Switching mechanism for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a shift mechanism (1) for a vehicle, which is used to set a shift stage in a transmission due to a shift movement (Y'). The shift mechanism (1) has: - an input element (2), which is configured to perform an input movement (X); - an output element (4), which is configured to perform an output movement (Y), wherein the output element (4) occupies an output element position (YP) between a first output end position (Y1) and a second output end position (Y2) when performing the output movement (Y), wherein the output movement (Y) is a shift movement (Y') or the shift mechanism (1) is configured to convert the output movement (Y) into a shift movement (Y'); - a conversion element (3), which is configured to convert the input movement (X) into the output movement (Y), wherein the conversion element (3) is configured to convert the input movement (X) into the output movement (Y) according to a gear ratio, wherein the gear ratio is configured to be variable. Furthermore, a transmission regulator and a transmission are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching mechanism, a transmission device regulator, and a transmission device. Background Technology

[0002] In a vehicle transmission, a switching element, such as a shift fork, is subjected to a switching motion through the output element of the switching mechanism to set a switching stage in the transmission. For example, here, the shift sleeve connected to the shift fork moves to the switching position due to the switching motion, causing the gear to be torsionally connected to or disconnected from the shaft through the shift sleeve.

[0003] To generate switching motion, mechanisms are used that convert input motion, which can be generated by driving motion, into output motion. Here, the type of motion can be changed (rotational motion to translational motion, or vice versa). However, it is also possible that translational input motion is converted into translational output motion, or rotational input motion is converted into rotational output motion. The transformation can have a constant gear ratio. Alternatively, it can be configured so that the transformation only involves direct transmission. In this case, the input motion corresponds to the output motion.

[0004] The input motion is typically generated by a drive unit, which provides the driving motion for this purpose.

[0005] In order to influence the output motion and thus the switching motion, the drive unit needs to be manipulated, which leads to increased measurement and / or adjustment costs. In particular, the switching motion or the speed of the switching motion should be reduced when the switching sleeve approaches the switching position (soft-landing function). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a possibility for influencing output motion, allowing for a reduction in measurement and / or adjustment costs.

[0007] This task is addressed through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements are addressed through the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] This invention discloses a switching mechanism for a vehicle, used to set up a switching stage in a transmission device due to a switching motion. The switching mechanism has: - An input element configured to perform input motion; - An output element configured to perform an output motion, wherein the output element occupies an output element position between a first output terminal state and a second output terminal state when performing the output motion, wherein the output motion is a switching motion, or a switching mechanism is configured to convert the output motion into a switching motion; - A conversion element configured to convert input motion into output motion, wherein... The conversion element is configured to convert input motion into output motion according to the gear ratio, wherein, The gear ratio is designed to be variable.

[0009] In the description of this invention, the term "conversion" or "transformation" of motion is often used, such as the aforementioned "converting input motion into output motion". Here, it is understood both as a change in speed purely in the sense of changing a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed or a first speed to a second speed, and as a conversion from rotational motion to translational motion or vice versa.

[0010] Preferably, the switching mechanism is configured to apply the output movement of the switching element to the output element, thereby enabling the output element to perform a switching movement.

[0011] The input motion can be generated directly from the drive motion of the drive unit via a mechanical direct transmission device. However, it can also be configured so that the drive motion is converted into the input motion, for example, by means of a gearbox.

[0012] The drive unit, which may be part of the switching mechanism, may be a rotary or translational drive unit. In particular, the drive unit may be configured as an electric motor or a pneumatic actuator.

[0013] The output motion can function directly as a switching motion via a mechanical direct-drive device, using this switching motion to move or rotate switching elements, such as switching forks or switching fingers, within the transmission. Alternatively, the output motion can be converted into a switching motion, for example, using a gearbox.

[0014] The main advantage of variable speed is that it can influence the output motion even with uniform input motion.

[0015] Therefore, the drive unit can be operated uniformly (i.e., at a constant rotational speed or speed or a constant torque or force) during switching motions, while still taking into account mass inertia requirements or the speed trend of the output components.

