Clutch device with pawl device and pawl device for such clutch device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clutch device (2) having a rotatable gearwheel (18) and a stationary ratchet device (22), which has a ratchet carrier (26), a first ratchet (34) pivotably arranged on the ratchet carrier (26), which can be pivoted from an open position, in which the gearwheel (18) can be rotated relative to the ratchet device (22) in a first rotational direction (44), into a latching position, in which the rotation of the gearwheel (18) in the first rotational direction (44) is locked by the first ratchet (34) being engaged into the gearwheel (18), and an actuating element (62) cooperating with the first ratchet (34), which can be moved relative to the ratchet carrier (26) with the first ratchet (34) being pivoted into the open position or the latching position. The actuating element (62) can be moved relative to the ratchet carrier (26) in the peripheral direction (12, 14) of the gearwheel (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clutch device having a rotatable gear and a fixed pawl assembly, the pawl assembly comprising: a pawl support; a first pawl pivotally arranged on the pawl support, the first pawl being pivotable from an open position to a locked position, in which the gear is rotatable relative to the pawl assembly in a first rotational direction, and in the locked position, the rotation of the gear in the first rotational direction is locked by engaging the first pawl with the gear; and an actuating element cooperating with the first pawl, the actuating element being movable relative to the pawl support when the first pawl is pivoted to the open or locked position. Furthermore, this invention relates to a pawl assembly for such a clutch device. Background Technology

[0002] A so-called sector clutch is known from DE112017005230T5. The sector clutch has a rotatable gear and a pawl device fixed relative to the rotatable gear. The pawl device has a pawl support, which is essentially composed of two axially opposed side plates, with a support block sandwiched between these side plates. Furthermore, a pawl is arranged between the two side plates, its lateral support protrusions extending into the gaps in the side plates, thereby pivotally supporting the pawl on the side plates. Thus, the pawl is supported on the side plates via the lateral support protrusions. The pawl is pivotable from an open position to a locked position, in which the gear is rotatable relative to the pawl device in a first rotational direction, and in the locked position, the rotation of the gear in the first rotational direction is locked by the pawl engaging with the teeth of the gear. To enable the pawl to pivot, the pawl device has a drivable actuating element that directly engages with either the front or rear end section of the pawl, and is capable of radial movement and linear movement relative to the pawl support when the pawl is pivoted to the open or locked position. A separate second pawl device, with the most identical structure possible, is also provided to enable the gear to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0003] Known sector clutches have proven advantageous; however, they warrant improvement due to their relatively large structural space requirements. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are relatively high, especially due to the use of pawls with support protrusions extending into the gaps of the side plates. Additionally, in the locked position of one of the pawls, radial forces are applied both to the pawl and to the shaft of the supporting gear, resulting in severe loads on the components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to further improve this type of clutch device, so that the clutch device has a compact structure and results in low manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a correspondingly advantageous ratchet device for such a clutch device.

