Device and method for measuring the wear of the friction plate of the clutch drive plate of a manual transmission vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of manual block type clutch driven plate friction piece wear degree measuring device and method, the main design concept of the application is, by designing a set of linear sensor device measurable working stroke on clutch working cylinder, by the measurement of its stroke, to judge the wear stroke of clutch driven plate friction piece, according to the specific thickness of the clutch friction piece wear judged to determine whether it needs to replace clutch friction piece, and by the way of active monitoring and reminding, it can accurately and conveniently judge whether clutch needs to be replaced, avoid the phenomenon such as jerk or power following bad caused by friction piece excessive wear not timely replacement.The application can accurately identify and warn clutch wear condition under the premise of saving labor cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of manual transmission vehicle technology, and in particular to a device and method for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven disc friction plate in manual transmission vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The clutch friction plates in manual transmission vehicles will gradually wear down with increasing mileage. This wear will be further accelerated under conditions such as frequent starts, hill climbing, rapid release, and improper clutch / accelerator coordination. Excessive clutch wear will adversely affect vehicle starting and torque transmission, causing unexpected malfunctions such as vibration and slippage. In such cases, the clutch friction plates need to be replaced.

[0003] Currently, the judgment is generally based on the driver's subjective evaluation, or the clutch friction plate wear is checked by manually disassembling the clutch to confirm whether it is excessively worn and needs to be replaced. This not only makes it easy to make misjudgments, but also incurs a large cost in disassembling and installing the clutch. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven disc friction plate in manual transmission vehicles, so as to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a device for measuring the wear degree of the friction plate of the clutch driven disc in a manual transmission vehicle, comprising: a clutch working cylinder equipped with a clutch sensor, an on-board control unit, and a prompt information output unit; wherein, the push rod of the clutch working cylinder is connected to the clutch release fork, the piston inside the clutch working cylinder is connected to a magnet, and the clutch sensor located outside the clutch working cylinder is used to sense the movement of the magnet and output a linear signal: when the release fork drives the clutch working cylinder to move, causing the piston and the magnet to move synchronously, the clutch sensor senses the movement of the magnet and outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the movement position of the magnet;

[0007] The vehicle control unit uses PWM signals to determine the wear of the driven disc friction pads, and sends a warning signal through the prompt information output unit when the wear reaches or exceeds the allowable limit.

[0008] In at least one possible implementation, the clutch working cylinder includes: a push rod, a piston connected to the push rod, and a seal is provided between the piston and the inner wall of the working cylinder body; wherein, a magnet is embedded at the rear end of the piston, and a clutch sensor is provided outside the working cylinder body, and the working stroke of the piston is within the output range of the linear signal of the clutch sensor.

[0009] In at least one of the possible implementations, the vehicle control unit includes: a vehicle controller or an engine controller.

[0010] Secondly, a method for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven disc friction plate in a manual transmission vehicle based on the above-mentioned measuring device, comprising:

[0011] Pre-calibrate and acquire the initial PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not depressed;

[0012] The initial PWM signal is learned and recorded by the vehicle control unit;

[0013] During vehicle use, the actual PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not depressed is acquired at predetermined intervals.

[0014] When the difference between the actual PWM signal and the initial PWM signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, a warning message indicating that the maximum friction stroke has been reached is output.

[0015] In at least one of the possible implementations, the learning and recording of the initial PWM signal by the vehicle control unit includes: using an EOL self-learning method, combined with the action of repeatedly pressing and releasing the clutch pedal, to enable the vehicle control unit to learn and store the initial PWM signal of the clutch sensor.

[0016] In at least one possible implementation, the predetermined threshold is obtained by: determining the PWM signal corresponding to the movement stroke of the clutch working cylinder piston when the friction plate is at its maximum wear, based on the thickness of the driven disc friction plate and the lever ratio between the clutch pressure plate and the clutch shift fork.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the main design concept of this invention lies in designing a linear sensor device on the clutch cylinder that can measure the working stroke. By measuring the stroke, the wear stroke of the clutch driven plate friction disc is determined. Based on the determined thickness of the clutch friction disc wear, it is determined whether the clutch friction disc needs to be replaced. Furthermore, through active monitoring and reminders, the invention can accurately and conveniently determine whether the clutch needs replacement, avoiding phenomena such as jerking or poor power response caused by excessive wear of the friction disc and failure to replace it in time. This invention can accurately identify and warn of clutch wear conditions while saving labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the clutch working cylinder in the manual transmission vehicle clutch driven disc friction plate wear measurement device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven disc friction plate in a manual transmission vehicle, provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the linear signal output of the clutch sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] This invention proposes an embodiment of a device for measuring the wear degree of the friction plate of the clutch driven disc in a manual transmission vehicle. Specifically, it includes: a clutch working cylinder equipped with a clutch sensor, an on-board control unit, and a prompt information output unit (such as an instrument panel, MP5 player, speaker, etc.). The push rod of the clutch working cylinder is connected to the clutch release fork. A piston inside the clutch working cylinder is connected to a magnet. A clutch sensor located outside the clutch working cylinder senses the movement of the magnet and outputs a linear signal. When the release fork drives the clutch working cylinder to move, causing the piston and magnet to move synchronously, the clutch sensor senses the movement of the magnet and outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the magnet's movement position.

