WO2008015022A1

WO2008015022A1 - Mechanism for adjusting the length of a bowden cable

Info

Publication number: WO2008015022A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/006904
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Pereira Monteiro
Original assignee: Fico Cables Lda
Priority date: 2006-08-03
Filing date: 2007-08-03
Publication date: 2008-02-07
Also published as: DE102006036283A1; DE102006036283B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for adjusting the length of a Bowden cable (50, 52, 54). Said adjusting mechanism (1) comprises a base (10) for accommodating a first sleeve (50) of the Bowden cable (50, 52, 54), an externally geared (22) actuator (20) for accommodating a second sleeve (52) of the Bowden cable (50, 52, 54), and at least one shell-shaped internally geared (32) insert (30, 31). The base (10) is provided with a hollow cylindrical elastic spring area (12) into which the at least one insert (30, 31) is inserted such that the internal gear (32) of the insert (30, 31) engages with the external gear (22) of the actuator (20).

Description

Adjustment mechanism for length adjustment of a Bowden cable

1. Field of the invention

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

2. State of the art

Bowden cables are u. a. used in motor vehicles, machines or bicycles. They are generally used to connect an actuating device, for. As a pedal or a lever, with a device to be operated, for. B. a brake or clutch. The length of the Bowden cable between the actuator and the device to be operated must usually be set free of play, so that the device can be operated correctly. Usually, brakes or clutches are adjusted or adjusted over the length of the Bowden cable.

Bowden cables can transmit tensile and compressive forces to remote locations. They usually consist of a flexible casing, which is formed by a wire spiral, which is coated with plastic and a cable, which is usually formed from a wire rope. The cable is freely movable within the case. The shell absorbs primarily compressive forces, the cable transmits primarily tensile forces.

Bowden cables of this type are usually adjusted to a certain length by changing the length of the sheath. The length of the cable will mostly kept constant. For this purpose, different adjusting devices are known in the prior art.

For example, EP 1 296 072 A1 shows an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of a Bowden cable, comprising a cylindrical housing and an adjusting member arranged displaceably therein, which bears against the cylindrical one

Housing is biased by a spring. The spring generates a biasing force on the Bowden cable, so that the Bowden cable is automatically biased. In order to permanently determine the adjusting member on the cylindrical housing, the adjusting member is equipped with locking means, which with corresponding

Locking means can lock on the housing.

Further adjusting mechanisms for Bowden cables are known, for example, from EP 0 861 988 A2, EP 0 658 696 A1 or WO 96/25604. All these adjusting mechanisms work according to the principle described above, ie. H. They have springs that apply a certain preload on the Bowden cable and are then detected manually or automatically. Such Einstellvoπϊch- obligations often consist of a variety of components and are relatively complicated to install or adjust.

The last three adjustment mechanisms described can automatically compensate for any play of the Bowden cable. For this reason, however, they have a certain axial play in themselves. However, such a clearance in the adjustment mechanism is undesirable because it increases the response time to movements initiated.

Furthermore, this automatic adjustment means that the forces which can be transmitted with these adjustment mechanisms are not particularly high. Therefore, these adjustment mechanisms are not for safety-relevant applications, for example, used in parking brakes. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a setting device for a cable, which is simple in construction, easy and error-free to install, has a small footprint, has no axial play, can transmit very high forces, works very reliable and can be operated particularly easily and safely.

3. Summary of the invention

The o. G. Tasks are solved by an adjusting device according to the invention according to claim 1.

In particular, the objects are achieved by an adjustment mechanism for length adjustment of a Bowden cable, comprising a base body for receiving a first shell of the Bowden cable; an actuator with an external toothing for receiving a second sheath of the Bowden cable; at least one shell-shaped insert, with an internal toothing; wherein the main body has a hollow-cylindrical elastic spring region, in which the at least one insert is inserted, so that the internal toothing of the insert is in engagement with the external toothing of the actuator.

By the hollow cylindrical spring portion of the inserted insert or the inserts used is pressed in the direction of the actuator and a secure locking of the actuator with the insert or inserts is guaranteed. The spring portion deforms when adjusting the adjustment mechanism of the cylindrical shape elastically in a slightly oval shape.

The fact that the insert or the inserts are used in the body a particularly robust arrangement is provided, which is also easy to assemble. The adjustment mechanism is therefore simple, robust and can transmit high loads. The teeth on the insert and on the actuator are engaged in such a way that the actuator can be moved with respect to the base body in only one direction (pulling direction P), ie only to "lengthen" the adjustment mechanism. This ensures that the fitter securely tensions the Bowden cable to be adjusted.

