JP4228216B2 - Clutch cable connection structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for connecting a clutch cable to a clutch release fork.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a manual transmission vehicle of an automobile, a clutch operating mechanism that employs a clutch release fork to rotate and drive a clutch drive shaft related to clutch engagement / disengagement has been adopted. In this clutch operation mechanism, the clutch drive shaft is rotated by connecting one end of the inner cable of the clutch cable to the clutch pedal and engaging the other end with the clutch release fork to increase or decrease the depression amount of the clutch pedal. This is performed by transmitting to the clutch release fork via the inner cable.

  By the way, it is necessary to set a predetermined amount of play in order to obtain good operability for the clutch, and a structure in which such play amount is adjusted at the connecting portion between the inner cable and the clutch release fork is common. . An example thereof will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, in order to fix the outer cable 4 of the clutch cable 3, a bracket 1 attached to a vehicle structural part, an engine block or the like and a cylindrical member 2 inserted through a hole 1 a of the bracket 1 are used. ing. The end position of the outer cable 4 is fixed by inserting the outer cable 4 of the clutch cable 3 into the cylindrical member 2. An inner cable 5 is slidably accommodated in the outer cable 4, and one end side 5a of the inner cable 5 is connected to a clutch pedal. On the other hand, a male screw 6 is formed on the other end side 5 b of the inner cable 5 protruding from the outer cable 4.

  The other end side 5 b of the inner cable 5 passes through a cable insertion portion drilled in one end portion 8 a of the clutch release fork 8 (in the illustrated example, a cast part), and a pin 9 is provided with respect to the male screw 6. It is inserted and the nut 7 is screwed. A recess 8b with which the pin 9 is engaged is formed at one end 8a of the clutch release fork. The pin 9 is brought into contact with the concave portion 8 b and the pin 9 is prevented from coming off from the inner cable 5 by the nut 7. In the drawing, a portion indicated by reference numeral 10 is a drive shaft of the clutch, and the clutch is engaged and disengaged by rotating the shaft.

According to this structure, when the clutch pedal is depressed, the inner cable 5 is pulled in the direction of arrow A, and accordingly, one end 8a of the clutch release arm 8 is pulled in the direction of arrow A, and the clutch drive shaft 10 is Driven by rotation. Then, the clutch can be brought into a disengaged state.
When adjusting the play amount of the clutch, the nut 7 is moved in the direction of arrow A or in the opposite direction to adjust the play of the inner cable 5 or the play set in the internal mechanism of the drive shaft 10 of the clutch. . (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.)

JP-A-8-338442 ([0002] to [0004], FIG. 6) JP 2003-166520 A ([0002] to [0006], FIG. 14)

By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, in the structure in which the play amount of the clutch is adjusted at the connecting portion between the inner cable 5 and the clutch release fork 8, conventionally, the clutch release fork 8 has been provided with a biasing means such as a hand or a spring. After turning to the direction of arrow A to eliminate clutch play, the nut 7 is screwed in until the screwing operation becomes heavy, and then the screwing amount of the nut 7 is reduced, which is opposite to the arrow A. The play amount of the predetermined clutch was set by returning the clutch release fork 8 in the direction. However, this method requires skill in determining the return amount of the nut 7 so that the play amount of the clutch falls within the standard, and a high-accuracy clutch play amount can be achieved in a short time regardless of the skill of the operator. Setting was difficult.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable quick and highly accurate setting of a predetermined play amount of a clutch without requiring skill. It is in.

  In order to solve the above problems, the clutch cable connection structure according to claim 1 of the present invention is such that the inner cable of the clutch cable is passed through the cable insertion portion formed in the clutch release fork. A clutch cable connection structure for preventing the inner cable from coming off from the clutch release fork and adjusting the play amount of the clutch using a nut screwed from the end of the clutch, wherein the nut and the clutch release fork At the contact portions of each other, provided with a concavo-convex engaging portion that changes the engagement depth according to the rotational phase of the nut relative to the clutch release fork, and the maximum engagement of the concavo-convex engaging portion The difference between the depth and the minimum engagement depth is formed to correspond to a predetermined clutch play amount. And it is characterized in and.

