DE102007061319A1 - Sensor switching unit for determining the positions of gear components comprises a switching bolt interacting with a shaft and having several holding positions for connecting the sensor element in the lifting direction - Google Patents

Abstract

Sensor switching unit comprises a switching bolt (2) interacting with a shaft and having several holding positions for connecting the sensor element (27, 28) in the lifting direction. An independent claim is also included for a support (3) of a switch lock (25) for the sensor switching unit. Preferred Features: The support has an outer thread for screwing onto the inner thread of the sensor element. The sensor element is fixed using a securing auxiliary aid after subsequent positioning.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a sensor switching unit for fixing the position of a movable transmission component, in particular a shift rod of a Motor vehicle transmission and a method for their preparation.

Background of the invention

The Sensor switching unit is used to determine positions at least a transmission component. It consists of a shift lock for locking gearshift positions, wherein the shift lock having a lock housing and a shift pin. Of the Shift pin is mounted in a liftable manner in the lock housing and prestressed against the transmission component. Furthermore, the sensor switching unit a sensor consisting of a signal generator as the first sensor element and a sensor as a further sensor element and a housing with a receptacle for the shift lock on.

at many such sensor switching units, the switching pin on its front side a guided locking element. It is preferably spherical and engages in one Operating path of the actuating element. Such shift locks, which are also referred to as ball detents, find particular in motor vehicle applications, wherein the locking elements of the Schaltarretierungen in corresponding recesses of the shift rods or engage the recesses of the switching elements.

DE 43 07 596 A1 shows a switching unit with such a shift lock. This is biased against a shaft, wherein it engages with its locking element introduced into the shaft grooves. The shift lock actuates a switch to switch, for example, a reversing light. However, if such a shift lock allow gear recognition, it is necessary to determine the position of the locking element very precisely. For this purpose, the sensor of the locking element must be calibrated after the shift lock is installed. This is expensive and usually requires additional electronics.

Object of the invention

The The object of the invention is therefore to a sensor switching unit create which is inexpensive and inexpensive can be produced.

According to the invention the object is achieved according to claim 1. A sensor element of the sensor switching unit is on the switching pin or one at one with the shift pin operatively connected Component, such as a shaft-like carrier arranged. In the following it is assumed that this sensor element the signaler is. In all applications, however, it is possible in principle, the position of the signal generator and the Signal receiver to swap. The second, the first associated sensor element, in the following so the sensor as a signal receiver, is arranged the housing.

The Shift lock is firmly connected to the housing. she is designed so that the signal generator in several recording positions can be arranged and held securely there. It is with it For example, possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances or the distance between the first and second sensor elements to vary in order to be in the optimum working range of the sensor signal generator pair to get. An additional bias or bias or an electronic evaluation can thus be omitted.

The Invention thus allows an oak of the sensor switching unit already during the assembly. The shift lock is manufactured separately from the housing and with this form and / or non-positively connectable. Likewise, the signal generator and the shift pin made separately from each other and each other connectable. An elaborate pair of magnets with different ones Field strengths can thus be omitted because the magnet at several Recording positions can be arranged so that in the sensor switching unit with respect to each switching position of the sensor, the same signal registered.

In In a variant of the invention, the receiving positions are more discrete Art. For this purpose, the carrier outside, for example a gearing or detents on.

alternative In addition, the recording positions continuous type be. In one embodiment, the shift pin or a carrier operatively connected to the shift pin an external thread on. The magnet has an external thread complementary internal thread on, so that it can be screwed is and initially continuously adjustable in the axial direction is. Preferably, the magnet and the switching pin are rotationally symmetrical educated.

In a further embodiment, the shift lock has a closed lock housing, so that, on the one hand, no individual components can be lost or misadjusted. This simplifies handling, transport and installation. On the other hand, the shift lock is characterized well protected against the ingress of contaminants.

At least a sensor element serves as a signal generator. The signal generator gives permanent or temporary signals more constant or changing Result from, which are suitable by one or more to the signal generator or to the signal source arranged sensors as second sensor elements to be recorded. The signal generator gives, for example, light signals, Sound waves or magnetic pulses. examples for permanent signalers are permanent magnets, z. B. alternating with each other or opposite polarization. In one embodiment The invention provides the signal transmission from the signal generator to the sensor without contact. Below this is the contactless Detecting the outgoing signals from one or more signalers understood by one or more sensors, wherein the sensors from the signal generator, for example by a gas or liquid gap are separated from this.

