DE102014226851B4 - Actuating device for a clutch of a motor vehicle and clutch with a corresponding actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

Actuating device (1) for a clutch (2) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising a clutch pedal (5) rotatable about an axis (4), an actuator (6) and a master cylinder (7), wherein the master cylinder (7) passes through the Clutch pedal (5) and the actuator (6) is independently operable and wherein the actuator (6) comprises a worm gear (10) with a worm (11) and a worm wheel (12) and wherein the worm wheel (12) rotatable on the axis (4) is arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to an actuating device for a clutch of a motor vehicle and a clutch with a corresponding actuating device.

In hybrid vehicles, automatic transmissions are used so that a clutch pedal is not present in such vehicles. An automatic transmission has disadvantages compared with a conventional manual transmission, such as lower efficiency and higher weight. In markets with a large share of motor vehicles with manual transmissions, such as Europe, automobiles with an automatic transmission have some acceptance problems because the customer often requires a clutch pedal. Clutch pedals are regularly part of an actuator for a clutch, in particular friction clutch. Such clutches are used to interrupt a flow of torque from a drive motor to a drive train of the motor vehicle, wherein the actuating device is used to actuate the clutch. However, the known actuators are suitable only for the usual conventional operation, that is, in particular for the operation with a manual transmission and internal combustion engine, and not for the electric driving (hybrid function). In the DE 10 2009 032 336 A1 An automatic transmission in a hybrid vehicle is described.

The pamphlets JP H09-71 144 A and DE 10 2014 215 363 A1 disclose actuators for clutches, wherein a master cylinder by the clutch pedal and the actuator is independently operable.

The publication DE 10 2013 218 623 A1 discloses an actuating device for a clutch, wherein for the realization of a partially electric coupling in the line of the actuating device, a controllable valve is integrated, whereby a fluid flow in the line are selectively interrupted and thus a driver assistance system can automatically engage in the coupling process.

The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to provide an actuating device for a clutch of a motor vehicle, which is suitable for both conventional operation and for electric driving. In addition, a clutch for a motor vehicle is to be specified, the actuator is suitable for both conventional operation and for electric driving.

These objects are achieved with an actuator and a clutch according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent formulated claims. In addition, the features specified in the claims in the description are specified and explained in more detail, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

The actuating device according to the invention for a clutch of a motor vehicle has a clutch pedal rotatable about an axis, an actuator and a master cylinder, wherein the master cylinder can be actuated independently of one another by the clutch pedal and the actuator. In addition, the actuator has a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel, wherein the worm wheel is rotatably arranged on the axis. The motor vehicle is in particular a hybrid vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle which can be driven by at least one electric motor and a further drive motor, in particular an internal combustion engine. In such automobiles, the energy required for the drive is drawn from an electrical energy storage device and from an operating fuel tank. The motor vehicle moreover has, in particular, a manual transmission.

In particular, the clutch is a friction clutch which serves to interrupt a flow of torque from the drive motor to a drive train of the motor vehicle. For actuating the clutch, the actuating device has a clutch pedal which is rotatable about an axis. The clutch pedal is mounted on the axle in particular on a pedal block and adjustable by a driver for actuating the clutch, in particular by foot, from a rear end position about the axis in a front end position. By adjusting the clutch pedal, a master cylinder is actuated, which is connected in particular via a hydraulic line to a slave cylinder of the clutch. As a result, a pedal force of the clutch pedal via the master cylinder and the slave cylinder is transferable to the clutch, so that actuation of the clutch is made possible via the clutch pedal. Thus, the motor vehicle in conventional operation, that is, in particular when operating with an internal combustion engine, operable with a manual transmission.

Furthermore, the actuator on an actuator with which the master cylinder for actuating the clutch is actuated independently of the clutch pedal. Thus, by the actuator is a torque flow from the drive motor to a drive train for electric driving interruptible. For this purpose, the actuator has in particular a motor or electric motor and is in particular electronically controllable. Thus, a separation of the function of the actuating device is made possible in a conventional operation and an electronically controlled actuation, wherein the remaining hydraulic clutch system in particular requires no further adjustments.

