Description:FIELD
The present invention relates to assists for clutch pedals.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A clutch pedal is an important component of a manual transmission (MT) vehicle. The primary function of a clutch is to disengage an engine from the driveline to ensure smooth and quick gear-shifting, and engage the engine back for continuing vehicle drive. The engagement and disengagement of the clutch pedal should be in such a manner that any actuation noise, launch judder, inadvertent jerk, clunk noise, any other abnormal noise, or vibrations that could be perceived by the driver is avoided, to ensure a smooth and comfortable drive. A clutch pedal with a very high amount of pedal effort is not acceptable for a driver, as it would lead to high user fatigue during engagement or disengagement of the clutch, and hence, in traffic conditions, frequent actuation of the clutch pedal would cause discomfort to the driver. Instead, it is desirable to have a minimal clutch pedal effort, and an optimum pedal travel for comfortable engagement and disengagement of the clutch pedal.
Clutch pedal returnability is an important factor necessary for minimizing the pedal effort. Clutch pedal returnability can be defined as the ability of the clutch pedal to return to its original position without any delay or sluggishness, and hence influences the performance and subjective feel of the clutch pedal. The returnability of the clutch pedal is primarily influenced by the diaphragm characteristics and the overall hysteresis of the clutch pedal as well as the hydraulic system coupled to the pedal.
The clutch pedal returnability is enabled conventionally by a return spring which allows the pedal to return its initial position after the driver takes off the foot from the pedal. The spring force is always positive in nature (in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 kg), and hence can help increase the pedal force both in the forward and return strokes of the clutch pedal throughout the pedal travel. Due to this reason, the return spring can only be used for vehicles with low torque applications but involve relatively lesser clutch release loads. For high torque applications however, the clutch release load is higher and therefore leads to peak clutch pedal effort of more than 10 kg. Therefore, for vehicles with high torque applications, adding a simple return spring will only lead to further increase in the peak pedal effort (as illustrated in Figure 1).
Therefore, an over-centric spring (OCS) is used in clutch pedals meant for vehicles with high torque applications. The OCS is tuned with a certain preload at the travel of the clutch pedal is initiated, in order to ensure a good returnability while having a free play. With the actuation of the pedal, the spring coordinates of the OCS, as illustrated in Figure 2, cause the force direction to change from positive to negative, and thus reduce the peak pedal effort. Normally, the tuning of the OCS is done when the clutch is new. As the clutch plate starts wearing, the clutch release load starts to increase, which leads to increased pedal effort. When the clutch has been worn down by more than 50%, pedal effort rises exponentially.
In order to consistently maintain a low pedal effort irrespective of the clutch wear, a self-adjusting clutch is employed. The self-adjusting clutch has a mechanism that can be adjusted automatically to maintain a constant pivot position in a clutch cover assembly. However, this type of clutch is overpriced, and needs more packaging space, and therefore cannot be adopted for all types of vehicles.
Therefore, there is felt a need for an assist for a clutch pedal that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal that provides a constant assist load irrespective of the clutch wear.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal that facilitates a two-stage assist load at early conditions of the clutch pedal wear.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal having a modular configuration which gives a user the flexibility to change the level of assist as required.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal of a simple and an economic configuration that can be fitted in vehicles of both low-torque application and high torque application.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assist for a clutch pedal that indicates the need for changing the level of assist.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an assist for a clutch pedal. The assist comprises an elastic element and a non-elastic element. The elastic element is configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal from an operative position to an inoperative position. The non-elastic element is configured to be connected between a mounting plate of the clutch pedal and the clutch pedal to limit the extension of the elastic element.
