DE112014002587B4 - Clutch actuation system - Google Patents

Abstract

A clutch actuation system for actuating at least one clutch with a drive device, wherein the clutch is associated with at least one additional drive means, wherein the additional drive means is designed and arranged so that it enables actuation movements of the clutch, which are significantly smaller and / or faster than actuation movements, of a main drive device is provided, wherein the clutch actuation system (1; 31; 61; 81; 101; 131) is designed as a hydraulic clutch actuation system with a hydraulic path (3; 33; 63; 83) to which the additional drive device is assigned such that a Volume of the hydraulic line (3; 33; 63; 83) can be selectively changed quickly or high frequency by small volumes, wherein the additional drive means is associated with a slave cylinder of the clutch actuation system (101, 131), characterized in that the cylinder space (136) of Nehmerzy Linder (135) of a liquid-tight, at least partially elastically deformable cylinder space boundary (144) is formed so that by means of the additional drive device (150) of the cylinder space limitation (144) limited volume of the cylinder chamber (136) can be selectively changed

Description

The invention relates to a clutch actuation system having the features according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for actuating a clutch with a drive device with such a clutch actuation system.

From the international release WO 2006/136140 A1 a method for controlling a non-latching clutch operable by means of a coupling actuator based on energization between a drive unit and a transmission with a control device is known, by means of which a control in the Kupplungsaktorik and a detection of measured data of a sensor for determining a clutch position.

The EP 0 785 119 A2 discloses an actuator with a housing in which a spool is slidably mounted. With him from a feed medium ansaugbar and consumers can be fed. The spool is axially displaceable by a piezoelectric element.

The DE 10 2006 008 674 A1 discloses a device for actuating a clutch by means of a hydraulic line and an additional actuator to prevent Rupfschwingungen. It is envisaged to connect the actuator via an additional hydraulic line with an existing hydraulic line.

The object of the invention is to keep the Aktorenergieaufnahme when operating at least one clutch with a drive device low.

This object is achieved by a clutch actuation system having the features according to claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The object is thus achieved in a clutch actuation system for actuating at least one clutch with a drive device, characterized in that the clutch is associated with at least one additional drive means. Especially in automated clutch systems, where the clutch is controlled by an automated actuation system, the requirements for the clutch actuation system now go beyond just opening and closing the clutch. The subject of comfort is becoming increasingly important in automated systems. It may be necessary for the clutch actuator to allow small and very fast movements to be carried out, which must be very easy to model and control by the associated clutch control unit. The small and fast movements can also be called micro-movements. In conventional clutch actuation systems, the clutch actuator, particularly the drive means used to actuate the clutch, is primarily for opening and / or closing the clutch. Conventional drive means are too slow to carry out the micro-motions described above, or can not be controlled quickly and accurately enough. The proposed according to the present invention additional drive means allows the representation of micro-movements. In this case, the additional drive device is advantageously designed and arranged such that the micromotions can be carried out separately, that is to say independently of the drive device, which is normally used for opening and closing the clutch and is also referred to as the main drive device. As a result, the motions provided for opening and closing by the main drive means are also referred to as main motions. The additional drive device is advantageously designed and arranged so that the micro-movements can be superimposed on the main movements of the main drive device.

According to the invention, the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the additional drive means is designed and arranged to allow actuation movements of the clutch that are significantly smaller and / or faster than actuation motions enabled by a main drive means. The additional drive device allows in particular the representation of micro-movements that are greater than five hundredths and less than a millimeter. The micro-motions may be applied in addition to the normal actuation movements, which are also referred to as main movements. In addition, the micro-movements can be represented in a higher frequency range than in conventional clutch actuation systems. With the additional drive device in particular micro-movements can be applied in a frequency range between one and one hundred hertz.

According to the invention, the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the clutch actuation system is designed as a hydraulic clutch actuation system with a hydraulic path, which is associated with the additional drive means so that a volume of the hydraulic path can be changed quickly and / or high frequency to small volumes targeted. The clutch actuation system according to the invention has, according to an essential aspect of the invention, two drive devices, allow different speeds different movements. The desired micro-movements are advantageously caused by pressure and volume flow pulsations, which are generated by means of the additional drive means.

