EP1877886B1 - Arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, wherein a movement of the clutch pedal is transmitted by means of a cinematic system to a clutch operator. The clutch pedal (l) is coupled via the cinematic system to at least one energy accumulator by means of a contact element which can be displaced along a predetermined contour range (5,5') and which is used to adapt the pedal force characteristic line. According to the invention, the contour line can be predefined at least partially by shaping the spring element which is used as an energy accumulator. The invention also relates to an arrangement for actuating the clutch of a vehicle, which comprises a leaf spring which is used as an energy accumulator, whereon the contact element is fixed, and a contour area which is provided on a curve disk and which is rigidly connected to the clutch pedal.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, in which a movement of a clutch pedal by means of a kinematics transferable to a disengaging device, wherein the clutch pedal via the kinematics with at least one energy storage means by a movable at a predetermined contour area contact element for adjusting the Pedal force characteristic is coupled.

For example, from the document DE 101 04 665 A1 is a release device for a hydraulically actuated clutch of a motor vehicle known. The release device has a connected to a hydraulic system energy storage. The energy storage is connected to a pedal via a kinematics, with which an adaptation of the pedal forces can be achieved on the pedal travel. The articulation of the energy storage on the pedal, the pedal force along the second half of the pedal travel can be noticeably reduced in order to overcome the acting in the clutch of the motor vehicle maximum spring force towards the end of the pedal travel easier.

In one embodiment of the known disengaging device, one end of the energy accumulator is connected to a lever on which a rolling curve is provided, on which a roller can run, which is arranged on a boom of the clutch pedal. After overcoming a dead center, the roller runs along the rolling curve and experiences an assisting force through the energy store, so that the pedal force to be applied is reduced.

In the JP 59011926 A To reduce the applied pedal force a solution is shown, which also aims at overcoming a dead center. In this example, the pedal mounted about a pivot point has at its end a correspondingly formed rolling surface, which is in operative connection with an energy store in the form of a spring with a curved or bulged surface. Depending on the position of the rolling surface of the pedal to the spring surface of the energy storage is charged or discharged and thus transmits its respective energy to the pedal.

Another solution to provide pedal power assistance is the EP 0480 602 A1 at. Here, a pedestal mounted about a pivot point has an extension at an angle to this fixed in the form of an arm, at the end of which a roller is mounted. About this role, the pedal force is transmitted to a prestressed and thus curved leaf spring, which is firmly clamped end. Upon actuation of the pedal, the position of the arm with the roller attached thereto also changes to the leaf spring, so that it is either further biased or relieved during the sliding of the roller on the leaf spring. at Relieving it releases its stored energy to the pedal. In this way, a variable pedal force is generated.

In the DE 100 33 297 A1 Further, an accelerator pedal device is described, which is simply constructed of a base plate member and an accelerator pedal, wherein the accelerator pedal is connected in a fulcrum to the base plate member. Between the accelerator pedal and the base plate element a pedal return device is arranged such that both components are tweezers facing each other. The arranged between the two components pedal return device in the form of a spring element has due to its bending and its type of attachment over movement characteristics that are not linear, so that a comfortable hysteresis-shaped movement characteristics of the accelerator pedal is achieved.

A solution for a pedal that has a simple structure and at the same time requires little space is in the US 6,250,176 B1 demonstrated. In this case, a pedal arm which can be pivoted about a pivot axis in a holding part of a pedal can be actuated by means of foot force. A return spring element in the form of a leg spring ensures a return pivoting into a basic position. The pedal arm is connected to two friction members designed as cams. The friction bodies each have a surface portion which abuts against a leg of a return spring element designed as a leg spring. The leg spring encloses an axis which serves to fix the leg spring. Upon actuation of the pedal arm, the friction body and the two legs spread against the resistance of the leg spring. The course of the characteristic of the pedal actuation force is determined substantially by the contours of the surface portions of the friction body.

