Actuator device for a friction clutch

Abstract

An actuator device (3) for a friction clutch, comprising a push rod arm (4) for exerting a force on the friction clutch, a push ring (5) arranged on the push rod arm for contact with the friction clutch, and a drive unit (6) connected to the push rod arm for moving the push rod arm in a movement direction (7) of the push rod arm. The device further comprises a bearing (8) arranged on the push rod arm (4), wherein the push ring (5) is supported by the bearing so as to enable the push ring to rotate relative to the push rod arm about a rotation axis (9). The push ring (5) and the bearing (8) are pivotably connected to the push rod arm (4) so as to enable the push ring and the bearing to pivot relative to the push rod arm about a push ring pivot axis (30). A friction clutch and a transmission device are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator device for a friction clutch, and more particularly to an actuator device for a clutch in a vehicle transmission system, the actuator device comprising a push rod arm for applying force to the friction clutch and a push ring disposed on the push rod arm for contacting the friction clutch. Background Technology

[0002] The clutch of a transmission device typically has an actuator based on a rotating piston pressurized by oil.

[0003] This solution is advantageous in high-pressure systems with many clutches and complex lubrication. However, in less complex transmissions, such as those using dry clutches, this actuator would require many components (such as pumps, accumulators, valves, oil filters, etc.) just for this purpose.

[0004] These components increase the complexity and cost of the transmission system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an actuator device for a friction clutch that does not require high-pressure oil for actuation or lubrication.

[0006] This objective is achieved by an actuator device for a friction clutch. The device includes a push rod arm for applying force to the friction clutch, a push ring disposed on the push rod arm for contacting the friction clutch, a drive unit, and a bearing disposed on the push rod arm. The drive unit is connected to the push rod arm for moving the push rod arm in the direction of its movement. The push ring is supported by the bearing (journal) so that the push ring can rotate relative to the push rod arm about a rotation axis. Furthermore, the push ring and the bearing are pivotally connected to the push rod arm, allowing the push ring and the bearing to pivot relative to the push rod arm about a pivot axis of the push ring.

[0007] This invention is based on the insight that, with this actuator device, the actuation of the transmission clutch can be performed without the use of high-pressure oil and related components, thus reducing the complexity of the transmission. Furthermore, the high oil pressure required to maintain the force or pressure applied to the clutch is not necessary.

[0008] By enabling the push ring to pivot around its pivot axis, the direction of the push ring's rotation axis can be maintained even if the push rod arm is slightly tilted. This reduces wear and improves efficiency.

[0009] The drive unit may include a motor (e.g., an electric motor) and a linear actuator mechanism, which includes a threaded rod (such as a ball screw) with a nut, wherein the linear actuator mechanism is driven by the motor.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the push ring and bearing are displaceable within the push rod arm, thereby allowing adjustment of the push ring's pivot axis position relative to the push rod arm. Preferably, the push ring and bearing are displaceable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the push ring's pivot axis and the direction of movement of the push rod arm. Therefore, even with a slight tilt of the push rod arm, the distance between the push ring's rotation axis and the drive unit can be maintained. This reduces wear and improves efficiency.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis and the push ring pivot axis are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. Therefore, when the push ring is pivoted, the rotation axis of the push ring can remain in the same plane. This reduces wear and improves efficiency.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the direction of motion of the pushrod arm is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the push ring. This allows for push ring pivoting to compensate for any tilting of the pushrod arm while maintaining the axis of rotation parallel to the direction of motion of the pushrod arm. This reduces wear and improves efficiency.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the push rod arm is pivotally connected to the drive unit, allowing the push rod arm to pivot relative to the drive unit about its pivot axis. Preferably, the outer end of the push rod arm is pivotally connected to the drive unit for pivoting about its pivot axis. Thus, the push rod arm can move while pivoting relative to the drive unit. This, in turn, increases flexibility and allows the push rod arm to also be pivotally attached to a fixed point (such as the housing wall of the transmission device) to improve its stability.

[0014] For example, the push rod arm can be connected to the nut of the linear actuator mechanism, preferably pivotally connected to the nut of the linear actuator mechanism for pivoting about the pivot axis of the drive unit.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the push rod arm is pivotally connected to a fixed point of the transmission, allowing the push rod arm to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the fixed point. Preferably, the outer end of the push rod arm is pivotally connected to the fixed point for pivoting about the pivot axis. This improves the stability of the push rod arm because its first and second outer ends can be connected to the drive unit and the fixed point, respectively. The fixed point is suitably located on the transmission housing. This, in turn, allows for the use of a thinner push rod arm. Furthermore, this allows for the use of a smaller force from the drive unit, as the force applied to the clutch by the push ring is amplified by the resulting leverage.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the pivot axis of the push ring and the pivot axis of the drive unit are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the direction of the push ring's rotation axis can be adjusted in case of any tilting of the push rod arm caused by pivoting around the drive unit's pivot axis. This reduces wear and improves efficiency.

