Drive device of an electric bicycle having a clamping body overrunning clutch unit and a clamping body overrunning clutch unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping body overrunning clutch unit and to a drive device for driving an electric bicycle (1) having a clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3) under motor support. The proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3) has: - a plurality of clamping bodies (5) by means of which force transmission in only one of two mutually opposite rotational directions can be achieved between an inner shaft and an outer shaft which are coupled to one another by means of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3); - a cage (35) by means of which the plurality of clamping bodies (5) of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3) are held at a defined spacing relative to one another along a circumferential direction (U); and - a plurality of rolling bodies (6) by means of which the inner shaft and the outer shaft are supported in a manner rotatable relative to one another when coupled to one another by means of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3), wherein at least a portion of the plurality of rolling bodies (6) and the clamping bodies (5) are held together on the one cage (35).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping body overrunning clutch unit having a plurality of clamping bodies, a cage and a plurality of rolling elements, wherein the plurality of clamping bodies are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential direction by means of the cage, and the plurality of rolling elements are used to rotatably support two shafts interconnected by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. Background Technology

[0002] Clamping body overrunning clutch units are largely known. Multiple clamping bodies are used here to transmit force between inner and outer components, particularly between inner or outer shafts that can be interconnected via clamping body overrunning clutch units, only in one of two opposing rotational directions. Thus, force transmission is achieved when rotating in one direction, while rotation of the components relative to each other is achieved in the opposite direction via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. In this case, the clamping bodies are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other in the retainer of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit along a circumferential direction about the rotation axis defined by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, and in this case, the clamping bodies can each rotate about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the circumferential direction, thereby transmitting torque or not transmitting torque by clamping body force-locking, depending on the rotational direction.

[0003] It is known that, especially under high torque conditions, in addition to the multiple clamping bodies of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, rolling elements are provided for rotatable support, by which the interconnected components are supported in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. For example, the rolling elements are located between the inner and outer rings of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit or directly on the interconnected components. For example, an inner ring may be connected to an inner shaft, and an outer ring may be connected to an outer shaft. If the rolling elements are integrated into the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, a separate cage is typically provided for this purpose, so that the rotatable rolling elements maintain a predetermined distance relative to each other. Alternatively, especially when the rolling elements are configured as needles, the cage for the rolling elements is omitted.

[0004] It is precisely because of the use of clamping body overrunning clutch in electric bicycles and the specified tolerances between two interconnected components, such as the inner and outer shafts, as well as the narrow structural space, that the clamping body overrunning clutch needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this context, a clamping body overrunning clutch unit is proposed, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of rolling elements of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit and the clamping body of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit are held together on the same cage.

[0006] Therefore, the proposed solution is based on the fundamental concept of providing a common cage not only for the clamping body but also for the additional rolling elements. Consequently, this common cage has different types of cage receiving portions constructed for both the clamping body and the rolling elements. Thus, the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit includes not only the clamping body but also a plurality of rolling elements adapted to rotatably support the inner and outer shafts relative to each other when the inner and outer shafts are interconnected via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. Here, the additional rolling elements are rotatably held on the cage for the clamping body.

[0007] A smaller structural form of the clamping body overrunning clutch is possible by incorporating the rolling elements and clamping body into a common cage, as suggested. This also significantly reduces the cost of the clamping body, as a larger tolerance range is acceptable in practice and additional safety measures within those tolerances are no longer necessary. Assembly is also simplified. Furthermore, it has been shown that the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit can improve robustness relative to maximum torque and reduce drag torque in the overrunning clutch.

[0008] Here, the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit may have an inner ring and / or an outer ring for the connection of the inner and outer shafts, with the clamping body and rolling elements respectively abutting against the inner and / or outer rings on the outer or inner sides. However, this is not mandatory. In particular, the clamping body overrunning clutch unit may be configured without an inner ring and / or without an outer ring, so that the corresponding shaft directly contacts the clamping body and / or rolling elements.

