DE102020209199A1 - Sensor system for monitoring a clutch system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system (100) for monitoring a clutch system (200), having:
- a wave generator (102),
- an ultrasonic sensor (104), wherein the wave generator (102) can be arranged between two clutch discs (202, 204) of the clutch system (200),
wherein the wave generator (102) is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the two clutch discs (202, 204) reaches at least a predetermined limit value,
wherein the ultrasonic sensor (104) is set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range,
wherein the sensor system (100) is set up to determine a clutch state of the clutch system (200) based on the detected ultrasonic wave, and a clutch system (200) and a method for determining a clutch state (500).
The invention also relates to a clutch system (200) and a method for determining a clutch state (500).

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor system for monitoring a clutch system, a clutch system and a method for determining a clutch state of a clutch system.

State of the art

There are a number of different systems for determining a transmission status. There are a number of measuring methods that determine the clutch condition of a transmission as well as the service life or remaining service life of the transmission. In this case, additional sensors are often installed in a transmission in order to fulfill these functions, but this is often expensive and complex in terms of design.

Disclosure of Invention

With embodiments of the invention, an improved sensor system for monitoring a clutch system can be provided in an advantageous manner.

The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description. Technical terms are used in the usual way. Where a particular meaning is conferred on a particular term, the following are definitions of terms within which the terms are used.

• -einen Wellenerzeuger,
• -einen Ultraschallsensor,

wobei der Wellenerzeuger zwischen zwei Kupplungsscheiben des Kupplungssystems anordenbar ist, wobei der Wellenerzeuger dazu eingerichtet ist, eine Ultraschallwelle in einem vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich auszubilden, wenn eine Winkelgeschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen den beiden Kupplungsschreiben zumindest einen vorbestimmten Grenzwert erreicht, wobei der Ultraschallsensor dazu eingerichtet ist, die Ultraschallwelle im definierten Frequenzbereich zu detektieren, wobei das Sensorsystem dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der detektierten Ultraschallwelle einen Kupplungszustand des Kupplungssystems zu ermitteln.One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor system for monitoring a clutch system, having:

• - a wave generator,
• -an ultrasonic sensor,

wherein the wave generator can be arranged between two clutch disks of the clutch system, wherein the wave generator is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks reaches at least a predetermined limit value, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined To detect frequency range, wherein the sensor system is adapted to determine a clutch state of the clutch system based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that an ultrasonic wave can be generated with the aid of the wave generator when a clutch state intended for this is reached. The ultrasonic sensor can be a parking ultrasonic sensor of a motor vehicle, for example, so that it detects the ultrasonic wave emitted by the wave generator. Thus, a wave generator that is set up to generate the ultrasonic wave only has to be arranged in the clutch system. The detection of the ultrasonic wave can take place with already existing sensors, so that a cost-saving effect can arise.

The wave generator can be designed as a kind of conical pin or the like, so that it can emit an ultrasonic wave due to a relative movement between the two clutch discs. The wave generator can also be arranged adjacent to the clutch discs. In this case, the ultrasonic wave can be formed in a frequency range so that it can be detected by a parking ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic wave can be any type and form of wave that has a frequency of at least 12 kHz. The wave generator generates the ultrasonic wave when an angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks reaches, falls below, exceeds and/or meets a predetermined limit value. The angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks can be a rotational speed difference between the two clutch disks. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor can detect, record and/or receive the ultrasonic wave emitted by the wave generator in the defined frequency range. The defined frequency range can occur between a frequency of 12 kHz to 100 kHz. Other frequency ranges for the defined frequency range are also conceivable. In addition, the defined frequency range can also have only one frequency, such as 52 kHz. The sensor system can use the detected ultrasonic wave to determine, calculate and/or detect the clutch state of the clutch system. It can be calculated, for example, that when an ultrasonic wave is detected, an angular velocity difference of, for example, 10 degrees per second occurs, so that the sensor system determines that the coupling process between the two clutch discs is not complete. Furthermore, the clutch state can describe two clutch disks that have the same speed and are therefore “engaged”. In addition, the clutch condition can describe two clutch disks that have different speeds, so that the clutch disks are "snapping" or "disengaged". Further exemplary embodiments are described in connection with FIG the 1 and their figure description further explained.