  According to the present invention, the clutch release fork is rotated by using an urging means such as a hand or a spring, and after the play of the clutch is eliminated, the nut is tightened until it comes into contact with the clutch release fork. At this time, the rotation phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork is determined and the nut tightening is completed so that the engagement depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion becomes the minimum engagement depth. Subsequently, the nut is rotated to change the rotation phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork so that the engagement depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion is the maximum engagement depth. Then, the clutch release fork has a rotation angle corresponding to the difference between the maximum engagement depth and the minimum engagement depth of the concave-convex engagement portion by the elastic force of the spring that constitutes the internal mechanism of the clutch, such as a compression spring of the clutch plate. Automatically return. Here, since the difference between the maximum engagement depth and the minimum engagement depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion is formed to correspond to the play amount of the predetermined clutch, the play amount of the predetermined clutch is accurately determined. Can be set to

The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 2 of the present invention is the clutch cable connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the concavo-convex engaging portion is formed on the nut and is connected to the screw shaft of the nut. It is composed of a convex portion projecting in an orthogonal direction and a concave portion formed on the clutch release fork and having a shape following the convex portion of the nut.
According to the present invention, a convex portion formed on the nut and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the screw shaft of the nut is formed from the concave portion formed on the clutch release fork and having a shape following the convex portion of the nut. By determining the rotational phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork so as to be disengaged and completing the tightening of the nut, the meshing depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion is set to the minimum meshing depth (depth 0). Can do. Further, the engagement of the concavo-convex engaging portion is achieved by changing the rotational phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork by reducing the amount of tightening of the nut so that the convex portion of the nut fits into the concave portion of the clutch release fork. The deep depth can be the maximum meshing depth.

The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 3 of the present invention is the clutch cable connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the projection of the nut is formed in a columnar shape, and the recess of the clutch release fork is a semicylindrical shape. It is formed in a shape.
According to the present invention, the concave and convex portions are formed by determining the rotational phase of the nut relative to the clutch release fork and completing the tightening of the nut so that the cylindrical convex portion of the nut is disengaged from the concave portion of the clutch release fork. The meshing depth of the engagement portion can be set to the minimum meshing depth. In addition, the columnar convex portion of the nut is fitted into the semi-cylindrical concave portion of the clutch release fork, so that the convex portion and the concave portion are completely meshed so that they are guided to each other's concave and convex shape, The meshing depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion can be the maximum meshing depth.

The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 4 of the present invention is the clutch cable connection structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the convex portion is provided so as to protrude perpendicularly to the cross, and the concave portion is Among the convex portions, the convex portions are provided at two places for receiving two convex portions arranged with the center of the nut interposed therebetween.
According to the present invention, the rotation of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork in a state in which the cylindrical convex portion is removed from the concave portion of the clutch release fork due to the positional relationship between the convex portion of the nut and the concave portion of the clutch release fork. By changing the phase by a maximum of 45 °, the cylindrical convex portion of the nut fits into the concave portion of the clutch release fork, and the meshing depth of the concave and convex engaging portion is set to the minimum meshing depth and the maximum meshing depth. Can be changed between.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to quickly and accurately perform the setting operation of the predetermined play amount of the clutch without requiring skill.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a clutch cable connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, a cable insertion portion 8c formed in the clutch release fork 8 (in the example of FIG. 1, the clutch release fork 8 is a sheet metal part, and an inner cable is formed between one end portion 8a divided into two forks. 5), the nut 11 that is screwed into the male screw 6 from the other end 5b of the inner cable 5 in a state in which the inner cable 5 of the clutch cable 3 is passed through the clutch release. A structure is employed in which the inner cable 5 is prevented from coming off the fork 8 and the amount of play of the clutch is adjusted. In the drawing, the axis indicated by the symbol C indicates the rotation center axis of the clutch release fork 8 (the axis of the drive shaft of the clutch).

  Further, at the abutment portion between the nut 11 and the clutch release fork 8, an unevenness that changes the meshing depth of the clutch release fork 8 and the nut 11 according to the rotational phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8. An engaging portion 12 is provided. The concavo-convex engaging portions 12 are formed on the nut 11 and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the screw shaft of the nut 11, and formed on the clutch release fork 8 and following the convex portion 11 a of the nut 11. And a recess 8b having In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2 in an enlarged manner, the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is formed in a columnar shape, and the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8 is formed in a semicylindrical shape. Moreover, as can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the convex portion 11a is provided so as to protrude perpendicularly to the screw shaft direction of the nut 11, and the concave portion 8b is a nut of the four convex portions 11a. 11 is provided at two locations for receiving the two convex portions 11a arranged with the center of 11 interposed therebetween.

