DE102015119621B3 - Method for determining a coupling state and a rotational speed of a coupling element of a coupling and coupling arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and clutch arrangement for determining a clutch state and for determining a rotational speed of a clutch element (1, 2) of a clutch (3) with a sensor (4), wherein the clutch (3) for transmitting torque between a drive shaft (5) and an output shaft (6) via coupling elements (1, 2) is suitable, which have a common axis of rotation (7), wherein the coupling (3) has a first coupling element (1) in an axial direction (8) along the axis of rotation (7) between a first position (9) and a second position (10) is movable, wherein in the first position (9) the clutch (3) is closed and the first coupling element (1) with a second coupling element (2) is connected to transmit torque and in the second position (10) the clutch (3) is opened and the first coupling element (1) from the second coupling element (2) spaced apart; wherein the one sensor (4) is arranged and arranged such that the sensor (4) permanently provides information about the coupling state and in the second position (10) of the first coupling element (1) a rotational movement (11) of the first coupling element (1 ) and generates a signal (12) for determining the rotational speed.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for determining a coupling state and for determining a rotational speed of a coupling element of a coupling with a sensor. In particular, the method is suitable for a clutch in a motor vehicle. In particular, the clutch between a drive unit (internal combustion engine, electric motor, etc.) and a transmission is used. The method can also be used for other couplings, z. As within transmissions, in the coupling of a driven shaft with an output shaft or at other locations in the drive train, for. B. for switchable drive a rear axle.

In a motor vehicle, various control or regulating operations occur, for whose. Carrying out the knowledge of the state of a clutch, open or closed, is required. So will in EP 0 251 156 A2 a brake system for a motor vehicle with a coupled to detect the state of the clutch to the position of the clutch pedal clutch switch described. This switch is used to activate a brake pressure holding device that maintains a brake pressure in the brake system of the vehicle when the brake pedal is released until it is closed again so far that a required to move the vehicle torque via the clutch when starting on a slope the wheels are transferred.

Another known system is z. B. a vehicle speed controller or cruise control. This is a loop that compares a currently measured speed of the vehicle with a setpoint speed and increases or decreases the power of the drive unit depending on the nature of the deviation of a detected deviation to match the current speed to the setpoint. When the clutch is open, such a change in engine power through the control loop has no effect on the speed. If such a loop were activated with the clutch open and detected a deviation of the vehicle speed from the set point, it would raise or lower the motor to power levels that are inappropriate when the clutch is closed later. To suppress this, the speed control device can always be deactivated with the aid of a clutch switch coupled to the clutch pedal, when the clutch is open.

It is also known to use in vehicles sensors for determining the speed of a drive shaft, z. B. to provide indicator signals for the mileage, for a speedometer and / or for a navigation system.

The arrangement of further sensors for determining rotational speeds of drive shafts and output shafts in a motor vehicle is desirable, for. B. to improve the synchronization of the shafts in switching operations. The arrangement of additional sensors, however, causes higher costs, for example with regard to the unit costs of each sensor and / or with regard to the technical adaptations for the integration of the generated signals into the existing control units of the motor vehicle.

The DE 10 2012 219 172 A1 is directed to a coupling device. Here, a non-contact sensor is arranged so that a change in an axial distance (wear measurement) can be determined. The sensor is accordingly a vortex field sensor which constantly detects the coupling components and thus generates measurement signals.

The DE 44 37 017 A1 is directed to a device for non-contact measurement of the axial position of two coupling components. In this case, a sensor constantly detects the wavy listed edge regions of the rotating coupling components.

The DE 10 2009 054 459 A1 discloses a dog clutch with a sensor assembly. A Hall or optical sensor constantly detects the position and speed of the claws of both clutch components.

The DE 197 54 523 A1 relates to an arrangement for determining a wear of a coupling. In this case, a sensor detects the change of a shape of a coupling component while it is displaced in the axial direction due to wear.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention, at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method for determining a coupling state and for determining a rotational speed of a coupling element of a coupling with a (single) sensor should be specified. Here, by a (single) sensor both the state of the clutch (ie "open" or "closed") and the rotational speed of a coupling element can be determined.

These objects are achieved with a method according to the features of independent claim 1 and with a coupling arrangement according to the features of the independent Patent claim 5 solved. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and details of the figures, with further embodiments of the invention are shown.