[0017] The drive unit pivot axis and the fixed point pivot axis are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other. Then, the push ring pivot axis and the fixed point pivot axis are arranged substantially parallel to each other, preferably with the push ring pivot axis positioned between the drive unit pivot axis and the fixed point pivot axis. This allows for a compact and robust design, where the push rod arm is fixed at both ends, and the push ring is positioned at the center of the push rod arm.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, another object is to provide a friction clutch, such as a dry friction clutch, that includes such an actuator device.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, another object is to provide a transmission device including a friction clutch and such an actuator device.

[0020] Other advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention, cited as examples, will now be described in more detail.

[0022] In the attached diagram:

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a transmission device having a friction clutch and an actuator for actuating the friction clutch.

[0024] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the actuator device shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view AA of a portion of the actuator arm shown in the figure.

[0026] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A An enlarged view BB of a portion of the actuator device's push rod arm is shown in the image.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the transmission device, in which the actuator device's push ring is in contact with a dry friction clutch. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A transmission 1 for a vehicle is shown. Some components of the transmission 1 will be illustrated and described below. Transmission components not related to the present invention have been omitted. The vehicle transmission 1 has a friction clutch 2 and an actuator device 3 for actuating the friction clutch 2. The friction clutch 2 is suitably a dry friction clutch.

[0029] The actuator device 3 includes a push rod arm 4, a push ring 5, and a drive unit 6. The push rod arm 4 is used to apply force or pressure to the friction clutch 2. The push ring 5 is arranged on the push rod arm 4 for contacting the friction clutch 2. The drive unit 6 is connected to the push rod arm 4 for moving the push rod arm 4 along the push rod arm movement direction 7 (preferably linear movement).

[0030] The drive unit 6 is suitably arranged for linear movement of the push rod arm 4, i.e., the connection point (part) or coupling point between the drive unit 6 and the push rod arm 4 moves linearly along the push rod arm movement direction 7. The push rod arm movement direction 7 is preferably substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the clutch 2. The push rod arm 4 may also be arranged, as will be explained below, to pivot slightly while moving along the push rod arm movement direction 7.

[0031] The actuator device 3 also includes a bearing 8 arranged on the push rod arm 4, through which the push ring 5 is supported, thereby allowing the push ring 5 to rotate relative to the push rod arm 4 about a rotation axis 9. The rotation axis 9 is the same as the rotation axis of the friction clutch 2, so that when the push ring 5 contacts the rotating component of the friction clutch 2, the push ring 5 can rotate together with the rotating component about the rotation axis 9. See also... Figure 2A and Figure 3 .exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the push ring 5 is arranged outside the shaft 10, such that the shaft 10 extends through the opening of the push ring 5.

[0032] The drive unit 6 is attached to a fixed point, such as the wall of the transmission housing (not shown). For this purpose, as... Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 6 may have a flange 11 with bolt holes 12.

[0033] The push rod arm 4 is connected to the drive unit 6, allowing it to move toward the friction clutch 2 via the drive unit 6. Optionally, the push rod arm 4 is pivotally connected to the drive unit 6, enabling it to pivot relative to the drive unit 6 about a drive unit pivot axis 13. For example, the first outer end 14 of the push rod arm 4 may be pivotally connected to the drive unit 6 for pivoting about the drive unit pivot axis 13. See also Figure 2A .

[0034] Alternatively, the push rod arm 4 may be pivotally connected to a fixed point, such as the wall of the transmission housing (not shown), so that the push rod arm 4 can pivot about a pivot axis 15 relative to that fixed point. For example, the second outer end 16 of the push rod arm 4 may be pivotally connected to the fixed point for pivoting about the pivot axis 15. For this purpose, as... Figure 1 As shown, the push rod arm 4 may have a pivot joint pin 17, which is to be received by a corresponding device in the transmission housing wall.

[0035] This solution requires the push rod arm to be slightly displaced relative to either the drive unit pivot axis or the fixed point pivot axis, or requires one of these two pivot axes to be displaced. For example, the pivot pin 17 can be received by a corresponding slot in the housing, allowing the push rod arm to pivot and displace relative to the housing to compensate for the change in distance between the drive unit pivot axis 13 and the fixed point pivot axis 15 that would otherwise be uncompensated when the push rod arm 4 moves along the push rod arm movement direction 7. In another embodiment, the slot for the pivot pin 17 is instead arranged in the push rod arm, and a corresponding opening for the pin is arranged in the housing. (See reference...) Figure 2A and 2C To further explain, in another variation, the push rod arm can be slightly displaced relative to the drive unit 6. For example, a pin 50 providing the pivot axis 13 of the drive unit can be fixedly arranged in the drive unit 6, and the pin 50 is received by a slot 51 arranged in the push rod arm 4, thereby allowing the push rod arm 4 to be displaced relative to the drive unit 6.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the push rod arm 4 is pivotally connected to the drive unit 6 at a higher position on the first side of the push ring 5 and the rotation axis 9, and is pivotally connected to a fixed point of the transmission housing at a lower position on the second opposite (opposite) side of the push ring 5 and the rotation axis 9.

