Lever actuator with segmented articulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lever actuator (1) for operating a clutch (2) of a motor vehicle powertrain, the lever actuator having a receiving area (3) and a lever (6) pivotally received in the receiving area (3) by a hinge (4) and interacting with a servo motor (5), wherein the first hinge component (11) of the hinge (4) pivotally relative to each other about a pivot axis (7) has two guide sections (8, 9) spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (7), and at least one sliding section (10) of the second hinge component (12) is guided between the guide sections (8, 9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever actuator for operating a clutch in a motor vehicle powertrain, the lever actuator having a receiving area and a lever, the lever being pivotally received in the receiving area by a hinge and interacting with a servo motor. Background Technology

[0002] Such actuators are well known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2004 009 832A1 discloses a lever system for operating a clutch, wherein the operating force for the clutch can be changed by shifting the support point or rotation point of the lever. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to further improve the accuracy of lever actuators, while keeping the structure of the lever actuators as simple as possible.

[0004] According to the invention, this is achieved in such a way that the first hinge component of the two hinge components of the hinge device, which are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis, has two guide sections spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, and at least one sliding section of the second hinge component (of the two hinge components of the hinge device) is guided between the guide sections.

[0005] The resulting segmented articulation device / segmented articulation device allows the sliding section of the second articulation device component to be supported between the guide sections of the first articulation device component with as little clearance as possible. This significantly reduces wear on the articulation device. Furthermore, it results in significantly more precise operation of the corresponding clutch.

[0006] The invention also illustrates other advantageous embodiments, which are described in more detail below.

[0007] Therefore, it is also advantageous that the first hinge component has a first guide section forming a sliding housing.

[0008] In this regard, it is also desirable that the first hinge component has a hook-shaped second guide section, which is spaced apart from the first guide section in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. Thus, the first hinge component can be easily manufactured.

[0009] If the first hinge component is part of the receiving area, i.e., firmly connected to the receiving area, then the structure is further simplified.

[0010] The receiving area is more preferably supported by being fixed to the shell.

[0011] If the first and second guide sections of the first articulation device component are pre-tightened to each other by a certain pre-tightening force, that is, the first guide section is pre-tightened toward the second guide section by a certain pre-tightening force, then the second articulation device component clamps / guides between the two guide sections as close to the gap as possible, thereby further improving the accuracy and service life of the lever actuator.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first guide section is positioned at the same height as or offset from the second guide section along the pivot axis. This enables other segmented hinge devices, whose structure is further simplified or optimized in terms of wear.

[0013] In this regard, it has been found particularly advantageous that, according to a preferred embodiment, there are two pairs of segments, each having a first and a second guide segment, or, according to another preferred embodiment, there is one first guide segment and two second guide segments to form a first articulation component. Furthermore, if at least one sliding segment of the second articulation component is also configured as a sliding housing, then the sliding housing is also guided with low wear, thereby further improving the service life of the lever actuator.

[0014] As an alternative to setting only one sliding section, it is also advantageous to have two sliding sections spaced apart from each other along the pivot axis, which interact with the first and / or second guide sections respectively.

[0015] The guide section is preferably configured as a plate section, i.e., formed of a metal plate. The sliding section is also preferably formed of at least one metal plate.

[0016] If the second hinge component is part of the lever, that is, the second hinge component is directly formed by the lever, then the structure of the lever actuator is further simplified.

[0017] In other words, according to the present invention, the hinge mechanism for the lever is constructed by segmentation. A lever actuator with a segmented hinge mechanism is proposed, which improves the accuracy and service life of the lever actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which different embodiments are also shown.

[0019] The attached diagram shows:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic view shows a longitudinal sectional view of a clutch having a lever actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the basic structure of the lever actuator is clearly visible.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows that if it can be Figure 1 A detailed perspective view of the combined structure of a lever actuator forming a hinged device, similar to those used in China.

[0022] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 A side view of a partially combined structure.

[0023] Figure 4 The area of ​​the hinge device is shown. Figure 3 Detailed views of some of the combined structures,

[0024] Figure 5 It shows that according to Figure 2 A side view of a partial assembly structure to show a first installation step in which the lever engages with its (second) hinge component with the (first) hinge component of the receiving area.

[0025] Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 5 Another side view of the partial assembly structure to show the second installation step, in which the lever is pivoted relative to the receiving area so that the lever can be pivotally received in the receiving area.

[0026] Figure 7 It shows something similar to Figure 4 A detailed side view of the hinge mechanism, which is located in two different pivoting positions within the functional area of ​​the lever.

