A shift cable damper and an automotive shift cable assembly

Abstract

A shift cable damper and an automotive shift cable assembly are disclosed, belonging to the field of automotive shifting technology. The shift cable damper includes a cylinder body, in which a pull rod is axially threaded. The two ends of the pull rod are respectively connected to the transmission and the shifting mechanism via pull cables. Two sets of damping components are clamped and connected to the pull rod in the cylinder body via an active clamping assembly. The beneficial effects of this invention are that the damper designed in this invention has reliable performance, good waterproof effect, fast output response, stable damping output, and long service life, ensuring that wear during long-term use will not affect the damping output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive shifting technology, and more particularly to a shift cable damper and an automotive shift cable assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As automotive powertrain technology advances, the power provided by powertrains becomes increasingly stronger, resulting in greater vehicle vibration and shifting system shudder. Due to the internal structural characteristics of the transmission, noise and vibration are generated during its operation. Since the shift cable is connected to the transmission's control mechanism, this noise and vibration are transmitted into the passenger compartment through the cable.

[0003] In existing technologies, rubber dampers are typically used at the connection point between the transmission and the cable to isolate noise and vibration. However, these rubber dampers wear down over time, gradually reducing their noise and vibration damping effectiveness and requiring frequent replacement. As customer demands for improved vehicle quality become increasingly stringent, traditional shift cable damping technology can no longer meet current vibration reduction requirements. Existing shift cable dampers have low damping output and unstable damping performance, failing to produce stable damping output.

[0004] For example, patent CN103335011A discloses a damper for an automotive gear shift cable assembly. It includes a cable bushing and a limiting guide tube inserted into and connected to the cable bushing. The gear shift cable passes through the limiting guide tube and the cable bushing. Outside the cable bushing, along the direction towards the limiting guide tube, a damping rear cover, a damping outer cover, and a damper connector are sequentially fitted. One end of the damping outer ring is fixedly connected to the damping rear cover, and the other end is an annular guide post. A spring outer cover is fitted on the guide post and can move along the guide post. Inside the spring outer cover, a return spring is provided, with one end abutting against the guide post and the other end abutting against the spring outer cover. The spring outer cover and the damper connector are clamped together on the mounting bracket of the gear shift mechanism. The above-mentioned damper only solves the problem of disassembly and installation; it does not solve the technical problems of low damping output, unstable damping performance, and inability to produce stable damping output in the gear shift damper. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a shift cable damper and an automotive shift cable assembly capable of generating a stable and ideal damping output response.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: the shift cable damper includes a cylinder body, a pull rod is axially threaded through the cylinder body, the two ends of the pull rod are respectively connected to the transmission and the shift mechanism through pull cables, and two sets of damping components are tightly connected to the pull rod in the cylinder body through an active clamping component.

[0007] The two sets of damping components are arranged opposite to each other, and the two sets of damping components are connected by the active clamping component.

[0008] The damping assembly includes a cylindrical section that is pressed against the inner wall of the cylinder and a conical section that is connected to the active clamping assembly; the outer periphery of the cylindrical section is provided with an arc-shaped convex surface, which is pressed against the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0009] The damping assembly is configured as a split structure, including multiple damping blocks arranged at intervals along the circumference of the tie rod. One end of the multiple damping blocks forms the cylindrical segment, and the other end of the multiple damping blocks forms the conical segment.

[0010] The damping component is configured as an integral structure, including an integral cylindrical segment sleeved on the tie rod and multiple clamping claws integrally formed with the cylindrical segment, the multiple clamping claws being arranged at intervals along the circumference to form the conical segment.

[0011] The active clamping assembly includes two pre-tightening rings that slide axially within the cylinder and a compression spring connected between them; an annular groove is provided on the end face of the pre-tightening ring near the compression spring, and the annular groove is engaged with one end of the compression spring.

[0012] A limiting guide tube is connected between the two sets of damping components to prevent one set of damping components from locking the tie rod. The limiting guide tube is axially slidably connected to the two pre-tightening rings. Multiple axial grooves are provided at intervals along the outer periphery of the inner wall of the limiting guide tube, and axial ribs that slide in cooperation with the corresponding axial grooves are provided on the outer periphery of the pre-tightening rings.

[0013] The preload ring is provided with a tapered hole that fits tightly with the tapered section, and the two preload rings are respectively fitted and pressed onto the ends of the two sets of damping components.

