Release system

Abstract

To provide a release system that does not use a hydraulic pressure.SOLUTION: A release system 100 comprises a release device 2, a control valve 3, and a lever mechanism 4. The release device 2 comprises a release piston 22, and an air chamber 24. The control valve 3 comprises a valve element 32. The control valve 3 controls supply of air to the air chamber 24 and discharge of air from the air chamber 24. The lever mechanism 4 operates the control valve 3. The lever mechanism 4 comprises an input part 43, a following part 44, and a pressing part 45. The input part 43 functions as a point of application. Operation force is applied to the input part 43 by operation of an operator. The following part 44 functions as a fulcrum. The following part 44 moves integrally with the release piston 22. The pressing part 45 functions as a point of effort. The pressing part 45 presses the valve element 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a release system. [Background technology]

[0002] A release device is attached to the clutch device to release the power transmission in the clutch device. Patent Document 1 discloses a release system having a release device and a control valve. The control valve is configured to supply air to the release device or stop the supply of air to the release device based on the relationship between the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber and a target pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-047381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The release system described above has the risk of causing oil leakage from the release device, which can lead to the clutch slipping.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a release system that does not use hydraulic pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The release system according to the first aspect includes a release device, a control valve, and a lever mechanism. The release device has a release piston and an air chamber. The control valve has a valve body. The control valve is configured to control the supply of air to the air chamber and the exhaust of air from the air chamber. The lever mechanism is configured to operate the control valve. The lever mechanism has an input section, a follower section, and a pressing section. The input section functions as a point of action. The input section is configured so that an operating force is applied by operation by the driver. The follower section functions as a fulcrum. The follower section is configured to move integrally with the release piston. The pressing section functions as a force point. The pressing section is configured to press the valve body.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the clutch is operated, the input portion and the pressing portion of the lever mechanism move around the follower portion. As a result, the pressing portion presses the valve body of the control valve, and the control valve can be operated. Furthermore, since the follower portion and the pressing portion also move in accordance with the movement of the release piston, the control valve can be controlled in accordance with the movement of the release piston. In this way, the control valve can be controlled without using hydraulic pressure.

[0008] The release system according to the second aspect is the release system according to the first aspect, and is configured as follows: The lever mechanism has a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The first lever arm has an input portion and a follower portion. The second lever arm has a pressing portion. The second lever arm is pivotally attached to the first lever arm between the input portion and the follower portion. Furthermore, the second lever arm is pivotally attached to the release device.

[0009] A release system according to a third aspect is the release system according to the first aspect, and is configured as follows: the lever mechanism has a lever arm. The lever arm includes an input portion, a follower portion, and a pressing portion. The pressing portion is disposed between the input portion and the follower portion.

[0010] A release system according to a fourth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: the control valve has a biasing member that biases the valve body toward the pressing portion. The follower portion is biased in the moving direction of the release piston by the biasing member.

[0011] A release system according to a fifth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and is configured as follows: the release device has a guide member that moves integrally with the release piston. The follower portion abuts against the guide member.

[0012] A release system according to a sixth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and is configured as follows: The input portion is configured to move in a first direction when an operating force is applied thereto. The release piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction when air is supplied into the air chamber. The valve body is movable between an exhaust position where air is discharged from the air chamber, a supply position where air is supplied into the air chamber, and a closed position where the air chamber is closed. The valve body moves to the supply position when an operating force is applied to the input portion and the input portion moves in the first direction. The valve body moves to the closed position when the follower moves in the second direction. The valve body moves to the exhaust position when the operating force on the input portion is released and the input portion moves in the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a release system that does not use hydraulic pressure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the release system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the release system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the release system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The release system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <Release system> As shown in Fig. 1, the release system 100 has a release device 2, a control valve 3, and a lever mechanism 4. The release system 100 is configured to perform a release operation on a clutch device 101 using air. In the following description, the first direction is the direction in which the input part 43 of the lever mechanism 4 moves when an operating force is applied to the input part 43, and the second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction. Specifically, the rightward direction in Fig. 1 is the first direction, and the leftward direction in Fig. 1 is the second direction.