[0024] The vehicle control unit determines the amount of wear based on the comparison between the PWM signal and the preset initial PWM signal, and sends a warning signal through the prompt information output unit when it determines that the amount of wear has reached the allowable limit.

[0025] Specifically, combined Figure 1 As shown, the clutch working cylinder specifically includes: a push rod 1, a piston 2 connected to the push rod 1, and a sealing element 4 is provided between the piston 2 and the inner wall of the working cylinder body 3. In particular, the magnet 5 is embedded in the rear end of the piston 2, and a clutch sensor 6 is provided on the outside of the working cylinder body 3. The clutch sensor 6 is designed to match the piston 2 and its magnet 5, that is, the working stroke of the piston 2 is within the output range of the linear signal of the clutch sensor 6. Thus, the magnet can be effectively sensed and a linear signal can be output throughout the entire working stroke range of the working cylinder, thereby accurately identifying the working position and stroke change of the clutch working cylinder piston (this identification result can intuitively characterize the wear degree of the driven disc friction plate).

[0026] In detail, as the friction plates of the clutch driven plate wear, the release finger of the clutch pressure plate rises along its axis, pushing the release bearing and release fork in close contact with it. The release fork then moves the piston rod of the clutch cylinder, causing the magnetic material embedded inside the piston to move as well. The clutch sensor located outside the clutch cylinder outputs different duty cycle PWM signals based on the position of the magnet. Therefore, the position of the friction plates of the driven plate and the corresponding wear stroke can be determined by the sensor signal at the clutch cylinder.

[0027] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention also provides a method for measuring the wear degree of the friction plate of the clutch driven plate in a manual transmission vehicle, specifically... Figure 2 The schematic flowchart includes the following main steps:

[0028] Step S1: Before the vehicle leaves the factory, pre-calibrate and collect the initial PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not pressed;

[0029] Step S2: The vehicle control unit learns and records the initial PWM signal;

[0030] Step S3: During vehicle use, acquire the actual PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not depressed, according to a predetermined cycle or frequency.

[0031] Step S4: When the difference between the actual PWM signal and the initial PWM signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, a warning message indicating that the maximum friction stroke has been reached is output.

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the aforementioned measurement method embodiments, in conjunction with Figure 3 As shown, the following can be elaborated: After the vehicle assembly is complete, with the clutch pedal not depressed, the clutch cylinder is in position A, and the clutch sensor outputs a PWM signal of X%. Alternatively, an upper limit value can be pre-calibrated. When the clutch pedal is fully depressed, the clutch cylinder stroke is C, and the clutch sensor outputs a PWM signal of Z%. These signals are collected by the vehicle control unit (VCU) or the engine control unit (ECU). Due to variations in consistency between different vehicles and components, this invention does not limit the values ​​of X% and Z%. Furthermore, it can be stated that a calibration method based on off-line calibration is preferred. That is, after the vehicle is adjusted off-line, an EOL self-learning program, combined with repeated depressing and releasing of the clutch pedal, allows the VCU or ECU to learn and measure the lower limit value X% and the upper limit value Z% of the clutch cylinder sensor signal in the new vehicle state. This value is used as the initial value of the vehicle's clutch stroke and is recorded and stored.

[0033] As the driven disc friction plates wear down, according to the above principle, the thickness of the friction plates decreases, causing the release finger of the pressure plate to rise. This, in turn, pushes the release bearing and release fork to move. The release fork then pushes the push rod and piston of the clutch cylinder to move. The movement of the magnet on the piston causes a change in the initial position signal value detected by the sensor, which differs from the initial calibration value mentioned earlier. That is, when the magnet moves to position B, the PWM signal value output by the sensor becomes Y%, which differs from the original initial value X%.