A preferred embodiment of the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the hydraulic clutch actuation system comprises an additional hydraulic chamber, which is associated with the additional drive means. The additional hydraulic chamber is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic line. About the hydraulic connection, the micro-movements of the additional drive means are advantageously transmitted to a slave piston of the clutch actuation system.

A further preferred embodiment of the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the additional hydraulic chamber is delimited by a hydraulic separator which is associated with the additional drive means. By the hydraulic separator, the additional drive means is easily separated from the hydraulic medium of the hydraulic line. The hydraulic separator is designed, for example, as a membrane, in particular as a flat membrane. Alternatively or additionally, the hydraulic separator may comprise a bellows. According to further aspects of the invention, the hydraulic separating device can be combined with an actuator, which in particular comprises a piezo stack actuator, piezoelectric bending actuator and / or a piezobuck disk. The hydraulic separating device may according to a further aspect of the invention also comprise at least one piezotube. Alternatively or additionally, magnetostrictive actuators can also be used.

A further preferred embodiment of the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the additional drive means comprises at least one actuator which can perform fast micro-movements. The micro-movements are advantageously distances between five hundredths of a millimeter and one millimeter. The micro-movements are advantageously carried out in a frequency range between one hertz and one hundred hertz. Depending on the design, the actuator can only generate the micro-movements in one direction. To reset the actuator, for example, a spring device can be used. The actuator is advantageously electrically controlled. As a result, a quick and precise control of the actuator is possible in a simple manner.

A further preferred embodiment of the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the actuator is designed as a piezoelectric actuator and / or magnetostrictive actuator. The piezoactuator advantageously comprises a multiplicity of piezoelements, which are stacked, for example, in a longitudinal direction. With such a piezoelectric actuator can be represented by electrical energization a change in length. The change in length serves to represent a micro movement. The piezoelectric actuator can also be designed as a piezoelectric actuator, Piezoscheraktor and / or as Piezobeulscheibe. Alternatively or additionally, piezo tubes can be used to represent the piezoelectric actuator. Alternatively or additionally, other actuator concepts, such as electromagnetic actuators and / or actuators with shape memory materials, can be used to generate the micro-movements.

According to the invention, the clutch actuation system is characterized in that the additional drive means is associated with an existing component of the clutch actuation system. The additional drive means is associated with a slave cylinder of a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic route advantageously extends between the slave cylinder and a master cylinder. The additional drive device is advantageously arranged in the vicinity of the slave cylinder, or even integrated into the slave cylinder.

According to the invention, it is provided that the cylinder space of the slave cylinder is formed by a liquid-tight, at least partially elastically deformable cylinder space boundary, so that by means of the additional drive device the volume of the cylinder space limited by the cylinder space limitation can be selectively changed.

In a method for actuating at least one clutch with a drive device with a previously described clutch actuation system, the above object is alternatively or additionally achieved in that with the additional drive means actuating movements of the clutch are effected, which are significantly smaller and / or faster than operating movements, the be effected with the main drive means. The small or fast movements, also referred to as micro-movements, can be applied both separately and superimposed to the movements effected by the main drive device. As a result, the comfort when operating in particular automated clutches can be significantly increased.

• 1 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kupplungsbetätigungssystems gemäß einem ersten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel bei einem minimalen Aktorhub, der überhöht dargestellt ist;
• 2 das Kupplungsbetätigungssystem aus 1 beim maximalen Aktorhub, der ebenfalls überhöht dargestellt ist;
• 3 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kupplungsbetätigungssystems gemäß einem zweiten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer durch einen Balg abgedichteten Hydraulikkammer;
• 4 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kupplungsbetätigungssystems gemäß einem dritten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer zusätzlichen Hydraulikkammer, die innerhalb eines Piezorohres angeordnet ist;
• 5 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kupplungsbetätigungssystems gemäß einem vierten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer zusätzlichen Hydraulikkammer, die zwischen zwei Piezorohren angeordnet ist;
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kupplungsbetätigungssystems aus 5;
• 7 eine Schnittdarstellung eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsbetätigungssystems mit einem Nehmerzylinder, in welchen eine zusätzliche Antriebseinrichtung integriert ist, mit einer überhöht dargestellten Spaltvergrößerung;
• 8 das Kupplungsbetätigungssystem aus 7 mit einer überhöht dargestellten Spaltverkleinerung;
• 9 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Kupplungsbetätigungssystems gemäß einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer radial angeordneten zusätzlichen Antriebseinrichtung;
• 10 das Kupplungsbetätigungssystem aus 9 mit verkleinertem Zylinderraum und
• 11 eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung des Kupplungsbetätigungssystems aus 9.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, various embodiments are described in detail. Show it:

