DE102006036283B4 - Adjustment mechanism for length adjustment of a Bowden cable - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustment mechanism 1 for length adjustment of a Bowden cable 50, 52, 54, comprising a base body 10 for receiving a first shell 50 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54; an actuator 20 with external teeth 22 for receiving a second sleeve 52 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54; at least one bowl-shaped insert 30, 31, with an internal toothing 32; wherein the base body 10 has a hollow cylindrical elastic spring portion 12, in which the at least one insert 30, 31 is inserted, so that the internal teeth 32 of the insert 30, 31 is in engagement with the external teeth 22 of the actuator 20.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to an adjustment device for length adjustment a Bowden cable, which provides a simple and safe length adjustment a Bowden cable allows the device to be operated.

2. State of the art

Bowden cables will be u. a. used in motor vehicles, machines or bicycles. They generally serve to connect an actuator, z. As a pedal or a lever, with an operable Device, z. B. a brake or clutch. The length of the Bowden cable between the actuator and the one to be operated Device usually has be set free of play, so that the device can be operated correctly. Usually Brakes or clutches over the length of the Bowden cable adjusted or readjusted.

Bowden cables can and compressive forces Transfer distant places. They usually exist from a flexible shell, which is formed by a wire spiral wrapped in plastic is as well as from a cable that is usually is formed from a wire rope. The cable is free inside the case displaceable. The case takes pressure forces in the first place on, the cable transmits in the first place Line tensile forces.

Bowden cables of this Art usually become to a certain length set by the sheath in their length changed becomes. The length The cable is usually kept constant. For this purpose are in the prior art different adjusting devices known.

For example, shows the EP 1 296 072 A1 an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of a Bowden cable, comprising a cylindrical housing and an adjusting member slidably disposed therein, which is biased against the cylindrical housing by a spring. The spring generates a biasing force on the Bowden cable, so that the Bowden cable is automatically biased. In order to permanently detect the adjusting member on the cylindrical housing, the adjusting member is equipped with locking means which can lock with corresponding locking means on the housing.

Further adjustment mechanisms for Bowden cables are for example from the EP 0 861 988 A2 . EP 0 658 696 A1 or the WO 96/25604 A1 known. All of these adjustment mechanisms operate on the principle described above, ie they have springs that apply a certain bias on the Bowden cable and are then detected manually or automatically. Such adjusting devices often consist of a plurality of components and are comparatively complicated mountable or adjustable.

The last three described adjustment mechanisms can be occurring game of Automatically compensate Bowden cable. That's why they point but in itself a certain axial play. Such a thing Game in the adjustment mechanism is undesirable as it is the response time enlarged on initiated movements.

Farther leads this automatic adjustment to allow the forces transmitted with these adjustment mechanisms can be not very high. Therefore, these adjustment mechanisms not for safety-relevant applications, for example with parking brakes used.

From the EP 0 619 437 A1 an adjustment mechanism for length adjustment of a Bowden cable is known, comprising: a base body; an actuator with an external toothing for receiving a sheath of the Bowden cable; internal thread intersections arranged on webs of the main body; wherein the base body has a hollow-cylindrical elastic spring region, so that the internal toothings of the base body are in engagement with the external toothing of the actuator; and wherein the internal gears are slidable over the outer teeth of the actuator and latched in a new position. However, this known adjustment mechanism has neither two relatively adjustable sleeves nor a bowl-shaped insert without axial play. In addition, for adjusting the length of the Bowden cable, the main body and the actuator are not manually pulled apart in the pulling direction. The from the WO 01/53709 A1 Although known adjustment mechanism shows inserts for the adjustment of poles. However, these plate-shaped inserts are not comparable to the cup-shaped inserts of the invention. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a setting device for a cable, which is simple in construction, easy and error-free to install, has a small footprint, has no axial play, can transmit very high forces, works very reliable and can be operated particularly easily and safely.

3. Summary of the invention

The o. g. Task is solved by an adjusting device according to the invention according to claim 1.