[0016] Preferably, the input element occupies an input element position between the first input terminal state and the second input terminal state when performing input movement.

[0017] Preferably, the gear ratio depends on the position of the input element. In this way, the gear ratio can be always associated with the position or movement of the input element.

[0018] Preferably, the gear ratio depends on the position of the output element. In this way, the gear ratio can be always associated with the position or movement of the output element.

[0019] Preferably, the input motion is a rotational motion or a translational motion. Rotational motion typically acts on an input element configured as or having an axis. If a rotary drive generates a corresponding rotational motion, that rotational motion can act directly on the input element and be directly used as the input motion. However, the input element can also be configured to convert the drive motion of the drive into the input motion. Translational motion typically acts on an input element having a movable element, such as a push rod, or configured as such an element.

[0020] Preferably, the output motion is a rotational motion or a translational motion. Rotational motion can typically be provided by means of an output element configured as or having an axis. If the switching element generates a corresponding rotational motion, this rotational motion can act directly on the input element and be directly used as a switching motion. However, the output element can also be configured to convert the output motion of the switching element into a switching motion. Translational motion can typically act on an output element having a movable element, such as a push rod, or configured as such an element.

[0021] Therefore, the conversion from input motion to output motion is preferably carried out through a structurally determined kinematic relationship generated by the conversion element.

[0022] Preferably, to achieve a varying gear ratio, the conversion element has a sliding element, such as a switching drum, a ball screw drive, a combination of pinion and rack, a non-circular gear, and / or a cam disc. This allows the gear change to always maintain a fixed configuration through one of these elements. No additional measurement or adjustment costs are required because the structurally defined kinematic relationship between the input and output motions is already established within the conversion element.

[0023] Preferably, the gear ratio decreases when the input element is located in a section of the path between the first and second input terminal states, defined by either the first or second input terminal state. This relevant section can also be referred to as the terminal section. This terminal section is defined by the first or second input terminal state, but does not extend from there to the other input terminal state. In particular, it can be configured such that a switching stage is activated in the transmission when the first or second input terminal state is reached, i.e., a gear is engaged. That is, if the input element is close to the terminal section, the switching mechanism is preferably configured to reduce the gear ratio, i.e., to produce a slower output motion while the input motion remains unchanged. In this way, a reduction in the output element speed is achieved when the first or second input terminal state corresponding to the switching state is reached, without changing the input motion or the drive mechanism. This allows for a soft landing function.

[0024] Preferably, the gear ratio decreases when the output element is located in a section of the path between the first and second output terminal states, defined by either the first or second output terminal state. This relevant section can also be referred to as the terminal section. This terminal section is defined by the first or second output terminal state, but does not extend from there to the other output terminal state. In particular, it can be configured such that a switching stage is activated in the transmission when the first or second output terminal state is reached, i.e., a gear is engaged. That is, if the output element is close to the terminal section, the switching mechanism is preferably configured to reduce the gear ratio, i.e., to generate a slower output motion while the input motion remains unchanged. In this way, a reduction in the output element speed is achieved when the first or second output terminal state corresponding to the switching state is reached, without changing the input motion or the drive mechanism. This allows for a soft landing function.

[0025] Preferably, the gear ratio is increased when the input element is located in a section of the path between the first and second input terminal states, not limited by either the first or second input terminal states. Such a section may particularly include input element positions corresponding to a switching state in which a switching stage is not activated in the transmission, i.e., no gear is engaged. This can be a neutral state. The correspondingly increased gear ratio here is particularly convenient for starting compared to other sections. If the drive unit must first accelerate from a stationary state to eventually switch from a neutral to a switching state in the transmission, the increased gear ratio allows the accelerated drive motion or input motion to be converted into output and switching motion with a correspondingly higher gear ratio. This improves the dynamics of the switching mechanism.