• 1 a sectional view of a clutch actuation system according to a first non-inventive embodiment with a minimum actuator stroke, which is shown exaggerated;
• 2 the clutch actuation system off 1 at the maximum Aktorhub, which is also shown excessive;
• 3 a sectional view of a clutch actuation system according to a second non-inventive embodiment with a sealed by a bellows hydraulic chamber;
• 4 a sectional view of a clutch actuation system according to a third non-inventive embodiment with an additional hydraulic chamber which is disposed within a piezoelectric tube;
• 5 a sectional view of a clutch actuation system according to a fourth embodiment not according to the invention with an additional hydraulic chamber which is arranged between two piezo tubes;
• 6 a perspective view of the clutch actuation system 5 ;
• 7 a sectional view of a not clutch actuation system according to the invention with a slave cylinder, in which an additional drive means is integrated, with an enlarged gap magnification shown;
• 8th the clutch actuation system off 7 with an enlarged gap reduction;
• 9 a sectional view of a clutch actuation system according to an embodiment of the invention with a radially arranged additional drive means;
• 10 the clutch actuation system off 9 with reduced cylinder space and
• 11 a perspective sectional view of the clutch actuation system 9 ,

In the 1 to 11 are various embodiments of hydraulic clutch actuation systems 1 ; 31 ; 61 ; 81 ; 101 ; 131 illustrated, which in addition to a main drive means comprise an additional, second drive means. The additional drive device is used advantageously to the volume of a hydraulic route 3 ; 33 ; 63 ; 83 , which is also referred to as hydraulic line, or the volume of a hydraulic cylinder 106 ; 136 , fast and high frequency to change smaller volumes. In contrast, the main drive means, which corresponds to a conventional drive means, for generating relatively large movements, which allow an opening or closing of the clutch.

The desired micro-movements are caused by pressure and flow pulsations, which in turn are caused by rapid volume changes of an additional hydraulic chamber or by changing one of the already existing hydraulic components by the additional drive means. The following are the different clutch actuation systems 1 ; 31 ; 61 ; 81 ; 101 ; 131 described in detail. In the 1 to 6 Embodiments are shown with an additional hydraulic chamber. In the 7 to 11 Embodiments are shown in which the additional drive means associated with a slave cylinder of the clutch actuation system or is integrated in this.

1 shows a unit in the hydraulic track 3 is integrated, for example in a connecting line between a master cylinder and a slave cylinder (not shown). The assembly includes a hydraulic housing 4 with a hydraulic line 5 , The hydraulic line 5 includes a connection channel 6 with an in 1 upper connection point 7 and one in 1 lower connection point 9 ,

In the 1 shown assembly can be easily installed in a conventional hydraulic clutch actuation system by a hydraulic line which connects the slave cylinder to the master cylinder, separated and at the two connection points 7 . 9 of the hydraulic housing 4 is connected.

In the connection channel 6 opens a connection channel 8th coming from a hydraulic chamber 10 goes out, which is also referred to as additional hydraulic chamber. Via the connection channel 8th is the hydraulic chamber 10 hydraulically with the connection channel 6 connected. The hydraulic chamber 10 is in 1 to the right of the hydraulic housing 4 limited. In 1 left is the hydraulic chamber 10 from a hydraulic separator 12 limited.

