EP2828864B1 - Electromagnetic actuating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator according to the preamble of the main claim. Such electromagnetic actuators, which - generic - about in the DE 102 40 774 A1 The applicant is described, are used for a variety of applications, in particular, the use as an actuator for a camshaft adjusting device of an automotive engine is a preferred application. Here acts approximately (typically plunger-like design) anchor unit with an end-side engaging portion with an associated adjusting groove or the like. Stellpartner the internal combustion engine together.

Not least because of the space-related characteristics of such a site often the installation geometry of a known electromagnetic actuator of the generic type is important; For example, in the exemplary application of the camshaft adjustment and a plurality of juxtaposed (and typically with parallel ram plungers) provided actuators in particular it comes as compact as possible radial (ie running transversely to a direction of movement) dimensions, as close as possible adjacent actuators to each other can; Such a configuration then makes it possible, for example, to perform a plurality of different setting operations on the setting partner, for example engagement in a plurality of positioning grooves provided adjacent to each other.

However, the geometrical dimensions of generic electromagnetic actuators can not be minimized as a matter of principle, for example, the electromagnetic actuation forces of such a device to be achieved determine predetermined dynamic properties (positioning times) or the like. Boundary conditions necessary minimum dimensions of the participating electromagnetic components.

Accordingly, it is important that other assemblies, such as a surrounding housing or the like. do not bring about any significant (about radial) dimensional increase in order not to adversely affect the compactness of a desired arrangement on electromagnetic actuators, such as a plurality of actuators adjacent to each other to form a minimum distance.

The DE 10 2007 028 600 A1 the applicant clarifies such an application of a plurality of (here parallel to each other) movable anchor units; however, the solution described here is specific, causes high assembly and adjustment costs, and is not generally transferable to installation situations requiring compact installation dimensions of the electromagnetic actuators to be used.

Also, the coil units described in this prior art, insofar as generically described, have the disadvantage that the connection contacts assigned to them (not shown in detail in detail) project radially (ie transversely to a respective axial direction of movement of the anchor units) with the production-related purpose, a respective winding associated terminal contacts with connecting structures (connecting means) in the respective housing electrically and mechanically connect, so that then can be done via this connection means a coupling to a typically provided on the edge side of the housing connector portion. About this connector portion (which may be multi-pole depending on the purpose, bush-like or otherwise suitable manner) is then carried out the coupling by means of conventional control wires to a suitable control electronics.

In the currently prevailing mass production technology, the described connection between terminal contact (the winding), which usually protrudes radially from the (typically made of plastic) bobbin, and the connecting means by a welded connection.

A corresponding welding gun or the like. Element of an automatic welding machine overlaps for this purpose the partners to be connected and produces in a known manner a welded joint.

A disadvantage of this (otherwise proven and effective) method is that an effective diameter of the adjusting device is increased by the lateral (radial) protruding of the connection contact together with the associated connection partner of the electrical connection means; so yes, from the radial direction, there must be sufficient space for engaging the welding device for producing the welded joint. This in turn is disadvantageous for the described Kompaktheitersfordernisse, in particular concerning a very close and compact density of adjacent or adjacent to be provided adjusting devices.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to minimize a (necessary) minimum diameter (i.e., a housing extension transverse to the axial direction of movement of the armature unit) with the aim of enabling the most compact possible arrangement of adjacent assemblies.

The object is achieved by the electromagnetic actuator with the features of the main claim; advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims. Additional and independent protection in the context of the invention is further claimed for a manufacturing method for producing the electromagnetic actuator according to the main claim, with those assembly and connection steps, which are apparent from the present application documents and should be considered as belonging to the invention. In the context of the invention further protection is claimed for a use of the electromagnetic actuator according to the invention in a motor vehicle or internal combustion engine installation context, wherein the present invention has proved particularly suitable for adjusting an engine assembly, such as a camshaft (or a camshaft). Adjustment) to be used and mounted.

In accordance with the invention is advantageous, in departure from the generic state of the art, the coil carrier associated terminal contact (which in turn is electrically and mechanically connected to the coil wire of the winding) formed in an extension direction which is parallel to the axial direction of movement of the armature. Parallel to this terminal contact (and preferably aligned flat on this) a flat end portion of the metallic connecting means is provided so that by a radial or lateral attack of welding means or the like. Connecting units then between these conductive sections a permanent mechanical and electrical connection can be made.

Due to the fact that according to the invention this pair of connection partners extends parallel to the axial direction and not transversely or radially before or during the connection process, so that it is located in the region of the housing end region provided opposite the armature outlet, this connection point does not cause any radial or cross-section Expansion of the electromagnetic actuator or its diameter. On the contrary, according to the invention, this connection point between the terminal contact and the flat end section of the connecting means remains within the maximum diameter determined by the (typically hollow-cylindrical) housing and the coil carrier accommodated therein. Only in the region of the rear housing end wall does the adjusting device be extended, which however is less problematic in a compact space conditions, as an enlarged diameter.

Advantageously according to the invention, in addition, the connection thus provided, for example by means of soldering or welding, is additionally space-saving to be treated after the connection process by bending or bending, in such a way that the connection pair, which extends axially parallel before and during the connection process, after the connection the bending or bending is brought into a preferably parallel and to the associated housing end wall approximate or adjacent position. This then leads to a merely marginal axial extension of the unit, so that according to the invention advantageously the present invention significantly contributes to the compactness and thus flexibility in the use of generic electromagnetic actuators.

In manufacturing technology particularly preferred manner is the terminal contact, additionally or alternatively also at least the end portion of the metallic connecting means (again more preferably also the entire metallic connecting means within the actuator housing) realized as a stamped part. Not only allow such stampings a simple and reproducible manufacturability, also an automated welding or the like. Connection process simplified.

According to the training advantageous and with the purpose to achieve the simplest possible, material-friendly and connection-safe bending (kinking) of the manufactured insoluble compound in a transverse direction inside, at least one of the connection partners with a suitable bending relief (such as a specific material allowance, a shaped arc area or the like .) Mistake. Accordingly, an advantageous kinking would then no material crack or the like. possible impairment in finishing.

While it is also preferred within the scope of the invention to leave the connection partners, terminal contact and end section of the metallic connection means, before or during the connection process (welding or soldering) axially parallel out of the housing, it is nevertheless encompassed by the present invention, to provide such an arrangement also within the housing and then access via a welding gun or the like. through a corresponding end opening, recess or the like. to enable.

In a particularly preferred manner, the tab-like or tongue-like formed contact, preferably realized as a stamped part, integrated on or in the bobbin; typically by injecting the metallic contact material into a plastic used for the bobbin. This can then be in manufacturing technology favorable way already set the position of the terminal contact according to the invention, namely such that, based on a coil carrier extending coaxially to the armature, the connection contact so mounted projecting not radially but end parallel to the axis of this bobbin. Corresponding mechanical loads would then be transmitted from the terminal contact to the coil carrier, a winding wire suitably connected to the connection contact would nevertheless remain mechanically unloaded in any state, so that from this point of view a highly reliable and faultless mounting of the present invention is made possible.

In order to ensure additional protection after installation or the advantageous bending after the permanent connection has been made, it is preferred according to further development, the associated housing end region by a lid, a cap or the like. to cover; However, this also has a correspondingly low axial dimensions and does not affect a radial diameter of the device.

As a result, the present invention provides, in a surprisingly simple and constructively elegant way, the possibility of making a radial diameter of generic electromagnetic actuators as compact as possible, and in particular previously required shell-radially provided electrical connection points for coupling the winding to the housing plug portion for further external Shift contact from the effective diameter side area. The seemingly necessary additional effort of a bending or bending process, which is provided according to the training and preferred, however, more than weighs the achieved dimensional advantages in practical use.

If then, as claimed in the invention advantageous, the inventive electromagnetic actuator as a camshaft adjusting device for an internal combustion engine or, in general, as an adjustment for an internal combustion engine functionality, especially in one Motor vehicle context, is used, the advantages of the invention come into play, in particular, that a plurality of such inventive electromagnetic actuators adjacent to each other, more preferably, each coat side touching, mounted. For example, this makes it possible to make a camshaft, which is made possible by a pair of known camshaft adjusting devices, along an axial direction even smaller in space by means of the compact radial dimensions made possible according to the invention, or even better in a tight installation space.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings;

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht der elektromagnetischen Stellvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei im Bereich des Steckerabschnitts ein Ausschnitt aus der Gehäusewand zu Illustrationszwecken geöffnet ist.

Fig. 2

eine Längsschnitt-Detailansicht des Verbindungsbereichs zwischen dem Anschlusskontakt der Spulenwicklung und dem flachen Endabschnitt der Verbindungsmittel vor einem Verschweißen und im nicht-abgewinkelten Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht analog Fig. 2 und als vergrößerte Darstellung der Fig. 1, wobei nach einem Verbinden die Verbindungspartner in Richtung auf den Gehäuse-Stirnbereich abgewinkelt sind, und

Fig. 4

eine schematische und als Ausschnittsvergrößerung dargestellte Abbildung des Verbindungsbereichs bei als gattungsbildend heranzuziehendem Stand der Technik.

These show in:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of the electromagnetic actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein in the region of the connector portion a section of the housing wall is opened for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 2

a longitudinal sectional detail view of the connecting portion between the terminal contact of the coil winding and the flat end portion of the connecting means before welding and in the non-angled condition;

Fig. 3

a side view analog Fig. 2 and as an enlarged view of Fig. 1 , wherein after a connection, the connection partners are angled in the direction of the housing end region, and

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the connecting region shown as an enlargement of detail in genus forming heranzuziehendem prior art.

The Fig. 1 illustrates in the schematic side view of the electromagnetic actuator according to a first preferred embodiment. In a slightly flared, radially symmetrically about a symmetry and movement axis 10 extending housing 12 is a (only shown with an end-side tappet portion 14) armature unit movably guided along the longitudinal movement axis 10. The ram unit 14 is formed with the end-side engaging portion shown for cooperating with a positioning partner (not shown). This adjusting partner (not part of the invention) is in the illustrated embodiment, an adjusting groove of a (not shown) device for adjusting the camshaft of an internal combustion engine for automotive technology.

While the ram end 14 of the anchor unit emerges at one end from the housing (having a plurality of sections extending along the longitudinal axis 10), a contact or plug section 18 is formed on the opposite end face 16, typically by injection molding onto the front side (from a front side) Plastic material existing) housing shell, which then cooperates in otherwise known manner, this connector portion 18 with appropriately adapted, not shown connection cables for connection to upstream control devices.

In the interior of the housing 10, a coil unit is provided for moving the armature unit 14, which has a coil 22 formed on a coil support 20 and is held stationary in the housing 12. In the Fig. 2 housing sections shown hatched are connected to the bobbin 20 by overmoulding or similar mass-production-suitable production methods.

The (at least one) winding 22 is realized by a winding wire 24 (FIG. Fig. 2 ), which is guided on the front side of the hollow cylindrical bobbin 20 and is permanently connected to a coil terminal contact 26, which (flat and tab-like) is made of a suitably punched metal material and (again by injection or encapsulation or by shooting in an existing molded article) in the in Fig. 2 shown manner protrudes from an end-side flange portion 28 of the bobbin 20. In the case of the radially symmetrical configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, the coil terminal contact 26 thus extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 and protrudes, like the Fig. 2 reveals in the still unconnected (unwelded) state, from the front 16 back out.

In this mounting condition is how the Fig. 2 shows, the coil terminal contact 26 a flat end portion 30 associated with a turn made as a stamped part metallic connector, which (contacted by not shown in detail wiring) an electrical terminal contact 32 in the connector portion 18 contacted.

Like the longitudinal section view of Fig. 2 illustrates, are in the unwelded state, the contacts 26, 30 with their flat sides facing each other opposite each other and project rearwardly out of the end face 16 of the housing 12; Accordingly, in a subsequent joining step of these ends (shown here is a schematic weld bead or a weld boss 34) by lateral (transverse or radial) attacking by means of welding tongs or the like welding unit along the direction of the double arrow 36 welding the assemblies 26, 30, with the aim of producing an insoluble, mechanically stable and electrically conductive connection.

Unlike in Fig. 4 For comparison purposes, it becomes clear that the step of welding (along arrow direction 36) that is critical for efficient serial production is significantly simplified: In the state of the art used as a generic form, in this respect the representation corresponds to FIG Fig. 4 in about the excerpt in Fig. 2 Namely, both the coil terminal contact 26 'and the end portion 30' of the associated connection means extend as a connection partner in a horizontal direction on the shell side of the housing. Accordingly, the attack must occur here for welding along the direction of arrow 36 ', which requires that clarifies through the schematic area 37 in FIG Fig. 4 , radially outwardly a corresponding space for this connection process must be maintained. Accordingly, the (for desired compact dimensions) critical radial diameter of the housing 12 'increases, so that in particular the above-described disadvantage occurs that the device according to Fig. 4 is not optimized in terms of compact cross-sectional dimensions and is so far only limited for use in accordance with cramped installation space. The others, in Fig. 4 identifiable assemblies correspond to that extent Fig. 1 to 3 and are given equivalence with analogous reference numerals or added "'".

The embodiment shown within the scope of the invention makes it possible now, in the Fig. 2 advantageously frontally and thus without the requirement of a radial expansion made welded joint between the connection partners 26, 30 by bending (bending or buckling) in the direction of the rear housing end face 16 to deform. A correspondingly deformed state is shown in the sectional view of the Fig. 3 which in this respect the section III in Fig. 1 Corresponds to: bent over a terminal 26 adjacent inner housing shoulder 38, a cross-sectional rounded course of firmly interconnected partners 26, 30, wherein in the illustrated embodiment provided on the assembly 30 Biegeentlastungsbereich 40, designed as a material addition, this bending or Abknickvorgang facilitates and in particular prevents kinking, the material of the end portion 30 (as a flat stamped part) ruptures or is damaged in any other way.

The possible end of the Fig. 3 achieved so then in the axial direction in the rear end face 16 compact dimensions of the housing, which additionally and additionally advantageous after bending a rear housing cover 42 can be placed, with the advantage of creating protection against ingress of contamination or adverse effects on site and to form a complete flat rear surface of the housing.

Thus reaches a maximum circumferential dimension of the thus realized electromagnetic actuator (about the maximum diameter of the housing portion) 12m, a diameter savings of about 10% over the prior art of Fig. 4 , which allows new uses of the invention.

In this case, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown; neither is the concrete flat form of realization of the contact partners necessary, nor does it have to be in the in Fig. 2 shown direction of the arrow (or at all) a kinking or bending after a successful connection are performed. Also, the skilled artisan will suitably design other elements and assemblies of the invention according to a particular application requirement.

Claims (12)

1. An electromagnetic setting device having
   an armature unit (14) constructed for interaction with an adjustment partner, which can be moved along an axial direction (10), as a reaction to supplying current to a stationary coil unit,
   wherein the coil unit has a winding (22), which is provided on a coil carrier (20) and can be contacted by means of a connection contact (26), and is accommodated in a preferably hollow cylindrical housing (12) surrounding the coil unit at the shell side at least in certain sections,
   to which electrically conductive metallic connecting means (30) are assigned for a connection of the connection contact to a plug section (18, 20) provided on the housing,
   characterised in that
   the connection contact (26) constructed in tab- and/or tongue-like manner extends together with a flat end section of the metallic connecting means (30), aligned parallel thereto in particular and constructed for non-detachable connection to the connection contact or non-detachably connected to the connection contact, at least in certain sections in a direction parallel to the axial direction (10) on or in a housing front region (16), or is angled out of such a position of extent after the connection,
   wherein the housing front region is axially opposite a housing outlet for the armature unit (14).
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the connection contact and/or the flat end section of the connecting means is realised as a metallic stamped part.
3. The device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the non-detachable connection has a welded or soldered connection (34), particularly a welding projection between end faces of the connection contact or the end section of the connecting means, which are directed towards one another.
4. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connection contact and/or the flat end section of the connecting means has a predetermined bending or bending-relief region (40) outside a connection point, which allows an angling of the non-detachable connection, particularly an angling of the connection up to 100°.
5. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the connection contact for non-detachable connection to the end region (30) of the connecting means, orientated towards the same and extending preferably parallel to the same, emerges out of the front region (16) of the housing at least in a non-angled state or is exposed in the front region in such a manner that a welding device for producing the non-detachable connection can act from a direction of action (36) running transversely to the axial direction.
6. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a winding wire (24) of the coil unit is electrically and mechanically connected to the connection contact (26) in such a manner that neither the non-detachable connection to the end section of the connecting means, nor a subsequent angling exerts a mechanical load on the winding wire, particularly a tensile stress.
7. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the coil carrier has an in particular cylindrical winding section (22) extending along the axial direction and coaxially to the armature unit,
   which is mechanically and/or electrically connected to the connection contact at an axial and/or radial end section (28).
8. The device according to Claim 7, characterised in that the coil unit does not have a shell-side and/or radially extending connection contact.
9. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the connection contact and the end section of the connecting means orientated towards the same is provided in a radial edge region of the front region of the housing and is constructed in such a manner that angling in the non-detachably connected state can take place with the free ends in the direction of a radial centre of the front region.
10. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the front region of the housing is constructed for closure and/or covering by means of a housing lid (42), which, after the angling or in the angled state of connection contact and end section, can be applied to the front region of the housing.
11. A use of the electromagnetic setting device according to one of Claims 1-10 in an engine space of a motor vehicle and/or as an assembly or fitting of an internal combustion engine, for adjusting a motor-vehicle engine component, particularly a camshaft, as adjustment partner.
12. The use according to Claim 11, characterised in that a plurality of the electromagnetic setting devices are provided adjacently to one another and preferably for interacting with the same adjustment partner.

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