[0026] Preferably, the gear ratio is increased when the output element is located in a section of the path between the first and second output terminal states, not limited by either the first or second output terminal states. Such a section may particularly include output element positions corresponding to a switching state in which a switching stage is not activated in the transmission, i.e., no gear is engaged. This can be a neutral state. The correspondingly increased gear ratio here is particularly convenient for starting compared to other sections. If the drive unit must first accelerate from a stationary state to eventually switch from a neutral to a switching state in the transmission, the increased gear ratio allows the accelerated drive motion or input motion to be converted into output and switching motions with a correspondingly higher gear ratio. This improves the dynamics of the switching mechanism.

[0027] Furthermore, to improve dynamism and, in particular, to facilitate the starting of the drive mechanism, the gear ratio can be set to zero for a defined region of input and / or output element positions, especially for input and / or output element positions corresponding to a switching stage, such as a neutral position. This ensures that although drive motion and / or input motion are generated, this is not converted into output motion and thus into switching motion via a switching element. Therefore, the drive mechanism can start without resistance, improving the dynamism of the switching mechanism. Moreover, this region of zero gear ratio can also be used to prevent accidental departure from the current position, such as the neutral position, due to unintended drive or input motion.

[0028] Preferably, the gear ratio is configured to be stepped or continuously variable. The stepped or continuous variation of the gear ratio preferably relates to the input element position and / or the output element position. That is, in the case of stepped variation, the gear ratio changes at predetermined input or output element positions. In the case of continuous variation, this is performed steplessly, which is gentler on the components used but also results in higher manufacturing costs.

[0029] Preferably, the gear ratio is adjustable or fixed. A fixed gear ratio exists when it can no longer be changed during operation of the switching mechanism and is therefore structurally determined by the kinematics of the switching element. An adjustable gear ratio can, for example, be actively influenced by measuring the position of the input or output element and then changing the gear ratio via a corresponding adjusting element. For example, an eccentric adjusting element can be used for this purpose.

[0030] This invention discloses a transmission regulator having a switching mechanism according to any of the preceding claims. The transmission regulator preferably has a drive device that directs driving motion to the switching mechanism. For this purpose, the drive device is preferably connected directly or via an intermediate element to the input element. The transmission regulator preferably has a switching element, such as a switching fork or switching finger, to transmit switching motion to the transmission. Preferably, the output element is configured as a switching element, or the output element is preferably connected directly or via an intermediate element to the switching element.

[0031] The present invention discloses a transmission device having the above-mentioned transmission device regulator or the above-mentioned switching mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present invention will now be explained with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The attached diagram shows: Figure 1 A basic functional diagram of the switching mechanism, and Figure 2The changing trend of the gear ratio. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A basic functional diagram of the switching mechanism is shown.

[0035] A switching mechanism 1 for a vehicle is shown, which is used to set a switching stage in the transmission due to a switching motion Y'. The shown switching mechanism 1 has the following characteristics: - Input element 2, which is configured to implement input motion X; - Output element 4, which is configured to implement output motion Y, wherein the output motion Y is switching motion Y', or the switching mechanism 1 is configured to convert output motion Y into switching motion Y'; - Conversion element 3, configured to convert input motion X into output motion Y, wherein, Conversion element 3 is configured to convert input motion X into output motion Y according to the gear ratio, wherein, The gear ratio is designed to be variable.

[0036] Input element 2 is connected to drive device 5 and transmits drive motion X' to input element 2. Drive device 5 may be part of switching mechanism 1.

[0037] The drive unit 5 can operate in a translational or rotational manner, such that the drive motion X' is formed accordingly in a translational or rotational manner. If the drive motion X' involves rotation, the input element 2 may include a shaft through which the drive motion X' is transmitted to the input element 2. If the drive motion X' involves translation, the input element 2 may include a translationally movable element, such as a push rod, through which the drive motion X' is transmitted to the input element 2.

[0038] Input element 2 may have a mechanical direct transmission device, such that the input motion X corresponds to the driving motion X'. However, it may also be configured to allow a transition between the input motion X and the driving motion X'.

