WO2023208996A1

WO2023208996A1 - Selection device and gearbox

Info

Publication number: WO2023208996A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/060920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herve Maurel
Original assignee: Valeo Embrayages
Priority date: 2022-04-27
Filing date: 2023-04-26
Publication date: 2023-11-02
Also published as: FR3135120A1; FR3135120B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (4) for selecting at least one gear within a gearbox (1), comprising: a control rod (18) extending along a main axis (Y); a selection fork (6) rigidly connected to this control rod (18); and an energy storage device (20). According to the invention, this energy storage device (20) comprises a first member (32) and a second member (34) that are configured to perform a rotation, such a rotation being transmitted from the first member (32) to the second member (34) via at least one resilient element (60, 62), this second member (34) comprising at least one selection finger (84) configured to translate the control rod (18) along its main axis (Y).

Description

SELECTION DEVICE; GEARBOX;

The present invention relates to the field of devices for internally controlling the ratios of a gearbox, and more particularly to devices for selecting such ratios.

The selection devices allow interconnection between an axially movable slider and at least one idler gear, generally two idler gears. The idler gear(s) are mounted freely around a shaft and the slider is coupled in rotation with this shaft. Thus, the interconnection of an idler gear makes it possible to secure this idler gear in rotation with this shaft. The axial movement of the player is dependent on a selection range of at least one gear, generally two gears. Such interconnection is carried out during an angular correspondence between the interconnection teeth of the sliding gear and the interconnection teeth of the one or two idler gears.

Such selection devices can be used in certain robotic gearboxes, in which the selection of gears is controlled by an actuator such as an electromechanical, hydraulic, magnetic, pneumatic actuator, etc. The angular correspondence between the clutch teeth of the slider and the clutch teeth of an idler gear is difficult to achieve due to a risk of interference preventing meshing. It may then be necessary to store the kinetic energy coming from the actuator, until the interlocking teeth of the sliding gear and the selected idler gear are positioned in angular correspondence.

A system allowing such a latency time is known from document FR2988800A1. A disadvantage of this system lies in its significant size within the gearbox, in particular its axial size.

The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a selection device equipped with an energy accumulation device which allows this energy storage in the event of interference when the selection fork seeks to engage the slider with the pinion selected. This thus grants the selection device a certain flexibility in its functioning. Such an energy accumulation device has a reduced axial size, which saves space within the gearbox.

The main object of the present invention is thus a device for selecting at least one report within a gearbox, comprising a fork for selecting at least one report capable of translating along a main axis, a energy accumulation device comprising at least one elastic element capable of absorbing at least part of the actuation forces provided by an actuator to move the selection fork, and a motion converter capable of transforming a rotational movement according to a axis of rotation in a translation movement along the main axis, characterized in that the motion converter is arranged kinematically between the energy accumulation device and the selection fork.

The energy accumulation device therefore makes it possible, in particular thanks to its elastic element, to grant flexibility to the selection device when selecting a report using the selection fork. Such an energy storage device can for example be a torsion damper. The presence of the elastic element makes it possible to accumulate energy when waiting for an angular coincidence between a sliding gear and a pinion of a speed ratio, such an angular coincidence being necessary for the selection of this ratio of speed.

By placing the energy accumulation device upstream of the motion converter, the space requirement, particularly in the main axis, can be reduced. It is also possible to have an elastic element with several coil springs to accumulate enough energy. It should also be understood that the energy storage device as a whole rotates around the axis of rotation in such a way as to select one or another speed.

According to one embodiment, the energy accumulation device comprises a first member capable of being driven in rotation, along the axis of rotation, by the actuator, and a second member capable of driving the motion converter, the first member and the second member being able to perform relative rotation relative to each other around an axis of rotation, such relative rotation being performed against the elastic element .

By “relative rotation with respect to each other” we mean that the first member can move in rotation relative to the second member, thanks to the presence of the elastic element. This rotation takes place around the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the first member and the second member can for example be substantially flat parts forming part of a circle.

