Freewheel device, and clutch arrangement comprising such a freewheel device

Abstract

The invention relates to a freewheel device (1) for a switchable clutch arrangement (2), the freewheel device comprising two freewheel components (3, 4) that can be axially coupled to one another via an axially acting coupling device (7), wherein the coupling device, upon relative rotation between the freewheel components in a first rotational direction (8), connects the two freewheel components to one another so that they rotate together, and, upon relative rotation in a second rotational direction (9) opposite to the first rotational direction, allows the freewheel components to rotate relative to one another, wherein the coupling device has coupling elements (11) to which a spring force is applied by associated spring elements (12), wherein each spring element fixes the coupling element to the first freewheel component (3) and defines a tilting axis (28) about which the coupling element can pivot against the spring force, wherein the spring element comprises at least one first spring portion (18) which rests against the first freewheel component and extends rectilinearly parallel to a first longitudinal axis (19), and a second spring portion (20) which projects at an angle from the first spring portion and is resiliently elastically supported on the coupling element, wherein the spring element is made of sheet metal, wherein the first spring portion (18) is a rectilinearly extending and substantially planar first sheet metal portion (21), and the second spring portion (20) is a rectilinearly extending and substantially planar second sheet metal portion (22).

Description

[0001] Freewheel device and clutch arrangement with such a freewheel device

[0002] The invention relates to a freewheel device for a switchable clutch arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a switchable clutch arrangement with such a freewheel device.

[0003] Switchable freewheels or freewheel devices are known. A switchable freewheel is a freewheel that can be selectively placed into a first operating state (activated operating state) and a second operating state (deactivated operating state). In the first operating state, the freewheel enables torque transmission in one direction of rotation, and in the second operating state, the freewheel does not enable torque transmission in the said direction of rotation. A switchable freewheel is used in various applications, such as bicycles, vehicles, and machines. The freewheel can be controlled mechanically or electronically to enable switching between the operating states.

[0004] DE 10 2021 133 208 B3 discloses a clutch arrangement with a first and a second clutch partner. A switchable freewheel is provided, which is arranged between the first and second clutch partners to couple the two clutch partners to each other depending on the direction of rotation. The freewheel has a plurality of spring-loaded locking bodies, which are fixed at least in the circumferential direction to one clutch partner and interact positively with a ramp-shaped locking contour arranged on the other clutch partner depending on the direction of rotation.In addition, a sliding sleeve arranged coaxially to the two coupling partners is provided for controlling the coupling arrangement, wherein in a locking position of the sliding sleeve the two coupling partners are connected to one another in a rotational direction and in a counter-rotational direction via the sliding sleeve, wherein in a freewheeling position of the sliding sleeve the two coupling partners are connected to one another in a rotational direction via the freewheel, and wherein in a neutral position of the sliding sleeve the locking bodies are held out of engagement with the locking contour by the sliding sleeve, so that the two coupling partners can be rotated relative to one another in the rotational direction and in the counter-rotational direction.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to further develop a freewheel device and a clutch assembly with such a freewheel device, with particular emphasis on the suitability of the coupling elements of the freewheel device for series production. This object is achieved by the subject matter of patent claim 1 and patent claim 10. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] A freewheel device according to the invention for a switchable clutch arrangement comprises a first freewheel component, a second freewheel component which can be coupled axially to the first freewheel component via an axially effective coupling device, wherein the coupling device connects both freewheel components to one another in a co-rotating manner upon a relative rotation between the first and second freewheel components in a first direction of rotation and releases both freewheel components in a rotatable manner against one another upon a relative rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein the coupling device has a plurality of coupling elements acted upon by a respective spring element with a spring force, wherein the spring element fixes the respective coupling element on the one hand to the first freewheel component and on the other hand specifies a tilting axis about which the coupling element can be tilted counter to the spring force,wherein the spring element comprises at least one first spring section resting against the first freewheel component and extending in a straight line parallel to a first longitudinal axis, and a second spring section projecting at an angle therefrom and resiliently supported on the coupling element. The spring element is formed from a sheet metal material, the first spring section being a rectilinear and substantially planar first sheet metal section, and the second spring section being a rectilinear and substantially planar second sheet metal section. Preferably, the first spring section secures the coupling element to the first freewheel component. The second spring section can exert the spring force on the coupling element, in particular directed toward the second freewheel component.to preload the coupling element. With such a freewheel device, the coupling element can be easily and cost-effectively attached to the first freewheel component. Furthermore, the spring element can be designed particularly cost-effectively. By forming the spring element from a sheet metal, series production and rapid assembly of the freewheel device are possible, which can also generate cost advantages. A sheet metal element is a metallic element whose width and length are much greater than its thickness.