Däruben also describes the document EP0919903 a conventional arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle.

The present invention has for its object to provide an arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle of the type mentioned, which is as simple as possible and allows optimal pedal force adjustment.

This object is achieved by an inventive arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, in which a movement of a clutch pedal via a kinematics transferable to a disengaging device, wherein the clutch pedal via the kinematics with at least one energy storage by means of a movable contact element at a predetermined contour area for adjusting the pedal force characteristic is coupled, being provided as an energy storage, a leaf spring and provided on a cam contour region is firmly connected to the clutch pedal, wherein the leaf spring is approximately trapezoidal with an approximately V-shaped cutout.

Thus, a cost-optimized pedal force characteristic adaptation for clutches can be realized in the simplest way solely by the choice of a predetermined shape of the spring element, without sacrificing, for example, the functionality of the arrangement. In this way, not only a cost optimization, but also an increase in comfort in the operation of the clutch of a vehicle can be achieved with the inventive arrangement.

In the context of a non-inventive embodiment can be provided as a spring element a contour leaf spring or the like, at the predetermined contour region as a contact element a roller or the like can be moved along to realize a predetermined pedal force curve on the clutch pedal for an operator. A leaf spring is particularly suitable for use because of its external shape, but other energy storage devices with similar properties can be used. By providing the contour region directly on the spring element no further components are required in the arrangement according to the invention, so that there is a particularly simple and inexpensive construction in the arrangement.

In order to generate a corresponding compensation force on the spring element or on the contour leaf spring, the end facing away from the contact element is fixed or fixed, for example, on the housing or the like. The predetermined by the shape of the leaf spring contour region is usually characterized by a changing contour angle course. From this particular contour angle course ultimately results in each case adapted to the system used pedal force.

In the non-inventive embodiment, a compressive force is generated by the spring element and transmitted according to the contour angle to the contact element or on the roller according to a next development by the characteristic contour angle course. The generated and transmitted compressive force is divided into a radial force component and a tangential force component as a function of the respective contour angle. These force components are transmitted to the clutch pedal by means of kinematics. The kinematics may preferably comprise a rigidly connected to the clutch pedal lever element, wherein the lever element at the end facing away from the clutch pedal, the contact element or the roller. In this way, the compensation force is converted via the kinematics in a compensation torque, since the clutch pedal and the lifting element are preferably pivotally mounted about a common pivot point. Due to the inventive design of the arrangement, the radial force component is supported at the pivot point, wherein the tangential force component causes a compensation torque on the clutch pedal via the lifting element.

An advantage arises when using a leaf spring from the fact that it is not necessary for a leaf spring due to their high surface pressure to harden them specifically by additional expenses, so that the contour region is not subject to premature wear by rolling the contact element.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by an arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, wherein a movement of a clutch pedal via a kinematics transferable to a disengaging device, wherein the clutch pedal via the kinematics with at least one energy storage means by a at a predetermined contour area along movable contact element for adjusting the pedal force characteristic is coupled. According to the invention may be provided as energy storage, a leaf spring or the like, to which the contact element is attached, wherein the contour provided on a cam contour area is fixedly connected to the clutch pedal.

With this embodiment of the invention, an optimal adaptation of the required pedal force to the clutch characteristic can be made possible. This arrangement is characterized in particular by the fact that it is particularly cost-effective. In contrast to the variant described above, in this embodiment, the contour region is virtually rigidly connected to the clutch pedal, wherein the contact element is coupled to the leaf spring such that the contact element along the predetermined contour region can be moved. Through this operative connection, a desired adaptation of the pedal force characteristic for actuating the clutch can be realized in the simplest manner. With particular advantage, this type of arrangement allows cost optimization without loss of functionality.

A next development of the present invention provides that one end of the leaf spring is clamped or fastened on the vehicle side, wherein the remote free end of the leaf spring is fastened to the contact element. Usually, the vehicle-mounted connection of the leaf spring is provided on the vehicle frame or on the pedal block in order to be able to safely absorb torques, longitudinal and normal forces which occur when the clutch pedal is actuated.

