JP7841408B2 - Insertion depth detection device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a device for determining the insertion depth.

A device has been proposed in which a second jig is inserted into a guide through-hole of a first jig fixed to the clutch housing, and the second jig is pushed toward the relevant part (the area where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) until the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig and the relevant part are in a predetermined positional relationship (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-37949

However, in Patent Document 1, the relevant part (the area where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) is located in the internal space surrounded by the clutch housing (i.e., the relevant part is covered by the clutch housing), which presents a problem in that it is not possible to determine when the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig and the relevant part are in a predetermined positional relationship.

This invention was made to solve the above problems and provides an insertion depth sensing device that allows the user to feel when the tip of the insertion part (for example, the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig) and the relevant part (for example, the location where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) are in a predetermined positional relationship.

The insertion depth determination device according to the present invention is
A first jig is fixed to a fixed object in a position relative to the fixed object, and has a guide through-hole formed therein that extends toward the relevant part while fixed to the fixed object,
An insertion part that is inserted into the guide through-hole and is inserted toward the relevant part while being held by the worker,
The insertion portion includes a projection, the first projection, which is inserted into the guide through-hole and generates friction between itself and the guide through-hole when the tip of the insertion portion and the relevant portion are in a predetermined positional relationship as the insertion portion is inserted toward the relevant portion.

This configuration allows the user to tactilely determine that the tip of the insertion part (for example, the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig) and the relevant part (for example, the location where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) are in a predetermined positional relationship.

This is because, when the insertion part is inserted towards the target part, the tip of the insertion part and the target part are in a predetermined positional relationship, and a first projection is provided that is inserted into the guide through-hole, generating friction between the projection and the guide through-hole.

Furthermore, in the above-described insertion depth determining device, the diameter of the guide through-hole and the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection may be set such that the diameter of the guide through-hole < the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection.

Furthermore, in the above insertion depth determining device, at least one second projection is provided on the inner wall of the guide through hole.
The first projection may pass over the second projection while generating friction with the second projection as the insertion portion is inserted toward the corresponding portion.

This configuration allows the user to tactilely determine that the tip of the insertion part (for example, the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig) and the relevant part (for example, the location where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) are in a predetermined positional relationship.

This is because the device is equipped with a first projection and a second projection that generate friction (frictional force) when the tip of the insertion part and the relevant part are in a predetermined positional relationship during the operation of inserting the insertion part toward the relevant part.

Furthermore, in the above-described insertion depth determining device, the diameter of the guide through-hole including the second projection and the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection may be set such that the diameter of the guide through-hole including the second projection is less than the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection.

Furthermore, in the above insertion depth sensing device, the fixing mating part is a cover member.
The aforementioned part is located in the internal space surrounded by the cover member.
The cover member has a through hole for fixing a jig that communicates with the internal space.
The first jig includes an engaging portion that engages with the portion of the cover member surrounding the jig fixing through hole when positioned relative to the cover member.
The first jig may be fixed to the cover member by the engaging portion engaging with the portion of the cover member surrounding the through hole for fixing the jig.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned insertion amount determining device, the insertion portion is a long injection portion including a tip from which fluid is injected, or a second jig including said injection portion.
The insertion portion may be inserted into the guide through-hole, and may be inserted towards the relevant portion while the worker is gripping the insertion portion.

Furthermore, in the above-described insertion depth determination device, the insertion section may further include an imaging section that captures an image including the tip of the ejection section and the relevant section.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned insertion depth sensing device, the relevant part is a location where grease or fluid supply is required.
The fluid may be grease or fluid.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned insertion depth determination device, the insertion portion is a second jig that includes a long imaging device with an imaging unit at its tip that captures an image including the portion in question.
The insertion portion may be inserted into the guide through-hole, and may be inserted towards the relevant portion while the worker is gripping the insertion portion.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned insertion depth determination device, the relevant part may be a location where inspection in a confined space is necessary.

The present invention provides an insertion depth sensing device that allows the user to tactilely determine when the tip of the insertion part (for example, the tip of the lubrication pipe provided on the second jig) and the relevant part (for example, the location where grease needs to be supplied from the tip of the lubrication pipe) are in a predetermined positional relationship.

This figure schematically shows the clutch release mechanism of the first embodiment. This diagram schematically shows a lubrication device according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a lubrication system. This figure shows an example of an opening in a lubrication pipe. This figure shows another example of a lubrication pipe opening. This is a plan view of the base end of the first jig. This is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 5. This is a perspective view of the first jig from the rear side. This is a diagram showing the cross-section along line B-B in Figure 5. This figure shows the first jig attached to the through-hole of the clutch housing. This figure shows the lubrication pipe extending toward the pressing portion of the clutch release fork with the second jig inserted into the insertion hole of the first jig. This diagram illustrates the height position of the tip of the lubrication pipe. This figure schematically shows a first modified example of the first jig. This figure schematically shows a first modified example of the first jig. This figure shows the first jig 110 and the second jig 120, extracted from Figure 9. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device according to the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device according to the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device according to the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion depth determination device (modified version) of the fourth embodiment.

The following describes a first embodiment of the present invention, specifically a lubrication device for a clutch release mechanism, with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

(First Embodiment)
The lubrication device of the first embodiment is used to perform low-cost, short-time inspection and grease injection maintenance on sliding defects (for example, sliding defects accompanied by increased friction, abnormal noise, etc.) that occur after a manual transmission vehicle has been driven through flooded or wading through water, due to grease leakage from the fork grease lubrication section inside the MT clutch housing and contamination by foreign matter.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the clutch release mechanism of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the clutch device 1 comprises a clutch body 10 that intermittently controls the power supply, a clutch release mechanism 20 for operating the clutch body 10, and a clutch housing 30 that houses the clutch body 10. For example, the clutch device 1 is mounted in a manual transmission vehicle and positioned between the engine and the transmission.

In Figure 1, the X direction represents the axial direction along the central axis, and the Z direction represents the direction perpendicular to the central axis (sometimes called the radial direction or height direction). When the Z direction is considered the height direction, the upper side may be referred to as the tip side and the lower side as the base side. Furthermore, the Y direction, described later, represents the direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions. The Y direction may sometimes be referred to as the width direction.

The clutch body 10 comprises a clutch disc 11, a clutch cover 12, a pressure plate 13, a diaphragm spring 14, and a release bearing 15.