According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the main axis. This simplifies the design of the motion converter while reducing the axial bulk of the selection device.

It is understood that there exists a degree of freedom in rotation between the first member and the second member, but this relative rotation is nevertheless limited to a limited angular sector, for example between 10 and 90°. According to the invention, the degree of freedom between the first member and the second member is the parameter which gives flexibility to the engagement of a gear, in particular to wait for the sliding gear and the pinion to be engaged to coincide.

According to one embodiment, the motion converter is capable of transforming the rotation of the second member along the axis of rotation into a translation of the selection fork along the main axis.

According to one embodiment, one of the second member and the motion converter comprises a selection finger and the other of the second member and the motion converter comprises a notch in which the selection finger can slide, the movement of the selection finger in the notch being accompanied by a transformation of the rotational movement of the second member into a translation of the selection fork along the main axis. According to one embodiment, the second member comprises the selection finger and the motion converter comprises the notch.

According to one embodiment, the selection finger of the second organ extends mainly perpendicular to a body of this second organ.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the second member comprises a first disc and a second disc delimiting an internal housing, the first member extending at least partly within this internal housing.

Such a first member comprising a first disk and a second disk makes it possible to improve the maintenance of the elastic element in the energy accumulation device.

We understand here that the first member is arranged between the first disc and the second disc of the second member, these three elements facing each other. In order to be contained in the internal housing of the second organ, the first organ preferably has reduced dimensions compared to this second organ.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the selection finger comprises a spacer portion extending between the first disc and the second disc of the second member, the first disc and the second disc of the second member comprising second holes crossed by the selection finger, the spacer portion having a diameter greater than the diameter of the second holes.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the selection finger is for example fitted, in particular force-fitted, into the second holes.

Such first disk, second disk and selection finger allow the use of a material having high mechanical resistance and/or high hardness for the selection finger. It is particularly possible to avoid the use of welding to mechanically connect the selection finger to the first member, in particular to the first disk and the second disk. According to another characteristic of the invention, the second member comprises at least a first notch on its first disc and a second notch on its second disc, these notches receiving the elastic element.

Thus, the elastic element extends both in the notch of the first disc and in the notch of the second disc, which are placed facing each other. This elastic element can also extend at least partly outside the internal housing. The elastic element is therefore, at least one of its ends, resting on the walls of these notches, and therefore by extension resting on the second member.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the first member comprises at least one notch receiving the elastic element.

In a relative rest position of the first organ and the second organ, such a notch faces the first and second notches, and similar to the latter, it allows the elastic element to rest on the first organ.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the selection finger extends at least from the first disc of the second member to the second disc of the second member.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the motion converter has a first portion extending mainly parallel to the main axis, a second portion extending mainly perpendicular to the main axis and a third portion extending mainly around of the main axis and secured to the selection fork, the first portion comprising the notch.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the motion converter is made from a cut and folded sheet metal, in particular a cut and folded steel sheet.

Such a motion converter is particularly simple to manufacture. The cost of such a motion converter is reduced. According to one embodiment, the selection device comprises a control rod, the control rod being integral in translation, along the main axis, with the selection fork, the motion converter thus being able to drive the fork in translation selection via the control rod.

According to another embodiment, the selection device comprises a control rod, the selection fork being able to slide in translation, along the main axis, relative to the control rod, and the motion converter thus being able to translate the selection fork relative to the control rod.

The third portion can for example consist of a curved tab, which extends at least partly around the control rod.

The translation of the selection finger takes place in a plane in which the first portion mainly extends, that is to say parallel to the main axis. The selection finger is therefore mobile within the notch.

According to one characteristic, the selection finger extends along an axis parallel to and distinct from the axis of rotation.

More precisely, the motion converter connects the selection finger to the selection fork. Due to its particular shape, the force exerted during the rotation of the second member, and therefore of the selection finger, is transformed into a translation of the control rod.

