cam clutch

Abstract

Provided is a cam clutch capable of easily switching from a torque transmission state to an idling state even when torque is being transmitted between track members. Specifically, a cam clutch (10) includes a plurality of cams (41) disposed between a first track member (21) and a second track member (31), the first track member (21) and the second track member (31) are disposed apart in an axial direction (X) along a rotation axis of the first track member (21), the plurality of cams (41) are disposed between the first track member (21) and the second track member (31) in the axial direction (X), and the first track member (21) and the second track member (31) are configured to be relatively approachable and separable in the axial direction (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cam clutch. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a cam clutch was known, comprising: a first track member, which is configured to be rotatable; a second track member, which is configured to be rotatable about a central axis with respect to the first track member; and a plurality of cams disposed between the first track member and the second track member, and configured to transmit torque between the first track member and the second track member by means of the cams when the first track member and the second track member are rotated relative to each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cam clutch disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that a track component (inner ring) of another party is arranged radially inside one track component (outer ring), and a plurality of cams are arranged radially between one track component (outer ring) and the other track component (inner ring). When the first track component and the second track component rotate relative to each other, torque can be transmitted between the first track component and the second track component by changing the radial height of each cam.

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-190255 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, the cam clutch described in Patent Document 1 has the following problem: when torque is being transmitted between the first and second track components, it is difficult to switch to an idle state where no torque is being transmitted between the first and second track components. Specifically, in the cam clutch described in Patent Document 1, during the torque transmission state where torque is being transmitted between the first and second track components, each cam makes strong radial contact with each track component, resulting in significant friction between each track component and each cam, making it difficult to switch to an idle state.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention is an invention that solves these problems. The technical problem to be solved is to provide a cam clutch that can be easily switched from torque transmission state to idle state with a simple configuration, even when torque is being transmitted between track components.

[0008] The present invention is a cam clutch comprising: a first track member configured to be rotatable; a second track member configured to be rotatable about a central axis coaxial with the first track member; and a plurality of cams disposed between the first track member and the second track member. The invention addresses the aforementioned problem by wherein the first track member and the second track member are axially separated along the rotation axis of the first track member, the plurality of cams are axially disposed between the first track member and the second track member, and the first track member and the second track member are configured to be relatively close to and separate from each other axially.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, since the first track component and the second track component are arranged axially away from each other along the rotation axis of the first track component, a plurality of cams are arranged axially between the first track component and the second track component, and the first track component and the second track component are configured to be relatively close and far apart in the axial direction, even when the cams are in contact with both the first track component and the second track component and torque is being transmitted between the track components, it will not prevent the first track component and the second track component from being relatively apart in the axial direction. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to easily switch from the torque transmission state to the idle state even when torque is being transmitted between the track components.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, since force is applied to the cam holder that holds multiple cams toward the first track member side, the state in which each cam is in contact with the first track member can be maintained, and thus the attitude of each cam can be well controlled by contact with the first track member.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, since the cam retaining portion of the cam retainer is formed to receive the cam from the first track member side of the cam retainer in the axial direction, the structure of the cam retaining portion of the cam retainer can be simplified, and at the same time, the cams can be reliably prevented from falling off the cam retainer by contact with the first track member.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, since the second locking engagement portion is configured to prevent the second track member from leaving the first track member axially when it engages with the first locking engagement portion, and at least one of the first locking engagement portion or the second locking engagement portion is configured to be movable radially orthogonal to the axial direction, the first locking engagement portion and the second locking engagement portion can be automatically engaged in a release manner by moving the second track member unit axially close to the first track member unit.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, since the elastic member of the second track component unit has a portion that moves radially when it elastically deforms, and the radially moving portion functions as a second locking engagement portion, the first locking engagement portion and the second locking engagement portion can be smoothly engaged by the action of bringing the track component units closer to each other in the axial direction.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, since the control spring of the second track component unit has: a first annular portion and a second annular portion, which are axially separated; and a plurality of bent pieces, which are arranged in a circumferential direction to connect the first annular portion and the second annular portion in the axial direction, and are configured such that each bent piece moves radially when it elastically deforms, and each bent piece can function as a second locking engagement portion, the structure of the locking mechanism can be simplified, and the first locking engagement portion and the second locking engagement portion can be smoothly engaged by the action of bringing the track component units closer to each other in the axial direction.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, since a force-applying unit is provided between the second track component that contacts the plurality of cams and the control component that engages with the first locking engagement portion of the first track component unit to apply force in a manner that causes the second track component and the control component to separate from each other, the second track component can be made to contact the plurality of cams stably and uniformly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a cam clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the cam clutch disassembled.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a sectional perspective view of the cam clutch, shown in exploded form.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a sectional perspective view of the second track component unit, which is decomposed.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a sectional perspective view of the cam unit.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second track component is in contact with the cam.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second track component is disengaged from the cam.