According to one embodiment, the state of the clutch includes at least one rotational speed of the two clutch disks.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that the control of the clutch system can be improved using the speed of the two clutch discs, for example by being able to reduce unnecessary friction.

The state of the clutch can be described using the speed of the two clutch discs, for example. In one example, the first clutch disk has a speed of 700 rpm and the second clutch disk has a speed of 1000 rpm. It can thus be determined that there is a speed difference of 300 revolutions per minute between the first and second clutch disc, so that an engine control unit, for example, can ensure that this difference is minimized in order to avoid unnecessary friction or minimize additional wear. The state of the clutch can have a large number of rotational speeds of the two clutch discs, in particular when a number of clutch discs are monitored using the sensor system.

According to one embodiment, the clutch condition includes at least one degree of power transmission and/or slippage between the two clutch discs.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that the driving dynamics of a vehicle that has the sensor system can be improved with the help of the power transmission and/or the slip.

The degree of power transmission and/or the slip between the two clutch discs can be determined using the wave generator and the ultrasonic sensor. The degree of power transmission and/or slip can be determined by selecting the clutch state such that a predetermined degree of power transmission or slip is decisive for whether the ultrasonic wave is generated by the wave generator or not. The degree of power transmission or slip can thus be used to optimize driving dynamics.

According to one embodiment, the wave generator is set up to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves, each at a predetermined frequency and each at an individual limit value, the ultrasonic sensor being set up to detect the multiplicity of ultrasonic waves, the sensor system being set up to to determine the angular velocity difference based on the detected plurality of ultrasonic waves, in particular to determine it continuously.

One advantage of the embodiment is that the angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks can be determined continuously for the duration of the clutch process, in order to minimize the wear or friction between the two clutch disks.

The wave generator is designed in particular in such a way that, based on its contour or its spring stiffness, it is set up to generate a large number of ultrasonic waves, in particular as a function of the angular velocity difference, between the two clutch disks. The wave generator can thus generate a large number of ultrasonic waves, each with a predetermined frequency range, the generation of each ultrasonic wave by the wave generator being dependent on an individual limit value in each case. Thus, over the course of the coupling process between the two clutch disks, the wave generator can generate the corresponding ultrasonic wave for the degree of progress of the coupling process, which the ultrasonic sensor can detect. The sensor system can thus use the large number of ultrasonic waves detected to determine, calculate and/or determine the angular velocity difference that currently prevails between the two clutch disks during the clutch process. In particular, this can happen continuously or over the entire period of the clutch process between the two clutch disks.

According to one embodiment, the wave generator is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when a twisting angle speed between the two clutch disks reaches a predetermined twisting angle speed.

One advantage of this embodiment can be that the determination of the rotational angular velocity, in particular a relative movement or relative velocity, between the two clutch disks can be used to improve control of the clutch process.

A relative speed between the two clutch disks can be determined by determining the angle of rotation, in order to reduce additional friction between the clutch disks. It can be based on the emitted ultrasonic wave, which is generated by the wave ger can be generated, using the ultrasonic sensor and the sensor system to determine the twisting angle speed.

According to one embodiment, the wave generator is set up to modulate the ultrasonic wave during a clutch process of the clutch system depending on the angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks over the time of the clutch process.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that a wave generator can be used to generate a large number of ultrasonic waves, which change over a predetermined frequency range, so that, for example, the driving dynamics or the clutch dynamics of a clutch system can be improved.

The terms “modulation” and/or “modulate” can be understood to mean a change in the frequency of the ultrasonic wave that is created by the wave generator. The ultrasonic wave can be modulated and/or changed over time by the wave generator in the predetermined frequency range, for example from 40 to 60 kHz.

