Blocking mechanism

Abstract

To provide a blocking mechanism that has reliability, is inexpensive and easy to implement, and withstands high loads.SOLUTION: The present invention resides in a blocking mechanism that comprises a transmission casing (1), a movable pawl (34) having a locking finger (35), a linear actuator (37) for moving a movable carriage (38) guided by a guide rail (27), and a housing (2) formed on the transmission casing. The movable pawl is mounted on the transmission casing to be pivotable in a plane about a pivot axis between a locking position in which the locking finger is engaged in a locking recess and a release position in which the locking finger is disengaged from the locking recess. The movable pawl comprises a cam surface, and the movable carriage includes a cam follower capable of moving on the cam surface. The guide rail is fitted in the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blocking mechanism for blocking the rotation of a shaft of a drive system of a moving device such as an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] The blocking mechanism is used, for example, as a side brake to prevent a stopped automobile from moving. In such a case, the transmission shaft of the automobile can be blocked with respect to rotation. Such a blocking mechanism is particularly used for automobiles having an automatic transmission, hybrid vehicles, or electric vehicles.

[0003] At the start of the blocking mechanism, a significant load may be exerted on its components. Therefore, the components of the blocking mechanism need to be able to withstand a large force in order to ensure a reliable block.

[0004] A block mechanism is known that comprises a claw having a locking finger, which is pivotably mounted in a transmission casing between an open position and a locked position. In the locked position, the locking finger is inserted into a locking recess fixed to the transmission shaft to be blocked and rotates integrally with the transmission shaft. The block mechanism further includes an actuator that moves a movable carriage whose rotation is guided on the transmission casing by a guide rail. The movable carriage includes rollers. The rollers interact with the cam surface of the claw so that the claw pivots as the movable carriage translates. The guide rail is a punched sheet metal part. The guide rail includes, on the one hand, a mounting surface attached to the surface of the transmission casing by mounting members such as screws, and on the other hand, a guide surface on which the rollers of the movable carriage rotate. The guide surface is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. However, considering the manufacturing tolerances of the guide rail, the angle formed between the mounting surface and the guide surface tends to vary around 90°. Furthermore, such a guide rail tends to deform under various mechanical stresses. In contrast, it is important to ensure the precise positioning of the guide rail's guide surface relative to the claws. The purpose of this is, on the one hand, to ensure a secure block, and on the other hand, to prevent excessively high loads from passing through the block mechanism and causing damage.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a block mechanism that is reliable, inexpensive, easy to implement, and can withstand high loads. [Overview of the project]

[0006] One of the underlying inventions is a blocking mechanism for blocking the rotation of a vehicle's shaft.

[0007] One of the inventions that forms the basis of this present invention is a block mechanism that can solve one or more technical problems in the prior art, such as the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] The present invention relates to a blocking mechanism for blocking a vehicle shaft with respect to rotation, having at least one locking recess, wherein the blocking mechanism is - Transmission casing and, - A movable claw equipped with a locking finger, - A linear actuator that moves a movable carriage guided by a guide rail, - A housing formed in the transmission casing, Equipped with, The movable claw is mounted on the transmission casing so as to be pivotable in a plane around a pivot axis, between a locked position in which the locking finger engages with the locking recess and a released position in which the locking finger is released from the locking recess. The aforementioned movable claw is equipped with a cam surface, The movable carriage includes a cam follower that is movable on the cam surface to move the movable claw from the released position to the locked position, The guide rail is fitted into the housing, thereby preventing the guide rail from moving within the plane. Regarding block mechanisms.

[0009] These features ensure that the guide rail is held in the housing while preventing deformation as the block mechanism moves from the released position to the locked position, or vice versa. Specifically, the housing absorbs the load that the movable carriage exerts on the guide rail. This ensures the precise relative positioning of the guide rail.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the housing is machined to dimensions selected to fix the guide rail and prevent the guide rail from moving in any direction within the plane.

