DE102016105000A1 - Bistable sensor and actuator device, method and use of such - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bistable sensor and actuator device having a one along a movement elongated ram unit (16) and having permanent magnet means (14) or for cooperation with stationary permanent magnet means formed anchor unit (12) by pneumatic drive means (24, 28) in a is at least two stable end and / or stop positions movable, wherein the armature unit at least partially enclosing housing (10) stationary magnetic field detector means (30, 32) for contactless interaction with the plunger unit in at least one provided for anchor position detection of the end or stop positions assigned are, the ram unit end by a drive means of the housing out of the housing movable and / or engaging portion for the contact and non-positive interaction with a detection partner (40) so that a frictional Touching and / or actuation by the detection partner causes a particular oppositely directed movement of the armature unit in the at least one end or stop position in which the armature unit remains stable by the action of the permanent magnet means, and the magnetic field detecting means for generating and outputting one of these end or stop position corresponding detector signal in particular after touching or pressing are arranged and connected.

Description

The present invention relates to a bistable sensor and actuator device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of such a bistable sensor and actuator device, and the present invention relates to a method for operating such a bistable sensor and actuator device. Finally, the present invention relates to a system consisting of such a bistable sensor and actuator device as well as a position and / or motion detection to be evaluated or monitored detection partner, which in particular a vehicle, and there again preferably a rail vehicle is assigned.

Bistable actuator devices based on an electromagnetic drive principle are well known in the art; such as the DE 201 14 466 U1 the Applicant a bistable electromagnetic actuator device having an armature unit having permanent magnet means and an elongated ram unit associated with the armature unit. This anchor unit together with plunger is driven by stationary electromagnetic drive means in the form of a stationary core unit together with a suitable energizable coil so that, when energizing the coil, the plunger unit can be led out of an actuator housing and brought into engagement with a control partner.

Especially in the technical field of camshaft adjustment of internal combustion engines, such technologies have generally prevailed, in particular, in addition to high switching cycle numbers and long service lives have ensured an automated Fertig- and mountability for widespread use of this technology.

As is generally known from the prior art, it is further associated with such an electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an actuator device having armature-side permanent magnet means, detection means for detecting a current armature or plunger position. This is useful and useful, for example, in the described context of application of a camshaft adjustment against the background that the actuating partner ensures return or return of the armature unit (including plunger), but disturbances or indeterminate switching states and thus actual positioning of the armature unit can not generally be ruled out , Especially in a de-energized coil state. On the one hand, it is known, for example, to detect an anchor position by means of stationary magnetic field detectors (eg, Hall sensors) which are provided for cooperation with the armature-side permanent magnets, and to provide a signal which can be evaluated in accordance with electrical evaluation. On the other hand, it is equally known for position detection to measure in a non-energized state of the coil in this voltage induced by a movement of the armature unit (having the permanent magnet means), so that even separate sensor assemblies become unnecessary, however, this variant is only in a non-energization state the coil makes sense.

In particular, in a vehicle context, and there in turn known in connection with a position or movement detection of rail vehicles, it is advantageous to determine even for a longer period without electrical power supply, whether a (rail) vehicle or a cooperating with this detection partner ( that is, about a donor moved by movement of the vehicle) has experienced a movement. A concrete application of such a problem is for rail vehicles in the so-called Cold Movement Detection (CMD), namely to recognize the task of whether a de-energized rail vehicle (in this de-energized state) has been moved. If this is the case, the rail vehicle must undergo a configuration or positioning process to assign position or distance information, but such a complex process can be omitted if - reliably - can be determined that since switching off the power supply no movement of Vehicle has taken place.

The US 2012/0241566 A1 deals with such a problem of cold movement detection, wherein using gravitational forces and these moving permanent magnets, a solution for motion detection in a de-energized state is disclosed.

However, such a technology is expensive to manufacture and to maintain, and in addition, the disclosed mechanism is susceptible to failure, especially in the face of highly divergent weather conditions, mechanical and thermal stress, and potential contamination, and is therefore of limited use especially for many years of use in railway vehicles.