The hydraulic separator 12 is as a movable wall, in particular as a membrane or flat membrane 14 , executed. The flat membrane 14 is so between the hydraulic housing 4 and an actuator housing 16 clamped that they have an actuator device 18 hydraulically from the hydraulic chamber 10 separates. The actuator device 18 includes an actor 20 , which is designed as a piezoelectric actuator. The piezo actuator 20 includes on an in 1 right end a stamp 21 which is attached to the flat membrane 14 is applied. At his in 1 includes left end the actor 20 a head 22 with the help of fixing arms 23 . 24 firmly with the actuator housing 16 connected is. The element referred to here as the head may also be a part of the actuator housing, for example the bottom of the actuator housing. The mounting or connecting arms allow ventilation openings in the actuator housing.

Between the stamp 21 and the head 22 of the actor 20 is a variety of piezo elements 26 arranged. When the piezoelectric actuator is energized, the piezoelectric elements expand 26 in the direction of a longitudinal axis 28 from how it is in 2 is shown inflated. The piezo actuator 20 is by a (not shown) spring means in his in 1 pretensioned rest position shown. The rest position corresponds to a minimum actuator stroke.

2 corresponds to a maximum actuator stroke. By energizing the piezoelectric actuator 20 becomes the flat membrane 14 with the help of the stamp 21 how to get in 2 sees, shifted to the right, reducing the volume of the hydraulic chamber 10 is reduced. Due to the good controllability and the high acceleration of the piezoelectric actuator 20 can by moving the flat membrane 14 targeted pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic chamber 10 are caused, which then in the entire hydraulic system 1 spread out and cause the desired micro-movements on the piston of the slave cylinder.

To minimize losses and interference, is the actuator housing 16 except for the deformation area of the membrane 14 , very thick. This allows pressure losses due to an undesirable inflation of the actuator housing 16 be prevented. Also the hydraulic housing 4 is as stiff as possible. In addition, the flow resistance between the additional hydraulic chamber 10 and the slave cylinder are reduced by in the 1 and 2 the assembly is placed next to the slave cylinder. As a result, the hydraulic distance to be overcome can be minimized.

That in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment also provides the advantage that the piezoelectric actuator 20 on a relatively large area of the membrane 14 acts. As a result, even small actuator movements lead to a significant change in the hydraulic volume. By targeted activation of the piezoelectric actuator 20 For example, the oscillation frequency, the oscillation amplitude and the operating or resting phases can be varied.

In 3 is a hydropulser with a hydraulic housing 34 shown. To the hydraulic housing 34 are cable ends 35 . 36 the hydraulic route 33 connected. A connection channel 37 in the hydraulic housing 34 connects the cable end 35 with a hydraulic chamber 40 , which is also referred to as additional hydraulic chamber. A connection channel 38 of the hydraulic housing 34 connects the cable end 36 with the hydraulic chamber 40 ,

The hydraulic chamber 40 is in the hydraulic housing 34 from a hydraulic separator 42 limited. The hydraulic separator 42 In contrast to the previous embodiment, no membrane but a bellows 44 , in particular a metal bellows. Because the bellows 44 larger strokes than the diaphragm described above, the piston area does not need to be made as large as in the previously described flat membrane.

The bellows 44 is with a peripheral edge 45 between the hydraulic housing 34 and an actuator housing 46 clamped. The actuator housing 46 includes a housing pot 47 that captures a relatively long actuator device 48 allows. The actuator device 48 includes a piezoelectric actuator 50 that with a stamp 51 on the bellows 44 is applied. In the hydraulic chamber 40 is a spring device 53 arranged, with the interposition of the bellows 44 against the stamp 51 of the actor 50 is biased. The spring device 53 For example, includes at least one plate spring.

The spring device 53 creates a permanent bias on the piezo actuator 50 , In this case, the spring device is supported 53 radially outside the connection channels 37 . 38 on the hydraulic housing 34 from. So that the spring device 53 no obstacle to the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic chamber 40 represents, it is provided with holes and recesses through which the hydraulic medium can flow. Alternatively or additionally, in the hydraulic housing 34 adjacent to the spring means 53 Recesses, in particular grooves, be formed, which is a flow around the spring means 53 enable with hydraulic medium.

