion via the ball bearing and the steering spindle wAllows for a very simple way of detecting a steering angle (which is transmitted from a steering wheel via the steering linkage to the steering spindle). This eliminates the need for expensive angle detection devices, or they can be redundantly supplemented by the steering angle detection described above.

[0029] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-operated actuating device according to the invention for a commercial vehicle; and

[0031] Fig. 2 perspective view and sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid-operated actuating device for a commercial vehicle.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-operated actuating device 100 according to the invention for a commercial vehicle.

[0033] The fluid-operated actuating device 100 for converting at least one fluid pressure force into a mechanical actuating force and / or into a mechanical actuating torque for a commercial vehicle comprises an actuating element 102 for converting a fluid pressure force into a mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque.

[0034] According to Fig. 1, it can be seen that the fluid-operated actuating device 100 is designed as a hydraulic steering gear 136 in the form of a hydraulic ball screw steering gear for a commercial vehicle. Accordingly, the fluid F is designed as a hydraulic fluid or steering gear oil.

[0035] According to Fig. 1, the actuating element 102 is designed as an actuating piston 138 for the hydraulic actuation of a segment shaft 140.

[0036] Furthermore, a central ball screw bore 144 is arranged in the actuating piston 138, in which, in the assembled state, a steering spindle 146 and a ball bearing 148 with a plurality of balls 150 are received. The steering spindle 146 also has a transmission ratio. Furthermore, the actuating device 100 comprises a housing 104 having a receiving opening 106 in which the actuating element 102 is movably received. The housing 104 has a fluid connection 108 by means of which the receiving opening 106 can be pressurized with fluid F and / or relieved of pressurized fluid F.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the fluid connection 108 may also be part of a steering valve (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0038] According to Fig. 1, the receiving opening 106 is designed as a partially cylindrical piston opening 142 in which the actuating piston 138 is received so as to be axially displaceable along its main extension axis 124.

[0039] The receiving opening 106 has, in some areas, a receiving cross-sectional shape which is adapted to an element cross-sectional shape of the actuating element 102, so that the actuating element 102 is movable in the receiving opening 106 due to the pressurized fluid F.

[0040] The pressurized fluid is accommodated in a pressure working chamber 152, which is delimited by the receiving opening 106 and a hydraulic active surface 154 of the actuating piston 138.

[0041] In the assembled state, a first intermediate gap 110 is formed between the actuating element 102 and the receiving opening 106, through which the pressurized fluid F can flow with a first leakage mass flow.

[0042] Furthermore, the receiving opening 106 has a shape deviation region 112, the shape of which deviates from the receiving cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening 106.

[0043] The shape deviation region 112 is configured as a recess 134. The recess 134 has a width, depth, and length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range.

[0044] In the assembled state, a second intermediate gap 114 is formed in some areas between the actuating element 102 and the shape deviation region 112, through which the pressurized fluid F can flow with a second leakage mass flow.

[0045] The first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow are different, with the second leakage mass flow being greater than the first leakage mass flow.

[0046] The actuating device 100 further comprises a detection device 116.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the actuating device 100 can be or be connected to the detection device 116.

[0048] Detection device 116 is configured to detect the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 116 can be configured to detect a change of the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and a change of the second leakage mass flow to the leakage mass flow.

[0050] The detection device 116 is connected or connectable to the receiving opening 106 for detecting a state variable in the form of a fluid state variable that is dependent on the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow. An example of such a fluid state variable can be the fluid pressure.

[0051] The housing 104 is further connected by means of the fluid connection 108 to a fluid pump 118 for supplying the receiving opening 106 with the pressurized fluid F. In this case, the state variable can be assigned to the first leakage mass flow in the form of a first pump speed and to the second leakage mass flow in the form of a second pump speed.

[0052] The second pump speed is higher than the first pump speed.

[0053] According to Fig. 1, the fluid pump 118 is coupled to an electric drive motor 120 for its rotational drive.