[0027] Figure 8 The composition is shown according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the components of a hinge mechanism.

[0028] Figure 9 A perspective view is shown of the hinge device components of the lever actuator according to the invention, configured according to a second embodiment, wherein the hinge device components disposed on the lever side are implemented as blind holes, thereby restricting the movement of the lever in the direction of the rotation axis (in principle, this is sufficient for only one hinge device side).

[0029] Figure 10 A perspective view is shown of the hinge device components of the lever actuator according to the invention, configured according to a third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11 A perspective view is shown of the hinge device components of the lever actuator according to the invention, configured according to a fourth embodiment, wherein the hinge device components now disposed on the lever side consist of a sliding section.

[0031] Figure 12 Shown from the bottom Figure 11 A perspective view of the components of the hinge mechanism, and

[0032] Figure 13 A perspective view of a clutch with a lever actuator cut longitudinally according to an alternative configuration is shown. This alternative configuration is not part of the present invention but is used to illustrate the principle structure of the clutch.

[0033] These accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and intended only for understanding the invention. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0034] With the help of Figure 1 and 13 The diagram illustrates a preferred application area of ​​the lever actuator 1 according to the invention, as described in more detail below. Therefore, the lever actuator 1 is preferably used to operate the clutch 2 of a motor vehicle powertrain. In this configuration, the clutch 2 is configured as a dual clutch and thus has two sub-clutches. Therefore, the lever actuator 1 is used to operate one of these two sub-clutches. Thus, as by means of… Figure 13 This indicates that there are typically two lever actuators 1' so that they can operate the sub-clutch independently of each other. The clutch 2 is typically inserted between the internal combustion engine and the transmission of a motor vehicle along the powertrain. The lever actuator 1 according to the invention is also intended for use in other applications, preferably for operating the brakes of a motor vehicle.

[0035] As in Figure 1 It can also be seen that the lever actuator 1 has a servo motor 5 implemented as an electric motor. The servo motor 5 adjusts the support point 13 of the lever 6 of the lever actuator 1, thereby causing the radial inner end 15 of the lever 6, which is coupled to the operating bearing 14, to be axially displaced, and thus used to engage or disengage the corresponding clutch 2.

[0036] In the described embodiment, the radially outer end 16 of the lever 6 is coupled to the receiving region 3 via a hinge device 4 according to the invention, the receiving region being fixed to the housing. By means of Figures 2 to 8 The hinge device 4, configured as a segmented hinge device, can be seen in detail. Therefore, the hinge device 4 has a first hinge device component 11, which is securely connected to the receiving area 3. Relative to the first hinge device component 11, the second hinge device component 12 of the hinge device 4 is received in a manner that allows it to pivot about a central pivot axis 7. The second hinge device component 12 is connected to or directly constituted by the lever 6.

[0037] It can also be seen that the first hinge component 11 has two pairs of guide sections 8, 9, 21a, 21b, which are implemented as plate sections 8, 9, and are therefore also referred to below as plate sections. The pair of plate sections 8, 9, 21a, 21b are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to / radially to the pivot axis 7, and thus form a receiving space 17 for the second hinge component 12. The sliding section 10 of the second hinge component 12 is slidably / pivotibly accommodated between the first plate section 8 and the second plate section 9 for each pair of 21a, 21b. Figure 4 As can be seen, the first plate segment 8 is formed as a sliding shell. The first plate segment 8 is spaced apart from the second plate segment 9. The second plate segment 9 directly forms a hook-shaped end, which extends in a curved manner toward the first plate segment 8. The sliding segment 10 also forms a sliding shell, which directly contacts the end side 22 of the hook-shaped end of the second plate segment 9 on its concave side 18, and directly contacts the first plate segment 8 on its convex side 19. Figure 4 As indicated by the arrow marked "F", the two plate sections 8 and 9 are pre-tightened to each other, so that the sliding section 10 is also clamped or accommodated without gaps between the two plate sections 8 and 9. At the same time, the sliding movement of the lever 6 relative to the accommodating area 3 is ensured.

[0038] Such as using Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As can be seen, the hinge device 4 is installed such that firstly ( Figure 5 In the first installation step, lever 6, along with its sliding section 10, moves into receiving space 17 through a corresponding positional change P. Subsequently ( Figure 6 In the second installation step, lever 6 pivots relative to receiving area 3.

[0039] Then, with the help of Figure 2 and 8 Different pairs 21a, 21b are also shown, with first and second plate sections 8 and 9 respectively accommodating sliding sections 10. Thus, the first plate section 8 together with the second plate section 9 is arranged along the pivot axis 7 offset from another first plate section 8 and another second plate section 9, with each of the two plate sections 21a, 21b accommodating the sliding section 10.