For this purpose, a method for determining a coupling state and for determining a rotational speed of a coupling element of a coupling with a sensor, wherein the coupling is suitable for transmitting torque between a drive shaft and an output shaft via coupling elements having a common axis of rotation. The coupling has a first coupling element which is movable in an axial direction along the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the clutch is closed and the first coupling element is connected to transmit torque to a second coupling element. In the second position, the coupling is open and the first coupling element spaced from the second coupling element. The one sensor is arranged and set up so that it (during operation or during all switching positions of the clutch) permanently displays information about the coupling state (in particular: "closed" / "open" or "first position" / "second position" of FIG first coupling element) and detects (substantially) only in the second position of the first coupling element detects a rotational movement of the first coupling element and generates a signal for determining the rotational speed.

Most preferably, in a first period of time, namely when the first coupling element is in the first position or not in the second position, the sensor provides a (first) characteristic signal indicative of a corresponding coupling state. This (first) characteristic signal may be a consistent or even a "zero" signal. It is also very particularly preferable for the sensor to provide a (second) characteristic signal in a second time interval, namely when the first coupling element is in the second position, which on the one hand indicates a different or predefined coupling state and additionally the (current) Can determine the rotational speed of the first coupling element. This (second) characteristic signal deviates significantly from the otherwise generated signals of the sensor and may be a variable or at least a signal different from a "null signal".

• a. Erzeugen einer Drehbewegung des ersten Kupplungselements;
• b. Ermitteln eines Signals des Sensors;
• c. Auswerten des Signals des Sensors in einer Steuereinheit, wobei in Abhängigkeit des Signals des Sensors entweder Prozess A mit folgenden Teilschritten
• A.1 Bestimmen einer Drehzahl des ersten Kupplungselements; und
• A.2 Festlegen, dass sich das erste Kupplungselement in der zweiten Position befindet; oder Prozess B mit folgendem Teilschritt
• B.1 Festlegen, dass sich das erste Kupplungselement in der ersten Position befindet

durchgeführt wird.The method comprises in particular the following steps:

• a. Generating a rotational movement of the first coupling element;
• b. Determining a signal of the sensor;
• c. Evaluating the signal of the sensor in a control unit, wherein depending on the signal of the sensor either process A with the following substeps
• A.1 determining a rotational speed of the first coupling element; and
• A.2 determining that the first coupling element is in the second position; or process B with the following partial step
• B.1 Determine that the first coupling element is in the first position

is carried out.

The processes A and / or B are preferably carried out in or by the control unit, wherein in particular the results from the respective sub-steps of the control unit and / or a higher-level engine control of the motor vehicle are provided as control parameters. The decision as to which process A or B is carried out can be made by an analysis of the detected signal of the sensor, wherein the detected signal is compared with predetermined reference signals.

The coupling is z. B. a friction clutch, wherein the first coupling element z. B. is a movable along the axis of rotation in the axial direction of the clutch disc, which is arranged between a movable in the axial direction of the pressure plate and a non-movable in the axial direction counter-pressure plate. The counter-pressure plate is here the second coupling element. The clutch disc is non-rotatably connected to an output shaft (eg a transmission input shaft). When the clutch is actuated, the pressure plate is moved towards the counterpressure plate, so that the clutch disc is clamped between pressure plate and counter pressure plate. In this first position, the clutch is closed and it is a torque between a drive shaft (rotatably connected at least with the counter-pressure plate) and an output shaft transmitted.

The clutch is preferably a dog clutch in which two coupling elements mesh directly and in particular form-fitting manner and thus produce a rotationally fixed connection. However, the method can also be used for other couplings, in particular if a coupling element in an axial direction along the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position is movable, wherein in the first position, the clutch is closed and the first coupling element is connected to transmit torque to a second coupling element and in the second position, the clutch is opened and the first coupling element is spaced from the second coupling element.

The sensor is in particular a Hall sensor or an optical sensor which cooperates with a signal generator on the first coupling element for generating a signal. A rotational movement of the first coupling element past the sensor is thus registered by the sensor and this generates a characteristic signal for this purpose.