[0054] As a result, the first pump speed and the second pump speed can be detected by means of at least one speed detection device 122 of the electric drive motor 120.

[0055] The receiving opening 106 or the piston opening 142 has an axial extension length 126 along its main extension axis 124, which is delimited by a first axial end point 128 and a second axial end point 130.

[0056] The actuating element 102 or the actuating piston 138 is axially displaceable along the axial extension length 126 within the first axial end point 128 and the second axial end point 130.

[0057] Alternatively, the receiving opening can form, by means of its opening radius and its opening angle, a radian length which is limited by a first radial end point and a second radial end point, wherein the actuating element is rotatable along the radian length at least within the first radial end point and the second radial end point (each not shown in Fig. 1).

[0058] The shape deviation region 112 is positioned along the axial extension length 126 at the first axial end point 128 and at the second axial end point 130, and at an axial intermediate point 132 between the first axial end point 128 and the second axial end point 130. The recess 134 at the first axial end point 128 has a first width and length, and the recess 134 at the second axial end point 130 and / or at the axial intermediate point 132 has a second width and length.

[0059] The first width has a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and the first length further has a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range.

[0060] In addition, the second width also has a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and accordingly the second length has a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range.

[0061] The second width and length are larger than the first width and length (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0062] According to Fig. 1, only one axial intermediate point 132 is positioned between the first axial end point 128 and the second axial end point 130. It can be provided that several axial intermediate points 132, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 axial intermediate points 132 are positioned between the first axial end point 128 and the second axial end point 130, at each of which a shape deviation region 112 is arranged.

[0063] Alternatively, a shape deviation region 112 may be positioned along the radian length at each of the first radial end point and the second radial end point and at a radial intermediate point between the first radial end point and the second radial end point (each not shown in Fig. 1).

[0064] In this case, the shape deviation region is positioned at the first radial end point and at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0065] Furthermore, the recess has at least a first width and length at the first radial end point and the recess has a second width and length at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point (also not shown in Fig. 1).

[0066] The axial extension length 126 further has a length value such that a length scale is formed between the first axial end point 128 and the second axial end point 130.

[0067] The detection device 116 is further configured to assign an axial positioning of the actuating element 102 to the first axial end point 128 or the second axial end point 130 or the axial intermediate point 132 at a shape deviation region 112 by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa.

[0068] In cooperation with the steering spindle 146, a rotation of the steering spindle 146 by the steering angle φ corresponds to an axial displacement x of the actuating piston 138 due to its transmission ratio.

[0069] As a result, an associated axial positioning of the actuating piston 138 at the first end point 128 or the second end point 130 or the one or more intermediate points 132 corresponds to a first final steering angle φ1, a second final steering angle φ2 or one or more intermediate steering angles φ w .

[0070] In the radial case, the radian length has a radian length value, so that a radian length scale is formed between the first radial end point and the second radial end point (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0071] In this regard, the detection device can be configured to assign a radian positioning of the actuating element to the first radial end point or the second radial end point or the radial intermediate point (each not shown in Fig. 1) by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa at a shape deviation region. Fig. 2 also shows a perspective view and a perspective sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid-operated actuating device 100 for a commercial vehicle.

[0072] In the following, reference is made primarily and in particular to the differences between the embodiments according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0073] According to the embodiment of Fig. 2, it can preferably be provided that the segment shaft 140 and the actuating element 102 or the actuating piston 138 are provided as one component, in particular in one piece.

[0074] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the segment shaft 140 and the actuating piston 138 or the actuating element 102 are connected to one another in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner in order to expediently form a single or common component.

[0075] In the sense of Fig. 2, the associated embodiment of the segment shaft 140 with the actuating element 102 or the actuating piston 138 can be understood as a Wankel engine-like variant, preferably of a hydraulic steering gear 136.

[0076] In particular, the actuating element 102 and the segment shaft 140 can be arranged in the receiving opening 106 of the housing 104, preferably mounted so as to be rotatably movable.