The selection finger projects from an external face of the first disc of the second organ. It extends towards the control rod and the shift fork.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the first member has at least one opening, this opening being crossed by the selection finger. The opening (or recess) is configured so that the selection finger rotates relative to the first member.

This opening may have a curved shape so as to facilitate the rotation of the selection finger relative to the first member. According to a characteristic of the invention, the elastic element undergoes a first stress during rotation around the axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation, during the selection of a first gear, and undergoes a second stress when rotation around the axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, when selecting a second gear.

The first member can rotate along the axis of rotation either in a first direction of rotation or in a second direction of rotation, each time constraining the elastic element. This elastic element thus undergoes a first stress when it is compressed in the first direction of rotation, and a second stress when it is compressed in the second direction of rotation.

According to one characteristic, the first stress and the second stress of the elastic element are compressions.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the elastic element comprises a first spring and a second spring.

First and second springs can be compressed along different compression axes, which can for example be coaxial or even intersecting and separate. In certain embodiments, the springs are straight springs; they then have rectilinear axes of compression. According to other embodiments, the springs are of curved shape, and as such their compression axes have a curved profile, that is to say they follow a curve.

The presence of two springs makes it possible to distribute the forces within the energy accumulation device.

The motion converter can in particular be carried out by any means, in particular a screw-nut connection, a crank and connecting rod device, a device with circular teeth and rack, etc.

The invention further relates to a gearbox, comprising a device for selecting at least one report as mentioned above and a actuator, the actuator driving the rotation of the first member around the axis of rotation.

The actuator may be an electromechanical actuator.

The gearbox comprising the selection device can therefore be a robotic gearbox, in which an actuator such as an electromechanical actuator, for example an electric motor, generates the selection of one or more speed ratios. For this purpose, the electromechanical actuator has a rotating pin which extends into the first and second members and is configured to move them. The electromechanical actuator thus performs a rotation, which, via the pin, causes the rotation of the organs along the axis of rotation. For this purpose, the first member can for example be welded to the pin of the electromechanical actuator.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the electromechanical actuator causes the rotation of the first member around the axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation or in the second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation.

The rotation of the first member in the first direction of rotation can for example cause the selection fork to select a first gear, while its rotation in the second direction of rotation leads the selection fork to select a second gear.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a gearbox as mentioned above.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand. , on which ones :

Figure i is a perspective view of a part of a gearbox according to the invention;

Figure 2 is another perspective view of the gearbox of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the gearbox of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an energy storage device of the gearbox;

Figure 5 is another view of the energy accumulation device of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a diagram of another type of motion converter.

The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to differentiate the invention. compared to the prior art.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 thus illustrate, schematically, a part of a gearbox 1 according to the invention, respectively in a perspective view and in a perspective view cut according to section A. The gearbox 1 can for example be intended to equip a motor vehicle. This gearbox 1 is here a robotic or automated gearbox, that is to say it involves an actuator such as an electromechanical actuator 2. Such a mechanical actuator 2 can for example be an electric motor, which generates the selection of one or more speed ratios within the gearbox 1. The selection of the speed ratio is also carried out by a selection device 4 according to the invention, according to a mechanism which will be more particularly described afterwards.

The selection device 4 is configured to select a speed ratio by a selection fork 6. For this purpose, this selection fork 6 makes it possible to move a slider 7 which connects a drive hub 8 secured in rotation to a shaft with a first pinion 10 or a second pinion 12, which are both idle mounted pinions around this tree (not shown). Such cooperation between the slider 7 and one or other of the first and second idle gears 10, 12 takes place when there is an angular coincidence between the teeth of these two elements.

The player being coupled in rotation with the drive hub 8 by means of splines, the interconnection of the player 7 with one of the idler gears 10, 12 makes it possible to couple this idler gear 10, 12 in rotation with the shaft. Preferably the interconnection teeth of the player 7 are located in the extension of these grooves on each side face of the player 7.

