WO2009074614A1

WO2009074614A1 - Device for controlling a blocking element

Info

Publication number: WO2009074614A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/067246
Authority: WO
Inventors: Werner Trischberger
Original assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2007-12-10
Filing date: 2008-12-10
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: DE102007059712A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for controlling a blocking element (11) of a functional component (40), especially a steering column (40) or a gear shift lever of a motor vehicle, with a gear mechanism (30), which is in a mechanical working connection with the blocking element (11), which can be moved into a locking position (1) and into an unlocking position (2) and the reverse. In the locking position (1), the blocking element (11) engages the functional component (40) and, in the unlocking position (2), the blocking element (11) is released from the functional component (40) and the gear mechanism (20) is in a free-wheeling state, in which the blocking element (11) remains in its respective position (1, 2), while the gear mechanism (20) is activated. According to the invention, means (5), by which infinite free-wheeling can be achieved, act on the gear mechanism (20).

Description

Device for controlling a locking member

The invention relates to a device for controlling a locking member of a functionally essential component, in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever of a motor vehicle, with a gear which is in mechanical operative connection with the locking member which is movable in a locking position and in an unlocking position and vice versa, wherein the locking position engages the locking member in the functionally essential component, in the unlocked position the locking member is detached from the functionally essential component and the transmission has a freewheel, wherein the locking member remains in its respective position while the transmission is activated.

Such devices for driving a locking member of a functionally essential component are known in particular from the motor vehicle field and are successfully used there as a safety device that prevent a function of a motor vehicle component, block or at least severely restrict.

In DE 10 2007 041 620.4 a device of the type mentioned, for example, disclosed, wherein a pivot lever which is rotatably mounted about a stationary axis, and a drive wheel are provided to move the locking member in its respective position. Said device has a defined freewheel, in particular forward and caster, which is made possible inter alia by a slide guide on the pivot lever and the drive wheel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a generic device for controlling a locking member, in which also very simple motors for driving the transmission can be used, which have a less precise engine control.

To solve this problem, a device having the features of claim 1 is proposed. In the dependent claims preferred developments are carried out.

For this purpose, the invention provides that act on the transmission means whereby an infinite freewheel can be achieved. Under an infinite freewheel here is a freewheel to understand in which the transmission is in a constantly activated state, which means that the components of the transmission are at least partially in a state of motion without the locking member moves from the unlocked position or the locking position becomes. Thus, motors for controlling the locking member can be used, which only work with a very simple engine control. Although the locking member has long reached its locking position or unlocking position, the motor can easily be in the activated state in which the transmission is driven. The invention offers even in extreme cases, the possibility that the transmission is permanently activated by a motor unit, which means that in the locked position or in the unlocked position of the locking member, the transmission in a freewheeling state for can be an indefinite time, without causing significant disturbances to the device according to the invention.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the transmission is designed as at least a two-stage transmission having a drive element and an output element, wherein the drive element drives the output element and the output element acts on the locking member, wherein in particular the drive element is designed as a drive wheel and / or the Output element is designed as a pivot lever or as a rack, which is arranged in particular linearly displaceable to the drive element. Here, the drive element, in particular the drive wheel can be rotatably mounted about a first axis and the output element, in particular the pivot lever can be arranged rotatably about a second axis on the housing. The drive wheel in this case represents the first stage and the pivot lever is the second stage of the transmission. The drive of the drive wheel can be provided by a plurality of drive devices, in particular drive motors. For example, a stepping motor can be provided, which moves the drive wheel exactly from a start position to an end position and vice versa, whereby correspondingly an exact movement of the locking member from the locking position to the unlocked position and vice versa can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the freewheel comprises a first caster in which the locking member remains in the unlocked position, and a second caster in which the locking member remains in the locking position. In this case, the output element, in particular the pivot lever in an operating position and the output element, in particular the pivot lever can be brought at least in an open position, wherein in the operating position, the drive element, in particular the drive wheel in engagement with the driven element, in particular with the pivot lever, that a Movement of the locking member can be achieved. In the Freilage of the output element, however, the transmission is freewheeling, especially in the caster, without any movement of the locking member takes place. Preferably, at least one restoring element is provided as a means for the realization of an infinite freewheel that acts in the free position on the output element, in particular on the pivot lever such that the pivot lever is moved in the direction of the operating position. Advantageously, the pivot lever contacts the drive wheel only briefly during its free position. The drive wheel in turn moves the pivot lever away from the drive wheel, so that an oscillating movement of the pivot lever in the free position, in particular during the free-running of the transmission arises.

In a possible embodiment, it can be provided that the restoring element is designed as a spring which exerts a force on the output element, the pivot lever in its free position. The transmission may be included in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention by a housing, wherein the housing has an opening through which the locking member protrudes at least in the locking position and blocks the functionally essential component. Said spring may be attached to the housing or directly to the output element, wherein in the free position, the spring causes a movement of the output element in the direction of the drive element.