In order to realize an optimum operative connection between the leaf spring and the predetermined contour region, a roller or the like can preferably be used as the contact element. The roller can roll when pressing the clutch pedal in the simplest way along the predetermined contour area. Characterized in that the roller is acted upon by the spring force of the leaf spring, a compressive force can be applied to the contour region.

In the described embodiment of the present invention, the contour region is formed as a cam rigidly connected to the clutch pedal. The cam has a changing contour angle or contour angle profile. This is necessary to allow a corresponding adjustment of the pedal force characteristic. The cam and the clutch pedal can be pivoted about a common pivot point when operating the clutch of the clutch pedal.

In the arrangement proposed by the invention, the compressive force can be divided into a radial force component and a tangential force component as a function of the respective contour angle of the cam through the changing contour angle curve, so as to realize a predetermined pedal force curve. This can be made possible, in particular, by virtue of the fact that the radial force component is advantageously supported at the common pivot point of the clutch pedal and the cam plate, the tangential force component being transmitted via the kinematics to the clutch pedal pivot point and consequently causing a compensation torque on the clutch pedal to a desired one Adaptation of the pedal force characteristic to realize.

The contour angle profile of the cam disc can be calculated and configured from an actual characteristic curve of the clutch, a desired characteristic and geometric data of the leaf spring and the clutch pedal such that the resulting summation torque of the clutch and the compensation arrangement generates a desired desired force characteristic at the base point of the clutch pedal.

In order to realize the desired Pedalkraftkennlinieanpassung in the simplest way, the leaf spring is trapezoidal in shape with a V-shaped cutout. The trapezoidal configuration has been distinguished as a special voltage-optimized, resulting in optimum material utilization. As a result, this type of execution is particularly space-and cost-optimized.

In order to realize a roller guide on the leaf spring, the end portions of the leaf spring are each formed as axle mounts for the roller. As a result, additional components for roller bearing can be saved in an advantageous manner. In particular, the end portions of the trapezoidal leaf spring can realize lateral guiding of the roller since the end portions can have correspondingly shaped angled portions. For example, the bends may have suitable recesses or the like as axle mounts in which the axis of the roller is stored. Through this type of recording The roller can be safely absorbed, in particular acting on the roller longitudinal and transverse forces, since the leaf spring is designed to be particularly rigid in these directions.

Preferably, the end portions are bent by more than 90 ° relative to the leaf spring surface. There are also other angular arrangements possible. However, by the preferred angular arrangement, an optimal fixation of the axis of the roller by the bent end portions of the leaf spring and by the utilization of the resulting spring action can be realized. There are also other embodiments conceivable to store and guide the axis of the roller accordingly. In the manner described above results in addition to the cost and space optimization and low installation costs due to the simple structural design.

According to a next development of the present invention, the leaf spring may be integrally formed. Thus, no layered construction is required for the leaf spring. This results in a low number of parts and a minimal hysteresis.

The targeted use can be realized in addition to the cost optimization and functional reliability with minimum space requirement with desired characteristic adjustment. To determine the predetermined curve contour, first the compensation characteristic curve can be formed as a difference from the characteristic curve without compensation arrangement and the desired characteristic curve. Taking into account the given spring and pedal geometries, the curve contour necessary for achieving the desired characteristic curve can then be calculated.

To avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the first embodiment of the inventive arrangement. In particular, it is possible to combine the two arrangement variants at least partially with each other.