The drive hub 8 and the slider 7 are here arranged between the first pinion 10 and the second pinion 12, actuation arms 14 of the selection fork 6 also being arranged between these two pinions 10, 12. Each of these first pinion 10 and second pinion 12 correspond to a ratio of the gearbox 1, for example with a first speed ratio for the first pinion 10 and a second speed ratio for the second pinion 12. In order to select one or the other of these speed ratios, the selection fork 6 can move laterally so as to interconnect the sliding gear 7 with either the first pinion 10 or the second pinion 12.

As visible in Figure 1, the selection fork 6 has, in addition to its actuating arms 14, a hub 16. This hub 16 is mounted around a control rod 18 of the selection device 4 and is integral with that -this. This control rod 18 corresponds to a solid cylinder which extends along a main axis Y. If the hub 16 of the selection fork 6 extends mainly along this main axis Y, its actuating arms 14 are on the contrary extend substantially perpendicular to it.

The selection device 4 comprises an energy accumulation device 20 for the selection of the gear ratios, which is configured to give a latency time during the interconnection of the player 7 with one or the other of the first and second pinions 10, 12. Such an energy storage device 20 is for example a torsion damper. Within the selection device 4, the energy accumulation device 20 is connected to the control rod 18 via a motion converter 22. This motion converter 22 comprises three portions 24, 26, 28 , including a first portion 24, a second portion 26 and a third portion 28. The first portion 24 faces the energy accumulation device 20 while the third portion 28 is integral with the control rod 18, the second portion 26 connecting these first and third portions 24, 28. The first portion 24 and the second portion 26 are arranged so as to form an elbow with each other, such that the first portion 24 extends mainly parallel to the main axis Y while the second portion 26 is substantially perpendicular to it. The third portion 28 extends at least partly around the control rod 18, and can for this purpose take the form of a curved tab 30 which overlaps this control rod 18. Such a tab curved 30 is particularly visible in Figures 1 and 2.

The motion converter 22 is for example made from a cut and folded sheet metal, in particular a cut and folded steel sheet.

Although only one curved tab 30 is shown here, one could imagine without departing from the scope of the invention that the third portion 28 consists of two curved tabs 30 forming jaws around the control rod 18.

The energy accumulation device 20 will now be described in more detail, in particular in relation to Figures 4 and 5. This energy accumulation device 20 comprises a first member 32 and a second member 34, which are configured to rotate relative to each other around a common axis of rotation X, when an elastic element is constrained, in particular compressed. This axis of rotation when there is no interconnection interference (therefore no resistance). Thus, when the first member 32 is rotated, the second member 34 is also rotated.

The second member 34, particularly visible in Figure 4, is made up for example of a first disc 36 and a second disc 38. These two discs 36, 38 face each other. They have in their center a slot 40 configured to receive a pin 42 of the electromechanical actuator 2, such a pin 42 being illustrated in particular in Figure 2. The pin 42 and the second member 34 are mounted sliding relative to each other. the other.

The first disk 36 and the second disk 38 delimit between them an internal housing 44. This internal housing 44 is partially closed by two diametrically opposed portions of the disks 36, 38, such portions constituting recesses 46, 48 of the surfaces of the first disk 36 and the second disk 38. It is thus understood that the internal faces of the first and second disks 36, 38, which correspond to the faces which are oriented towards the internal housing 44, are joined at the level of these recesses 46, 48.