A compact space of the device according to the invention is achieved in that the locking member has at least one contact region, which acts on the driven element during the movement of the locking member. In this case, the blocking member may be designed with a recess into which the output element protrudes with a driver element projecting. Preferably, two opposite contact areas are provided on the locking member, each defining the recess to one side. During the movement of the locking member in the unlocked position, the driver element contacts the first contact area, wherein the output element is in the operating position and is driven by the drive element.

Advantageously, the output element has a toothing on its edge region, on which the drive element, in particular also acts with a toothing. Then the output element leaves its operating position and is released transferred, in which briefly leads the drive element, the output element from the common teeth. During this time, there is no direct contact between the drive element and the driven element for a short time. In this non-contact state of the output element, the restoring element pushes back the output element, so that contact of the drive element, which still rotates in the same direction in the freewheel of the transmission, again occurs with the output element. As long as the controller does not deactivate the motor or change the direction of rotation, the above-described oscillating movement of the output element arises. However, as soon as the drive unit, in particular the motor that drives the drive element, changes its drive direction and thus the drive element changes its direction of rotation to move the locking member from the locking position to the unlocked position or vice versa, the return element presses the output element corresponding to the drive element, whereby the Output element is taken slip-free from the drive element and pivoted according to the second axis.

Advantageously, during the movement of the locking member into its locking position, the driver element contacts the second contact region. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the transmission may be designed with a lead, in which the driver element first detaches from the first contact region during the movement of the locking member from the unlocking position into the locking position, then further away from the first contact region within the recess of the locking member it touches the second contact area. Only when the driver element contacts the second contact region, a movement of the locking member takes place from the unlocked position into the locking position. Of course, there may be another feed of the type just described during the movement of the locking member from the locking position to the unlocked position. The headers just described are also freewheels, which are not operated infinitely.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission is in a deactivated state, at the same time the locking member is in a position, for example, in the unlocked position, located. If a locking is now to be made, the transmission is activated. In the deactivated state of the transmission, the locking member is in its free position, wherein at the same time the return element presses acting as an output element pivoting lever against the teeth of the drive element acting as a drive wheel. This means that the pivot lever rests on the drive wheel. Now, if the transmission is activated, the teeth of the pivot lever passes without slipping in the counter toothing of the drive wheel and the operating position of the pivot lever begins. During the operating position, a feed-in, in which the driver element moves from the first contact region along the recess to the second contact region, initially takes place for a defined time. When contacting the driver element at the second contact area of said flow ends. Subsequently, the locking member is brought by the moving driver from the unlocked position into the locking position. The operating position of the pivot lever ends where the toothing of the pivot lever exits from the toothing of the drive wheel. Exactly at this time ends the operating position and the transmission - if the engine control does not deactivate the transmission - is in its wake. As long as the engine remains activated, the pivot lever takes its free position, in which he performs the already described oscillating reciprocating motion.

Advantageously, a selector unit is provided which predetermines at least one firmly defined engagement point for the output element within the drive element when changing from the free position to the operating position of the output element.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the driven element is provided at least one fixed predetermined engagement point on the drive element, in which the output element can be moved in a change from the free position to the operating position. During the release of the output element, the output element advantageously assumes a position in which it is arranged immovably to the drive element. Thus, there is no unwanted noise during the release of the output element, which means, while the drive element is still activated and moves accordingly relative to the output element, this persists Drive element in its position without being moved by the moving drive element. The selector unit according to the invention also has the effect that, when changing over from the free-end position into the operating position, no undesired collisions occur in the drive element with the output element, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the transmission.

It is advantageous that the selector unit has an active selector element and a passive selector element, wherein the active selector element is provided on the drive element and the passive selector element on the output element. Thus, advantageously, the selector unit on two modules, wherein the active selector element is movable relative to the passive selector element. At the time of the change from the free position into the operating position, the active selector element is advantageously positively connected to the passive selector element in operative connection. During free positioning, the passive selector element is advantageously applied to the active selector element without the passive selector element extending into the point of engagement of the active selector element.

Appropriately, it is provided that the drive element and the driven element are each designed with a toothing, wherein the engagement point between two toothed elements of the toothing of the drive element is arranged. In this way, the purpose of the toothing of the driven element is reliably guided or "threaded" when changing from the free position in the operating position in the toothing of the drive element, without causing tensions of the intermeshing tooth elements.

In a possible alternative of the invention, two teeth of the driven element act as passive selector elements, wherein the driven element between the passive selector elements has a plurality of tooth elements, which act in the engaged state with the tooth elements of the drive element together. Advantageously, the teeth acting as passive selector elements are made larger to the tooth elements of the output element. This is intended that during the free-shift the "shortened" tooth elements of the output element at any time in the Engagement point can engage the drive element. Only the enlarged teeth, which serve as passive selector elements can be moved in response to the position of the drive element in the point of engagement on the drive element, whereby a reliable change from the free position in the operating position of the output element can be achieved.

The toothing of the drive element and the output element may have different toothing geometries. In this case, the drive element and / or the output element can be designed as a spur gear, bevel gear, helical gear, crown wheel or as a worm wheel. The drive element and / or the output element may further be formed in a further possibility of the invention as a rack, which is arranged in particular linearly displaceable to the drive element or the output element.