Although it is conceivable to use a known electromagnetically driven actuator device described above with an anchor position detection for a CMD application purpose, in particular if, for example, by suitable design of the magnetic circuits, and in particular by means of the (armature side) permanent magnet means realized permanent magnetic circuits, a Bistability or a currentless hold the Anchor unit is ensured at respective end positions, however, is also the electromagnetic actuator drive for leading out the anchor unit together with plunger from the associated housing complex in the hardware implementation and calls for a suitable control or wiring together with associated wiring.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a motion detection device for operating conditions with an interrupted power supply, which, in particular in the form of a bistable sensor and actuator device, reliably detects a movement of an armature unit or a plunger associated therewith cooperating detection partner and thereby caused anchor Position change can reliably detect (for example, if, after completion of the de-energized state, a re-activation of the overall technological context has taken place). In this case, such a device is simple and reliable to implement, in particular, an operation with a long service life and under widely varying or potentially problematic environmental conditions should be guaranteed. Furthermore, an operating method for such a device is to be provided, and it is a system to provide, which brings together such a device with a detection partner, in particular a movement of a (rail) vehicle representing detection partner.

The object is achieved by the bistable sensor and actuator device having the features of the main claim; advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims. Additional protection within the scope of the invention is claimed for a use of such a bistable sensor and actuator device as movement and / or position sensor for the particular a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, associated detection partner and / or for detecting a movement or position change of such a detection partner , and it is claimed protection within the scope of the invention for a method for operating a bistable sensor and actuator device according to the invention.

In accordance with the invention advantageously, the present invention takes up the idea to use a provided with position sensors and stromlosbistabil provided with permanent magnet means actuator device for the intended detection purpose, but replaces the electromagnetic drive principle by the pneumatic drive means according to the invention, the anchor unit according to the invention in one of at least two stable Move end or stop positions. It is to be understood as a "stable" within the meaning of the invention, such a stop position, which after the drive of the invention such a position was achieved by the anchor means, this position not without additional controlled influences, such as by the detection partner or further education providable return means, changeable is.

Advantageously, the invention makes use of the circumstance that in a (rail) vehicle context a compressed air supply which is present even in a de-energized state is given anyway, so that in the simplest case the pneumatic drive according to the invention can be controlled with only one pneumatic valve.

At the same time, the permanent magnet means provided according to the invention, which can be provided on the one hand and preferably on the movable armature unit, in addition or alternatively also stationary and approximately in end or stop areas of an associated housing, ensure both a (currentless) bistable holding or adhesion of the armature unit at a respective end or stop position in the housing, as well as for the possibility of detecting a position-dependent change of the permanent magnetic field by means of magnetic field detection means (typically provided peripherally or suitably on the housing), so that with the simplest hardware and infrastructure a final or Stop position corresponding detector signal for further processing can be generated and output.

Particularly suitable and insofar claimed as use according to the invention, such a technology for a realization of the discussed cold motion detection in connection with rail vehicles, as the sensor and actuator device according to the invention, according to the permanent magnetically enabled or supported bistability, even in a completely de-energized context in a respectively preset or then changed by movement of the detection partner position remains, and a corresponding check this origin or changed position then by the magnetic field detector means (after a corresponding restarting the power supply) can be reliably detected.

Advantage of this technology, in addition to its technological and constructive simplicity, is also their high tolerance to various environmental conditions, such as heat fluctuations in a wide range, so that the present invention is particularly suitable for a long-term everyday operation with minimal maintenance.

Thus, according to the inventive method for operating the bistable sensor and actuator device according to the invention, first by driving the pneumatic drive means, the elongated ram unit out of the housing are moved into a stable end and / or stop position (and there also in this position, by the magnetic field detector means are detected). Then, for example, by means of a vehicle movement, actuation of the on and / or engagement portion of the plunger unit by a detection partner representing the vehicle movement so that a frictional contact or actuation of the plunger by the detection partner moves the armature unit and thus the plunger unit in the housing leads, the condition is created by a subsequent detection of this (changed) end or stop position to establish that the vehicle movement has taken place (approximately even during a de-energized idle state of the vehicle). In accordance with the prevailing technological environmental context, the necessary positioning or initialization steps would then have to be carried out.