The internal housing 44 of the second member 34 is capable of receiving the first member 32, which is visible in Figure 5. This first member 32, which is substantially flat, has reduced dimensions compared to the second member 34, so as to be able to be contained in the internal housing 44. The first member 32 has a general shape which can fit into a circle. More particularly, it comprises a central portion 50 centered on the slot 40 of the second member 34, this central portion 50 being bordered on either side by a lateral fin 52, 54. The first member 32 is held in position within the internal housing 44 in particular by the recesses 46, 48, which constitute stops for the central portion 50 of the first member 32. Central portion 50 and recesses 46, 48 have complementary curved shapes for this purpose. Maintaining the position of the first member 32 relative to the first disc 36 and second disc 38 is also ensured by a shoulder 56 through which a first hole passes, the shoulder 56 being centered on the slot 40 of the second member 34 and mounted sliding relative to it. More precisely, a peripheral rim 58 of the slot 56 of the first member 32 is inserted within the slot 40 of the second member 34. Just like this, this slot 56 of the first member 32 is configured to receive the pin 42 of the electromechanical actuator 2, but unlike the light 40 of the second member 34, the light 56 of the first member 32 is integral with the pin 42, at least in rotation. Such a mechanical connection is made for example by means of force assembly, welding, groove-groove cooperation or any means mechanically linking these two parts.

According to the invention, the energy accumulation device 20 comprises at least one elastic element. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the energy accumulation device 20 here comprises two elastic elements, with a first elastic element 60 and a second elastic element 62.

The elastic elements 60, 62 have the function of transmitting the rotation of the first member 32 to the second member 34. To this end, the second member 34 comprises notches 64, 66 capable of receiving these elastic elements 60, 62. More precisely, the first disk 36 has a first notch 64 which is opposite a second notch pierced in the second disk 38, as well as a third notch 66 opposite a fourth notch in the second disk 38. It is thus understood that the first disk 36 carries the first notch 64 and the third notch 66, while the second disc 38 carries the second notch and the fourth notch. Only the first and third notches 64, 66 are visible in the figures.

As illustrated in particular in Figure 4, the notches 64, 66 have a rectilinear wall in the vicinity of the light 40 and a curved wall matching the contour of a peripheral wall of the first disc 36. Rectilinear wall and curved wall are connected by straight walls 68, 70, including a first straight wall 68 and a second straight wall 70. These straight walls 68, 70 are here substantially parallel. The rectilinear, curved and straight lines 68, 70 can also constitute elevations of the surface of the discs 36, 38.

As mentioned previously, the notches 64, 66 receive the elastic elements 60, 62. Thus, the first elastic element 60 extends within the first notch 64 and the second notch, while the second elastic element 62 extends within the third notch 66 and the fourth notch. It is thus understood that the elastic elements 60, 62 extend at least partly within the internal housing 44.

Furthermore, the elastic elements 60, 62 rest, at a first of their ends 72 and at a second of their ends 74, respectively on the first straight wall 68 and on the second straight wall 70. In other words, the walls straight lines 68, 70 form stops between which the elastic elements 60, 62 are constrained. Due to this particular arrangement of the elastic elements 60, 62, they therefore also extend partially outside the internal housing 44.

The first member 32 has, facing the first notch 64 and the second notch of the second member 34, a first notch 76, and facing the third notch 66 and the fourth notch a second notch 78. These notches 76, 78 are, like the notches 64, 66, configured to receive the elastic elements 60, 62, and they therefore have shapes similar to the notches 64, 66. The elastic elements 60, 62 are therefore abutting against a first section 80 and a second section 82 of the notches 76, 78, such sections 80, 82 being the pendants of the straight walls 68, 70 of the notches 64, 66. It is understood that the elastic elements 60, 62, in order to be in contact with these straight walls 68, 70 of the second member 34, extend on either side of a plane in which the first member 32 mainly fits.

Between their respective slots 40, 56 and their ends, and in alignment with the recesses 46, 48, the first member 32 and the first disc of the second member 34 are crossed by at least one selection finger 84. This selection finger 84 extends along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation X which passes through these openings 40, 56 but is distinct from it. HAS For figurative purposes, this selection finger 84 is here represented in two different positions 84A, 84B, but it is understood that the selection device 4 can comprise a single selection finger 84.

The selection finger 84 is secured to both the first disk 36 and the second disk 38 of the second member 34, for example by crimping or welding. This avoids overhang problems. More precisely, it extends from an external face of the second disk 38 of the second member 34, such an external face being opposite the internal housing 44 and facing the electromechanical actuator 2. It passes through the second member 34 right through. , so that it constitutes a projection 90 on an external face of the first disk 36 of the second member 34 facing the control rod 18 and the selection fork 6.

