DE102007007425A1 - Monitoring of the actuator system used in operating such as the gear transmission coupling in an automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

u The operation of a transmission coupling in a n automobile involves an electric motor [14] that moves an actuator rod [16[] using a segment gear [20] with a worm gear [28]. A microprocessor [32] continuously uses incremental motion sensor signals to detect any fault conditions.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the operation of one of an actuation actuator in closed position moving and self-acting in the open position moving coupling.

automated or actuated by an actuator Clutches are increasingly used in modern motor vehicles. The actuation safety of such Couplings are not only for comfort reasons, but also crucial in terms of safety Meaning too.

From the DE 102 35 386 A1 a method for driving a transmission actuator with a clutch actuator and an automatic clutch control unit is known in which the clutch actuator is controlled in response to certain operating conditions such that safety-critical situations are avoided. For example, in a switch-on at startup, a reduction in force and / or speed of actuation by the actuator can be made. For detecting gate stops a suitable algorithm can be provided. Furthermore, a faulty direction of rotation of the motor can be detected and / or corrected. The position of the coupling can be controlled by the force curve of a movement variable.

For some use cases Couplings are used in the event of a fault in the actuation system automatic take their openness, thus, for example, an unintentional Commissioning of the vehicle is avoided. For parallel gearboxes or dual-clutch transmissions, it is imperative that the two clutches take their respective open state safely. Such dual-clutch transmissions contain two partial transmissions, with which switched different gears become. If, for example, with a partial transmission, the even gears and must be switched with another sub-gear the odd gears must the gear with odd gears associated clutch in an engaged gear be open when closed belonging to the part gear with even gears clutch is and is driven, for example, with the second gear. By doing Partial gear with the odd gears can then an odd gear is preset when the clutch is open, on the only by closing the clutch with the odd gears and opening the clutch of the gear unit with the even passages is switched. When a gear is engaged in both partial transmissions and both clutches would be closed, this would lead to the destruction of the Gearbox lead. Accordingly, clutches of parallel shift transmissions are preferred built in such a way that they act by their actuator against the force of an opening spring in closed position depressed and from the closing spring in open position be moved as soon as the actuator is no longer with energy to close the Clutch is acted upon.

If in such a closed position crowded Clutches the restoring force the opening spring is no longer sufficient to an actuator to move back to its starting position, would the Coupling, even if no operating force in the closing direction more is applied, not fully open. Causes can be, for example Wear in the Actuating mechanism Corrosion or other influences be.

Of the Invention has for its object to provide ways such it can be ensured that a clutch pushed into the closed position automatic returns to its open position.

Solutions to this Task be with a method according to claim 1 and a Device according to the claim 5 scored. The on the independent claims referred back under claims each indicate advantageous embodiments of the method or embodiments the device.

According to the invention is at a method of monitoring the operation of one of an actuation actuator in closed position moving and self-acting in the open position moving clutch reaching the open position the clutch monitored in the absence of energization of the actuator.

advantageously, the achievement of the open position of the clutch is monitored by that in reaching the open position of the clutch in a predetermined position component located the predetermined position reached.

For example can monitor the speed of an out of the closed position detected in the open position moving clutch moving component and compared with a desired speed.

According to one Further development of the method according to the invention The clutch can be moved by means of a Notaktors in the open position if they are not open within a predetermined Time after switching off the energization of the actuator actuator reached.

In a device according to the invention for monitoring the operation of one of a Betätigungsaktor in the closed position and moved the actuating actuator is an electric motor whose output shaft moves an actuator of the clutch via a transmission, the actuator is movable against the force of an opening spring biasing the clutch in the opening direction of the rotating in the direction of rotation electric motor, that the clutch closes, and the transmission is designed such that the electric motor rotates in the absence of energization by the force of the opening spring against the closing direction until the clutch reaches its open position, and a monitoring device is provided for monitoring whether the clutch after switching off the energization of the electric motor for its drive in Opening direction reaches its open position.

The monitoring device can monitor, for example, whether the clutch is in its open position within a predetermined Time after switching off the energization of the electric motor for its Drive in opening direction reached.

The monitoring device can detect the reaching of the open position by pressing a switch.

According to one embodiment the device according to the invention captures the monitoring device the speed of the electric motor in its drive by the opening spring triggers and one Triggers error message, when this speed exceeds a predetermined speed by more than a threshold deviates.