[0014] A sealing damping pad is riveted to one end of the cylinder block near the transmission. The sealing damping pad is sealed and fitted onto the tie rod, and one end of the sealing damping pad is in contact with one end of the damping assembly.

[0015] A car shift cable assembly includes the shift cable damper, both ends of which are connected to the transmission and shift mechanism via tie rods.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] 1. This invention provides a shift cable damper, including a cylinder body and two sets of damping components and an active clamping component installed inside it. The active clamping component can always ensure that the two sets of damping components clamp the pull rod, ensuring that the damping output will not be affected even if the damping components wear out after long-term use. The entire damper has reliable performance, fast output response, stable damping output, and long service life.

[0018] 2. The damping components in this invention are configured as either an integrated or a split structure, both including a cylindrical section and a conical section. The two pre-tightening rings in the active clamping component, which are axially slidably connected, press the conical section of the damping component under the action of a compression spring, so that the damping component always clamps the pull rod. This causes the conical sections of the two sets of damping components to contract inward to form a damping channel, thereby achieving stable damping output and avoiding the situation where the gap between the damping component and the pull rod increases after long-term use, which affects the stable output of damping.

[0019] 3. By setting a limiting guide tube between the two sets of damping components, the present invention can not only constrain the two pre-tightening rings to move axially, but also prevent the tie rod from being locked due to excessive compression of one set of damping components because the limiting guide tube and the two sets of damping components maintain a corresponding distance radially during the movement of the tie rod.

[0020] 4. The active clamping component in this invention contains a compression spring. The compression spring with corresponding stiffness and elasticity can be replaced as needed to change the thrust of the pre-tightening ring, thereby changing the clamping force of the clamping rods of the two sets of damping components, thus controlling the magnitude of the damping output.

[0021] 5. This invention provides arc-shaped convex surfaces that press against the inner wall of the cylinder when the cylindrical sections of the two sets of damping components are set. When the damping components are worn, they can deflect at a small angle to compensate for the gap and ensure the smooth movement of the tie rod. By riveting and installing a sealing damping pad at one end of the cylinder near the transmission, abnormal noise and vibration are effectively reduced under external impact. In addition, the waterproof sealing performance of the damper is increased, and the dustproof and waterproof performance of the damper is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following is a brief explanation of the contents of each of the accompanying drawings and the markings in the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the shift cable damper of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the shift cable damper of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the middle damping block;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the pre-tightening ring;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the middle limiting guide tube;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central sealing shock-absorbing pad;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the damping component in Embodiment 2 of the shift cable damper of the present invention;

[0031] The markings in the above figures are as follows: 1. Cylinder body, 11. Cylinder body, 12. Ball joint section, 13. Neck section, 2. Tie rod, 21. Annular groove, 3. Active clamping assembly, 31. Preload ring, 311. Annular groove, 312. Axial rib, 313. Tapered hole, 32. Compression spring, 4. Damping assembly, 41. Cylindrical section, 42. Tapered section, 421. Clamping claw, 43. Damping block, 431. Arc groove, 432. Arc section I, 433. Arc section II, 434. Stop surface, 44. Arc-shaped convex surface, 5. Limiting guide tube, 51. Axial slide groove, 6. Sealing damping pad, 61. Annular rubber block, 62. Spherical protrusion, 63. Annular boss. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In existing technologies, rubber dampers are typically used at the connection point between the transmission and the cable to isolate noise and vibration. However, these rubber dampers wear down over time, gradually reducing their noise and vibration damping effectiveness and requiring frequent replacement. As customer demands for improved vehicle quality become increasingly stringent, traditional shift cable damping technology can no longer meet current vibration reduction requirements. Existing shift cable dampers have low damping output and unstable damping performance, failing to produce stable damping output.

[0036] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a shift cable damper and an automotive shift cable assembly. The following embodiments will describe its structure in detail.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this invention provides a shift cable damper, including a cylinder body 1. A pull rod 2 is axially threaded inside the cylinder body 1. Both ends of the pull rod 2 are connected to the transmission and the shift mechanism respectively via pull cables. Two sets of damping components 4 are tightly connected to the pull rod 2 inside the cylinder body 1 via an active clamping component 3. The active clamping component 3 can always ensure that the two sets of damping components 4 tightly clamp the pull rod 2, ensuring that even if the damping components 4 wear out after long-term use, it will not affect the stable output of damping. The entire damper has reliable performance, fast output response, stable damping output, and long service life.

