Pull-type clutch actuator and clutch system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pull type clutch actuator and a clutch system. The pull-type clutch actuator comprises the release bearing, the shell and the piston, the piston is movably arranged in the shell, extends out of the shell through the through hole and then is connected with the release bearing, the air source inputs air into the first cavity through the first air hole to control movement of the piston, and separation of a pull-type clutch is achieved. And after gas in the first cavity is exhausted outwards through the first gas hole, resetting of the piston is achieved, then combination of the pull-type clutch is achieved, namely, the pull-type clutch is of a concentric structure, and compared with an externally-hung structure, the pull-type clutch has the advantages of being high in integration degree, compact in structure, high in reliability and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of clutches, and in particular to a pull-type clutch actuator and a clutch system. Background Art

[0002] As an important component of automobiles, clutches are widely used as the number of automobiles increases. Diaphragm spring clutches are widely used in commercial vehicles. When the force direction of the inner end of the clutch moves away from the pressure plate, it is called a pull-type diaphragm spring clutch, also known as a pull-type clutch for short; when the force direction of the inner end of the clutch moves toward the pressure plate, it is called a push-type diaphragm spring clutch, also known as a push-type clutch for short.

[0003] The clutch is separated and engaged by a clutch actuator. Through the clutch actuator, the vehicle can automatically or manually adjust the clutch separation and engagement state according to different road conditions and driving requirements to achieve vehicle starting, shifting and getting out of trouble. It plays an important role in road conditions such as highways, off-road, snowy roads, and slippery roads, allowing the vehicle to better adapt to different driving environments.

[0004] The clutch actuators in the related art are divided into pull-type clutch actuators and push-type clutch actuators according to the specific type of clutch. Pull-type clutch actuators mostly adopt an external structure, that is, a single component assembled on the outside of the AMT housing, which is an external actuator. The overall structure requirements are relatively complex, and even interference between components occurs. In addition, the control accuracy and stability during the clutch separation and engagement process are not high; the push-type clutch actuator not only adopts an external structure, but also a concentric structure. The concentric structure adopts a sleeve structure. Its principle is electronically controlled pneumatic, electronically controlled hydraulic or electronically controlled electric, which greatly reduces the assembly space and weakens the overall assembly problem of AMT to a certain extent. However, the electronic control involves air circuit control, hydraulic circuit or motor layout, which still has high requirements on the overall structure, air tightness and control accuracy of the clutch. Compared with the external structure, the concentric structure has the advantages of high integration, compact structure and high reliability. However, concentric clutch actuators are widely used in mainstream commercial vehicles at home and abroad, and are currently used for push clutches. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a pull-type clutch actuator and a clutch system, which can realize the separation and combination of the pull-type clutch, have high integration, compact structure, and high reliability.

[0006] A pull-type clutch actuator, the pull-type clutch actuator comprising:

[0007] a release bearing, the release bearing being used to be connected to the pull-type clutch;

[0008] A housing, wherein the housing is formed with a through hole and a first air hole, the first air hole is used to communicate with an air source, and the release bearing is located outside the housing; and

[0009] A piston, wherein the piston is movably arranged inside the shell, and the piston comprises a piston head that is slidably abutted against the inner wall of the shell and a piston rod connected to the piston head, wherein the piston rod extends through the through hole to the outside of the shell and is connected to the release bearing; the inside of the shell comprises a first chamber located on a side of the piston head close to the through hole, and a second chamber located on a side of the piston head away from the through hole, wherein the first air hole is connected to the first chamber;

[0010] When the gas enters the first chamber through the first air hole, the gas entering the first chamber causes the piston head to move in a direction away from the release bearing, driving the release bearing to move in a direction close to the housing, so that the pull-type clutch is disengaged;

[0011] When the gas in the first chamber is discharged outward through the first air hole, the piston head moves toward the direction close to the release bearing, driving the release bearing to move in the direction away from the housing, so that the pull clutch is engaged.

