WO2021168663A1

WO2021168663A1 - Actuator arrangement for a gearbox

Info

Publication number: WO2021168663A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/076659
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaoming Li; Ran Zhou; Xiaoming Feng
Original assignee: Knorr-Bremse Braking Systems For Commercial Vehicles (Dalian) Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-02-25
Filing date: 2020-02-25
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: CN113785145A

Abstract

It is disclosed an actuator arrangement for a gear box. The actuator arrangement comprises a drive element (3), a cooperation element (4), a transmission element (5), and a shift fork (11). The drive element (3) has a first longitudinal axis. The cooperation element (4) is configured to engage with the drive element (3). The transmission element (5) has a second longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The transmission element (5) is configured to engage with the cooperation element (4). Operation of the drive element (3) is configured to move the cooperation element (4) along the first longitudinal axis. Movement of the cooperation element (4) is configured to rotate the transmission element (5) about the second longitudinal axis. Rotation of the transmission element (5) is configured to actuate the shift fork (11).

Description

ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR A GEARBOX

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an actuator arrangement for a gearbox, and a gearbox having such an actuator arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently a two speed gear shift actuator using an EV Motor drives a groove wheel axle, then the groove wheel axle drives a shift fork to realize the gear shift. There is however a high shock during the gear shift and low effectiveness and reliability.

There is a need to address these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved actuator arrangement for a gearbox.

The object of the present invention is solved with the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the following described aspects of the invention apply also for the actuator arrangement for a gearbox having such an actuator arrangement.

In a first aspect, there is provided

An actuator arrangement for a gear box, the actuator arrangement comprising:

- a drive element;

- a cooperation element;

- a transmission element; and

- a shift fork.

The drive element has a first longitudinal axis. The cooperation element is configured to engage with the drive element. The transmission element has a second longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The transmission element is configured to engage with the cooperation element. Operation of the drive element is configured to move the cooperation element along the first longitudinal axis. Movement of the cooperation element is configured to rotate the transmission element about the second longitudinal axis. Rotation of the transmission element is configured to actuate the shift fork.

In an example, rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork along a third longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the second longitudinal axis to actuate the shift fork.

In an example, the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

In an example, the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the first longitudinal axis.

In an example, the first longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

In an example, the drive element comprises a threaded drive rod, and the cooperation element comprises a screw sleeve. Rotation of the threaded drive rod with respect to a body of the actuator arrangement is configured to move the screw sleeve along the first longitudinal axis.

In an example, the screw sleeve is configured not to rotate with respect to the body of the actuator arrangement.

Thus, rotation of the threaded drive rod leads to the screw sleeve rotating with respect to the threaded drive rod but not with respect to the rest of the actuator and to it being translated along the axis of the threaded drive rod.

In an example, the transmission element comprises a fork assembly comprising an upper fork and a lower fork. The upper fork is configured to engage with the cooperation element. A rotational movement of the upper fork about the second longitudinal axis is configured to provide an equivalent rotational movement of the lower fork about the second longitudinal axis. The rotational movement of the lower fork is configured to actuate the shift fork.

In an example, the upper fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

In an example, the lower fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

In an example, the upper fork extends at right angles to the lower fork.

In an example, the upper fork is separated from the lower fork by a shaft that is centred around the second longitudinal axis.

In an example, the shift fork is configured to slide with respect to a shift slider shaft centred around the third longitudinal axis. The rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork by sliding the shift fork with respect to the shift slider shaft.

In an example, the shift fork is configured to lock at each of a plurality of shift positions.

In a second aspect, there is provided a gear box comprising an actuator arrangement according to the first aspect.

In other words, a new automated manual transmission (AMT) actuator design has a Thread Drive Rod, Screw Sleeve and Middle Fork Assembly, where the rotary motion of a Drive Motor Unit is converted into a Swing motion of the Middle Fork Assembly, and finally this realizes a linear motion of the shift fork. This finds applicability for example in electric vehicles (EV) gear box requirements.

In this manner, there is a small gear shift shock, and it is easy to adjust the shift stroke and shift force, and precise control is provided with reliable operation.

Also, the EV motor that drives the drive element can be located outside of the gearbox, and leads to an improvement in the gearbox and EV motor sealing performance.

The above aspects and examples will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an External overall view of a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive, showing structures of the body, thread drive rod and screw sleeve;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed example of a screw Sleeve of an actuator arrangement;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive showing structures of a middle fork assembly (Upper Fork) ;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed example of the structure of a middle fork assembly of an actuator arrangement;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive showing structures of a middle fork assembly (Lower Fork) ;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive showing structures of a shifting slider, shifting slider shaft and shift fork;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed example of an actuator arrangement with a motor drive showing structures of a shifting slider and self-lock device; and

FIG. 9 shows a detailed example of a shifting slider of an actuator arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figs. 1-9 relate to an actuator arrangement for a gear box.

In an example, the actuator arrangement comprises a drive element 3, cooperation element 4, a transmission element 5, and a shift fork 11. The drive element has a first longitudinal axis. The cooperation element is configured to engage with the drive element. The transmission element has a second longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The transmission element is configured to engage with the cooperation element. Operation of the drive element is configured to move the cooperation element along the first longitudinal axis. Movement of the cooperation element is configured to rotate the transmission element about the second longitudinal axis. Rotation of the transmission element is configured to actuate the shift fork.