According to one embodiment, the sensor system is set up to use the modulated ultrasonic wave to determine whether the clutch process is complete, the sensor system being set up to generate a control signal when the clutch process is completed, the control signal being set up to send an engine control unit a to allow full engine power to be transmitted and/or to set an idle state.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that the detected completed clutch process can be used to determine whether full engine power can be transmitted and/or whether idling has set in. With the help of this detection, the control of a motor vehicle can be significantly simplified or facilitated.

In other words, the ultrasonic sensor is set up or the sensor system is set up to use the detected modulated ultrasonic wave to determine whether the coupling process is completed or completed. The clutch process can be a coupling and/or a decoupling. During an engagement process, the first clutch disk has an increased speed and the second clutch disk has a low speed. The coupling process begins with the connection of the two clutch discs, so that the two speeds of the two clutch discs are adjusted. This can be monitored with the help of the wave generator via the coupling process, since the wave generator modulates or changes the ultrasonic wave generated over the duration of the coupling process, so that the sensor system can determine the current clutch status. Furthermore, the sensor system is set up to generate a control signal that can be read out using an engine control unit or the like. The control signal can stand for a signal that the engagement process has been successfully completed and full engine power can therefore be transmitted, or the control signal can describe a disengagement process, so that the two clutch discs are idling and other measures, such as e.g. B. the activation of a parking brake or the insertion of a new gear can take place.

According to one embodiment, the sensor system has a logic unit which can be connected to a network memory by means of a wireless connection, the logic unit being set up to determine the clutch state of the clutch system, in particular in combination with the network memory.

One advantage of this embodiment can be that the logic unit and the wireless connection to a network memory can be used to save resources in the motor vehicle, since the necessary resources and thus also the costs of the components required for this can be reduced using a cloud system.

The signals that are detected using the ultrasonic sensor can be transmitted, for example, via the logic unit to a network memory, where the detected ultrasonic signals are evaluated. A clutch state of the clutch system can thus be determined using the logic unit or in combination with the network memory. Furthermore, the signal evaluation in a control unit, preferably in the vehicle, z. B. ultrasonic control unit, engine control unit or vehicle control unit. Ultimately, each logic unit or computer inside or outside the vehicle, z. B. Cloud-based, use for this. Signal acquisition for transmission and evaluation can take place continuously over the life of the vehicle in the vehicle itself. If the evaluation takes place in the cloud, the data can be sent and evaluated alternately at specified events or at specified time intervals in order to reduce the data volume of the mobile radio station. In order to be able to reliably and clearly identify a changing noise pattern on the vehicle during the service life of the vehicle, the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence to process the signal information is advantageous.

• -ein Sensorsystem, wie voranstehend und nachfolgend beschrieben,
• eine erste Kupplungsscheibe und eine zweite Kupplungsscheibe, wobei der Wellenerzeuger des Sensorsystems mit der ersten Kupplungsscheibe und/oder mit der zweiten Kupplungsscheibe verbunden ist, wobei die erste Kupplungsscheibe mit einem Drehmomenterzeuger verbunden ist, wobei die zweite Kupplungsscheibe mit einem Drehmomentnutzer verbunden ist, wobei der Wellenerzeuger dazu eingerichtet ist, eine Ultraschallwelle in einem vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich auszubilden, wenn eine Winkelgeschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen der ersten Kupplungsscheibe und der zweiten Kupplungsscheibe einen vorbestimmten Grenzwert erreicht, wobei der Ultraschallsensor dazu eingerichtet ist, die Ultraschallwelle im definierten Frequenzbereich zu detektieren, wobei das Sensorsystem dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der detektierten Ultraschallwelle einen Kupplungszustand des Kupplungssystems zu ermitteln.

Another aspect relates to a clutch system having:

• - a sensor system as described above and below,
• a first clutch disc and a second clutch disc, the wave generator of the sensor system being connected to the first clutch disc and/or to the second clutch disc, the first clutch disc being connected to a torque generator, the second clutch disc being connected to a torque user, the wave generator is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the first clutch disk and the second clutch disk reaches a predetermined limit value, the ultrasonic sensor being set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range, the sensor system being set up to to determine a clutch state of the clutch system based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that the ultrasonic wave does not produce any disturbing noises that can be heard by humans. Furthermore, with the help of the continuous monitoring of the clutch discs, a state of health of the clutch discs or the clutch system can be determined.