[0012] In one embodiment, the release bearing is provided with a first hook, and the end of the piston rod extending outside the outer shell is provided with a second hook, when the release bearing rotates to the first position, the first hook and the second hook are hooked together along the movement direction of the piston; when the release bearing rotates to the second position, the first hook and the second hook are completely staggered along the movement direction of the piston; the pull-type clutch actuator also includes an elastic member arranged inside the first chamber, and the opposite ends of the elastic member are respectively abutted against the piston head and the inner wall of the outer shell facing the piston head, so that when the release bearing is in the first position, the first hook and the second hook are pressed against each other.

[0013] In one embodiment, the piston is provided with a channel extending from the piston head to an end surface of the piston rod away from the piston head, and the inner wall of the outer shell is provided with a guide column penetrating through the channel, and the piston reciprocates along the extension direction of the guide column through the channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the guide column, a first slideway parallel to the reciprocating motion direction of the piston is formed on the inner wall of the channel, and the first protrusion is arranged in the first slideway; and / or a second slideway parallel to the reciprocating motion direction of the piston is formed on the outer wall of the guide column, a second protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the channel, and the second protrusion is arranged in the second slideway.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring and a third sealing ring; the first sealing ring is arranged at the through hole and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod; the second sealing ring is arranged on the inner wall of the channel and sleeved on the outside of the guide column; the third sealing ring is sleeved on the outside of the piston head and abuts against the inner wall of the shell;

[0016] The pull-type clutch actuator further comprises a dust ring, which is arranged at the through hole and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod, and is located on a side of the first sealing ring away from the piston head.

[0017] In one embodiment, the release bearing is detachably connected to the end of the piston rod extending outside the outer shell; the outer shell includes a first split shell and a second split shell which are arranged in sequence along the movement direction of the piston and are detachably connected; the through hole and the first air hole are both formed on the first split shell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first split shell is provided with a plurality of first protrusions arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction of its outer wall, and the second split shell is provided with a plurality of second protrusions arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction of its outer wall, and each of the first protrusions is detachably connected with each of the second protrusions; and / or, the pull-type clutch actuator also includes a gasket, which is arranged at the joint between the first split shell and the second split shell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a displacement sensor and a magnetic member, wherein the displacement sensor is disposed on the housing, and the magnetic member is disposed on the piston, and the displacement sensor can sense the position of the magnetic member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator also includes a controller, an air chamber, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, a first flow regulating mechanism and a second flow regulating mechanism; the outer shell is also formed with a second air hole and an exhaust hole, and the second air hole and the exhaust hole are both connected to the second chamber; one end of the first pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the first pipeline is used to connect to the air source; the first flow regulating mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and is arranged on the first pipeline for controlling the gas flow rate of the first pipeline; one end of the second pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the second pipeline is connected to the first air hole; one end of the third pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the third pipeline is connected to the second air hole; the second flow regulating mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and is arranged on the third pipeline for controlling the gas flow rate of the second pipeline.

[0021] A clutch system comprises the pull-type clutch actuator.