As shown in Figure 5, the selection finger 84 may comprise a spacer portion 89. The spacer portion 89 extends for example between the first disk 36 and the second disk 38 of the second member 34. For example the first disk 36 and the second disk 38 of the second member 34 comprise second holes 91 through which the selection finger 84 passes. For example the spacer portion 89 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the second holes 91. The selection finger 84 is for example fitted, in particular force-fitted, in the second holes 91.

Conversely, the selection finger 84 is not integral with the first member 32. To receive it, the first member 32 therefore has an opening 86 disposed between the two notches 76, 78. This opening 86 follows the curved shapes of the central portion 50 of the first member 32, such a curved shape of the opening 86 being adapted to the relative rotations of the first member 32 and the second member 34. More precisely, this opening 86 is configured so that the selection finger 84 associated with the second member 34 operates a rotation relative to the first member 32. The opening 86 can be configured so that the selection finger abuts against one end of the opening 86 when the rotation in the second member 34 and the first member 32 reaches an angle 92. As mentioned previously, the electromechanical actuator 2 has the pin 42 inserting into the respective slots 40, 56 of the second member 34 and the first member 32, this pin being illustrated in Figure 2. This pin 42 is more particularly inserted in the light 56 of the first member 32 and is integral with the latter, for example by welding; as such, it is capable of rotating it. Thus, during the operation of the electromechanical actuator 2, the pin 42 is rotated along the axis of rotation X and in turn drives the first member 32. However, the first member 32 is configured to transmit its rotation to the second organ 34 via the springs; thus, this second member 34 will also rotate around the axis of rotation X.

When the pin 42 begins to rotate, it causes the rotation of the first member 32 and by extension of the second member 34 either in a first direction of rotation A, or in a second direction of rotation B. These two directions of rotation A, B are opposite each other and are represented by arrows in Figures 4 and 5.

The elastic elements 60, 62 undergo a first stress during the rotation of the pin 42 around the axis of rotation rotation X according to the second direction of rotation B. Such constraints may in particular be compressions. The directions of rotation A and B described here each correspond to a selection of a gearbox ratio by the selection device according to the invention.

The elastic elements 60, 62 can in fact be springs, for example straight springs such as in the embodiment shown in the figures or even curved springs. When the elastic elements 60, 62 are straight springs, they have a rectilinear axis of compression. Conversely, in the presence of curved springs, their compression axis will follow a curve, for example centered on the axis of rotation X. The compression axes of the first elastic element 60 and the second elastic element 62 can for example be coaxial when a first spring is threaded into a second spring, or even intersecting when the two springs are in two distinct positions, as is the case with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

The angle 92 can be defined in such a way as to prevent the springs from working too hard.

The transmission of the rotation of the first member 32 to the second member 34 is carried out by means of the elastic elements 60, 62. Indeed, when the first member 32 is rotated for example in the first direction of rotation A, the second pan 82 of the first notch 76 exerts a stress at the second end 74 of the first elastic element 60 and compresses it. This first elastic element 60 then exerts a thrust on the first straight wall 68 of the first notch 64 and the second notch of the second member 34. In the same way, still in the first direction of rotation A, the first section 80 of the second notch 78 compresses the second elastic element 62 at its first end 72, which in turn causes a thrust against the second straight wall 70 of the third notch 66 and fourth notch of the second member 34. These are the thrusts on the walls straight lines 68, 70 which generate the rotation of the second member 34, this rotation coming from the first member 32 and passing via the elastic element(s) 60, 62.

Similarly, when the second member 34 is driven in the second direction of rotation B, the first section 80 of the first notch 76 exerts a stress at the first end 72 of the first elastic element 60 and compresses it. This first elastic element 60 then exerts a thrust on the second right wall 70 of the first notch 64 and the second notch of the second member 34. In the same way, still in the second direction of rotation B, the second section 82 of the second notch 78 compresses the second elastic element 62 at its second end 74, which in turn causes a thrust against the first straight wall 68 of the third notch 66 and fourth notch of the second member 34.