[0005] The task is accomplished by the features given in claim 1 or 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The clutch device according to the invention is preferably designed for use in the powertrain of a motor vehicle, particularly a transmission, and has a rotatable gear and a fixed pawl device, such that the gear can rotate about a rotation axis relative to the pawl device. The gear can be any rotatable wheel having teeth or a corresponding driving rotation profile. Here, the pawl device is used to selectively lock the gear in one or both rotational directions. The pawl device has a pawl support, which is fixed to a housing, for example as a mounting member, or can be integrally constructed with the housing, the housing accommodating the gear or at least arranged adjacent to the gear, to achieve interaction between the pawl device and the gear on the fixed housing. A first pawl is rotatably arranged on the pawl support, wherein the first pawl preferably does not have an axially extending support protrusion that must be supported in a corresponding clearance to ensure the pivotability of the first pawl. The first pawl can pivot from an open position to a locked position. In the open position, the gear can rotate relative to the pawl assembly in a first rotational direction. In the locked position, the rotation of the gear in the first rotational direction is locked by engaging the first pawl with the teeth of the gear or in the rotational drive profile. Furthermore, the pawl assembly has an actuating element that moves relative to the pawl support and engages with the first pawl, allowing the first pawl to pivot by means of the actuating element. Here, the actuating element preferably engages directly with the first pawl, or preferably is directly supported or rests on the first pawl. Therefore, the actuating element can move relative to the pawl support when the first pawl is pivoted to either the open or locked position. Here, to achieve a particularly compact structure for the pawl assembly within the clutch device, the pawl assembly is constructed such that the actuating element can move relative to the pawl support in the circumferential direction of the gear. In contrast to the sector clutch known from DE112017005230T5, in which the actuating element moves linearly and radially to pivot the associated pawl, a particularly small structural space requirement in the radial direction is needed due to the actuating element being movable relative to the pawl support in the circumferential direction of the gear. Furthermore, a second pawl can also be operated in a relatively simple and space-saving manner by means of an actuating element movable in the circumferential direction, as is the case in another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl device further comprises a second pawl pivotally arranged on the pawl support, the second pawl preferably not having an axial support protrusion for pivotally arranging it on the pawl support. The second pawl is pivotable from an open position to a locked position, in which the gear is pivotable relative to the pawl device in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and in the locked position, rotation of the gear in the second rotational direction is locked by engaging the second pawl with the gear. Here, the second pawl is operated by the same actuating element, which can also be used to operate the first pawl. More specifically, the actuating element preferably engages directly with the second pawl, such that the actuating element is movable relative to the pawl support in the circumferential direction of the gear when the second pawl is pivoted in its open or locked position. Therefore, the advantages of the previously described movable actuating element are applied accordingly to the actuation of the second pawl, wherein the combination of the two pawls within the pawl assembly with a common, preferably integral, pawl support and a common actuating element results in a particularly simple and compact structure that also enables locking of the gear in the first rotational direction and in the opposite second rotational direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element is capable of arcuate movement about a center relative to the pawl support. It has proven advantageous that the center of this arcuate movement is arranged on one side of the actuating element toward the gear's axis of rotation, to ensure, for example, that the trajectory of the actuating element does not pose the risk of the actuating element extending too far radially in the moving position. The center on the side of the actuating element toward the gear's axis of rotation is not necessarily required to be located on the actuating element itself; rather, it is preferred that such a center be spaced apart from the actuating element. In this context, the center has proven particularly advantageous, enabling the actuating element to move arcuately about the center relative to the pawl support, which is arranged on the gear's axis of rotation, to ultimately achieve rotational movement that matches the gear in the circumferential direction, wherein the actuating element does not extend particularly strongly radially in any of the moving positions, ultimately resulting in a smaller structural space requirement for the clutch device.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element is arranged only within a centrally located sector on the axis of rotation of the gear. In other words, the actuating element extends only within said sector and therefore does not constitute a closed, circumferentially encircling, and / or annular actuating element, which has correspondingly high structural space requirements and requires additional support and bearings. It is also preferred in this embodiment that the actuating element is arranged only within said sector, regardless of its position relative to the pawl support. It has also proven advantageous that the first pawl and / or the second pawl is also arranged only within said sector. To further save space and make the pawl mechanism within the clutch device more compact, it is also preferred in this embodiment that the sector has a central angle of up to 90°, particularly preferably up to 45°.

[0010] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl device includes only a first pawl or only the first and second pawls, but no other pawls are included, in order to achieve a particularly compact structure, especially for clutch devices constructed as sector clutches, which, in the case of the first and second pawls, still enables locking of the gears in two opposite directions of rotation, while ensuring a compact and space-saving structure due to the common pawl support and the common actuating element.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element can be driven by a drive element that moves linearly, and if necessary, tangentially in a circumferential circular motion. The linearly movable drive element can be, for example, a strut or tappet. Preferably, the drive element has a carrying protrusion that extends into a carrying clearance on the actuating element to achieve motion coupling. Conversely, the actuating element can also have the aforementioned carrying protrusion that extends into a carrying clearance on the drive element. To compensate for the difference between the circumferential motion of the actuating element or its circular motion and the linear motion of the drive element, the carrying clearance is preferably constructed as an elongated hole or a long cutout. Here, elongated holes or long cutouts extending particularly in the radial direction have proven advantageous.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl support for the pawl device, which allows the first pawl to be pivotally arranged and, if necessary, the second pawl, to be pivotally arranged, is constructed as a single unit. This significantly simplifies the manufacture of the pawl support compared to that according to DE112017005230T5, especially since it eliminates the need to provide two side plates arranged in the middle layer with support blocks.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl support has a recess in which a corresponding pawl, i.e., a first pawl or a second pawl, is pivotally received about a pivot axis between an open position and a locked position. Therefore, axially extending support protrusions on the pawls, extending into a gap in the pawl support, are unnecessary and preferably not provided to pivotally support the pawls.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the respective pawls (i.e., the first pawl or the second pawl) have a front end section and a rear end section that engage with the gear, arranged on opposite sides of the pivot axis, wherein the rear end section, at least in the locked position with the gear locked, can be directly supported or supported on a pawl support, thereby providing reliable support and the previously mentioned axially extending support protrusion is not necessary at the respective pawl. The front end section of the respective pawl that engages with the gear is preferably understood as the end section that at least partially engages with the gear in the locked position of the respective pawl.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl support is constructed of a metal component to enable particularly reliable support of the pawl on the pawl support. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the pawl support, constructed of a metal component, is made of a sintered, extruded, die-cast, or broached part to ensure simple and precise manufacturing of the pawl support.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element is arranged axially next to and / or on the pawl support. This arrangement of the actuating element axially next to the pawl support has the advantage over an actuating element centered about the axial direction, i.e., it eliminates the need for costly machining of the pawl support so that the actuating element must, for example, be guided through an opening in the pawl support through the corresponding pawl, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this allows for a particularly compact structure of the pawl device in the radial direction. When the actuating element is constructed from a flat sheet metal piece, the advantage of a compact structure about the axial direction can also be achieved, as in another embodiment.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, the actuating element arranged next to the pawl support has an adjustment profile that engages with a pawl section, i.e., a first pawl or / and a second pawl, extending axially beyond the pawl support. Preferably, the adjustment profile is radially supported or rests on the extended pawl section to allow pivoting movement of the corresponding pawl when the actuating element moves circumferentially or along an arc.