So that the passive selector element is reliably pressed in the direction of the active selector element during the change from the free position to the operating position, at least one return element is arranged on the output element. This return element exerts a defined force on the output element when the transmission is in free-running. Even if the drive element is moved in the free position of the output element, the restoring element exerts a force on the output element, whereby the passive selector element always bears against the active selector element. Only when the engagement point on the drive element has a corresponding position to the output element, the passive selector element is moved by the force in the defined engagement point of the active selector element. Advantageously, the point of engagement of the active selector element is designed as a groove-shaped recess, which is adapted to the passive selector element in its geometric shape accordingly.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the arrangement of the selector unit causes a self-locking of the transmission. This means that in the free position of the transmission and a deactivated drive element any movement of the output element can not cause an operating position of the output element can be achieved, wherein the drive element with the output element form-fitting is in operative connection and a power transmission from the output element to the drive element would be possible. The self-locking is achieved in that the toothing of the output element and the passive selector element - in any movement of the output element - always move along the active selector element, but the passive selector element is not possible to intervene positively in the point of engagement of the active selector element.

In one possible embodiment of the transmission, the active selector element is designed as a disk which is mounted rotatably mounted about the first axis on the drive element, wherein the active selector element is arranged rotationally fixed to the drive element. It is also conceivable to form the active selector element and the drive element as a common component.

A particularly simple embodiment variant can provide that the housing has receiving areas in which components of the transmission, in particular the motor, the drive element and the output element, are accommodated, whereby a compact design with few components can be realized. Advantageously, the housing has at least two housing shells, within which the transmission components and the locking member are arranged.

The device according to the invention can be used as an electric steering lock for vehicles, wherein the device can also be combined without problems with so-called "keyless entry" systems in particular. Of course, the invention makes it possible to provide feedback as to whether or not the device in question reliably blocks the functionally essential component, in particular the steering column or the gearshift lever of the motor vehicle, for example by means of an optical or acoustic signaling device.

Advantageously, the device for controlling the locking member is monitored by control electronics, which may be arranged on the vehicle side. From safety For technical reasons, it may be advantageous if in addition to the detection of the rotational path or angle of rotation of the drive element and certain positions of the output element or the locking member are detected. This can be done, for example, by sensors, in particular magnetic field sensors, which detect the magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on the drive element, driven element or blocking element. This allows an electronic control monitor the operability of the mechanical coupling between the drive element and the locking member, as well as detect a manipulation.

Advantageously, the locking member and the pivot lever made of a metal, in particular made of steel. The material thickness is dimensioned so that as far as possible a material destruction can be excluded. In an alternative embodiment, the components mentioned can be produced by injection molding. Advantageously, the free end of the locking member is rounded in its contour and / or tapered, whereby a locking of the locking member is facilitated in a groove of the functionally essential component.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Show it:

1 shows an inventive device for controlling a locking member of a steering column, wherein the locking member is in an unlocked position,

Figure 2 shows the device according to the invention according to Figure 1, wherein the

Pivoting lever for moving the locking member is in the operating position, Figure 3 shows the device according to Figure 1, wherein the locking member in a

Locking position is located,

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a simplified representation,

5 shows a further alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention in a simplified representation,

6 shows an exploded view of the essential components of the device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view according to section line VIII - VIII from FIG. 2,

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention, wherein the output element is in the free position,

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment variant according to FIG. 8, wherein the output element is in the operating position,

Figure 10 shows the device according to Figure 8, wherein the output element is again in the free position and

Figure 1 1, the apparatus of Figure 8 in a side view, wherein the

Output element is located in the open-air.

Figures 1 to 3 show purely schematically a possible embodiment of a device 10 for controlling a locking member 11 of a functionally essential component 40. The component 40 is a steering column 40 of a motor vehicle. The device 10 has a gear 20 that is in mechanical coupling with the locking member 11, wherein the locking member 11 in Figure 1 is in an unlocked position 2. About the gear 20, the locking member 1 1 from the Unlocked position 2 in a locking position 1 movable, which is shown in Figure 3. In the locking position 1, the locking member 1 1 protrudes with its free end into a groove 41 of the steering column 40, whereby the steering column 40 is locked. In contrast, the locking member 1 1 in the unlocked position 2 detached from the steering column 40th

The transmission 20 has a drive element 21 as a drive wheel 21, which is rotatably mounted on a first axis 25. The drive wheel 21 has, according to FIG. 6, a drive side 21a and an output side 21b. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive side 21a is made of a hardened plastic, wherein the output side 21 b consists of a metallic material. The drive side 21 a is designed as a worm shaft, which is driven by a worm wheel 26 of an electronic motor 24. In this case, the drive side 21a has a substantially larger diameter than the output side 21b of the drive wheel 21. In this way, high torques can be transmitted to an output element 22, which is described below:

The output element 22 is designed as a pivot lever 22 which is driven by the drive wheel 21, wherein the pivot lever 22 serves as the output element of the transmission 20. At the same time the pivot lever 22 acts with a driver element 23 on the locking member 11. The pivot lever 22 is pivotally mounted about a second axis 26. Here, the pivot lever 22 has a toothing 22a at its edge region, which is in operative connection with the output side 21b of the drive wheel 21, which is designed as a pinion. Starting from the unlocking position 2 of Figure 1, the locking member 11 is transferred to the locking position 1 characterized in that the toothed output side 21 b engages the toothing 22a of the pivot lever 22 and thus pivots the pivot lever 22 in a clockwise direction about the second axis 26.