[0011] The term "machined housing" should be interpreted in the context of this invention as meaning the removal of material from the transmission casing.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the housing has a first side wall facing and at a distance from a second side wall, and a first longitudinal wall positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall, Corresponding to the housing, the guide rail has a first side wall facing and at a distance from the second side wall, and a first longitudinal wall positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first side wall, the second side wall, and the first longitudinal wall of the guide rail are in contact with the first side wall, the second side wall, and the first longitudinal wall of the housing, respectively.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a second longitudinal wall that faces and is located at a distance from the first longitudinal wall, and the guide rail includes a second longitudinal wall that faces and is located at a distance from the first longitudinal wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the guide rail includes only the first side wall, the second side wall, and the first longitudinal wall.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the guide rail includes only the first side wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and the second longitudinal wall. In other words, the guide rail does not include the bottom wall or the ceiling.

[0016] According to one embodiment, all walls of the guide rail are perpendicular to the plane.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first side wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and / or the second longitudinal wall of the guide rail have a thickness of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the housing has an opening, the guide rail has an opening, and the opening in the housing and the opening in the guide rail are through openings.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the opening of the housing is formed in at least one wall selected from the first side wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and the second longitudinal wall of the housing, preferably in the second longitudinal wall.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the opening of the guide rail is formed in at least one wall selected from the first side wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and the second longitudinal wall of the guide rail, preferably in the second longitudinal wall.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the opening of the housing and the opening of the guide rail face each other.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the housing has a notch, the guide rail has a notch, and the notch of the housing and the notch of the guide rail are through notches and are intended to allow the passage of the linear actuator.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the notch is selected from a recess, a notch, a rectangular hole, a groove, or a slot.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the notch of the housing is disposed on the first side wall of the housing, and the notch of the guide rail is disposed on the first side wall of the guide rail.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the housing has a height of 15 mm to 30 mm.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the cam follower includes a movable roller that is movable on the cam surface at the opening of the housing and the opening of the guide rail.

[0027] These features reduce the frictional force between the movable carriage and the guide rail as the movable carriage moves relative to the guardrail. Therefore, the movement of the movable carriage is ensured without wear on either the movable carriage or the guide rail.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the movable carriage includes a second movable roller that is movable along the first longitudinal wall of the guide rail.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the guide rail is equipped with a stopper to prevent the movable carriage from moving beyond the guide rail.

[0030] These features allow the movable carriage to be held in place by the housing.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the stopper is formed by the first side wall of the guide rail.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the mounting means attaches the guide rail to the transmission casing, and the mounting means attaches the guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the mounting means is selected from screws, screw / nut systems, or adhesive materials.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the guide rail is manufactured as a single component from a bent metal piece.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a transmission system comprising a shaft having at least one locking recess and the block mechanism described above.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the shaft comprises a wheel including at least one of the locking recesses. For example, the wheel is a pawl.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the wheel includes 1 to 12 locking recesses.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the plurality of recesses are arranged regularly, spaced apart from each other.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an automobile equipped with the above-described transmission system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a partial end view of a transmission casing equipped with a housing for a guide rail according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial end view of a transmission casing equipped with a housing and guide rails according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the guide rail shown in Figures 3 and 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial end view of a transmission casing equipped with a block mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a guide rail according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a guide rail according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a guide rail equipped with mounting means according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle shaft blocked in relation to rotation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] A mechanism for blocking the rotation of a vehicle's shaft comprises, in particular, a movable claw, a linear actuator, a movable carriage, a guide rail, and a housing. The blocking mechanism is intended to prevent movement of a vehicle, such as a car, when it is stationary.

[0042] Various elements of the guide mechanism according to various alternative embodiments are presented below.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 show a transmission casing 1 with a housing 2 for the vehicle block mechanism.

[0044] Housing 2 is formed within the transmission casing 1. In other words, the housing is not a separate component attached to the transmission casing 1. Specifically, housing 2 is fabricated by cutting out a section of the wall thickness of the transmission casing 1, or directly within it.

[0045] The housing 2 has an overall rectangular shape with rounded corners and includes a first side wall 21 facing and at a distance from the second side wall 22, a first longitudinal wall 23 facing and at a distance from the second longitudinal wall 24, and a bottom wall 46.