The sensor is therefore particularly suitable for determining a rotational speed of the first coupling element. At the same time it also serves as a position sensor. The sensor detects a signal generator, the z. B. is arranged on the first coupling element. If the first coupling element is in the second position, the signal generator is arranged within the detection range of the sensor, so that the movement of the signal transmitter relative to the sensor is detected by the sensor. If the first coupling element is now moved along the axial direction to the first position, the signal transmitter moves away from the detection range of the sensor. This non-presence of a signal ("null signal") in the first position is used as a position determination. If the sensor thus generates no signal despite rotation of the first coupling element, it is assumed that the first coupling element is in the first position (coupling closed).

In particular, the (individual) sensor is thus arranged so that when it detects a rotational movement of the first coupling element, it can be concluded that the coupling is not in the first position, that is not closed. During the movement from the first position to the second position along the axial direction, the coupling element reaches the detection range of the sensor. This means in particular that not only in the second position, but also on the way there, the rotational movement of the coupling element is detected by the sensor. If the coupling element is in the first position (coupling closed), it is outside the detection range of the sensor.

The present method or the arrangement explained here makes it possible to generate both information by means of only one (individual) sensor: 1. Position and thus state of the clutch, ie open or closed, and 2. the speed of the first clutch element and all with this coupling element rotatably connected components.

The sensor is in particular arranged on a (fixed, non-rotating) housing, for. B. the housing of the clutch. In particular, the housing of the coupling performs a rotational movement together with the second coupling element, wherein the sensor then detects a relative rotational movement between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling element is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, wherein with the signal of the sensor determines a rotational speed of the first coupling element and a synchronization of the rotational speeds of the coupling elements is performed. A "synchronization" in this case comprises setting a predeterminable ratio of the rotational speed of the first coupling element to the rotational speed of the second coupling element, in particular the setting of a (approximately) same rotational speed of both coupling elements. In particular, z. B. the speed of the second coupling element already known (eg., By determining the speed of a motor shaft / crankshaft of a drive unit by a usually arranged there additional sensor). The speeds of the drive shaft and the output shaft can be matched to each other before the clutch is fully closed. As a result, switching operations can be carried out in a better synchronized manner, so that they are not or significantly less noticeable by a vehicle occupant.

In particular, the first coupling element is rotatably connected to the drive shaft, wherein the signal of the sensor determines a rotational movement / rotational speed of the first coupling element and a determination of the rotational speed of the drive shaft, in particular a motor shaft is performed. In particular, the speed of a motor shaft / crankshaft can thus be determined in the clutch.

According to a further aspect, a clutch arrangement is proposed, wherein the clutch arrangement comprises a clutch for torque-transmitting connection of a drive shaft with an output shaft via coupling elements which have a common axis of rotation. The coupling has a first coupling element that is movable in an axial direction along the axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the clutch is closed and the first coupling element is connected to transmit torque to a second coupling element. In the second position, the coupling is open and the first coupling element spaced from the second coupling element. Further, a (single) sensor is arranged and arranged so that only in the second Position a rotational movement of the first coupling element by the sensor can be determined.

The above arrangement is particularly suitable and / or adapted for carrying out the method likewise proposed here. The sensor is in particular electronically or data-connected to a control unit, which itself is suitable and / or adapted for carrying out the method likewise proposed here.

In particular, the sensor is a Hall sensor or an optical sensor. The mode of operation and the structure of Hall sensors and optical sensors are known to the person skilled in the art.

The comments on the structure of a clutch assembly, as they have been explained here in connection with the method can also be used regardless of the specific suitability for the method equally for the description of the clutch assembly - and vice versa. This applies in particular with regard to the design of the coupling, the coupling elements, the sensor and their position positions, modes of action, etc. to each other.

Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed that has at least one drive unit and at least one clutch arrangement proposed here, as well as a control unit which is itself set up for processing the signal of the sensor in accordance with the proposed method.

The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited by the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. The same reference numerals designate the same objects, so that explanations of other figures can be used if necessary. They show schematically:

1 a motor vehicle with a first embodiment of a clutch assembly;

2 : a detail of the coupling arrangement 1 in another state;

3 a second embodiment of a clutch assembly, wherein the first coupling element is in a second position; and

4 : the clutch assembly off 3 , wherein the first coupling element is in a first position.