For example, the clutch system can be a clutch of a motor vehicle. In this case, the first clutch disk can be connected to an engine of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the second clutch disk can be connected to a drive train of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the wave generator can be arranged between the two clutch disks and connected to the first clutch disk and/or the second clutch disk. With the help of the sensor system, as described above and below, the first clutch disk and the second clutch disk have, for example, different angular speeds during a clutch process. An angular speed difference is thus formed between the first and the second clutch disc, which can be determined using an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range, which is generated by the wave generator when a predetermined limit value is reached.

• -Ausbilden einer Ultraschallwelle in einem vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich, wenn eine Winkelgeschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen zwei Kupplungsscheiben einen vorbestimmten Grenzwert erreicht,
• -Detektieren der Ultraschallwelle im definierten Frequenzbereich,
• -Ermitteln eines Kupplungszustandes des Kupplungssystems anhand der detektierten Ultraschallwelle.

A further aspect is a method for determining a clutch state of a clutch system, comprising the steps:

• - forming an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between two clutch discs reaches a predetermined limit value,
• -Detection of the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range,
• - Determination of a clutch state of the clutch system based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

An advantage of this embodiment can be that with the help of the wave generator, a simple means can be provided to determine the state of the clutch, so that a cost-saving effect can arise and constructive modifications can be avoided.

For example, an ultrasonic wave can be generated by a wave generator based on a difference between two rotational movements of the two clutch disks. With the help of an ultrasonic sensor, for example, the ultrasonic wave can be detected in the defined frequency range. Furthermore, a clutch state of the clutch system can be ascertained, calculated and/or determined on the basis of the detected ultrasonic wave.

Elements and/or steps of the method, as described above and below, can be features and elements of the sensor device and/or the clutch system, as described above and below, and vice versa.

Further measures improving the invention are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of figures.

exemplary embodiments

• 1 ein Kupplungssystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform.
• 2 ein Kraftfahrzeug gemäß einer Ausführungsform.
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm zur Illustration von Schritten des Verfahrens gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

Further measures improving the invention are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of figures. It shows:

• 1 a clutch system according to an embodiment.
• 2 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment.
• 3 a flow chart illustrating steps of the method according to an embodiment.

• -einen Wellenerzeuger 102,
• -einen Ultraschallsensor 104, wobei der Wellenerzeuger 102 zwischen zwei Kupplungsscheiben 202, 204 des Kupplungssystems 200 anordenbar ist, wobei der Wellenerzeuger 100 dazu eingerichtet ist, eine Ultraschallwelle in einem vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich auszubilden, wenn eine Winkelgeschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen den beiden Kupplungsscheiben 202, 204 zumindest einen vorbestimmten Grenzwert erreicht, wobei der Ultraschallsensor 104 dazu eingerichtet ist, die Ultraschallwelle im definierten Frequenzbereich zu detektieren, wobei das Sensorsystem 100 dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der detektierten Ultraschallwelle einen Kupplungszustand des Kupplungssystems 200 zu ermitteln.

1 shows a sensor system 100 for monitoring a clutch system 200, having:

• - a wave generator 102,
• -an ultrasonic sensor 104, wherein the wave generator 102 can be arranged between two clutch disks 202, 204 of the clutch system 200, wherein the wave generator 100 is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the two clutch disks 202, 204 is at least a predetermined Limit reached, wherein the ultrasonic sensor 104 is set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range, wherein the sensor system 100 is set up to determine a clutch state of the clutch system 200 based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

1 FIG. 12 shows a clutch system 200 having a first clutch disc 202 and a second clutch disc 204. FIG. The wave generator 102 can be arranged between the two clutch discs 202,204. For example, the wave generator 102 is arranged on the first clutch disk 202 . The ultrasonic sensor 104 can detect an ultrasonic wave which the wave generator 102 generates due to an angular velocity difference between the first clutch disc 202 and the second clutch disc 204 . The ultrasonic sensor is part of the sensor system 100. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor 104 can be connected to a logic unit 106 by means of a connection 120. The logic unit 106 can, for example, determine or calculate the clutch state of the clutch system 200 on the basis of the ultrasonic signals which the ultrasonic sensor 104 receives. The logic unit 106 can be connected to a network storage device 300, which is a cloud storage device and/or a cloud computing system 300, for example, by means of a wired or wireless connection 130.