The present disclosure further envisages a system for assisting a clutch pedal of a vehicle. The clutch pedal is configured to be angularly displaced from an inoperative position to an operative position. The assist comprises an elastic element and a non-elastic element. The elastic element is configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal from an operative position to an inoperative position. The non-elastic element is configured to be connected between a mounting plate of the clutch pedal and the clutch pedal to limit the extension of the elastic element. The system further comprises a sensing unit, a control unit, and an actuator. The sensing unit is configured to detect the extension of the elastic element and sense angular displacement of the clutch pedal to intermittently generate a sensed extension signal and sensed displacement signals. The control unit is configured to communicate with the sensing unit. The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signals, and is further configured to generate an actuating signal in the event of extension of the elastic element beyond its elastic limit. The actuator is configured to communicate with the control unit. The actuator is configured to linearly displace a succeeding tubular element of the non-elastic element to facilitate connection of the succeeding tubular element with the elastic element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An assist, of the present disclosure, for a clutch pedal will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a graph depicting the pedal effort required by conventional spring assist;
Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate isometric views of different embodiments of the assist of the present disclosure;
Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate a front view and a cross-sectional front view of a multi-stepped shaft of Figure 3;
Figure 6 illustrates a plurality of shafts placed in a descending way with respect to their diameters;
Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the clutch pedal; and
Figure 8 illustrates a graph comparing the pedal effort required in case of the following conditions: a) pedal provided with no assist, b) pedal provided with an assist comprising only a spring, and c) pedal provided with assist comprising an elastic element and a non-elastic element as disclosed by Figures 3 and 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 assist for a clutch pedal
102 mounting plate
105 clutch pedal
110 elastic element
112 first bracket
114 second bracket
120A, 120B, 120C non-elastic element
122 non-elastic element
123A, 123B, 123C… 123n tubular element of the multi-stepped shaft
125 step
127 aperture
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
An assist (100), of the present disclosure, for a clutch pedal (105) will now be disclosed with reference to Figure 3 through Figure 8.
The assist (100) comprises an elastic element (110) and a non-elastic element (120A, 122). The elastic element (110) is configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from an operative position to an inoperative position. The non-elastic element is configured to be connected between a mounting plate (102) of the clutch pedal (105) and the clutch pedal (105) to limit the extension of the elastic element (110).
In an embodiment, the non-elastic element is configured to limit the extension of the elastic element (110) when the pedal is displaced angularly from the inoperative position to the operative position.
In an embodiment, the elastic element (110) is a coiled spring configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from the operative position to the inoperative position.
In another embodiment, the elastic element (110) includes a first bracket (112) provided on an operative first end of the elastic element (110). The first bracket (112) is configured to be attached to the mounting plate (102).
The elastic element (110) further includes a second bracket (114) provided on an operative second end of the elastic element (110). The second bracket (114) has a recess configured in an operative free surface thereof.
In an embodiment, a first end of the non-elastic element is configured to be received in an aperture (127) configured in the clutch pedal (105) (as shown in Figure 7), and a second end of the non-elastic element is configured to be received in the recess of the second bracket (114). The non-elastic element is configured to limit the extension of the elastic element (110) to a predetermined elastic limit, thereby limiting the angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105). As a result, the clutch pedal (105) retains its original position with relatively reduced pedal effort.
In an embodiment, the non-elastic element (120A, 122) is a rigid shaft configured to be threadably received in an aperture (127) of the clutch pedal (105).
In an embodiment, the non-elastic element is a multi-stepped shaft (122) (as shown in Figure 3, Figure 5A and Figure 5B) defining a plurality of tubular elements (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n) of variable diameters.
In another embodiment, the multi-stepped shaft (122) is configured to be linearly displaced to facilitate receipt of a tubular element (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n) having a diameter greater than its predecessor in the event of extension of the elastic element (110) beyond its elastic limit.
In yet another embodiment, the non-elastic element is a one-stepped shaft (122) defining two tubular elements (123A, 123B) conjoined at a step (125).
In still another embodiment, the assist (100) includes a plurality of non-stepped shafts (120A, 120B, 120C). Each shaft has a constant diameter. In another embodiment, each shaft (120A, 120B, 120C) (as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6) has to be changed manually to a shaft of a larger diameter if the angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) is more than the predetermined value.
The present disclosure further envisages a system for assisting a clutch pedal (105) of a vehicle. The assist (100) comprises an elastic element (110) and a non-elastic element (122). The elastic element (110) is configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from an operative position to an inoperative position. The non-elastic element (122) is configured to be connected between a mounting plate (102) of the clutch pedal (105) and the clutch pedal (105) to limit the extension of the elastic element (110). The non-elastic element (122) comprises a plurality of tubular elements (123A, 123B… 123n).
The system further comprises a sensing unit configured to detect the extension of the elastic element (110) and sense angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) to intermittently generate a sensed extension signal and a sensed displacement signal. A control unit is configured to communicate with the sensing unit. The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signals, and is further configured to generate an actuating signal in the event of extension of the elastic element (110) beyond its elastic limit. An actuator is configured to communicate with the control unit. The actuator is configured to linearly displace a succeeding tubular element (123A, 123B… 123n) of the non-elastic element to facilitate connection of the succeeding tubular element (123B, 123C… 123n) with the elastic element (110).
In an embodiment, each adjacent tubular element (123B, 123C… 123n) of the multi-stepped non-elastic element has a diameter greater than its predecessor tubular element (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n-1).
In an embodiment, the elastic element (110) is a coiled spring configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from the operative position to the inoperative position.