[0009] The proposed variant of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit can be particularly established and configured for use in electric drive systems for electric bicycles (and thus for electric scooters or e-bikes). Then, for example, when the first outer or inner shaft rotates in the first rotational direction (driven by the motor), force can be transmitted to another second inner or outer shaft via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit to drive that second shaft. Simultaneously, via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, this drivable second shaft can also rotate in the first rotational direction, thus overrunning the first shaft that is being driven. Furthermore, via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, this drivable second shaft can rotate even when the first drive shaft is not rotating. Thus, the clamping body overrunning clutch unit can, in particular, be established and configured to decouple at least one drive motor of the electric drive system from the driven shaft in an electric bicycle, so that the torque applied to the driven shaft by the rider of the electric bicycle cannot be transmitted to the drive motor and the force flow towards the drive motor is disconnected via the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. In this way and by this method, the electric drive unit in an electric bicycle can be decoupled from the muscularly operated pedal drive unit of the electric bicycle by means of a clamping body over the clutch unit. Thus, the rider of the electric bicycle can drive the electric bicycle in a muscularly operated manner without the reaction resistance of the transmission mechanism of at least one drive motor and / or the electric drive unit when the electric drive unit is not activated (i.e., without motor support).

[0010] In one embodiment, a plurality of rolling elements of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit are arranged in a first bearing row extending in a circumferential direction, which extends parallel to a second bearing row of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit having a plurality of clamping bodies (held on the same cage). Thus, the first and second bearing rows are axially offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation defined by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, multiple rolling elements and multiple clamping elements are arranged together in a bearing row extending circumferentially within the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. Thus, multiple rolling elements and multiple clamping elements are arranged sequentially within this bearing row along the circumferential direction. This embodiment variation particularly includes, in addition to this (mixed) bearing row with rolling elements and clamping elements, another bearing row may also exist on the clamping body overrunning clutch unit, wherein this other bearing row may contain a mixture of rolling elements and clamping elements, or may contain only rolling elements or only clamping elements.

[0012] In one embodiment, in a bearing row having multiple rolling elements and multiple clamping elements, at least two clamping elements follow one another in the circumferential direction before at least one rolling element follows one of the at least two clamping elements. In a variation based on this, the bearing row typically has more clamping elements than rolling elements to enable the transmission of greater torque in terms of force transmission through the clamping elements.

[0013] In one embodiment, the clamping body overrunning clutch unit includes at least two bearing rows, each having a plurality of clamping bodies, arranged side-by-side along a rotation axis defined by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit. For example, the clamping body overrunning clutch unit may include three bearing rows arranged side-by-side along the rotation axis. Here, two bearing rows may each have a plurality of clamping bodies (specifically, only clamping bodies or a mixture of clamping bodies and rolling elements), while one bearing row has only a plurality of rolling elements. Thus, in a corresponding embodiment of the three-row clamping body overrunning clutch unit, at least one bearing row is provided that has only rolling elements, but the rolling elements of this bearing row are rotatably held on the same cage as the clamping bodies of one or all other bearing rows.

[0014] In one embodiment of the three-row clamping body overrunning clutch unit, the cage forms a radially outwardly extending tab about the axis of rotation between one of the bearing rows with multiple clamping bodies and a bearing row with only multiple rolling elements. Through this radially outwardly extending tab, the different bearing rows are thus separated from each other not only functionally but also structurally in the clamping body overrunning clutch unit.

[0015] In principle, clamping bodies that are not connected throughout the entire bearing row can be set in two bearing rows that each has a clamping body.

[0016] In an alternative implementation variation, the clamping bodies of two adjacent bearing rows are interconnected, particularly constructed integrally, thus forming a single clamping body row. For example, the clamping bodies of a clamping body row have a common base on their radially inner side and are partially separated from each other on their radially outer side by a groove surrounding the axis of rotation. Thus, a clamping body row with two bearing rows is formed by the groove surrounding the circumference, in which there is a row of clamping bodies arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction, which can each transmit force to the inner shaft through their common base.

[0017] Therefore, the proposed solution includes, in particular, the following implementation variation of the clamping body overriding clutch unit: in addition to the row containing only rolling elements (rolling element row), at least one row of clamping bodies (clamping body row) arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction, for example, with or without slots, is additionally provided on the cage. Furthermore, it includes an implementation whereby two rolling elements arranged sequentially in the axial direction within the gaps between sequentially arranged clamping bodies in the circumferential direction of a clamping body row are formed, creating two bearing rows, each with rolling elements and clamping bodies, and disposed on a single cage.

[0018] For additional functional integration, in one implementation variation, at least one seal is provided on the cage. This seal is then, for example, injection molded onto the cage.

[0019] For example, a seal is disposed on the axial end face of the cage based on the axis of rotation defined by the clamping body extending beyond the clutch unit. Thus, the seal integrated into, and in particular injection-molded into, the end face of the cage allows for sealing relative to the environment, for example, in a drive unit for an electric bicycle, as the clamping body extends beyond the clutch unit.