  Here, the left figure of FIG. 2 determines the rotational phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8 so that the projection 11a of the nut 11 is disengaged from the recess 8b of the clutch release fork 8, and tightens the nut 8. Indicates the completed state. This state is a state in which the meshing depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion 12 is the minimum meshing depth (in the illustrated example, the depth is 0 mm). On the other hand, the right figure of FIG. 2 changes the rotation phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8 so that the convex part 11a of the nut 11 fits into the concave part 8b of the clutch release fork 8 from the state shown in the left figure. Shows the state. This state is a state in which the engagement depth of the uneven engagement portion 12 is the maximum engagement depth.

In the example of FIG. 2, the depth A of the concave portion 8 b with respect to the contact surface 13 between the clutch release fork 8 and the nut 11 is half of the convex portion 11 a of the nut 11 constituting the concave and convex engaging portion 12. It is determined so as to be fitted into the recess 8 b of the clutch release fork 8. Then, when the nut 11 is rotated from the state of the left figure of FIG. 2 and the convex part 11a is fitted into the concave part 8b of the clutch release fork 8, the clutch release fork 8 becomes the pressure spring of the clutch plate. The rotational angle can be automatically returned to the other end side 5b of the inner cable 6 by an amount corresponding to the radius of the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 by the elastic force of the spring constituting the internal mechanism of the clutch. .
In the embodiment of the present invention, the difference B between the maximum engagement depth and the minimum engagement depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion 12 is formed to correspond to a predetermined clutch play amount. Further, the depth A of the recess 8b and the difference B between the maximum meshing depth and the minimum meshing depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion 12 are the same.

Here, the procedure for connecting the clutch cable 3 to the clutch release fork 8 in the clutch cable connection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
(1) First, the end of the outer cable 4 of the clutch cable 3 is fixed to the bracket 1.
(2) Subsequently, the inner cable 5 in which the nut 11 is preliminarily screwed into the male screw 6 is passed through the bifurcated cable insertion portion 8 c of the clutch release fork 8.
(3) Then, the one end side 5a of the inner cable 5 is pulled with a predetermined tension using an inner cable pulling jig or the like.
(4) The clutch release fork 8 is turned in the direction of arrow A by using an urging means such as a hand or a spring to eliminate the play of the clutch, and then the nut 11 is further screwed into the nut 11 Is brought into contact with the clutch release fork 8. At this time, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2, the rotational phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8 is determined so that the convex portion 11 a of the nut 11 is disengaged from the concave portion 8 b of the clutch release fork 8. Complete tightening.
(5) Then, from the state shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2, the nut 11 is rotated in a direction in which the tightening amount of the nut 11 is decreased, thereby changing the rotation phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8. As shown in the right figure, the projection 11 a of the nut 11 is fitted into the recess 8 b of the clutch release fork 8.
(6) Finally, the tension jig of the inner cable 5 is removed, and the operation of connecting the clutch cable 3 to the clutch release fork 8 is completed.

The effects obtained by the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration are as follows. First, when the inner cable 5 is connected to the clutch release fork 8, as described above, the clutch release fork 8 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A by using a biasing means such as a hand or a spring, so that the clutch is free from play. The nut 11 is tightened until it is brought into contact with the clutch release fork 8. At this time, the rotational phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8 is determined and the nut 11 is tightened so that the meshing depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion is the minimum meshing depth as shown in the left diagram of FIG. To complete. Subsequently, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 2, the nut 11 is rotated in the direction in which the tightening amount of the nut 11 is decreased, and the rotation phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork is changed.
Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, the columnar convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is fitted into the semi-cylindrical concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8, so that the convex portion 11a and the concave portion 8b are uneven. The clutch release fork 8 automatically returns to the rotation angle as guided by the shape, and the engagement depth of the concave and convex engagement portion 12 can be set to the maximum engagement depth. In addition, since the B difference between the maximum engagement depth and the minimum engagement depth of the concavo-convex engaging portion 12 is formed to correspond to a predetermined clutch play amount, the nut 11 is shown in the left diagram of FIG. The predetermined play amount can be accurately set to the clutch only by rotating from the state shown in FIG.