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

In a first preferred embodiment of the adjustment mechanism, the base body and the actuator in the pulling direction P are pulled apart manually to adjust the length of the Bowden cable, wherein the inner toothing of the shell-shaped insert slides over the outer toothing of the actuator and locked in a new position. Preferably, the adjustment of the Bowden cable, i. the extension of the adjustment mechanism, manual and not automatic, so that a high reliability, backlash and high loads are guaranteed.

In a further preferred embodiment, the insert is fixed without axial play in the spring region. As a result, an axial clearance of the adjustment mechanism is completely avoided.

Preferably, the cup-shaped insert has locking elements on its outer side, which engage with corresponding latching elements on the spring area. The locking elements on the insert and the spring area hold the insert after its installation within the spring range. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism can be easily mounted. In a further preferred embodiment, the bowl-shaped insert has at one end a collar, which is supported on an end face of the spring region. The collar on the insert is supported on the end face of the spring region and thus transmits the axial forces of the actuator to the base body. An optional heel within the body on which the insert is additionally supported can also absorb part of the axial forces.

Preferably, the base body and the actuator at each end on a collar for manual operation of the adjustment mechanism. In order to facilitate manual adjustment, the base body and the actuator have at each end a collar, with which the adjustment mechanism can be easily pulled apart by hand.

Preferably, the external toothing of the actuator annular teeth which are inclined in the pulling direction P, so that the actuator relative to the insert and the base body can be irreversibly moved in the pulling direction P.

Due to the annular teeth, secure engagement with teeth is provided on the insert. Furthermore, by the annular teeth the

Actuator are rotated relative to the main body, without the risk that the adjustment mechanism fails. The two sheaths of the Bowden cable are therefore decoupled from each other with respect to a rotation.

In a further preferred embodiment, two bowl-shaped inserts are inserted into the spring area. Two cup-shaped inserts provide a symmetrical structure of the adjustment mechanism which is particularly reliable and capable of transmitting higher axial forces than just one insert.

The inserts in the spring region preferably have a radial and / or a tangential clearance. A radial and / or tangential play of the inserts in the

Spring area facilitates adjustment of the adjustment mechanism. The game is designed such that it provides the necessary space for sliding over the locking teeth in the pulling direction P together with the elastic deformation of the spring portion. The radial and / or axial play is always smaller than the radial height of the ratchet teeth.

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

4. Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures. In which shows:

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of an adjusting mechanism according to the invention connected to a Bowden cable;

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the adjustment mechanism

Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a detail of the sectional view of Fig. 3; and

5 is a three-dimensional representation of the assembly process of an adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1.

5. Description of the preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an adjustment mechanism 1 for length adjustment of a Bowden cable 50, 52, 54. The adjustment mechanism 1 consists of a base body 10 which is connected to a first shell 50 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54, an actuator 20, the is connected to a second shell 52 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54 and two cup-shaped inserts 30, 31, which are inserted into the base body 10. The Bowden cable 50, 52, 54 is adjusted by changing the distance of the sheaths 50, 52 from each other by means of the adjusting mechanism 1, wherein the actuator 20 is pulled out of the main body 10, as shown by the arrows P. In this case, the length of a cable 54 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54, which extends through the adjustment mechanism 1, remains constant.

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

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

The cup-shaped inserts 30, 31 each have an internal toothing 32, which corresponds to an external toothing 22 of the actuator 20. For mounting the inserts 30, 31 they are equipped with locking elements 38 which can engage in corresponding latching elements 13 on the spring element 12. Thus, the inserts 30, 31 are held axially in the base body 10. The adjustment mechanism 1, which is located between a first shell 50 and a second shell 52 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54 and defines their axial distance from one another, must receive during operation substantially axial pressure loads. For this purpose, the cup-shaped inserts 30, 31 each equipped with a collar 36 which is supported after assembly to an end face 15 of the spring portion 12 of the body 10. About this collar 36 a major part of the axial load is transmitted.

The actuator 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with a through hole 29 for the cable 54 of the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54. On its outer side, the actuator 20 has an area with an outer toothing 22, which with the internal teeth 32 of the inserts 30, 31 is engaged.