Of the Locking bolt is resilient against a runway on the transmission component biased. The process path is characterized by position data of dial-up and Switch positions and position data of the contour of the path described between these selector and switch positions. The contour of the runway has slopes, slopes, pits, peaks, Plateaus, etc., which are described by the position data to let. Specific positions of the transmission component, neutral positions, Selector and switch positions are characteristic position data assigned. Specific positions are for example the neutral positions "normal" and possibly further neutral positions for mapping reference values as well as the positions of the forward gears or the Reverse gear. Individual concrete switch positions each have the same repeatable characteristic in each case Position data, alternatively also changing position data on.

The characteristic position data are according to a specific scheme by a chain between positional data juxtaposed connected with each other, leading the way for the scanner on the trajectory from one of the positions to the other. The scheme is characterized by a two- or three-dimensional structure Depressions and elevations on the surface predetermined the runway. The different depressions and elevations on the surface of the drainage paths are ascending ramp-like or sloping together to form a ramp contour, the to the chain of any number of juxtaposed and seamless linked position data are strung together. The position data are thus one-dimensional or two-dimensional in the simple form Coordinates or distances, the height differences of the surface to reproduce defined reference planes or reference lines of the process path, on the switching pin with corresponding longitudinal strokes responding.

The Sensor is set to at least one reference value. This Reference value is a "zero position" in which the signal generator is on the shift pin in a defined position to the sensor. These Position provides a reference value for the measurement of Position data. The reference position is, for example, the neutral position or a position between two adjacent passages, the a reference position of the encoder is assigned to the sensor. through The invention can be a mechanical calibration on the Make reference position without any electronic post-processing the signal is required. This can be expensive, heat resistant Semiconductor components are dispensed with in the transmission.

If the shift pin away from this reference position on the runway along he drives, this is due to the height differences remove from the reference value by certain strokes or yourself finally approach this at certain strokes again. The coupled with the switching pin signal generator are thus of of the reference position take different positions to the sensors.

Everyone the positions of the transmission component is thus a certain stroke assigned to the shift pin. The respective stroke of the shift pin is assigned a position of one or more signal transmitter to the sensor. Starting from the reference position, which the signal generator at reference position of the shift pin, these are depending on the position the transmission component compared to the reference position equal density or closer to the sensor or further away from it. It is conceivable Also, that each characteristic position is another sensor or another signal generator in the same or different design is assigned to the previous one.

The Following previous versions, thus each of the Selector or switch position of the transmission component a certain Longitudinal stroke of the shift pin assigned. The corresponding to the hub Signal is transmitted with the sensor and evaluation electronics in an information about converted the position of the transmission component. The signal will be for example to the on-board electronics for controlling operating and driving conditions forwarded or in a display as selector or gear position displayed.

Each dialing or switching position is assigned a certain height level of the ramp contour of the process path. In the simple case, each of the positions is assigned a different height, so that each of the different selection or switching position another stroke of the switching pin and thus the signal from another position of the pulse generator is assigned to the sensor.

alternative or at the same time is each dial or switch position a defined order of positional data assigned to the Shift pin when changing from one gear to another on predetermined Always travels on the drainage path. In this case is the height level of the ramp contour and thus the Hub for several select or switch positions of one Gear even be the same. The actual position the transmission component is then assigned not only to the hub, but a defined set of reproducible position data, the in repeatable and defined order from the shift pin inevitably go through when changing to the respective position need to be and recorded by the sensors accordingly and evaluated.

wells on the surface of the runway are also as latching depressions formed, in which the switching pin of the scanning unit engages with the tip and, for example, the transmission component locked in the switch positions. These locking positions is also a corresponding stroke or associated with a defined measurement quantity of position data.

position data are different diameters or radial strokes circumferentially extending raceways, which are scanned radially and thus in radially directed longitudinal strokes of the shift pin result. The relative axial position of the shift pin to Runway is fixed.

alternative these are positional data are the depths and heights of axial depressions and elevations in different Levels of an axially or longitudinally scanned and thus in the axial direction uneven pathway. The shift pin is in this case, axially and thus with the rotation, pivot or Longitudinal axis equally aligned liftable. position data are alternative, or simultaneously to the aforementioned variants, the Diameter or radial distances of arbitrary amounts of axial mutually adjacent circumferential lines, in axial order be scanned one after the other. The process track runs in this case in the longitudinal direction - that is vertical to the radial direction.