[0023] Symbol Explanation

[0024] 10 - Cam clutch; 20 - First track component unit; 21 - First track component; 21a - First track surface; 22 - Housing; 22a - Recess for track component; 22b - Recess for cam; 22c - Recess for spring; 22d - Engaging part for first locking; 30 - Second track component unit; 31 - Second track component; 31a - Second track surface; 31b - Annular protrusion; 31c - Keyway; 32 - Control component; 32a - For track component 32b - Recess; 33 - Keyway; 33 - Control spring (elastic component for control); 33a - First annular portion; 33b - Second annular portion; 33c - Bending piece; 33d - Second locking engagement part; 34 - Screw; 35 - Force-applying spring (force-applying unit); 36 - Selector component; 40 - Cam unit; 41 - Cam; 42 - Cam cage; 42a - Cam retainer; 43 - Posture-holding spring; X - Axial axis. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention, namely the cam clutch 10, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The cam clutch 10 is installed in automobiles, etc. Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the cam clutch 10 includes: a first track member 21, which is rotatable; a second track member 31, which is rotatable about a central axis with respect to the first track member 21; and a plurality of cams 41 disposed between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31. The cam clutch 10 is a device that transmits torque from an input shaft (not shown) directly or indirectly connected to one of the first track member 21 or the second track member 31 to an output shaft (not shown) directly or indirectly connected to the other of the first track member 21 or the second track member 31. The components of the cam clutch 10 are made of metal or the like.

[0027] The following is a description of the components of the cam clutch 10.

[0028] First, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cam clutch 10 includes: a first track component unit 20 having a first track component 21; a second track component unit 30 having a second track component 31; and a cam unit 40 having a cam 41.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first track component unit 20 includes an annular first track component 21 and a cylindrical shell 22 fixed on the first track component 21.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first track component 21 is formed in the shape of a circular plate and has a through hole in the center that extends along the axial direction X of the rotation axis of the first track component 21 (and the second track component 31).

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the first track component 21 has a first track surface 21a on the side opposite to the second track component 31, which is arranged opposite to the cam 41 in the axial direction X. The first track surface 21a is formed as a flat annular surface centered on the rotation axis of the first track component 21.

[0032] Shell 22 is formed into a cylindrical shape, such as Figure 3 As shown, on its inner peripheral wall, starting from the side of the first track component 21, sequentially ( Figure 3 Starting from the top side, it has, in sequence: an annular recess 22a for a track component, for mounting the first track component 21; an annular recess 22b for a cam, for mounting the cam retainer 42 described later; a spring recess 22c for mounting the control spring 33 described later; and an annular and convex first locking engagement portion 22d for engaging with the second locking engagement portion 33d of the control spring 33.

[0033] The aforementioned input shaft (not shown) or output shaft (not shown) is connected to at least one of the first track component 21 or the housing 22. In this embodiment, it is connected to the first track component 21.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second track component unit 30 includes: an annular second track component 31, disposed away from the first track component 21 in the axial direction X; and a control component 32, disposed in the axial direction X on the rear side opposite to the front side facing the first track component 21. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (the lower side); a ring-shaped control spring 33 is disposed on the outer periphery of the control component 32 as a control elastic component 33; a screw 34 is used to install the second track component 31 onto the control component 32; a force-applying spring 35 is disposed between the second track component 31 and the control component 32. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (as shown); and an annular selector component 36, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the control component 32.