The clutch disc 11 has a friction surface (clutch facing) sandwiched between the pressure plate 13 and the flywheel 16, and is spline-fitted to the transmission's input shaft 3. The frictional force between the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 and the flywheel 16 transmits the rotation of the flywheel 16 to the input shaft 3. The flywheel 16 is bolted to the engine's crankshaft 2, and the flywheel 16 and crankshaft 2 rotate as a single unit.

The clutch cover 12 is provided to cover the outer circumference of the clutch disc 11 and rotates integrally with the pressure plate 13 and the diaphragm spring 14. The pressure plate 13 is located between the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 and the diaphragm spring 14. The diaphragm spring 14 is a component that presses the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 toward the flywheel 16 via the pressure plate 13, and is located on the opposite side of the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 from the pressure plate 13. The peripheral edge of the diaphragm spring 14 is connected to the pressure plate 13, and the central part of the diaphragm spring 14 is connected to the release bearing 15. This allows the diaphragm spring 14 to press against the pressure plate 13.

When the clutch body 10 is engaged, the pressure plate 13, due to the elastic force of the diaphragm spring 14, presses the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 toward the flywheel 16. This generates frictional force between the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 and the flywheel 16, creating a connection where the rotation of the flywheel 16 is transmitted to the clutch disc 11.

When the clutch body 10 is released, the release bearing 15 pushes against the center of the diaphragm spring 14, causing the peripheral edge of the diaphragm spring 14 to displace away from the flywheel 16. At this time, the pressure plate 13 is pulled away from the flywheel 16 along with the diaphragm spring 14. This eliminates the frictional force between the friction surface of the clutch disc 11 and the flywheel 16, resulting in a disengaged state where the rotation of the flywheel 16 is not transmitted to the clutch disc 11.

The clutch release mechanism 20 comprises a clutch release fork 21, a release fork support 22, and a release cylinder 23.

The clutch release fork 21 is a component for axially moving the release bearing 15, and is configured to swing while being supported by the release fork support 22. This clutch release fork 21 is a slender metal component with a bifurcated tip.

As shown in Figure 1, one end of the clutch release fork 21 is composed of a pressing portion 21a that presses the release bearing 15 in the axial direction. The pressing portion 21a is configured as a bifurcated structure with its tip splitting into two so as to sandwich the input shaft 3 inside the clutch housing 30. The portion of the pressing portion 21a that faces the release bearing 15 in the axial direction (the contact portion) contacts the release bearing 15. The other end of the clutch release fork 21 is composed of a connecting portion 21b that protrudes to the outside of the clutch housing 30 through a through hole 31 in the clutch housing 30 and is connected to the release cylinder 23. The other end of the clutch release fork 21 is covered by a fork boot 32 at a position extending to the outside of the clutch housing 30. The fork boot 32 is attached to the through hole 31. The fork boot 32 may be provided with holes (cooling holes) to release the frictional heat generated when the clutch body 10 is in a semi-engaged state to the outside of the clutch housing 30.

Furthermore, the clutch release fork 21 has a pivot point 21c between the pressing portion 21a and the connecting portion 21b, which is supported by the release fork support 22. The release fork support 22 consists of a main body fixed to the bulkhead of the clutch housing 30 and a pivot portion (not shown) with a spherical surface at the tip of the main body. The bulkhead of the clutch housing 30 is composed of a retainer to which a bearing (not shown) supporting the input shaft 3 is attached. The retainer is a component fixed to the clutch housing 30. The base of the release fork support 22 is bolted to the retainer. Also, inside the clutch housing 30, the boss portion 30a of the retainer extends along the input shaft 3. The input shaft 3 is inserted inside the boss portion 30a.

The release bearing 15 is supported on the outer circumference of the boss portion 30a via a sleeve and is configured to be axially movable relative to the boss portion 30a. The release bearing 15 is positioned to contact the center of the diaphragm spring 14. This release bearing 15 has an outer ring supported by the sleeve on the boss portion 30a and an inner ring that contacts the center of the diaphragm spring 14. In the release bearing 15, the inner ring that contacts the diaphragm spring 14 rotates, while the outer ring that contacts the clutch release fork 21 does not rotate.

Then, when the driver presses the clutch pedal (not shown), the release cylinder 23 is activated. When the release cylinder 23 operates the connection part 21b, the clutch release fork 21 swings around the pivot point 21c. This swing causes the pressing part 21a to press against the release bearing 15, causing the release bearing 15 to move axially and push the center of the diaphragm spring 14 towards the flywheel 16, causing the clutch body 10 to open. When the clutch body 10 is open, the connection between the flywheel 16 and the clutch disc 11 is severed, preventing power transmission. When the operating force from the release cylinder 23 is released, the pressing force acting on the release bearing 15 from the pressing part 21a disappears, and the clutch body 10 becomes engaged. When the clutch body 10 is engaged, the connection between the flywheel 16 and the clutch disc 11 is restored, enabling power transmission. In this way, the oscillation of the clutch release fork 21 connects and disconnects the power transmission path between the engine-side crankshaft 2 and the transmission-side input shaft 3.

Next, the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment will be described. The lubrication device 100 is a device that supplies grease to the contact area between the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21 and the release bearing 15. The lubrication device 100 is configured to insert the second jig 120 (insertion portion 121) into the guide through-holes (first hole 113, second hole 114) of the first jig 110 which is fixed to the clutch housing 30 as described later, and to push the second jig 120 (insertion portion 121) toward the relevant portion C until the tip portion 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 provided on the second jig 120 and the relevant portion C are in a predetermined positional relationship. The relevant portion C refers to the contact area between the clutch release fork 21 (pressing portion 21a) and the release bearing 15, which is the area requiring lubrication (the area where grease needs to be supplied from the tip portion 131 of the lubrication pipe 130), as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the relevant part C is located within the internal space surrounded by the clutch housing 30 (an example of the cover member of the present invention). The clutch housing 30 has a through-hole (through-hole 31) for fixing a jig that communicates with this internal space.

When a vehicle equipped with the clutch device 1 is used in an environment containing sand, mud, or other debris, foreign matter may enter the clutch housing 30 through the cooling holes in the fork boot 32 or through cooling holes or drainage openings (not shown) provided in the clutch housing 30. Therefore, it is desirable to perform lubrication maintenance on the clutch release mechanism 20 by supplying additional grease to the contact area between the clutch release fork 21 and the release bearing 15. The lubrication device 100 is configured to allow lubrication maintenance without requiring the removal of the clutch housing 30 (or the manual transmission unit including it) from the vehicle. This lubrication device 100 supplies grease to the contact area between the clutch release fork 21 and the release bearing 15, which requires lubrication, from the outside of the clutch housing 30 via a through-hole 31 in the clutch housing 30, using a lubrication pipe 130 (shown in Figure 2, etc.).