During the transfer of the locking member 11 in the locking position 1 according to Figure 3, the locking member 1 1 translationally moves along a guide 12. As can be seen clearly in particular from Figure 6, a housing 15 is provided, the is designed with an opening 15a through which the locking member 1 1 protrudes in the locking position 1 therethrough. The housing 15 has different receiving areas 16, in which the individual components of the transmission 20, in particular the drive wheel 21 and the electric motor 24 are accommodated with its worm wheel 27. Also, the guide 12 for the locking member 1 1 is formed by the housing 15. The first axis 25 of the drive wheel 21 is in the illustrated embodiment in one piece and of the same material connected to the housing 15, which can also be seen in Figure 6. The second axis 26 of the pivot lever 22 is realized by a pin 26 arranged on the pivot lever 22, which projects into an opening 17 of the housing 15.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, the blocking member 11 has a base part 11.1 and a blocking element 11.2. The blocking element 1 1.2 is movably mounted relative to the base part 11.1. Between the base part 11.1 and the blocking element 1 1.2, a spring element 1 1.3 is arranged. If, when locking the locking member 1 1, in particular the locking element 1 1.2 can not move into the groove 41 of the steering column 40 (which is not explicitly shown), since for example the tooth of the steering column 40 is located directly at the exit of the guide 12, contacted the blocking element 1 1.2 the tooth, wherein at the same time the spring element 1 1.3 is compressed by the shut down base element 11.1. By this multi-part locking member 1 1 prevents destruction of a breakage, breakage etc. on the locking member 1 1, on the steering column 40 and / or on a component of the transmission 20 is formed at a malposition of the steering column 40 mentioned above. In the present embodiment, the base part 1 1.1 on the steering column 40 side facing sleeve-like manner, into which at least partially the locking element 1.2 protrudes. In addition, the locking element 11.2 has a slot into which a pin of the housing 15 protrudes. As a result, an improved guidance of the locking member 1 1 is effected. Alternatively, the blocking element 1 1.2 may be held by a fastening element, in particular by a pin of the base part 1.1, whereby the blocking element 11.2 is movable relative to the base part 1.1, but the blocking element 11.2 does not fall out of the base part 11.1 or from the base part 1.1 can not solve. Furthermore, the locking member 1 1 has two contact areas 13a, 13b, each defining a recess 14 of the locking member 1 1 to one side. The recess 14 represents a groove-shaped recess on the locking member 11. In the unlocked position 2 of Figure 1, the driver element 23 is located on the first contact portion 13a, wherein the driver element 23 protrudes into the recess 14 simultaneously. While now the pivot lever 22 - driven by the drive wheel 21 - pivots clockwise about the second axis 26, the driver element 23 detaches from the contact area 13a, passes through the recess 14 in the direction of the opening 15a of the housing 15 and comes after a short time in contact While the driver element 23 moves from the first contact region 13a to the second contact region 13b, the blocking member 11 remains in its unlocked position 2, which means that no movement of the blocking member 11 takes place. The activated transmission 20, in which both the drive wheel 21 and the pivot lever 22 is in motion, thus has a defined flow, in which there is no transmission of power from the transmission 20 in particular from the pivot lever 22 on the locking member 1 1. Only when contacting the driver element 23 with the second contact region 13b and a further pivoting of the pivot lever 22 in a clockwise direction, a translational movement of the locking member 11 from its unlocked position 1 in the locking position 2 shown in FIG.

According to Figure 2, the pivot lever 22 is in the operating position 3, in which the output side 21b of the drive wheel 21 is in engagement with the toothing 22a of the pivot lever 22. According to the present embodiment takes place during the operating position 3 of the pivot lever 22 of the already described forward, in which the driver element 23 moves in the recess 14 from the first contact portion 13a to the second contact portion 13b, without the locking member 1 1 moves from its unlocked position. Subsequently, the contacting of the driver element 23 with the first contact region 13a, whereby a targeted movement of the locking member 11 is effected, which still represents the operating position 3 of the pivot lever 22. As long as the output side 21 b is in engagement with the toothing 22 a of the pivot lever 22 and a continuous movement of the pivot lever 22 is achieved, the above-described operating position 3 of the pivot lever 22 is present. In Figure 3, the pivot lever 22 assumes a free position 4, in which the toothing 22a of the pivot lever 22 is no longer in direct engagement with the toothing of the drive wheel 21. The locking position 1 of the locking member 1 1 is now reached, wherein the transmission 20 may still be activated, that is, the electric motor 24 may still drive the drive wheel 21. The toothing 22a of the pivot lever 22 leaves in this position according to Figure 3 engagement with the teeth of the output side 21 b. As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3, a return element 5 is provided, which - shown purely schematically - is arranged on the housing 15. After the pivot lever 22 has left the direct engagement with the teeth of the output side 21 b, the pivot lever 22 changes from the operating position 3 in the free-4.

