Control valve

Abstract

To provide a control valve preventing slipping of a clutch due to oil leakage.SOLUTION: A control valve 100 is equipped with a valve body 40 and a link mechanism 10. The valve body can be switched between a communication state and a blocked state. In the communication state, an air chamber C is communicated with the outside so as to move a release piston 210. In the blocked state, the air chamber is blocked so as to stop the release piston. The link mechanism is configured to take a neutral posture and an operation posture. The neutral posture brings the valve body into the blocked state. The operation posture brings the valve body into the communication state. The link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operation posture by clutch operation. The link mechanism is configured to change from the operation posture to the neutral posture by the movement of the release piston.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control valve.

Background Art

[0002] In a clutch device for a vehicle, a clutch release device is provided to perform an operation for releasing the power transmission state (hereinafter referred to as a release operation). The release device operates a slave cylinder by operating a clutch pedal, for example, and thereby a release bearing moves in the axial direction. By this movement of the release bearing, the central portion of the diaphragm spring constituting the clutch device is pressed, and the pressing force of the pressure plate on the clutch disc is released. That is, the power transmission state in the clutch device is released.

[0003] In addition, a Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) type release device is used to reduce the stepping force during the release operation without increasing the size of the clutch release device. The CSC type release device has a release cylinder and a release piston provided coaxially with the input shaft of the transmission. Then, by supplying hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure to the release cylinder to operate the release piston, the release bearing moves in the axial direction. Hereinafter, a CSC type release device operated by pneumatic pressure is referred to as a pneumatic CSC.

[0004] A clutch device having a pneumatic CSC includes a control valve for controlling a release bearing device. The control valve is connected to an air source and controls the position of the clutch release device by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the clutch release device according to the depression amount of the clutch pedal.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-47381 (Citation Document 1) discloses a control valve using a hydraulic valve cylinder in a pneumatic CSC.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-47381 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] When controlling a clutch release device with a control valve using a hydraulic valve cylinder, oil leakage from the hydraulic cylinder may occur, and the clutch may slip.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a control valve that prevents clutch slip due to oil leakage. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] (1) The control valve according to one aspect of the present invention is a control valve for controlling a clutch release device. The clutch release device has a release piston movable in the release axis direction, a cylinder, and an air chamber. The control valve includes a valve body and a link mechanism. The valve body is switchable between a communication state and a closed state. The communication state communicates the air chamber with the outside so as to move the release piston. The closed state closes the air chamber so as to stop the release piston. The link mechanism is configured to take a neutral position and an operating position. The neutral position sets the valve body in the closed state. The operating position sets the valve body in the communication state. The link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operating position by a clutch operation. The link mechanism is configured to change from the operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston.

[0010] In the control valve configured as described above, by the clutch operation, the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the operating position. As a result, the valve body changes from the closed state to the communicating state. In the communicating state, the air chamber communicates with the outside, and the release piston moves. As the release piston moves, the link mechanism changes from the operating position to the neutral position. As a result, the valve body also changes from the communicating state to the closed state, and the movement of the release piston stops.

[0011] By the above operation, the control valve can control the position of the release piston with respect to the clutch operation to control the clutch release device. Further, since the control valve configured as described above does not use a hydraulic valve cylinder, it is possible to prevent the clutch from slipping due to oil leakage from the hydraulic cylinder.

[0012] (2) Preferably, the control valve further includes a slider. The slider is movable in the release axis direction by the clutch operation. The link mechanism has a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first link is connected to the slider at the first end portion. The second link includes a third end portion and a fourth end portion. The third end portion is connected to a member that moves together with the release piston. The fourth end portion is connected to the second end portion of the first link.

[0013] (3) Preferably, the control valve further includes a valve piston and a contact member. The valve piston is operated by the link mechanism to switch the valve body between the communicating state and the closed state. The contact member moves together with the valve piston. At least one of the second end portion and the fourth end portion slides on the contact member.

[0014] (4) Preferably, the release piston has a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are arranged at intervals in the release axis direction with respect to each other. The link mechanism has a first link, a second link, and a third link. The first link includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A force due to a clutch operation is input in the release axis direction to the first link. The first link is connected to the first attachment portion at the first end portion. The second link includes a third end portion and a fourth end portion. The second link is connected to the second attachment portion at the third end portion. The third link includes a fifth end portion and a sixth end portion. The fifth end portion is connected to the second end portion. The sixth end portion is connected to the fourth end portion.