[0039] Input element 2 is configured to transmit input motion X to conversion element 3. Conversion element 3 is configured to convert input motion X into output motion Y by means of a variable speed.

[0040] Here, the variable speed is achieved by making the speed ratio vary according to the input motion X or the output motion Y. For example, this can be achieved by a fixed groove on the switching drum that does not have a constant slope. Alternatively, the switching drum can be used to transform the rotary input motion X into a translational output motion Y. Here, the engaging element moves within the groove of the switching drum, thereby achieving the translational movement of the engaging element as the output motion Y. Here, the variable speed is achieved by the groove on the switching drum not surrounding it with a constant slope. Instead, the slope is implemented as variable. That is, different speed ratios are generated according to the input motion X or the input element position XP (which here may correspond to the torsion angle of the switching drum), and thus also the output motion Y, which depends on the input element position XP.

[0041] The conversion element 3 is configured to transmit the output motion Y to the output element 4. The output element 4 may have a mechanical direct transmission device, such that the output motion Y corresponds to the switching motion Y'. However, it may also be configured to allow a transition between the output motion Y and the switching motion Y'.

[0042] The switching motion Y' can be a rotational motion, such as the pivoting of the switching finger, or a translational motion, such as the movement of the switching fork.

[0043] The following uses Figure 2 The speed ratio trend is shown by the change formed between the input motion X and the output motion Y through the conversion element 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following text should consider the whole text, in which, Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The concretization of general and independent teaching.

[0044] The diagram illustrates the relationship between the rotation angle (horizontal axis) of the input motion X and the translational stroke (vertical axis) of the output motion Y. The input motion X extends from a first input terminal state X1 to a second input terminal state X2. Between these states, the input element 2 can occupy the corresponding input element position XP. The output motion Y extends from a first output terminal state Y1 to a second output terminal state Y2. Between these states, the output element 4 can occupy the output element position YP corresponding to or dependent on the input element position XP.

[0045] Here, the switching mechanism 1 is configured such that three switching states should be set along the path of the output motion Y. Switching levels, i.e., gear engagement, should be set at the first output terminal state Y1 and the second output terminal state Y2, respectively. A neutral state N is provided in the middle of the segment between output terminal states Y1 and Y2, where no gear is engaged. The first output terminal state Y1 corresponds to the first input terminal state X1, and the second output terminal state Y2 corresponds to the second input terminal state X2. The current input element position is marked by XP, and the current output element position is marked by YP. The neutral state N is located at the origin in the illustrated example, but this does not imply a limitation of the invention.

[0046] It can now be seen that, starting from the neutral position N, for an increase or decrease in the current input element position XP, a changing speed ratio is generated between the input motion X and the output motion Y.

[0047] If the input motion X is implemented such that the input element position XP increases, then the input element 2 experiences an input motion X that results in a relatively large output motion Y. That is, the current output element position YP increases relatively drastically as the input element position XP increases constantly. This is marked by region A. Moving to the aforementioned switching drum of the switching element 3, the input element position XP corresponds, for example, to the torsion angle of the switching drum, wherein the groove of the switching drum that interacts with the corresponding engaging element has a relatively large slope within this torsion angle range (corresponding to region A).

[0048] If the input element position XP increases further, it reaches region B. Region B is characterized by a smaller slope compared to region A. That is, the current output element position YP increases less drastically with a constant increase in the input element position XP compared to region A. This translates to the aforementioned switching drum, meaning that the grooves of the switching drum that interact with the corresponding engaging elements have a smaller slope within this torsion angle range (corresponding to region B) than in region A.

[0049] By reducing the slope or the gear ratio, the speed at which output element 4 or output motion Y is reduced. Therefore, the second output terminal state Y2 is reached at a correspondingly reduced speed, thus achieving a soft landing function. Furthermore, the effects of mass inertia are reduced.

[0050] For reaching the first output terminal state Y1, a similar behavior of the changing speed can be determined, where the input motion X here proceeds in the opposite direction toward the first input terminal state X1. Regions A and B are also marked accordingly here.