[0035] Depend on Figure 6 , 7 It is understood that the second track component unit 30, which includes the second track component 31, is configured such that it can relatively approach and move away from the first track component unit 20, which includes the first track component 21, in the axial direction X.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second track component 31 is formed into a circular plate shape, with a through hole in the central part extending in the axial direction X.

[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second track component 31 can move only a predetermined distance in the axial direction X relative to the control component 32, and is mounted on the control component 32 by screws 34 in a configuration that does not rotate relative to the control component 32. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, screw 34 is inserted into a screw hole formed on the second track member 31 with clearance, while its screw shaft is fixed to the control member 32, and its screw head is disposed on the side of the first track member 21 of the second track member 31. This prevents rotation of the second track member 31 relative to the control member 32, and the screw head of screw 34 restricts the axial movement of the second track member 31 relative to the control member 32 towards the first track member 21 within a specified distance.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second track component 31 has an annular protrusion 31b protruding toward the control component 32, which is disposed within a track component recess 32a formed on the control component 32. This restricts the radial movement of the second track component 31 relative to the control component 32.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second track component 31 has a second track surface 31a on the side opposite to the first track component 21, which is arranged opposite to the cam 41 in the axial direction X. The second track surface 31a is formed as a flat annular surface centered on the rotation axis of the second track component 31 (the first track component 21).

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a keyway 31c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second track component 31 for engaging the key of the aforementioned input shaft (not shown) or output shaft (not shown).

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the control component 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape (generally cylindrical) and has a through hole in the central part that extends in the axial direction X.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the control component 32 has a track component recess 32a on the side of the second track component 31 for arranging the annular protrusion 31b of the second track component 31.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, a keyway 32b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the control component 32 for engaging the key of the aforementioned input shaft (not shown) or output shaft (not shown).

[0044] The control elastic member 33 has a portion that moves radially when it elastically deforms, and this radially moving portion functions as a second locking engagement portion 33d. In this embodiment, the control elastic member 33 is formed as a control spring 33.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the control spring 33 is formed as a leaf spring, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it has: a first annular portion 33a, which is formed by connecting the first annular portion 33a in the circumferential direction and is fixed to the control member 32; a second annular portion 33b, which is formed by connecting the second annular portion 33a and the second annular portion 33b in the circumferential direction and is fixed to the selector member 36; and a plurality of bent pieces 33c, which are arranged in the circumferential direction, and are connected in the axial direction X by connecting the first annular portion 33a and the second annular portion 33b which are separated in the axial direction X (bent into a U-shape), and are configured such that each bent piece 33c can move radially when it is elastically deformed.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, a crack is formed in the circumferential direction between the multiple bent pieces 33c. As the selector member 36 (second annular portion 33b) in the axial direction X moves relative to the control member 32 (first annular portion 33a), the bending angle of each bent piece 33c changes. In addition, the bent piece 33c, which functions as the second locking engagement portion 33d described later, is configured to be movable in the radial direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the bent piece 33c, which functions as the second locking engagement part 33d, is configured such that, from Figure 7 From the state shown, when the second track component unit 30 approaches the first track component unit 20 in the axial X direction, it abuts against the first locking engagement portion 22d of the first track component unit 20, and is pressed and moved radially inward.

[0048] Furthermore, although the above description describes the case where the first locking engagement portion 22d is formed in an annular and convex shape on the inner peripheral wall of the shell 22, it is also possible to form multiple first locking engagement portions 22d arranged in the circumferential direction without having to connect the first locking engagement portions 22d in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The force-adding spring 35 is composed of a helical spring, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, it is arranged in a compressed state between the second track component 31 and the control component 32, and functions as a force-applying unit to allow the second track component 31 and the control component 32 to separate from each other.

[0050] Although in this embodiment, the input shaft (not shown) or output shaft (not shown) is passed through the through holes of the second track component 31 and the control component 32 and connected to the second track component 31 and the control component 32, it is also possible to connect only to one of the second track component 31 or the control component 32, and the connection form of the input shaft (not shown) or output shaft (not shown) can be arbitrary.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the cam unit 40 includes: a plurality of cams 41 disposed in the axial direction X between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31; an annular cam retainer 42 for holding the plurality of cams 41; and ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 The attitude-holding spring 43 (as shown in the figure) is used to maintain the posture.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple cams 41, held by the cam holder 42, are arranged in a ring (circumferential direction) in the axial direction X, between the annular first track surface 21a and the annular second track surface 31a, with the rotation axis of the first track component 21 (and the second track component 31) as the center.