[0020] For example, a seal, particularly a jet-molded seal, mounted on a retainer constitutes at least one sealing lip.

[0021] In one implementation variation, at least a portion of the rolling elements is constructed as cylindrical rollers.

[0022] Furthermore, the proposed solution relates to a drive unit for an electric bicycle, the drive unit having at least one of the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch units. Thus, the drive unit is, for example, configured and arranged for electrically driving the electric bicycle and having at least one embodiment of the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit to provide a clamping body overrunning clutch mechanism.

[0023] In one embodiment variation, the drive unit includes at least one drive motor and a transmission mechanism to transmit the driving torque generated by the at least one drive motor (via the transmission mechanism) to a driven shaft. The driven shaft may, for example, be a frame axle for an electric bicycle. The at least one drive motor and the transmission mechanism and / or the transmission mechanism and the driven shaft can then be decoupled from each other via a clamping body over a clutch unit. Thus, the force flow toward the drive motor is interrupted via the clamping body over a clutch unit, thereby eliminating the need to "drag" the electric drive unit, and in particular, at least one drive motor of the electric drive unit, when the electric bicycle is driven muscularly.

[0024] Furthermore, the proposed solution includes an electric bicycle having at least one proposed clamping body over-clutch unit and / or the proposed drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings exemplify possible implementation variations of the proposed solution.

[0026] This is shown here:

[0027] Figure 1 A first implementation variant of the proposed clamping body overrunning clutch unit is shown in perspective, which has three rows of bearings, the clamping bodies and rolling elements of the three rows of bearings being held on a single common cage of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view shows another implementation variation of the proposed clamping body over-clutch unit, which has two mixed bearing rows arranged side by side in the axial direction, each bearing row having a clamping body and a rolling element on a common cage;

[0029] Figure 3 An implementation variant of an electric bicycle is schematically shown, in which the proposed solution is used. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view shows the first implementation variant of the proposed clamping body over the clutch unit 3. Figure 1 The clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3 is constructed in three rows, namely having three bearing rows 3a, 3b and 3c. The three bearing rows 3a, 3b and 3c are arranged side by side along the rotation axis D defined by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3 and the axial direction X extending parallel to the rotation axis.

[0031] Starting from the first end face 30 in the axial direction, the first two bearing rows 3a and 3b, arranged sequentially along the axial direction X, each have only clamping bodies 5. These clamping bodies 5 are arranged side by side relative to each other in a defined distance along the circumferential direction U around the rotation axis D and are supported in a manner that allows them to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis D. In this way, the clamping bodies 5 can transmit torque between the inner and outer shafts or realize the rotation of the inner and outer shafts relative to each other according to the rotation direction of the inner and outer shafts interconnected by the clamping body over-clutch unit 3 and according to the associated rotation position. For connection with the inner shaft, the clamping body over-clutch unit 3 has a central support hole O into which the inner shaft can be inserted, or in particular pressed, into the support hole. The outer shaft can be connected to the clamping body over-clutch unit 3 radially outward, for example, by inserting the clamping body over-clutch unit 3 into the hollow end section of the outer shaft or conversely by fitting, or in particular pressing, a (hollow) shaft at least at one end onto, the clamping body over-clutch unit 3.

[0032] Appendix Figure 1The clamping body of the clutch unit 3 extends beyond the first bearing row 3a and the second bearing row 3b (which have clamping bodies 5) and a third bearing row 3c is added. This third bearing row has only rolling elements in the form of cylindrical rollers 6. When the inner and outer shafts are interconnected by the clamping body beyond the clutch unit 3, the cylindrical rollers 6 can support the inner and outer shafts (additionally) in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. Here, the cylindrical rollers 6 maintain a predetermined distance from each other in the circumferential direction U in the cage receiving portion 356, which is formed by the same cage 35 that also constitutes the cage receiving portion 355 for the clamping bodies 5 of the other two bearing rows, namely the first bearing row 3a and the second bearing row 3b. Therefore, Figure 1 The clamping body in the clutch unit 3 integrates a cage receiving portion 355 for the clamping body 5 and a cage receiving portion 356 for the cylindrical roller 6 into the cage 35 of the clutch unit 3.

[0033] In order to spatially separate the cylindrical rollers 6 of bearing row 3c from the adjacent bearing row with clamping body 5, the cage 35 is formed with radially outwardly projecting and annularly surrounding tabs 350.