[0017] <Release device> The release device 2 uses air as a driving source. The release device 2 presses the inner peripheral end of the diaphragm spring 102 of the clutch device 101, thereby releasing the power transmission state by the clutch device 101.

[0018] The release device 2 has a cylinder 21, a release piston 22, a spring 23, an air chamber 24, a push ring 25, a release bearing 26, and a guide member 27.

[0019] The release piston 22 is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction within the cylinder 21. In the release device 2, the axial direction means the direction along the rotation axis O of the clutch device 101. In addition, in the release device 2, the circumferential direction means the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O, and the radial direction means the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O.

[0020] The spring 23 is disposed between the release piston 22 and the cylinder 21. The spring 23 urges the release piston 22 toward the diaphragm spring 102. That is, the spring 23 urges the release piston 22 in the second direction. The air chamber 24 is defined by the cylinder 21 and the release piston 22. The spring 23 is disposed in this air chamber 24.

[0021] The push ring 25 is configured to press the diaphragm spring 102. In detail, the push ring 25 is cylindrical and presses the inner periphery of the diaphragm spring 102. The release bearing 26 is disposed between the release piston 22 and the push ring 25. An inner ring of the release bearing 26 abuts against the push ring 25, but does not abut against the release piston 22. Also, an outer ring of the release bearing 26 abuts against the release piston 22, but does not abut against the push ring 25.

[0022] The guide member 27 is disposed outside the cylinder 21. The guide member 27 is configured to move integrally with the release piston 22. That is, the guide member 27 is movable in the axial direction. The guide member 27 has a protruding portion 271. The protruding portion 271 protrudes radially outward. The protruding portion 271 may extend continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0023] When air is supplied to the air chamber 24, the release piston 22 and the push ring 25 move in the second direction (leftward in FIG. 1) so as to press the diaphragm spring 102, and the clutch device 101 enters a state in which the power transmission is interrupted (clutch-off state). When air is discharged from the air chamber 24 of the release device 2, the release piston 22 and the push ring 25 move in the first direction (rightward in FIG. 1) due to the biasing force of the diaphragm spring 102, the pressure of the push ring 25 on the diaphragm spring 102 is released, and the clutch device 101 enters a state in which the power is transmitted (clutch-on state).

[0024] <Control valve> The control valve 3 is configured to supply air to the air chamber 24 of the release device 2 and exhaust air from the air chamber 24. As shown in Fig. 2, the control valve 3 has a valve body 31, a valve element 32, and a biasing member 33. The control valve 3 also has a first chamber C1, a second chamber C2, and a third chamber C3.

[0025] The valve body 31 has a supply port P1 and a communication port P2. The supply port P1 is connected to an air supply source 103. The supply port P1 also communicates with the first chamber C1. Air is supplied from the air supply source to the first chamber C1 via the supply port P1.

[0026] The communication port P2 is connected to the air chamber 24 of the release device 2. The communication port P2 also communicates with the second chamber C2. The air chamber 24 of the release device 2 and the second chamber C2 communicate with each other via the communication port P2.

[0027] The valve element 32 is disposed within the valve body 31. The valve element 32 is disposed within the valve body 31 so as to be movable in an inward direction and a backward direction. The inward direction is the direction in which the valve element 32 enters the valve body 31, specifically the downward direction in FIG. 2. The backward direction is the direction in which the valve element 32 retreats from the valve body 31, specifically the upward direction in FIG. 2. The backward direction is the opposite direction to the inward direction. The valve element 32 has a first valve element 32a and a second valve element 32b.