Unlike in 3 illustrated, the hydraulic chamber can also be arranged inside a bellows. In this case, a piezo actuator or another actuator can then press on the bellows from the outside in order to change the volume inside the bellows. Alternatively, the actor may continue in his in 3 remain position shown, he is then in the hydraulic chamber and is surrounded by the hydraulic fluid or protected by another separator, such as a bellows.

In the 4 to 6 is shown as the hydraulic separator or the displaceable wall of the hydraulics with actuators, which represent the additional drive means can be combined. Thus, the actuators can be integrated directly into the movable wall or hydraulic separator of the hydraulic chamber. In addition, the actuators can also be used as a displaceable chamber wall.

Piezo tubes can be used particularly advantageously as piezo actuators. Since piezotubes, in contrast to piezostack actuators, have a free space in the interior that can be changed during energization, the internal volume of the piezo tubes can be used directly as a hydraulic chamber if the piezo tubes are sealed on both sides.

4 shows a hydropulser with a hydraulic housing 64 , To the hydraulic housing 64 are two line ends 65 . 66 the hydraulic route 63 connected. The cable end 65 is via a connection channel 67 with a hydraulic chamber 70 inside the hydraulic housing 64 in connection. The cable end 66 is via a connection channel 68 also with the hydraulic chamber 70 in connection. The connection channel 67 extends through a lid 71 passing through the hydraulic chamber 70 in 4 limited to the left. The connection channel 68 extends through a lid 72 passing through the hydraulic chamber 70 in 4 limited to the right.

The two lids 71 . 72 are in the direction of a longitudinal axis 75 spaced apart. The lid 71 is radially outside in 4 left firmly to the housing 64 connected. The lid 72 is radially outside in 4 right with the hydraulic housing 64 connected. The lid 71 is in a conical connection area 73 limited elastically deformable. The lid 72 is in a conical connection area 74 likewise limited elastically deformable.

The hydraulic housing 64 according to one aspect of the invention comprises a piezo tube 76 that the hydraulic chamber 70 bounded radially outwards. The term radial refers to the longitudinal axis 75 , Radial means transverse to the longitudinal axis 75 , The piezotube 76 is particularly advantageous for the representation of an actuator device 78 , Both sides of the piezotube 76 are due to the thick pressure-resistant lids 71 . 72 locked. The lids 71 . 72 can by the special design of the conical connection areas 73 . 74 through the piezotube 76 be compressed to a smaller diameter when the piezotube 76 on only indicated electrical connections 79 . 80 is energized.

When energizing the piezotube 76 this pulls together. Due to the illustrated conical shape of the connection areas 73 . 74 , which are arranged in the illustrated section x-shaped, are when contraction of the piezoelectric tube 76 the two lids 71 . 72 moved towards each other. This reduces the volume of the hydraulic chamber 70 that between the two lids 71 . 72 from the inner wall of the piezotube 76 is limited, in addition.

The piezotube 76 is advantageously provided inside with an elastic coating or covered with an additional elastic component. This will prevent that in the hydraulic chamber 70 located hydraulic medium directly with the piezo tube 76 comes into contact. In 4 are electrodes that are located in or on the inner and the outer surface of the piezo tube 76 are indicated by thick lines. The electrical connections 79 . 80 are attached to the indicated electrodes.

In the 5 and 6 is a hydropulser with a hydraulic chamber 90 shown as an annulus between two piezo tubes 91 . 92 is executed. The two piezo tubes 91 . 92 serve to represent an actuator device 94 , The two piezo tubes 91 . 92 enclose together with the connectors (lids) 87 . 88 the hydraulic chamber 90 completely and thus form a hydraulic housing 84 , To the hydraulic housing 84 are cable ends 85 . 86 the hydraulic route 83 connected. The cable end 85 is with the help of a connector 87 to the hydraulic housing 84 connected. The cable end 86 is with the help of a connector 88 to the hydraulic housing 84 connected. The two fittings 87 . 88 limit the annular hydraulic chamber 90 in the axial direction. This will have the two fittings 87 . 88 the same function as the lids 71 . 72 of the previous embodiment. The term axial refers to a longitudinal axis 95 , Axial means in the direction or parallel to the longitudinal axis 95 , Radial means transverse to the longitudinal axis 95 , The fittings 87 . 88 are limited elastically deformable when the piezo tubes 91 . 92 change their circumferential length and thereby expand in the radial direction.