The selection finger 84 of the second member 34 is intended to generate a translation of the control rod 18 along its main axis Y. Such transmission notably involves the motion converter 22, the first portion 24 of which comprises a notch 88 which receives the selection finger 84. This notch 88, particularly visible in Figure 1, extends in a direction Z orthogonal to the main axis Y. The circular movement of the selection finger 84 can be broken down into a component of direction Z and a component parallel to the main axis Y. In the direction parallel to the main axis Y, the selection finger 84 is on the other hand well maintained between the edges of the notch 88 and it does not have freedom of movement in this direction relative to the notch 88. Thus, when the second member 34 rotates, the selection finger 84 moves within this notch 88 in the direction Z, so that only the main parallel component Y is transmitted to the motion converter. When it abuts against a wall of this notch 88, it carries with it the motion converter 22. The particular shape of this motion converter 22, and in particular the elbow between the first portion 24 and the second portion 26, allows to transmit the translation movement of the notch 88 along an axis parallel to the main axis Y into a movement of the control rod 18 along the main axis Y. Such translation of the control rod 18 in turn causes moving the selection fork 6 with which it is integral, so that it selects a speed ratio.

In another embodiment of the invention the selection device may comprise two selection fingers 84. For example, only one of the two selection fingers 84 is received in the notch 88.

The rotation transmitted by the electromechanical actuator 2 according to the first direction of rotation A or according to the second direction of rotation B allows the selection fork 6 to select two distinct speed ratios. A movement according to the first direction of rotation A, which will cause the clutch 7 to engage with the second pinion 12, can for example correspond to the selection of a first speed ratio, while a movement according to the second direction of rotation B will cause the clutch 7 to engage with the first pinion 10 and may lead to the selection of a second gear ratio. Such a selection is facilitated by the energy accumulation device 20 in that the constraints exerted on the elastic elements 60, 62 make it possible to accumulate energy while waiting for the angular coincidence mentioned above between the player 7 on the one hand, and one of the first or second gears 10, 12 on the other hand. Thus, when the first member 32 is rotated and there is interference between the sliding gear 7 and one of the idler gears 10, 12, the elastic elements 60, 62 are compressed and give axial flexibility to the movement of the selection fork 6 while waiting for the angular coincidence which will allow the interconnection of the slider 7 with the first pinion 10 or the second pinion 12. Once this angular coincidence is obtained, the elastic elements 60, 62 relax quickly and then propel the selection fork 6 against one or the other of the first and second gears 10, 12, then allowing interconnection.

Figure 6 is a diagram of another type of possible motion converter 22. Here, the selection finger 84 and the notch 88 are replaced by a system with teeth integral with or carried by the second member 34 and arranged on an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation X. This toothing cooperates with a rack s extending parallel or coincident with the main axis Y. Thus, the rotation along the axis of rotation X can be transformed into translation along the main axis Y. It will be noted here that the control rod 18 is fixed and that the selection fork 6 and the motion converter 22 slide in the direction Y, relative to the control rod 18.

The present invention thus proposes a selection device equipped with an energy accumulation device which gives flexibility of movement to a selection fork and also has a reduced axial bulk, which allows a saving of space within 'a gearbox.

As mentioned previously, in the first embodiment described, the control rod 18 is integral in translation along the main axis Y of the selection fork 6 and of the motion converter 22. This rod of control can then be connected in a sliding manner to a casing, for example by means of bearings.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the control rod 18 can be fixed and serve as a guide for the translation of the selection fork 6 and/or the motion converter 22. If necessary, the selection fork 6 slides by relative to the control rod 18 along the main axis Y. This control rod 18 can then be mounted fixed in relation to a casing. The translation movement can in particular be transmitted directly from the motion converter 22 to the selection fork 6.