Especially the task is solved by an adjustment mechanism for length adjustment of a Bowden cable, having a base body for Recording a first case of the Bowden cable; an actuator with an outer toothing for receiving a second shell of the Bowden cable; at least one cup-shaped insert, with an internal toothing; where the main body a hollow cylindrical having elastic spring region, in which the at least one insert is inserted so that the internal toothing of the insert with the external teeth of the actuator is engaged.

By the hollow cylindrical Spring range is the insert used or used Calls pressed in the direction of the actuator and a secure locking the actuator with the insert or inserts is guaranteed. The spring area deforms when adjusting the adjustment mechanism from the cylindrical shape elastic in a slightly oval shape.

Thereby, that the insert or the inserts in the main body be used, a particularly robust arrangement is provided, which is also easy to install. The adjustment mechanism is therefore simple, robust and can transfer high loads.

The Gears on the insert and the actuator are engaged, that the actuator with respect of the basic body only in one direction (pulling direction P) can be moved, d. H. only to "lengthen" the adjustment mechanism. This ensures that the fitter the to be adjusted Bowden cable sure spans.

By the simple and robust construction of essentially only three or three four components, the adjustment mechanism has a high reliability is free of play and can transfer high loads. In addition, he is mainly due of the hollow cylindrical Spring range very small and thin, so that it can be used universally to adjust Bowden cables.

According to the invention is for Setting the length of the Bowden cable of the main body and the actuator is pulled apart manually in the pulling direction P, wherein the internal toothing of the cup-shaped insert over the external teeth of the actuator slides and locked in a new position. The adjustment of the Bowden cable, d. H. the extension of the adjustment mechanism, happens manually and not automatically, so high reliability, Backlash and high transferred loads be guaranteed.

According to the invention Insert attached without axial play in the spring area. Thereby an axial clearance of the adjustment mechanism is completely avoided.

Prefers indicates the cup-shaped Insert on its outside Has latching elements, which with corresponding locking elements on the spring area engage. The locking elements on the insert and on the spring area keep the insert inside the spring area after mounting it. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism can be easily mounted.

In a further preferred embodiment indicates the cup-shaped Insert at one end a collar, which is attached to an end face of the Spring range supports. The federal government supports the operation on the face of the spring area and transmits with it the axial forces of the actuator on the body. An optional paragraph within the body on which the insert is additionally supported, can also absorb some of the axial forces.

Prefers show the basic body and the actuator at each end of a collar for manual activity of the adjustment mechanism. To facilitate manual adjustment, show the basic body and the actuator at each end of a covenant, with which the adjustment mechanism can be easily pulled apart by hand can.

Prefers has the external teeth the actuator annular Teeth on, which are inclined in the pulling direction P, so that the actuator relative to the Insert and the main body can be moved irreversibly in the pulling direction P. Due to the annular Teeth, a secure engagement with teeth is provided on the insert. Furthermore, by the annular Teeth the actuator across from the main body be twisted without the risk that the adjustment mechanism failed. The two cases of the Bowden cable are therefore regarding a rotation decoupled from each other.

In a further preferred embodiment are two bowl-shaped Calls used in the spring area. By two bowl-shaped inserts is provided a symmetrical structure of the adjustment mechanism, the most reliable works and higher can transmit axial forces, as only one use.

Preferably, the inserts in the spring area on a tangential game. A radial and tangential play of the inserts in the spring area facilitates the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism. The game is designed so that it, together with the elastic deformation of the spring area, the space necessary for sliding over the catch teeth in the pulling direction P provides. The radial clearance is always smaller than the radial height of the ratchet teeth.

It is further preferred that the adjustment of a Plastic material is made and only from the components body, actuator and one or two inserts consists. Thus, the adjustment mechanism is particularly simple, robust and very light.