1 shows a motor vehicle 15 with a drive unit 16 and a clutch assembly 14 according to a first embodiment, which is suitable for the application of the method. The coupling arrangement 14 includes a clutch 3 for the torque-transmitting connection of a drive shaft 5 (Motor shaft 13 ) with an output shaft 6 via a first coupling element 1 and a second coupling element 2 that have a common axis of rotation 7 exhibit. The coupling 3 has a first coupling element 1 on that in an axial direction 8th along the axis of rotation 7 between the first position 9 and the second position 10 is movable, being in the first position 9 the coupling 3 closed (ie in operative engagement with each other) and the first coupling element 1 with a second coupling element 2 torque transmitting connected and in the second position 10 the coupling 3 is open (ie not in operative engagement with each other) and the first coupling element 1 from the second coupling element 2 spaced apart.

The coupling 3 can via a clutch pedal 22 be operated. Here is the clutch pedal 22 with a master cylinder 23 connected. The master cylinder 23 is via a pressure line 25 with a slave cylinder 24 connected. An actuation of the clutch pedal 22 So here leads to an actuation of the actuator 19 (For example, a plate spring) and thus to move a pressure plate 28 along an axial direction 8th , The pressure plate shifts 28 the between pressure plate 28 and counter-pressure plate (second coupling element 2 ) arranged clutch disc 21 (first coupling element 1 ) along the axial direction 8th to a first position 9 ,

A sensor 4 is on a housing 20 the clutch 3 arranged so that only in the second position 10 (shown here) a rotary motion 11 of the first coupling element 1 through the sensor 4 can be determined. Only in the second position 10 there is a signal generator 27 (If necessary, especially for the sensor provided separate and attached to the first coupling member component) of the first coupling element 1 in a detection area 26 of the sensor 4 , Only in this second position 10 So it is from the sensor 4 a signal 12 via a control line 18 to a control unit 17 transmitted.

2 shows the clutch assembly 14 out 1 , wherein the first coupling element 1 in a second position 10 located. The 2 also illustrates that the first position 9 from the second position 10 spaced, namely closer to the second coupling element 2 is predetermined. Here is one on the first coupling element 1 arranged signal generator 27 in a detection area 26 of the sensor 4 arranged so that a rotary motion 11 of the first coupling element 1 opposite the sensor 4 is detectable.

The sensor 4 is in this embodiment, the only sensor in the housing 20 the clutch 3 and equally allows the determination of the coupling state and the rotational movement of the first coupling element 1 ,

3 shows a second embodiment of a clutch assembly 14 , which is also suitable for the application of the method, wherein the first coupling element 1 in a second position 10 located. Here is the first coupling element 1 with an output shaft 6 rotatably connected and the second coupling element 2 with a drive shaft 5 , The coupling 3 is designed here as a dog clutch, wherein the first coupling element 1 and the second coupling element 2 form a positive and thus rotationally fixed connection for the transmission of torque.

A sensor 4 is on a housing 20 the clutch 3 arranged so that only in the second position 10 (shown here) a rotary motion 11 of the first coupling element 1 through the sensor 4 can be determined. Only in the second position 10 there is a signal generator 27 of the first coupling element 1 in a detection area 26 of the sensor 4 , Only in this second position 10 So it is from the sensor 4 a signal 12 via a control line 18 to a control unit 17 transmitted. In this second position 10 can be a rotary motion 11 of the signaler 27 opposite the sensor 4 be sensed, so that a speed of the first coupling element 1 opposite the sensor 4 can be determined (step b1 of the method).

4 shows the clutch assembly 14 out 3 , wherein the first coupling element 1 in a first position 9 located. In this first position 9 is the clutch 3 closed and the first coupling element 1 with a second coupling element 2 connected torque transmitting.

The signal generator 27 is now outside the coverage 26 of the sensor 4 arranged. This non-presence of a signal 12 in the first position 9 is used as a position determination. Creates the sensor 4 So despite the rotational movement 11 of the first coupling element 1 no signal 12 , it is believed that the first coupling element 1 in the first position 9 (Clutch 3 closed).