[0028] The first valve body 32a is disposed in the valve body 31. The first valve body 32a is disposed in the approaching direction relative to the second valve body 32b. The first valve body 32a is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction. Note that the axial direction in the control valve 3 refers to the direction in which the valve body 32 moves. The outer peripheral surface of the first valve body 32a is disposed with a gap between it and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 31. A first chamber C1 is formed between the first valve body 32a and the valve body 31 in the radial direction.

[0029] The first valve body 32a has a through hole 321 penetrating in the axial direction. The through hole 321 communicates with the internal space of the valve body 31 and the outside of the valve body 31. In detail, the through hole 321 communicates with the outside of the valve body 31 via the silencer 36. The inner circumferential surface of the through hole 321 of the first valve body 32a defines a third chamber C3. The third chamber C3 communicates with the outside of the valve body 31. The first valve body 32a is supported by a sleeve 37.

[0030] The second valve body 32b is disposed in the valve body 31. The second valve body 32b is disposed in the retracting direction relative to the first valve body 32a. One axial end (upper end in FIG. 2) of the second valve body 32b protrudes from the valve body 31. That is, the end of the second valve body 32b in the retracting direction protrudes from the valve body 31. This end of the second valve body 32b abuts against the lever mechanism 4. The second valve body 32b is movable in the axial direction within the valve body 31. When no force is applied from the lever mechanism 4 (neutral state), the second valve body 32b is disposed at a distance from the first valve body 32a in the axial direction.

[0031] The second valve body 32b moves in the approaching direction by being pressed by the lever mechanism 4. When the second valve body 32b moves in the approaching direction, the second valve body 32b comes into contact with the first valve body 32a. When the pressure by the lever mechanism 4 is released, the second valve body 32b moves in the retreating direction, and the second valve body 32b moves away from the first valve body 32a.

[0032] The biasing member 33 biases the valve body 32 in the retracting direction. The biasing member 33 has a first biasing member 33a and a second biasing member 33b.

[0033] The first biasing member 33a is configured to bias the first valve body 32a in the retracting direction. The first biasing member 33a biases the first valve body 32a, so that the first valve body 32a abuts against the abutment portion 311 of the valve main body 31. The first valve body 32a abuts against the abutment portion 311, so that the first chamber C1 is isolated from the second chamber C2. The first biasing member 33a is, for example, a coil spring. The first biasing member 33a is disposed in the first chamber C1. The first biasing member 33a is disposed so as to surround the first valve body 32a. The first biasing member 33a has a smaller spring constant than the diaphragm spring 102.

[0034] The second biasing member 33b is configured to bias the second valve body 32b in the retracting direction. That is, the second biasing member 33b biases the second valve body 32b toward a pressing portion 45 described later. The second biasing member 33b is, for example, a coil spring. The second biasing member 33b is disposed in the second chamber C2. The second biasing member 33b is disposed so as to surround the second valve body 32b. The second biasing member 33b has a smaller spring constant than the diaphragm spring 102.

[0035] <Leverage mechanism> 1, the lever mechanism 4 is configured to operate the control valve 3. The lever mechanism 4 has a first lever arm 41 and a second lever arm .

[0036] The first lever arm 41 has an input portion 43 and a follower portion 44. In detail, one end of the first lever arm 41 constitutes the input portion 43, and the other end constitutes the follower portion 44.

[0037] The input portion 43 functions as a point of action of the lever mechanism 4. An operating force is applied to the input portion 43 when the driver operates the pedal. Specifically, an operating force toward the right side in FIG. 1 is applied to the input portion 43. When this operating force is applied, the input portion 43 moves in a first direction (to the right in FIG. 1). In other words, when an operating force is applied, the first lever arm 41 pivots about the follower portion 44 so that the input portion 43 moves in the first direction.

[0038] The follower portion 44 functions as a fulcrum of the lever mechanism 4. The follower portion 44 is configured to move integrally with the release piston 22. In particular, the follower portion 44 is configured to follow the movement of the release piston 22. That is, the follower portion 44 stops when the release piston 22 stops, and moves in the same manner when the release piston 22 moves.