[0053] Each cam 41 is held by the cam holder 42 in a state in which it can rotate (tilt) around an axis that is not parallel to the axial direction X (in this embodiment, it is an axis along the radial direction of the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 orthogonal to the axial direction X).

[0054] In this embodiment, all cams 41 are formed identically, and each cam 41 is configured such that, when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are clamped in the axial direction X, it rotates due to contact (friction, frictional engagement) with the first track surface 21a and the second track surface 31a when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 rotate relative to each other, both when rotating in one direction and when rotating in the other direction. Therefore, the height of the cam 41 in the axial direction X will change (greater than in the neutral state described later), so that the cam 41 can function as a support bar between the first track surface 21a and the second track surface 31a, and thus can transmit torque between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the cam retainer 42 is formed in the shape of a circular plate and has a through hole in the center that extends along the axial direction X of the rotation axis of the first track member 21 (and the second track member 31).

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the cam retainer 42 has a plurality of cam retaining portions 42a formed in the circumferential direction and extending through in the axial direction X to retain the cam 41.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, each cam retainer 42a is formed to receive the cam 41 from the first track member 21 side of the cam retainer 42 in the axial direction X. Each cam 41 can be pulled out toward the first track member 21 while being held on the respective cam retainer 42a, and is supported by the respective cam retainer 42a to prevent it from being pulled out toward the second track member 31.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the attitude holding spring 43 is configured in a compressed state between the housing 22 and the cam retainer 42, applying force to the cam retainer 42 in the axial direction X toward the first track member 21. As a result, each cam 41 is kept in contact with the first track surface 21a of the first track member 21 (always). Consequently, the attitude of each cam 41 is maintained in a neutral state (a state in which the height of the cam 41 in the axial direction X is lower than that in which the cam 41 functions as a strut between the track surfaces 21a and 31a and can transmit torque between the track surfaces 21a and 31a).

[0059] The cam clutch 10 has a locking mechanism for releasably locking the positional interval of the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 in the axial direction X when the cam 41 is clamped between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 and torque can be transmitted between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31.

[0060] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the locking mechanism consists of a first locking engagement portion 22d of the first track component unit 20 and a second locking engagement portion 33d of the second track component unit 30 that can engage with the first locking engagement portion 22d. By engaging the first locking engagement portion 22d and the second locking engagement portion 33d, the second track component 31 can be prevented from leaving the first track component 21 in the axial direction X. In other words, it is configured to maintain the state in which the first track surface 21a and the second track surface 31a are in contact with the cam 41.

[0061] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the second locking engagement part 33d is composed of the bent piece 33c of the control spring 33. The second locking engagement part 33d is configured to move in the radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction X as the selector member 36 (second annular portion 33b) moves relative to the control member 32 (first annular portion 33a) in the axial direction X.

[0062] Next, the operation method of the cam clutch 10 in this embodiment will be described.

[0063] First of all, Figure 7 The image shows a cam clutch 10 in a state where no torque is transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 (idling state). Figure 7 In the indicated state, the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 are separated in the axial direction X, and the second track surface 31a of the second track component 31 is not in contact with the cam 41. Furthermore, in this… Figure 7 In the state shown, since the cam holder 42 is stressed by the attitude holding spring 43, each cam 41 is in contact with the first track surface 21a of the first track component 21.

[0064] Next, from Figure 7 From the state shown, when transitioning to the torque transmission state where torque can be transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31, the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 are brought closer to each other in the axial direction X by a drive unit (not shown) that is separately provided from the cam clutch 10, so that the second track surface 31a of the second track component 31 contacts the plurality of cams 41.