With the method proposed here and / or the coupling arrangement proposed here, it is possible to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method for determining a clutch state and for determining a rotational speed of a clutch element of a clutch with a (single) sensor has been specified. This can determine both the state of the clutch (ie "open" or "closed") and the rotational speed of a coupling element. This provides a well-regulated system with surprisingly little effort or cost.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first coupling element

2

second coupling element

3

clutch

4

sensor

5

drive shaft

6

output shaft

7

axis of rotation

8th

axial direction

9

first position

10

second position

11

rotary motion

12

signal

13

motor shaft

14

clutch assembly

15

motor vehicle

16

drive unit

17

control unit

18

control line

19

actuator

20

casing

21

clutch disc

22

clutch pedal

23

Master cylinder

24

slave cylinder

25

pressure line

26

detection range

27

signaler

28

pressure plate

Claims (7)

Method for determining a coupling state and for determining a rotational speed of a coupling element ( 1 . 2 ) a coupling ( 3 ) with a sensor ( 4 ), where the coupling ( 3 ) for transmitting torque between a drive shaft ( 5 ) and an output shaft ( 6 ) via coupling elements ( 1 . 2 ), which has a common axis of rotation ( 7 ), wherein the coupling ( 3 ) a first coupling element ( 1 ), which in an axial direction ( 8th ) along the axis of rotation ( 7 ) between a first position ( 9 ) and a second position ( 10 ) is movable, wherein in the first position ( 9 ) the coupling ( 3 ) and the first coupling element ( 1 ) with a second Coupling element ( 2 ) is connected torque transmitting and in the second position ( 10 ) the coupling ( 3 ) and the first coupling element ( 1 ) of the second coupling element ( 2 ) is arranged at a distance; the one sensor ( 4 ) is arranged and adjusted so that the sensor ( 4 ) permanently provides information about the coupling state and in the second position ( 10 ) of the first coupling element ( 1 ) a rotary movement ( 11 ) of the first coupling element ( 1 ) and a signal ( 12 ) for determining the rotational speed generated; the sensor ( 4 ) a signal generator ( 27 ) detected on the first coupling element ( 1 ) is arranged; whereby the signal generator ( 27 ), when the first coupling element ( 1 ) in the first position ( 9 ), outside a detection area ( 26 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) is arranged; where in the second position ( 10 ) a rotary movement ( 11 ) of the first coupling element ( 1 ) through the sensor ( 4 ) is detected. Method according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a. Generating a rotational movement ( 11 ) of the first coupling element ( 1 ); b. Determining a signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ); c. Evaluation of the signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) in a control unit ( 17 ), depending on the signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) either process A with the following sub-steps A.1 determining a rotational speed of the first coupling element ( 1 ); and A.2 determining that the first coupling element ( 1 ) in the second position ( 10 ) is located; or process B with the following substep B.1 stipulating that the first coupling element ( 1 ) in the first position ( 9 ) is performed. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupling element ( 1 ) rotatably with the output shaft ( 6 ), with the signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) a rotational speed of the first coupling element ( 1 ) and a synchronization of the rotational speeds of the coupling elements ( 1 . 2 ) is carried out. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupling element ( 1 ) rotatably with the drive shaft ( 5 ), with the signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) a rotational speed of the first coupling element ( 1 ) and a determination of the speed of a motor shaft ( 13 ) is carried out. Coupling arrangement ( 14 ) comprising a coupling ( 3 ) for the torque-transmitting connection of a drive shaft ( 5 ) with an output shaft ( 6 ) via coupling elements ( 1 . 2 ), which has a common axis of rotation ( 7 ), wherein the coupling ( 3 ) a first coupling element ( 1 ), which in an axial direction ( 8th ) along the axis of rotation ( 7 ) between the first position ( 9 ) and the second position ( 10 ) is movable, wherein in the first position ( 9 ) the coupling ( 3 ) and the first coupling element ( 1 ) with a second coupling element ( 2 ) is connected torque transmitting and in the second position ( 10 ) the coupling ( 3 ) is open and the first coupling element ( 1 ) of the second coupling element ( 2 ) is arranged at a distance; where a sensor ( 4 ) is arranged and set up so that only in the second position ( 10 ) a rotary movement ( 11 ) of the first coupling element ( 1 ) through the sensor ( 4 ) can be determined; the sensor ( 4 ) a signal generator ( 27 ) detected on the first coupling element ( 1 ) is arranged; whereby the signal generator ( 27 ), when the first coupling element ( 1 ) in the first position ( 9 ), outside a detection area ( 26 ) of the sensor ( 4 ) is arranged. Coupling arrangement ( 14 ) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor ( 4 ) is a Hall sensor. Motor vehicle ( 15 ) with at least one drive unit ( 16 ) and at least one coupling arrangement ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims 5 and 6 and a control unit ( 17 ) for processing the signal ( 12 ) of the sensor ( 4 ), which is adapted to carry out the method according to one of the claims 1 to 4.

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