[0022] The above-mentioned pull-type clutch actuator and clutch system include a release bearing, a housing and a piston. The piston is movably arranged inside the housing and extends to the outside of the housing through a through hole to be connected to the release bearing. The gas source inputs gas into the first chamber through the first air hole to control the movement of the piston, thereby realizing the separation of the pull-type clutch. After the gas inside the first chamber is discharged to the outside through the first air hole, the piston is reset, thereby realizing the engagement of the pull-type clutch, which is equivalent to a concentric structure. Compared with an external structure, it has the advantages of high integration, compact structure and high reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator without a release bearing according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of a release bearing of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator including an air chamber according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] 10. release bearing; 11. first hook; 20. housing; 201. through hole; 202. first air hole; 203. first chamber; 204. second chamber; 205. guide column; 2051. first protrusion; 206. second air hole; 207. exhaust hole; 21. first split housing; 211. first protrusion; 22. second split housing; 221. second protrusion; 23. fastener; 30. piston; 301. passage; 3011. first slideway; 31. piston head; 32. piston Rod; 321, second hook; 40, elastic member; 50, guide ring; 61, first sealing ring; 62, second sealing ring; 63, third sealing ring; 64, dust ring; 70, gasket; 80, displacement sensor; 91, air chamber; 92, first pipeline; 93, second pipeline; 94, third pipeline; 95, first flow regulating mechanism; 951, first branch; 952, first switch control valve; 96, second flow regulating mechanism; 961, second branch; 962, second switch control valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , FIG. 1 shows an exploded structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional structural diagram of a pull-type clutch actuator according to an embodiment of the present application. A pull-type clutch actuator provided in an embodiment of the present application comprises: a release bearing 10, a housing 20 and a piston 30. The release bearing 10 is used to be connected to the pull-type clutch. The housing 20 is formed with a through hole 201 and a first air hole 202, the first air hole 202 is used to communicate with an air source, and the release bearing 10 is located outside the housing 20. The piston 30 is movably arranged inside the housing 20, and the piston 30 comprises a piston head 31 that is slidably abutted with the inner wall of the housing 20 and a piston rod 32 connected to the piston head 31. The piston rod 32 extends through the through hole 201 to the outside of the housing 20 and is connected to the release bearing 10. The interior of the housing 20 includes a first chamber 203 located on a side of the piston head 31 close to the through hole 201 and a second chamber 204 located on a side of the piston head 31 away from the through hole 201. The first air hole 202 is in communication with the first chamber 203.

[0032] When gas enters the first air hole 202 into the first chamber 203, the gas entering the first chamber 203 causes the piston head 31 to move in a direction away from the release bearing 10, driving the release bearing 10 to move in a direction close to the housing 20, so that the pull-type clutch is disengaged; when the gas inside the first chamber 203 is discharged outwardly through the first air hole 202, the piston head 31 moves in a direction close to the release bearing 10, driving the release bearing 10 to move in a direction away from the housing 20, so that the pull-type clutch is engaged.

[0033] The above-mentioned pull-type clutch actuator includes a release bearing 10, a housing 20 and a piston 30. The piston 30 is movably arranged inside the housing 20, and is connected to the release bearing 10 after extending to the outside of the housing 20 through the through hole 201. The gas source inputs gas into the first chamber 203 through the first air hole 202 to control the movement of the piston 30, thereby realizing the separation of the pull-type clutch, and after the gas inside the first chamber 203 is discharged to the outside through the first air hole 202, the piston 30 is reset, thereby realizing the engagement of the pull-type clutch, which is equivalent to a concentric structure. Compared with an external structure, it has the advantages of high integration, compact structure and high reliability.

[0034] In addition, the concentric pull-type clutch actuator design structure not only has the advantages of compact structure and high integration of the concentric clutch actuator, but also takes into account the advantages of high separation efficiency and high reliability of the pull-type clutch system, which can effectively improve the reliability and separation efficiency of the clutch system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the release bearing 10 and the end of the piston rod 32 extending outside the housing 20 include but are not limited to a detachable connection, which can facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the pull-type clutch. Of course, optionally, the release bearing 10 and the end of the piston rod 32 extending outside the housing 20 can also be fixedly connected, and the two cannot be detached.

[0036] Among them, when the release bearing 10 and the end of the piston rod 32 extending to the outside of the outer shell 20 are detachably connected, there are many ways to detachably connect the two, such as hooking and matching through claws, detachably connecting through snap-fitting, and detachably connecting through connecting parts such as pins, rivets or screws.

[0037] Please refer to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the release bearing 10 is provided with a first hook 11, and the end of the piston rod 32 extending outside the housing 20 is provided with a second hook 321. When the release bearing 10 rotates to the first position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are hooked together along the movement direction of the piston 30; when the release bearing 10 rotates to the second position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are completely staggered along the movement direction of the piston 30. In addition, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes an elastic member 40 disposed inside the first chamber 203. The opposite ends of the elastic member 40 are respectively in contact with the piston head 31 and the inner wall of the housing 20 facing the piston head 31, so that when the release bearing 10 is in the first position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are pressed against each other. In this way, by rotating the release bearing 10 to the first position and the second position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 can be quickly combined together or disassembled from each other; when the release bearing 10 is in the first position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are pressed against each other under the elastic force of the elastic member 40, so that the release bearing 10 and the piston 30 are firmly connected together and are not easy to loosen.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first hook 11 is disposed on the outer wall of the release bearing 10, the piston rod 32 is disposed in a hollow tubular shape, and the second hook 321 is disposed on the inner wall of the piston rod 32. Specifically, there are at least two first hooks 11, for example, and all the first hooks 11 are disposed on the outer wall of the release bearing 10 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the release bearing 10; the number of the second hooks 321 is, for example, the same as the number of the first hooks 11, and all the second hooks 321 are disposed on the inner wall of the piston rod 32 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the piston rod 32.