4. Brief description of the drawings

in the The following are preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the figures. In which shows:

1 a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an adjusting mechanism according to the invention connected to a Bowden cable;

2 a three-dimensional exploded view of the adjustment of 1 ;

3 a sectional view of the adjustment of 1 ;

4 a detail of the sectional view 3 ; and

5 a three-dimensional representation of the assembly process of an adjustment mechanism 1 ,

5. Description of the preferred embodiments

in the Following are preferred embodiments of the present invention Invention with reference to the figures explained in detail.

1 showed a first embodiment of an adjustment mechanism 1 for length adjustment of a Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 , The adjustment mechanism 1 consists of a basic body 10 that with a first shell 50 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 is connected to an actuator 20 that with a second shell 52 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 is connected and two bowl-shaped inserts 30 . 31 that are in the main body 10 are used. The Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 is set in which the distance of the sheaths 50 . 52 to each other by means of the adjustment mechanism 1 is changed, the actuator 20 from the main body 10 is pulled out, as shown by the arrows P. This leaves the length of a cable 54 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 that is due to the adjustment mechanism 1 extends through, constant.

2 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the individual components of the adjustment mechanism 1 , The main body 10 has at one end a hollow cylindrical spring element 12 in, in the two bowl-shaped inserts 30 . 31 be used. The spring element 12 is elastically deformable to some extent, in that it can change its hollow cylindrical shape into a slightly oval shape. The spring action of the spring element 12 essentially results from the wall thickness and the material used.

This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the two inserts 30 . 31 to elastically change each other in the radial direction, and adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 1 to enable.

The bowl-shaped inserts 30 . 31 each have an internal toothing 32 on, that of an external toothing 22 of the actuator 20 equivalent. For mounting the inserts 30 . 31 These are with locking elements 38 equipped in corresponding locking elements 13 on the spring element 12 can engage. This will be the stakes 30 . 31 axially in the body 10 recorded.

The adjustment mechanism 1 that is between a first shell 50 and a second shell 52 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 and determines their axial distance to each other, must absorb during operation substantially axial pressure loads. For this purpose, the cup-shaped inserts 30 . 31 each with a bunch 36 equipped, which after assembly to an end face 15 of the spring area 12 of the basic body 10 supported. About this covenant 36 a major part of the axial load is transmitted.

The actuator 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with a through hole 29 for the cable 54 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 , On its outside, the actuator 20 an area with external teeth 22 on that with the internal gears 32 the stakes 30 . 31 engaged.

Furthermore, the actuator 20 a first stop 25 on, the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 1 limited in the direction of the pulling direction P. A second stop 27 limits the minimum axial extent of the adjustment mechanism 1 ,

As in 3 shown, the body indicates 10 a cylindrical receptacle 18 for receiving the first envelope 50 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 on. The actuator 20 has a corresponding cylindrical receptacle 28 for receiving the second shell 52 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 on.

The main body 10 and the actuator 20 each have through holes 19 . 29 on, through which the cable 54 of the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 extends and can move freely axially.

For manual operation of the adjustment mechanism 1 ie to pull the actuator apart 20 and the basic body 10 , indicates the main body 10 and the actuator 20 at one end a bunch 16 . 26 on, on which the fitter can simply pull apart the two elements by hand. When pulling apart, the ratchet teeth slide the teeth 32 over the ratchet teeth of the toothing 22 , where the two inserts 30 . 31 against the spring action of the spring area 12 be pressed apart. This deforms the spring area 12 from a cylindrical to a slightly oval shape. At the same time becomes a game 40 in the radial direction between the inserts 30 . 31 and the inner wall of the spring element 12 exists, eliminated.

After the adjustment mechanism 1 was set to the desired length, that was pulled apart or extended, the ratchet teeth of the teeth snap 32 back into the ratchet teeth of the teeth 22 and thus prevent a shortening of the adjustment mechanism 1 , Through the inclined teeth of the corresponding teeth 32 . 22 , the adjustment process is irreversible, ie the adjustment mechanism 1 can only be extended to the Bowden cable 50 . 52 . 54 to tension, but an opposite movement, ie shortening of the adjustment mechanism 1 is not possible anymore.