[0007] The freewheel device can be designed to be switchable. The coupling device can be activated or deactivated depending on the axial relative position between the first and second freewheel components. When the coupling device is deactivated, the first and second freewheel components are released for rotation relative to each other, regardless of the direction of relative rotation. Thus, rotation of the first freewheel component relative to the second freewheel component is released, and vice versa.

[0008] The first freewheel component can be rotatable about a rotational axis or fixed in place. The second freewheel component can be rotatable about a rotational axis or fixed in place.

[0009] The first and / or second freewheel component can have a toothing for connection to a connecting component. The first and / or second freewheel component can transmit or support a torque. The torque can be transmitted via the coupling device during relative rotation in the first direction of rotation.

[0010] The coupling element can be made of metal. The coupling element can be designed as a stamped component. The coupling element can be stamped from a sheet metal component.

[0011] The coupling element preferably engages in a positive-locking manner with a coupling structure in the second freewheel component for the co-rotating connection between the first and second freewheel components. The coupling structure can have a toothing into which the coupling element releasably engages in a positive-locking manner. The toothing can be designed as axial toothing on the second freewheel component. The axial toothing can be located directly axially opposite the coupling element. The spring element can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that includes an axis of symmetry running parallel to the first longitudinal axis and has the tilting axis as its normal. This allows the spring element to be reliably secured to the first freewheel component and to be designed simply and cost-effectively. The spring element can be designed particularly cost-effectively and simply by stamping and forming.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the spring element has at least one fastening section which is designed to secure the coupling element to the first freewheel component. The fastening section can be clamp-shaped or L-shaped and can engage around a section of the coupling element or come into contact with it. Preferably, the fastening section comes into contact with the coupling element as the first L-shaped section or is supported thereon. In the assembled state of the freewheel device, the fastening section ensures that the coupling element is received on the first freewheel component so that it can pivot about the tilt axis and is secured in its position. This means that the coupling element can be secured at the same time.

[0013] Preferably, the first spring section is arranged between the fastening section and the second spring section. In other words, the fastening section adjoins the first spring section. This allows the spring element to be designed compactly.

[0014] Preferably, the fastening section defines the tilting axis about which the coupling element can be deflected, counter to the spring action of the second spring section, in a direction facing the first freewheel component. The fastening section is designed such that the coupling element can pivot about the tilting axis relative to the other components of the freewheel device. Thus, a tilting movement of the coupling element can be implemented. The fastening section thus also serves to guide and limit the pivoting movement of the coupling element.

[0015] Furthermore, the spring element preferably has a contact section that bears against the coupling element to transmit the spring force to the coupling element. In a further development of the invention, the contact section of the spring element is spaced from the fastening section of the spring element. The contact section and the fastening section can be spaced from one another with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The contact section can directly border the second spring section of the spring element. Preferably, a free end of the second sheet metal section of the second spring element forms the contact section. The contact section can be linear, which allows for better force transmission.

[0016] According to one embodiment, two first spring sections are provided, which are integrally connected to one another via a connecting section, wherein the second spring section is integrally formed on the connecting section. The first spring sections can be mirror-symmetrical to simplify the construction of the spring element. The first spring sections, to each of which a fastening section is preferably integrally formed, and the connecting section form the legs of a second U-shaped section of the spring element. The second spring section can be arranged spatially between the two first spring sections and at an angle or angle to them. This can further reduce the installation space of the spring element.

[0017] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a switchable clutch arrangement for switchable torque transmission, comprising a previously described freewheel device. With such a clutch arrangement, the first freewheel component and the second freewheel component are connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner during relative rotation in the first direction of rotation, and torque transmission between the first and second freewheel components is interrupted during relative rotation of the freewheel components in the second direction of rotation.