[0039] In some embodiments, the elastic member 40 includes but is not limited to a spring. The spring is sleeved on the outside of the piston rod 32.

[0040] Specifically, in order to improve the stability of the spring and prevent the spring from moving in the first chamber 203 after being subjected to force, a first positioning groove is formed on the inner wall of the outer shell 20, and one end of the spring is arranged inside the first positioning groove; a second positioning groove is formed on the piston head 31, and the other end of the spring is arranged inside the second positioning groove.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 5. On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the piston 30 is provided with a channel 301 extending from the piston head 31 to the end face of the piston rod 32 away from the piston head 31, that is, the piston rod 32 is provided in a hollow tubular shape. In addition, the inner wall of the housing 20 is provided with a guide column 205 penetrating the channel 301, and the piston 30 reciprocates along the extending direction of the guide column 205 through the channel 301. In this way, under the guiding effect of the guide column 205, the reciprocating stability of the piston 30 along its axial direction is improved.

[0042] In some embodiments, the guide column 205 is configured as a hollow tube, for example, so that the structural material of the guide column 205 can be reduced and the material cost can be reduced. Specifically, the guide column 205 is connected to the second split shell 22, and the guide column 205 configured as a hollow tube and the second split shell 22 can be conveniently formed by, for example, injection molding or die casting.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer contour of the cross section of the guide column 205 along the reciprocating direction of the piston 30 is set to be non-circular, and correspondingly, the outer contour of the cross section of the channel 301 along the reciprocating direction of the piston 30 is set to be non-circular, for example, both are regular shapes such as ellipse or polygon or other irregular shapes. In this way, when the piston 30 reciprocates, the guide column 205 can not only play a guiding role along the reciprocating direction, but also prevent the piston 30 from rotating, so that the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are stably hooked together, preventing the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 from being loosened after rotation, thereby improving the operating stability.

[0044] In one embodiment, a first protrusion 2051 is provided on the outer wall of the guide column 205, a first slideway 3011 parallel to the reciprocating direction of the piston 30 is formed on the inner wall of the channel 301, and the first protrusion 2051 is arranged in the first slideway 3011. And / or, a second slideway parallel to the reciprocating direction of the piston 30 is formed on the outer wall of the guide column 205, a second protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the channel 301, and the second protrusion is arranged in the second slideway. In this way, when the piston 30 reciprocates, the first protrusion 2051 moves relative to the first slideway 3011, and the second protrusion moves relative to the second slideway, thereby preventing the piston 30 from rotating while reciprocating, so that the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are stably hooked together, preventing the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 from being loosened after rotation, thereby improving the operation stability. In addition, the wear of the sealing ring can also be reduced.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a guide ring 50. A groove is formed on the inner wall of the channel 301, and the guide ring 50 is installed in the groove, and the guide ring 50 is sleeved on the outside of the guide column 205, and the guide ring 50 and the outer wall of the guide column 205 are slidably matched. In this way, the piston 30 is slidably matched with the guide column 205 through the guide ring 50, and the guide ring 50 can reduce the contact area between the inner wall of the channel 301 and the guide column 205, thereby reducing the amount of wear of the piston 30 during the reciprocating motion. Specifically, the guide ring 50 includes but is not limited to being made of wear-resistant material.