In the 5 and 6 the two piezo tubes 91,92 are advantageously nested in one another, that is coaxially arranged to be the hydraulic chamber 90 limit radially inward and radially outward. When energized, the two piezo tubes 91 . 92 Advantageously controlled so that they always contract or expand in opposite directions. Therefore, carry the two piezo tubes 91 . 92 advantageous in each case together to, the volume of the hydraulic chamber 90 to enlarge or reduce.

Alternatively, the hydraulic chamber may also be equipped with a movable disc-shaped wall which deforms itself. The Hydraulic chamber would then be similar in structure as in the 1 and 2 , but with the difference that no passive flat membrane is used, which is driven by a separate actuator, but a special actuator, for example, a piezoelectric disk, a piezoelectric piezoelectric actuator or a Piezoobeulscheibe which replaces the membrane or is integrated into the membrane. This special actuator then takes over both the drive and at least partially the sealing of the hydraulic chamber.

In the 7 to 11 two variants are shown in which no additional hydraulic chamber is needed. The in the 7 to 11 illustrated clutch actuating systems 101 ; 131 include a central operator 103 ; 133 , which is also referred to as Zentralausrücker. The central release 103 ; 133 extends coaxially to a rotation axis 104 ; 134 , The central operator 103 ; 133 includes a slave cylinder 105 ; 135 , which is also referred to as CSC, where the letters CSC for the English terms Concentric Slave Cylinder stand.

That in the 7 and 8th illustrated clutch actuation system 101 includes a cylinder space 106 that of a slave piston 108 is limited in the slave cylinder 105 in the axial direction is movable back and forth. The term axial refers to the axis of rotation 104 , Axial means in the direction or parallel to the axis of rotation 104 ,

The slave piston 108 is about an actuation bearing 110 , optionally with the interposition of a disc spring device, coupled to the (not shown) coupling. About the actuation bearing 110 becomes an actuating movement of the slave piston 108 transferred to the clutch.

In a rear area 112 the slave cylinder 105 are several nested piezo tubes 114 to 117 arranged. The piezotube 114 to 117 are coaxial with each other and at their ends by elastic seals 118 to 121 mutually connected. In 8th There are five seals, one of which is not numbered. Through the seals results in the slave cylinder 105 a circumferential meandering structure reminiscent of a bellows. Due to the special arrangement of the piezo tubes 114 to 117 in combination with the seals 118 to 121 arise in the cylinder chamber 106 filled with hydraulic medium areas, in particular annular gaps 122 . 123 , The annular gap 112 . 123 are to the cylinder room 106 open. Through targeted energization of the piezo tubes 114 to 117 can the volume of the annular column 122 . 123 be selectively changed, creating more or less hydraulic fluid in the annular gaps 122 . 123 between the piezo tubes 114 to 117 Takes place. The slave piston 108 responds to these volume changes with a move. The piezo tubes are used 114 to 117 with the annular gaps 122 . 123 for the representation of an actuator device 124 ,

In 7 you can see that the filled with hydraulic medium annular gaps 122 . 123 assume their largest volume when the respective radially outwardly located piezotube 115 . 117 expands as each inner piezo tube expands 114 . 116 contracts. In 8th you can see that the smallest gap volume results when the respective outer piezo tube 115 . 117 contracts, while the respective inner piezotube 114 . 116 expands. The use of more than two, in particular four piezo tubes, provides, inter alia, the advantage that even a considerable change in volume of the cylinder space in a small axial space 106 is reached.

Alternatively, however, a comparable effect can also be achieved with a single piezotube if, for example, the single piezotube is simply mounted in the rear of the slave cylinder on the inside or outside diameter to change the volume and diameter of the hydraulic space. The movement of the piezo tubes 114 to 117 relative to each other is through a compensation channel 125 simplified. The equalization channel 125 allows the passage of medium, for example air, when the piezo tubes 114 to 117 expand or contract relative to each other. The gap enlargement is in the 7 and 8th exaggerated.