The Runways are preferably with non-cutting shaping method, in particular by cold forming in sheets or in the transmission component or in components that are synchronously movable with the transmission component are coupled introduced. Also conceivable is the training of Locking and / or slide contours by machining processes.

Of the Shift pin is longitudinally movable in the lock housing stored. At least one spring is in the same longitudinal direction supported in the or in a further Arretiergehäuse and biases against the bolt at least during operation of the scanning device the process track. The shift pin is hollow and, for example, inside performs a part of the spring formed in this case as a compression spring. Alternatively, the drain bolt is made of solid material and becomes outside For example, partially surrounded by a coil spring. The summit the shift pin is for contact with the runway rounded or balled. The ums in a dome own center rotatable recorded ball is optional in the Ball-bearing calotte.

The Sensor switching unit has at least one carrier for the signal generator and at least one sensor. The carrier is at least then activated by the shift pin when the Position data to be detected and is preferably a shaft trained pole. The carrier is preferably coaxial with the shift pin in the same longitudinal direction in the Bearing housed in which also the shift pin is longitudinally movable. In another embodiment takes over the shift pin itself the function of the carrier, so that this and the shift pin are integrally formed. Between the shift pin and the carrier is either permanent or temporarily in the longitudinal contact. Alternatively it is between shift pin and carrier a transmission device arranged for permanent or on-demand connection. The carrier is either attached to the shift pin or led to this or is due to the action of a spring at this.

Of the Shift pin is optional in the preferably made of sheet metal Sliding housing sliding or roller bearings. A or more springs are coil springs and / or disc springs per sensor switching unit. With the invention is a device for multi-range measurement of Switching and dialing positions created that are easy, robust and inexpensive to produce.

The shift pin is axially displaceably arranged in an embodiment of the invention on the inner surfaces of the shift lock, and a compression spring is supported on the shift pin and the lock housing. The switching force of the shift lock is determined in particular by the force of the compression spring, which is inserted between the shift pin and the lock housing. A preferably spherical detent element engages in a recess of the actuating element and is guided on the end face of the switching pin. The bottom of the locking housing has a recess through which the shaft-like carrier is guided. The shaft is partially arranged in Arretiergehäuse and runs there parallel within the compression spring and is supported at the end on the shift pin. Outside the housing, the shaft has a receiving portion for the sensor or the signal generator.

to Achievement of a captive in the non-installed state of Schaltarretierung, or to achieve a Stellwegbegrenzung the locking bolt in the installed state, the shift lock be provided with an axial securing.

The Sensor technology can consist of one or more first sensor elements, ie Signalers, and one or more second sensor elements, sensors, consist. Optionally, the sensors have an external interface and optionally an evaluation integrated. A special one Embodiment of the invention provides a sensor, in the magnetic means are used. The recording or evaluation of the information is in this case preferably with one or more Hall sensors intended. Magnetic means are permanent magnets or temporary Pathogens like coils.

Of the Depending on the application, the carrier is made of ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic metals or non-metals. The usage of plastic for the wearer and also for the housing of the sensor is provided. Plastic the carrier and the housing can at least be partially interspersed with magnetizable particles, the most diverse Patterns are magnetized.

The Housing is on the lock housing up or pressed. It optionally takes further evaluation electronics, power supply, Connecting cables and plug-in elements. The housing and / or the lock housing can also with sealing elements be provided.

The Locking housing of a variant of the invention is made of sheet metal formed and has at least three sections. The first paragraph is cylindrical, and in its interior is the shift pin arranged. Preferably, the first section has at its end a bead on, so that the shift pin secured against loss is. The second section, which directly adjoins the first section connects is designed as a duplication. The duplication has a larger radius than the hollow cylinder of the first section. The doubling is designed so that the Schaltarretierung by means of a tool, in the axial direction exerts compressive or tensile forces on the doubling, is compressible. The third section closes immediately to the second section and in turn is hollow cylindrical or slightly conical. The shaft is guided in it. The end of the section forms a circular bottom, which has a recess for the shaft in its center.