In another embodiment, the elastic element (110) includes a first bracket (112) provided on an operative first end of the elastic element (110). The first bracket (112) is configured to be attached to the mounting plate (102).
In yet another embodiment, the elastic element (110) includes a second bracket (114) provided on an operative second end of the elastic element (110). The second bracket (114) has a recess configured in an operative free surface thereof for receiving the tubular elements therein.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit includes a first sensor (not shown in Figures) configured to detect the extension of the elastic element (110), and is further configured to generate a sensed extension signal.
In another embodiment, the sensing unit includes a second sensor (not shown in Figures) configured to sense the angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105), and intermittently generate sensed displacement signals corresponding to sensed values.
In an embodiment, the control unit includes a memory, a processor, a crawler-and-extractor and a comparator. The memory is configured to store a list defining values of extension of the elastic element (110) and a list of values of angular displacements of the clutch pedal (105), wherein each value of angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) corresponds to a value of extension of the elastic element (110). The processor is configured to communicate with the first sensor and the second sensor to receive the sensed extension signal and the sensed displacement signals. The processor is configured to process the sensed signals and convert the sensed signals to processed respective values.
The crawler-and-extractor is configured to communicate with the processor to receive the processed value of extension of the elastic element (110). The crawler-and-extractor is configured to crawl through the stored list of values of extension of the elastic element (110) and extract the value of angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) corresponding to the received value of the extension of the elastic element (110). The comparator is configured to communicate with the processor to receive the displacement value, and is further configured to communicate with the crawler-and-extractor to receive the extracted value of angular displacement. The comparator is configured to compare the processed received displacement value with the received extracted value, and is further configured to generate an actuating signal, in the event that the received displacement value is more than the extracted value of angular displacement.
In an embodiment, the assist (100) includes an indicator (not shown) configured to communicate with the control unit to receive the actuating signal. Based on the received actuating signal, the indicator displays a symbol depicting the need for change of the diameter of the non-elastic element (123A, 123B… 123n). The indicator thus, brings to the notice of the user that the assist (100), more specifically, the non-elastic element (123A, 123B… 123n) has to be moved or replaced to a relatively bigger diameter so as to compensate for the increased expansion of the elastic element (110). With reference to this embodiment, an operator can manually displace the non-elastic element (123A, 123B… 123n) so that a non-elastic element of a bigger diameter (123B… 123n-1) is received in the aperture (127) and the recess. This particular embodiment allows the operator to manually displace the non-elastic element (123A, 123B… 123n) without depending on the actuator.
Figure 8 illustrates a graph comparing the pedal effort required in case of the following conditions:
Condition (a) (represented by solid curve): pedal provided with no assist (100);
Condition (b) (represented by dashed curve): pedal provided with an assist (100) comprising only an elastic element (110); and
Condition c) (represented by dotted curve): pedal provided with assist (100) comprising an elastic element (110) and a non-elastic element as disclosed by Figures 3 and 4.
As shown in Figure 8, the pedal effort required by the user is reduced by 1.6 kg, if the assist (100) comprises only the elastic element (110), from 11.7 kg of pedal effort required if no assist (100) is provided. If the assist (100) comprises both the elastic element (110) and the non-elastic element, the pedal effort is further reduced by 1.2kg. The assist (100) of the present disclosure thus enables quick return of the clutch pedal (105) to its initial position with considerably lower pedal effort. Further, the assist (100) can be used not only for low torque vehicles but also for high torque vehicles without any change in the core designs of the clutch pedal (105). In fact, the modularity of the assist (100) allows ease in change thereof in case of relatively more extension of the elastic element (110).
Moreover, the simple configuration of the assist (100), of the present disclosure, allows fitment thereof in an existing clutch pedal (105) module, thus enabling ease of fitment thereof. Further, the assist (100) can be provided for any type of vehicle, be it a low-torque vehicle or a high-torque vehicle.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of assist for a clutch pedal which:
• provides a constant assist load irrespective of the clutch wear;
• facilitates a two-stage assist load at early conditions of the clutch pedal wear;
• has a modular configuration which gives a user the flexibility to change the level of assist as required;
• is simple and an economic configuration that can be fitted in vehicles of both low-torque and high torque application; and
• indicates the need for changing the level of assist.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An assist (100) for a clutch pedal (105), said assist (100) comprising:
• an elastic element (110) configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from an operative position to an inoperative position; and
• a non-elastic element (120A, 122) connected between a mounting plate (102) of the clutch pedal (105) and the clutch pedal (105) to limit the extension of said elastic element (110).