As shown in Figure 2, the lubrication device 100 comprises a first jig 110, a second jig 120, a lubrication pipe 130, a flexible tube 140, and a lubricator 150. The first jig 110 and the second jig 120 are components for positioning the lubrication pipe 130. The first jig 110 is a component attached to the through-hole 31 of the clutch housing 30. The second jig 120 is a component inserted through the insertion hole of the first jig 110.

The first jig 110 is a guide jig that restricts the direction (insertion direction) of the lubrication pipe 130 (grease injection pipe). It has a base portion 111, a projection portion 112, and positioning holes, specifically a first hole 113 and a second hole 114. This first jig 110 is a single-piece molded metal part. The base portion 111 is formed in a flat plate shape and has a shape that can partially cover the opening of the through hole 31. The width of the base portion 111 (length in the Y direction, described later) is greater than the opening width of the through hole 31. The projection portion 112 is the part that protrudes from the base portion 111 and is inserted into the through hole 31. This projection portion 112 contacts the inner surface 31a of the through hole 31 and the flat surface 21d of the clutch release fork 21, thereby functioning as a positioning part for positioning the first jig 110.

The first hole 113 and the second hole 114 are insertion holes into which the lubrication pipe 130 and the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 are inserted, and are positioning holes for positioning the lubrication pipe 130. The first hole 113 and the second hole 114 are formed side-by-side in the width direction of the first jig 110, and both are through holes extending from the base portion 111 at the base end to the protruding portion 112 at the tip end. In this description, unless specifically distinguished, the first hole 113 and the second hole 114 will be referred to as "insertion holes."

The second jig 120 has a prismatic insertion portion 121 that is inserted into the first hole 113 and the second hole 114 of the first jig 110, and a stopper portion 122 that abuts against the surface 111a of the first jig 110. This second jig 120 is a one-piece molded metal product. A lubrication pipe 130 is also integrated into the second jig 120. The second jig 120 has two through holes 123 and 124 that extend linearly along the insertion portion 121 from the base end to the tip end. One through hole 123 is for the lubrication pipe. The other through hole 124 is for the endoscope. The lubrication pipe 130 is fixed in place with the pipe inserted through the through hole 123. The endoscope 160 is fixed in place with the endoscope inserted through the through hole 124 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, the stopper portion 122 has a stopper surface 122a (shown in Figure 3) that contacts the surface 111a of the first jig 110.

The lubrication pipe 130 is a pipe for supplying grease to the contact area between the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21 and the release bearing 15 inside the clutch housing 30. The lubrication pipe 130 is a long injection section including a tip portion 131 from which grease (an example of the fluid of the present invention) is injected. This lubrication pipe 130 is made of metal. An opening 131a for injecting grease is provided at the tip portion 131 of the lubrication pipe 130. A flexible tube 140 is connected to the base end of the lubrication pipe 130. The lubrication pipe 130 is connected to the lubricator 150 via the flexible tube 140.

As shown in Figure 3, the lubrication device 100 includes an endoscope 160 as an imaging means. The endoscope 160 is a long imaging device that includes an imaging unit at its tip 160a for capturing images including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, part C). The endoscope 160 is an example of the imaging device of the present invention. The endoscope 160 is integrated with the second jig 120 and protrudes from the tip side of the insertion part 121. The tip side of the endoscope 160 is the part that is inserted into the clutch housing 30, and a lens is provided at this tip 160a. The base end of the endoscope 160 is connected to the operating unit 162 via a cable 161. By operating the operating unit 162, it is possible to photograph the internal structure of the clutch housing 30 with the endoscope 160. The image captured by the endoscope 160 (for example, an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, part C)) can be displayed on a display unit 163 attached to the operating unit 162.

The lubricator 150 consists of a cylinder 151 and a push rod 152 (piston) (see Figure 3). A flexible tube 140 is connected to the cylinder 151 of the lubricator 150. By pushing the push rod 152 with grease filled into the cylinder 151, grease can be supplied from the lubricator 150 to the lubrication pipe 130. For example, it is also possible to smoothly lubricate the clutch housing 30 by inserting the lubrication pipe 130 into the through-hole 31 and operating the lubricator 150 after pre-filling the lubrication pipe 130 and the flexible tube 140 with grease.

The tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has a reduced diameter shape and is equipped with an opening 131a for injecting grease. For example, the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130 may be circular, as shown in Figure 4A. Alternatively, it may be flattened, as shown in Figure 4B. The reduced diameter shape of the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 allows lubrication to be supplied to the necessary locations through the narrow space within the clutch housing 30.

Here, the first jig 110 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6A-6C. Figure 5 is a plan view of the base end of the first jig 110. Figure 6A is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 5. Figure 6B is a perspective view of the first jig 110 from the rear side. Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 5, the first jig 110 has rectangular openings, a first hole 113 and a second hole 114, on the surface 111a side of the base 111. The inner surface of the first hole 113 is a surface that functions as a guide surface for positioning the lubrication pipe 130 when the insertion portion 121 abuts against it, and has a first surface 113a, a second surface 113b, a third surface 113c, and a fourth surface 113d. The first surface 113a and the second surface 113b are surfaces facing each other in the Y direction and form the shorter side portion of the rectangle. The third surface 113c and the fourth surface 113d are surfaces facing each other in the X direction and form the longer side portion of the rectangle. The inner surface of the second hole 114 is a surface that functions as a guide surface for positioning the lubrication pipe 130, and has a first surface 114a, a second surface 114b, a third surface 114c, and a fourth surface 114d. The first surface 114a and the second surface 114b are opposite surfaces in the Y direction and form the shorter sides of the rectangle. The third surface 114c and the fourth surface 114d are opposite surfaces in the X direction and form the longer sides of the rectangle.

Furthermore, the first jig 110 has a contact surface 115 that abuts against the plane 21d of the clutch release fork 21. The contact surface 115 is a positioning surface, and by abutting against the plane 21d of the clutch release fork 21, the position of the first jig 110 in the X direction can be determined. As shown in Figure 6A, the contact surface 115 has a predetermined width in the width direction (Y direction) of the base 111 and extends along the height direction (Z direction) of the protruding portion 112.