[0065] At this moment, the bent piece 33c of the control spring 33, which functions as the second locking engagement part 33d, abuts against the first locking engagement part 22d of the first track component unit 20. The bent piece 33c undergoes elastic deformation and moves radially inward, causing the first locking engagement part 22d to cross over to the side of the first track component 21. Figure 7 (on the upper side), and after crossing, the bent piece 33c elastically recovers and moves radially outward toward the engagement position that can engage with the first locking engagement part 22d. Therefore, the second locking engagement part 33d automatically engages with the first locking engagement part 22d, thereby preventing the second track member 31 from leaving the first track member 21 in the axial direction X.

[0066] Furthermore, although in this embodiment each part of the cam clutch 10 is configured such that the engagement of the second locking engagement part 33d with respect to the first locking engagement part 22d is completed after the second track surface 31a contacts each cam 41, each part of the cam clutch 10 may also be configured such that the engagement of the second locking engagement part 33d with respect to the first locking engagement part 22d is completed at the same time as the second track surface 31a contacts each cam 41.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, in order to enable the bending piece 33c of the control spring 33 to smoothly cross the first locking engagement portion 22d in the axial direction X, an inclined surface (conical surface) 22d' that narrows from the bottom to the top is formed on the lower side of the first locking engagement portion 22d (on the side of the second track component unit 30).

[0068] Furthermore, since the second track component 31 is movable in the axial direction X relative to the control component 32, and a force-applying spring 35 is provided between the second track component 31 and the control component 32, the second track surface 31a of the second track component 31 can smoothly contact the plurality of cams 41. Therefore, when operating the second track component unit 30 via the aforementioned drive unit (not shown), it is preferable to operate the control component 32 rather than the second track component 31.

[0069] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, when the cam 41 is clamped by the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 in the axial direction X, the relative rotation of the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 (i.e., the input shaft rotates) causes each cam 41 to rotate due to friction (friction engagement) with the track surfaces 21a and 31a, thereby changing (increasing) the height of the cam 41 in the axial direction X, and thus transmitting torque between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31.

[0070] Alternatively, regarding the relative rotation of track components 21 and 31 (i.e., the rotation of the input shaft), the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 can be rotated relative to each other (i.e., the input shaft can be rotated) before the cam 41 is clamped by the first track component 21 and the second track component 31. Or, the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 can be not rotated relative to each other before the cam 41 is clamped by the first track component 21 and the second track component 31, but can be rotated relative to each other after the cam 41 is clamped by the first track component 21 and the second track component 31.

[0071] Next, when transitioning from the torque transmission state where torque can be transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 to the state where torque is not transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 (idling state), the first step is to release the engagement of the second locking engagement part 33d with respect to the first locking engagement part 22d.

[0072] At this moment, due to the operation unit (not shown) provided separately from the cam clutch 10, the selector component 36 is oriented relative to the control component 32 in a direction away from the first track component 21. Figure 6 The lower side shown moves, thus causing the bending piece 33c of the control spring 33, which functions as the second locking engagement part 33d, to move radially inward and cross the first locking engagement part 22d, thereby releasing the engagement of the second locking engagement part 33d with respect to the first locking engagement part 22d.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, in order to enable the bending piece 33c of the control spring 33 to smoothly cross the first locking engagement portion 22d in the axial direction X, an inclined surface (conical surface) 22d that narrows from the upper side to the lower side is formed on the upper side of the first locking engagement portion 22d (the side of the first locking engagement portion 22d).

[0074] Subsequently, since the engagement of the second locking engagement portion 33d with respect to the first locking engagement portion 22d is released simultaneously or after release, the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are separated in the axial direction X by a drive unit (not shown) that is separately provided from the cam clutch 10 (causing the second track member 31 to separate from the cam 41), thus enabling movement as... Figure 7 The state shown is one in which no torque is transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 (idling state).

[0075] Alternatively, the selector component 36 can be oriented in a direction away from the first track component 21 via the aforementioned operating unit (not shown). Figure 6 The operation of moving the lower side (as shown) causes the entire second track component unit 30, which includes the second track component 31, to move in the axial direction X. Furthermore, at this moment, as... Figure 7 As shown, a movement limiting protrusion 37 that abuts against the downward-moving selector member 36 can also be provided on the outer periphery of the control member 32, on the lower side of the selector member 36 (the side away from the first track member 21). When such a movement limiting protrusion 37 is provided, after the downward-moving selector member 36 abuts against the movement limiting protrusion 37, the control member 32 can be moved downward by moving the selector member 36 downward through the movement limiting protrusion 37. Furthermore, although in Figure 7In the example shown, the movement limiting protrusion 37 is formed by a ring fitted on the outer periphery of the control member 32, but the specific shape of the movement limiting protrusion 37 can be arbitrary, as long as it can abut against the selector member 36 that moves downward.