In an example, a drive motor unit 2 is configured to drive the element.

In an example the drive motor unit is configured to rotate the drive element.

According to an example, rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork along a third longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the second longitudinal axis to actuate the shift fork.

According to an example, the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the first longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the first longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the drive element comprises a threaded drive rod, and the cooperation element comprises a screw sleeve. Rotation of the threaded drive rod with respect to a body 1 of the actuator arrangement is configured to move the screw sleeve along the first longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the screw sleeve is configured not to rotate with respect to the body of the actuator arrangement.

According to an example, the transmission element comprises a fork assembly comprising an upper fork 5a and a lower fork 5c. The upper fork is configured to engage with the cooperation element. A rotational movement of the upper fork about the second longitudinal axis is configured to provide an equivalent rotational movement of the lower fork about the second longitudinal axis. The rotational movement of the lower fork is configured to actuate the shift fork.

According to an example, the upper fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the lower fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the upper fork extends at right angles to the lower fork.

According to an example, the upper fork is separated from the lower fork by a shaft 5b that is centered around the second longitudinal axis.

According to an example, the shift fork is configured to slide with respect to a shift slider shaft 9 centred around the third longitudinal axis. The rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork by sliding the shift fork with respect to the shift slider shaft.

According to an example, the shift fork is configured to lock at each of a plurality of shift positions.

A gear box comprising can utilize the actuator arrangement as described above.

Again with reference to Figs. 1-9, a very detailed embodiment of an actuator is now described.

This embodiment of the actuator arrangement is a 2 speed EV Motor AMT Actuator. This includes:

Body 1;

Drive Motor Unit 2 mounted on the Body 1 via 4x Hexagon Socket Bolts 2a;

Thread Drive Rod 3 assembled into the Body 1 via Rolling Bearings 3a, Connectors 3b and Thrust Bearings 3c at both ends, and connected to the output shaft of the Drive Motor Unit 2 via the Connector 3b on the Drive Motor Unit side;

Screw Sleeve 4 cooperates with the Thread Drive Rod 3 via the Thread Hole 4a and performs linear movement along the axis of the Thread Drive Rod 3.

The Screw Sleeve 4 cooperates with the Upper Fork 5a of the Middle Fork Assembly 5 via the upper and lower Convex Shafts 4b of the Screw Sleeve as well.

The Upper Fork 5a is assembled together with the Middle Shaft 5b of the Middle Fork Assembly 5 via a Spring Pin 5a. 1.

The Middle Shaft 5b passes through a reserved hole at the bottom of the Body 1 and assembled via Shaft Sleeve 5b. 11, 5b. 12. An O-Ring 5b. 2 is designed between the Upper Shaft Sleeve 5b. 11 and the Lower Shaft Sleeve 5b. 12.

The top of the Middle Shaft 5b is also designed with a Square Groove 5b. 3, the Middle Fork Assembly 5 cooperates with Shift Position Sensor 6 via the Square Groove 5b. 3.

The Shift Position Sensor 6 is mounted on the top of the Cover 7 by a Hexagon Socket Flange Bolt 6a.

The Cover 7 is assembled together with the Body 1 via 4x Hexagon Bolts 7a and 2x Positioning Pins 7b.

The Lower Fork 5c of the Middle Fork Assembly 5 is assembled together with the Middle Shaft 5b via a spring pin 5c. 1.

The Lower Fork 5c of the Middle Fork Assembly 5 also cooperates with Shafting Slider 8 via the Lower Convex Shaft (8a) of the Shifting Slider 8.

Shifting Slider 8 cooperates with Shifting Slider Shaft 9 via the Central Hole 8b, Shaft Sleeve 8c and Retaining Ring 8d.

Shifting Slider Shaft 9 assembled on the bottom of the Body 1 via a Shaft Seat 1a with through hole on the Body 1, one end is fixed by a boss at the shaft end, and the other end is fixed by a Spring Pin 9a.

One side of the Shifting Slider 8 is designed with a Self-Lock Groove 8e, and the Shifting Slider 8 cooperates with Self-Lock Device 10 via this Self-Lock Groove 8e, to provide Self-Lock function;

A Lifting Ear 8f is also designed on the bottom of the Shifting Slider 8, Shifting Slider 8 assembled together with Shift Fork 11 via Lifting Ear 8f and Spring Pin 8g.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

When performing a shift operation, the position information of the Shift Fork 11 is transmitted to the AMT control unit by the Shift Position Sensor 6 first, and AMT control unit provides power signal to Drive Motor Unit 2. After receiving the power signal provided by the AMT, the Drive Motor Unit 2 drives the Thread Drive Rod 3, which fixedly connected to Drive Motor Unit output shaft, to rotate. And the Thread Drive Rod 3 transmits the rotary motion to the Screw Sleeve 4 via the Thread Hole 4a matched with it.