[0015] (5) Preferably, the control valve further includes a valve piston and a roller. The valve piston is operated by the link mechanism to switch the valve body between a communicating state and a closed state. The roller moves together with the valve piston. The roller abuts on the third link. The roller is rotatably arranged.

[0016] (6) Preferably, the communicating state includes a first communicating state. The first communicating state communicates the air chamber with the air source. The operating posture includes a first operating posture. In the first operating posture, the valve body is in the first communicating state. The link mechanism is configured to change from a neutral posture to the first operating posture when a clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is off. The valve body is configured to be in the first communicating state when the link mechanism changes from the neutral posture to the first operating posture.

[0017] (7) Preferably, the communicating state includes a second communicating state. The second communicating state communicates the air chamber with the atmospheric pressure portion. The operating posture includes a second operating posture. In the second operating posture, the valve body is in the second communicating state. The link mechanism is configured to change from a neutral posture to the second operating posture when a clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is on. The valve body is configured to be in the second communicating state when the link mechanism changes from the neutral posture to the second operating posture.

[0018] (8) Preferably, the valve body has a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve opens the air supply circuit when the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the first operating position where the valve body is in the first communication state. The second sleeve opens the exhaust circuit when the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the second operating position where the valve body is in the second communication state.

[0019] (9) The valve body includes a silencer structure. The silencer structure suppresses the sound when air is discharged.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] In the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide a control valve that prevents slippage of the clutch due to oil leakage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] [Overall Configuration] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a control valve 100 and a clutch release device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control valve 100 is used for the clutch release device 200. The clutch device is a device for transmitting and interrupting torque from a flywheel (not shown) on the engine side to a transmission input shaft (not shown). The control valve 100 and the clutch release device 200 are connected via an air pipe (not shown). A clutch device is arranged above the clutch release device 200. A transmission (not shown) is arranged below the clutch release device 200.

[0023] In the cross-sectional view of Figure 1, the O-O line is the rotation axis. In the following description, the "release axis direction" indicates the direction in which the clutch release device 200 extends. The lower side of Figure 1 is defined as the "first side in the release axis direction", and the upper side of Figure 1 is defined as the "second side in the release axis direction". Also, the "valve axis direction" indicates the direction in which a valve body 40 described later extends. The valve axis direction is perpendicular to the release axis direction. The right side of Figure 1 is defined as the "first side in the valve axis direction", and the left side of Figure 1 is defined as the "second side in the valve axis direction". Also, the "radial direction" means the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O.

[0024] [Clutch release device 200] The clutch release device 200 is a device for performing a release operation on a clutch device arranged between an engine and a transmission. That is, by this clutch release device 200, the power transmission state in the clutch device is released.

[0025] The clutch release device 200 includes a cylinder 220, a release piston 210, and an air chamber C.

[0026] [Cylinder 220] The cylinder 220 has an inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221, an outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222, and a bottom portion 223.

[0027] The inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221 is arranged coaxially with the input shaft (not shown) of the transmission on the outer side in the radial direction. The outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222 extends axially to the second side from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 223. The outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222 extends substantially parallel to the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221. An air supply port 224 for supplying air to the air chamber C is formed in the bottom portion 223.

[0028] <Release piston 210> The release piston 210 is arranged coaxially with the input shaft between the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221 and the outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222 of the cylinder 220. The release piston 210 is axially movable along the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221 and the outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222 of the cylinder 220.

[0029] A release bearing 211 is fitted into the end portion on the second axial side of the release piston 210. A cylindrical release member 230 is mounted on the release bearing 211. This release member 230 is in contact with the inner peripheral end portion of the diaphragm spring 300 of the clutch device.

[0030] The release piston 210 is arranged to be axially movable in the release axis direction between an operating position and a non-operating position. Controlled by the control valve 100, the release piston 210 is switchable between the operating position and the non-operating position.

[0031] Note that the operating position is the final position in the state where air has entered the air chamber C and the release piston 210 has finished moving. That is, the operating position is the position of the release piston 210 when the clutch device is in the clutch-off state. Also, the non-operating position is the final position in the state where air has been discharged from the air chamber C and the release piston 210 has finished moving. That is, the non-operating position is the position of the release piston 210 when the clutch device is in the clutch-on state. The non-operating position is on the first side in the release axis direction from the operating position.

