Air path structure for clutch actuator

Abstract

This utility model discloses an air passage structure for a clutch actuator. The air passage structure includes a housing with a first air passage, a fourth air passage, a fifth air passage, and a sixth air passage arranged side-by-side on the housing. The first and fourth air passages are coaxial but not connected. A second air passage is also provided on the housing, with one end connected to the first air passage and the other end sealed. A steel ball is placed inside the second air passage. A third air passage is also provided on the housing, communicating with the second and fourth air passages. The openings of the fourth, fifth, and sixth air passages are sealed. Several solenoid valve mounting interfaces are provided above the fourth, fifth, and sixth air passages, each containing an air passage. An exhaust port is provided above the sixth air passage. This utility model incorporates a one-way valve in the air passage, which can prevent compressed air in the clutch actuator cylinder from flowing back to the air source for a certain period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clutches, and specifically to an air passage structure for a clutch actuator. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the commercial vehicle market has shown a significant trend of technological innovation. As users' demands for vehicle intelligence and convenience continue to rise, the market acceptance of automatic transmissions has continued to increase. Among them, AMT (Automated Mechanical Transmission) has gradually become one of the mainstream development directions for commercial vehicle powertrain systems due to its advantages such as high transmission efficiency and relatively low cost. While pursuing efficient transmission in AMT transmissions, users are also increasingly demanding in terms of reliability and comfort.

[0003] As a core component of the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), the clutch actuator directly affects shift quality and driving comfort. Its main function is to precisely control clutch engagement and disengagement, providing stable and timely power delivery for gear shifts. Currently, clutch actuators commonly use four two-position, two-way valves to control the air circuit. While this control method meets basic air circuit switching requirements, it presents potential risks due to fluctuations in air source pressure. When the air source pressure decreases, the clutch actuator may experience unexpected clutch engagement, leading to shift jerking, power interruption, and other problems. This not only affects driving comfort but may also damage the transmission system, reducing vehicle reliability and lifespan. To effectively mitigate these risks, installing a one-way valve in the clutch actuator's air circuit is crucial for ensuring stable system operation. However, existing one-way valve structures still have room for optimization in terms of air circuit layout, gas flow efficiency, and compatibility with the overall system.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an air passage structure for clutch actuators. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air passage structure for a clutch actuator to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A pneumatic structure for a clutch actuator includes a housing, on which a first air passage, a fourth air passage, a fifth air passage, and a sixth air passage are arranged side by side, and the first air passage and the fourth air passage are not connected; the first air passage is connected to a one-way valve device; the one-way valve device is connected to the fourth air passage; and the ends of the openings of the fourth, fifth, and sixth air passages are sealed.

[0008] The fourth, fifth, and sixth air passages are provided with several solenoid valve mounting interfaces above them, and each solenoid valve mounting interface is provided with an air passage inside. The sixth air passage is provided with an exhaust hole above it.

[0009] Furthermore, the one-way valve device includes a second air passage and a third air passage. The second air passage is disposed on the housing. The first end of the second air passage is connected to the first air passage. The second end of the second air passage is blocked and a steel ball is disposed inside the second air passage. The second end of the second air passage is connected to the first end of the third air passage, and the second end of the third air passage is connected to the fourth air passage.

[0010] One end of the second airway is set perpendicular to the first airway, that is, the center line of the second airway intersects the center line of the first airway perpendicularly.

[0011] Furthermore, the second airway consists of two sections with different diameters, with the diameter of the section closer to the first airway being smaller than the diameter of the section farther from the first airway; a steel ball is disposed inside the section farther from the first airway.

[0012] Furthermore, the one-way valve device includes a twelfth air passage, which is disposed on the housing and its first end is connected to the first air passage. The second end of the twelfth air passage is connected to the first end of the thirteenth air passage and the first end of the thirteenth air passage is blocked. The second end of the thirteenth air passage is connected to the fourth air passage.

[0013] The second end of the thirteenth airway is provided with a retaining ring, a breathable plate and a diaphragm from top to bottom; the edge of the breathable plate is provided with a number of breathable holes.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing is provided with an eleventh air passage that communicates with the clutch actuator. The eleventh air passage is located close to the fifth air passage and one end of the eleventh air passage is connected to the fifth air passage. The exhaust port is connected to the atmosphere.

[0015] Furthermore, the solenoid valve mounting interface includes two intake solenoid valve interfaces and two exhaust solenoid valve interfaces; each intake solenoid valve interface is provided with a seventh air passage and an eighth air passage, the seventh air passage is connected to the fourth air passage, and the eighth air passage is connected to the fifth air passage.

[0016] Furthermore, each intake solenoid valve interface is provided with a ninth air passage and a tenth air passage, the ninth air passage being connected to the fifth air passage and the tenth air passage being connected to the sixth air passage.