[0046] Housing 2 is intended to accommodate and secure the guide rails shown in particular in Figures 3, 4, and 5.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 show a portion of the transmission casing 1, which includes the housing 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, as well as the guide rail 27 housed within the housing 2.

[0048] The guide rail 27 has the same dimensions as the housing 2 and is fixedly fitted into the housing 2. In other words, the guide rail 27 follows the contour of the housing 2. Therefore, the guide rail is held stationary inside the housing 2 in a plane P having a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y that crosses the longitudinal direction X, and in an orthogonal direction O that is perpendicular to the plane toward the bottom wall 46. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the various pressures acting on the guide rail 27 are absorbed by the walls of the housing 2 and, consequently, by the transmission casing 1. This arrangement allows the dimensions of the guide rail 27 to be maintained without deformation and therefore without deterioration over time. Such a guide rail is particularly shown in Figure 5.

[0049] Similar to the housing 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide rail 27 shown in Figure 5 has a first side wall 28 that faces and is at a distance from the second side wall 29, and a first longitudinal wall 30 that faces and is at a distance from the second longitudinal wall 31.

[0050] The first side wall 28, the second side wall 29, the first longitudinal wall 30, and the second longitudinal wall 31 of the guide rail 27 are in contact with the first side wall 21, the second side wall 22, the first longitudinal wall 23, and the second longitudinal wall 24 of the housing 2, respectively.

[0051] Furthermore, the first side wall 21 of the housing 2 is provided with a notch 25 intended to allow the passage of the linear actuator shown in Figures 6 and 7. The notch 25 has a "U" shape.

[0052] The first side wall 28 of the guide rail 27 is provided with a notch 32 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch 25 of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 4. The notch 32 is intended to allow the passage of the linear actuator shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] The second side wall 22 and the second longitudinal wall 24 of the housing 2 have a common opening 26. The opening 26 allows contact between the movable carriage located in the housing 2 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 and the movable claw located in the opening 26 as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 11.

[0054] The second longitudinal wall 31 and the second side wall 29 of the guide rail 27 have a common opening 33 that communicates with the opening 26 of the housing 2.

[0055] The first side wall 28 of the guide rail 27 acts as a stopper for the movable carriage 38 shown in Figures 6 and 7. As a result, the movable carriage is held in translation by the guide rail 27 within the housing 2.

[0056] The guide rail 27 serves to guide the movable carriage and ensures that the movable carriage only makes the translational movement necessary to activate the locking fingers located in the locking recess to lock the block mechanism. Because it is locked, for example, a car can be parked.

[0057] The guide rail is composed of, for example, a metal piece. The metal piece is cut to form a notch on one side and then bent three times along its length to form the wall that will become a component of the guide rail. The metal piece has a rectangular shape before bending. The metal piece may also have a notch before bending that is intended to form the notch of the guide rail.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 show partial diagrams of the mechanism for blocking the rotation of the shaft in the released position.

[0059] The block mechanism comprises a housing 2 as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and guide rails 27 as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The block mechanism further comprises a movable pawl 34 located on the transmission casing 1.

[0060] The movable claw 34 has an elongated shape and includes a first end 71 and a second end 72 located at a distance from the first end 71.

[0061] The first end portion 71 allows the movable pawl 34 to be attached to the transmission casing 1, while also allowing the movable pawl 34 to rotate. In other words, the movable pawl is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis in a plane P.

[0062] The second end 72 is positioned in the opening 33 of the guide rail 27 and the opening 26 of the housing. The second end 72 has a cam surface 36 positioned on the first side of the movable claw 34 and facing inward into the housing. The second end 72 further includes a locking finger 35 projecting outward from the second side of the movable claw 34 toward the outside of the housing 2. The locking finger 35 is intended to be inserted into a locking recess shown in Figure 11 when the blocking mechanism is triggered. The locking recess is located, for example, on the claw wheel 44. The claw wheel 44 is capable of receiving the locking finger 35 as shown in Figure 11 and is fixed thereto rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 60 which is to be blocked in terms of rotation.