[0039] The following portion 44 moves integrally with the guide member 27 which moves integrally with the release piston 22. The following portion 44 abuts against the guide member 27. More specifically, the following portion 44 contacts the protruding portion 271 of the guide member 27.

[0040] The follower portion 44 is biased in the moving direction (specifically, the second direction) of the release piston 22 by a biasing member 33 (specifically, the second biasing member 33b) of the control valve 3. That is, the follower portion 44 is configured to be constantly in contact with the protruding portion 271 of the guide member 27 by the biasing force of the biasing member 33.

[0041] The second lever arm 42 has a pressing portion 45. The pressing portion 45 is disposed between the input portion 43 and the following portion 44. One end of the second lever arm 42 constitutes the pressing portion 45. The pressing portion 45 functions as a force point of the lever mechanism 4. The pressing portion 45 is configured to press the second valve body 32b of the control valve 3.

[0042] The second lever arm 42 is attached to the release device 2 so as to be rotatable. More specifically, the other end of the second lever arm 42 is attached so as to be rotatable about a pivot shaft S1. The second lever arm 42 is also attached to the first lever arm 41 so as to be rotatable between the input portion 43 and the follower portion 44. That is, the second lever arm 42 is attached to the first lever arm 41 via the pivot shaft S2. The second lever arm 42 is attached so as to be movable relative to the first lever arm 41.

[0043] <Operation> Next, the operation of the release system 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. In Figs. 3 to 5, reference lines L1 to L4 are lines for indicating the positional relationship of each member of the control valve 3 and the lever mechanism 4. First, as shown in Fig. 3, when the driver is not operating the clutch (for example, when the driver is not stepping on the clutch pedal), no operating force is applied to the input portion 43 of the first lever arm 41, and the pressing portion 45 of the second lever arm 42 does not press the second valve body 32b in the entering direction. Therefore, the control valve 3 is not operated at all and is in a neutral state.

[0044] The second valve body 32b is biased in the retreating direction by the second biasing member 33b. Therefore, the second chamber C2 is in communication with the third chamber C3. The first valve body 32a is biased in the direction toward the second valve body 32b by the first biasing member 33a and is in contact with the contact portion 311. Therefore, the first chamber C1 is isolated from the second chamber C2.

[0045] The air chamber 24 of the release device 2 is open to the outside via the second chamber C2 and the third chamber C3. That is, the air in the air chamber 24 of the release device 2 is discharged from the air chamber 24. Note that the second chamber C2 and the third chamber C3 are thus connected to each other, and the position of the valve body 32 when the air in the air chamber 24 is discharged is referred to as the exhaust position.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the driver performs a clutch-off operation (for example, when the driver depresses the clutch pedal), an operating force is applied to the input portion 43, and the first lever arm 41 rotates around the following portion 44. That is, the input portion 43 moves in the first direction. Then, the second lever arm 42 rotates so that the pressing portion 45 presses the second valve body 32b. As a result, the second valve body 32b moves in the approach direction and abuts against the first valve body 32a, moving the first valve body 32a in the approach direction. As a result, the first valve body 32a moves away from the abutment portion 311.

[0047] That is, the second chamber C2 is isolated from the third chamber C3 and communicates with the first chamber C1. As a result, air is supplied from the first chamber C1 through the second chamber C2 to the air chamber 24 of the release device 2, and the release piston 22 of the release device 2 moves in the second direction. Then, the push ring 25 presses the inner periphery of the diaphragm spring 102, and the clutch device is in the clutch-off state. Note that the position of the valve body 32 when the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are communicated with each other and air is supplied to the air chamber 24 is referred to as the supply position.