In the free-end 4 according to FIG. 3, in a further activated motor 24, the output side 21b pushes the pivoting lever 22 away from the common toothing, whereby the contact between the toothing 22a of the pivoting lever 22 and the output side 21b is released for a short time. In the free position 4 of the pivot lever 22, however, the restoring element 5 causes the pivot lever 22 is moved back in the direction of the operating position 3, in particular in the direction of the toothing of the output side 21 b. As long as the direction of rotation of the electric motor 24 is maintained, the return element 5, which is designed as a spring pushes the pivot lever 22 back to the drive wheel 21 until the teeth 22a of the pivot lever 22, the output side 21 b contacted. However, the pivot lever 22 does not reach the operating position 3, but remains in the free position 4, in which the drive wheel 21 in turn pushes the pivot lever 22 and the pivot lever 22 is thus again briefly detached from the drive wheel 21. Thus, there is an oscillating movement of the pivot lever 22, in which the restoring element 5 presses the pivot lever 22 counterclockwise about the second axis 26 in the direction of the drive wheel 21 and upon contact of the pivot lever 22 with the drive wheel 21, the output side 21 b turn the pivot lever 22nd in a clockwise direction about the second axis 26 from the common teeth leads. As long as the engine control does not switch off the electric motor 24 or change the direction of rotation of the electric motor 24, an infinite caster of the Transmission 20 possible in which the pivot lever 22 performs a reciprocating motion by a few degrees.

Now takes place a return movement of the locking member 11 from the locking position 1 in the unlocked position 2, the electric motor 24 is operated in an opposite direction of rotation, wherein the drive wheel 21 now rotates clockwise about the first axis 25. As a result, the pivot lever 22 is pivoted counterclockwise about the second axis 26. Analogous to the movement of the locking member 11 from the unlocked position 2 in the locking position 1, the driver element 23 leaves contact with the second contact portion 13b and passes through the recess 14 of the locking member 1 1, which in turn represents the flow of the transmission 20. Only when the driver element 23 contacts the first contact region 13a, a force is transmitted to the locking member 1 1 upwards, so that a corresponding movement of the locking member 11 along the guide 12 in the unlocked position 2 can take place. While the pivot lever 22 is in its operating position 3, the locking member 11 is - after a certain lead, in which the locking member 1 1 is stationary in the guide 12 - brought into the unlocked position 2. From a defined rotation angle range of the pivot lever 22, the pivot lever 22 leaves its operating position 3 and is guided into the free-end 4 according to FIG. Also in this free position 4, the pivot lever 22 perform an oscillating movement, as long as the electric motor 24 maintains its direction of rotation. The return element 5 exerts a force on the pivot lever 22, so that the pivot lever 22 is moved in a clockwise direction about the second axis 26 until the toothing 22a of the pivot lever 22 comes into contact with the output side 21 b. The driven side 21 b of the drive wheel 22 in turn ensures that the pivot lever 22 is pivoted counterclockwise about the second axis 26. Also in this free-4 an infinite caster is conceivable in which the locking member 11 remains in the unlocked position 2.

A particularly compact design of the device 10 according to the invention is achieved in that according to the embodiment of Figure 1 to Figure 3, the locking member 11 has a further recess 19 which is bounded on one side by the second contact portion 13b and on the opposite side with a Step element 19b is executed. The two recesses 14, 19 thus form a step-shaped course on the locking member 1 1. The recess 14, in which the driver element 23 protrudes, is deeper than the adjacent recess 19 executed. In the free-end 4 according to FIG. 3, the pivot lever 22 is located in the second recess 19, with the driver element 23 protruding into the first recess 14. If the pivot lever 22 is moved from its position according to FIG. 3 into the position according to FIG. 1, the pivot lever 22 pivots out of the recess 19. As FIG. 7 particularly illustrates, the compact design is achieved in that the pivoting range of the pivoting lever 22 extends below the drive side 21a. The recess 19 on the locking member 1 1 provides the pivot lever 22 in the position shown in Figure 3 according to space, the top 1 1a of the locking member 1 1 to the top 22b of the pivot lever 22 are aligned. As a result, a compact unit of the device 10 according to the invention is achieved.

In Figures 4 and 5 further alternative embodiments are shown, wherein in Figure 4, a leg spring 5 is provided as a return element 5, which is fixed to the second axis 26. The free ends of the leg spring 5 are supported on abutment surfaces 18 a of the housing 15. For example, if the pivot lever 22 is pivoted counterclockwise about the second axis 26 to bring the locking member not shown in the unlocked position 2, the pivot lever 22 leaves its operating position in a defined angular range and contacted in the free position, the upper leg of the leg spring 5, the in turn exerts a force on the pivot lever 22, whereby the pivot lever 22 is moved back again in the clockwise direction about the axis of rotation 26 to the drive wheel. This caster of the transmission in the unlocked state 1 of the locking member substantially corresponds to the caster which is already described in the embodiment of Figure 1 to Figure 3. The lower portion of the leg spring 5 also exerts in the free position of the pivot lever 22 a force in the direction of the drive wheel on the pivot lever 22, whereby also an oscillating movement of the pivot lever 22 is formed.