In the 9 to 11 is a central or central operator 133 with a rotation axis 134 shown. The term rotation axis refers, as in the previous embodiment of 7 and 8th on an actuation bearing 140 , The actuation bearing 140 is with a slave piston 138 coupled in a cylinder room 136 a slave cylinder 135 is movable back and forth. The cylinder space 136 is made of a multi-part cylinder wall 142 limited. The cylinder wall 142 includes radially outer radial segments 141 , The cylinder space 136 has the shape of an annulus, which by an elastic cylinder space boundary 144 is tightly closed for hydraulic medium.

An actuator housing 146 is also part of the cylinder wall 142 the slave cylinder 135 , The actuator housing 146 serves to accommodate an actuator device 148 with a total of six piezo actuators 150 , The piezo actuators 150 are radially in the actuator housing 146 arranged. Every piezoactuator 150 is a radial segment 141 the cylinder wall 142 assigned. The radial segments 141 the cylinder wall 142 can with the help of piezo actuators 150 in the radial direction on the axis of rotation 134 to be moved. This can be done by the cylinder space limitation 144 limited volume in the cylinder space 136 be selectively changed. The cylinder space limitation 144 is formed of an elastically deformable and liquid-tight material. This seals the cylinder space boundary 144 the cylinder space 136 but is not pressure stable itself. By the pressure in the cylinder space 136 ensures that the cylinder space limit 144 always on the multi-part cylinder wall 142 is applied and also the movements of the radially displaceable segments 141 follows. In the embodiment shown, the elastic cylinder space limit is used 144 also as a contact partner for the seal of the slave piston 138 , Alternatively, the piston and its seal can also run directly on the cylinder or another solid component, to which then the elastic cylinder chamber boundary connects liquid-tight and seals the moving part of the cylinder chamber.

To represent the basic function of in the 9 to 11 illustrated clutch actuation system 131 is at least one radially displaceable region of the cylinder wall 142 or an axially displaceable region of the cylinder bottom is required. In the illustrated embodiment are, as in 11 sees a total of six radially movable segments 141 on the circumference of the cylinder space 136 or the cylinder wall 142 arranged distributed. To drive these segments 141 includes the actuator device 148 advantageous piezoelectric actuators 150 , in particular piezo stack actuators. Instead of the piezo actuators, other fast linear actuators can be used. In the to Magnetostrictive actuators are shown. In this case, electrical coils are symbolically indicated, each enclosing a magnetostrictive rod and this drive via the magnetic field generated by them.

When the hydraulic volume in the cylinder chamber 136 , as shown, is changed over several, in particular six, movable areas, each of which has its own actuator 150 driven, the individual actuators do not necessarily have adjustable heights or lengths. Even if the actuators only two positions, that is, for example, a minimum and a maximum stroke, adjust, the hydraulic volume can be easily adjusted in many different intermediate stages by different number of individual actuators are brought to their minimum and maximum stroke position , Thus, the movable segments 141 can also be powered with simple and inexpensive electromagnets.

According to further aspects of the invention, a hydraulic clutch actuation system without additional hydraulic chamber can also be provided with the aid of a separate actuator unit for micro movements on the master cylinder when the previously described drive variants for the slave cylinder are installed in a master cylinder. Although the pressure and volume pulses must then be transmitted through the entire hydraulic line or hydraulic route to the slave cylinder, but the master cylinder is usually more space for new additional components.

The embodiments with the piezoelectric actuators can alternatively be realized with other types of actuators. In particular, actuators with magnetostrictive materials may be used for the same or similar purpose. Actuators with magnetostrictive materials usually have properties similar to those of piezo actuators. Other actuator concepts, such as electromagnetic actuators or actuators with shape memory materials, can be used in the context of the present invention. The aforementioned master cylinder can be used as a synonym for the main drive device. Instead of the master cylinder, another pressure source or a so-called power pack can also be used as the main drive device.