The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means. The motion converter can in particular be made by any other means such as a screw-nut connection, a crank and connecting rod device, etc.

Claims

1. Device for selection (4) of at least one gear within a gearbox (1), comprising a selection fork (6) of at least one gear capable of translating along a main axis (Y), an energy accumulation device (20) comprising at least one elastic element (60, 62) capable of absorbing at least part of the actuation forces provided by an actuator (2) to move the fork of selection (6), and a motion converter (22) capable of transforming a rotational movement along an axis of rotation (X) into a translational movement along the main axis (Y), characterized in that the motion converter (22) is arranged kinematically between the energy accumulation device (20) and the selection fork (6).

2. Selection device (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the energy accumulation device (20) comprises a first member (32) capable of being driven in rotation, along the axis of rotation (X), by the actuator (2), and a second member (34) capable of driving the motion converter (22), the first member (32) and the second member (34) being capable of performing a relative rotation one by one relative to each other around an axis of rotation (X), such relative rotation being carried out against the elastic element (60, 62).

3. Selection device (4) according to claim 2, in which the motion converter (22) is capable of transforming the rotation of the second member (34) along the axis of rotation (X) into a translation of the fork of selection (6) according to the main axis (Y).

4. Selection device (4) according to claim 2 or 3, in which one of the second member (34) and the motion converter (22) comprises a selection finger (84) and the other of the second member (34) and the motion converter (22) comprises a notch (88) into which the selection finger (84) can slide, the movement of the selection finger (84) in the notch (88) being accompanied by a transformation of rotational movement of the second member (34) in a translation of the selection fork (6) along the main axis (Y).

5. Selection device (4) according to claim 4, wherein the second member (34) comprises the selection finger (84) and the motion converter (22) comprises the notch (88).

6. Selection device (4) according to one of claims 4 to 5, in which the motion converter (22) has a first portion (24) extending mainly parallel to the main axis (Y), a second portion (26) extending mainly perpendicular to the main axis (Y) and a third portion (28) extending mainly around the main axis (Y) and secured to the selection fork (6), the first portion (24) comprising the notch (88).

7. Selection device (4) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the selection finger (84) extends along an axis parallel to and distinct from the axis of rotation (X).

8. Selection device (4) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the second member (34) comprises a first disk (36) and a second disk (38) delimiting an internal housing (44), the first organ (32) extending at least partly within this internal housing (44).

9. Selection device (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the second member (34) comprises at least a first notch (64) on its first disc (36) and a second notch (66) on its second disc (38). ), these notches (6, 664) receiving the elastic element (60, 62) and in which the first member (32) comprises at least one notch (76, 78) receiving the elastic element (60, 62).

10. Selection device (4) according to any one of claims 8 to 9 in combination with claim 5 in which the selection finger (84) extends at least from the first disk (36) of the second member (34) to the second disc (38) of the second organ (34).

11. Selection device (4) according to the preceding claim wherein the first member (32) has at least one opening (86), this opening (86) being crossed by the selection finger (84).

12. Selection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the elastic element (60, 62) undergoes a first stress during rotation around the axis of rotation (X) in a first direction of rotation (A), when selecting a first gear, and undergoes a second constraint during rotation around the axis of rotation (X) in a second direction of rotation (B), opposite to the first direction of rotation (A), when selecting a second gear.

13. Selection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (60, 62) comprises a first spring and a second spring.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a control rod (18), the control rod (18) being integral in translation, along the main axis (Y), with the selection fork (6), the motion converter (22) thus being able to drive the selection fork (6) in translation via the control rod (18).

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a control rod (18), the selection fork (6) being able to slide in translation, along the main axis (Y), relative to the rod control (18), and the motion converter (22) thus being able to translate the selection fork (6) relative to the control rod (18).

16. Gearbox (1), comprising a selection device (4) of at least one ratio according to any one of claims 2 to 11 and an actuator (2), the actuator (2) driving the rotation of the first member (32) around the axis of rotation (X).