  It should be noted that the shape of the concavo-convex engaging portion 12 capable of obtaining the above-described effects is not limited to the columnar convex portion 11a and the semicylindrical concave portion 8b as in the illustrated example. The difference B between the maximum engagement depth and the minimum engagement depth of the engaging portion 12 may be formed as long as it corresponds to a predetermined clutch play amount. Therefore, even if the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or the like, and the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8 is shaped like these, the same operational effects can be obtained. Further, the convex portion 11a may be formed in a circular tubular shape or a rectangular tubular shape.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is provided so as to protrude perpendicular to the cross, and the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8 is arranged with the center of the nut 11 in the convex portion 11a. It is provided at two places for receiving the two raised portions 11a. Therefore, by changing the rotation phase of the nut 11 with respect to the clutch release fork 8 from 45 ° at the maximum from the state in which the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is disengaged from the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8 shown in FIG. As shown in the right figure of FIG. 2, the convex portion 11a is fitted into the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8, and the meshing depth of the concave and convex engaging portion 12 is changed from the minimum meshing depth to the maximum meshing depth. It can be changed to the state.

By the way, when the tightening amount of the nut 11 is returned by 45 °, the nut 11 moves to the other end side 5b of the inner cable 6 by 1/8 of the screw pitch, and the movement of the nut 11 reduces the play amount of the clutch. It will appear as an error in setting. However, when the screw pitch is 1 mm, the error is ± 0.125 mm, which is 1/8 of 1 mm. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the play amount of the clutch stably regardless of the skill of the operator. In this respect, it is far superior to the conventional case where the nut return amount is determined based on the experience of the operator.
Further, when six convex portions 11a of the nut 11 are provided, for example, at a pitch of 60 °, the nut 11 changes its position with respect to the clutch release fork by 1/12 of the screw pitch, so that the convex portion 11a of the nut 11 is changed. From a state where the clutch release fork 8 is disengaged from the concave portion 8b, the convex portion 11a is fitted into the concave portion 8b of the clutch release fork 8, and the meshing depth of the concave and convex engaging portion 12 is changed from the minimum meshing depth to the maximum meshing. Since the depth can be changed, the error can be reduced. It should be noted that the number of the convex portions 11a of the nut 11 is determined in consideration of the size of the nut 11, the strength of the convex portion 11a, workability when setting the play amount of the clutch, and the like.

It is the schematic which shows the connection structure of the clutch cable which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view which shows the uneven | corrugated engagement part of the connection structure of the clutch cable shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the connection structure of the conventional clutch cable.

Explanation of symbols

3: Clutch cable, 4: Outer cable, 5: Inner cable, 6: Male screw, 8: Clutch release fork, 8a: One end, 8b: Recess, 8c: Cable insertion part, 9: Pin, 11: Nut, 11a: Convex part, 12: Concave and convex engaging part

Claims (4)

With the cable insertion part formed in the clutch release fork, the inner cable of the clutch cable is passed through, and a nut screwed from the end of the inner cable is used to prevent the inner cable from coming off the clutch release fork. A clutch cable connection structure for adjusting the play amount of the clutch,
A concave / convex engaging portion for changing a meshing depth according to a rotation phase of the nut with respect to the clutch release fork is provided at a contact portion between the nut and the clutch release fork, and the concave / convex A clutch cable connection structure, characterized in that a difference between a maximum engagement depth and a minimum engagement depth of the engagement portion is formed to correspond to a predetermined play amount of the clutch. The concavo-convex engaging portion has a convex portion formed on the nut and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the screw shaft of the nut, and a shape formed on the clutch release fork and following the convex portion of the nut. The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 1, comprising a recess. 3. The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion of the nut is formed in a columnar shape, and the concave portion of the clutch release fork is formed in a semicylindrical shape. The convex portion is provided so as to protrude perpendicularly to the cross, and the concave portion is provided at two locations that receive two convex portions arranged across the center of the nut among the convex portions. The clutch cable connection structure according to claim 2 or 3.

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