[0017] Furthermore, the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth air passages are all sealed by interference fit with the plug, threaded connection, or sealing connection.

[0018] Furthermore, the solenoid valve mounting interface is equipped with an equal number of intake solenoid valves and exhaust solenoid valves.

[0019] Furthermore, the solenoid valve mounting interface includes an intake solenoid valve interface and two exhaust solenoid valves. The intake solenoid valve interface is detachably connected to the intake solenoid valve, and the exhaust solenoid valve interface is detachably connected to the exhaust solenoid valve.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] This utility model provides an air circuit structure for a clutch actuator, featuring the connection and arrangement of different air passages on the housing. The air passages and solenoid valve interfaces are directly cast onto the housing, resulting in a simple structure, fewer parts, high reliability, and low cost. Furthermore, a one-way valve is incorporated into the air circuit, simplifying the structure, improving assembly processability, ensuring high reliability, and reducing cost. When the air source pressure suddenly drops, this one-way valve can prevent compressed air in the clutch actuator cylinder from flowing back to the air source for a certain period.

[0022] Furthermore, by utilizing the motion characteristics of the steel ball inside the one-way valve under different air pressures, the steel ball is pushed up to open the air passage when the air pressure is normal, and falls back to block the air passage when the air pressure decreases, thus achieving a reliable one-way conduction function and avoiding unexpected clutch engagement caused by gas backflow. This prevents safety accidents caused by sudden vehicle start-up due to unexpected clutch engagement, especially when the vehicle is shifting gears or starting, and the clutch is in a disengaged or semi-engaged state, effectively ensuring the safety and stability of the vehicle during driving.

[0023] Furthermore, through the cooperation of the diaphragm and the vent plate, the air passage is opened when the air source pressure is normal and quickly blocked when the air source pressure is abnormal, achieving a stable and reliable one-way conduction function and effectively preventing gas backflow. The one-way valve device is integrated into the housing, seamlessly blending with the air passage structure, occupying minimal space. The diaphragm and vent plate are secured by a retaining spring, ensuring the stability of the components during operation and reducing malfunctions caused by component loosening.

[0024] Furthermore, the one-way valve can be flexibly positioned on the front side of the intake valve, i.e., near the air source, or on the rear side, i.e., near the clutch actuator. It can be selected according to the actual air circuit layout and design requirements, which enhances the applicability of the air circuit structure in different vehicle models and systems, and facilitates production, installation and system optimization. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air passage structure for a clutch actuator in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve in Embodiment 2 of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve in Embodiment 3 of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Schematic diagram of partial structure A.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shell air passage structure in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the breathable plate in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0031] In the diagram, 1. First air passage; 2. Second air passage; 3. Third air passage; 4. Fourth air passage; 5. Fifth air passage; 6. Sixth air passage; 7. Seventh air passage; 8. Eighth air passage; 9. Ninth air passage; 10. Tenth air passage; 11. Eleventh air passage; 12. Housing; 13. Solenoid valve mounting interface; 14. Steel ball; 15. Exhaust port; 16. Exhaust solenoid valve; 17. Intake solenoid valve; 18. Block; 19. Twelfth air passage; 20. Thirteenth air passage; 21. Snap ring; 22. Vent plate; 23. Diaphragm; 24. Vent hole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 5 This utility model provides an air passage structure for a clutch actuator. The clutch actuator has an internal air passage structure, equipped with a solenoid valve for controlling the opening and closing of the air passage, and also includes a one-way valve. The air passage structure provides compressed air to the clutch actuator. Specifically, it includes a housing 12, on which are cast parallel first air passage 1, fourth air passage 4, fifth air passage 5, and sixth air passage 6. The first air passage 1 and the fourth air passage 4 are not interconnected by a pre-cast partition wall. The first air passage 1 is connected to a one-way valve device. The one-way valve device is connected to the fourth air passage 4. The ends of the openings of the fourth air passage 4, fifth air passage 5, and sixth air passage 6 are sealed.

[0036] Four solenoid valve mounting interfaces 13 are evenly distributed above the fourth air passage 4, the fifth air passage 5, and the sixth air passage 6. Each interface has two air passages inside. An equal number of intake solenoid valves 17 and exhaust solenoid valves 16 are provided on the solenoid valve mounting interface 13. The solenoid valve mounting interface 13 includes two intake solenoid valve interfaces and two exhaust solenoid valve interfaces. The intake solenoid valve interfaces are detachably connected to the intake solenoid valves 17, and the exhaust solenoid valve interfaces are detachably connected to the exhaust solenoid valves 16. The two intake solenoid valves 17 control the compressed air to enter the clutch actuator. The two exhaust solenoid valves 16 control the compressed air in the clutch actuator to be discharged to the atmosphere.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 Based on Example 1, further description is provided;

[0039] The one-way valve device includes a second air passage 2 and a third air passage 3. The second air passage 2 is disposed on the housing 12. The first end of the second air passage 2 is connected to the first air passage 1. The second end of the second air passage 2 is blocked and a steel ball 14 is disposed inside the second air passage 2. The second end of the second air passage 2 is connected to the first end of the third air passage 3. The second end of the third air passage 3 is connected to the fourth air passage 4.