[0076] Furthermore, the aforementioned movement operation from the torque transmission state where torque can be transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 to the state where torque is not transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 (idling state) can be performed either while torque is being transmitted between the first track component 21 and the second track component 31, or after the relative rotation of the first track component 21 and the second track component 31 has stopped.

[0077] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as described herein. For example, the cam clutch 10 can be constructed by arbitrarily combining the components of the above or below embodiments or variations.

[0078] For example, although the above embodiment describes the case where the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are formed into an annular shape with a through hole in their central portion, the through hole may not be formed, in other words, the annular shape may not be formed.

[0079] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the situation where each cam 41 maintains contact with the first track surface 21a of the first track member 21 even in the idling state, it is also possible to configure the cam 41 not to contact either the first track surface 21a of the first track member 21 or the second track surface 31a of the second track member 31 in the idling state.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following situation was described: all cams 41 are formed identically, and each cam 41 is formed such that, when clamped by the first track member 21 and the second track member 31, when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 rotate relative to each other, the height in the axial direction X changes (increases) due to rotation, both when rotating in one direction and when rotating in the other direction, thereby enabling the transmission of torque between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31.

[0081] However, it can also be configured such that when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are rotated relative to each other in one direction, at least a portion of the plurality of cams 41 (e.g., half of the cams 41) changes (increases) in height in the axial X direction due to rotation, thereby transmitting torque between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31. It can also be configured such that when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are rotated relative to each other in another direction, at least a portion of the plurality of cams 41 (e.g., the remaining half of the cams 41) changes (increases) in height in the axial X direction due to rotation, thereby transmitting torque between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31.

[0082] Alternatively, all the cams 41 can be configured such that, when clamped by the first track member 21 and the second track member 31, and when the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 are rotated relative to each other, the height in the axial direction X changes (increases) due to the rotation when rotating in only one direction, thereby transmitting torque between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31. In other words, the cam clutch 10 can also be configured as a so-called one-way clutch.

[0083] Furthermore, the specific form of the cam 41 or the cam cage 42 (the shape of the cam 41 or the cam cage 42, or the retaining form of the cam 41 of the cam cage 42, etc.) is not limited to the above (e.g. Figure 5 As shown), it can also be configured into any configuration such as a so-called sprag clutch.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the locking mechanism for releasably locking the positional distance between the first track member 21 and the second track member 31 in the axial direction X is composed of a first locking engagement portion 22d of the first track member unit 20 and a second locking engagement portion 33d of the second track member unit 30 that is radially movable. However, to construct the locking mechanism, it is sufficient to configure at least one of the first locking engagement portion 22d or the second locking engagement portion 33d to be radially movable.

[0085] Furthermore, when the first locking engagement portion 22d is configured to be movable radially, it is preferable to apply force to the first locking engagement portion 22d (by using one or more elastic components such as springs or rubber integrally or separately provided with the first locking engagement portion 22d) toward the engagement position that can engage with the second locking engagement portion 33d (so that the first locking engagement portion 22d elastically returns to the engagement position).

[0086] Furthermore, when the second locking engagement portion 33d is configured to be movable radially, it is preferable to apply force to the second locking engagement portion 33d (by using one or more elastic components such as springs or rubber integrally or separately provided with the second locking engagement portion 33d) toward the engagement position that engages with the first locking engagement portion 22d (so that the second locking engagement portion 33d elastically returns to the engagement position).