[0048] 5, when the driver stops the clutch operation (for example, when the driver stops depressing the clutch pedal while it is depressed), air is supplied to the air chamber 24, and the release piston 22 of the release device 2 moves in the second direction. The follower portion 44 of the first lever arm 41 moves in the second direction similarly to the release piston 22, and the pressing portion 45 of the second lever arm 42 returns slightly accordingly. As a result, the second valve body 32b and the first valve body 32a move in the retracting direction, and the first valve body 32a comes into contact with the contact portion 311 while the first valve body 32a and the second valve body 32b remain in contact with each other.

[0049] Therefore, the second chamber C2 is isolated from both the first chamber C1 and the third chamber C3. That is, the first chamber C1, the second chamber C2, and the third chamber C3 are not in communication with each other. As a result, the air pressure in the air chamber 24 is maintained, and the release piston 22 continues to press the diaphragm spring 102. Note that the position of the valve body 32 when the first chamber C1, the second chamber C2, and the third chamber C3 are not connected to each other and the air chamber 24 is closed is referred to as the closed position.

[0050] When the driver performs a clutch-on operation (for example, when the driver releases the clutch pedal), the operating force on the input portion 43 is released and the input portion 43 moves in the second direction. As a result, the control valve 3 and the lever mechanism 4 return to the state shown in FIG. 3, and the second chamber C2 communicates with the third chamber C3 and is isolated from the first chamber C1. That is, the valve body 32 moves to the exhaust position. As a result, the air in the air chamber 24 of the release device 2 is discharged from the air chamber 24, the release piston 22 moves in the first direction, and the clutch device 101 goes into the clutch-on state. As described above, the valve body 32 is movable among three positions: the supply position, the exhaust position, and the closed position.

[0051] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] 6, for example, the lever mechanism 4 does not need to have the second lever arm 42. That is, the lever mechanism 4 has only one lever arm 41. In this case, the lever arm 41 has an input portion 43, a follower portion 44, and a pressing portion 45. The pressing portion 45 is disposed between the input portion 43 and the follower portion 44. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 2: Release device 22: Release piston 24: Air chamber 27: Guide member 3: Control valve 32: Valve body 33: Pressing member 4: Lever mechanism 41: Lever arm 41: First lever arm 42: Second lever arm 43: Input section 44: Follower section 45: Pressing part 100: Release system

Claims

1. a release device having a release piston and an air chamber; a control valve having a valve body and configured to control the supply of air to the air chamber and the exhaust of air from the air chamber; a lever mechanism configured to operate the control valve; The lever mechanism includes: An input unit that functions as a point of action and is configured to apply an operation force by an operation of a driver; A follower portion that functions as a fulcrum and is configured to move integrally with the release piston; A pressing portion configured to function as a force point and press the valve body; having Release system.

2. The lever mechanism includes: a first lever arm having the input portion and the follower portion; a second lever arm having the pressing portion, the second lever arm being pivotally attached to the first lever arm between the input portion and the following portion, and the second lever arm being pivotally attached to the release device; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

3. the lever mechanism has a lever arm including the input portion, the follower portion, and the pressing portion, The pressing portion is disposed between the input portion and the following portion.

2. The release system of claim 1.

4. The control valve has a biasing member that biases the valve body toward the pressing portion, The follower portion is biased in the moving direction of the release piston by the biasing member.

2. The release system of claim 1.

5. the release device has a guide member that moves integrally with the release piston, The following portion abuts against the guide member.

2. The release system of claim 1.

6. The input unit is configured to move in a first direction when an operating force is applied thereto, the release piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction when air is supplied into the air chamber; the valve body is movable between an exhaust position for discharging air from the air chamber, a supply position for supplying air into the air chamber, and a closing position for closing the air chamber, The valve body moves to the supply position when an operating force is applied to the input portion and the input portion moves in a first direction, moves to the closed position when the following portion moves in a second direction, and moves to the exhaust position when the operating force on the input portion is released and the input portion moves in the second direction.

2. The release system of claim 1.

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