[0018] The clutch arrangement and thus also the freewheel device can be arranged in a vehicle. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle. The freewheel device can be arranged in a drive train of the vehicle, in particular in a transmission. Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below together with the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a clutch arrangement according to the invention with a freewheel device according to the invention according to one embodiment,

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a spring element of the freewheel device according to the invention according to Figure 1,

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a spring-rocker arrangement of the freewheel device according to the invention according to Figure 1 and Figure 2,

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic partial perspective view of a first freewheel component of the clutch arrangement according to the invention according to Figure 1,

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic partial perspective view of the first freewheel component of the clutch arrangement according to the invention according to Figure 1 and Figure 4 with installed spring element according to Figure 2 and Figure 3, and

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic partial perspective view of the first freewheel component of the clutch arrangement according to the invention according to Figure 1, Figure 4 and Figure 5 with installed spring-rocker arrangement according to Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a one-way clutch 2 according to the invention. The one-way clutch 2 comprises a one-way device 1 with a first one-way component 3 and a second one-way component 4. The first one-way component 3 comprises external teeth 5 for connection to a connecting element and internal teeth 6 for connection to a shaft (not shown here). The second one-way component 4 is coupled to the first one-way component 3 via a coupling device 7, which, upon relative rotation between the first and second one-way components 3, 4 in a first direction of rotation 8, connects the two to one another in a co-rotating manner and, upon relative rotation in an opposite second direction of rotation 9, releases both to rotate relative to one another. The one-way device 1 can be switchable in that the first and second one-way components 3, 4 are axially movable relative to one another.The coupling device 7 is activated or deactivated depending on the relative axial position between the first and second freewheel components 3, 4. When the coupling device 7 is deactivated, the first and second freewheel components 3, 4 are released to rotate relative to one another, regardless of the direction of rotation 8, 9. If the coupling device 7 is activated, the coupling device 7 connects both freewheel components 3, 4 to one another so that they rotate when there is a relative rotation between the first and second freewheel components 3, 4 in the first direction of rotation 8, and the coupling device 7 releases both freewheel components 3, 4 so that they rotate relative to one another when there is a relative rotation of the two freewheel components 3, 4 in the second direction of rotation 9 opposite to the first direction of rotation 8.

[0026] The coupling device 7 comprises a plurality of coupling elements 11 arranged circumferentially distributed on an axial side 10 of the first freewheel component 3, each of which is subjected to a spring force via a spring element 12 formed from a sheet metal material. The coupling device 7 further comprises a coupling structure 13 on an axial side 14 of the second freewheel component 4, axially opposite the axial side 10 of the first freewheel component 3. The coupling structure 13 is designed as an axial toothing 15, into which the coupling elements 11 positively engage upon relative rotation in the first direction of rotation 8 in order to connect the two freewheel components 3, 4 to one another in a co-rotating manner.

[0027] The coupling elements 11 are preferably designed as latching bodies which, supported by the spring force of the spring elements 12, engage positively in the coupling structure 13 of the second freewheel component 4 for the co-rotating connection between the first and second freewheel components 3, 4 and are fastened in openings 16 in the first freewheel component 3. The coupling device 7, comprising a plurality of interconnected coupling elements 11 and spring elements 12, is thus designed as a rocker-spring assembly, wherein in the present case six rocker springs, i.e. the combination of coupling element 11 and spring element 12, are received and arranged on the first freewheel component 3, evenly distributed over the circumference.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the spring element 12 from Figure 1 in a perspective view. The spring element 12 has two mirror-symmetrical first spring sections 18, each of which rests against the first freewheel component 3 and runs in a straight line parallel to a first longitudinal axis 19, a connecting section 17 that integrally connects the first spring sections 18, which also rests against the first freewheel component 3 and runs in a straight line transverse to the first longitudinal axis 19, and a second spring section 20 that projects at an angle from the connecting section 17 and runs essentially in a straight line.