[0034] In principle, the clamping bodies 5 of the first bearing row 3a and the second bearing row 3b can be implemented completely separately from each other. In contrast, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping bodies 5 of adjacent first bearing rows 3a and second bearing rows 3b are integrally formed with each other. Therefore, Figure 1 The clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3 has a separate rolling element row and a separate clamping body row that is axially adjacent to the rolling element row.

[0035] Therefore, the clamping bodies 5 have a common base 50 on their radially inner sides and are partially separated from each other on their radially outer sides by a groove surrounding the axis of rotation D. An annular spring 7 for abutting against the outer shaft is provided in this groove surrounding the circumferential side and thus between the two bearing rows. The first bearing row 3a and the second bearing row 3b are formed by the groove surrounding the circumferential side; they ultimately constitute exactly one row of clamping bodies 5, which are sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction. Thus, an axial distance defined by the groove is predetermined between the sections of the radially outer circumferential surface of the clamping bodies 5 that abut against the outer shaft. Simultaneously, the clamping bodies 5 of the first bearing row 3a and the second bearing row 3b transmit force to the inner shaft through the common base 50.

[0036] The first, second, and third bearing rows 3a, 3b, and 3c are located between the two axial end faces 30 and 31 of the cage 35. On one of the end faces 30 and 31 (on Figure 1An annular seal 4 with a sealing lip is injection molded onto the end face 31 shown on the left. Thus, axial and / or radial sealing can also be provided by mounting a clamping body over the clutch unit 3.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In another embodiment shown, the clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3 has mixed bearing rows arranged within a single clamping body row. Here, annular springs 7 are also arranged between the bearing rows. Furthermore, the clamping bodies 5 and cylindrical rollers 6 are held on a common retainer 35 of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3. On the end face 31, a seal 4 is also injection molded onto the retainer 35.

[0038] and Figure 1 The clamping body shown is different from the clutch unit. Figure 2 The clamping body overrunning clutch unit 3 shown is a double-row bearing arrangement with mixed bearing rows, wherein not only clamping bodies 5 but also cylindrical rollers 6 are arranged along the circumferential direction U around the rotation axis D. Therefore, in each of the first and second bearing rows 3a and 3b, in addition to the clamping rollers 5, the cylindrical rollers 6 are also arranged on the cage 35. Thus, for each of the first and second bearing rows 3a and 3b, the cage 35 constitutes not only a cage receiving portion 355 for the clamping body 5 but also a cage receiving portion 356 for the cylindrical rollers 6. Figure 2 In the implementation variant, in each of the first and second bearing rows 3a and 3b, exactly one cylindrical roller 6 is repeatedly followed after each plurality of clamping bodies 5 (three in this case).

[0039] Not only in Figure 1 In the implementation of the variant scheme and in Figure 2 In the implementation variant, it can be specified that the clamping body 5 spans two bearing rows 3a and 3b on the inner side, while they are separated on the outer side by a gap, into which the annular spring 7 is inserted.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping body exceeds the clutch unit 3, for example, set for use according to Figure 3 The electric drive unit A is used in the electric bicycle 1. This electric drive unit A—controlled by means of control electronics SE on the drive side and, for example, an operating unit 2 located on the steering gear of the electric bicycle—allows for electric support of the electric bicycle 1. Here, a front wheel 11 (on a fork hinged to the frame in the front region) and a rear wheel 12 are rotatably supported on the frame 10 of the electric bicycle 1, wherein the rear wheel 12 can be driven via the electric drive unit A through a force transmission element, for example, in the form of a chain or belt 13.

[0041] The driving torque is transmitted to the driven shaft connected to the chain or belt 13 by at least one motor of the drive unit A—typically in conjunction with the transmission mechanism of the drive unit A. Here, the driven shaft can be, in particular, the frame axle of the electric bicycle 1, which constitutes an inner or outer shaft connected to the drive shaft of the electric drive unit A via the clamping body over-clutch unit 3. Here, the clamping body over-clutch unit 3 enables the electric drive unit A to not react to the torque generated by muscular force operation on the driven shaft when not in operation, while simultaneously transmitting the torque generated by the drive motor to the rear wheel 12. Here, the cylindrical rollers 6 are positioned axially alongside the clamping body 5 (e.g., in…) Figure 1 (as in the implementation variant) or between the clamping bodies 5 (such as in Figure 2 As in the implementation variant, the clutch is arranged on a common retainer 35, achieving a durable and compact structure for integrating the corresponding clamping body overrunning clutch.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 1. Electric bicycle