[0046] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a first sealing ring 61, a second sealing ring 62 and a third sealing ring 63. The first sealing ring 61 is arranged at the through hole 201 and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod 32. Optionally, a first mounting groove is provided at the hole wall of the through hole 201, and the first sealing ring 61 is installed in the first mounting groove, and can be stably installed at the hole wall of the through hole 201, can seal the high-pressure gas, and play a better sealing role. In addition, the second sealing ring 62 is arranged on the inner wall of the channel 301 and sleeved on the outside of the guide column 205. A second mounting groove is formed on the inner wall of the channel 301. The second sealing ring 62 is installed in the second mounting groove, and can be stably installed on the inner wall of the through hole 201, can seal the high-pressure gas, and play a better sealing role. In addition, the third sealing ring 63 is sleeved on the outside of the piston head 31 and abuts against the inner wall of the housing 20. The piston head 31 is provided with a third mounting groove arranged around the circumference thereof. The third sealing ring 63 is installed in the third mounting groove and can be firmly sleeved and installed on the piston head 31 to play a better sealing role.

[0047] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a dust ring 64. The dust ring 64 is disposed at the through hole 201 and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod 32. The dust ring 64 is located on the side of the first sealing ring 61 away from the piston head 31. In this way, the dust ring 64 plays a dustproof role, which can prevent dust from entering the interior of the housing 20 through the gap between the piston rod 32 and the hole wall of the through hole 201, and can prevent dust from contacting the first sealing ring 61, thereby increasing the service life of the first sealing ring 61.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , in one embodiment, the release bearing 10 is detachably connected to the end of the piston rod 32 extending outside the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a first split housing 21 and a second split housing 22 which are sequentially arranged along the reciprocating motion direction of the piston 30 and are detachably connected. The through hole 201 and the first air hole 202 are both formed on the first split housing 21. In this way, since the release bearing 10 is detachably connected to the end of the piston rod 32, the housing 20 includes the detachably connected first split housing 21 and the second split housing 22, which can facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the pull-type clutch actuator.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first split shell 21 is provided with a plurality of first protrusions 211 sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of its outer wall, and the second split shell 22 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 221 sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of its outer wall. Each first protrusion 211 is detachably connected with each second protrusion 221. Specifically, the first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 221 are detachably connected including but not limited to fasteners 23 such as pins, rivets, screws or bolts. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 221 are specifically connected and fixed by bolts and nuts, for example.

[0050] Optionally, the first convex portions 211 include but are not limited to two, three, four, five or more. The number of the second convex portions 221 is the same as the number of the first convex portions 211. When the first convex portions 211 and the second convex portions 221 are both provided in plural, the first convex portions 211 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first split shell 21, and the second convex portions 221 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second split shell 22.

[0051] In some embodiments, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a gasket 70. The gasket 70 is disposed at the joint between the first split housing 21 and the second split housing 22. Thus, the gasket 70 plays a role in enhancing the sealing performance at the joint between the first split housing 21 and the second split housing 22.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, when the outer shell 20 is configured to include a first split shell 21 and a second split shell 22 that are detachably connected, the opposite ends of the elastic member 40 are respectively abutted against the piston head 31 and the inner wall of the first split shell 21, so that when the release bearing 10 is in the first position, the first hook 11 and the second hook 321 are pressed against each other, so that the release bearing 10 and the piston 30 are connected together and are not easy to loosen.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a displacement sensor 80 and a magnetic member. The displacement sensor 80 is disposed on the housing 20, and the magnetic member is disposed on the piston 30. The displacement sensor 80 can sense the position of the magnetic member. Thus, by sensing the position of the magnetic member through the displacement sensor 80, the movement position of the piston 30 can be obtained according to the position of the magnetic member, so that the separation and engagement state of the pull-type clutch can be monitored accordingly.