• – Reduzierung einer Pedalkraft;
• – Warnfunktion beispielsweise durch Vibration, zum Beispiel beim Anfahren im falschen Gang oder zu heißer Kupplung;
• – Schutz gegen Abwürgen des Antriebsmotors;
• – Peek-Talk-Limiter (Einkuppelzeitbegrenzer); und/oder
• – Dämpfung von Pedalvibrationen.

In addition, the actuator can preferably support at least one of the following functions:

• - reduction of a pedal force;
• Warning function, for example by vibration, for example when starting in the wrong gear or too hot clutch;
• - protection against stalling of the drive motor;
• Peek-Talk Limiter (Einkuppelzeitbegrenzer); and or
• - damping of pedal vibrations.

Since the electronically controlled actuation becomes active only in a targeted situation, this does not have to be carried out in particular with full dynamics, ie the actuator does not necessarily have to be designed for a coupling time of 100 ms (milliseconds), but can also be used for higher coupling times of, for example, (FIG. up to) 500 ms. This means that the motor of the actuator can be dimensioned correspondingly smaller. So that the operating comfort is maintained at fast clutch actuations, a freewheeling function can be provided. The freewheel function allows the driver in cases where a faster coupling is desired (even during the electronically controlled operation), oversteer of the actuator by fast depression of the clutch pedal. As soon as a clutch pedal travel covered by the clutch pedal exceeds an actuator travel traveled by the actuator, the clutch pedal assumes the movement of the master cylinder.

Any impact sounds can also be reduced with an intermediate damper. If the driver engages manually while the actuator is actuating the master cylinder, an additional switch or sensor may detect this situation.

In particular, a worm gear is a helical gear and comprises a helical worm in particular and a worm wheel engaging in the worm gear, which is designed in particular in the manner of a toothed wheel. The worm wheel is arranged on the axle in particular axially adjacent to the intermediate lever.

In addition, it is advantageous if the master cylinder is connected to an intermediate lever which is rotatably held on the axle. The intermediate lever is connected in particular via a joint with a piston rod of a piston of the master cylinder. The intermediate lever is also held in particular axially adjacent to the clutch pedal on the axis and in particular is rotatable relative to the axis. Furthermore, the intermediate lever may have an arm, which extends in particular radially from the axis.

It is also advantageous if the intermediate lever has a stop, by means of which the intermediate lever can be rotated about the axis by the actuator for actuating the master cylinder. The stop is, in particular, a region of the intermediate lever which can be brought into contact with at least one component of the actuator, for example a worm wheel of the actuator, so that a movement of the actuator, in particular by a positive connection, can be transmitted to the intermediate lever , The stop is in particular effective (only) in one direction of rotation. About the stop a power transmission from the actuator to the intermediate lever or the master cylinder is possible in a simple manner.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the intermediate lever is rotatable about the axis by the clutch pedal. This means, in particular, that the clutch pedal and the intermediate lever can be coupled to one another (mechanically) so that a rotational movement of the clutch pedal can be transmitted to the intermediate lever at least over a portion of the rotational movement of the clutch pedal.

It is also advantageous if, upon actuation of the master cylinder by the clutch pedal, the clutch pedal abuts against an arm of the intermediate lever. This means in particular that when adjusting the clutch pedal from the rear end position into the front end position, the clutch pedal abuts against the arm of the intermediate lever, and thereby entrains.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the clutch pedal is adjustable in a rear end position and a front end position and wherein the clutch pedal in the rear end position actuates a switch. Specifically, the rear end position is a position of the clutch pedal in which the clutch pedal is held by a pedal spring when the clutch pedal is not operated by a driver. The front end position is, in particular, a position of the clutch pedal in which the clutch pedal has completely passed through a driver and / or in which a clutch can be released. The clutch pedal also actuates a switch in the rear end position, by means of which a control can be signaled that the clutch pedal is not is pressed or that the clutch pedal is in the rear end position.