Figur 1

eine schematische Prinzipansicht einer Ausführungsform, die nicht zur Erfindung gehört ;

Figur 2

eine dreidimensionale Teilansicht der Ausführungsform, die nicht zur Erfindung gehört gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine schematische Prinzipansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungs- gemäßen Anordnung;

Figur 4

eine dreidimensionale Anordnung einer Blattfeder der Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic principle view of an embodiment which does not belong to the invention;

FIG. 2

a three-dimensional partial view of the embodiment which does not belong to the invention according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

1 is a schematic principle view of an embodiment of the invention proper arrangement;

FIG. 4

a three-dimensional arrangement of a leaf spring of the embodiment of the inventive arrangement

In FIG. 1 is a schematic partial view of an example of an arrangement for actuating a not further shown clutch of a vehicle shown.

This arrangement therefore comprises a clutch pedal 1, the movements of which are transmitted by means of a kinematics to a disengagement device of the clutch not shown. The kinematics comprises in the illustrated embodiment, the clutch pedal 1 and a lever member 2, which are rigidly pivotable about a common pivot point 3 with each other. When the clutch pedal 1 is stepped on, the pedal angle φ changes.

At the end remote from the clutch pedal 1 end of the lever member 2 is provided as a contact element, a roller 4 with a roller bearing 11. The roller 4 is connected to a predetermined contour region 5 of a trained as a leaf spring 8 energy storage for adjusting the pedal force characteristic in plant. The roller 4 can be moved along the contour area 5, so that by the changing contour angle, which with ξ in FIG. 1 is referred to be transferred to the kinematics or to the clutch pedal 1, wherein the pressure force generated by the leaf spring 8 are divided into a radial force component 6 and a tangential force component 7 as a function of the respective contour angle ξ.

The radial force component 6 can be supported at the pivot point 3. However, the tangential force component 7 acts on the clutch pedal 1 via the lever member 2 as a compensation torque.

In this arrangement, the contour region 5 is predetermined by the shape of the leaf spring 8. Here, the roller facing away from the end of the contour leaf spring 8 is fixed, for example, clamped to the vehicle frame. By the along the contour region 5 moving roller 4, a pressure force is generated by the leaf spring 8, which is transmitted via the respective changing contour angle ξ on the roller 4 and thus on the lever member 2 and the clutch pedal 1.

The contour of the leaf spring 8 causes the above-mentioned division into the individual force components. The Kontuminkelverlauf the leaf spring 8 is chosen so that the resulting sum moment generated on the clutch pedal 1 through the clutch and the compensation system, the desired desired force characteristic at the base.

Due to the arrangement, due to the reduced number of components, a high level of functional reliability can be generated with a small space requirement with the leaf spring 8 designed as a simple over-center spring. For example, this arrangement can be combined with a servo-assisted system. In addition, the leaf spring material allows high surface pressures that make curing of the contour region 5 superfluous. Preferably, the arrangement according to the invention can be used in manual clutches in vehicles with high engine torques. However, other applications are conceivable.

FIG. 2 shows the non-inventive arrangement described as a three-dimensional representation. It can be seen from this illustration that the contour leaf spring 8 is held in one clamping 9 on one side. The clamping 9 is fixed to a pedal block 10 which is fixedly mounted on the vehicle.

In Fig. 3 is a schematic principle view of an embodiment of the inventive arrangement shown.

This embodiment comprises as kinematics a leaf spring 12, which is clamped at one end on the vehicle side. The free end of the leaf spring 12 is connected to a trained as a contact element roller 4 'via a corresponding roller bearing 11'. As a contour region 5 ', a cam disc 13 rigidly connected to the clutch pedal 1' is provided in this embodiment variant. The cam disk 13 has a changing contour angle entlang along its contour area 5 '. The cam plate 13 is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 3 'common to the clutch pedal 1'.

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the leaf spring 12 according to Fig. 3 , From this view, it is clear that the leaf spring 12 is formed approximately trapezoidal as a so-called trapezoidal spring. The leaf spring 12 has an approximately V-shaped cutout 14. Furthermore, the leaf spring 12 has a clamping area 19 with which it can be fastened on the vehicle side. By approximately V-shaped cutout 14 on the leaf spring 12 results at the free end of the leaf spring 12 end portions 15, 15 '. The end portions 15, 15 'serve to support the axle 16 of the roller 4'. In order to ensure optimum storage of the roller 4 ', the end portions 15, 15' each bent bends 17, 17 'or bends, which is an angle α of 80 ° to 100 °, preferably less than or equal to 90 ° between the bottom of the underside Leaf spring 12 and the surface of the end portions 17, 17 'have.