[0054] Specifically, the piston 30 is provided with an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the piston head 31 abuts against the inner wall of the first housing, the piston rod 32 extends to the outside of the housing 20 and drives the release bearing 10 to move away from the housing 20, so that the pull-type clutch is engaged; when in the retracted position, the piston head 31 abuts against the inner wall of the second housing, the piston rod 32 retracts to the inside of the housing 20 and drives the release bearing 10 to move toward the housing 20, so that the pull-type clutch is disengaged. When the piston 30 is in the extended position, the displacement sensor 80 generates a first sensing signal when sensing the magnetic part, that is, according to the first sensing signal, it can be determined that the piston 30 is in the extended position; when the piston 30 is in the retracted position, the displacement sensor 80 generates a second sensing signal when sensing the magnetic part, that is, according to the second sensing signal, it can be determined that the piston 30 is in the retracted position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the magnetic member includes but is not limited to a magnet. The magnetic member is, for example, disposed on the piston head 31. The piston head 31 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 20 and is relatively close to the displacement sensor 80 mounted on the housing 20, so that the displacement sensor 80 can easily sense the piston head 31.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the pull-type clutch actuator further includes a controller, an air chamber 91, a first pipeline 92, a second pipeline 93, a third pipeline 94, a first flow regulating mechanism 95, and a second flow regulating mechanism 96. The housing 20 is further formed with a second air hole 206 and an exhaust hole 207, and the second air hole 206 and the exhaust hole 207 are both connected to the second chamber 204. One end of the first pipeline 92 is connected to the air chamber 91, and the other end of the first pipeline 92 is used to communicate with the gas source. The first flow regulating mechanism 95 is electrically connected to the controller and is disposed on the first pipeline 92 to control the gas flow of the first pipeline 92. In addition, one end of the second pipeline 93 is connected to the air chamber 91, and the other end of the second pipeline 93 is connected to the first air hole 202. In addition, one end of the third pipeline 94 is connected to the air chamber 91, and the other end of the third pipeline 94 is connected to the second air hole 206. The second flow regulating mechanism 96 is electrically connected to the controller and is disposed on the third pipeline 94 for controlling the gas flow of the second pipeline 93 .

[0057] When working specifically, the pull-type clutch separation action steps include: the controller controls the first flow regulating mechanism 95 to open, controls the second flow regulating mechanism 96 to close, the gas of the gas source enters the air chamber 91 through the first flow regulating mechanism 95, and enters the first chamber 203 through the second pipeline 93, so that the air pressure inside the first chamber 203 increases, and the air pressure includes but is not limited to 6 bar to 12 bar, and the gas inside the first chamber 203 will push the piston head 31 to move toward the second chamber 204, so that the piston rod 32 retreats to the inside of the housing 20 and drives the release bearing 10 to move toward the direction close to the housing 20, thereby realizing the separation of the pull-type clutch;

[0058] The pull-type clutch engagement action steps include: the controller controls the first flow regulating mechanism 95 to close, controls the second flow regulating mechanism 96 to open, the gas inside the first chamber 203 enters the air chamber 91, the air pressure of the first chamber 203 decreases accordingly as the internal gas is discharged, the gas inside the air chamber 91 enters the second chamber 204 through the third pipeline 94, and the gas inside the second chamber 204 is discharged outward through the exhaust hole 207. At this time, the piston 30 will extend outward under the action of the pull-type clutch's own reset force, thereby realizing the engagement of the pull-type clutch.

[0059] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the first flow regulating mechanism 95 includes at least two first branches 951 and at least two first switch control valves 952, each of which is correspondingly arranged on each first branch 951, and the first switch control valve 952 is opened or closed to realize the connection or disconnection of the first branch 951. The first switch control valve 952 is, for example, an electromagnetic control valve. All the first branches 951 are arranged in parallel between the first pipeline 92 and the air chamber 91. Each first switch control valve 952 is electrically connected to the controller. When the number of the first switch control valves 952 opened is more, the gas flow rate of the gas source entering the air chamber 91 is larger, and the gas pressure of the first chamber 203 can be increased.

[0060] Optionally, the first switch control valve 952 and the first branch 951 are each set to two, for example, wherein the diameter of one first branch 951 is larger than the diameter of the other first branch 951. When the controller controls the first switch valve of the first branch 951 with a larger diameter to open, the speed at which the gas of the gas source enters the air chamber 91 can be relatively faster, thereby realizing rapid adjustment of the clutch separation action; when the controller controls the first switch valve of the first branch 951 with a smaller diameter to open, the speed at which the gas of the gas source enters the air chamber 91 can be relatively slower, thereby realizing slow adjustment of the clutch separation action. In addition, when the first switch control valves 952 of the two first branches 951 are both opened, the speed at which the gas of the gas source enters the air chamber 91 is the fastest; when the first switch control valves 952 of the two first branches 951 are both closed, the gas of the gas source cannot enter the air chamber 91.