[0039] Specifically, the two sets of damping components 4 are arranged opposite to each other and are symmetrical, which ensures that the damping output of the push-pull rod 2 and the pull-pull rod 2 is the same. The two sets of damping components 4 are connected by an active clamping component 3, which can always ensure that the two sets of damping components 4 clamp the pull rod 2, thus ensuring the stability of the damping output.

[0040] Specifically, the damping component 4 includes a cylindrical section 41 that is in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 1 and a conical section 42 that is connected to the active clamping component 3.

[0041] The damping component 4 is a split structure, comprising multiple damping blocks 43 spaced apart along the circumference of the tie rod 2. These damping blocks 43 can be made of nylon, offering good wear resistance. Each damping block 43 includes an integrally formed arc-shaped segment I 432 and arc-shaped segment II 433. The outer surface of arc-shaped segment I 432 bulges outward in the center, while the outer surface of arc-shaped segment II 433 is conical. When the multiple damping blocks 43 are arranged circumferentially along the tie rod 2, the arc-shaped segments I 432 form a cylindrical segment 41, and the arc-shaped segments II 433 form a conical segment 42. The multiple damping blocks 43 have a certain gap along the circumference, allowing one end of the active clamping component 3 to be fitted onto the conical segment 42, thus bringing the multiple damping blocks 43 closer together. Different connection positions between the active clamping component 3 and the damping blocks 43 result in different clamping forces between the multiple damping blocks 43 and the tie rod 2, leading to different damping outputs.

[0042] The outer periphery of the cylindrical section 41 is provided with an arc-shaped convex surface 44, that is, the arc-shaped sections I 432 of multiple damping blocks 43 cooperate to form an arc-shaped convex surface 44. The arc-shaped convex surface 44 is pressed and connected to the inner wall of the cylinder body 1. When the damping block 43 is worn, it can deflect at a small angle to make up for the gap and ensure the smooth movement of the tie rod 2.

[0043] Specifically, the active clamping assembly 3 includes two pre-tensioning rings 31 that slide axially within the cylinder 1 and a compression spring 32 connected between them.

[0044] The preload ring 31 has a tapered hole 313 that fits snugly against the tapered section 42. The two preload rings 31 are respectively fitted and pressed onto the ends of the two sets of damping components 4. An annular groove 311 is provided on the end face of the preload ring 31 near the compression spring 32, and the annular groove 311 is snapped into one end of the compression spring 32. To ensure the structural strength of the preload ring 31, multiple annular ribs are provided at axial intervals on the outer circumference of the preload ring 31.

[0045] Under the action of the compression spring 32, the two preload rings 31 move to both ends. The two preload rings 31, under the action of the compression spring 32, press against the tapered section 42 of the damping assembly 4, causing the preload rings 31 to hold the multiple damping blocks 43 of the corresponding damping assembly 4 tightly. This ensures that the damping assembly 4 always holds the pull rod 2 tightly, causing the multiple damping blocks 43 of the two sets of damping assemblies 4 to contract inward to form a damping channel, achieving stable damping output. This avoids the situation where the gap between the damping assembly 4 and the pull rod 2 increases after prolonged use, affecting the stable output of damping. The compression spring 32 can be replaced with one of corresponding stiffness and spring force as needed, changing the thrust pushing the preload rings 31, thereby changing the holding force of the two sets of damping assemblies 4 holding the pull rod 2, and thus controlling the magnitude of the damping output.

[0046] Two sets of damping components 4 are connected by a limiting guide tube 5 to prevent one set of damping components 4 from locking the tie rod 2. Specifically, a stop surface 434 is provided at the connection between the arc-shaped segment I 432 and the arc-shaped segment II 433 of the damping block 43. The stop surface 434 of each set of damping components 4 forms an annular surface, and the limiting guide tube 5 is provided between the annular surfaces of the two sets of damping components 4. The limiting guide tube 5 is axially slidably connected to two pre-tightening rings 31. That is, multiple axial grooves 51 are provided at intervals along the outer circumference of the inner wall of the limiting guide tube 5, and the outer circumference of the pre-tightening rings 31 is provided with axial protrusions 312 that slide in cooperation with the corresponding axial grooves 51. Setting a limiting guide tube 5 between the two sets of damping components 4 not only constrains the two pre-tightening rings 31 to move axially, making the pre-tightening rings 31 stably hold the two sets of damping components 4, but also, when the tie rod 2 moves, the multiple damping blocks 43 in one set of damping components 4 have frictional resistance with the tie rod 2. Under the action of frictional resistance, the multiple damping blocks 43 move together a corresponding distance. At this time, there is a certain gap between the tapered section 42 in this set of damping components 4 and the pre-tightening ring 31 in the radial direction. The pre-tightening ring 31 has a tendency to follow the movement of the damping components 4. However, since the limiting guide tube 5 maintains a corresponding distance from the damping components 4 in the radial direction, the axial movement distance of the pre-tightening ring 31 is limited, avoiding the situation where the set of damping components 4 is over-compressed and locks the tie rod 2.

[0047] Specifically, a sealing damping pad 6 is riveted and installed at the end of the cylinder block 1 near the transmission. This sealing damping pad 6 includes an annular rubber block 61. Multiple integral spherical protrusions 62 are spaced circumferentially on the end face of the annular rubber block 61 near the damping assembly 4. One end of the damping block 43 has an arc-shaped groove 431 that presses against the spherical protrusions 62. The arc-shaped grooves 431 on the multiple damping blocks 43 form an annular slot. The spherical protrusions 62 abut against the slot at one end of the damping assembly 4, thus providing damping. Furthermore, multiple annular bosses 63 are spaced axially on the inner wall of the annular rubber block 61. The sealing damping pad 6 is sealed and fitted onto the tie rod 2. The tie rod 2 has an annular groove 21 that seals against the corresponding annular bosses 63. The arrangement of the sealing damping pad 6 effectively reduces abnormal noise and vibration under external impact, and also increases the waterproof sealing performance of the damper, improving its dustproof and waterproof performance.

[0048] In addition, the cylinder body 1 includes a cylinder body 11 that accommodates the preload ring 31. A ball joint section 12 is provided at the end of the cylinder body 11 away from the transmission. A necked section 13 is connected between the ball joint section 12 and the cylinder body 11. When installing the damper, the necked section 13 can be snapped into the mounting slot of the shift mechanism, making the installation and removal of the damper more convenient and quick.

[0049] The present invention also provides an automotive shift cable assembly, including the aforementioned shift cable damper, both ends of which are connected to the transmission and shift mechanism via pull rods 2. Specifically, open cavities can be provided at both ends of the pull rods 2, and two pull cables can be inserted into the cavities at both ends respectively. The two ends of the pull rods 2 are connected to the pull cables by riveting, and the pull cables at both ends are connected to the transmission and shift mechanism.

[0050] Therefore, the method for installing the damper is as follows: fix the pull wires at both ends of the pull rod 2 respectively, and snap the necked section of the cylinder 1 into the mounting slot of the shift mechanism, so that one pull wire is connected to the transmission and the other pull wire is connected to the shift mechanism.

[0051] The working principle of the aforementioned shift cable damper is as follows: During shifting, when the cable needs to transmit thrust, the cable drives the pull rod 2 to move to the right. The thrust is transmitted to the two sets of damping components 4 through the pull rod 2. The compression spring 32 between the two sets of damping components 4 pushes the pre-tensioning rings 31 at both ends, causing the two pre-tensioning rings 31 to move along the axis of the limiting guide tube 5 and clamp the tapered sections 42 of the two sets of damping components 4. This causes the multiple damping blocks 43 on the two sets of damping components 4 to contract inward to form a damping channel. The two sets of damping components 4 generate frictional resistance against the pull rod 2, achieving stable damping output and playing a role in shock absorption. Similarly, when the cable needs to transmit tension, the tension is transmitted to the two sets of damping components 4 through the pull rod 2. Under the same principle, the two sets of damping components 4 generate frictional resistance against the pull rod 2, achieving stable damping output.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The difference from Example 1 is that, as Figure 8 As shown, the damping component 4 has an integral structure, including a cylindrical section 41 that is pressed against the inner wall of the cylinder 1 and a conical section 42 connected to the active clamping component 3. The cylindrical section 41 is an integral structure, with an arc-shaped convex surface 44 on its outer periphery. The arc-shaped convex surface 44 is pressed against the inner wall of the cylinder 1. When the damping block 43 wears, it can deflect at a small angle to compensate for the gap and ensure the smooth movement of the pull rod 2. The conical section 42 includes multiple clamping claws 421 integrally formed with the cylindrical section 41. The multiple clamping claws 421 are arranged circumferentially with a certain gap, giving them a certain elasticity and allowing them to tighten. The multiple clamping claws 421 arranged circumferentially with a certain gap form the conical section 42.

[0054] An annular surface is provided at the connection between the cylindrical section 41 and the conical section 42. This annular surface is used to limit the movement of the limiting guide tube 5, ensuring that the limiting guide tube 5 and the conical section 42 have a corresponding distance in the radial direction, thus avoiding the situation where the damping assembly 4 locks the tie rod 2 due to excessive movement of the pre-tightening ring 31.

[0055] The outer end of the cylindrical section 41 is provided with an annular recess structure that cooperates with the spherical protrusion 62 on the pretension ring 31. The spherical protrusion 62 is in contact with the annular recess structure at one end of the damping component 4, which plays a role in shock absorption.

[0056] The structure of the active clamping component 3 is the same as that in Embodiment 1. The pre-tightening ring 31 in the active clamping component 3 is pressed and sleeved on multiple clamping claws 421 under the action of the compression spring 32, which can cause the multiple clamping claws 421 to tighten inward to form a damping channel.

[0057] In summary, the damper designed in this invention has reliable performance, good waterproof effect, fast output response, stable damping output, and long service life, ensuring that wear and tear during long-term use will not affect the damping output.

[0058] The above description is merely an illustration of some principles of the present invention. This specification is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific structures and applicable scope shown. Therefore, all possible modifications and equivalents that may be used fall within the scope of the patent application of this invention.

Claims

1. A shift cable damper characterized by, The application relates to a shift cable damper, which comprises a cylinder body, a pull rod axially penetrating the cylinder body, a transmission and a shift mechanism connected with the two ends of the pull rod through pull cables, and two groups of damping components connected with the pull rod in the cylinder body through a driving clamping assembly. The two groups of damping components are oppositely arranged and connected through the driving clamping assembly; the damping component comprises a cylindrical section in extrusion contact with the inner wall of the cylinder body and a conical section connected with the driving clamping assembly; the outer periphery of the cylindrical section is provided with an arc-shaped convex surface in pressure contact with the inner wall of the cylinder body. The driving clamping assembly comprises two pre-tightening rings axially sliding in the cylinder body and a compression spring connected between the two pre-tightening rings; the end face of the pre-tightening ring close to the compression spring is provided with an annular groove in clamping connection with one end of the compression spring. The two groups of damping components are connected with a limiting guide pipe preventing one group of damping components from clamping the pull rod, the limiting guide pipe is in axial sliding connection with the two pre-tightening rings, and the inner wall of the limiting guide pipe is provided with a plurality of axial sliding grooves at intervals along the outer periphery, and the outer periphery of the pre-tightening ring is provided with an axial convex rib in sliding cooperation with the corresponding axial sliding groove.

2. The shift cable damper of claim 1, wherein: The damping component is provided in a split structure, comprises a plurality of damping blocks arranged at intervals along the periphery of the pull rod, one end of the plurality of damping blocks surrounds the cylindrical section, and the other end of the plurality of damping blocks surrounds the conical section.

3. The shift cable damper of claim 1, wherein: The damping component is provided in an integral structure, comprises an integral cylindrical section sleeved on the pull rod and a plurality of clamping claws integrally formed with the cylindrical section, and the plurality of clamping claws are arranged at intervals along the periphery to form the conical section.

4. The shift cable damper of claim 1, wherein: The pre-tightening ring is provided with a conical hole in pressure contact with the conical section, and the two pre-tightening rings are pressingly sleeved at the ends of the two groups of damping components.

5. The shift cable damper of claim 1, wherein: The cylinder body is provided with a sealing shock-absorbing pad at the end close to the transmission, the sealing shock-absorbing pad is sealingly sleeved on the pull rod, and one end of the sealing shock-absorbing pad is in abutting connection with one end of the damping component.

6. An automotive shift cable assembly characterized by, The application further relates to a shift cable damper, which comprises the shift cable damper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the two ends of the damper are connected with a transmission and a shift mechanism through a pull rod.

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