2. The assist as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-elastic element (120A, 122) is configured to limit the extension of the elastic element (110) when the pedal is displaced angularly from the inoperative position to the operative position.
3. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic element (110) is a coiled spring configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from the operative position to the inoperative position,
wherein said elastic element (110) includes a first bracket (112) provided on an operative first end of said elastic element (110), said first bracket (112) being configured to be attached to the mounting plate (102), and a second bracket (114) provided on an operative second end of said elastic element (110), said second bracket (114) having a recess configured in an operative free surface thereof.
4. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first end of said non-elastic element (110) is configured to be received in an aperture (127) configured in the clutch pedal (105), and a second end of said non-elastic element (120A, 122) is configured to be received in said recess of said second bracket (114), said non-elastic element (110) being configured to limit the extension of said elastic element (110) to a predetermined elastic limit, thereby limiting the angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105).
5. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-elastic element (120A, 122) is a rigid shaft configured to be threadably received in an aperture (127) of the clutch pedal (105).
6. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-elastic element (120A, 122) is a multi-stepped shaft (122) comprising a plurality of tubular elements (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n) of variable diameters, said multi-stepped shaft (122) being configured to be linearly displaced to facilitate receipt of a tubular element (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n) having a diameter greater than its predecessor in the event of an extension of said elastic element (110) beyond its elastic limit.
7. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said shaft (122) is one-stepped shaft defining two tubular elements conjoined at a step (125).
8. The assist (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-elastic element includes a plurality of non-stepped shafts (120A, 120B, 120C).
9. A system for assisting a clutch pedal (105) of a vehicle, said system comprising:
• an elastic element (110) configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from an operative position to an inoperative position;
• a non-elastic element (122), having a plurality of tubular elements (123A, 123B… 123n), connected between a mounting plate (102) of the clutch pedal (105) and the clutch pedal (105) to limit the extension of the elastic element (110), said;
• a sensing unit configured to detect the extension of said elastic element (110) and sense angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) to intermittently generate a sensed extension signal and a sensed displacement signal;
• a control unit configured to communicate with said sensing unit, said control unit configured to receive said sensed signals, and further configured to generate an actuating signal in the event of extension of said elastic element (110) beyond its elastic limit; and
• an actuator configured to communicate with said control unit, said actuator configured to linearly displace a succeeding tubular element (123B… 123n) of said non-elastic element (122) to facilitate connection of said succeeding tubular element (123B, 123C… 123n) with said elastic element (110).
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein each adjacent tubular elements (123B, 123C… 123n) of said non-elastic element (122) has a diameter greater than its predecessor tubular element (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n-1).
11. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said elastic element (110) is a coiled spring configured to facilitate returnability of the clutch pedal (105) from the operative position to the inoperative position, said elastic element (110) including a first bracket (112) provided on an operative first end of said elastic element (110), said first bracket (112) being configured to be attached to the mounting plate (102), and a second bracket(114) provided on an operative second end of said elastic element (110), said second bracket(114) having a recess configured in an operative free surface thereof for receiving said tubular elements (123A, 123B, 123C… 123n)therein.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said sensing unit includes:
o a first sensor configured to detect the extension of said elastic element (110), and further configured to generate a sensed extension signal, and
o a second sensor configured to sense the angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105), and intermittently generate sensed displacement signals corresponding to sensed values.
13. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said control unit includes:
o a memory configured to store a list defining values of extension of said elastic element (110) and a list of values of angular displacements of the clutch pedal (105), wherein each value of angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) corresponds to a value of extension of the elastic element (110);
o a processor configured to communicate with said first sensor and said second sensor to receive said sensed extension signal and said sensed displacement signals, said processor configured to process said sensed signals and convert said sensed signals to processed respective values;
o a crawler-and-extractor configured to communicate with said processor to receive said processed value of extension of said elastic element (110), said crawler-and-extractor configured to crawl through the stored list of values of extension of said elastic element (110) and extract the value of angular displacement of the clutch pedal (105) corresponding to the received value of the extension of the elastic element (110); and
o a comparator configured to communicate with said processor to receive said displacement value, and further configured to communicate with said crawler-and-extractor to receive said extracted value of angular displacement, said comparator configured to compare the processed received displacement value with said received extracted value, and further configured to generate an actuating signal, in the event that said received displacement value is more than the extracted value of angular displacement.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said system includes an indicator configured to communicate with said control unit to receive said actuating signal to display a symbol depicting the need of change of diameter of said non-elastic element (122).

Dated this 26th day of December, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant
TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI