FR3048476A1 - DEVICE FOR LOCKING A CONTROL AXIS OF AN AUTOMATIC VEHICLE GEARBOX - Google Patents

Abstract

A blocking device (DB) equips a gearbox (BV) of automatic type, comprising a control shaft (AC) adapted to be rotated to change from a parking state to a neutral state, and clean to equip a vehicle. This device (DB) comprises first coupling means (MC1) rotatably connected to the control axis (AC), and a rod (TB) comprising a first end (E1) adapted to be temporarily secured to the transmission box. velocities (BV) in a first position, and a second end (E2), provided with second coupling means (MC2) adapted to cooperate with the first coupling means (MC1) for locking the control shaft (AC) in a position corresponding to one of the parking states and neutral when the first end (E1) is in its first position, and to release the control axis (AC) when the first end (E1) is no longer in its first position position.

Description

The invention relates to automatic type gearboxes that are fitted to certain vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known to those skilled in the art, some vehicles, possibly of the automotive type, are equipped with a gearbox of the automatic type and comprising a drive shaft capable of being rotated to make it pass from a state to another (for example from a parked (or "park") state to a neutral (or dead) state).

The angular position of this control shaft may, for example, be controlled by an electric motor. In this case, to prevent the internal mechanisms of the gearbox are damaged before it is installed in a vehicle, its control shaft can be initially placed in a position corresponding to the parked state. Once such a transmission is part of the drivetrain of a vehicle being assembled, it is still in its parked state. Therefore, when the gearbox is not powered, because it has not yet been coupled to the battery via the power supply or the battery is discharged, the vehicle can not operate. not be moved by rolling as this would require that its gearbox be placed in its neutral state. This is quite penalizing on the assembly lines.

When the opposite situation occurs, namely a reception of the gearbox in its neutral state before installation in a vehicle, it is not possible once the installation is completed to make it go into its parking state when it is not powered by electricity. The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation.

It proposes for this purpose a locking device for equipping an automatic type gearbox, comprising a drive shaft adapted to be rotated to change from a parking state to a neutral state, and clean to equip a vehicle.

This locking device is characterized in that it comprises: - first coupling means rotatably connected to the control shaft, and - a rod comprising a first end, adapted to be secured temporarily to the gearbox in a first position, and a second end, provided with second coupling means adapted to cooperate with the first coupling means for locking the control shaft in a position corresponding to one of the parking states and neutral when the first end is in its first position, and to release the control shaft when the first end is no longer in its first position.

Such a locking device makes it possible to pre-equip a gearbox by blocking it in the parked state or else the neutral state until it forms part of the transmission chain of a vehicle in progress. assembly, then release the rotation of the control shaft (temporarily or permanently) in order to place it in the position corresponding to the neutral state of this gearbox (which authorizes the running of the vehicle) or to the parking condition of this gearbox (which prohibits the vehicle running).

The locking device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: its first coupling means can be firmly fixed to a free end of the control shaft; - Alternatively, it may comprise a coupling part to which are secured the first coupling means and which is secured in rotation to the control shaft; the piece may be a wheel provided with teeth defining the first coupling means; it may comprise return means capable of automatically pushing the first end of the rod as soon as it is no longer secured in its first position; it may comprise a fastener adapted to be firmly secured to the gearbox and having a first clean housing to accommodate with a displacement of the first end of the rod; it may comprise immobilization means adapted to immobilize the first end of the rod in its first position relative to the gearbox; the immobilizing means may comprise an axis traversing in translation a first hole defined in the rod; • The axis may comprise an end adapted to be housed in a second housing defined in the fastener for immobilizing the first end of the rod in its first position. The invention also proposes a gearbox of the automatic type, suitable for equipping a vehicle, possibly of automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a control pin capable of being rotated to make it pass from a state parking in a neutral state, and, secondly, a blocking device of the type shown above.

For example, this gearbox may comprise a cover secured to a housing, masking a free end of the control shaft, and comprising a second hole through which the first end of the rod of the locking device. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained in CAD / CAD ("Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing"), of where the apparently discontinuous nature of certain lines), in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a part of an example of a gearbox equipped with an embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, placed in a locking position, - Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, the gearbox and the locking device of Figure 1, - Figure 3 schematically illustrates in a view from above , the blocking device of FIG. 1 and its gearbox without its "tamper-proof" cover, - FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a portion of the gearbox of FIG. c) its locking device placed in a decoupling position, and - Figure 5 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, the gearbox and the blocking device of Figure 4. The invention is intended in particular to provide a blocking device DB intended to be secured at least temporarily to an automatic gearbox BV and intended to equip a vehicle.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is automotive type. This is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns indeed any vehicle that can be equipped with an automatic type gearbox. Thus, it relates to land vehicles, maritime (or river) vehicles, and air vehicles (or aircraft).

FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematically a part of an example of a gearbox BV of the automatic type and equipped with an exemplary embodiment of a locking device DB according to the invention.

As best seen in FIG. 2, this gearbox BV comprises an AC drive shaft which is adapted to be rotated to move it from at least one parked state (or "park") to a neutral state. (or dead point).

For example, and as illustrated, the control axis AC (and more precisely its free end EL) is masked (e) by a cover CB, sometimes called tamper, and fixedly secured to a housing of the gearbox BV .

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a blocking device DB, according to the invention, comprises at least first coupling means MC1 and a rod TB.

The first coupling means MC1 are rotatably connected to the control axis AC. In other words, a drive in rotation of the control axis AC would induce their rotation drive.

It will be noted that in the example shown non-limitingly in FIGS. 2 to 4, the blocking device DB also comprises a PC coupling piece to which the first coupling means MC1 are fixedly fixed and which is secured in rotation to the axis AC control (and more precisely at its free end EL).

This PC coupling member may, as illustrated without limitation, be a wheel provided with teeth defining the first coupling means MC1. Note that in the example shown non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the teeth MC1 are present over the entire circumference of the wheel PC. But in an alternative embodiment not shown they could be present on only part of the circumference of the wheel PC. In another variant embodiment not illustrated, the PC coupling piece could be different from a wheel. Thus, it could have a square or rectangular or triangular shape, the important thing being that it can be secured in rotation to the control axis AC and that it comprises first coupling means MC1.

In yet another variant embodiment not illustrated, the first coupling means MC1 could be fixedly secured to the free end EL of the control axis AC. In this case, they can be reported on the free end EL or be an integral part of the latter (EL).

The rod TB comprises first E1 and second E2 opposite ends.

The first end E1 is adapted to be secured temporarily to the gearbox BV in a first position illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

The second end E2 is provided with second coupling means MC2 which are adapted to cooperate with the first coupling means MC1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) to block the control axis AC in a position corresponding to one of the states parking and neutral of the gearbox BV when the first end E1 is in its first position. These second coupling means MC2 are also suitable for releasing the control pin AC when the first end E1 is no longer in its first position (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Here is meant by "releasing" the fact that the second coupling means MC2 no longer cooperate with the first coupling means MC1 (and therefore are decoupled from the latter) because they have been removed from the latter (MC1). by displacement of the rod TB, which allows an unhindered rotation drive of the control axis AC.

It will be understood that once the first end E1 of the rod TB is no longer immobilized in its first position, the rod TB can be moved, which releases the control axis AC. The latter (AC) can then be rotated to move the gearbox BV from its parked state to its neutral state or from its neutral state to its parked state (depending on the initial state in which it is placed ), thus making it possible to move the vehicle or to prevent this movement when the gearbox BV is not supplied with electric power.

This drive in rotation of the control axis AC can, for example, be done by means of a tool adapted to cooperate with its free end EL.

In the example shown non-limitatively in the figures, the second coupling means MC2 are arranged in the form of teeth intended to be temporarily housed between teeth of the first coupling means MC1. But they could be arranged differently, it depends on the arrangement of the first coupling means MC1.

Note that in order to avoid having to move the rod TB after the separation of its first end E1, it is advantageous for the blocking device DB to comprise return means MR, as shown in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. These MR return means are here intended to automatically push the first end E1 as soon as it is no longer secured in its first position. In the example illustrated without limitation in the figures, the return means MR are arranged in the form of a helical spring which is compressed against the first end E1 when the latter (E1) is secured in its first position, and therefore which relaxes by pushing the first end E1 as soon as it is no longer secured in its first position. In an alternative embodiment, a spring blade could be used in place of the coil spring.

The attachment of the first end E1 in its first position can be done in different ways.

Thus, as illustrated in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 1 to 5, it can be done via a fixing piece PF which is part of the locking device DB and which is able to be firmly fixed to the gearbox BV, for example on a casing. In this case, this fixing piece PF comprises a first housing L1 which is adapted to accommodate a displacement of the first end E1 of the rod TB. It will be understood that this deflection is intended to allow the displacement of the first end E1 when it is no longer secured in its first position.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the fixing piece PF can be fixedly secured to the gearbox BV by means of a screw VF. But, it could be welded to the BV gearbox.

In the presence of such a fixing piece PF, the possible return means MR can be accommodated in the first housing L1, as illustrated.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the attachment of the first end E1 in its first position could be directly relative to a part forming part of the gearbox BV (such as a housing).