[0032] <Air chamber C> The air chamber C is defined by the cylinder 220 and the release piston 210. Specifically, the air chamber C is formed by the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 221, the bottom portion 223, the outer peripheral cylindrical portion 222 of the cylinder 220, and the release piston 210.

[0033] In the air chamber C, a spring 301 that biases the release piston 210 in the second axial direction is provided. By the spring 301, the release member 230 is pressed against the inner peripheral end portion of the diaphragm spring 300 with a predetermined pressure. In a state where no air is supplied to the air chamber C, a preload acts between the release member 230 and the diaphragm spring 300.

[0034] [Control valve 100] The control valve 100 is attached to the clutch release device 200. The control valve 100 is arranged such that the axial direction of the clutch release device 200 and the axial direction of the control valve 100 intersect. In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the clutch release device 200 and the axial direction of the control valve 100 intersect so as to be perpendicular to each other. The control valve 100 controls the clutch release device 200.

[0035] The control valve 100 includes a link mechanism 10, a slider 15, a valve piston 20, a contact member 30, and a valve body 40.

[0036] <Link mechanism 10> The link mechanism 10 is configured to take a neutral position and an operating position. The operating position includes a first operating position and a second operating position. That is, in the present embodiment, the link mechanism 10 is configured to take a neutral position, a first operating position, and a second operating position.

[0037] The link mechanism 10 is configured to change from the neutral position to the first operating position or the second operating position by a clutch operation. Further, the link mechanism 10 is configured to change from the first operating position or the second operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston 210.

[0038] Specifically, when the clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is disengaged, the link mechanism 10 is configured to change from the neutral position to the first operating position. Further, when the clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is engaged, the link mechanism 10 is configured to change from the neutral position to the second operating position.

[0039] In the neutral position, the link mechanism 10 closes the valve body 40. In the operating position, the link mechanism 10 puts the valve body 40 in a communicating state. Specifically, in the first operating position, the link mechanism 10 puts the valve body 40 in a state of communicating the air chamber C with the air source. In the second operating position, the link mechanism 10 puts the valve body 40 in a state of communicating the air chamber C with the atmospheric pressure section.

[0040] The link mechanism 10 includes a first link 11 and a second link 12.

[0041] <<The first link 11>> The first link 11 is an elongated plate shape. The first link 11 includes a first end portion 11a and a second end portion 11b. The first end portion 11a is rotatably connected to the slider 15. The first end portion 11a is movable in the release axis direction. The second end portion 11b is rotatably connected to the second link 12. The second end portion 11b is movable in the release axis direction and is also movable in the valve axis direction.

[0042] <<The second link 12>> The second link 12 is an elongated plate shape. The second link 12 includes a third end portion 12a and a fourth end portion 12b. The third end portion 12a is rotatably attached to a member that moves together with the release piston 210. Note that the third end portion 12a may be directly attached to the release piston 210 of the clutch release device 200. The third end portion 12a is movable in the release axis direction.

[0043] The fourth end portion 12b is rotatably connected to the second end portion 11b of the first link 11. The fourth end portion 12b is movable in the release axis direction and movable in the valve axis direction.

[0044] When the link mechanism 10 is in the first operating position, the distance between the first end portion 11a of the first link 11 and the third end portion 12a of the second link 12 is reduced compared to when the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral position, and the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b move to the first side in the valve axis direction. When the link mechanism 10 is in the second operating position, the distance between the first end portion 11a of the first link 11 and the third end portion 12a of the second link 12 is increased compared to when the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral position, and the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b move to the second side in the valve axis direction.

[0045] <Slider 15> The slider 15 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The slider 15 is connected to the clutch pedal. The slider 15 is attached so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axis direction of the clutch release device 200. The slider 15 is movable in the release axis direction. In this embodiment, when the clutch pedal is depressed, the slider 15 moves to the second side in the release axis direction, and when the depression of the clutch pedal is released, the slider 15 is configured to move to the first side in the release axis direction.

[0046] <Valve piston 20> The valve piston 20 is cylindrical. The valve piston 20 is movable in the valve axis direction. The valve piston 20 is operated by the link mechanism 10.