As shown in Figure 6B, a key portion 116 is provided on the back surface 111b of the first jig 110. The key portion 116 is the part that engages with the clutch housing 30 when the protruding portion 112 is inserted into the through hole 31. This key portion 116 functions as a part that holds the first jig 110 in the through hole 31. Furthermore, the openings of the first hole 113 and the second hole 114, which open into the protruding portion 112, are rectangular in shape, similar to the base end. As shown in Figure 6C, the first hole 113 extends linearly through the interior of the protruding portion 112.

Next, the lubrication method using the lubrication device 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 shows the state in which the first jig 110 is attached to the through hole 31 of the clutch housing 30. Figure 8 shows the state in which the lubrication pipe 130 extends toward the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21 with the second jig 120 inserted into the insertion hole of the first jig 110. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the height position of the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130. Note that the Z direction in Figure 9 represents the height direction. Before performing each of the following steps, remove the fork boot 32. This exposes the through hole 31 of the clutch housing 30 (see Figures 2, 9, etc.) for inserting the lubrication pipe 130, etc.

As the first step, the first jig 110 is fixed into the through hole 31 of the clutch housing 30 (an example of a fixed mating object in this invention).

Figure 11 shows the first jig 110 and the second jig 120, extracted from Figure 9.

As shown in Figure 11, the first jig 110 is fixed to the clutch housing 30 (the portion surrounding the through-hole 31) while being positioned relative to the clutch housing 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

Specifically, first, the protruding portion 112 of the first jig 110 and the through-hole 31 of the clutch housing 30 are positioned opposite each other (see Figure 2), and the contact surface 115 of the first jig 110 and the clutch release fork 21 (plane 21d) are positioned opposite each other (in contact) (see Figure 7).

Next, the first jig 110 is slid along the clutch release fork 21 (plane 21d) in a direction approaching the through hole 31 (see arrow AR1 in Figure 2) until the protruding portion 112 of the first jig 110 is inserted into the through hole 31 and the base portion 111 of the first jig 110 contacts the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through hole 31.

The protruding portion 112 of the first jig 110 is inserted into the through hole 31, and the sides 112a and 112b of the protruding portion 112 face (contact) the inner surfaces 31a and 31b of the through hole 31, thereby positioning the first jig 110 with respect to the clutch housing 30 in the Y direction.

Furthermore, the base 111 of the first jig 110 abuts against the surrounding portion of the through-hole 31 in the clutch housing 30, thereby positioning the first jig 110 relative to the clutch housing 30 in the Z-direction.

Next, the first jig 110, which is positioned relative to the clutch housing 30 in the Y and Z directions as described above, is pushed in the direction of arrow AR2 (see Figures 7 and 11).

Specifically, the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through-hole 31 is inserted (press-fitted) into the space between the base 111 and the key portion 116 of the first jig 110 (see Figure 11). Furthermore, the first jig 110, positioned relative to the clutch housing 30 in the Y and Z directions as described above, is pushed in the direction of arrow AR2 (see Figures 7 and 11) until the portion of the through-hole 31 abuts against the bottom 117 between the base 111 and the key portion 116 of the first jig 110.

The distance A1 (see Figure 11) between the base 111 and the key portion 116 of the first jig 110 and the thickness B1 (see Figure 11) of the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through hole 31 are set such that A1 < B1. Therefore, when the first jig 110, positioned relative to the clutch housing 30 in the Y and Z directions as described above, is pushed in the direction of arrow AR2 (see Figures 7 and 11), the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through hole 31 is inserted (press-fitted) into the space between the base 111 and the key portion 116 of the first jig 110. This fixes the first jig 110 to the clutch housing 30.

Furthermore, the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through-hole 31 abuts against the bottom 117 between the base 111 and the key portion 116 of the first jig 110, thereby positioning the first jig 110 with respect to the clutch housing 30 in the X direction.

As described above, the first jig 110 is fixed to the clutch housing 30 (an example of a fixed mating part of the present invention) in a position relative to the X, Y, and Z directions (the portion surrounding the through hole 31). In other words, the first jig 110 engages with the portion of the clutch housing 30 surrounding the through hole 31 in a position relative to the clutch housing 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions. The base 111 and key portion 116 of the first jig 110 are examples of the engaging parts of the present invention.

In this manner, with the first jig 110 fixed to the clutch housing 30 (the area surrounding the through hole 31), the first hole 113 of the first jig 110 extends toward the corresponding part C (one of the pressing parts 21a) (see Figure 9). Similarly, the second hole 114 of the first jig 110 extends toward the corresponding part C (the other pressing part 21a). The first jig 110 can be removed from the clutch housing 30 by following the reverse procedure described above.

As the next step after the first step, the lubrication pipe 130 and the second jig 120 are inserted into the insertion holes (first hole 113, second hole 114) of the first jig 110, which is fixed to the clutch housing 30 as described above (insertion step). In this insertion step, when inserting the second jig 120 into the insertion holes (first hole 113, second hole 114) of the first jig 110, the insertion is performed in two stages. On the sides 121a and 121b of the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, marking lines, which will be described later in the second embodiment, are marked at a predetermined distance from the tip side. The insertion portion 121 has a rectangular outer shape. The sides 121a and 121b are the short sides of the rectangle. Also, side 121a is one side in the Y direction, and side 121b is the other side in the Y direction. Furthermore, the rectangle of the insertion portion 121 is smaller than the rectangle of the opening of the first hole 113 and the rectangle of the opening of the second hole 114.

As shown in Figure 8, the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 is inserted into the first hole 113 of the first jig 110, causing the lubrication pipe 130 to extend toward the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21, which is the area requiring lubrication. Since the pressing portion 21a has a bifurcated structure, the lubrication pipe 130 inserted into the first hole 113 extends toward one of the pressing portions 21a. Before the lubrication pipe 130 reaches the vicinity of the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21, it may be necessary to avoid obstacles inside the clutch housing 30. For example, an obstacle could be a clip, a component of the release bearing 15. Since the clip is located near the bifurcated structure of the clutch release fork 21, it is desirable to prevent the lubrication pipe 130 from hitting it before reaching the pressing portion 21a.

Therefore, as the second step (the first half of the insertion step), the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 is inserted into the insertion hole of the first jig 110 to the position of the scribed line. In this insertion state of the second step, the position of the second jig 120 relative to the first jig 110 can be displaced within the insertion hole so that the lubrication pipe 130 and the endoscope 160 can avoid obstacles inside the clutch housing 30. That is, as the third step, the second jig 120 is operated to avoid the internal structure of the clutch housing 30 (avoidance operation step). In the following steps, the worker, while intently observing the screen displayed on the display unit 163 attached to the operating unit 162 held in one hand (e.g., the right hand), which shows an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (e.g., the relevant part C), inserts the second jig 120 (insertion part 121), held in the other hand (e.g., the left hand), towards the relevant part C (see Figure 9) in the direction of arrow AR3 (see Figures 9 and 11), so that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches the relevant part C (see Figure 9).