In FIG. 5, two return elements 5 are provided which are fastened to the pivoting lever 22. In the free position 4 of the pivot lever 22 during the wake of the Getriebes contact the spring elements 5, the stop surfaces 18b of the housing, whereby a corresponding restoring force is exerted on the pivot lever 22 and the already described oscillating movement of the pivot lever 22 is formed. The return elements 5 are designed in FIG. 5 as compression springs.

In general, the transmission 20 should be operated in accordance with all illustrated embodiments such that upon reaching the respective position 1, 2 of the locking member 11, the engine control system deactivates the motor 24. Due to the infinite caster provided by the present invention, an exact time to deactivate the motor 24 is not required. Desirable, however, that a deactivation of the motor 24 as soon as possible with the achievement of the respective position 1, 2 of the locking member 1 1 takes place.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 show a further alternative of the device 10 according to the invention according to FIG. 1 to FIG. In the following embodiment, only the output element 22 and the drive wheel 21 is shown purely schematically, said simplified gear stage can replace the pivot lever 22 and the drive wheel 21 according to the embodiment of Figure 1 to Figure 7. The output element 22 is designed with a driver element 23, which is in operative connection with a non-explicitly shown locking member.

Both elements 21, 22 are arranged relatively movable to each other. The drive element 21 is designed as a drive wheel 21, which is rotatably mounted about a first axis 25. Here, the drive element 21 has a toothing 21 b, which cooperates with a toothing 22a of the output element 22, which is shown in Figure 9, in which the toothing 22a of the output element 22 engages the toothing 21 b of the drive element 21, whereupon in the following will be received.

All tooth elements 21c of the drive element 21 are identical in their geometry. In contrast, the toothing 22a of the output element 22 has two outer teeth 32, which differ in their geometry to the tooth elements 22c of the output element 20 are formed. These teeth 32 are shown hatched. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 11, the two outer teeth 32 are made longer than the toothed elements 22c, which are arranged between the teeth 32. This means that the teeth 32 are made to be longer parallel to the axis 26 than the tooth elements 22c, which are located between the teeth 32.

The transmission 20 has a selector unit 30, which is composed of an active selector element 31 and a passive selector element 32. The active selector element 31 is located on the drive element 21, which can be seen in particular in Figure 1 1. According to the embodiment, the active selector element 31 is formed as a disc 31 which is mounted rotatably mounted about the first axis 25 on the drive element 21. Here, the active selector element 31 is arranged rotationally fixed to the drive element 21. The teeth 32 acting as passive selector elements 32 have a length L such that the teeth 32 extend as far as the active selector element 31, in particular as far as the disk 31. In contrast, the tooth elements 22c have a length I, where I <L, so that the tooth elements 21a can only engage in the tooth elements 21c of the drive element 21 and touch the active selector element 31 in no position of the output element 22.

As can be seen especially in FIG. 11, the active selector element 31 is designed with a groove-shaped recess 34. Via the recess 34, a firmly defined engagement point 33 for the driven element 22 is created.

The teeth 32 extending parallel to the axis of rotation 26 act as passive selector elements 32. As long as the drive element 21 moves counterclockwise about the axis 25 according to FIG. 8, the driven element 22 remains in the position shown. A first spring element 5a acting as a restoring element exerts a force on the output element 22 as shown in FIG. 8, whereby the passive selector element 32, in particular the right-hand tooth 32, is pressed against the active selector element 31. The first spring element 5a is hereby tensioned. While the drive member 21 rotates counterclockwise, the output member 22 tries due to the acting Spring force of the spring element 5a counterclockwise about the second axis 26 to rotate. However, since the extended tooth 32 is pressed against the disc 31, there is no rotation of the output member 22 about the axis 26. This state shown in Figure 8 represents an infinite freewheel in which the drive element 21 is decoupled from the output member 22 and thus no power transmission can be effected by the drive element 21 to the output member 22.

If now a reversal of the direction of rotation of the drive element 21 in the clockwise direction, the passive selector element 32 remains as long as adjacent to the active selector element 31 until the recess 34 the tooth 32, which acts as a passive selector element 32 facing. In this position of the drive element 21, the first spring element 5a pushes the driven element 22 counterclockwise, wherein the extended tooth 32 is moved into the recess 34, that is, into the engagement point 33 of the active selector element 31 and thus the operating position 3 of the driven element 22 is reached , which is shown in Figure 9.