[0029] The first spring section 18 is a rectilinear and substantially planar first sheet metal section 21, and the second spring section 20 is a rectilinear and substantially planar second sheet metal section 22. The connecting section 17 is a rectilinear and substantially planar third sheet metal section 26, wherein the first sheet metal sections 21 and the third sheet metal section 26 connecting the two first sheet metal sections 21 lie in a common plane. The second sheet metal section 22 is deformed such that it is arranged at an angle to the aforementioned plane.

[0030] Adjoining the respective first spring section 18 or the respective first sheet metal sections 21 is an associated L-shaped fastening section 23 which is intended to secure the coupling element 11 to the first freewheel component 3 when the freewheel device 1 is in the assembled state. This is described in more detail below. The respective fastening section 23 has an L-shaped section 25 which is complementary to the shape of the contact surface of the coupling element 11 in order to realize the largest possible contact area. The fastening section 23 extends directly from the first spring section 18, while the second spring section 20 merges into a contact section 24 which comes into contact with the coupling element 11 to transmit the spring force of the spring element 12 and is spaced from the fastening section 23 with respect to the first longitudinal axis 19.The first spring sections 18 and the connecting section 17 form the legs of a second U-shaped section 27. The second spring section 20, formed on the connecting section 17, extends at an angle relative to the first spring section 18. The second spring section 20 is spatially arranged—here centrally—between the first spring sections 18. Thus, the spring element 12 is designed with mirror symmetry.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the spring element 12 from Figures 1 and 2 and the coupling element 11 from Figure 1. The spring element 12 is pre-assembled to the bone-shaped coupling element 11 via the fastening sections 23. The spring element 12 and the coupling element 11 can form a pre-assembled assembly, in this case designed as a rocker spring of a rocker-spring assembly.

[0032] The fastening section 23 defines a tilt axis 28 about which the coupling element 11 can be deflected counter to the spring action of the second spring section 20 in a direction 29 facing the first freewheel component 3. The second spring section 20 bends downward in the direction of the first freewheel component 3. The angle of inclination of the second spring section 20 or the second sheet metal section 22 relative to the first spring sections 18 or the first sheet metal sections 21 and the connecting section 17 or the third sheet metal section 26 defines the inclination of the coupling element 11 about the tilt axis 28.

[0033] The spring element 12 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that includes an axis of symmetry 30 running parallel to the first longitudinal axis 19 and has the tilt axis 28 as its normal. The second sheet metal section 22 and the contact section 24 of the second spring section 20 are thus formed centrally on the third sheet metal section 26 and the connecting section 17, respectively.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of a three-dimensional view of the first freewheel component 3 from Figure 1. The first freewheel component 3 has the opening 16 for receiving the rocker spring according to Figure 3 - not shown here at first. The contour of the opening 16 is adapted to the contour of the coupling element 11. This increases the stability of the first freewheel component 3 and makes the first freewheel component 3 more space-saving and lighter. Figure 5 shows a partial perspective view of the first freewheel component 3 including a spring element 12 from Figures 1 and 2 mounted in the opening 16. The first freewheel component 3 receives the spring element 12. For this purpose, the respective first spring section 18 is suspended in an associated shoulder 31 of the first freewheel component 3, whereby the spring element 12 is fastened to the first freewheel component 3.The spring element 12 can be released from the first freewheel component 3 by pressing the two opposite first spring sections 18 towards each other, whereby the respective first spring section 18 can be removed from the associated shoulder 31.

[0035] The first freewheel component 3 also has two ramps 32 at the openings 16, wherein the respective ramp 32 compresses the associated first spring section 18 of the spring element 12 and the spring element 12 can thus be inserted more easily.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a partial perspective view of the first freewheel component 3 including a rocker spring mounted in the opening 16 according to Figure 3, comprising the spring element 12 and the associated coupling element 11. The coupling element 11 is secured in its position on the first freewheel component 3 via the fastening sections 23 of the spring element 12. The respective first spring section 18 is hooked into the shoulder 31 of the first freewheel component 3 or engages behind the associated shoulder 31. The coupling element 11 is inclined or arranged obliquely with respect to the first freewheel component 3 and can be tilted against the spring force of the spring element 12 towards the first freewheel component 3 about the tilt axis 28 predetermined by the design of the spring element 12, in particular the fastening sections 23.