[0061] Similar to the first flow regulating mechanism 95, the second flow regulating mechanism 96 includes at least two second branches 961 and at least two second switch control valves 962, each second switch control valve 962 is correspondingly arranged on each second branch 961, and the second switch control valve 962 is opened or closed to realize the connection or disconnection of the second branch 961. The second switch control valve 962 is, for example, an electromagnetic control valve. All the second branches 961 are arranged in parallel between the third pipeline 94 and the air chamber 91. Each second switch control valve 962 is electrically connected to the controller. When the number of the second switch control valves 962 is opened, the gas inside the air chamber 91 will flow out to the inside of the second chamber 204 more quickly, and be discharged quickly to the outside through the second chamber 204.

[0062] Optionally, the second switch control valve 962 and the second branch 961 are both set to two, for example, wherein the diameter of one second branch 961 is larger than the diameter of the other second branch 961. When the controller controls the second switch valve of the second branch 961 with a larger diameter to be opened, the speed at which the gas inside the air chamber 91 is discharged to the second chamber 204 can be relatively faster, thereby realizing the fast adjustment of the clutch engagement action; when the controller controls the second switch valve of the second branch 961 with a smaller diameter to be opened, the speed at which the gas inside the air chamber 91 is discharged to the second chamber 204 can be relatively slower, thereby realizing the slow adjustment of the clutch engagement action. In addition, when the second switch control valves 962 of the two second branches 961 are both opened, the speed at which the gas inside the air chamber 91 enters the second chamber 204 is the fastest, thereby realizing the fast adjustment of the clutch engagement action; when the second switch control valves 962 of the two second branches 961 are both closed, the gas inside the air chamber 91 cannot enter the second chamber 204.

[0063] It should be noted that the control action of the controller on each first switch control valve 952 and each second switch control valve 962 mainly depends on the software program setting inside the vehicle, and is flexibly adjusted and set according to the movement position of the piston 30 sensed by the displacement sensor 80.

[0064] In some embodiments, a method for controlling a pull-type clutch actuator comprises the following steps:

[0065] Step S10, receiving signals such as vehicle weight, vehicle speed, gear position, and driver intention;

[0066] Step S20, calculating and determining the currently required clutch position of the pull clutch;

[0067] Step S30, the first flow regulating structure and the second flow regulating structure are controlled according to the clutch position, and the displacement feedback of the displacement sensor 80 is monitored at the same time. The pull-type clutch is closed-loop controlled through the two first switch valves of the first flow regulating mechanism 95 (specifically, a fast intake regulating valve and a slow intake regulating valve) and the two first switch valves of the second flow regulating mechanism 96 (specifically, a fast exhaust regulating valve and a slow exhaust regulating valve) until the clutch position of the pull-type clutch reaches the target position.

[0068] In one embodiment, a clutch system is provided, and the clutch system includes the pull-type clutch actuator according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0069] The above-mentioned clutch system includes a release bearing 10, a housing 20 and a piston 30. The piston 30 is movably arranged inside the housing 20, and is connected to the release bearing 10 after extending to the outside of the housing 20 through the through hole 201. The gas source inputs gas into the first chamber 203 through the first air hole 202 to control the movement of the piston 30, thereby realizing the separation of the pull-type clutch, and after the gas inside the first chamber 203 is discharged to the outside through the first air hole 202, the piston 30 is reset, thereby realizing the engagement of the pull-type clutch, which is equivalent to a concentric structure. Compared with an external structure, it has the advantages of high integration, compact structure and high reliability.