[0063] According to the alternative example shown in Figure 11, the movable pawl 34 further comprises a torsion spring 50. The torsion spring 50 is wound around the first end 71 of the movable pawl 34. The torsion spring 50 comprises a first end portion 51 that abuts against the contact surface of the transmission casing and a second end portion 52 that abuts against the contact surface of the movable pawl 34. The torsion spring 50 is arranged to exert a restoring force on the movable pawl 34 so that the movable pawl 34 returns to the released position. The block mechanism further comprises a linear actuator 37 attached to the transmission casing 1, as partially shown in Figure 6. The linear actuator 37 comprises a rod 39 that is movable in the longitudinal direction X.

[0064] The rod 39 extends into the internal space of the housing 2, passing through the notch 25 of the housing 2 and the notch 32 of the guide rail 27. The rod 39 is attached to a movable carriage 38 located in the housing 2.

[0065] The movable carriage 38 is intended to be guided by the guide rail 27.

[0066] In the dynamic phase, when the movable carriage 38 is pushed back by the movable claw 34, the movable carriage 38 biases the first side wall 28 of the guide rail 27. Thus, the first side wall 28 forms a stopper for the movable carriage 38. In this case, the movable carriage 38 is pressed against the movable claw 34 by a restoring force exerted by the tension spring 40 surrounding the rod 39. The tension spring 40 includes a first end attached to the body of the actuator and a second end attached to the movable carriage 38. This action can occur, for example, when attempting to engage at an excessively high speed. For example, if the threshold speed of 3 km / h to 5 km / h is exceeded, the movable claw 34 will spring back to prevent engagement, and thus the movable carriage 38 will be pressed.

[0067] The movable carriage 38 further comprises a first movable roller 41 which is movable along the first longitudinal wall 30 of the guide rail 27. The movable carriage 38 further comprises a cam follower 42 which includes a second movable roller. The second movable roller contacts and is movable along the cam surface 36 of the movable claw 34.

[0068] The movable carriage 38 further includes a protrusion 43 located at the second end of the movable claw 34. The protrusion 43 is intended to maintain the movable claw 34 within the plane P.

[0069] To move the movable claw 34 to the locking position, the rod 39 of the linear actuator 37 is moved longitudinally by passing it through the notch 32 of the guide rail 27. The movable carriage 38 moves from the first side wall 28 toward the second side wall 29 of the guide rail 27. As the movable carriage 38 moves, the first movable roller 41 moves along the first longitudinal wall 30 of the guide rail 27, and the cam follower 42 moves along the cam surface 36 of the movable claw 34. Because the cam surface 36 is inclined, the movable carriage 38 exerts pressure on the cam surface 36 of the movable claw 34 through its movement. This pressure causes the second end of the movable claw 34 to rotate toward the locking recess. As a result, the locking finger 35 engages with the locking recess present in the claw wheel, for example, as shown in Figure 11, and locks the claw wheel 44.

[0070] Figure 11 shows a transmission casing 1 equipped with a pawl 44. The pawl 44 has a plurality of recesses 45 that are spaced apart from each other and regularly arranged around its entire circumference. Each of the recesses 45 has dimensions that allow it to receive the locking finger 35 of the movable pawl 34. Figure 11 also shows a vehicle shaft 60 that is blocked in rotation by a block mechanism.

[0071] To move the block mechanism from the locked position to the released position, the rod 39 is moved, causing the movable carriage 38 to move toward the first side wall 28 of the guide rail 27 until the movable carriage 38 contacts the first side wall 28. The locking finger 35 is released from the locking recess present in the ratchet wheel 44. This releases the ratchet wheel, allowing the transmission shaft 60 to rotate.

[0072] Figures 8 to 10 show guide rails 27 intended to be fitted into the housing of a transmission casing, according to several embodiments.

[0073] Figure 8 shows a guide rail 27 intended to be fitted into a housing formed in the transmission casing. The guide rail 27 has dimensions similar to the housing so that it is held in the housing 2 by the cooperation of the shape of the housing wall and the wall of the guide rail 27. In this regard, the guide rail 27 has a first side wall 28 facing and at a distance from a second side wall 29, and a first longitudinal wall 30 positioned between the first side wall 28 and the second side wall 29. The first side wall 28 and the second side wall 29 are curved. The first side wall 28 of the guide rail 27 is provided with a notch 32.