In addition, it is advantageous if the intermediate lever is connected to an over-center spring. In the mechanics, a dead center represents, in particular, a situation in which, in the case of a lever mechanism, the connecting joints and acting force vectors are in line. In this case, the supplied force is transmitted only to a breakpoint of the mechanism, for example the axis, wherein a movement of the intermediate lever is not possible without external action. An over-center spring takes advantage of this effect by being mounted in the biased condition in a slightly offset position with respect to the axle on the intermediate lever. If the dead center is overcome when moving the intermediate lever, the over-center spring relaxes in the direction of actuation. Thus, the force needed to operate at the beginning of the lever travel is greatest and then becomes smaller.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the worm wheel is connected to a compensation spring. The compensation spring is arranged in particular between the worm wheel and the pedal block and / or acts in particular against the force of the master cylinder, so that it can be designed, for example, as a tension spring. As a result, the required maximum actuation forces of the engine can be significantly reduced.

According to another aspect of the invention, a clutch for a motor vehicle is proposed which has an actuating system with a slave cylinder, wherein the slave cylinder is connected via a hydraulic line to a master cylinder of an actuator according to the invention.

The clutch is, in particular, a friction clutch, for the actuation of which a slave cylinder can act on the clutch. The slave cylinder is hydraulically coupled via a hydraulic line to the master cylinder, so that a force of the master cylinder is transferable to the slave cylinder. For further details of the coupling reference is made to the description of the actuator.

The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but this is not limited thereto. The same components are provided in the figures with the same reference numerals. They show schematically:

1 a first variant of the actuator in a side view;

2 the first variant of the actuator in a rear view;

3 the first variant of the actuator with an actuated by an actuator master cylinder;

4 : the first variant of the actuating device with a master cylinder actuated by a clutch pedal;

5 a second variant of the actuator in a side view; and

6 : a motor vehicle.

The 1 shows a first variant of the actuator 1 in a page presentation. The actuator has an axis about 4 rotatable clutch pedal 5 on, about the clutch pedal 5 on a pedal block 23 is attached. The clutch pedal 5 is here in a rear end position 14 shown in the clutch pedal 5 by a pedal spring 22 is held when the clutch pedal 5 not operated. Furthermore, the clutch pedal is pressed 5 in the rear end position 14 a switch 16 , which can be connected to a controller, not shown here (data-conducting). Axially adjacent to the clutch pedal is on the axle 4 an intermediate lever 8th rotatably arranged. The intermediate lever 8th has an arm 13 on, at its radial end over a joint 27 with a piston rod 26 a piston 25 a master cylinder 7 connected is. The piston 25 of the master cylinder 7 is by a return spring 21 with a restoring force (in the 1 to the right). The master cylinder 7 is via a hydraulic line 20 with a slave cylinder, not shown here 19 connected.

In addition, the actuating device 1 an actuator 6 up, a worm gear 10 with a snail 11 and a worm wheel 12 includes. The worm gear 10 is by a motor 24 of the actuator 6 drivable. The worm wheel 12 is on the axis 4 axially adjacent to the intermediate lever 8th arranged. By activating the engine 24 is the worm wheel 12 around the axis 4 rotatable so that the worm wheel 12 with a stop 9 of the intermediate lever 8th comes into contact. As a result, a rotational movement of the worm wheel 12 around the axis 4 (in the 1 clockwise) on the intermediate lever 8th transferred so that the master cylinder 7 is pressed.

The 2 shows the actuator 1 of the 1 in a rear view. To recognize is in particular the arrangement of the clutch pedal 5 , the intermediate lever 8th and the worm wheel 12 on the axis 4 , In addition, that is through the engine 24 drivable snail 11 shown.

The 3 shows the actuator 1 in a side view, in which the master cylinder 7 through the actuator 6 is pressed. The worm wheel 12 This was done by the engine 24 or the snail 11 in comparison to 1 clockwise on the axis 4 rotated, causing the intermediate lever 8th about his plot 9 on the axis 4 was also rotated clockwise. This became the piston 25 of the master cylinder 7 over the piston rod 26 adjusted.

