Shifting fork for claw-tooth clutch, claw-tooth clutch and automobile

Abstract

A shift fork for a dog clutch, the shift fork configured to be rotatable about a rotation center axis, the shift fork comprising: a shift fork base including: a shift fork head configured to rotate about the rotation center axis with rotation of the shift fork; the shifting fork control part is opposite to the shifting fork head relative to the rotating central axis, and is used for receiving external force enabling the shifting fork to rotate so as to generate torque around the rotating central axis on the shifting fork; the shifting fork roller support is used for installing at least two rollers which are distributed and installed in a plane perpendicular to the rotating central axis so as to be capable of rotating around a roller axis parallel to the rotating central axis, and the shifting fork roller support and the shifting fork base part are independent parts and are mutually fixed. According to the shifting fork, expected shapes of corresponding different parts in the shifting fork can be easily obtained through two different deformation machining modes of forging and stamping, and therefore the overall manufacturing cost of the shifting fork is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical design and manufacturing, and more specifically to the field of automotive clutch design and manufacturing.

[0002] More specifically, this invention relates to a shift fork for a pawl-tooth clutch, a pawl-tooth clutch, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0003] The shift fork is a common component in a pawl clutch.

[0004] In common pawl clutches, the shift fork is generally used to rotate under the actuation of the clutch actuator, thereby driving the pawl clutch disc to move and engage different drive shafts to obtain the corresponding transmission ratio.

[0005] In order to convert the output of the clutch actuator, typically the output torque, into the desired fork motion, the prior art commonly uses a cam mechanism to convert the output of the clutch actuator into the rotation of the fork.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to construct a cam mechanism to achieve the aforementioned transmission function, a roller that matches the cam is generally required to be installed on the shift fork. For this purpose, a roller mounting bracket needs to be included on the shift fork.

[0007] Understandably, the precise coordination between the rollers and the cam mechanism is crucial for achieving accurate movement and engagement of the clutch disc.

[0008] In existing technologies, shift forks with roller mounting brackets are generally obtained directly through one-piece forging.

[0009] However, although this one-piece forging method is quick and simple to process during the forging process, in order to obtain the specific shape of the roller mounting bracket, a lot of time and manpower are required to carry out finishing operations after the rough-machined product is obtained by forging, so as to obtain the precise shape of the roller mounting bracket.

[0010] Therefore, the overall manufacturing cost of this forged one-piece shift fork is relatively high, and there is a need to improve the structural design of this shift fork. Utility Model Content

[0011] To improve the manufacturing process of shift forks in the prior art, this utility model provides a shift fork for a pawl-tooth clutch, the shift fork being configured to rotate about a rotation center axis, the shift fork comprising:

[0012] The shift fork base includes:

[0013] A shift fork head configured to rotate about the rotation center axis as the shift fork rotates; and

[0014] A shift fork operating unit, which is opposite to the shift fork head about the rotation center axis, is used to receive an external force that causes the shift fork to rotate, thereby generating a torque on the shift fork about the rotation center axis; and

[0015] A shift fork roller bracket is provided for mounting at least two rollers distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis and capable of rotating about roller axes parallel to the rotation center axis, wherein the shift fork roller bracket and the shift fork base are independent components and are fixed to each other.

[0016] This utility model of the shift fork constructs the shift fork roller bracket and the shift fork base as independent components, making it possible to precisely form the shift fork roller bracket, for example, by stamping, thereby reducing the overall processing cost of the shift fork.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, the shift fork roller bracket includes two plate-shaped members, which are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis to define a cam mounting space between the two plate-shaped members.

[0018] Plate-shaped parts, as a type of part particularly suitable for stamping, can further facilitate the stamping of the shift fork roller bracket of this utility model.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, the perimeter of the cam mounting space is at least partially formed by the outer surface of the shift fork operating part itself.

[0020] The cam mounting space defined by the outer surface of the shift fork operating part itself eliminates the need to additionally implement the bottom shape of this space on the shift fork roller bracket, but can be achieved directly through the shape of the shift fork base.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, each plate-shaped member includes a support base connected to the shift fork operating part, and the support base is welded and fixed to the shift fork operating part to fix the shift fork roller support and the shift fork base to each other.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, the support base is disposed straddling the shift fork operating part and is configured to bend outward in a direction away from the other plate-shaped member.