In accordance with the invention advantageously, the pneumatic drive means are realized by means of an electromagnetically actuated valve device; In this case, standard technology can be used cost-effectively, reliably and reliably. Similarly, it is further preferred to design the permanent magnet means as provided on the ram unit permanent magnet body, which is further preferably disc-shaped. Such technology, in turn, uses proven approaches of electromagnetic actuators and applies them advantageously to the present invention context.

This then also applies to the magnetic field detector means according to the invention, which are realized in the context of preferred developments of the invention on a semiconductor basis or with a detector coil and are provided on the housing, that provided for armature position detection end or stop positions the housing, such as by means of suitable recesses in a magnetically flow-conducting housing jacket, so permeable to the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet means that the magnetic field detectors provided there can reliably determine the anchor position by interaction with the permanent magnet means of a housing outside.

According to the desired application and the nature or configuration of the detection partner (this is not itself the subject of the invention, the bistable sensor and actuator device, but rather a suitable for this device partner) is the engaging or engaging portion suitable to design; This can be both with regard to the type or direction of the forces to be introduced by the detection partner, as well as with regard to a possible bidirectionality of the force effect - so it is conceivable that the detection partner not only a direction (thrust) force in one direction on the ram, but can also pull it in an opposite direction.

Equally, it is further development possible and includes the invention, the armature unit force storage means - about realized by means of a coil or compression spring - assign, so that in particular a preload or bias against a direction of contact or actuation by the detection partner can take place.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention, for which, however, isolated in combination with any other advantageous developments protection is claimed, provides additional, pneumatically acting return means, which are providable for returning the armature unit in an inserted position of the plunger unit in the housing. These act counter to a drive direction of the drive means and are provided for situations in which, in addition to the actuation according to the invention by the detection partner, induced by the device itself or brought about counter-movement to the actual drive or adjusting movement of the anchor unit must be done. Such a provision can, in turn, also take place by means of a vacuum supply to the housing, so that a common pneumatic supply to the housing with the actual drive means can take place here, only the pressure direction or the pressure effect would be reversed.

As a result, the present invention achieves in a surprisingly simple and elegant manner the feasibility of a CMD for railway vehicles, but the invention is not limited to such an application. Rather, the present invention is particularly preferably suitable for any application, in which, ideally with already existing pneumatic fluid supply, the advantages of permanent magnetic, bistable actuators can be combined with the constructive simplicity of pneumatic actuators.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the figures; these show in

1 in sub-figures (a) to (c) is a schematic representation of the bistable sensor and actuator device according to a first embodiment (without Magnetic field detectors shown) in different operating states for the representation of the functional sequence;

2 a detailed representation for illustrating a to be detected stable end or stop position by action of the permanent magnet means in the embodiment of 1 ;

3 a representation of the embodiment analog 1 additionally developed by pneumatic return means, and with magnetic field sensors shown schematically at both ends as magnetic field detector means;

4 with partial representations (a) to (b) the resetting (actuating) by a detection partner schematically represented as a displacement circuit, where partial image (a) shows the operating state before the engagement of the detection partner and (b) the reset state;

5 in partial representations, the expiry of the reset by means of additional pneumatic return means according to 3 ;

6 a variant of the embodiment of 1 with additional pressure relief valve for quick reset by the detection partner;

7 a variant of the embodiment of 6 with reset means realized by negative pressure and, alternatively, sensors provided on the front as magnetic field detector means;

8th a variant of the embodiment of 7 with additional, provided in the housing compression spring and

9 another variant of 7 respectively. B ,

The 1 shows in three partial views (a) to (c) a first schematic illustration of the bistable sensor and actuator device according to a first embodiment, but without the magnetic field detection means. In a cylindrical housing 10 is an anchor unit 12 consisting of a disc-shaped permanent magnet body 14 and a ram unit sitting thereon 16 received axially movable, in such a way that an engagement end 18 of the plunger 16 , in the inserted state (a) only slightly out of the housing 10 outstanding, in a completely led out or advanced state of the partial representation (c) can engage or on a detection partner, such as a donor element (not shown) of a rail-bound vehicle.