Regarding the third step, when the insertion portion 121 is inserted into the first hole 113, a clearance (approximately 0.5 mm) is provided between the sides 121a and 121b of the insertion portion 121 and the inner surface (inner wall) of the first hole 113. Similarly, when the insertion portion 121 is inserted into the second hole 114, a clearance (approximately 0.5 mm) is provided between the sides 121a and 121b of the insertion portion 121 and the inner surface (inner wall) of the second hole 114. Therefore, when the second jig 120 is inserted into the insertion hole to the position of the marking line, the lubrication pipe 130 can be positioned at a height where it does not contact the clip of the release bearing 15, and at a position that avoids the clip and other internal structures. In this case, it is possible to hold the stopper portion 122 side in the hand and swing the tip side of the insertion portion 121 in the Y direction.

As shown in Figure 9, the height of the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is such that it can avoid the clip of the release bearing 15 at height h1. In this case, the insertion of the lubrication pipe 130 is stopped, and the position of the tip 131 is controlled to avoid the clip of the release bearing 15. This height h1 also represents the insertion amount (stroke amount).

For example, in the third step, starting from a state where the side surface 121b of the insertion portion 121 is in contact with the first surface 113a of the first hole 113, the lubrication pipe 130 moves to avoid an obstacle inside the clutch housing 30, bringing the side surface 121a of the insertion portion 121 into contact with the second surface 113b of the first hole 113, which was previously in a non-contact state. At this time, the second jig 120 is moved until the insertion portion 121 slides along the third surface 113c of the first hole 113 until its side surface 112a contacts the second surface 113b. This sliding includes a parallel movement in the Y direction and a swinging motion of the tip portion 131 from side to side. This positions the lubrication pipe 130 so that it does not contact the clip.

In this way, once the position of the lubrication pipe 130 is set to avoid obstacles within the clutch housing 30, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is again approached toward the area requiring lubrication. That is, the insertion process of the second jig 120 is resumed, and the insertion portion 121 is inserted into the through hole 31 until the stopper portion 122 of the second jig 120 contacts the base portion 111 of the first jig 110. When the stopper portion 122 of the second jig 120 contacts the first jig 110, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is inserted to a predetermined target position within the clutch housing 30. In other words, as the fourth step (the latter half of the insertion process), the insertion portion 121 is inserted deeper than the marked line, and the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is inserted to the area requiring lubrication.

As shown in Figure 9, in the fourth step, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches the height h2 where one of the bifurcated pressing portions 21a is located. In this way, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 can be positioned near the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21. This height h2 represents a larger insertion depth than height h1.

Next, as the fifth step, a process of supplying grease from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130 is performed. In the fifth step, the worker gazes at the screen (an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, the relevant part C)) displayed on the display unit 163 attached to the operating unit 162, which is held in one hand (for example, the right hand), while gripping the lubricator 150 with the other hand (for example, the left hand) and operating it (for example, pushing the push rod 152 shown in Figure 3 in the axial direction) to supply grease from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130 to the relevant part C (see Figure 9). In the fifth step, when an appropriate amount of grease is supplied from the lubricator 150 connected to the lubrication pipe 130, an appropriate amount of grease is ejected from the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130, and the grease is applied to the pressing part 21a. In this case, the lubrication pipe 130 is pre-filled with grease from the lubricator 150. Therefore, once the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is positioned as desired, lubrication can be smoothly performed by operating the lubricator 150.

Then, once the fifth step of lubrication is complete, the sixth step is the removal of the lubrication pipe 130. In the sixth step, with the first jig 110 still attached to the through hole 31, the grease is removed from the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130. After that, the second jig 120 is removed from the through hole 31, and the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 is also removed from the through hole 31 to the outside of the clutch housing 30.

For example, the second jig 120 is removed from the insertion hole of the first jig 110. When removing the second jig 120 from the insertion hole of the first jig 110, it can be swayed from side to side due to the clearance between the insertion hole and the insertion part 121. This prevents grease from adhering to areas or parts other than those requiring lubrication.

If the steps from the first to the fifth step described above are for the first hole 113, the steps from the second to the fifth step targeting the second hole 114 are performed while maintaining the mounting state of the first jig 110. This allows lubrication to be applied to both sides of the bifurcated pressing portion 21a.

Furthermore, if there are no obstacles within the clutch housing 30 that prevent lubrication, the second and third steps described above may be omitted. In this case, the marking lines on the second jig 120 are unnecessary, and the fourth step may be performed following the first step, inserting the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 into the insertion hole of the first jig 110 and continuing to insert it until the stopper portion 122 contacts the first jig 110.

As described above, the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment makes it possible to lubricate the pressing portion 21a of the clutch release fork 21 without removing the clutch housing 30 (or the manual transmission unit including it) from the vehicle. This makes lubrication maintenance work easier and improves work efficiency.
Figures 10A and 10B schematically show modified versions of the first jig 110. The first jig 110D comprises a base 111, a projection 112, and a first positioning hole 113. The first hole 113 is an insertion hole into which the lubrication pipe 130, endoscope 160, and second jig 120 are inserted. Here, the first hole 113 is positioned offset from the center of the first jig 110D in the Y direction. This allows the lubrication device 120 to apply lubricant to a different position by rotating the first jig 110D 180 degrees after insertion. Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the first jig 110D when inserted. Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the first jig 110D in Figure 10A when rotated 180 degrees and inserted. In Figure 10A, the first side surface 115A of the first jig 110D is a contact surface that abuts against the clutch release fork 21. In Figure 10B, the second side surface 115B of the first jig 110D is a contact surface that abuts against the clutch release fork 21. The lubrication pipe 130 is located outward relative to the center in the Y direction from the endoscope 160. The endoscope 160 may also be located outward relative to the center in the Y direction from the lubrication pipe 130.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the insertion depth determination device 100A of the second embodiment will be described.

Figures 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams of the insertion depth determination device of the second embodiment. Figures 12A to 12C show, in this order, the insertion of the second jig 120 into the first jig 110.

The insertion depth determination device 100A is a device for visually determining the required insertion depth (hereinafter also referred to as the required insertion depth) of the second jig 120 relative to the first jig 110, until the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9), or position P2 a predetermined distance before the relevant part C (see Figure 9).