[0023] The design of the bracket base and its specific shape facilitates a secure fixation between the shift fork roller bracket and the shift fork base.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, each plate-shaped member includes at least two roller mounting ears distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis, for mounting the rollers to the shift fork roller bracket.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of the present invention, the two roller mounting ears extend from the periphery of the bracket base away from the shift fork operating portion.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the shift fork of this utility model, the two plate-shaped pieces are completely identical to each other.

[0027] These identical plate-like parts allow for greater interchangeability, which further facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the shift fork assembly.

[0028] This utility model also provides a claw-tooth clutch, which includes the fork described above.

[0029] This utility model also provides an automobile, which includes the aforementioned claw-tooth clutch.

[0030] According to this utility model, the shift fork can easily obtain the desired shape of the corresponding different parts in the shift fork through two different deformation processing methods: forging and stamping, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the shift fork. Attached Figure Description

[0031] This document includes accompanying drawings to provide a further understanding of various embodiments. The drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification.

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and, together with the textual description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter.

[0033] With reference to the above objectives, the technical features of this utility model are clearly described below, and its advantages are apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the utility model by way of example, without limiting the scope of the utility model.

[0034] In the attached image:

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shift fork for a claw-tooth clutch according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 100 shift forks

[0038] 110 Shift fork base

[0039] 111 Shift Fork Head

[0040] 112 Shift fork operating unit

[0041] 120 shift fork roller bracket

[0042] 121 plate parts

[0043] 122 Cam Mounting Space

[0044] X Rotation center axis

[0045] X' roller axis Detailed Implementation

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0047] Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0048] Conversely, this invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternative forms, modifications, equivalent forms and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0049] To facilitate explanation and precise definition of the technical solution of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner" and "outer" are used to describe these features with reference to the positions of the features in the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The following describes various preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the shift fork, clutch, and automobile of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 A shift fork 100 for a claw-tooth clutch according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] This shift fork can be used in automobiles, specifically in automobile clutches, and especially in claw-type clutches to actuate the clutch disc.

[0053] The shift fork 100 is configured to rotate about the rotation center axis X, which is arranged approximately horizontally in the diagram. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the rotation center axis X can pass through the shift fork 100. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the rotation center axis X may not intersect with the shift fork 100, for example, it may be located at... Figure 1 Above the top of the fork 100 in the center direction.

[0054] It is conceivable that, in Figure 1In the preferred embodiment shown, when the rotation center axis X passes through the shift fork 100, an enlarged and thickened reinforcing part may be provided at the position of the rotation center axis X to support and install components such as the shaft.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the shift fork 100 includes a shift fork base 110 and a shift fork roller support 120.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the fork base 110 includes Figure 1 The shift fork head 111, located in the lower part of the middle, and Figure 1 The shift fork operating part 112 is located in the upper part of the center.

[0057] It should be pointed out that, as Figure 1 The approximate "gate"-shaped arrangement of the shift fork head 111 and shift fork operating part 112 shown is merely an example. Those skilled in the art can design shift forks 100 of various specific shapes according to actual needs, as long as they can meet the basic requirements of this utility model and / or the requirements of various preferred embodiments.

[0058] For example, it is conceivable that the number of shift fork heads 111 could be one, three, or more than three, such as four, five, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the shift fork head 111 may also extend downward from either end or other position in the middle of the shift fork operating part 112.

[0060] Furthermore, the shift fork head 111 can preferably be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it extends roughly vertically downwards in the installation orientation, or it can extend downwards at an angle or in other directions, as long as it can engage with the clutch disc (not shown in the figure), especially the claw-type clutch disc, and drive the corresponding clutch disc to translate.

[0061] In addition, although Figure 1 The two shift fork heads 111 shown are approximately identical to each other and symmetrical about the central plane of the shift fork. However, those skilled in the art can design different specific forms of shift fork heads 111 according to actual needs, so that two or more shift fork heads 111 have shapes that are not exactly the same as each other.

[0062] The shift fork head 111 is configured to rotate about the rotation center axis X as the shift fork 100 rotates. It is understood that this rotation does not have to be a full 360° rotation, but can be a small oscillation about the rotation center axis X, as long as it can achieve the desired operation of the clutch disc.