[0070] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0071] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0072] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0073] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0074] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0075] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0076] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A pull-type clutch actuator, characterized in that: The pull-type clutch actuator comprises: a release bearing, the release bearing being used to be connected to the pull-type clutch; A housing, wherein the housing is formed with a through hole and a first air hole, the first air hole is used to communicate with an air source, and the release bearing is located outside the housing; and A piston, wherein the piston is movably arranged inside the shell, and the piston comprises a piston head that is slidably abutted against the inner wall of the shell and a piston rod connected to the piston head, wherein the piston rod extends through the through hole to the outside of the shell and is connected to the release bearing; the inside of the shell comprises a first chamber located on a side of the piston head close to the through hole, and a second chamber located on a side of the piston head away from the through hole, wherein the first air hole is connected to the first chamber; When the gas enters the first chamber through the first air hole, the gas entering the first chamber causes the piston head to move in a direction away from the release bearing, driving the release bearing to move in a direction close to the housing, so that the pull clutch is disengaged; When the gas in the first chamber is discharged outward through the first air hole, the piston head moves toward the direction close to the release bearing, driving the release bearing to move in the direction away from the housing, so that the pull clutch is engaged.

2. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The release bearing is provided with a first hook, and the end of the piston rod extending to the outside of the shell is provided with a second hook, when the release bearing rotates to the first position, the first hook and the second hook are hooked together along the movement direction of the piston; when the release bearing rotates to the second position, the first hook and the second hook are completely staggered along the movement direction of the piston; the pull-type clutch actuator also includes an elastic member arranged inside the first chamber, and the opposite ends of the elastic member are respectively abutted against the piston head and the inner wall of the shell facing the piston head, so that when the release bearing is in the first position, the first hook and the second hook are pressed against each other.

3. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piston is provided with a channel extending from the piston head to an end surface of the piston rod away from the piston head, and the inner wall of the shell is provided with a guide column penetrating the channel. The piston reciprocates along the extension direction of the guide column through the channel.

4. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the guide column, and a first slideway parallel to the reciprocating motion direction of the piston is formed on the inner wall of the channel, and the first protrusion is arranged in the first slideway; and / or a second slideway parallel to the reciprocating motion direction of the piston is formed on the outer wall of the guide column, and a second protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the channel, and the second protrusion is arranged in the second slideway.

5. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pull-type clutch actuator further comprises a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring and a third sealing ring; the first sealing ring is arranged at the through hole and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod; the second sealing ring is arranged on the inner wall of the channel and sleeved on the outside of the guide column; the third sealing ring is sleeved on the outside of the piston head and abuts against the inner wall of the housing; The pull-type clutch actuator further comprises a dust ring, which is arranged at the through hole and sleeved on the outside of the piston rod, and is located on a side of the first sealing ring away from the piston head.

6. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The release bearing is detachably connected to the end of the piston rod extending outside the outer shell; the outer shell includes a first split shell and a second split shell which are sequentially arranged along the movement direction of the piston and detachably connected; the through hole and the first air hole are both formed on the first split shell.

7. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first split shell is provided with a plurality of first protrusions arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction of its outer wall, and the second split shell is provided with a plurality of second protrusions arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction of its outer wall, and each of the first protrusions is detachably connected with each of the second protrusions; and / or, the pull-type clutch actuator also includes a gasket, which is arranged at the joint between the first split shell and the second split shell.

8. The pull-type clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pull-type clutch actuator further comprises a displacement sensor and a magnetic component. The displacement sensor is arranged on the housing, the magnetic component is arranged on the piston, and the displacement sensor can sense the position of the magnetic component.

9. The pull-type clutch actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The pull-type clutch actuator further includes a controller, an air chamber, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, a first flow regulating mechanism and a second flow regulating mechanism; the housing is further formed with a second air hole and an exhaust hole, and the second air hole and the exhaust hole are both connected to the second chamber; one end of the first pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the first pipeline is used to communicate with the air source; the first flow regulating mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and is arranged on the first pipeline, and is used to control the gas flow of the first pipeline; One end of the second pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the second pipeline is connected to the first air hole; one end of the third pipeline is connected to the air chamber, and the other end of the third pipeline is connected to the second air hole; the second flow regulating mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and is arranged on the third pipeline, and is used to control the gas flow rate of the second pipeline.

10. A clutch system, characterized in that: The clutch system comprises a pull-type clutch actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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