As long as the drive element 21 now rotates clockwise about the first axis 25, there is a power transmission to the output element 22, which rotates counterclockwise about the second axis 26. During the operating position 3, the toothing 21 b of the drive element 21 engages in the toothing 22 a, in particular in the tooth elements 22 c, until the position of the output element 22 is reached, which is shown in FIG. From a certain angle of rotation of the output element 22, the toothing 22a leaves with its tooth elements 22c and the teeth 32 engage with the toothing 21b of the drive element 21. In this position, the first spring element 5a in a relaxed state, without a force on the output element 22nd exercise. However, acting as a restoring element second spring element 5 b is in a tensioned state in which a force is exerted on the driven element 21, which presses the tooth 32, which acts as a passive selector element 32 against the disc 31. As long as the drive element 21 continues to rotate in a clockwise direction about the first axis 25, the output element 22 remains in the position shown in Figure 10. This free-end 4 according to FIG. 11 is only canceled when a renewed reversal of the direction of rotation of the drive element 21 takes place. As indicated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the output element 22 has a first wall 35 and a second wall 36, wherein the first wall 35 is assigned to the first spring element 5a and the second wall 36 is assigned to the second spring element 5b. In Figure 8, the first spring element 5a acts directly on the first wall 35, wherein the second spring element 5b is detached from the second wall 36. During the operating position 3, it is conceivable that the first spring element 5a still a certain force on the first wall 35th exercises. Advantageously, however, in the operating position 3, both the first spring element 5a and the second spring element 5b detached from the first wall 35 and of the second wall 36. According to Figure 10, the first spring element 5a spaced from the first wall 35, wherein the second Spring element 5b on the second wall 36 exerts a certain force. Alternative embodiments to design the output element 22 spring-loaded in the open position are of course conceivable, which is not explicitly shown.

The output element 22 is above the driver element 23, the locking member of Figure 1 in operative connection, whereby over the corresponding movement of the output element 22, a movement of the locking member, not explicitly shown, can be achieved.

If the output element 22 is in the position according to FIG. 8, the blocking element assumes a locking position 1 according to FIG. If the output element 22 is in the rotational position according to FIG. 10, the blocking element is in the unlocking position 2 according to FIG. 1.

Alternatively to the illustrated embodiment, the output member 22 may also be formed as a rack, which is arranged linearly displaceable to the drive element 21, which is not explicitly shown. The two outer teeth of this rack can in this case be designed as enlarged teeth and serve as in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8 to Figure 1 1 as a passive selector elements 32. This rack is also spring-loaded in the free position of the output element, after which the general operation - to To avoid repetition - reference is made to the description according to Figure 8 to Figure 1 1.

As an alternative to the gear according to FIGS. 8 to 11, the output element 22 can also be designed as a pivot lever according to FIGS. 1 to 7, which is indicated in dashed representation in FIG. This pivot lever is also rotatably mounted about the second axis 26 and has at its outer edge, the teeth 22a, in particular the tooth elements 22c and the outer enlarged teeth 32, which act as passive selector elements 32. This pivot lever is spring loaded in the free position, so that in order to avoid repetition on the operation of the transmission 20 shown in FIG 8 to 11 reference.

C o m p a n c e m e n t i o n s

1 locking position

2 unlocking position

3 operating position

4 Freilage

5 means, return element, spring

5a, b return element

10 device

11 locking member

11a top of the locking member

11.1 Base part of the locking member

11.2 locking element of the locking member

11.3 spring

12 leadership

13a contact area, first contact area

13b contact area, second contact area

14 recess

15 housing

15a opening

16 recording area

17 opening (for the second axis 26)

18a stop surface

18b stop surface

19 recess

19b step element

20 gears

21 drive wheel, drive element

21a drive side

21b output side, toothing

21c tooth element Pivot lever, output elementa Denture b Upper side of the Schwenkhebelsc tooth element entrainment element electric motor first axis second axis worm wheel selector unit active selector element, disc passive selector element, tooth engagement point recess first wall second wall functionally essential component, steering column groove

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device (10) for controlling a locking member (11) of a functionally essential component (40), in particular a steering column (40) or a gearshift lever of a motor vehicle, with a transmission (20) with the locking member (1 1) in mechanical operative connection is in a locking position (1) and in an unlocked position (2) and vice versa movable, wherein in the locking position (1) the locking member (1 1) in the functionally essential

Component (40) engages in the unlocked position (2) the locking member (1 1) detached from the functionally essential component (40) and the transmission (20) has a freewheel, wherein the locking member (11) in its respective position (1, 2) remains while the transmission (20) is activated, characterized in that acting on the transmission (20) means (5), whereby an infinite freewheel can be achieved.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission (20) is designed as at least a two-stage transmission having a drive element (21) and an output element (22), wherein the drive element (21) the output element ( 22) drives and the output member (22) acts on the locking member (1 1), wherein in particular the drive element (21) is designed as a drive wheel (21) and / or the output element (22) is designed as a pivot lever (22) or as a rack , which is arranged in particular linearly displaceable to the drive element (21).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in that the freewheel comprises a first caster, in which the locking member (11) remains in the unlocking position (2), and a second caster, in which the locking member (11) remains in the locking position (1).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output element (22), in particular the pivot lever (22) in a

Operating position (3) and the output element (22), in particular the pivot lever

(22) at least in a free-end (4) can be brought, wherein in the operating position (3) the drive element (21), in particular the drive wheel

(21) in engagement with the output element (22), in particular with the

Swing lever (22) is that a movement of the locking member (1 1) can be achieved, and in the free position (4), the transmission (20) is in free-running.