[0037] The drive unit 6 may include a motor 18 and a linear actuator mechanism 19 driven by the motor 18. The linear actuator mechanism 19 may have a threaded rod 20 and a nut 21 arranged on the threaded rod 20. A push rod arm 4 may be connected to the nut 21 of the linear actuator mechanism 19, preferably pivotally connected to the nut 21. By rotating the screw 20 by means of the motor 18 (preferably an electric motor), the nut 21 and the push rod arm 4 connected thereto to the nut 21 may move toward or away from the friction clutch 2 in the direction of movement 7 of the push rod arm.

[0038] Alternatively, the actuator device 3 may include a support member 22 for the threaded rod 20. This support member 22 may include a bearing for supporting the outer end of the threaded rod 20, wherein the bearing is arranged in the wall of, for example, the transmission housing.

[0039] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 The perspective view of the actuator device shown, and Figure 2B and 2C yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of a portion of the push rod arm 4 of the actuator device 3 shown.

[0040] As described above, the push ring 5 is supported by the bearing 8, allowing the push ring 5 to rotate about the rotation axis 9 relative to the push rod arm 4. Furthermore, the push ring 5 and the bearing 8 are pivotally connected to the push rod arm 4, allowing the push ring 5 and the bearing 8 to pivot about the push ring pivot axis 30 relative to the push rod arm 4. This means that the push ring 5 and the bearing 8 can pivot together about the push ring pivot axis 30.

[0041] like Figure 2B As further shown, the push ring 5 and bearing 8 are suitably arranged in the push rod arm 4 in a displaceable manner, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the push ring pivot axis 30 relative to the push rod arm 4. This means that the push ring 5 and bearing 8 can be displaced together relative to the push rod arm 4.

[0042] The push ring 5 and bearing 8 can be displaced in a direction 31 substantially perpendicular to the push ring pivot axis 30 and the intended push rod arm movement direction 7. However, the displacement direction 31 relative to the push rod arm movement direction 7 changes slightly when the push rod arm 4 moves in the push rod arm movement direction 7 while pivoting about the drive unit pivot axis 13 (and the fixed point pivot axis 15).

[0043] The push ring 5 and the bearing 8 can be displaced by a sliding mechanism 32 including a pin 33 and a groove 34.

[0044] For example, by arranging the push ring 5 in another ring and placing the bearing 8 between the push ring 5 and the other ring, a combined pivoting and sliding mechanism (a combination of pivoting and sliding) can be achieved, allowing the push ring 5 to rotate relative to the other ring about the rotation axis 9. This other ring is further provided with a pin 33, which is arranged in a groove 34 of the push rod arm 4. Figure 2A and Figure 3 In another embodiment shown, the push ring 5 is part of the bearing 8. The outer ring 60 of the bearing 8, arranged in the push rod arm 4, is provided with a pin 33 received by the groove 34 of the push rod arm 4, and the inner ring of the bearing 8 forms a push ring 5 that can rotate about the rotation axis 9.

[0045] Alternatively, the outer ring of the bearing can be used as a push ring, and the inner ring of the bearing can be arranged to pivot and shift relative to the push rod arm.

[0046] The rotation axis 9 and the push ring pivot axis 30 are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the rotation axis 9 of the push ring 5 is arranged substantially parallel to the push rod arm movement direction 7. Since the push ring 5 (and bearing 8) pivots about the push ring pivot axis 30, during operation, the rotation axis 9 of the push ring 5 can always be parallel to the push rod arm movement direction 7 and the rotation axis of the friction clutch. Otherwise, in the same manner as described above, when the push rod arm 4 moves along the push rod arm movement direction 7 while pivoting about the fixed point pivot axis 15, the direction of the rotation axis 9 relative to the push rod arm movement direction 7 will change slightly.

[0047] With the help of the sliding mechanism 32, the distance between the rotation axis 9 of the push ring 5 and the linear actuator mechanism 19 of the drive unit 6 can be maintained.

[0048] exist Figure 1 and 2A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the intended direction of motion 7 of the pusher arm is substantially perpendicular to the push ring pivot axis 30. Furthermore, the push ring pivot axis 30 and the drive unit pivot axis 13 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the push ring pivot axis 30 and the fixed point pivot axis 15 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. This means that the drive unit pivot axis and the fixed point pivot axis are appropriately arranged substantially parallel to each other. Moreover, the push ring pivot axis 30 is preferably arranged between the drive unit pivot axis 13 and the fixed point pivot axis 15.