The respective end positions of the partial illustrations (a), (b) on the one hand and (c) on the other hand are held or stabilized by magnetically conductive end sections 20 respectively. 22 , which, compare the detailed representation of 2 to the stop state of 1 (a) , Form in this (inserted) stop state a permanent magnetic flux and adhesion circle, which must be overcome only by appropriate (higher) counter forces.

This is effected in the embodiment of 1 by pneumatic fluid, in the present embodiment, air, which through a pneumatic line 24 in a pressure chamber area 26 the housing by the action of an electromagnetically operated 3/2-pneumatic valve 28 can be brought. As in this regard the schema representations in 1 explain, this pneumatic valve, spring-biased, normally closed and is switched on activation or energization (partial view (b)) so that from a (not shown) pneumatic pressure source, the pneumatic fluid in the pressure chamber 26 enter and, according to partial representation (c), the anchor unit 12 can spend in the ejected engagement position on the detection partner. Again, by interaction of the permanent magnet disc 14 with the magnetic flux-conducting and stationary mounted partners provided in the figure in the left-hand area 22 a stable fixation or holding at this stop state.

The 3 clarified, insofar as analogous to the field 1 (c) , The embodiment of the embodiment of 1 with a respective one of the end-side stop conditions associated magnetic field sensor 30 respectively. 32 , which, designed as a Hall sensor, the permanent magnetic field of the adjacent permanent magnet 14 detected and thus according to the anchor position, a position signal (suitable evaluation by evaluation electronics, not shown) and provides. In addition, the shows 3 in the form of a left-side further and optionally applicable for resetting solenoid solenoid valve 34 including pneumatic supply 36 in one of the area 26 opposite pressure range 38 a way to return the device in the state of the field of 1 (a) , which may be useful in the event, for example, if not exclusively by the (not shown) detection partner, the return takes place, or, for calibration or test purposes, before an actual monitoring or measuring operation, a movement or a drive of the anchor unit 12 should be performed in both directions of movement between the end positions shown.

The 4 clarified, in schematic cooperation with the above-described (again only partially shown) sensor and Actuator, as the detection partner, shown here as a moving contour or profile element 40 , the return or return of the device from the (operating) position of the 1 (c) in an initial state of 1 (a) causes about this, in the manner described above, a (in the de-energized or deactivated state) movement of the with the encoder 40 connected vehicle. Specifically slides, in the case of a movement along the arrow direction 42 in 4 , a flank 43 of the profile element 40 at the engagement section 18 from, wherein a holding force of the permanent magnet disc 14 at the end holding partner 22 is overcome and the anchor unit, from the position of 4 (a) solved, back to the retracted position of the 4 (b) to be led. This condition is then passed through the sensor 32 ( 3 ) detected, so that the downstream system is present information that, indicated by the movement of the encoder body 40 in cooperation with the pestle 16 . 18 , a vehicle movement has taken place. In the rail vehicle context described above, this then leads to the consequence that initial initialization or repositioning must first take place at the next vehicle startup.

The 5 illustrates, as far as possible operating states of the embodiment of the 3 illustrating how, after the anchor unit has been moved to the extended detector position, 1 (c) , not by effect of the encoder unit 40 ( 4 ), but by the action of the pneumatic reset unit 34 . 36 ( 3 ) a return takes place. Again, it becomes clear how by activating the (3/2-way) pneumatic valve 34 , in the drawing of the 5 (b) who is over the line 36 in the printing area 38 entering fluid pressure, the anchor device spends back to the starting position.

The 6 to 9 show further variants or developments of the invention, which, in addition to the specific configuration beyond, can be combined in any way with the above-described variants or embodiments. Again, the same reference numerals mean identical or equivalent functional components.

Thus, the embodiment of the shows 4 in so far as the aforementioned embodiments further, an additional check valve 45 , which may be particularly useful in case of strong return force application of the ram unit 16 . 18 or in the case of a rapid return by an acting there restoring force (such as the encoder 40 of the 4 ) a fast pressure discharge of the housing cylinder 10 to enable.

The example of the 7 shown variants initially show alternative mounting options of the sensor units 30 respectively. 32 ( 3 ), which, however, still flooded by end - side permanent magnetic flux circuits, also in the 7 shown manner may be provided frontally of the housing. Also shows the 7 , next to the check valve 45 , a return variant in the form of a double valve 44 , which on the one hand, to spend about the anchor unit including plunger in the extended position shown the 7 , the supply line 24 can supply with compressed air (ie, fluid with positive pressure), while, about in the case of a provision, the valve unit 44 , then suitably connected to a vacuum wave, a provision of the anchor unit 12 can cause by means of negative pressure.