[0077] The actuating piston 138 or the actuating element 102 can be designed such that at least one first intermediate gap 110 is formed opposite the inside or along the inside diameter of the receiving opening 106.

[0078] At least one shape deviation region 112 can be formed along the inner side of the receiving opening 106 (not shown in Fig. 2), in particular as shown in Fig. 2 on both sides of the actuating element 102. Thus, along the inner contour or the inner side of the receiving opening, a deviation from the receiving cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening 106 in the sense of the present invention can be provided by means of the at least one shape deviation region 112.

[0079] Furthermore, at least one second intermediate gap 114 can be formed between the actuating element 102 and the shape deviation region 112, at least in sections or regions.

[0080] By means of the pressurized fluid F, a leakage mass flow can be provided in the sense of the present invention.

[0081] Within the receiving opening 106 of the housing 102, the actuating element 102 can be pressurized on both sides with a pressurized fluid, wherein the actuating element 102 is movable or rotatable in both directions about the rotation axis Y.

[0082] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0083] 100 fluid-operated actuation device

[0084] 102 Actuating element

[0085] 104 housings

[0086] 106 Recording opening

[0087] 108 Fluid connection

[0088] 110 first intermediate gap

[0089] 112 Form deviation range

[0090] 114 second intermediate gap

[0091] 116 Recording device

[0092] 118 Fluid pump

[0093] 120 electric drive motor

[0094] 122 Speed ​​detection device

[0095] 124 Main extension axis

[0096] 126 axial extension length

[0097] 128 first axial end point

[0098] 130 second axial end point

[0099] 132 axial intermediate point

[0100] 134 Recess

[0101] 136 hydraulic steering gear

[0102] 138 actuating piston

[0103] 140 segment shaft

[0104] 142 at least partially cylindrical piston opening

[0105] 144 central ball screw hole

[0106] 146 steering spindle

[0107] 148 ball circulation

[0108] 150 balls

[0109] 152 printing workspace

[0110] 154 hydraulic effective area

[0111] F Fluid x axial displacement Y rotation axis φ steering angle φ1first final steering angle φ2second final steering angle φ w Intermediate steering angle

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 . Fluid-operated actuating device (100) for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising: - at least one actuating element (102) for converting at least one fluid pressure force into at least one mechanical actuating force and / or into at least one mechanical actuating torque, and - at least one housing (104) having at least one receiving opening (106) in which the actuating element (102) is movably received, wherein the housing (104) has at least one fluid connection (108) by means of which the receiving opening (106) can be pressurized with fluid (F) and / or relieved of pressurized fluid (F); wherein the receiving opening (106) has, at least in some regions, a receiving cross-sectional shape that is adapted to at least one element cross-sectional shape of the actuating element (102), so that the actuating element (102) is movable in the receiving opening (106) due to the pressurized fluid (F); wherein, in the assembled state, at least one first intermediate gap (110) is formed between the actuating element (102) and the receiving opening (106), through which gap the pressurized fluid (F) can flow with a first leakage mass flow;wherein the receiving opening (106) has at least one shape deviation region (112) whose shape deviates from the receiving cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening (106); and wherein, in the assembled state, at least one second intermediate gap (114) is formed, at least in some regions, between the actuating element (102) and the shape deviation region (112), through which the pressurized fluid (F) can flow with a second leakage mass flow.

2. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow are different, wherein in particular the second leakage mass flow is greater than the first leakage mass flow.

3. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the actuating device (100) comprises a detection device (116) and / or is connectable or connected to a detection device (116) for detecting: - the first leakage mass flow and / or the second leakage mass flow; and / or - at least one change of the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow; and / or - at least one change of the second leakage mass flow to the leakage mass flow.

4. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection device (116) is connected or connectable to the receiving opening (106) for detecting at least one state variable, in particular fluid state variable, which is dependent on the first leakage mass flow and the second leakage mass flow.

5. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (104) is connectable or is connected by means of the fluid connection (108) to at least one fluid pump (118) for supplying the receiving opening (106) with the pressurized fluid (F); wherein the state variable in the form of at least a first pump speed is assigned to the first leakage mass flow and in the form of a second pump speed is assigned to the second leakage mass flow.

6. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the fluid pump (118) is rotationally coupled to at least one electric drive motor (120) for driving the same, so that the first pump speed and the second pump speed can be detected by means of at least one speed detection device (122) of the electric drive motor (120).

7. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening (106) has an axial extension length (126) along its main extension axis (124) which is delimited by a first axial end point (128) and a second axial end point (130), wherein the actuating element (102) is axially displaceable along the axial extension length (126) within the first axial end point (128) and the second axial end point (130); and / or wherein the receiving opening (106) forms, by means of its opening radius and its opening angle, an arcuate length which is delimited by a first radial end point and a second radial end point, wherein the actuating element (102) is rotatable along the arcuate length at least within the first radial end point and the second radial end point.

8. The fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that a shape deviation region (112) is positioned along the axial extension length (126) at the first axial end point (128) and / or at the second axial end point (130) and / or at an axial intermediate point (132) between the first axial end point (128) and the second axial end point (130); and / or wherein a shape deviation region (112) is positioned along the radian length at the first radial end point and / or at the second radial end point and / or at a radial intermediate point between the first radial end point and the second radial end point.

9. Fluid-operated actuator (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the axial extension length (126) has a length value such that a length scale is formed between the first axial end point (128) and the second axial end point (130), wherein the detection device (116) is configured to assign an axial positioning of the actuating element (102) to the first axial end point (128) or the second axial end point (130) or the axial intermediate point (132) by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa at a shape deviation region (112);and / or wherein the radian length has a radian length value such that a radian length scale is formed between the first radial end point and the second radial end point, wherein the detection device (116) is configured to assign a radian positioning of the actuating element (102) to the first radial end point or the second radial end point or the radial intermediate point by detecting the change from the first leakage mass flow to the second leakage mass flow and / or vice versa at a shape deviation region (112); 10. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape deviation region (112) is designed as at least one recess (134).

11. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the shape deviation region (112) is positioned at the first axial end point (128) and at the second axial end point (130) and / or at the axial intermediate point (132), wherein the recess (134) has at least a first width and / or length at the first axial end point (128), and wherein the recess (134) has at least a second width and / or length at the second axial end point (130) and / or at the axial intermediate point (132); and / or wherein the shape deviation region (112) is positioned at the first radial end point and at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point, wherein the recess (134) has at least a first width and / or length at the first radial end point, and wherein the recess (134) has at least a second width and / or length at the second radial end point and / or at the radial intermediate point.

12. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first width has a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and / or the first length has a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range; and / or wherein the second width has a width in a single-digit or double-digit pm range and / or the second length has a length in a single-digit or double-digit pm range.

13. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid (F) is designed as a hydraulic fluid and the fluid-operated actuating device (100) is designed as a hydraulic steering gear (136) for a motor vehicle, in particular a hydraulic ball screw steering gear for a commercial vehicle; wherein the actuating element (102) is designed as an actuating piston (138) for the hydraulic actuation of at least one segment shaft (140); and wherein the receiving opening (106) is designed as a piston opening (142) that is at least partially cylindrical and in which the actuating piston (138) is received so as to be axially displaceable along its main extension axis (124).

14. Fluid-operated actuating device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that a central ball screw bore (144) is arranged in the actuating piston (138), in which, in the assembled state, at least one steering spindle (146) and at least one ball circuit (148) with a plurality of balls (150) are received, wherein the steering spindle (146) has a transmission ratio, whereby a rotation of the steering spindle (146) by the steering angle φ corresponds to an axial displacement x of the actuating piston (138) due to its transmission ratio, so that an associated axial positioning of the actuating piston (138) at the first end point (128) or the second end point (130) or the intermediate point (132) corresponds to a first final steering angle φ1, a second final steering angle φ2 or an intermediate steering angle φ w corresponds.

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