The 4 shows the actuator 1 after the master cylinder 7 through the clutch pedal 5 was pressed. This was the clutch pedal 5 from the in the 1 shown rear end position 14 in a front end position 15 adjusted, causing the clutch pedal 5 against the arm 13 of the intermediate lever 8th was pushed, so that the intermediate lever 8th with the clutch pedal 5 clockwise around the axis 4 has turned. This also makes the piston 25 of the master cylinder 7 over the piston rod 26 adjusted. In the front end position 15 becomes the pedal spring 22 excited and the switch 16 Approved. The motor 24 of the actuator 6 Meanwhile, it can be returned to its unactuated state and in particular has no influence on the operation of the master cylinder 7 ,

The 5 shows a second variant of the actuator 1 in a side view. In this second variant, both the actuating forces for the driver and for the engine 24 of the actuator 6 reduced. In this second variant eliminates the return spring 21 in the master cylinder 7 , In contrast, the intermediate lever 8th with an over-center spring 17 connected between the intermediate lever 8th and the pedal block 23 is arranged. In addition, acting on the worm wheel 12 a compensation spring 18 between the worm wheel 12 and the pedal block 23 is arranged. The compensation spring 18 acts against the force on the master cylinder 7 , causing the engine 24 must produce significantly lower maximum actuation forces in the train operation and / or printing operation.

The 6 shows a motor vehicle 3 with a drive motor 28 wherein a torque flow from the drive motor 28 on a gearbox 29 through a clutch 2 is interruptible. For this purpose, the clutch 2 a slave cylinder 19 on, over the hydraulic line 20 with a donor cylinder, not shown here 7 the actuator 1 connected is.

The proposed actuator is suitable for both conventional operation and electric driving.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

actuator

2

clutch

3

motor vehicle

4

axis

5

clutch pedal

6

actuator

7

Master cylinder

8th

intermediate lever

9

attack

10

worm gear

11

slug

12

worm

13

poor

14

rear end position

15

front end position

16

switch

17

over-center spring

18

compensation spring

19

slave cylinder

20

hydraulic line

21

Return spring

22

pedal spring

23

pedal block

24

engine

25

piston

26

piston rod

27

joint

28

drive motor

29

transmission

Claims (9)

Actuating device ( 1 ) for a clutch ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle ( 3 ), having one about an axis ( 4 ) rotatable clutch pedal ( 5 ), an actuator ( 6 ) and a master cylinder ( 7 ), wherein the master cylinder ( 7 ) by the clutch pedal ( 5 ) and the actuator ( 6 ) is independently operable and wherein the actuator ( 6 ) a worm gear ( 10 ) with a snail ( 11 ) and a worm wheel ( 12 ) and wherein the worm wheel ( 12 ) rotatable on the axis ( 4 ) is arranged. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the master cylinder ( 7 ) with an intermediate lever ( 8th ) which is rotatable on the axis ( 4 ) is held. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate lever ( 8th ) a stop ( 9 ), over which the intermediate lever ( 8th ) by the actuator ( 6 ) for actuating the master cylinder ( 7 ) around the axis ( 4 ) is rotatable. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the intermediate lever ( 8th ) by the clutch pedal ( 5 ) around the axis ( 4 ) is rotatable. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein upon actuation of the master cylinder ( 7 ) by the clutch pedal ( 5 ) the clutch pedal ( 5 ) against an arm ( 13 ) of the intermediate lever ( 8th ) pushes. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch pedal ( 5 ) in a rear end position ( 14 ) and a front end position ( 15 ) is adjustable and wherein the clutch pedal ( 5 ) in the rear end position ( 14 ) a switch ( 16 ). Actuating device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the intermediate lever ( 8th ) with an over-center spring ( 17 ) connected is. Actuating device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the worm wheel ( 12 ) with a compensation spring ( 18 ) connected is. Clutch ( 2 ) for a motor vehicle ( 3 ), comprising an actuating system with a slave cylinder ( 19 ), wherein the slave cylinder ( 19 ) via a hydraulic line ( 20 ) with a master cylinder ( 7 ) an actuator ( 1 ) is connected according to one of the preceding claims.

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