The 8th adds this valve variant in addition force storage means 46 in the form of a pressure spring biasing the armature unit in the right (inserted) position, in order to support insofar as the movement behavior, optionally also a reaction sensitivity and a complete return upon activation by a donor.

The 9 varies this approach further and shows how the assembly 44 can be activated by an external encoder; the anchor unit does not provide a ram here.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Not only can the variants and developments shown be combined and varied as desired, but also the described context of use of motion detection in a rail vehicle environment is preferred, but does not limit the advantageous field of application of the present invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20114466 U1 [0002]
• US 2012/0241566 A1 [0006]

Claims (12)

Bistable sensor and actuator device with a ram unit elongated along a direction of movement ( 16 ) and permanent magnet means ( 14 ) or for interaction with stationary permanent magnet means formed anchor unit ( 12 ) by pneumatic drive means ( 24 . 28 ) is movable in one of at least two stable end and / or stop positions, wherein the anchor unit at least partially enclosing housing ( 10 ) stationary magnetic field detector means ( 30 . 32 ) for non-contact cooperation with the plunger unit are provided in at least one provided for armature position detection of the end or stop positions, the plunger unit end a movable by action of the drive means out of the housing and / or engagement portion for the contact and non-positive cooperation with a detection partner ( 40 ) such that a force-locking contact and / or actuation by the detection partner causes a particular oppositely directed movement of the armature unit in the at least one end or stop position in which the armature unit remains stable by the action of the permanent magnet means, and the magnetic field detecting means for generating and outputting one of these end or stop position corresponding detector signal are arranged and connected in particular after touching or pressing. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pneumatic drive means comprise electromagnetically actuated valve means for introducing into the housing and the armature unit driving pneumatic fluid. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the permanent magnet means as provided on the ram unit, preferably disc-shaped permanent magnet body ( 14 ) are formed so that the at least two end or stop positions provide for abutment of the permanent magnet body at a respective abutment and / or end portion of the housing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the realized on a semiconductor basis and / or with a detector coil magnetic field detection means are provided on the housing so that provided at the armature position detection provided the end or stop positions, the housing detection effective for the permanent magnetic Field of the permanent magnet means is permeable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the engaging or engaging portion ( 18 ) is designed for producing a mechanical contact and / or a connection with the detection partner which is effective in terms of pressure and / or tension in or opposite to the direction of movement. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the engaging or engaging portion ( 18 ) has or forms a mechanical coupling, a threaded portion, an edge-side groove, an undercut and / or designed for cooperation with the detection partner probe. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the anchor unit (power storage means 46 ) are assigned to generate a counteracting force counteracting the direction of the touch or actuation by the detection partner, which are realized, in particular, as a spiral and / or compression spring formed concentrically to the ram unit. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by counter to a drive direction of the drive means pneumatically acting return means ( 34 . 36 ; 44 ) for returning the armature unit in an inserted position of the plunger unit in the housing. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the return means ( 44 ) are designed to act on the housing with a pneumatic fluid negative pressure. Use of the bistable sensor and actuator device according to one of claims 1 to 9 as movement and / or position sensor for the particular a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, associated detection partner and / or for detecting a movement or position change of such a detection partner. Method for operating the bistable sensor and actuator device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the steps of: - controlling the pneumatic drive means so that the elongated plunger unit is moved out of the housing into a stable end and / or stop position; - Actuating the on and / or engaging portion of the plunger unit by a detection partner so that a frictional contact or actuation of the engagement or engagement section by the detection partner a plunger unit in the housing leading into movement of the armature unit in a further causes the end or stop positions and - Detect the other end or stop positions by detecting and evaluating one of these end or stop position corresponding detector signal of the magnetic field detector means. System comprising a detection partner to be evaluated or monitored for position and / or movement detection and the device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein preferably the detection partner is designed to return the armature unit to an inserted position of the tappet unit in the housing.

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