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

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

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

For manual actuation of the adjustment mechanism 1, ie for pulling the actuator 20 and the base body 10, the base body 10 and the actuator 20 at one end to a collar 16, 26 on which the fitter simply pull apart the two elements by hand can. At the Pull apart the locking teeth of the toothing 32 slide over the locking teeth of the toothing 22, wherein the two inserts 30, 31 are pressed apart against the spring action of the spring portion 12. In this case, the spring portion 12 deforms from a cylindrical to a slightly oval shape. At the same time, a play 40 existing in the radial direction between the inserts 30, 31 and the inner wall of the spring element 12 is eliminated.

After the adjustment mechanism 1 has been adjusted to the desired length, i. has been pulled apart or extended, the ratchet teeth of the toothing 32 snap back into the locking teeth of the toothing 22 and thus prevent shortening of the adjusting mechanism 1. The inclined teeth of the corresponding teeth 32, 22, the adjustment is irreversible, i. the adjustment mechanism 1 can only be extended to tension the Bowden cable 50, 52, 54, but an opposite movement, i. Shortening the on-adjusting mechanism 1 is no longer possible.

Thus, the two inserts 30, 31 can be easily moved apart, and the spring element 12 only an elastic deformation but no elastic enlargement of the diameter must perform, the inserts 30, 31 a tangential play 42 to each other. When the spring element 12 performs an elastic deformation to an oval cross-sectional shape during the adjustment, the tangential play 42 between the two inserts 30, 31 can be reduced.

5 shows in three steps a preferred procedure for mounting the adjustment mechanism 1. In a first step shown in Fig. 5a, the two inserts 30, 31 are placed on the external teeth 22 of the actuator 20 that the collar 36 at the Stop 27 is applied to provide the largest possible adjustment. In a further step illustrated in FIG. 5b, the actuator 20 with the shell-shaped inserts 30, 31 is then inserted axially into the base body 10 until the locking elements 38 engage with the corresponding locking elements 13 on the spring region 12.

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

All components of the adjustment mechanism 1 can be made of a plastic material, preferably of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6.6. Thus, despite its small size and light weight, the adjustment mechanism 1 achieves high reliability and can be used for adjustment and transmission of very high axial loads.

Reference character list 1 Adjustment mechanism 10 Basic body

12 hollow cylindrical spring area

13 locking elements 15 end face 16 collar

18 recording

20 actuator

22 external teeth

25 stop 26 collar

27 stop

28 recording

30 first bowl-shaped insert

31 second shell-shaped insert 32 internal toothing

36 fret Rastel emente radial play tangential play first cover of the Bowden cable second cover of the Bowden cable of the Bowden cable

Claims

claims

An adjustment mechanism (1) for adjusting the length of a Bowden cable (50, 52, 54), comprising:

a. a base body (10) for receiving a first sheath (50) of the Bowden cable (50, 52, 54);

b. an actuator (20) having external teeth (22) for receiving a second sheath (52) of the Bowden cable (50, 52, 54);

c. at least one bowl-shaped insert (30, 31), with an internal toothing (32); in which

d. the base body (10) has a hollow-cylindrical elastic spring region (12), in which the at least one insert (30, 31) is inserted, so that the internal toothing (32) of the insert (30, 31) with the external toothing (22) of the actuator (20) is engaged.

2. adjustment mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein for adjusting the length of the Bowden cable (50, 52, 54) of the base body (10) and the actuator (20) in the pulling direction P are pulled apart manually, wherein the internal toothing (32) of the bowl-shaped insert (30, 31) on the outer toothing (22) of the actuator (30, 31) slides and locked in a new position.

3. adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (30, 31) without axial play in the spring portion (12) is fixed.

4. adjusting mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped insert (30, 31) on its outer side locking elements (38) has, which are in engagement with corresponding latching elements (13) on the spring portion (12).

5. adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped insert (30, 31) at one end a collar (36) which is supported on an end face (15) of the spring portion (12).

6. adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (10) and the actuator (20) at each end a collar (16, 26), for manual actuation of the adjustment mechanism (1).

7. adjusting mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the external toothing (22) of the actuator (20) has annular teeth which are inclined in the pulling direction P, so that the actuator (20) opposite the insert (30, 31 ) and the base body (20) irreversibly in the pulling direction P can be moved.

8. adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two cup-shaped inserts (30, 31) which are inserted into the spring portion (12).

9. adjustment mechanism (1) according to claim 8, wherein the inserts (30, 31) in the spring portion (12) has a radial (40) and / or tangential clearance (42).

10. adjustment mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting mechanism (1) is made of a plastic material and consists only of the components base body (10), actuator (20) and one or two inserts (30, 31).