[0044] 10 Framework

[0045] 11 Front wheels

[0046] 12 rear wheels

[0047] 13 Chains / Belts (Force Transmission Components)

[0048] 2. Operation Unit

[0049] 3 Clamping body exceeds clutch unit

[0050] End faces 30 and 31

[0051] 35 Cage

[0052] 350 stitching

[0053] 355 Cage Receiving Section

[0054] 356 Cage Receiving Section

[0055] 3a, 3b, 3c: First, second, and third bearing rows

[0056] 4. Seals

[0057] 5 Clamping body

[0058] 50 base

[0059] 6. Cylindrical rollers (rolling elements)

[0060] 7. Ring spring

[0061] A drive unit

[0062] D Rotation axis

[0063] O Support Hole

[0064] SE control electronics

[0065] U circumferential direction

[0066] X-axis direction

Claims

1. A clamping body over-clutch unit, having - Multiple clamping bodies (5) are used to connect the inner and outer shafts, which are connected to each other via the clutch unit (3). Force transmission can only be achieved in one of two opposing rotational directions through these multiple clamping bodies. - A retainer (35) by which the clamping bodies, extending beyond the clutch unit (3), maintain a predetermined distance from each other in the circumferential direction (U), and - Multiple rolling elements (6), through which the inner and outer shafts are supported in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other when they are interconnected by a clamping body and a clutch unit (3). Its features are, At least a portion of the plurality of rolling elements (6) and clamping bodies (5) are held together on the same cage (35). The clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3) includes three bearing rows (3a-3c) arranged side by side along a rotation axis (D) defined by the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3) for the inner and outer shafts. In the three bearing rows (3a-3c), the first bearing row (3a) and the second bearing row (3b) each have a plurality of clamping bodies (5), and the third bearing row (3c) has only a plurality of rolling elements (6). The clamping bodies (5) of adjacent first bearing rows (3a) and second bearing rows (3b) are interconnected.

2. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of rolling elements (6) are arranged in a third bearing row (3c) extending in the circumferential direction (U) of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3), which extends parallel to the first bearing row (3a) and the second bearing row (3b) of the clamping body overrunning clutch unit (3).

3. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of rolling elements (6) are arranged together with the plurality of clamping elements (5) in a first bearing row (3a) and / or a second bearing row (3b) extending in the circumferential direction (U) of the clamping element over-clutch unit (3).

4. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, In a first bearing row (3a) and / or a second bearing row (3b) having multiple rolling elements (6) and multiple clamping elements (5), at least two clamping elements (5) are arranged one after the other in the circumferential direction (U), and at least one rolling element (6) follows one of the at least two clamping elements (5) in the circumferential direction (U).

5. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping bodies (5) of the adjacent first bearing row (3a) and second bearing row (3b) are integrally constructed and partially separated from each other radially outward by a groove surrounding the axis of rotation (D).

6. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Between one of the first bearing row (3a) and the second bearing row (3b) having multiple clamping bodies (5) and the third bearing row (3c) having only multiple rolling elements (6), a tab (350) is constructed on the cage (35) extending radially outward about the axis of rotation (D).

7. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first bearing row (3a) and / or the second bearing row (3b) of the clamping body beyond the clutch unit (3) are composed of a clamping body row having clamping bodies (5) that are sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction (U), and these clamping bodies are respectively slotted on the radially outer side.

8. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one seal (4) is provided on the retainer (35).

9. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one seal (4) is injection molded onto the retainer (35).

10. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The seal (4) is disposed on the axial end face (31) of the retainer (35) based on the rotation axis (D) defined by the clamping body beyond the clutch unit (3).

11. The clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the rolling element is constructed as a cylindrical roller (6).

12. A drive unit for an electric bicycle (1) having at least one clamping overrunning clutch unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The driving device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The drive device (A) includes at least one drive motor and a transmission mechanism to transmit the driving torque generated by the at least one drive motor to the driven shaft, wherein the at least one drive motor and the transmission mechanism and / or the transmission mechanism and the driven shaft are decoupled from each other by a clamping body over the clutch unit (3).

14. An electric bicycle having at least one clamping body overrunning clutch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or having a drive device (A) according to claim 12 or 13.

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