Since the upper and lower Convex Shafts 4b of the Screw Sleeve 4 cooperate with the Upper Fork 5a of the Middle Fork Assembly, the Screw Sleeve 4 cannot rotate and can only perform linear movement along the axis of the Thread Drive Rod 3. Therefore, when Drive Motor Unit 2 rotates, the Screw Sleeve 4 reciprocates left and right along the Thread Drive Rod 3.

The Upper Fork 5a, Middle Shaft 5b and Lower Fork 5c are assembled together to become Middle Fork Assembly 5 by Spring Pins 5a. 1 and 5c.1.

Screw Sleeve 4 drives the Middle Shift Assembly 5 to swing left and right through the Upper Fork 5a, then the swinging motion transmits from Middle Shift Assembly 5 to Shifting Slider 8 via the matched Lower Fork 5c and the Lower Convex Shaft 8a of the Shifting Slider 8.

Because the Central Hole 8b cooperates with the Shifting Slider Shaft 9 via the Shaft Sleeve 8c and the Retaining Ring 8d, and is also assembled with the Shift Fork 11 through the Lifting Ear 8f and the Spring Pin 8g. Shifting Slider 8 cannot perform swing motion, only able to perform axial movement along the Shifting Slider Shaft 9.

Therefore, during the swinging movement of the Middle Fork Assembly 5, the Shifting Slider 8 performs axial reciprocating movement along the axis of the shift slider Shaft 9 and drives the Shift Fork 11 to complete the shift operation.

Meanwhile, the Self-Lock device 10 cooperates with the Self-Lock Groove 8e of the Shifting Slider 8 to realize a self-locking function between shifting positions.

In addition, when the Middle Fork Assembly 5 swings left and right, it also drives the Shift Position Sensor 6 via the cooperated top groove of the Upper Fork 5a. The position information of the Shift Fork 11 transmitted to the AMT control unit.

It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments are described with reference to the device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, Body;

2, Drive Motor Unit;

2a, Hexagon Socket Bolts;

3, Thread Drive Rod;

3a, Rolling Bearing;

3b, Connector;

3c, Thrust Bearing;

4, Screw Sleeve;

4a, Thread Hole;

4b, Convex Shaft;

5, Middle Fork Assembly;

5a, Upper Fork;

5a. 1, Spring Pin;

5b, Middle Shaft;

5b. 11&5b. 12, Shaft Sleeve;

5b. 2, O-Ring;

5c, Lower Fork,

5c. 1, Spring Pin,

6, Shift Position Sensor;

6a, Hexagon Socket Flange Bolt;

7, Cover;

7a, Hexagon Bolt;

7b, Positioning Pin;

8, Shafting Slider;

8a, Lower Convex Shaft;

8b, Central Hole;

8c, Shaft Sleeve;

8d, Retaining Ring;

8e, Self-Lock Groove;

8f, Lifting Ear;

8g, Spring Pin;

9, Shifting Slider Shaft;

9a, Spring Pin;

10, Self-Lock Device;

11, Shift Fork.

Claims

An actuator arrangement for a gear box, the actuator arrangement comprising:

- a drive element (3) ;

- a cooperation element (4) ;

- a transmission element (5) ; and

- a shift fork (11) ;

wherein, the drive element has a first longitudinal axis;

wherein, the cooperation element is configured to engage with the drive element;

wherein, the transmission element has a second longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis;

wherein, the transmission element is configured to engage with the cooperation element;

wherein, operation of the drive element is configured to move the cooperation element along the first longitudinal axis;

wherein, movement of the cooperation element is configured to rotate the transmission element about the second longitudinal axis; and

wherein, rotation of the transmission element is configured to actuate the shift fork.
Actuator arrangement according to claim 1, wherein rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork along a third longitudinal axis that is at an angle to the second longitudinal axis to actuate the shift fork.
Actuator arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 2-3, wherein the third longitudinal axis is at right angles to the first longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the first longitudinal axis is at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the drive element comprises a threaded drive rod, and wherein the cooperation element comprises a screw sleeve, and wherein rotation of the threaded drive rod with respect to a body (1) of the actuator arrangement is configured to move the screw sleeve along the first longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the screw sleeve is configured not to rotate with respect to the body of the actuator arrangement.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the transmission element comprises a fork assembly comprising an upper fork (5a) and a lower fork (5c) , wherein the upper fork is configured to engage with the cooperation element, wherein a rotational movement of the upper fork about the second longitudinal axis is configured to provide an equivalent rotational movement of the lower fork about the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the rotational movement of the lower fork is configured to actuate the shift fork.
Actuator arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the upper fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 8-9, wherein the lower fork extends at right angles to the second longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the upper fork extends at right angles to the lower fork.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the upper fork is separated from the lower fork by a shaft (5b) that is centered around the second longitudinal axis.
Actuator arrangement according to any of claims 2-12, wherein the shift fork is configured to slide with respect to a shift slider shaft (9) centered around the third longitudinal axis, and wherein the rotation of the transmission element is configured to move the shift fork by sliding the shift fork with respect to the shift slider shaft.
Actuator arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the shift fork is configured to lock at each of a plurality of shift positions.
A gear box comprising an actuator arrangement according to any of claims 1-14.