[0063] exist Figure 1In the preferred embodiment shown, it can be seen that the shift fork head 111 gradually tapers at the end to facilitate engagement with the clutch disc while meeting the desired structural requirements such as strength and rigidity.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, there may preferably be a tapered transition section between the shift fork head 111 and the shift fork operating part 112.

[0065] Generally speaking, the various specific shapes of the aforementioned shift fork head 111 can be conveniently met for manufacturing needs, for example, by forging.

[0066] The shift fork operating part 112 may include a bent part, for example Figure 1 The bend shown is a roughly circular arc-shaped section with a bend of approximately 90 degrees.

[0067] It should also be pointed out that, although Figure 1 The shift fork operating part 112 shown has a generally cylindrical cross-section, but the shift fork operating part 112 may also have other shapes, such as rectangular, chamfered or rounded rectangular cross-sections, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] And, as Figure 1 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the shift fork operating part 112 at different locations may be different, but alternatively it may be approximately the same.

[0069] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the shift fork operating part 112 is opposite to the shift fork head 111 about the rotation center axis X (in Figure 1 The middle part (located above the lower part of the shift fork head 111, as shown in the figure) is used to receive the external force that causes the shift fork 100 to rotate, thereby generating a torque on the shift fork 100 around the rotation center axis X.

[0070] The shift fork roller bracket 120 is used to mount at least two rollers distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis X and capable of rotating about a roller axis X' parallel to the rotation center axis X. In other words, the shift fork roller bracket 120 is part of the shift fork of this utility model, on which one or more rollers (not shown in the figure) can be mounted.

[0071] It should be understood that the shift fork 100 of this utility model does not include a roller or any parts that cooperate with the roller, such as a cam, which is not shown in the figure.

[0072] In accordance with the concept of this utility model, the aforementioned shift fork roller bracket 120 and shift fork base 110 are independent components and are fixed to each other. It should be noted that the term "independent two or more components" as used herein refers to two or more components that are processed separately from each other using the same or different materials and the same or different manufacturing methods, rather than being obtained by integral deformation from a single material, such as by stamping or forging.

[0073] It should also be noted that although the specific form of the shift fork roller bracket 120 shown in the figure is more suitable for mounting two rollers, for example, respectively mounted at the two ears described below, on the one hand, this specific form of shift fork roller bracket 120 can also be equipped with more or fewer rollers, on the other hand, the shift fork roller bracket 120 that conforms to the basic concept of this utility model is not limited to this specific form, and can also take various other shapes, as long as at least one roller can be mounted on it and can interact with the cam so that the shift fork 100 can rotate about the rotation center axis X.

[0074] Based on the above description, it can be envisioned that rotating components such as cams or rotary motors used to drive the fork 100 of this invention to rotate may also preferably have a rotation axis parallel to the aforementioned rotation center axis X.

[0075] The following continues to combine Figure 1 The preferred structural form of the shift fork roller bracket 120 of the shift fork 100 of this utility model is described below.

[0076] The fork roller bracket 120 may preferably include two plate-shaped pieces 121.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment, the two plate-shaped pieces 121 are identical. However, it is clearly understood that this arrangement of highly interchangeable plate-shaped pieces 121 is not necessary. Those skilled in the art can also arrange two different plate-shaped pieces 121 according to actual needs to achieve functions that differ to some extent, including but not limited to each plate-shaped piece 121 being used to mount its own roller, rather than as... Figure 1 In the utility model, both rollers are supported and installed by two plate-shaped members 121.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, these two plate-like members 121 can be positioned in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis X. Figure 1 The plates are arranged at intervals in a roughly left-right direction to define the cam mounting space 122 between the two plate-shaped pieces 121.

[0079] It should be noted that, in order to mount the cam (not shown in the figure) and to enable the rotation of the cam to apply torque to the shift fork 100, specifically the shift fork operating part 112, the aforementioned cam mounting space 122 should be an open space. The term "defined cam mounting space 122" as used herein refers to defining at least a portion of the perimeter of the space in which the cam is housed. For example, the plate-like member 121 defines the cam mounting space at a lower position on the cam in the direction of the rotation center axis X.

[0080] Under the concept of the cam mounting space 122 defined above, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the perimeter of the cam mounting space 122 may be at least partially formed by the outer surface of the shift fork operating portion 112 itself. More specifically, the bottom perimeter of the cam mounting space 122 is at least partially formed by the upper outer surface of the shift fork operating portion 112.