The insertion depth sensing device 100A has the same configuration as the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment, but differs from the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment in that the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 has a first marking line L1 and a second marking line L2.

The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the first jig 110 is assumed to be fixed to the clutch housing 30 (the portion surrounding the through-hole 31) in a position relative to the clutch housing 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions, as described in the first embodiment.

The first jig 110 and the second jig 120 may be made of resin or metal.

As shown in Figure 12A, the second jig 120 is inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) formed in the first jig 110, with the insertion portion 121 inserted into it. The jig is then held by the operator and inserted in the direction of arrow AR4 towards the relevant section C (see Figure 9). As the second jig 120 is inserted towards the relevant section C, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 eventually reaches a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the relevant section C, and then reaches a position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant section C.

To visually determine the required insertion amount of the second jig 120 into the first jig 110 until the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P2 (see Figure 9), a predetermined distance before the relevant part C, and position P1 (see Figure 9), near the relevant part C, a first marking line L1 and a second marking line L2 are marked on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, as shown in Figure 12A. Alternatively, instead of the marking lines L1 and L2, a mark such as a line drawn with a marker or sticker may be placed on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120.

The first marking line L1 is positioned so that when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a predetermined distance before the relevant part C, at position P2 (see Figure 9) (when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), the first marking line L1 reaches the first jig 110 (for example, a guide flange F provided on the first jig 110) (for example, it overlaps with the guide flange F) (see Figure 12B).

Therefore, by visually confirming the positional relationship between the first marking line L1 and the first jig 110 (for example, the guide flange F provided on the first jig 110) from outside the clutch housing 30, the operator can determine the required insertion amount of the second jig 120 relative to the first jig 110 until the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P2 (see Figure 9), which is a predetermined distance before the relevant part C.

The second marking line L2 is positioned so that when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9) (when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), the second marking line L2 reaches the first jig 110 (for example, the guide flange F provided on the first jig 110) (for example, it overlaps with the guide flange F) (see Figure 12C).

Therefore, by visually confirming the positional relationship between the second marking line L2 and the first jig 110 (for example, the guide flange F provided on the first jig 110) from outside the clutch housing 30, the operator can determine the required insertion amount of the second jig 120 relative to the first jig 110 until the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9).

Note that the marking line L1 may be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the required insertion amount of the second jig 120 into the first jig 110 can be visually determined from outside the clutch housing 30 until the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9), or position P2 a predetermined distance before the relevant part C (see Figure 9).

Furthermore, the second embodiment offers the following advantages. Specifically, the required insertion distance (stroke) for the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 to reach the vicinity of the relevant section C may differ depending on the vehicle model (or manual transmission unit). In this case, for each vehicle model (or manual transmission unit) with a different required insertion distance, a marker (e.g., a marking line, a line drawn with a marker or sticker) is placed on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 to indicate when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches the vicinity of the relevant section C. This allows lubrication to be performed using a single first jig 110 for multiple vehicle models (multiple manual transmission units) with different required insertion distances. In other words, since it is no longer necessary to prepare a separate first jig 110 for each vehicle model (or manual transmission unit), the increase in the number of types of first jigs 110 and the resulting increase in investment (cost) can be suppressed.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the insertion depth determination device 100B of the third embodiment will be described.

Figures 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of the insertion depth determination device of the third embodiment. Figures 13A and 13B show, in this order, the insertion of the second jig 120 into the first jig 110.

The insertion depth detection device 100B is a device for determining, not by sight, when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (i.e., when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), using tactile sensation (the feeling of the hand gripping the second jig 120).

The insertion depth sensing device 100B has the same configuration as the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment, but differs from the lubrication device 100 of the first embodiment in that the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 is provided with first protrusions p1a and p1b.

The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the first jig 110 is assumed to be fixed to the clutch housing 30 (the portion surrounding the through-hole 31) in a position relative to the clutch housing 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions, as described in the first embodiment.

At least one of the first jig 110 and the second jig 120 is made of resin. If one is made of resin, the other may be made of resin or metal.

As shown in Figure 13A, the second jig 120 is inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) formed in the first jig 110, with its insertion portion 121. The jig is then held by the operator and inserted in the direction of arrow AR5 towards the relevant portion C (see Figure 9). As the second jig 120 is inserted towards the relevant portion C, the tip portion 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 eventually reaches position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant portion C.

In order to determine, rather than visually, that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (i.e., that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), the first projections p1a and p1b are provided on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120.

The first projections p1a and p1b are, for example, hemispherical projections. However, the first projections p1a and p1b are not limited to hemispherical shapes; they may be projections of other shapes.

The first protrusions p1a and p1b are positioned to be inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) (see Figure 13B) when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C as the second jig 120 is inserted toward the relevant part C. They are positioned to generate friction (frictional force) between them and the first hole 113 (or second hole 114).

To generate this friction, as shown in Figure 13A, the diameter A2 (design dimension) of the first hole 113 (and the second hole 114) and the thickness B2 (design dimension) of the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, including the first protrusions p1a and p1b, are set such that A2 < B2.

Therefore, the worker can perceive, not by sight but by tactile sensation (the feeling in the hand gripping the second jig 120), that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near part C (the friction described above).

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the fact that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (i.e., that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship) can be determined not by visual inspection, but by tactile sensation (the sensation of the hand holding the second jig 120).

This is because, when the second jig 120 is inserted toward the relevant part C, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), and the first projections p1a and p1b are inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) (see Figure 13B), generating friction (frictional force) between them and the first hole 113 (or second hole 114).

Therefore, the operator can concentrate on the operation of inserting the second jig 120 (insertion part 121), held in the other hand (for example, the left hand), towards part C, in the direction of arrow AR5, while intently watching the screen (an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, part C)) displayed on the display unit 163 attached to the operating unit 162, which is held in one hand (for example, the right hand), so that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near part C (see Figure 9).

Furthermore, the third embodiment offers the following advantages. Specifically, as described above, when the first projections p1a and p1b are inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114), the friction generated between the first projections p1a and p1b and the inner wall of the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) causes the second jig 120 to be fixed to the first jig 110. Also, the gap (clearance) between the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) and the inner wall of the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) is approximately 0.5 mm.

Therefore, when the above friction occurs, even if the worker releases their grip on the second jig 120, the position of the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 relative to the corresponding part C does not change (or hardly change at all).