[0040] The second air passage 2 is perpendicular to the first air passage 1. One end of the second air passage 2 communicates with the first air passage 1 through a through hole formed by casting, and the other end is sealed with a plug 18 by a threaded connection. The plug 18 is sealed to the inner wall of the second air passage 2 by a rubber sealing ring. The ends of the openings of the fourth air passage 4, the fifth air passage 5, and the sixth air passage 6 are all fitted with plugs 18 by interference fit, threaded connection, and sealing to ensure the airtightness of the air passage.

[0041] Each intake solenoid valve interface has a seventh air passage 7 and an eighth air passage 8. The seventh air passage 7 is connected to the fourth air passage 4, and the eighth air passage 8 is connected to the fifth air passage 5. An exhaust port 15 is located above the sixth air passage 6 for discharging gas into the atmosphere. The first air passage 1 is connected to the air source pipe via a quick-connect fitting. An eleventh air passage 11 is located on the housing 12 near the fifth air passage 5. One end of the eleventh air passage 11 is connected to the fifth air passage 5, and the other end is connected to the air inlet of the clutch actuator via a quick-connect fitting.

[0042] The second air passage 2 consists of two sections with different diameters. The diameter of the section closer to the first air passage 1 is smaller than the diameter of the section farther from the first air passage 1. The two sections are connected by an arc transition. A steel ball 14 is placed in the section with the smaller diameter. At this time, the second air passage 2 and the steel ball 14 form a one-way valve. During the vehicle's gear shifting or starting process, the clutch actuator disengages the clutch or is in a semi-engaged state. If the air pressure in the air source drops for some reason, the compressed air in the clutch actuator may flow back to the air source, causing the clutch to engage and the vehicle to start suddenly, ultimately leading to an unsafe accident. To prevent this from happening, a one-way valve needs to be installed in the air circuit. If the air source pressure suddenly drops, the one-way valve can prevent the compressed air in the clutch actuator cylinder from flowing back for a certain period of time, thereby preventing the clutch from engaging unexpectedly.

[0043] When the vehicle needs to shift gears or start, and the clutch actuator needs to disengage the clutch, compressed air from the air source enters the second air passage 2 through the first air passage 1. At this time, the compressed air pressure is greater than the sum of the weight and friction of the steel ball 14 within the second air passage 2, causing the steel ball 14 to be lifted. The compressed air then enters the fourth air passage 4 through the third air passage 3, and subsequently enters the intake solenoid valve 17 through the seventh air passage 7. The intake solenoid valve 17 opens, and the compressed air enters the fifth air passage 5 through the eighth air passage 8, and finally enters the clutch actuator through the eleventh air passage 11, driving the actuator to disengage the clutch.

[0044] When the clutch needs to engage, the intake solenoid valve 17 is closed, and the compressed air from the air source no longer enters the eighth air passage 8. At this time, the compressed air under the internal pressure of the clutch actuator enters the exhaust solenoid valve 16 through the eleventh air passage 11, the fifth air passage 5, and the ninth air passage 9. The exhaust solenoid valve 16 is opened, and the compressed air enters the sixth air passage 6 through the tenth air passage 10, and is finally discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust port 15, thus realizing the clutch engagement.

[0045] During the entire operation, if the air pressure suddenly drops due to a malfunction or other reasons, the steel ball 14 in the second air passage 2 will fall back under its own weight and residual air pressure, blocking the connection between the second air passage 2 and the third air passage 3. This will prevent the compressed air in the clutch actuator cylinder from flowing back in a short time, avoid the unexpected engagement of the clutch, and ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Further describing the one-way valve device, the one-way valve device includes a twelfth air passage 19, which is disposed on the housing 12 and whose first end is connected to the first air passage 1. The second end of the twelfth air passage 19 is connected to the first end of the thirteenth air passage 20, and the first end of the thirteenth air passage 20 is blocked. The second end of the thirteenth air passage 20 is connected to the fourth air passage 4. When the air source supplies air normally, compressed air flows in from the first air passage 1 and flows through the twelfth air passage 19 to the thirteenth air passage 20. Because the first end of the thirteenth air passage 20 is blocked, the compressed air can only flow towards the second end of the thirteenth air passage 20, which is connected to the fourth air passage 4. The second end of the thirteenth air passage 20 is provided with a retaining ring 21, a vent plate 22, and a diaphragm 23 from top to bottom; the edge of the vent plate 22 is provided with several vent holes 24. At this time, the compressed air flowing to the second end of the thirteenth air passage 20 pushes the diaphragm 23 to deform downward, the diaphragm 23 separates from the vent plate 22, and the compressed air passes smoothly through several vent holes 24 on the vent plate 22, and then enters the fourth air passage 4, and enters the clutch actuator along the subsequent air path to realize the clutch disengagement operation.