[0047] <Contact member 30> The contact member 30 is attached to the end portion on the second side in the valve axis direction of the valve piston 20. Thereby, the contact member 30 moves in the valve axis direction together with the valve piston 20.

[0048] The contact member 30 includes a main body portion 31 and a posture holding portion 32. The main body portion 31 contacts at least one of the second end portion 11b of the first link 11 and the fourth end portion 12b of the second link 12. In the process of the link mechanism 10 changing its posture between the neutral posture and the operating posture, at least one of the second end portion 11b of the first link 11 and the fourth end portion 12b of the second link 12 slides on the contact member 30.

[0049] <Valve body 40> The valve body 40 is disposed on the first side in the valve axis direction with respect to the link mechanism 10. An air source (not shown) is connected to the valve body 40.

[0050] The valve body 40 can be switched between a closed state and a communicating state. The communicating state includes a first communicating state and a second communicating state. That is, in the present embodiment, the valve body 40 can be switched to any one of a closed state, a first communicating state, and a second communicating state.

[0051] In the closed state, the valve body 40 closes the air chamber C so as to stop the release piston 210.

[0052] In the communicating state, the valve body 40 communicates the air chamber C with the outside so as to move the release piston 210. Specifically, in the first communicating state, the valve body 40 communicates the air chamber C with the air source. Also, in the second communicating state, the valve body 40 communicates the air chamber C with the atmospheric pressure portion. Here, the air source and the atmospheric pressure portion correspond to the above-mentioned outside. The atmospheric pressure portion is a portion communicating with the atmosphere.

[0053] The valve body 40 is switched between the communicating state and the closed state by the valve piston 20 operated by the link mechanism 10. When the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral posture, the valve body 40 is in the closed state. Also, when the link mechanism 10 is in the operating posture, the valve body 40 is in the communicating state. Specifically, when the link mechanism 10 is in the first operating posture, the valve body 40 is in the first communicating state, and when the link mechanism 10 is in the second operating posture, the valve body 40 is in the second communicating state.

[0054] The valve body 40 is connected to the air supply port 224 of the clutch release device 200 via an air pipe. Thus, in the first communication state, the valve body 40 can send air to the air chamber C of the clutch release device 200. Further, the valve body 40 communicates with an atmospheric pressure portion (not shown). Thus, in the second communication state, the valve body 40 can exhaust the air in the air chamber C.

[0055] The valve body 40 includes a valve cylinder 41, a first sleeve 43, a second sleeve 44, and a silencer structure 45. The valve piston 20, the first sleeve 43, and the second sleeve 44 are arranged to be movable in the valve cylinder 41 in the valve axis direction.

[0056] The valve cylinder 41 is cylindrical. The valve cylinder 41 is arranged coaxially with the valve piston 20. The valve cylinder 41 has an air supply port 41a for supplying air to the clutch release device 200.

[0057] The valve cylinder 41 further has a protrusion 41b between the first sleeve 43 and the second sleeve 44. The protrusion 41b abuts against the end portion on the second side in the valve axis direction of the first sleeve 43 when the valve body 40 is in the closed state, blocking the air communication.

[0058] The first sleeve 43 is hollow and cylindrical. When the valve body 40 is in the closed state, the first sleeve 43 is biased toward the second side in the valve axis direction by a first valve spring 43a. The end portion on the second side in the valve axis direction of the first sleeve 43 abuts against the end portion on the first side in the valve axis direction of the second sleeve 44 and the protrusion 41b of the valve cylinder 41.

[0059] The first sleeve 43 is connected to the silencer structure 45 at the end on the first side in the valve axis direction. The silencer structure 45 provides a space. The silencer structure 45 also functions as an exhaust port. The silencer structure 45 suppresses the sound when air is discharged.

[0060] The second sleeve 44 is cylindrical. The second sleeve 44 has a recess extending in the valve axis direction at the central part. The valve piston 20 is inserted into this recess. Therefore, when the valve piston 20 moves to the first side in the valve axis direction, the valve piston 20 can move together with the valve piston 20.

[0061] The second sleeve 44 is biased to the second side in the valve axis direction by the second valve spring 44a. When the valve body 40 is in the closed state, the end of the second sleeve 44 on the first side in the valve axis direction abuts against the end of the first sleeve 43 on the second side in the valve axis direction.