The structural units or methods presented here for hydraulic actuation systems can be used independently of the medium used. In particular, it is also possible to transfer the described units or methods unchanged or mutatis mutandis to pneumatic actuation systems (clutch actuation systems).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Clutch actuation system

3

hydraulic route

4

hydraulic housing

5

hydraulic line

6

connecting channel

7

junction

8th

connecting channel

9

junction

10

hydraulic chamber

12

hydraulic separator

14

membrane

16

actuator housing

18

actuator device

20

actuator

21

stamp

22

head

23

Mounting Arm

24

Mounting Arm

26

piezo element

28

longitudinal axis

31

Clutch actuation system

33

hydraulic route

34

cable end

35

cable end

37

connecting channel

38

connecting channel

40

hydraulic chamber

42

hydraulic separator

44

bellows

45

circumferential edge

46

actuator housing

47

housing pot

48

actuator device

50

actuator

51

stamp

53

spring means

61

Clutch actuation system

63

hydraulic route

64

hydraulic housing

65

cable end

66

cable end

67

connecting channel

68

connecting channel

70

hydraulic chamber

71

cover

72

cover

73

conical connection area

74

conical connection area

75

longitudinal axis

76

piezo tube

78

actuator device

79

electrical connection

80

electrical connection

81

Clutch actuation system

83

hydraulic route

84

hydraulic housing

85

cable end

86

cable end

87

connector

88

connector

90

hydraulic chamber

91

piezo tube

92

piezo tube

94

actuator device

95

longitudinal axis

101

Clutch actuation system

103

Zentralbetätiger

104

axis of rotation

105

slave cylinder

106

cylinder space

108

slave piston

110

operation seat

112

the backstage area

114

piezo tube

115

piezo tube

116

piezo tube

117

piezo tube

118

poetry

119

poetry

120

poetry

121

poetry

122

annular gap

123

annular gap

124

actuator device

125

compensation channel

131

Clutch actuation system

133

Zentralbetätiger

134

axis of rotation

135

slave cylinder

136

cylinder space

138

slave piston

140

operation seat

141

radial segment

142

cylinder wall

144

Cylinder space limit

146

actuator housing

148

actuator device

150

piezo actuator

Claims (7)

A clutch actuation system for actuating at least one clutch with a drive device, wherein the clutch is associated with at least one additional drive means, wherein the additional drive means is designed and arranged so that it enables actuation movements of the clutch, which are significantly smaller and / or faster than actuation movements, of a main drive device is provided, wherein the clutch actuation system (1; 31; 61; 81; 101; 131) is designed as a hydraulic clutch actuation system with a hydraulic path (3; 33; 63; 83) to which the additional drive device is assigned such that a Volume of the hydraulic line (3; 33; 63; 83) can be selectively changed quickly or high frequency by small volumes, wherein the additional drive means associated with a slave cylinder of the clutch actuation system (101, 131), characterized in that the cylinder space (136) of Nehmerz ylinders (135) is formed by a liquid-tight, at least partially elastically deformable cylinder space boundary (144), so that by means of the additional drive device (150) of the cylinder space limitation (144) limited volume of the cylinder chamber (136) can be selectively changed Clutch actuation system according to Claim 1 characterized in that the hydraulic clutch actuation system (1; 31; 61; 81) comprises an additional hydraulic chamber (10; 40; 70; 90) associated with the additional drive means. Clutch actuation system according to Claim 2 characterized in that the additional hydraulic chamber (10; 40; 70; 90) is delimited by a hydraulic separator (12; 42) associated with the additional drive means. Clutch actuation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional drive means comprises at least one actuator (20; 50; 78; 94; 124; 148) capable of rapid micro-movements. Clutch actuation system according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the actuator (26; 76; 91,92; 114-117; 150) is designed as a piezoactuator and / or magnetostrictive actuator. Clutch actuation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional drive means is associated with an existing component of the clutch actuation system (101; 131). Method for actuating at least one clutch with a drive device with a clutch actuation system (1; 31; 61; 81; 101; 131) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that actuating movements of the clutch are effected with the additional drive device, which is significantly smaller and / or or faster than operating movements caused by the main drive means.

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