[0048] When the air source pressure decreases or the air supply stops, the compressed air in the clutch actuator tends to flow back towards the air source. At this time, under the action of the pressure difference in the thirteenth air passage 20, the diaphragm 23 returns to its original position under its own elasticity and the gas pressure, tightly adhering to the vent plate 22, blocking the vent hole 24, and preventing the compressed air in the clutch actuator from flowing back to the first air passage 1 through the thirteenth air passage 20 and the twelfth air passage 19, thereby avoiding unintended engagement of the clutch due to gas backflow. The retaining ring 21 serves to fix the position of the diaphragm 23 and the vent plate 22, ensuring that the diaphragm 23 and the vent plate 22 can work stably during gas pressure changes, maintaining the normal function of the one-way valve.

[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pneumatic circuit structure for a clutch actuator, characterized in that, Includes a housing (12), on which a fourth air passage (4), a fifth air passage (5), and a sixth air passage (6) are arranged side by side; the housing (12) is provided with a first air passage (1), which is not connected to the fourth air passage (4); the first air passage (1) is connected to a one-way valve device; the one-way valve device is connected to the fourth air passage (4); the ends of the openings of the fourth air passage (4), the fifth air passage (5), and the sixth air passage (6) are sealed. Several solenoid valve mounting interfaces (13) are provided above the fourth air passage (4), the fifth air passage (5) and the sixth air passage (6). Each solenoid valve mounting interface (13) has an air passage inside. An exhaust hole (15) is provided above the sixth air passage (6).

2. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve device includes a second air passage (2) and a third air passage (3). The second air passage (2) is disposed on the housing (12). The first end of the second air passage (2) is connected to the first air passage (1). The second end of the second air passage (2) is blocked and a steel ball (14) is disposed inside the second air passage (2). The second end of the second air passage (2) is connected to the first end of the third air passage (3). The second end of the third air passage (3) is connected to the fourth air passage (4). One end of the second air passage (2) is perpendicular to the first air passage (1).

3. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second airway (2) consists of two sections with different diameters. The diameter of the section closer to the first airway (1) is smaller than the diameter of the section farther from the first airway (1). A steel ball (14) is installed inside the section farther from the first airway (1).

4. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve device includes a twelfth air passage (19), which is disposed on the housing (12) and the first end of the twelfth air passage (19) is connected to the first air passage (1). The second end of the twelfth air passage (19) is connected to the first end of the thirteenth air passage (20) and the first end of the thirteenth air passage (20) is blocked. The second end of the thirteenth air passage (20) is connected to the fourth air passage (4). The second end of the thirteenth airway (20) is provided with a retaining ring (21), a breathable plate (22) and a diaphragm (23) from top to bottom; the edge of the breathable plate (22) is provided with a number of breathable holes (24).

5. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (12) is provided with an eleventh air passage (11) that is connected to the clutch actuator. The eleventh air passage (11) is located close to the fifth air passage (5) and one end of the eleventh air passage (11) is connected to the fifth air passage (5). The exhaust port (15) is connected to the atmosphere.

6. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve mounting interface (13) includes two intake solenoid valve interfaces and two exhaust solenoid valve interfaces; each intake solenoid valve interface is provided with a seventh air passage (7) and an eighth air passage (8), the seventh air passage (7) is connected to the fourth air passage (4), and the eighth air passage (8) is connected to the fifth air passage (5).

7. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each intake solenoid valve interface is provided with a ninth air passage (9) and a tenth air passage (10). The ninth air passage (9) is connected to the fifth air passage (5), and the tenth air passage (10) is connected to the sixth air passage (6).

8. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second air passage (2), the fourth air passage (4), the fifth air passage (5) and the sixth air passage (6) are all sealed by interference fit with the plug (18), threaded connection and sealing connection.

9. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The solenoid valve mounting interface (13) is provided with an equal number of intake solenoid valves (17) and exhaust solenoid valves (16).

10. The air passage structure for a clutch actuator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The solenoid valve mounting interface (13) includes an intake solenoid valve interface and two exhaust solenoid valves. The intake solenoid valve interface is detachably connected to the intake solenoid valve (17), and the exhaust solenoid valve interface is detachably connected to the exhaust solenoid valve (16).

Images