It will be noted, as illustrated in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 1 to 3, that the blocking device DB may comprise immobilization means M 1 which are suitable for immobilizing the first end E 1 in its first position, with respect to the gearbox BV .

To do this, the immobilization means M1 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 to 3, comprise an axis A1 which translates in translation a first hole T1 defined in the rod TB. This Al axis may, for example, be in the form of a pin or a bar or a rod.

In the example shown non-limitatively in FIGS. 1 to 3, the axis A1 comprises an end EA which is adapted to be housed in a second recess L2 defined in the fixing piece PF in order to immobilize the first end E1 of the TB rod in its first position. In this case, to immobilize the first end E1 of the rod TB is placed in its first position here in the first housing L1 by pressing the spring MR, then we translate the axis Al through the first hole T1 until its end EA is housed in the second housing L2 of the fixing piece PF. Conversely, when it is desired to separate the first end E1 of the rod TB, translate upwards (by pulling) the axis A1 so that its end EA exits the second housing L2 of the fixing part PF, then it is possible to possibly decouple the axis Al of the rod TB.

Once the rod TB has been decoupled from the first coupling means MC1, it can be withdrawn or left (in decoupled position) for later reuse to again block the control pin AC after it has been removed. has been returned to the initial position corresponding to the parked state or to the neutral state of the BV gearbox.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the second housing L2 could be defined in a housing of the gearbox BV, rather than in the fixing part PF. In this case, the first hole T1 can be made in an intermediate portion of the rod TB (located between its first E1 and second E2 ends) rather than in the immediate vicinity of the first end E1, as in the example shown non-limitatively .

It will be noted that the axis A1 may be of considerable length so that it can be pulled by a technician at a relatively large distance from the rod TB. This facilitates ergonomics on the assembly station.

Furthermore, the free end of the axis A1, which is opposite its end EA, may, for example, be equipped with a ring or a cord to pull it more easily.

When the gearbox BV comprises the CB tamperproof cover, the latter (CB) may comprise a second hole T2 through which the first end E1 of the rod TB. This makes it possible in fact to couple its second coupling means MC2 to the first coupling means MC1 which are integral in rotation with the control axis AC, during the installation of the rod TB in its locking position (illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3). Similarly, this second hole T2 allows the decoupling between the first MC1 and second MC2 coupling means during the separation of the first end E1 of its first position.

When such a cover CB equips the gearbox BV, it is particularly advantageous that it comprises, as shown non-limitatively in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, a cap BC allowing, when it is removed, access the free end EL of the control axis AC, in order to drive it in rotation by means of a tool. Such a plug BC may, for example, be force-fitted into a corresponding hole of the cover CB. Alternatively, it could be secured to the hood CB by screws.

Note that the rod TB is made of a rigid material, such as a plastic or a metal. Furthermore, the possible fixing piece PF is also made of a rigid material, such as for example a plastic material or a metal.

Claims (10)

A blocking device (DB) for an automatic type gearbox (BV), comprising a control shaft (AC) adapted to be rotated from a parking state to a neutral state, and adapted to equip a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises i) first coupling means (MC1) rotationally secured to said control axis (AC), and ii) a rod (TB) comprising a first end (E1), adapted to be secured temporarily to said gearbox (BV) in a first position, and a second end (E2), provided with second coupling means (MC2) adapted to cooperate with said first coupling means (MC1) for blocking said control axis (AC) in a position corresponding to one of said parking states and neutral when said first end (E1) is in its first position, and releasing said control axis (AC) when said first end (E1) is more in his first position. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first coupling means (MC1) are fixedly secured to a free end (EL) of said control axis (AC). 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a coupling member (PC) to which are fixedly secured said first coupling means (MC1) and which is secured in rotation to said control axis (AC). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said piece (PC) is a wheel provided with teeth defining said first coupling means (MC1). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises return means (MR) adapted to automatically push said first end (E1) of the rod (TB) as soon as it is more solidarized in its first position. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a fastener (PF) adapted to be fixedly secured to said gearbox (BV) and having a first housing (L1) specific to housing with a displacement said first end (E1). 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises immobilization means (Ml) adapted to immobilize said first end (E1) in its first position relative to said gearbox ( BV). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said immobilizing means (Ml) comprise an axis (A1) traversing in translation a first hole (T1) defined in said rod (TB). 9. Device according to the combination of claims 6 and 8, characterized in that said axis (Al) comprises an end (EA) adapted to be housed in a second housing (L2) defined in said fastener (PF) for immobilizing said first end (E1) of the rod (TB) in its first position. 10. Automatic gearbox (BV), comprising a control shaft (AC) capable of being rotated from a parking state to a neutral state, and suitable for equipping a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a blocking device (DB) according to one of the preceding claims.