The monitoring device may indicate a failure in the autonomous movement the clutch from the closed position in the open position an actuator for moving the clutch from the closed position activate in the open position.

The Coupling whose operation is monitored is, may be a clutch of a parallel transmission.

The Invention can for all types of clutches or torque transmission devices used be forced into position by an actor, at the transfer of torque possible is, and the self-acting to return to a position in the torque transmission is interrupted.

The Invention will be described below with reference to schematic drawings, for example and explained in more detail.

In the figures represent:

1 an example of an actuator for a clutch and

2 a flow diagram for explaining the invention.

According to 1 is a total with 10 designated clutch, for example, a clutch of a parallel transmission, over a total with 12 designated transmission mechanism with an actuator, in the example shown an electric motor 14 connected.

The coupling 10 is of the per se known type in which the clutch in its closed state or torque transmitted state must be urged against the force of a clutch internal opening spring.

The transmission mechanism includes an actuator 16 , which is connected directly, via further coupling links, or via a hydraulic transmission path with a clutch lever whose position determines the transferable torque from the clutch.

The actuator 16 is about a camp 18 with a segment wheel 20 connected, which is rotatable about an axis A in a housing 22 is stored. The housing 22 can be rigidly connected to the housing of the clutch or a transmission housing.

The segment wheel 20 has a toothing on a peripheral region 24 on, with one on an output shaft 26 of the electric motor 14 trained worm gearing 28 combs. For detecting the rotation of the output shaft 26 is an increment counter 30 intended.

For controlling the electric motor 14 serves an electronic control unit 32 with microprocessor and associated memory devices, one input with the increment counter 30 and further inputs are connected to outputs from sensors or other controller, optionally via a bus, via which the controller 32 with for the operation of the clutch 10 relevant data is supplied. An output of the control unit 32 is with the electric motor 14 connected.

The rotatability of the segment wheel 20 is by at least one stop 34 limited, on which a stop surface 36 of the segment wheel 20 when fully closed clutch rests.

At the same stop 34 or another stop is at fully open clutch another stop surface 38 of the segment wheel 20 to whose investment by means of a switch 40 can be determined.

In the control unit 32 is a program for referencing provided with the count of the increment counter 30 can be stored, which is achieved when the segment wheel 20 its the closed position or the open position of the clutch 10 has reached the appropriate rotational position. This referencing can be done by the output shaft 26 no longer turns, although the electric motor 14 is further applied with voltage such that the actuator 16 wants to push the clutch in the closed position. Referencing can also be effected by actuating a switch when the stop is reached.

construction and function of the described arrangement are known per se and will therefore not be explained further.

According to the invention is in the control unit 32 filed a program that checks whether in the clutch 10 provided, not shown opening spring in the absence of voltage application of the electric motor 14 the segment wheel 20 urges in the clockwise direction and thereby not self-inhibiting training of the engagement between the worm teeth 28 and the gearing 24 the output shaft 26 of the electric motor 14 moved in the direction opposite to the closing direction opening direction of rotation.

An example of a corresponding method is based on 2 explains: Be accepted in the step 60 becomes the voltage application of the electric motor 14 , as a result of the coupling 10 kept closed, turned off to open the clutch. In step 62 is then checked to see if the output shaft 26 rotates in the opening direction under the force of the clutch-internal opening spring. This can be done with the help of the increment counter 30 and a known direction of rotation sensor.

When the shaft turns in the right direction, it will step in 64 checks whether the speed of the shaft is within a predetermined range in the control unit 32 is stored. If this is the case, then in step 66 checks whether the open position is reached within a predetermined time window, in the control unit 32 is stored. Reaching the open position can be determined by the fact that the switch 40 is pressed.

In the event that the open position has been reached correctly, the method ends in step 68 , If in the steps 62 . 64 or 66 each a "No" is determined, so in the steps 70 . 72 respectively. 74 an error is displayed indicating that an error has occurred in the clutch actuation system. For example, when using the clutch 10 in a dual-clutch transmission, a complete opening of the clutch 10 A prerequisite for a complete closing of the other clutch is when one of the errors in the step occurs 76 the electric motor 14 Tension is applied in such a way that it tends to rotate in the opening direction. In step 78 is then determined whether the shaft 26 rotates in the opening direction. If this is not the case, this indicates a serious error in the step 80 is shown.