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one return element (5) as means (5) is provided which acts in the free position (4) on the pivot lever (22) such that the pivot lever (22). in the direction of the operating position (3) is moved.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that in the free position (4) of the pivot lever (22) only briefly contacted the drive wheel (21), which in turn moves the pivot lever (22) away from the drive wheel (21), so that an oscillating movement of the pivot lever (22) is formed.

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (11) is mounted translationally along a guide (12) movable.

8. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (1 1) at least one contact region (13 a, 13 b), on which the pivot lever (22) during the movement of the locking member (1 1) engages.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (11) with a recess (14) is executed, in which the pivot lever (22) protrudes with a driver element (23) protruding.

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that two opposite contact regions (13a, 13b) are provided, each of which limit the recess (14) to one side.

1 1. A device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that during the movement of the locking member (11) in the unlocked position (2), the driver element (23) contacts the first contact region (13 a).

12. Device (10) according to claim 9 to 1 1, characterized in that during the movement of the locking member (1 1) in the locking position (1), the driver element (23) contacts the second contact region (13b).

13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission (20) by a housing (15) is included, wherein the housing (15) has an opening (15 a) through which the locking member (1 1 ) protrudes at least in the locking position (1).

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing (15) receiving areas (16), in which components (21, 22) of the transmission (20) are accommodated.

15. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive wheel (21) has a drive side (21 a) and an output side (21 b), wherein an electric motor (24) on the drive side (21 a) engages and the output side (21 b) is in operative connection with the pivot lever (22).

16. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (21), in particular the drive wheel (21) is rotatably mounted about a first axis (25) and the output element (22), in particular the pivot lever (22 ) is rotatably disposed about a second axis (26) on the housing (15).

17. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot lever (22) has a toothing (22a) on which the drive wheel (21) engages.

18. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restoring element (5) is a spring which exerts a force on the pivot lever (22) in its free position (4).

19. Device (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the spring (5) on the housing (15) or on the pivot lever (22) is fixed.

20. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second caster in the free position (4) of the pivot lever (22) insert.

21. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the freewheel has a flow, wherein the pivot lever (22) in the operating position (3) is movable, without a movement of the locking member (1 1).

22. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the movement of the locking member (11) of the unlocked position

(2) in the locking position (1) and vice versa, the return element (5) and the drive wheel (21) the pivot lever (22) from the free position (4) in the

Operating position (3) bring the transmission (20) in the operating position (3) of the pivot lever (22) has a forward, in which the pivot lever (22) about the second axis (26) pivots, without the locking member (11) moves, then the transmission (20) in the operating position (3) of the pivot lever (22) a power transmission to the locking member (11) exerts, whereby the locking member (11) performs a movement in the respective position (1, 2), after Reaching the respective position (1, 2) of the locking member (1 1) of the

Swing lever (22) from the operating position (3) in the free position (4) passes, in which the

Restoring element (5) and the drive wheel (21) act on the pivot lever (22) such that an infinite caster of the transmission (20) can be achieved.

23. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (1 1) comprises a base part (1 1.1) and a locking element (11.2) which is movably mounted relative to the base part (11.1), in particular between the base part (1 1.1) and the blocking element (1 1.2), a spring element (1 1.3) is arranged.

24. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a selector unit (30) is provided, which at a change from the free position (4) in the operating position (3) at least one firmly defined engagement point (33) for the Output element (22) within the drive element (21) predetermined.

25. Device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the selector unit (30) comprises an active selector element (31) and a passive selector element (32), wherein the active selector element (32) on the drive element (21) and the passive selector element (32) is provided on the output element (22), in particular only in a change from the free-running position (4) in the operating position (3) the active selector element (31) is positively connected to the passive selector element (32) in operative connection.

26. Device (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the drive element (21) and the output element (22) each with a toothing (21 b, 22 a) are executed, wherein the engagement point (33) between two tooth elements ( 21 c) of the toothing (21 b) of the drive element (21) is arranged, wherein in particular two teeth (32) of the output element (22) act as passive selector elements (32), wherein the output element (22) between the passive selector elements (32) a plurality of toothed elements (22c) which cooperate in the operating position (3) with the tooth elements (21c) of the drive element (21), wherein in particular the passive selector elements (32) acting teeth (32) to the tooth elements (22c) of Output element (22) are made enlarged.

27. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one restoring element (5) is arranged on the output element (22) that in the free position (4) a force acting on the output element (22), whereby the passive selector element (32) is pressed in the direction of the active selector element (31), in particular in the free position (4), the passive selector element (32) rests against the active selector element (31).

28. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of the selector unit (30) causes a self-locking of the transmission (20).

29. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active selector element (31) as a disc (31) is rotatably mounted about the first axis (25) on the drive element (21), wherein the active selector element (31) is arranged rotationally fixed relative to the drive element (21).

30. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement point (33) of the active selector element (31) is designed as a groove-shaped recess (34) which is adapted to the passive selector element (32).