Therefore, when the above friction occurs, that is, when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C, the other hand (for example, the left hand) that was holding the second jig 120 is released, and the lubricator 150 is newly grasped with the other hand (for example, the left hand) and operated (for example, by pushing the push rod 152 shown in Figure 3 in its axial direction), thereby supplying grease to the relevant part C from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130. In other words, one worker can perform the operation of inserting the second jig 120 toward the relevant part C, and subsequently supplying grease to the relevant part C from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130. This improves work efficiency.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the insertion depth determination device 100C of the fourth embodiment will be described.

Figures 14A to 14C are schematic diagrams of the insertion depth determination device of the fourth embodiment. Figures 14A to 14C show, in this order, the insertion of the second jig 120 into the first jig 110.

The insertion depth sensing device 100C is a device for determining, not by sight, but by tactile sensation (the sensation of the hand gripping the second jig 120), that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached a predetermined distance before the relevant part C (see Figure 9), or that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C have reached a predetermined positional relationship (i.e., that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C have reached a predetermined positional relationship).

The insertion depth determining device 100C has the same configuration as the insertion depth determining device 100 of the first embodiment, but differs from the insertion depth determining device 100 of the first embodiment in that first projections p1a and p1b are provided on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, and second projections p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a 2, p2a 3) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are provided on the inner walls of the first hole 113 (and _second hole ₁₁₄ ) formed in the first jig 110.

The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the first jig 110 is assumed to be fixed to the clutch housing 30 (the portion surrounding the through-hole 31) in a position relative to the clutch housing 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions, as described in the first embodiment.

At least one of the first jig 110 and the second jig 120 is made of resin. If one is made of resin, the other may be made of resin or metal.

As shown in Figure 14A, the second jig 120 is inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) formed in the first jig 110, with the insertion portion 121 inserted into it. The jig is then held by the operator and inserted in the direction of arrow AR6 towards the relevant section C (see Figure 9). As the second jig 120 is inserted towards the relevant section C, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 eventually reaches a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the relevant section C, and then reaches a position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant section C.

In this way, the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the part C, and the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a position P1 (see Figure 9) near the part C (meaning that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the part C are in a predetermined positional relationship), and this is determined not by visual inspection but by tactile sensation (the sensation of the hand holding the second jig 120), so that the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 can be grasped. In addition, second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are provided on the inner walls of the first hole 113 (and second hole 114) formed in the first jig 110.

The first protrusions p1a, p1b, and the second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ), p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are, for example, hemispherical protrusions. However, the first protrusions p1a, p1b, and the second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ), p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are not limited to hemispherical shapes, but may be protrusions of other shapes.

The first protrusions p1a and p1b are positioned to be inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a predetermined distance before the relevant part C (see Figure 9) or a position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9) as the second jig 120 is inserted toward the relevant part C (see Figures 14B and 14C).

The second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are arranged in a line along the insertion direction of the second jig 120 (see arrow AR6 in Figure 14).

As the second jig 120 is inserted toward the corresponding part C, the first protrusions p1a and p1b pass through each of _the second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , _{p2a 3} ) and p2b ( _{p2b 1 , p2b 2} , _{p2b 3 )} , generating friction between them.

To generate this friction, as shown in Figure 14A, the diameter A3 (design _dimension ) of the first hole 113 (and second hole 114) including the second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ) and p2b (p2b 1, p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) and the thickness B3 (design dimension) of the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 including the first protrusions p1a and p1b are set such that A3 < B3.

Therefore, as the operator inserts the second jig 120 toward the part C, the operator can grasp, not by sight but by touch (the sensation in the hand holding the second jig 120), that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the part C, and that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached a position P1 (see Figure 9) near the part C (the friction described above). For example, when inserting the second jig 120 toward the part C, the first projections p1a and p1b come into contact with (or press against) the second projections p2a ₁ and p2b ₁ as they pass through the second projections p2a ₁ and p2b ₁ , the worker can grasp (by touch, using the feeling in the hand gripping the second jig 120) that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the part C (the friction described above), rather than by visual inspection. Furthermore, as the second jig 120 is further inserted toward the relevant part C, the first projections p1a and p1b come into contact with (or press against) the second projections p2a ₂ and p2b ₂ as they pass through the second projections p2a ₂ and p2b ₂ , the operator can grasp that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (the friction described above) not by sight, but by touch (the feeling in the hand holding the second jig 120).

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the fact that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 has reached position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C (i.e., that the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 and the relevant part C are in a predetermined positional relationship) can be determined not by visual inspection, but by tactile sensation (the sensation of the hand holding the second jig 120).

This is because the lubrication pipe 130 is provided with first protrusions p1a, p1b and second protrusions p2a (p2a 1, p2a 2, p2a 3), p2b (p2b 1, p2b 2, p2b 3) that generate friction (frictional force) when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a position P2 (see Figure 9) a predetermined distance before the part C, or when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches a position P1 (see Figure _{9 )} near the part C (when the tip ₁₃₁ of the lubrication pipe _{130 and} the part _C are in a predetermined positional relationship).

Therefore, the operator can concentrate on the operation of inserting the second jig 120 (insertion part 121), held in the other hand (for example, the left hand), towards part C, in the direction of arrow AR6, while intently watching the screen (an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, part C)) displayed on the display unit 163 attached to the operating unit 162, which is held in one hand (for example, the right hand). This operation allows the operator to focus on the screen (an image including the tip of the lubrication pipe 130 and its surrounding structure (for example, part C)) while holding it in one hand (for example, the right hand).

Furthermore, the fourth embodiment offers the following advantages. Specifically, as described above, when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9), and the first projections p1a and p1b are inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) (see Figure 14C), the second jig 120 becomes fixed to the first jig 110. Also, the gap (clearance) between the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) and the inner wall of the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) is approximately 0.5 mm.

Therefore, when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 near the relevant part C (see Figure 9), and the first projections p1a and p1b are inserted into the first hole 113 (or second hole 114) (see Figure 14C), even if the worker releases their grip on the second jig 120, the position of the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 relative to the relevant part C does not change (or hardly change).

Therefore, when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches position P1 (see Figure 9) near the relevant part C, the other hand (for example, the left hand) that was holding the second jig 120 is released, and the lubricator 150 is newly grasped with the free hand (for example, the left hand) and operated (for example, by pushing the push rod 152 shown in Figure 3 in its axial direction), thereby supplying grease to the relevant part C from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130. In other words, one worker can perform both the operation of inserting the second jig 120 toward the relevant part C, and the subsequent operation of supplying grease to the relevant part C from the opening 131a of the lubrication pipe 130. This improves work efficiency.