[0062] When the valve body 40 is in the first communication state, the protrusion 41b is away from the end of the first sleeve 43 on the second side in the valve axis direction. This state is the state where the air supply circuit is open, and air is supplied to the air chamber C of the clutch release device 200.

[0063] When the valve body 40 is in the second communication state, a gap is formed between the end of the first sleeve 43 on the second side in the valve axis direction and the end of the second sleeve 44 on the first side in the valve axis direction. This state is the state where the exhaust circuit is open. At this time, the air of the clutch release device 200 is exhausted through the hollow portion of the first sleeve 43.

[0064] [Operation] The clutch device takes on a clutch-on state and a clutch-off state. When the clutch device is in the clutch-on state, the clutch disc is clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel by the pressing force of the diaphragm spring 300. Therefore, the power from the engine is transmitted to the transmission. On the other hand, when the clutch device is in the clutch-off state, the clutch disc separates from the flywheel. Therefore, the transmission of power from the engine to the transmission is interrupted.

[0065] The clutch operation includes a clutch-on operation for putting the clutch device in the clutch-on state and a clutch-off operation for putting the clutch device in the clutch-off state. Note that the clutch-off operation is an operation of stepping on the clutch pedal, and the clutch-on operation is an operation of releasing the clutch pedal. That is, the clutch device is normally in the clutch-on state.

[0066] The operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. In FIGS. 2 to 5, the dashed line A indicates the position of the contact portion between the link mechanism 10 and the contact member 30 when the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral position. The dashed line B indicates the position of the contact portion between the link mechanism 10 and the contact member 30 when the link mechanism 10 is in the first operating position. The dashed line C indicates the position of the contact portion between the link mechanism 10 and the contact member 30 when the link mechanism 10 is in the second operating position.

[0067] When the clutch device is in the clutch-on state, the clutch release device 200 is biased against the diaphragm spring 300 by the biasing force of the spring 301. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral position.

[0068] When the clutch-off operation is performed, the force due to the clutch-off operation is input to the slider 15, and the slider 15 moves toward the second side in the release axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the link mechanism 10 changes from the neutral position to the first operating position. Specifically, since the first end portion 11a of the first link 11 is connected to the slider 15, the link mechanism 10 is pushed by the slider 15, and the first end portion 11a of the first link 11 moves toward the second side in the release axis direction. Thereby, the second end portion 11b of the first link 11 and the fourth end portion 12b of the second link 12 move toward the second side in the release axis and the first side in the valve axis direction. At the same time, at least one of the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b presses the contact member 30 while sliding on the contact member 30 and presses the contact member 30 toward the first side in the valve axis direction.

[0069] The contact member 30 pressed by the link mechanism 10 moves toward the first side in the valve axis direction. Together with the contact member 30, the valve piston 20 also moves toward the first side in the valve axis direction. Therefore, the second sleeve 44 moves integrally with the valve piston 20 and pushes the end portion on the second side in the release axis direction of the first sleeve 43. As a result, the first sleeve 43 moves toward the first side in the release axis direction to open the air supply circuit that communicates the air chamber C with the air source, and the valve body 40 is in the first communication state. When the air chamber C is communicated with the air source, air is supplied to the air chamber C. When air is supplied to the air chamber C, the release piston 210 moves from the non-operating position toward the second side in the release axis direction and takes the operating position. As a result, the release member 230 presses the central portion of the diaphragm spring 300, and the pressing force of the pressure plate is released. As a result, the clutch disc separates from the flywheel, the clutch device is in the clutch-off state, and the transmission of power from the engine to the transmission is interrupted.

[0070] Further, as the release piston 210 moves from the non-operating position to the operating position, as shown in FIG. 4, the link mechanism 10 changes from the first operating position to the neutral position. Specifically, the third end portion 12a of the second link 12 moves toward the second side in the release axis direction. At the same time, at least one of the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the contact member 30.

[0071] As a result, the pressing of the contact member 30 by the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b is released. The contact member 30 is biased toward the second side in the valve axis direction by the first valve spring 43a and the second valve spring 44a via the valve piston 20. For this reason, the contact member 30 moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction together with the valve piston 20. As the valve piston 20 moves, the first sleeve 43 and the second sleeve 44 move toward the second side in the valve axis direction, and the first sleeve 43 abuts against the protrusion 41b, closing the air supply circuit. As a result, the valve body 40 also changes from the first communication state to the closed state, and the movement of the release piston 210 stops.

[0072] On the other hand, when a clutch-off operation is performed, the slider 15 is pulled toward the first side in the release axis direction by the clutch-off operation, and the slider 15 moves toward the first side in the release axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the link mechanism 10 changes from the neutral posture to the second operation posture. Specifically, the first end portion 11a moves toward the first side in the release axis direction together with the slider 15. As a result, the second end portion 11b of the first link 11 and the fourth end portion 12b of the second link 12 move toward the first side of the release axis and the second side in the valve axis direction. At the same time, at least one of the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the contact member 30.

[0073] As a result, the pressing of the contact member 30 by the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b is released. The contact member 30 is biased toward the second side in the valve axis direction by the first valve spring 43a and the second valve spring 44a via the valve piston 20. Therefore, the contact member 30 moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction together with the valve piston 20. Together with the contact member 30, the valve piston 20 also moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction. As a result, the second sleeve 44 moves toward the second side in the valve axis direction, and a gap is generated between the second sleeve 44 and the first sleeve 43. Thereby, the second sleeve 44 opens an exhaust circuit that communicates the air chamber C with the atmospheric pressure portion, and the valve body 40 enters the second communication state. The valve body 40 communicates the air chamber C with the atmospheric pressure portion in the second communication state. When communicating with the atmospheric pressure portion, air is exhausted from the air chamber C. When the air pressure in the air chamber C decreases, the release piston 210 moves from the operating position toward the first side in the release axis direction by the pressing force of the diaphragm spring 300 and assumes the non-operating position. As a result, the clutch disc presses the flywheel, and the power from the engine is transmitted to the transmission.

[0074] Further, as the release piston 210 moves from the release operating position to the non-operating position, as shown in FIG. 2, the link mechanism 10 changes from the second operating posture to the neutral posture. Specifically, the third end portion 12a of the second link 12 moves toward the first side in the release axis direction. As a result, the second end portion 11b of the first link 11 and the fourth end portion 12b of the second link 12 move toward the first side in the release axis and the second side in the valve axis direction. At the same time, at least one of the second end portion 11b and the fourth end portion 12b presses the contact member 30 while sliding on the contact member 30. Pressed by the contact member 30, the valve piston 20 moves toward the first side in the valve axis direction. The second sleeve 44 is pressed by the valve piston 20, and the gap between the end portion on the second side in the valve axis direction of the first sleeve 43 and the end portion on the first side in the valve axis direction of the second sleeve 44 closes, and the exhaust circuit closes. As a result, the valve body 40 also changes from the second communication state to the closed state, and the movement of the release piston 210 stops.

[0075] Through the above operation, the control valve 100 can control the clutch release device 200 by controlling the position of the release piston 210 of the clutch release device 200 with respect to the clutch operation. Further, since the control valve 100 according to one aspect of the present invention does not use a hydraulic cylinder, it is possible to prevent clutch slippage due to oil leakage from the hydraulic cylinder.

[0076] [Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications or corrections can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] Modification Example 1 In the above embodiment, the control valve 100 includes a link mechanism 10 including a first link 11 and a second link 12, and a slider 15. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. The control valve 100 may include a link mechanism 110 including a first link 111, a second link 112, and a third link 113, and a roller 160.

[0078] In this modification, the release piston 210 has a first attachment portion 211a and a second attachment portion 211b that are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0079] <Link Mechanism 110> Similar to the above embodiment, the link mechanism 110 is configured to take a neutral position, a first operating position, and a second operating position.

[0080] <<First Link 111>> The first link 111 is an elongated plate shape. The first link 111 includes a first end portion 111a and a second end portion 111b. The first link 111 is rotatably connected to the first attachment portion 211a at the first end portion 111a. The second end portion 111b is movable in the release axial direction and movable in the valve axial direction. A force due to the clutch operation is input to the first link 111 in the release axial direction.

[0081] <<Second Link 112>> The second link 112 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The second link 112 is arranged in parallel with the first link 111. The second link 112 includes a third end 112a and a fourth end 112b. The second link 112 is rotatably connected to the second attachment portion 211b at the third end 112a.