At the bends 17, 17 'are for receiving the axis 16 of the roller 4' corresponding recesses 18, 18 'are provided. In this way, the axis 16 of the roller 4 'can be optimally supported.

The roller 4 'mounted in this manner at the free end of the leaf spring 12 is pressed against the contour region of the cam disc 13 due to the spring force of the leaf spring 12, thereby transmitting a compressive force to the cam disc 13. The contour or the contour angle ξ of the cam 13 effects a division of the pressure force into a radial force component 6 'and a tangential force component 7'. The radial component 6 'is transmitted to the common pivot 3' of the cam 13 and the clutch pedal 1 ', wherein the tangential force component 7' via the cam 13 a compensation torque to the clutch pedal 1 'transmits. Thus, the compensation torque can be used in the inventive arrangement for pedal force characteristic optimization.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

clutch pedal

2

lever member

3, 3 '

pivot point

4, 4 '

caster

5, 5 '

contour area

6, 6 '

radial force component

7, 7 '

tangential force component

8th

Contour leaf spring

9

clamping

10

pedal block

11, 11 '

roller bearing

12

leaf spring

13

cam

14

V-shaped neckline

15, 15 '

end

16

axis

17, 17 '

angling

18, 18 '

recess

19

clamping

Claims (11)

1. Arrangement for actuating a clutch of a vehicle, having a kinematic linkage, an energy store, a contact element, a contact region and a clutch pedal (1, 1') which is operatively connected to a disengagement device via the kinematic linkage, the clutch pedal (1, 1') being coupled via the kinematic linkage to at least the energy store by means of the contact element which can be moved along the predefined contour region (5, 5'), for adaptation of the pedal-force characteristic curve, and a leaf spring (8, 12) being provided as energy store, to which leaf spring (8, 12) the contact element is fastened, and the contour region (5') which is provided on a cam disc (13) being connected fixedly to the clutch pedal (1'), characterized in that the leaf spring (12) is configured trapezoidally with a V-shaped cut-out (14).
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that in each case angled-away portions (17, 17') for receiving a running roller (4') are provided at the end sections (15, 15') of the leaf spring (12) which are formed by the V-shaped cut-out (14).
3. Arrangement according to Claim 2, characterized in that the angled-away portions (17, 17') have recesses (18, 18') for receiving the axle (16) of the running roller (4').
4. Arrangement according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the angled-away portions (17, 17') are bent by an angle (α) of from 80° to 100°, preferably of less than or equal to 90°, in relation to the lower leaf-spring face.
5. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that one end of the leaf spring (12) is clamped in on the vehicle side, a free end of the leaf spring (12) being fastened to the contact element.
6. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that the contact element is configured as a running roller (4').
7. Arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that a pressure force can be applied to the predefined contour region (5') of the cam disc (13) by the running roller (4') which is loaded with the spring force of the leaf spring (12).
8. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the clutch pedal (1') and the cam disc (13) are mounted such that they can be pivoted about a common pivot point (3').
9. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cam disc (13) has a changing contour angle (ξ) along the contour region (5').
10. Arrangement according to Claim 9, characterized in that a pressure force can be transmitted to the cam disc (13) by the changing contour angle (ξ), it being possible for the pressure force to be divided as a function of the respective contour angle (ξ) into a radial force component (6') and a tangential force component (7').
11. Arrangement according to Claim 10, characterized in that the radial force component (6') can be supported on the pivot point (3'), the tangential force component (7') transmitting a compensation torque via the cam disc (13) to the clutch pedal (1).

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