Furthermore, the fourth embodiment offers the following advantages. Specifically, the required insertion amount (stroke) for the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 to reach the vicinity of the relevant part C may differ for each vehicle model (each manual transmission unit). In this case, for each vehicle model (each manual transmission unit) with a different required insertion amount, second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a _{3) and p2b (p2b 1, p2b 2, p2b 3 ) are arranged} so that friction (frictional force) is generated when the tip 131 of the lubrication pipe 130 reaches the vicinity of the relevant part C. This allows lubrication to be performed using a single first jig 110 for multiple vehicle models (multiple manual transmission units) with different required insertion amounts. In other words, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a first jig 110 for each vehicle model (each manual transmission unit), thus suppressing an increase in the number of types of first jigs 110 and the resulting increase in investment (cost).

Next, I will explain some variations.
Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an insertion depth determination device (modified example).

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 14A, an example was described in which first protrusions p1a and p1b are provided on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, and second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a 3) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) are provided on the inner wall of the first hole 113 (and second hole ₁₁₄ ) formed in the first jig 110, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in Figure 15, conversely, the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120 may be provided with second projections p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ), and the first projections p1a and p1b may be provided on the inner walls of the first hole 113 (and second hole 114) formed in the first jig 110.

Furthermore, while the fourth embodiment described an example using three second protrusions p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ) and p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) on one side, the invention is not limited to this. For example, four or more second protrusions p2a and p2b on one side may be used.

Next, modified examples of the first to fourth embodiments described above will be explained.

In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples using grease as the fluid were explained, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, fluid may be used as the fluid. In this case, the relevant part C is a location where fluid supply is required. Furthermore, fluids other than grease or fluid may be used as the fluid.

Furthermore, while the third and fourth embodiments described above describe an example in which the first protrusions p1a and p1b are provided on the insertion portion 121 of the second jig 120, the invention is not limited to this. For example, if the second jig 120 is omitted, the first protrusions p1a and p1b may be provided on the lubrication pipe 130.

Furthermore, while the first to fourth embodiments described above included an example where the lubrication pipe 130 is provided on the second jig 120, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the lubrication pipe 130 may be omitted. In this way, narrow space inspection can be performed using the endoscope 160. In this case, the relevant part C is the area requiring narrow space inspection. Also, while the first to fourth embodiments described above included an example where the endoscope 160 is provided on the second jig 120, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the endoscope 160 may be omitted.

Furthermore, while the first to fourth embodiments described an example of applying the insertion depth sensing device of the present invention to the automotive field (grease injection maintenance of the clutch release mechanism), the invention is not limited to this. For example, the insertion depth sensing device of the present invention may be applied to various fields other than the automotive field, such as the medical field. For example, while the first to fourth embodiments described an example in which the clutch housing 30 (the portion surrounding the through hole 31) was used as the fixing mating surface, the invention is not limited to this. That is, a fixing mating surface appropriate to the field in which the insertion depth sensing device of the present invention is applied may be used. Similarly, while the first to fourth embodiments described an example in which the clutch housing 30 was used as the cover member, the invention is not limited to this. That is, a cover member appropriate to the field in which the insertion depth sensing device of the present invention is applied may be used.

The numerical values shown in each of the above embodiments are all illustrative, and it goes without saying that different, appropriate numerical values can be used.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects. The invention is not to be construed as limiting by the descriptions of the embodiments above. The invention can be carried out in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features.

1 Clutch device 10 Clutch body 15 Release bearing 20 Clutch release mechanism 21 Clutch release fork 21a Pressing part 21b Connecting part 21c Pivot part 30 Clutch housing 31 Through hole 100 Lubrication device 100A, 100B, 100C Insertion amount sensing device 110, 110D First jig 111 Base part 112 Projection part 113 First hole (guide through hole)
114 Second hole (through hole for guide)
115 Contact surface 115A First contact surface 115B Second contact surface 120 Second jig 121 Insertion section 122 Stopper section 130 Greasing pipe 131 Tip section 131a Opening section 140 Flexible tube 150 Greasing device 160 Endoscope 161 Cable 162 Operation section 163 Display section L1, L2 Marking line p1a, p1b First protrusion p2a (p2a ₁ , p2a ₂ , p2a ₃ ), p2b (p2b ₁ , p2b ₂ , p2b ₃ ) Second protrusion

Claims (10)

A first jig is fixed to a fixed object in a position relative to the fixed object, and has a guide through-hole formed therein that extends toward the relevant part while fixed to the fixed object,
An insertion part that is inserted into the guide through-hole and is inserted toward the relevant part while being held by the worker,
An insertion depth determining device comprising: a projection provided on the insertion portion, which, when the tip of the insertion portion and the corresponding portion are in a predetermined positional relationship as the insertion portion is inserted toward the corresponding portion, is inserted into the guide through hole and generates friction between itself and the guide through hole. The insertion depth determination device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the guide through-hole and the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection are set such that the diameter of the guide through-hole < the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection. The inner wall of the guide through-hole is provided with at least one second projection,
The insertion amount determining device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first projection passes over the second projection while generating friction with the second projection as the insertion portion is inserted toward the corresponding portion. The insertion depth determination device according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the guide through-hole including the second projection and the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection are set such that the diameter of the guide through-hole including the second projection is less than the thickness of the insertion portion including the first projection. The aforementioned mating object is a cover member,
The aforementioned part is located in the internal space surrounded by the cover member.
The cover member has a through hole for fixing a jig that communicates with the internal space.
The first jig includes an engaging portion that engages with the portion of the cover member surrounding the jig fixing through hole when positioned relative to the cover member.
The insertion amount grasping device according to claim 1 , wherein the first jig is fixed to the cover member by the engagement portion engaging with the portion of the cover member surrounding the jig fixing through hole. The insertion portion is a long injection portion including a tip from which fluid is injected, or a second jig including said injection portion.
The insertion portion is inserted into the guide through hole , and is inserted toward the corresponding portion while the operator is gripping the insertion portion, as described in claim 1 , for the insertion amount determination device. The insertion depth determination device according to claim 6, further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image including the tip of the ejection unit and the corresponding unit, in the insertion unit. The aforementioned part is a location where grease or fluid needs to be supplied.
The insertion amount determining device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fluid is grease or fluid. The insertion portion is a second jig that includes a long imaging device with an imaging unit at its tip for capturing an image including the portion in question.
The insertion portion is inserted into the guide through hole , and is inserted toward the corresponding portion while the operator is gripping the insertion portion, as described in claim 1 , for the insertion amount determination device. The aforementioned part is a location requiring inspection in a confined space, as described in claim 9 of the insertion depth determination device.