[0082] <<Third Link 113>> The third link 113 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The third link 113 includes a fifth end 113a and a sixth end 113b. The fifth end 113a is rotatably connected to the second end 111b. The sixth end 113b is rotatably connected to the fourth end 112b. The third link 113 extends parallel to the release axis direction. It is preferable that the third link 113 always maintains a posture parallel to the release axis direction.

[0083] <Roller 160> The roller 160 is movable in the valve axis direction. The roller 160 moves together with the valve piston 20. The roller 160 abuts against the third link 113. The roller 160 is rotatably arranged.

[0084] When the link mechanism 110 is in the first operating posture, the third link 113 moves to the first side in the valve axis direction compared to when the link mechanism 110 is in the neutral posture. When the link mechanism 110 is in the second operating posture, the third link 113 moves to the second side in the valve axis direction compared to when the link mechanism 10 is in the neutral posture.

[0085] [Operation] When a clutch-off operation is performed, the force due to the clutch-off operation is input to the first link 111, and the second end 111b of the first link 111 moves to the second side in the release axis direction and the first side in the valve axis direction. Here, the fifth end 113a of the third link 113 is connected to the second end 111b. Therefore, the third link 113 moves to the first side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the roller 160. In this way, the link mechanism 110 changes from the neutral posture to the first operating posture.

[0086] At this time, the roller 160 is pushed by the third link 113 and moves to the first side in the valve axis direction. Together with the roller 160, the valve piston 20 also moves to the first side in the valve axis direction. Therefore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the valve body 40 enters the first communication state. As a result, the release piston 210 moves from the non-operating position to the operating position.

[0087] Also, as the release piston 210 moves from the non-operating position to the operating position, the third end portion 112a of the second link 112 moves to the second side in the release axis direction. As a result, the fourth end portion 112b of the second link 112 moves to the second side in the release axis direction and the second side in the valve axis direction. At the same time, the third link 113 moves to the second side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the roller 160. In this way, the link mechanism 110 changes from the first operating posture to the neutral posture. As a result, the valve body 40 also changes from the first communication state to the closed state, and the movement of the release piston 210 stops.

[0088] On the other hand, when an operation is performed so as to become a clutch on, the force by the clutch operation is released from the first link 111, and the second end portion 111b of the first link 111 moves to the first side in the release axis direction and the second side in the valve axis direction. Here, the fifth end portion 113a of the third link 113 is connected to the second end portion 111b. Therefore, the third link 113 moves to the second side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the roller 160. In this way, the link mechanism 110 changes from the neutral posture to the second operating posture.

[0089] At this time, the pressing force of the third link 113 on the roller 160 is released, and the roller 160 moves to the second side in the valve axis direction. Together with the roller 160, the valve piston 20 also moves to the second side in the valve axis direction. Together with the roller 160, the valve piston 20 also moves to the second side in the valve axis direction. Therefore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the valve body 40 enters the second communication state. As a result, the release piston 210 moves from the operating position to the non-operating position.

[0090] Also, as the release piston 210 moves from the release operating position to the non-operating position, the third end portion 112a of the second link 112 moves to the first side in the release axis direction. As a result, the fourth end portion 112b of the second link 112 moves to the first side of the release axis and the second side in the valve axis direction. At the same time, the third link 113 moves to the first side in the valve axis direction while sliding on the roller 160. In this way, the link mechanism 110 changes from the second operating posture to the neutral posture. As a result, the valve body 40 also changes from the first communication state to the closed state, and the movement of the release piston 210 stops.

[0091] Modification Example 2 In the above embodiment, in both the clutch-off operation and the clutch-on operation, the link mechanism 10 changes its posture from the neutral posture to the first operating posture, from the first operating posture to the neutral posture, from the neutral posture to the second operating posture, and from the second operating posture to the neutral posture. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. The link mechanism 10 may change its posture only in the clutch-off operation. Also, the link mechanism 10 may change its posture only in the clutch-on operation.

[0092] Modification Example 3 In the above embodiment, the control valve 100 controls the position of the release piston 210 in response to the clutch operation by the clutch pedal. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. The control valve 100 may control the position of the clutch release device 200 in response to the clutch operation by other means.

[0093] Modification Example 4 In the above embodiment, the second link 112 is fixed to the release piston 210. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the second link 112 may be fixed to other parts of the release piston 210.

[0094] Modification Example 5 In the above embodiment, the valve body 40 includes a first sleeve 43 and a second sleeve 44. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the valve body 40 may have only one valve.

