Release system

Abstract

To provide a release system which does not use hydraulic pressure.SOLUTION: A release system includes a release device, a control valve, and an operation mechanism. The release device has a release piston and an air chamber. The control valve has a valve body. The control valve controls supply of air to the air chamber and exhaust of air from the air chamber. The operation mechanism operates the control valve. The operation mechanism has a first arm, a second arm, a pressing member, and a planetary gear mechanism. The first arm includes an input part. A operational force is applied to the input part by operation of an operator. The second arm includes a following part. The following part integrally moves with the release piston. The pressing member includes a pressing part. The pressing part presses the valve body. Torque is input to the planetary gear mechanism from the first arm and the second arm and the planetary gear mechanism outputs torque to the pressing member.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 an operation 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 operation mechanism is configured to operate the control valve. The operation mechanism has a first arm, a second arm, a pressing member, and a planetary gear mechanism. The first arm includes an input portion. The input portion is configured so that an operating force is applied by an operation by a driver. The second arm includes a follower portion. The follower portion is configured to move integrally with the release piston. The pressing member includes a pressing portion. The pressing portion is configured to press the valve body. The planetary gear mechanism is configured so that torque is input from the first arm and the second arm and output the torque to the pressing member.

[0007] According to this configuration, when an operating force is applied to the input portion of the first arm by operating the clutch, the first arm rotates. Furthermore, the follower portion moves with the movement of the release piston, causing the second arm to rotate. As a result, the planetary gear mechanism outputs torque to the pressing member, and the pressing portion presses the valve disc and releases the pressure on the valve disc, thereby operating the control valve. 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 input portion is configured to move in the operation direction when an operating force is applied. The first arm is configured to rotate in the operation rotation direction when the input portion moves in the operation direction. The follower portion is configured to move in the cut-off direction when the release piston moves to cut off the power transmission of the clutch device. The second arm is configured to rotate in the cut-off rotation direction when the follower portion moves in the cut-off direction. The control valve has a valve body. The valve element is arranged to move in an entry direction into the valve body and in a withdrawal direction out of the valve body. The pressing portion is configured to move in the entry direction and the withdrawal direction. The pressing member is configured to rotate in an entry rotation direction to move the pressing portion in the entry direction, and to rotate in a withdrawal rotation direction to move the pressing portion in the withdrawal direction. The planetary gear mechanism is configured to rotate the pressing member in an approaching rotation direction when the first arm rotates in the operating rotation direction, and to rotate the pressing member in a retreating rotation direction when the second arm rotates in the disconnecting rotation direction.

[0009] The release system according to the third aspect is the release system according to the second aspect and is configured as follows. The input portion is configured to move in the release direction when the operating force is released. The first arm is configured to rotate in the release rotation direction when the input portion moves in the release direction. 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 the first arm rotates in the operating rotation direction, moves to the closed position when the second arm rotates in the blocking rotation direction, and moves to the exhaust position when the first arm rotates in the release rotation direction.

[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 planetary gear mechanism has a ring gear, a planetary carrier, and a sun gear. The ring gear is configured to receive torque from the first arm. The planetary carrier is configured to receive torque from the second arm. The sun gear is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0011] A release system according to a fifth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: The planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear. The sun gear is configured to receive torque from a first arm. The planetary carrier is configured to receive torque from a second arm. The ring gear is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0012] A release system according to a sixth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: The planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planetary carrier. The sun gear is configured to receive torque from a first arm. The ring gear is configured to receive torque from a second arm. The planetary carrier is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0013] A release system according to a seventh aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: The planetary gear mechanism has a planetary carrier, a ring gear, and a sun gear. The planetary carrier is configured to receive torque from a first arm. The ring gear is configured to receive torque from a second arm. The sun gear is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0014] A release system according to an eighth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: The planetary gear mechanism has a planetary carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear. The planetary carrier is configured to receive torque from a first arm. The sun gear is configured to receive torque from a second arm. The ring gear is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0015] A release system according to a ninth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and is configured as follows: The planetary gear mechanism has a ring gear, a sun gear, and a planetary carrier. The ring gear is configured to receive torque from the first arm. The sun gear is configured to receive torque from the second arm. The planetary carrier is configured to output torque to the pressing member.

[0016] A release system according to a tenth aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and is configured as follows: The follower portion is biased towards the release piston.

[0017] A release system according to an eleventh aspect is the release system according to any one of the first to tenth 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. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a release system that does not use hydraulic pressure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between an operating mechanism and a control valve. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the release system. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the release system. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a release system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The release system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] <Release system> 1, the release system 100 includes a release device 2, a control valve 3, and an operation mechanism 4. The release system 100 is configured to perform a release operation on a clutch device 101 by using air.

[0022] <Release device> The release device 2 uses air as a driving source. When the release device 2 presses the inner peripheral end of the diaphragm spring 102 of the clutch device 101, the power transmission state by the clutch device 101 is released.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Release piston 22 is movable in a disconnection direction (leftward in FIG. 1) and a transmission direction (rightward in FIG. 1). The disconnection direction is the direction in which release piston 22 moves when power transmission of clutch device 101 is disconnected. The transmission direction is the direction in which release piston 22 moves when power is transmitted in clutch device 101 in the clutch-off state. The transmission direction is the opposite direction to the disconnection direction.

[0026] The spring 23 is disposed between the release piston 22 and the cylinder 21. The spring 23 biases the release piston 22 in the axial direction toward the diaphragm spring 102. That is, the spring 23 biases the release piston 22 in the blocking 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] When air is supplied to the air chamber 24, the release piston 22 and the push ring 25 move in the disconnecting direction 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 transmission direction 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).

[0030] <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.

[0031] 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 103 to the first chamber C1 via the supply port P1.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 operating 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 operating mechanism 4 (neutral state), the second valve body 32b is disposed at a distance from the first valve body 32a in the axial direction.

[0037] The second valve body 32b moves in the advance direction by being pressed by the operation mechanism 4. When the second valve body 32b moves in the advance direction, the second valve body 32b comes into contact with the first valve body 32a. When the pressure by the operation mechanism 4 is released, the second valve body 32b moves in the retreat direction, and the second valve body 32b moves away from the first valve body 32a.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 431 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.

[0041] <Operation mechanism> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the control valve 3 and the operation mechanism 4. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the operation mechanism 4 is configured to operate the control valve 3. The operation mechanism 4 has a first arm 41, a second arm 42, a pressing arm 43 (an example of a pressing member), and a planetary gear mechanism 44.

[0042] The first arm 41 is disposed to be rotatable around a rotation axis O' of the planetary gear mechanism 44. The first arm 41 has an input portion 411. In detail, one end of the first arm 41 constitutes the input portion 411. The other end of the first arm 41 is attached to the planetary gear mechanism 44.

[0043] When the driver operates the pedal, an operating force is applied to the input unit 411. Specifically, an operating force toward the right side in Figs. 1 and 3 is applied to the input unit 411. When this operating force is applied, the input unit 411 moves in the operating direction (rightward in Fig. 1). When the input unit 411 moves in the operating direction in this manner, the first arm 41 rotates in the operating rotation direction around the rotation axis O'. The operating direction is the direction in which the input unit 411 moves when an operating force is applied. The operating rotation direction is the direction in which the first arm 41 rotates when an operating force is applied to the input unit 411. In this embodiment, the clockwise direction in Fig. 1 is the operating rotation direction.

[0044] When the pedal operation by the driver is released and the operating force on the input unit 411 is released, the input unit 411 moves in the release direction (leftward in FIG. 1). In this way, when the input unit 411 moves in the release direction, the first arm 41 rotates in the release rotation direction around the rotation axis O'. The release direction is the direction in which the input unit 411 moves when the operating force is released. The release rotation direction is the direction in which the first arm 41 rotates when the operating force is released from the input unit 411. In this embodiment, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 is the release rotation direction. The release direction is the opposite direction to the operating direction, and the release rotation direction is the opposite direction to the operating rotation direction.

[0045] The second arm 42 has a follower portion 421. In detail, one end of the second arm 42 constitutes the follower portion 421. The other end of the second arm 42 is attached to a planetary gear mechanism 44.

[0046] The second arm 42 is disposed rotatably about a rotation axis O' of the planetary gear mechanism 44. The first arm 41 and the second arm 42 are each rotatable about the rotation axis O'. The second arm 42 is rotatable relative to the first arm 41.

[0047] The following portion 421 is configured to move integrally with the release piston 22. In particular, the following portion 421 is configured to follow the movement of the release piston 22. That is, the following portion 421 stops when the release piston 22 stops, and moves in the same manner when the release piston 22 moves.

[0048] The following portion 421 moves integrally with the guide member 27 which moves integrally with the release piston 22. The following portion 421 abuts against the guide member 27. More specifically, the following portion 421 contacts the protruding portion 271 of the guide member 27.

[0049] The follower portion 421 is biased toward the release piston 22. That is, the follower portion 421 is biased in the blocking direction. Therefore, the follower portion 421 is configured to be constantly in contact with the protruding portion 271 of the guide member 27. Note that the follower portion 421 may be biased by the biasing member 33 (specifically, the second biasing member 33b) of the control valve 3, or may be biased by a torsion spring or the like.

[0050] Since the follower portion 421 is biased in the blocking direction (leftward in Figs. 1 and 3), when the release piston 22 moves in the blocking direction, the follower portion 421 also moves in the blocking direction. In this manner, when the follower portion 421 moves in the blocking direction, the second arm 42 rotates about the rotation axis O' in the blocking rotation direction. The blocking rotation direction is the direction in which the second arm 42 rotates when the follower portion 421 moves in the blocking direction. In this embodiment, the clockwise direction in Fig. 1 is the blocking rotation direction.

[0051] When the release piston 22 moves in the transmission direction (to the right in Figs. 1 and 3), the follower portion 421 also moves in the transmission direction. In this manner, when the follower portion 421 moves in the transmission direction, the second arm 42 rotates about the rotation axis O' in the transmission rotation direction. Note that the transmission rotation direction is the direction in which the second arm 42 rotates when the follower portion 421 moves in the transmission direction. Note that in this embodiment, the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 1 is the transmission rotation direction. The transmission rotation direction is the opposite direction to the cut-off rotation direction.

[0052] The pressing arm 43 has a pressing portion 431. In detail, one end of the pressing arm 43 constitutes the pressing portion 431. The pressing portion 431 is configured to press the valve body 32. The pressing portion 431 abuts against the valve body 32 of the control valve 3. The pressing portion 431 is constantly in contact with the valve body 32.

[0053] The pressing portion 431 is movable in an entering direction and a retracting direction. When the pressing portion 431 moves in the entering direction, the valve body 32 moves in the entering direction by being pressed by the pressing portion 431. That is, when the pressing portion 431 moves in the entering direction, the valve body 32 moves in the entering direction so as to enter the valve body 31.

[0054] Furthermore, when the pressing portion 431 moves in the retracting direction, the valve body 32 moves in the retracting direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 33. That is, when the pressing portion 431 moves in the retracting direction, the valve body 32 moves in the retracting direction so as to retract from within the valve body 31.

[0055] The other end of the pressing arm 43 is attached to the planetary gear mechanism 44. The pressing arm 43 is disposed rotatable around a rotation axis O' of the planetary gear mechanism 44. The pressing arm 43 is rotatable relative to the first arm 41 and the second arm 42.

[0056] The pressing arm 43 is configured to rotate when torque is input from the first arm 41 or the second arm 42 to the planetary gear mechanism 44. In other words, when the first arm 41 or the second arm 42 rotates, the pressing arm 43 also rotates.

[0057] The pressing arm 43 rotates in an entry rotation direction so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the entry direction. That is, the pressing arm 43 rotates in the entry rotation direction so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the entry direction (downward in FIG. 3). The entry rotation direction is a direction in which the pressing arm 43 rotates so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the entry direction. In this embodiment, the entry rotation direction is the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3.

[0058] Moreover, the pressing arm 43 rotates in a retraction rotation direction so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the retraction direction. That is, the pressing arm 43 rotates in the retraction rotation direction so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the retraction direction (upward in FIG. 3). The retraction rotation direction is a direction in which the pressing arm 43 rotates so as to move the pressing portion 431 in the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction rotation direction is the clockwise direction in FIG. 3. The retraction rotation direction is the opposite direction to the entry rotation direction.

[0059] The planetary gear mechanism 44 is configured to receive torque from the first arm 41 and the second arm 42 and output the torque to the pressing arm 43. In detail, when the first arm 41 rotates in the operation rotation direction, the planetary gear mechanism 44 rotates the pressing arm 43 in the approaching rotation direction. On the other hand, when the first arm 41 rotates in the release rotation direction, the planetary gear mechanism 44 rotates the pressing arm 43 in the retreating rotation direction.

[0060] When the second arm 42 rotates in the disconnecting rotation direction, the planetary gear mechanism 44 rotates the pressing arm 43 in the retracting rotation direction. When the second arm 42 rotates in the transmitting rotation direction, the planetary gear mechanism 44 rotates the pressing arm 43 in the advancing rotation direction.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operation mechanism 4. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view seen from the right side of Fig. 3. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the planetary gear mechanism 44 has a ring gear 441, a sun gear 442, a plurality of planetary gears 443, and a planetary carrier 444.

[0062] The ring gear 441 is annular. The ring gear 441 is rotatable about a rotation axis O'. The ring gear 441 is an internal gear, and a gear is formed on the inner peripheral surface. The ring gear 441 is configured to receive torque from the first arm 41. Specifically, the ring gear 441 is configured to rotate integrally with the first arm 41. The ring gear 441 is fixed to the other end of the first arm. The ring gear 441 may be integrally formed with the first arm 41 by one member, or may be integrally formed with separate members.

[0063] The sun gear 442 is disposed within the ring gear 441. The sun gear 442 is disposed rotatably about a rotation axis O'. The sun gear 442 is configured to output torque to the pressing arm 43. Specifically, the sun gear 442 is configured to rotate integrally with the pressing arm 43.

[0064] Each planetary gear 443 is disposed between the ring gear 441 and the sun gear 442. Each planetary gear 443 meshes with the ring gear 441 and the sun gear 442. Each planetary gear 443 rotates on its own axis and revolves around a rotation axis O'.

[0065] The planetary carrier 444 is connected to each planetary gear 443. The planetary carrier 444 is arranged to be rotatable about a rotation axis O'. The planetary carrier 444 is configured to receive torque from the second arm 42. Specifically, the planetary carrier 444 is configured to rotate integrally with the second arm 42.

[0066] <Operation> Next, the operation of the release system 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figs. 3, 5, and 6. In Figs. 3, 5, and 6, reference lines L1 and L2 are lines for indicating the positional relationship of each member of the control valve 3 and the operation 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 411 of the first arm 41, and the first arm 41 is not rotating. Therefore, the pressing arm 43 is not rotating, and the pressing portion 431 does not move in the axial direction and 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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. In this way, the second chamber C2 and the third chamber C3 are in communication with 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.

[0069] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, 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 411, and the first arm 41 rotates around the rotation axis O'. That is, the input portion 411 moves in the operating direction, and the first arm 41 rotates in the operating rotation direction. Since the release piston 22 does not move, the second arm 42 does not rotate. Therefore, in the planetary gear mechanism 44, the planetary carrier 444 is fixed, and the ring gear 441 rotates. Therefore, each planetary gear 443 rotates without revolving, and the sun gear 442 rotates in the opposite direction to the ring gear 441. Then, the pressing arm 43 rotates in the approaching rotation direction, and the pressing portion 431 moves in the approaching direction to press the valve body 32 in the approaching direction. As a result, the second valve body 32b moves in the approaching direction and abuts against the first valve body 32a, moving the first valve body 32a in the approaching direction. The first valve body 32 a moves away from the contact portion 311 .

[0070] 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. The position of the valve body 32 when the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are thus communicated and air is supplied to the air chamber 24 is referred to as the supply position.

[0071] 6, when the driver stops the clutch operation (for example, when the driver stops depressing the clutch pedal while it is depressed), the release piston 22 of the release device 2 moves in the disconnecting direction due to the air supplied to the air chamber 24. Then, the push ring 25 presses the inner periphery of the diaphragm spring 102, and the clutch device enters the clutch-off state.

[0072] The follower portion 421 of the second arm 42 moves in the blocking direction similarly to the release piston 22, and the second arm 42 rotates in the blocking rotation direction. Here, the first arm 41 does not rotate. Therefore, in the planetary gear mechanism 44, the planetary carrier 444 rotates with the ring gear 441 fixed, and the sun gear 442 rotates in the same direction as the planetary carrier 444. The pressing arm 43 rotates in the retreating rotation direction, and the pressing portion 431 moves in the retreating direction. As a result, the second valve body 32b and the first valve body 32a move in the retreating direction, and the first valve body 32a abuts against the abutment portion 311 while the first valve body 32a and the second valve body 32b remain in contact with each other.

[0073] 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.

[0074] When the driver performs a clutch-on operation (for example, when the driver releases the clutch pedal), the operating force on the input portion 411 is released, the input portion 411 moves in the release direction, and the first arm 41 rotates in the release rotation direction. As a result, in the planetary gear mechanism 44, the ring gear 441 rotates with the planet carrier 444 fixed, and the sun gear 442 rotates in the opposite direction to the ring gear 441. Accordingly, the pressing arm 43 rotates in the retraction rotation direction, and the pressing portion 431 moves in the retraction direction.

[0075] Therefore, the second valve body 32b moves in the retracting direction, and the second valve body 32b moves away from the first valve body 32a. As a result, 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 transmission direction, and the clutch device 101 is in the clutch-on state. In addition, with the movement of the release piston 22 in the transmission direction, the follower part 421 also moves in the transmission direction, and the second arm 42 rotates in the transmission rotation direction. As a result, the control valve 3 and the operation mechanism 4 return to the state shown in FIG. 3. As described above, the valve body 32 can move between three positions: the supply position, the exhaust position, and the closed position.

[0076] [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.

[0077] (a) In the above embodiment, the first arm 41 is fixed to the ring gear 441, the second arm 42 is fixed to the planetary carrier 444, and the pressing arm 43 is fixed to the sun gear 442, but the configuration of the operation mechanism 4 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the first arm 41 may be fixed to the sun gear 442, the second arm 42 may be fixed to the planetary carrier 444, and the pressing arm 43 may be fixed to the ring gear 441.

[0078] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the first arm 41 may be fixed to a sun gear 442, the second arm 42 may be fixed to a ring gear 441, and the pressing arm 43 may be fixed to a planetary carrier 444.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the first arm 41 may be fixed to a planetary carrier 444 , the second arm 42 may be fixed to a ring gear 441 , and the pressing arm 43 may be fixed to a sun gear 442 .

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, the first arm 41 may be fixed to a planetary carrier 444 , the second arm 42 may be fixed to a sun gear 442 , and the pressing arm 43 may be fixed to a ring gear 441 .

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, the first arm 41 may be fixed to a ring gear 441, the second arm 42 may be fixed to a sun gear 442, and the pressing arm 43 may be fixed to a planetary carrier 444.

[0082] (b) In the above embodiment, the operational rotation direction of the first arm 41 and the opening rotation direction of the second arm 42 are the same rotation direction, but the configuration of the operation mechanism 4 is not limited to this. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, the operational rotation direction of the first arm 41 is the opposite rotation direction to the opening rotation direction of the second arm 42. That is, in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, the operational rotation direction of the first arm 41 is counterclockwise. On the other hand, the opening rotation direction of the second arm 42 is clockwise.

[0083] (c) In the above embodiment, the first arm 41 is directly attached to the planetary gear mechanism 44, but the configuration of the operation mechanism 4 is not limited to this. For example, the first arm 41 may be attached to the planetary gear mechanism 44 via other members. Similarly, the second arm 42 and the pressing arm 43 may also be attached to the planetary gear mechanism 44 via other members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 2: Release device 22: Release piston 24: Air chamber 27: Guide member 3: Control valve 31: Valve body 32: Valve body 4: Operation mechanism 41: First arm 411: Input section 42: Second arm 421: Follower 43: Pressing arm 431: Pressing part 44: Planetary gear mechanism 441: Ring gear 442: Sangia 444: Planet carrier 100: Release system 101: Clutch device

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; an operating mechanism configured to operate the control valve; The operation mechanism includes: A first arm including an input unit configured to receive an operating force by an operation of a driver; a second arm including a follower configured to move integrally with the release piston; a pressing member including a pressing portion configured to press the valve body; a planetary gear mechanism configured to receive torque from the first arm and the second arm and output torque to the pressing member; having Release system.

2. The input unit is configured to move in an operation direction when an operation force is applied thereto, the first arm is configured to rotate in an operation rotation direction when the input portion moves in the operation direction; the follower portion is configured to move in a disconnecting direction when the release piston moves to disconnect the power transmission of the clutch device, The second arm is configured to rotate in a blocking rotation direction when the follower portion moves in the blocking direction, The control valve has a valve body, The valve element is arranged to move in an entry direction into the valve body and in an exit direction out of the valve body, The pressing portion is configured to move in the entry direction and the exit direction, The pressing member is configured to rotate in an approaching rotation direction to move the pressing portion in the approaching direction, and to rotate in a retreating rotation direction to move the pressing portion in the retreating direction, the planetary gear mechanism is configured to rotate the pressing member in the approaching rotation direction when the first arm rotates in the operating rotation direction, and to rotate the pressing member in the retreating rotation direction when the second arm rotates in the cut-off rotation direction.

2. The release system of claim 1.

3. The input portion is configured to move in a release direction when the operational force is released, the first arm is configured to rotate in a release rotation direction when the input portion moves in the release direction, 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 the first arm rotates in an operating rotation direction, moves to the closing position when the second arm rotates in the blocking rotation direction, and moves to the exhaust position when the first arm rotates in a release rotation direction.

3. A release system according to claim 2.

4. The planetary gear mechanism includes: A ring gear configured to receive torque from the first arm; A planetary carrier configured to receive torque from the second arm; a sun gear configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

5. The planetary gear mechanism includes: a sun gear configured to receive torque from the first arm; A planetary carrier configured to receive torque from the second arm; A ring gear configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

6. The planetary gear mechanism includes: a sun gear configured to receive torque from the first arm; A ring gear configured to receive torque from the second arm; a planet carrier configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

7. The planetary gear mechanism includes: A planetary carrier configured to receive torque from the first arm; A ring gear configured to receive torque from the second arm; a sun gear configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

8. The planetary gear mechanism includes: A planetary carrier configured to receive torque from the first arm; a sun gear configured to receive torque from the second arm; A ring gear configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

9. The planetary gear mechanism includes: A ring gear configured to receive torque from the first arm; a sun gear configured to receive torque from the second arm; a planet carrier configured to output a torque to the pressing member; having 2. The release system of claim 1.

10. The follower portion is biased toward the release piston.

2. The release system of claim 1.

11. 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.

Images