[0037] The coupling element 11 protrudes axially from the axial side 10 of the first freewheel component 3 due to the inclined arrangement and can thus engage positively with the coupling structure 13 of the second freewheel component 4 when the coupling device 7 is activated and when a relative rotation between the first and second freewheel components 3, 4 in the first direction of rotation 8 occurs.

[0038] 1 freewheel device

[0039] 2 Coupling arrangement

[0040] 3 first freewheel component

[0041] 4 second freewheel component

[0042] 5 External teeth of the first freewheel component

[0043] 6 Internal toothing of the first freewheel component

[0044] 7 Coupling device

[0045] 8 first direction of rotation

[0046] 9 second direction of rotation

[0047] 10 axial side of the first freewheel component

[0048] 11 Coupling element

[0049] 12 spring element

[0050] 13 Coupling structure

[0051] 14 axial side of the second freewheel component

[0052] 15 axial gearing

[0053] 16 Opening

[0054] 17 connecting section

[0055] 18 first spring section

[0056] 19 first longitudinal axis

[0057] 20 second spring section

[0058] 21 first sheet section

[0059] 22 second sheet section

[0060] 23 Fastening section

[0061] 24 Annex Section

[0062] Section 25

[0063] 26 third sheet section

[0064] Section 27

[0065] 28 Tilting axis

[0066] 29 direction

[0067] 30 axis of symmetry

[0068] 31 paragraph

[0069] 32 Ramp

Claims

Patent claims 1. A freewheel device (1) for a switchable clutch arrangement (2), comprising a first freewheel component (3), a second freewheel component (4) which can be axially coupled to the first freewheel component (3) via an axially effective coupling device (7), wherein the coupling device (7) connects both freewheel components (3, 4) to one another in a co-rotating manner upon a relative rotation between the first and second freewheel components (3, 4) in a first direction of rotation (8), and releases both freewheel components (3, 4) so that they can rotate relative to one another upon a relative rotation in a second direction of rotation (9) opposite to the first direction of rotation (8), wherein the coupling device (7) has a plurality of coupling elements (11) subjected to a spring force by a respective spring element (12), wherein the spring element (12) fixes the respective coupling element (11) on the one hand to the first freewheel component (3) and on the other hand predetermines a tilting axis (28),around which the coupling element (11) can be tilted against the spring force, wherein the spring element (12) has at least one first spring section (18) lying against the first freewheel component (3) and running in a straight line parallel to a first longitudinal axis (19), and a second spring section (20) projecting at an angle therefrom and resiliently supported on the coupling element (11), characterized in that the spring element (12) is formed from a sheet metal material, wherein the first spring section (18) is a rectilinear and substantially planar first sheet metal section (21) and the second spring section (20) is a rectilinear and substantially planar second sheet metal section (22).

2. Freewheel device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element (11) for the co-rotating connection between the first and second freewheel component (3, 4) engages in a positive-locking manner in a coupling structure (13) in the second freewheel component (4).

3. Freewheel device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (12) has at least one fastening section (23) which is designed to secure the coupling element (11) to the first freewheel component (3).

4. Freewheel device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first spring section (18) is arranged between the fastening section (23) and the second spring section (20) 5. Freewheel device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the fastening section (23) predetermines the tilting axis (28) about which the coupling element (11) can be deflected counter to the spring action of the second spring section (20) in a direction facing the first freewheel component (3).

6. Freewheel device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the spring element (12) has a contact section (24) which bears against the coupling element (11) for transmitting the spring force to the coupling element (11).

7. Freewheel device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact section (24) of the spring element (12) is arranged at a distance from the fastening section (23).

8. Freewheel device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the fastening section (23) comes to rest as a first L-shaped section (25) on the coupling element (11).

9. Freewheel device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that two first spring sections (18) are provided, which are connected to one another in one piece via a connecting section (17), wherein the second spring section (20) is formed in one piece on the connecting section (17).

10. Switchable clutch arrangement (2), comprising a freewheel device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for torque transmission between a first freewheel component (3) and a second freewheel component (4).

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