[0049] exist Figure 2A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the push rod arm 4 is capable of slight displacement relative to the drive unit 6 along a direction 31 substantially perpendicular to the push ring pivot axis 30 and the push rod arm movement direction 7. A pin 50 providing the drive unit pivot axis 13 is fixedly arranged in the nut 21 of the drive unit 6, and the pin 50 is received by a slot 51 arranged in the push rod arm 4, allowing the push rod arm 4 to pivot and displace relative to the drive unit 6. Figure 2C As shown, the sliding mechanism 52 includes a pin 50 for the nut 21 and a groove 51 for the push rod arm 4 that receives the pin 50. By means of the sliding mechanism 52, the combined pivoting and sliding mechanism can be realized in a manner corresponding to that previously described for the push ring.

[0050] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The diagram depicts a portion of the transmission mechanism, in which the push ring 5 of the actuator device 3 contacts a dry friction clutch 2 having a set of friction discs 35. By means of the actuator device 3, the push rod arm 4 and the push ring 5 can move along the push rod arm's direction of movement 7, and the push ring 5 can thereby contact the friction clutch 2 to apply force to the friction clutch 2. The drive unit 6 includes a motor 18, a screw 20, and a nut 21, to which the push rod arm 4 is pivotally connected. The inner ring of the bearing 8 forms the push ring 5, which can rotate relative to the push rod arm 4 about a rotation axis 9 when the outer ring 60 of the bearing 8 is stationary. The outer ring 60 is arranged in the push rod arm 4 and, by means of pins and grooves, is pivotable and displaceable relative to the push rod arm 4 to compensate for any tilting of the push rod arm 4.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In this case, when force is applied to the clutch, this corresponds to the push ring 5 moving to the left. Figure 3 In the middle, by moving the push ring 5 to the right, the push ring 5 can also be removed from the friction clutch 2 by means of the actuator device 3.

[0052] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An actuator device (3) for a friction clutch, wherein, The device (3) includes: a push rod arm (4) for applying force to the friction clutch; a push ring (5) disposed on the push rod arm (4) for contacting the friction clutch; a drive unit (6); and a bearing (8) disposed on the push rod arm; wherein the drive unit (6) is connected to the push rod arm (4) for moving the push rod arm along the push rod arm's direction of motion (7), and the push ring (5) is supported by the bearing (8), thereby enabling the push ring to rotate relative to the push rod arm (4) about a rotation axis (9), and the push ring (5) and The bearing (8) is pivotally connected to the push rod arm (4), thereby enabling the push ring and the bearing to pivot relative to the push rod arm about the push ring pivot axis (30). The push ring (5) and the bearing (8) are displaceable within the push rod arm (4) to allow adjustment of the position of the push ring pivot axis (30) relative to the push rod arm (4), and the push ring (5) and the bearing (8) are displaceable along a direction (31) substantially perpendicular to the push ring pivot axis (30) and the direction of movement (7) of the push rod arm.

2. The actuator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation axis (9) and the push ring pivot axis (30) are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

3. The actuator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of motion of the push rod arm (7) is basically perpendicular to the pivot axis (30) of the push ring.

4. The actuator device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The push rod arm (4) is pivotally connected to the drive unit (6), thereby enabling the push rod arm to pivot relative to the drive unit about the drive unit pivot axis (13).

5. The actuator device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pivot axis (30) of the push ring and the pivot axis (13) of the drive unit are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

6. The actuator device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive unit (6) includes a motor (18) and a linear actuator mechanism (19) driven by the motor, the linear actuator mechanism (19) having a threaded rod (20) and a nut (21) arranged on the threaded rod.

7. The actuator device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The push rod arm (4) is connected to the nut (21) of the linear actuator mechanism (19).

8. The actuator device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The push rod arm (4) is pivotally connected to the nut (21) of the linear actuator mechanism (19) for pivoting about the pivot axis (13) of the drive unit.

9. The actuator device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The push rod arm (4) is pivotally connected to a fixed point, thereby enabling the push rod arm to pivot relative to the fixed point about the pivot axis (15) of the fixed point.

10. The actuator device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pivot axis (30) of the push ring and the pivot axis (15) of the fixed point are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

11. The actuator device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pivot axis (30) of the push ring is arranged between the pivot axis (13) of the drive unit and the pivot axis (15) of the fixed point.

12. A friction clutch (2) comprising an actuator device (3) according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. A transmission device (1) comprising a friction clutch (2) and an actuator device (3) according to any one of claims 1-11.

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