[0051] In the neutral position N region, it can also be seen that initially, no transition from input motion X to output motion Y occurs. This can be seen from the horizontal trend of the curve in the marked region C. This has the advantage that not every small and undesirable input motion X or drive motion X' immediately leads to leaving the neutral position N and thus potentially undesirably setting up the switching stage. Output motion Y is only generated and thus eventually switching motion Y' is generated when the input element position XP leaves region C to the right or left. Furthermore, it allows the drive device 5 to start first without having already overcome the resistance generated by the transition from input motion X to output motion Y. This leads to an improvement in the dynamics of the switching mechanism 1.

[0052] The relatively high gear ratio in region A results in the output element 4 achieving the maximum possible acceleration to ensure the dynamics of the switching mechanism 1.

[0053] Basically, the dynamic system behavior of switching mechanism 1 can be achieved through the corresponding coordination of regions A, B and C.

[0054] List of reference signs 1. Switching mechanism 2 Input Elements 3. Conversion element 4 Output Components 5. Drive unit Area A Area B Area C N neutral state X Input Motion X' drives the motion XP Input Element Location X1 First input terminal status X2 Second Input Terminal Status Y output motion Y' Switch motion YP Output Component Location Y1 First output terminal status Y2 Second Output Terminal Status.

Claims

1. A switching mechanism (1) for a vehicle, the switching mechanism being used to set a switching stage in a transmission due to a switching motion (Y'), the switching mechanism having: - Input element (2), the input element being configured to perform input motion (X); - Output element (4), said output element is configured to perform output motion (Y), wherein, When the output element (4) performs the output motion (Y), it occupies the output element position (YP) between the first output terminal position (Y1) and the second output terminal position (Y2), wherein the output motion (Y) is a switching motion (Y'), or the switching mechanism (1) is configured to convert the output motion (Y) into a switching motion (Y'). - A conversion element (3), the conversion element being configured to convert the input motion (X) into the output motion (Y), wherein, The conversion element (3) is configured to convert the input motion (X) into the output motion (Y) according to the gear ratio, wherein, The gear ratio is configured to be variable.

2. The switching mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The input element (2) occupies the input element position (XP) between the first input terminal position (X1) and the second input terminal position (X2) when the input motion (X) is performed.

3. The switching mechanism (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The gear ratio depends on the position of the input element (XP).

4. The switching mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The speed ratio depends on the position of the output element (YP).

5. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The input motion (X) is either rotational or translational.

6. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The output motion (Y) is either rotational or translational.

7. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In order to achieve the changing speed ratio, the conversion element (3) has a groove element, a switching drum, a ball screw drive, a combination of pinion and rack, a non-circular gear and / or a cam disc.

8. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The gear ratio is reduced when the input element position (XP) is in a section of the road between the first input terminal position (X1) and the second input terminal position (X2), which is bounded by the first input terminal position (X1) or the second input terminal position (X2).

9. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gear ratio is reduced when the output element position (YP) is in a section of the road between the first output terminal position (Y1) and the second output terminal position (Y2), which is bounded by the first output terminal position (Y1) or the second output terminal position (Y2).

10. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the input element position (XP) is located in a section of the road segment between the first input terminal position (X1) and the second input terminal position (X2), which is not bounded by either the first input terminal position (X1) or the second input terminal position (X2), the gear ratio is increased, and / or, wherein, The gear ratio increases when the output element position (YP) is in a section of the road between the first output terminal position (Y1) and the second output terminal position (Y2) that is not bounded by either the first output terminal position (Y1) or the second output terminal position (Y2).

11. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For a defined region of the input element position (XP) and / or the output element position (YP), the gear ratio is zero.

12. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gear ratio is configured to be either stepped or continuously varying.

13. The switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gear ratio can be adjustable or fixed.

14. A transmission device regulator having a switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A transmission device having a transmission device regulator according to claim 14 or a switching mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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