[0040] Combination Figure 9 Another embodiment shows a hinge device 4 with a slightly different configuration, wherein the sliding section 10 (along the pivot axis 7) is provided with axial side wings 20, and the sliding section 10 is therefore implemented as a blind hole.

[0041] In addition, combined Figure 10A single first plate segment 8 exists, which, together with two second plate segments 9, forms the first hinge device component 11. The axial centers of the two second plate segments 9 and the first plate segment 8 are offset from each other when viewed along the pivot axis 7. The first plate segment 8 is substantially centered between the two second plate segments 9. Two sliding segments 10 (one sliding segment 10 for each second plate segment 9) are provided in the receiving space 17 between the first plate segment 8 and the two second plate segments 9. Furthermore, the corresponding sliding segments 10 open axially, specifically towards the side facing the adjacent sliding segment 10. Adjacent to the receiving space 17, the two plate segments 8 and 9 are directly abutted against each other (reinforced by a predetermined support force / preload).

[0042] according to Figure 11 and 12 ,and Figure 10 Compared to the embodiment, it is entirely feasible to alternatively provide a unique sliding section 10.

[0043] Figures 9 to 12 The additional structures of different embodiments again correspond to the structure of the first embodiment. It should also be noted that the two hinge components 11, 12 can be arranged oppositely, such that alternatively, in another embodiment according to the invention, the first hinge component 11 is fixed at the lever 6, while the second hinge component 12 is fixed at the receiving area 3.

[0044] In other words, the invention provides hinge segments specifically designed for smaller rotation angles; as is particularly desired in lever actuator 1. The segmentation of the hinge device 4 allows the actuated element to be installed even without auxiliary measures and fastening techniques. The orientation of the rotation axis 7 can be achieved immediately and precisely, for example, during manufacturing on a stamping plate, directly in a stamping tool or injection mold. These elements can achieve zero backlash and compensate for wear through spring links or internal preload. The various segments 8, 9, and 10 together form the hinge device 4, which allows rotation only about the common axis 7 of segments 8, 9, and 10. Zero backlash or wear compensation can be achieved during installation through preload in the hinge device 4.

[0045] With the help of Figure 5 The installation is shown, wherein the exposed areas of these sections allow engagement (P) of the hinge device 4 in a specific location. With the aid of Figure 6 The typical working area is shown, in which lever 6 moves in another area with a smaller angle of motion by pivoting inward from the mounting position.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 1. Lever actuator

[0048] 2. Clutch

[0049] 3. Accommodation area

[0050] 4. Hinged device

[0051] 5 servo motors

[0052] 6. Leverage

[0053] 7 Pivot axis

[0054] 8 First guiding section / first plate section

[0055] 9 Second guide section / Second plate section

[0056] 10 Sliding section

[0057] 11 Components of the First Hinge Device

[0058] 12 Components of the Second Hinge Device

[0059] 13 Support Points

[0060] 14. Manipulating bearings

[0061] 15 Inner End

[0062] 16 Outer End

[0063] 17. Accommodation space

[0064] 18 concavity

[0065] 19 convex part

[0066] 20 Stopper side wings

[0067] 21a First pair

[0068] 21b Second pair

Claims

1. A lever actuator (1) for operating a clutch (2) of a motor vehicle powertrain, the lever actuator having a receiving area (3) and a lever (6), the lever being pivotally received in the receiving area (3) by a hinge (4) and interacting with a servo motor (5), characterized in that, The first hinge component (11) of the two hinge components (11, 12) of the hinge device (4) that are pivotable relative to each other about the pivot axis (7) has two guide sections (8, 9) spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (7), and at least one sliding section (10) of the second hinge component (12) is guided between the guide sections (8, 9); the first hinge component (11) has a hook-shaped second guide section (9).

2. The lever actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hinge component (11) has a first guide section (8) forming a sliding housing.

3. The lever actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hinge component (11) is part of the receiving area (3).

4. The lever actuator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second guide sections (8, 9) of the first hinge device component (11) are pre-tightened to each other by means of a certain prestress.

5. The lever actuator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide section (8) is positioned at the same height as the second guide section (9) or offset from the second guide section (9) along the pivot axis (7).

6. The lever actuator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, At least one sliding section (10) of the second hinge device component (12) is configured as a sliding housing.

7. The lever actuator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second hinge component (12) is part of the lever (6).

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