[0087] More specifically, in the above embodiment, the control elastic member 33 having the second locking engagement portion 33d is as follows: Figure 4 The control spring 33 is shown. However, the specific form of the control elastic member 33 can be arbitrary, as long as it is configured as follows: it is formed as an elastic member such as a spring or rubber, and has an annular second locking engagement portion 33d that elastically deforms by contraction and expansion of its diameter, and has a part that functions as the second locking engagement portion 33d and moves radially during its elastic deformation. For example, it can also be a ring made of synthetic rubber or the like installed on the outer periphery of the control member 32. Furthermore, the number of control elastic members 33 is not limited to one, and multiple control elastic members 33 having the second locking engagement portion 33d can be provided.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a situation where multiple cams 41 are arranged in a ring along the axial direction X, between the annular first track surface 21a and the annular second track surface 31a, centered on the rotation axis of the first track member 21 (and the second track member 31). However, the arrangement of the cams 41 is not limited to the above. For example, the cams 41 can also be arranged such that the annular rows of cams 41 arranged in the circumferential direction are arranged in multiple rows in the radial direction (in other words, the cams 41 are arranged in multiple rows in the radial direction).

Claims

1. A cam clutch, comprising: A first track component is configured to be rotatable; a second track component is configured to be rotatable about a central axis with respect to the first track component; and a plurality of cams are disposed between the first track component and the second track component. Its features are, The first track component and the second track component are arranged axially apart along the rotation axis of the first track component. The plurality of cams are arranged axially between the first track component and the second track component. The first track component and the second track component are configured to be relatively close to and separate in the axial direction. The cam clutch includes: a first track component unit having the first track component; and a second track component unit having the second track component. The first track component unit has a first locking engagement part. The second track component unit has a second locking engagement part that can engage with the first locking engagement part. Furthermore, the configuration prevents the second track component from disengaging from the first track component in the axial direction when the second locking engagement portion engages with the first locking engagement portion. At least one of the first locking engagement portion or the second locking engagement portion is configured to be movable radially orthogonal to the axial direction.

2. The cam clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first track component has a first track surface that is annular on the side opposite to the second track component, centered on the rotation axis of the first track component. The second track component has a second track surface that is annular on the side opposite to the first track component, centered on the rotation axis of the second track component. The plurality of cams are arranged in an annular configuration centered on the rotation axis of the first track component, between the annular first track surface and the annular second track surface.

3. The cam clutch according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, Each cam is designed such that, when clamped in the axial direction by the first and second track components, its axial height changes due to rotation when the first and second track components rotate relative to each other, and torque can be transmitted between the first and second track components.

4. The cam clutch according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, It has a cam cage capable of holding the plurality of cams. By applying force to the cam retainer toward the first track component, the contact between each cam and the first track component is maintained.

5. The cam clutch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cam cage has a plurality of cam retaining portions for retaining the cam. The cam retainer is configured to receive the cam from the first track member side of the cam retainer in the axial direction.

6. The cam clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second track component unit has a control elastic component. The control elastic member has a portion that moves radially when it elastically deforms. The radially movable portion functions as the second locking engagement part.

7. The cam clutch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second track component unit has a control spring that serves as the control elastic component. The control spring has: a first annular portion and a second annular portion disposed axially apart; and a plurality of bent pieces arranged circumferentially to connect the first annular portion and the second annular portion axially, and configured such that, upon elastic deformation, each bent piece moves radially. Each of the bent pieces functions as the second locking engagement part.

8. A cam clutch, comprising: A first track component is configured to be rotatable; a second track component is configured to be rotatable about a central axis with respect to the first track component; and a plurality of cams are disposed between the first track component and the second track component. Its features are, The first track component and the second track component are arranged axially apart along the rotation axis of the first track component. The plurality of cams are arranged axially between the first track component and the second track component. The first track component and the second track component are configured to be relatively close to and separate in the axial direction. The cam clutch includes: a first track component unit having the first track component; and a second track component unit having the second track component. The second track component unit includes: a control component, configured to be movable relative to the second track component in the axial direction on a rearward side opposite to the front side facing the first track component; and a force-applying unit for applying force in a manner that causes the second track component and the control component to move away from each other. The first track component unit has a first locking engagement part. The second track component unit has a second locking engagement part that can engage with the first locking engagement part. The second locking engagement portion is configured to engage with the first locking engagement portion to prevent the control component from disengaging from the first track component in the axial direction.

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