In a development of the invention is the sensor element on the carrier fixed after adjustment by a securing aid. This may be necessary if the sensor element is The carrier is freely positionable to an undesirable To prevent misalignment during operation. A suitable one Backup tool provides, for example, a backup washer It may, however, instead of mechanical fasteners Attachment methods are used such as a Bonding.

In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier on the End at which the sensor element is fixed, a tapered End up. At constant field strength of the magnet Thus, the width of the unit is reduced, resulting in a total of space saves. The tapered end is circular cylindrical, and the Magnet has a central, also circular cylindrical recess on which he can be connected with the tapered end is.

alternative For this purpose, the carrier has a blind hole at the end. Before the shift pin is installed in the lock housing is the magnet is positioned in the blind hole according to its strength. advantageously, the carrier is made of plastic. In this case can the magnet is pressed with the switching pin. Furthermore The magnetic field can easily penetrate the non-metallic switching pin and will not be distracted. The walls of the blind hole are running either parallel to the outer circumference of the switch pin, or they have a toothing or other projections which can hold the magnet in discrete positions.

In In another embodiment, the wearer points to his Circumference deviating from the round shape cross-section. This can facilitate its manufacture for injection molding reasons or lead to a saving of material.

The presented invention is particularly suitable to a gear recognition to realize. These are the locking recesses in the transmission component designed differently, leaving a sensitive couple out a magnet as a signal transmitter and a hollow sensor a precise Enable gear recognition. This contactless sensor works wear. In principle, other signaling devices and Sensors conceivable as signal detectors. This may be the case with the sensor one pressure sensor, one brightness sensor, or another non-contact or touch-operated sensor act.

Brief description of the drawings

in the The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it:

1 a sensor switching unit according to the invention,

2 a first carrier according to the invention,

3 a second carrier according to the invention and

4 a third carrier according to the invention.

Detailed description the drawings

In 1 is a sensor switching unit 1 shown in full section. The sensor switching unit 1 consists of a shift lock 25 and a housing 19 , The shift lock has a shift pin 2 made of metal with a dome 4 and a carrier formed as a shaft 3 on. End facing outward is on the shift pin 2 a ball 5 arranged by means of further rolling balls 6 in the dome 4 is stored on roller bearings. The ball 5 is against a runway 18 prestressed. The housing 19 is with the lock housing 8th over a sleeve 26 pressed. A separate seal can therefore be omitted.

The shift pin 2 is by means of a rolling bearing 7 in a lock housing 8th Hanging and guided from metal. The shift pin 2 is with a blind hole-like bore 9 which is circular in cross-section here, provided in the bore 9 a feather 10 is received in the form of a coil spring. Through the hole 9 in the shift pin 2 a shortening of the unit and thus a space-saving arrangement is achieved. The feather 10 is preloaded and rests on the bottom of the hole 39 of the shift pin 2 and on the lock housing 8th from.

The carrier 3 is inside the spring 10 led, with the spring 10 on the one hand in the bore 9 of the shift pin 2 and then on the ground 22 of the lock housing 8th supported. The floor 22 of the lock housing 8th has a circular recess 23 on, through which the carrier 3 in a recording 24 sticks out, allowing it through the lock housing 8th is slidably mounted or is guided. End is the carrier 3 tapers and takes an annular permanent magnet as a signal generator 16 on.

The recording 24 is formed substantially circular cylindrical and has approximately in its center an annular shoulder 31 on. Paragraph 31 on the one hand holds a sleeve 26 and may be made longer than necessary to specify a maximum offset. The sleeve 26 is at the of the shift lock 25 opposite end with an angled, circumferential wall 32 provided and in the housing 19 overmoulded, being instead of the wall 32 can also occur several lobes.

The locking housing 8th is in three sections 11 . 12 . 13 divided, with the first and the third section 13 . 11 are cylindrical. The second section 12 is as a duplication 14 educated. It is also conceivable that the locking housing 8th a simple, cylindrical sheet metal sleeve is.