[0095] Modification Example 6 The shape and configuration of the clutch release device 200 are not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 10 Link mechanism 11 First link 12 Second link 15 Slider 20 Valve piston 30 Contact member 40 Valve body 41 Valve cylinder 43 First sleeve 44 Second sleeve 100 Control valve 111 First link 112 Second link 113 Third link 160 Roller 200 Clutch release device 210 Release piston C Air chamber

Claims

A control valve for controlling a clutch release device having a release piston movable in the release axis direction, a cylinder, and an air chamber, comprising: a valve body that can be switched between a communication state in which the air chamber communicates with the outside to move the release piston and a closed state in which the air chamber is closed to stop the release piston; a link mechanism configured to take a neutral position in which the valve body is in the closed state and an operating position in which the valve body is in the communication state; the link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operating position by a clutch operation and to change from the operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston; further comprising a slider movable in the release axis direction by a clutch operation; the link mechanism comprises: a first link including a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the slider; a second link including a third end portion connected to a member that moves with the release piston and a fourth end portion connected to the second end portion of the first link; and having: a control valve.

2. further comprising a valve piston that is operated on the link mechanism to switch the valve body between the communication state and the closed state; and a contact member that moves with the valve piston; at least one of the second end portion and the fourth end portion slides on the contact member; The control valve according to claim 1.

3. A control valve for controlling a clutch release device having a release piston movable in the release axis direction, a cylinder, and an air chamber, comprising: a valve body that can be switched between a communication state in which the air chamber communicates with the outside to move the release piston and a closed state in which the air chamber is closed to stop the release piston; a link mechanism configured to take a neutral position in which the valve body is in the closed state and an operating position in which the valve body is in the communication state; the link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operating position by a clutch operation and to change from the operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston; the release piston has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that are arranged at intervals in the release axis direction; the link mechanism comprises: A first link including a first end portion and a second end portion, to which a force by a clutch operation is input in the release axis direction and which is connected to the first attachment portion at the first end portion, A second link including a third end portion and a fourth end portion, which is connected to the second attachment portion at the third end portion, A third link including a fifth end portion connected to the second end portion and a sixth end portion connected to the fourth end portion, Having A control valve.

4. A valve piston that is operated by the link mechanism to switch the valve body between the communicating state and the closed state, A roller that moves together with the valve piston, abuts against the third link, and is rotatably arranged, The control valve according to claim 3, further comprising

5. A control valve for controlling a clutch release device having a release piston movable in the release axis direction, a cylinder, and an air chamber, A valve body that can be switched between a communicating state in which the air chamber is communicated with the outside to move the release piston and a closed state in which the air chamber is closed to stop the release piston, A link mechanism configured to take a neutral position in which the valve body is in the closed state and an operating position in which the valve body is in the communicating state, The link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operating position by a clutch operation, and is configured to change from the operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston, The communicating state includes a first communicating state in which the air chamber communicates with an air source and a second communicating state in which the air chamber communicates with an atmospheric pressure portion, The operating position includes a first operating position in which the valve body is in the first communicating state and a second operating position in which the valve body is in the second communicating state, The link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the first operating position when a clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is off, The link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the second operating position when a clutch operation is performed so that the clutch is on, The valve body is configured to be in the first communicating state when the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the first operating position, The valve body is configured to be in the second communicating state when the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the second operating position, The valve body has a first sleeve and a second sleeve. When the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the first operating position in which the valve body is in the first communication state, the first sleeve opens the air supply circuit. When the link mechanism changes from the neutral position to the second operating position in which the valve body is in the second communication state, the second sleeve opens the exhaust circuit. Control valve.

6. A control valve for controlling a clutch release device having a release piston movable in the release axis direction, a cylinder, and an air chamber, a valve body that can be switched between a communication state in which the air chamber is communicated with the outside so as to move the release piston and a closed state in which the air chamber is closed so as to stop the release piston; a link mechanism configured to take a neutral position in which the valve body is in the closed state and an operating position in which the valve body is in the communication state; the link mechanism is configured to change from the neutral position to the operating position by a clutch operation, and is configured to change from the operating position to the neutral position by the movement of the release piston, the valve body includes a silencer structure that suppresses the sound when air is discharged. Control valve.

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