[0034] By calculating the thickness of the driven disc friction plate and the lever ratio between the clutch pressure plate and the clutch shift fork, the travel distance of the clutch working cylinder piston and the corresponding PWM signal difference L% when the friction plate is at its maximum wear can be determined. Therefore, when the sensor detects that Y% - X% ≥ L%, the VCU or ECU can determine that the clutch friction plate is at its maximum friction stroke and is ready for replacement. At this point, the user can be prompted to perform maintenance checks or replace the clutch through instruments or other equipment.

[0035] Finally, it can be added that after replacing the clutch, the initial parameters of the clutch working cylinder can be recalibrated using the aforementioned method, and a new clutch wear monitoring cycle can begin.

[0036] In summary, the main design concept of this invention lies in designing a linear sensor device on the clutch cylinder that can measure the working stroke. By measuring this stroke, the wear stroke of the clutch driven plate friction disc is determined. Based on the determined thickness of the clutch friction disc wear, it is determined whether the clutch friction disc needs to be replaced. Furthermore, through active monitoring and alerts, the need for clutch replacement can be accurately and conveniently determined, avoiding phenomena such as jerking or poor power response caused by excessive wear of the friction disc and failure to replace it in time. This invention can accurately identify and warn of clutch wear conditions while saving labor costs.

[0037] In this invention, when directional terms are mentioned, they are relative concepts based on the embodiments. Furthermore, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0038] The above description of the structure, features, and effects of the present invention is based on the embodiments shown in the figures. However, the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the above embodiments and their preferred methods can be reasonably combined and matched by those skilled in the art to form a variety of equivalent solutions without departing from or changing the design concept and technical effects of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the wear degree of the friction plate of the clutch driven disc in a manual transmission vehicle, characterized in that, include: The system includes a clutch working cylinder equipped with a clutch sensor, an on-board control unit, and a prompt information output unit. The push rod of the clutch working cylinder is connected to the clutch release fork. A piston inside the clutch working cylinder is connected to a magnet. A clutch sensor located outside the clutch working cylinder senses the movement of the magnet and outputs a linear signal. When the release fork drives the clutch working cylinder to move, causing the piston and magnet to move synchronously, the clutch sensor senses the movement of the magnet and outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the magnet's position. The vehicle control unit uses PWM signals to determine the wear of the driven disc friction pads, and sends a warning signal through the prompt information output unit when the wear reaches or exceeds the allowable limit. The measuring device performs the following wear measurement method: The initial PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not depressed is pre-calibrated and acquired. Specifically, after the vehicle assembly is completed, the PWM signal output by the clutch sensor is X% when the clutch cylinder is at position A and the clutch pedal is not depressed, and Z% when the clutch cylinder is fully depressed and the clutch pedal is at stroke C. After the vehicle is adjusted off the production line, the lower limit X% and upper limit Z% of the clutch cylinder sensor signal are learned and measured under the new vehicle condition through the EOL self-learning program and repeated clutch pedal depressing and releasing actions. The vehicle control unit learns and records the initial PWM signal, specifically by using the EOL self-learning method and combining the action of repeatedly pressing and releasing the clutch pedal, so that the vehicle control unit learns and stores the initial PWM signal of the clutch sensor. During vehicle use, the actual PWM signal output by the clutch sensor when the clutch pedal is not depressed is acquired at predetermined intervals. When the difference between the actual PWM signal and the initial PWM signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, a warning message indicating that the maximum friction stroke has been reached is output.

2. The device for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven plate friction disc in a manual transmission vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch working cylinder includes: a push rod, a piston connected to the push rod, and a sealing element provided between the piston and the inner wall of the working cylinder body; wherein, a magnet is embedded at the rear end of the piston, and a clutch sensor is provided on the outside of the working cylinder body, and the working stroke of the piston is within the output range of the linear signal of the clutch sensor.

3. The device for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven plate friction disc in a manual transmission vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle control unit includes: a vehicle controller or an engine controller.

4. The device for measuring the wear degree of the clutch driven plate friction disc in a manual transmission vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined threshold is obtained by: based on the thickness of the driven disc friction plate and the lever ratio between the clutch pressure plate and the clutch shift fork, calculating the PWM signal corresponding to the movement stroke of the clutch working cylinder piston when the friction plate is at its maximum wear.

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