[0081] To better secure the shift fork roller bracket 120 to the shift fork operating part 112, each plate-shaped member 121 can be installed as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it preferably includes a bracket base connected to the shift fork operating part 112, and the bracket base is welded to the shift fork operating part 112 to fix the shift fork roller bracket 120 and the shift fork base 110 to each other.

[0082] It should be noted that welding is only a preferred method of fixing. Those skilled in the art can also imagine other reversible and irreversible fixing methods, including bonding and riveting, to fix the shift fork roller bracket 120 and the shift fork operating part 112 to each other.

[0083] Furthermore, even in the specific method of fixing such as welding, those skilled in the art can select appropriate welding methods according to actual needs, such as the type of material and the size of the parts, including but not limited to tin soldering, brazing, spot welding, etc., as long as it can at least achieve a firm fixation of two independent parts, which will not be elaborated here.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the support base is positioned to straddle the shift fork operating portion 112 and is configured to bulge outwards in a direction away from the other plate-like member 121. It should be noted here that the outward bulge...

[0085] It should be pointed out that, although Figure 1 The bracket base shown is arranged to surround the shift fork operating part 112 on three-quarters of its perimeter. However, the straddling method of the bracket base can also be less than or more than three-quarters of the perimeter of the shift fork operating part 112. The appropriate straddling method can be selected according to the different cross-sectional shape of the shift fork operating part 112, as long as it can ensure firm fixation after welding and other processes. It will not be elaborated here.

[0086] More specifically, and as Figure 1 As shown, each plate-shaped member 121 may include at least two roller mounting ears distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis X, for mounting rollers to the shift fork roller bracket 120. More preferably, the two roller mounting ears extend from the periphery of the bracket base away from the shift fork operating portion 112.

[0087] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but it should be understood that, if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to utilize aspects, features, and concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0088] Given the detailed description above, various readily conceivable variations can be made to the embodiments described herein.

[0089] Generally speaking, the terminology used in the claims should not be considered as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by the claims.

Claims

1. A shift fork (100) for a pawl-type clutch, said shift fork (100) being configured to rotate about a rotational central axis (X), Its features are, The shift fork (100) includes: A shift fork base (110), the shift fork base (110) comprising: A shift fork head (111), said shift fork head (111) being configured to rotate about the rotation center axis (X) as the shift fork (100) rotates; and A shift fork operating unit (112), which is opposite to the shift fork head (111) about the rotation center axis (X), is used to receive an external force that causes the shift fork (100) to rotate, thereby generating a torque on the shift fork (100) about the rotation center axis (X); and A shift fork roller bracket (120) is used to mount at least two rollers distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis (X) and capable of rotating about a roller axis (X') parallel to the rotation center axis (X), wherein the shift fork roller bracket (120) and the shift fork base (110) are independent components and are fixed to each other.

2. The shift fork according to claim 1, Its features are, The shift fork roller bracket (120) includes two plate-shaped members (121) spaced apart in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis (X) to define a cam mounting space (122) between the two plate-shaped members (121).

3. The shift fork according to claim 2, Its features are, The perimeter of the cam mounting space (122) is at least partially formed by the outer surface of the fork operating part (112) itself.

4. The shift fork according to claim 2, Its features are, Each of the plate-shaped members (121) includes a support base that is connected to the shift fork operating part (112), the support base being welded and fixed to the shift fork operating part (112) to fix the shift fork roller bracket (120) and the shift fork base (110) to each other.

5. The shift fork according to claim 4, Its features are, The base of the support straddles the fork operating part (112) and is configured to bend outward in a direction away from the other plate-shaped member (121).

6. The shift fork according to claim 4, Its features are, Each of the plate-shaped members (121) includes at least two roller mounting lugs distributed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis (X) for mounting the rollers to the shift fork roller bracket (120).

7. The shift fork according to claim 6, Its features are, The two roller mounting ears extend from the periphery of the bracket base away from the shift fork operating portion (112).

8. The shift fork according to claim 2, Its features are, The two plate-shaped pieces (121) are identical to each other.

9. A claw-tooth type clutch, Its features are, The claw-tooth clutch includes a shift fork (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A type of car, Its features are, The vehicle includes a claw-type clutch as described in claim 9.

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