[0074] Figures 9 and 10 show guide rails further comprising grooves 47 positioned at the edge of the first longitudinal wall 30.

[0075] The groove 47 receives mounting means 48 such as screws. The mounting means 48 is intended to mount the guide rail 27 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first longitudinal wall 30 in the orthogonal direction O.

[0076] The housing intended to receive the guide rails shown in Figures 8 to 10 has dimensions that allow it to receive the guide rails 27 fitted inside it. Thus, the housing has four parts: a bottom wall, a first side wall facing and at a distance from a second side wall, and a first longitudinal wall positioned between the first and second side walls. The first and second side walls are each curved in complementary semicircles to follow the first and second side walls of the guide rail. The first longitudinal wall of the housing faces an opening formed by the gap between the first and second side walls.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described in relation to several specific embodiments, it is clear that the invention is not limited thereto, and that all technical equivalents of the means described, as well as combinations thereof, are included where they fall within the scope of the invention.

[0078] The use of the verbs "to include" or "to provide" and their conjugations does not preclude the existence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims.

[0079] In the claims, reference numerals in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A blocking mechanism for blocking a shaft of a vehicle from rotation, said blocking mechanism having at least one locking recess (45), said blocking mechanism comprising: - a transmission casing (1), - a movable pawl (34) with a locking finger (35); a linear actuator (37) that moves a movable carriage (38) guided by a guide rail (27); a housing (2) formed in said transmission casing (1); Equipped with The movable pawl (34) is pivotally mounted on the transmission casing (1) around a pivot axis in a plane between a locking position in which the locking finger (35) engages with the locking recess (45) and a release position in which the locking finger (35) disengages from the locking recess (45), The movable pawl (34) has a cam surface (36), the movable carriage (38) includes a cam follower movable on the cam surface (36) to move the movable pawl from the release position to the locking position; The guide rail (27) is fitted into the housing (2), thereby preventing the guide rail (27) from moving within the plane. Blocking mechanism.

2. The housing (2) has a first side wall (21) facing and spaced apart from a second side wall (22), and a first longitudinal wall (23) arranged between the first side wall (21) and the second side wall (22), Corresponding to the housing (2), the guide rail (27) has a first side wall (28) facing and spaced apart from a second side wall (29), and a first longitudinal wall (30) arranged between the first side wall (28) and the second side wall (29), the first side wall (28), the second side wall (29) and the first longitudinal wall (30) of the guide rail (27) contact the first side wall (21), the second side wall (22) and the first longitudinal wall (23) of the housing (2), respectively; The blocking mechanism of claim 1 .

3. The housing (2) comprises a second longitudinal wall (24) facing and spaced apart from the first longitudinal wall (23), The guide rail (27) comprises a second longitudinal wall (31) facing and spaced apart from the first longitudinal wall (30), 3. The blocking mechanism of claim 2.

4. The housing has an opening (26); The guide rail (27) has an opening (33), The opening (26) of the housing (2) and the opening (33) of the guide rail (27) are through openings. A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cam follower includes a movable roller (41) movable on the cam surface (36) in the opening (26) of the housing (2) and the opening (33) of the guide rail (27).

5. The blocking mechanism of claim 4.

6. The housing has a notch (25); The guide rail has a notch (32); the notch (25) of the housing and the notch (32) of the guide rail are through notches and are intended to allow the linear actuator (37) to pass through; A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The guide rail (27) includes a detent (28) that prevents the movable carriage (38) from moving beyond the guide rail (27). A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The detent is formed by the first side wall (28) of the guide rail (27). A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 2 to 3 in combination with claim 6.

9. Mounting means attach the guide rail (27) to the transmission casing (1); a blocking means for blocking movement of the guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the plane; A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The guide rail is made in one piece from a bent piece of metal. A blocking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3.

11. a shaft having at least one locking recess (45); A blocking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A transmission system comprising:

12. A motor vehicle comprising the transmission system of claim 11.

Images