When the step 78 leads to the result "yes" is in the step 82 Checks whether the open position within a predetermined, in the control unit 32 filed time window is reached. If this is not the case, this indicates a serious error in the step 84 is shown. If the open position is reached, the system comes to an end 86 , The in the steps 70 . 72 . 74 . 80 and 84 detected errors each indicate a specific malfunction of the system, which can lead to corresponding reactions, such as starting a workshop, repair or replacement of the system, etc. If in step 84 an error is displayed, so the clutch can 10 can not be opened, so that the vehicle can be stopped only by pressing the brake and / or switching off the engine.

The described system and the described method can in modified in various ways become.

For example, the electric motor 14 via a only in the closing direction of the clutch cross-freewheel with the output shaft 26 be coupled. This facilitates the rotation of the shaft 26 in the opening direction, but makes the move 76 impossible. For this case, a Notaktor be provided, which engages in other place in the actuating mechanism of the clutch, for example, directly on the actuator 16 , The same applies to the case where a hydraulic transmission path is provided. Here, the emergency actuator on the side of the slave piston of the hydraulic transmission line must attack.

As an actuator does not have to be provided an electric motor. It may also be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, etc. may be provided. The determination of the movement of the clutch in the opening direction then takes place in another suitable manner. The movement of the clutch in the open position can be monitored overall. For example, if the system is in order, a setpoint speed can be achieved be recorded, which is then compared with an actual speed course. Deviations above a threshold indicate wear in the system or other errors. The time window of the step 66 For example, starts with the deactivation of the electric motor in step 60 ,

The system or method may be modified such that the opening of the electric motor is controlled by the electric motor 14 is subjected to such voltage that results in a predetermined movement, according to which the clutch 10 controlled opens. Here, the opening of the clutch is monitored accordingly.

The described method can be performed every time the electric motor 14 is deactivated, or can be performed separately to separately check the function of the clutch operation. For example, a routine check can be made with the engine off and the vehicle stationary.

The described method does not have to include all steps and can with additional Equipped steps be used to detect and display further detail errors can. The engagement between the shaft and the segment wheel need not have a Worm toothing done, but can also have pure spur gear teeth done without any self-locking.

10

clutch

12

transmission mechanism

14

electric motor

16

actuator

18

camp

20

segmented

22

casing

24

gearing

26

output shaft

28

worm gear

30

incremental counter

32

control unit

34

attack

36

stop surface

38

stop surface

40

switch

Claims (10)

Method for monitoring the operation of a from an actuating actuator moved in the closed position and yourself in the open position moving coupling, in which method the Reaching the open position of the clutch in the absence of energization monitored by the actuator becomes. The method of claim 1, wherein the achievement of Open position of the clutch is monitored by a at Reaching the open position of the clutch in a predetermined Positioning component reaches the predetermined position. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein speed one in from the closed position in detects the open position moving coupling moving component is compared and compared with a target speed. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling means a notaktor is moved into the open position, when the open position not within a predetermined period of time after the energization is turned off of the actuating actuator reached. Device for monitoring the operation of a clutch automatically moved by an actuating actuator into the closed position and moving in the open position ( 10 ), wherein the actuation actuator is an electric motor ( 14 ) whose output shaft ( 26 ) via a gear an actuator ( 16 ) of the clutch moves, the actuator against the force of a clutch biasing in the open position opening spring of the rotating in the closing direction of the electric motor is such that the clutch closes, and the transmission is designed such that the electric motor in the absence of energization by the force of the opening spring rotates counter to the closing direction of rotation until the clutch reaches its open position, which device contains a monitoring device ( 30 . 32 ) for monitoring whether the clutch reaches its open position after switching off the energization of the electric motor for its drive in the opening direction of rotation. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the monitoring device ( 30 . 32 ) monitors whether the clutch ( 10 ) its open position within a predetermined period of time after switching off the energization of the electric motor ( 14 ) achieved for its drive in the opening direction. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the monitoring device ( 30 ) reaching the open position by pressing a switch ( 40 ) detected. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the monitoring device ( 30 . 32 ) the speed of the electric motor ( 14 ) detected during its drive by the opening spring and triggers an error message, when this speed deviates from a predetermined speed by more than a threshold value. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the monitoring device upon detection of an error in the independent movement of the clutch ( 10 ) from the closed position into the open position an actuator ( 14 ) for moving the clutch ( 10 ) is activated from the closed position into the open position. Monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the coupling is a coupling ( 10 ) is a parallel shift transmission.