The sensor consists at least of a signal generator 16 as the first sensor element 27 and one as a sensor 17 designated signal receiver as a second sensor element 28 , The housing 19 is made of plastic or metal. The sensor also has an interface to the vehicle in the form of a plug-in contact 20 with a pressure pin 21 on. The sensor is designed as non-contact sensor technology. The sensor 17 is a Hall sensor, and the signal generator 16 is a permanent magnet. The signal generation thus proceeds without contact. Both the case 19 as well as the shift lock 25 can be manufactured and transported separately from each other, without the possibility of contaminating essential components.

Inventive carrier 3 are in the 2 to 4 shown. They all have a substantially shaft-like outer contour, with one shaft end each 29 a circulating board 15 has, which widens the carrier radially. By means of the board 15 can the carrier 3 in the hole 9 support without tilting, the carrier 3 at the same time optimized in terms of mass. The shaft end 29 is still not axially planed, but points to the axis of rotation 33 towards a cone point 34 on, making the contact surface to the bore bottom 39 is increased, which causes a low surface pressure.

The second shaft end 30 serves to accommodate the signal generator 16 , In the first two variants ( 2 and 3 ) is the shaft end 30 rejuvenated. The signal generator 16 is a magnet in the form of a hollow cylinder or a perforated disc 35 on the outside of the carrier 3 arranged. The second shaft end points to the outside ( 3 ) an external thread 36 on and the perforated disc 35 a complementary internal thread 37 , Alternatively, the external thread 36 also on the signal generator 16 and the internal thread 37 on the carrier 3 be educated ( 4 ).

In the embodiment of the 4 is the carrier 3 made of plastic and has at the second shaft end 30 a blind hole 38 with the Innenge winch 37 on. The external thread 36 points in relation to the internal thread 37 a slight excess on, leaving the signaler 16 securely fixable during installation.

1

Sensing unit

2

switching pin

3

shaft

4

dome

5

Bullet

6

rolling balls

7

roller bearing

8th

lock housing

9

drilling

10

feather

11

first section

12

second section

13

third section

14

doubling

15

shelf

16

signaler

17

sensor

18

slipway

19

casing

20

plug contact

21

pushpin

22

ground

23

recess

24

admission

25

Gearshift

26

shell

27

first sensor element

28

second sensor element

29

first shank end

30

second shank end

31

paragraph

32

wall

33

apex

34

axis of rotation

35

perforated disc

36

external thread

37

inner thread

38

blind

39

drilling floor

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4307596 A1 [0004]

Claims (12)

Sensor switching unit ( 1 ) for determining positions of at least one transmission component, consisting of - a shift lock ( 25 ) for locking gear shift positions, wherein the shift lock ( 25 ) a locking housing ( 8th ) and a shift pin ( 2 ) and the shift pin ( 2 ) liftable in the lock housing ( 8th ) is mounted and which is biased against the transmission component, - a sensor ( 15 ) with a signal generator ( 16 ) as the first sensor element ( 27 ) and a sensor ( 17 ) as a second sensor element ( 28 ), - and a housing ( 19 ) with a recording ( 24 ) for the shift lock ( 25 ), characterized in that - the switching pin ( 2 ) or one with the switching pin ( 2 ) operatively connected shaft ( 3 ) has a plurality of receiving positions, via which the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) is firmly connected in the stroke direction. Sensor switching unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier ( 3 ) an external thread ( 36 ) and that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) a complementary internal thread ( 37 ) for screwing with the external thread ( 36 ) having. Sensor switching unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) is fixed by a securing aid after positioning. Sensor switching unit according to claim 1, characterized that the securing aid is a safety washer. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) is formed as a magnet. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier ( 3 ) is at least partially formed of ferromagnetic material. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier ( 3 ) a blind hole ( 38 ) for the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) having. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) after positioning with the carrier ( 3 ) is permanently connected. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) with the carrier ( 3 ) is integrally connected. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor element ( 27 . 28 ) with the carrier ( 3 ) is compressed. Sensor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized that the sensor is designed as a contactless sensor. Carrier ( 3 ) a shift lock ( 25 ) for a sensor switching unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.