2 1 shows a motor vehicle 400 which has a multiplicity of ultrasonic sensors 104 . The wave generator 102 generates the ultrasonic wave at an original position 110. With the aid of the multiplicity of ultrasonic sensors 104, an original position can be determined, in particular by means of triangulation.

3 shows a flowchart to illustrate the steps of method 300. Method 300 has step S1, forming an ultrasonic wave, in particular with a wave generator 102, in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between two clutch discs 202, 204 reaches a predetermined limit value. Furthermore, the method 300 has the step S2 detecting the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range. In addition, the method 300 has the step S3 determining a clutch state of the clutch system 200 based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

In addition, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be construed as limitations.

Claims (10)

Sensor system (100) for monitoring a clutch system (200), having: - a wave generator (102), - an ultrasonic sensor (104), wherein the wave generator (102) can be arranged between two clutch discs (202, 204) of the clutch system (200), wherein the wave generator (102) is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the two clutch discs (202, 204) reaches at least a predetermined limit value, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (104) is set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range, wherein the sensor system (100) is set up to determine a clutch state of the clutch system (200) based on the detected ultrasonic wave. sensor system claim 1 , wherein the clutch state comprises at least one rotational speed of the two clutch discs (202, 204). Sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch state comprises at least one degree of power transmission and a slip between the two clutch discs (202, 204). Sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wave generator (102) to is set up to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves, each at a predetermined frequency, and each at an individual limit value, the ultrasonic sensor (104) being set up to detect the multiplicity of ultrasonic waves, the sensor system (100) being set up to use the detected plurality of ultrasonic waves to determine the angular velocity difference, in particular to determine continuously. Sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wave generator (102) is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when a twisting angle speed between the two clutch discs (202, 204) reaches a predetermined twisting angle speed. Sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wave generator (102) is set up to modulate the ultrasonic wave during a clutch process of the clutch system (200) depending on the angular velocity difference between the two clutch discs (202, 204) over the time of the clutch process. Sensor system according to claim 6 , wherein the sensor system (100) is set up to use the modulated ultrasonic wave to determine whether the coupling process is complete, the sensor system (102) being set up to generate a control signal when the coupling process is complete, the control signal being set up to do so is to allow an engine control unit to transmit full engine power and/or to set an idle state. Sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (102) has a logic unit (106) which can be connected to a network memory (300) by means of a wired and/or wireless connection (130), the logic unit (106) being set up for this purpose , In particular in combination with the network memory (300) to determine the clutch state of the clutch system (200). Clutch system (200) having: - a sensor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a first clutch disc (202) and a second clutch disc (204), the wave generator (102) of the sensor system (100) being connected to the first clutch disc (202) and/or to the second clutch disc (204), wherein the first clutch disc (202) is connected to a torque generator, wherein the second clutch disc (204) is connected to a torque user, wherein the wave generator (102) is set up to form an ultrasonic wave in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between the first clutch disc (202) and the second clutch disc (204) reaches a predetermined limit value, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (104) is set up to detect the ultrasonic wave in the defined frequency range, wherein the sensor system (100) is set up to determine a clutch state of the clutch system (200) on the basis of the detected ultrasonic wave. Method for determining a clutch state (500) of a clutch system, comprising the steps: - forming an ultrasonic wave (S1) in a predetermined frequency range when an angular velocity difference between two clutch discs (202, 204) reaches a predetermined limit value, -Detection of the ultrasonic wave (S2) in the defined frequency range, - Determining a clutch state (S3) of the clutch system based on the detected ultrasonic wave.

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