Thus the two inserts 30 . 31 easily move apart, and the spring element 12 only an elastic deformation but no elastic enlargement of the diameter must perform, have the inserts 30 . 31 a tangential game 42 to each other. When the spring element 12 When the Verstel development executes an elastic deformation to an oval cross-sectional shape, the tangential game can 42 between the two inserts 30 . 31 reduce.

The 5 shows in three steps a preferred process for mounting the adjustment mechanism 1 , In a first in 5a shown step, the two bets 30 . 31 so on the external teeth 22 of the actuator 20 put on that the covenant 36 at the stop 27 is applied to provide the largest possible adjustment.

In another in 5b The illustrated step then becomes the actuator 20 with the bowl-shaped inserts 30 . 31 axially in the body 10 introduced until the locking elements 38 with the corresponding locking elements 13 at the feather area 12 engage.

The pre-assembled adjustment mechanism 1 is in 5c shown.

All components of the adjustment mechanism 1 can be made of a plastic material, preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6.6.

This achieves the adjustment mechanism 1 despite its small size and low weight high reliability and can be used for setting and transmission of very high axial loads.

1

adjustment

10

body

12

hollow cylindrical spring area

13

locking elements

15

face

16

Federation

18

admission

20

actuator

22

external teeth

25

attack

26

Federation

27

attack

28

admission

30

first shell-like commitment

31

second shell-like commitment

32

internal gearing

36

Federation

38

locking elements

40

radial game

42

tangentially game

50

first Cover of the Bowden

52

second Cover of the Bowden

54

electric wire of the Bowden cable

Claims (8)

Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) for length adjustment of a Bowden cable ( 50 . 52 . 54 ), comprising: a. a basic body ( 10 ) for receiving a first envelope ( 50 ) of the Bowden cable ( 50 . 52 . 54 ); b. an actuator ( 20 ) with an external toothing ( 22 ) for receiving a second envelope ( 52 ) of the Bowden cable ( 50 . 52 . 54 ); c. at least one bowl-shaped insert ( 30 . 31 ), with an internal toothing ( 32 ); where d. the basic body ( 10 ) a hollow cylindrical elastic spring region ( 12 ) into which the at least one insert ( 30 . 31 ) is inserted and fixed with radial, but without axial play, so that the internal toothing ( 32 ) of the mission ( 30 . 31 ) with the external toothing ( 22 ) of the actuator ( 20 ) is engaged, wherein for adjusting the length of the Bowden cable ( 50 . 52 . 54 ) the basic body ( 10 ) and the actuator ( 20 ) in the pulling direction (P) manually can be pulled apart, wherein the internal toothing ( 32 ) of the at least one bowl-shaped insert ( 30 . 31 ) via the external toothing ( 22 ) of the actuator ( 30 . 31 ) slidably and can be locked in a new position. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the bowl-shaped insert ( 30 . 31 ) on its outside locking elements ( 38 ), which with corresponding locking elements ( 13 ) at the feather area ( 12 ) are engaged. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl-shaped insert ( 30 . 31 ) at one end a collar ( 36 ) located on an end face ( 15 ) of the spring area ( 12 ) is supported. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic body ( 10 ) and the actuator ( 20 ) at one end a bundle ( 16 . 26 ) for manual operation of the adjustment mechanism ( 1 ). Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the external toothing ( 22 ) of the actuator ( 20 ) has annular teeth which are inclined in the pulling direction P, so that the actuator ( 20 ) versus the use ( 30 . 31 ) and the basic body ( 20 ) can be moved irreversibly in the pulling direction P. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two bowl-shaped inserts ( 30 . 31 ) in the spring area ( 12 ) are used. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the inserts ( 30 . 31 ) in the spring area ( 12 ) a tangential game ( 42 ) exhibit. Adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism ( 1 ) is made of a plastic material and only from the components body ( 10 ), Actuator ( 20 ) and one or two inserts ( 30 . 31 ) consists.