[0018] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element arranged axially next to the pawl support has at least one arcuate guide profile, which is supported radially on at least one guide protrusion extending axially from the pawl support. Here, the guide protrusion may be integrally constructed with the pawl support or, if necessary, detachably fixed to the pawl support as a mounting element.

[0019] As described above, in another advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the actuating element is constructed as a sheet metal piece to achieve the same compact, easy-to-manufacture, and functionally reliable structure as the pawl mechanism within the clutch device. Preferably, at least one of the aforementioned arcuate guide profiles on the actuating element is formed by the edge of the sheet metal piece. Furthermore, in the sense of a compact structure, it is also preferable that the sheet metal piece extends in a radial plane. Moreover, to prevent damage to the sheet metal piece, it is preferably constructed as a hardened sheet metal piece.

[0020] To reliably and protectively accommodate the actuating element, in another preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl device has a cover that, in the presence of an intermediate layer containing the actuating element, is axially fixed to the pawl support between the pawl support and the cover. Preferably, the actuating element is supported or can be supported on the pawl support in one axial direction and on the cover in the opposite axial direction, to ensure reliable guidance of the actuating element during circumferential or arcuate movement. The cover is preferably a sheet metal piece, and may also have bent sections if necessary to cover the actuating element in the radial and / or circumferential directions. The cover can be directly fixed to the pawl support by means of a fixing mechanism. However, it is preferred that the cover is indirectly supported or / and fixed to the pawl support by means of the previously mentioned guide protrusions. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the need for a separate fixing mechanism for securing the respective pawl in the recess within the pawl holder, it is also preferred in the embodiment that the respective pawl, i.e., the first pawl or / and the second pawl, can be supported or rested on the cover in the axial direction so as to secure the respective pawl within the pawl device in the axial direction.

[0021] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the pawl device is arranged on a fixed housing that houses the gear. For this purpose, the pawl support of the pawl device is preferably inserted into an opening in the housing, and if necessary, into a radial opening. Alternatively, the pawl support can be constructed integrally with the housing, although it is easier to manufacture not only the pawl support but also the housing itself before the pawl support is constructed as a component that is first inserted separately into an opening in the housing and then assembled and secured to each other in the manner mentioned above.

[0022] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the gear and the aforementioned housing are arranged so closely together that, when locked by the corresponding pawl, the gear can be supported or rested on the housing, for example, on the inner side of the housing, by a portion spaced apart from the pawl. Preferably, the gear can be directly supported or rested on the housing in this case. Regardless of the corresponding implementation variant, the radial force acting on the gear is supported by the corresponding pawl when locked in a manner that reduces the load on the gear and / or the shaft supporting the gear.

[0023] The pawl device for a clutch assembly according to the invention is preferably designed for use in a clutch assembly of the type according to the invention and includes a pawl support, a first pawl pivotally arranged on the pawl support (which is pivotable from an open position to a locked position), and an actuating element cooperating with the first pawl, the actuating element being movable relative to the pawl support when the first pawl is pivoted to the open or locked position. The actuating element may move in an arc about a center relative to the pawl support and is arranged only within a sector having a center. Regarding the advantages of such a pawl device, reference can be made to the foregoing advantages of a clutch assembly of the type according to the invention having such a pawl device, these advantages being applicable only to the pawl device in a corresponding manner. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the pawl device according to the invention arise from the above description of the pawl device in the clutch assembly according to the invention, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the pawl device according to the invention, the sector has a central angle of up to 90°, particularly preferably up to 45°, and the actuating element is preferably arranged only within the sector regardless of its position of movement.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the pawl device according to the invention, the pawl device further comprises a second pawl pivotally arranged on a pawl support, the second pawl being pivotable from an open position to a locked position in a pivoting direction opposite to that of the first pawl. Here, the actuating element can move in an arc around a center relative to the pawl support when the second pawl is deflected to the open or locked position. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a first embodiment of a clutch device with a ratchet mechanism, omitting the cover and housing, is shown.

[0028] Figure 2Show Figure 1 A perspective view with a cover in the middle.

[0029] Figure 3 Shown in cross-section Figure 2 A partial front view of the clutch mechanism, with the housing and operating elements in the first position.

[0030] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Part A, in which the operating element is in the second position.

[0031] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 Part A, in which the operating element is in the middle position.

[0032] Figure 6 The second embodiment of the clutch device is shown. Figure 5 The diagram shows the control element in the middle position. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown. In the drawings, opposite axial directions 4 and 6, opposite radial directions 8 and 10, and opposite circumferential directions 12 and 14 are shown by corresponding arrows, wherein the gears of the clutch device 2, which will be described in detail later, are rotatable about a rotation axis 16 extending in the axial directions 4 and 6.

[0034] The clutch device 2 essentially consists of a gear 18 rotatable about a rotation axis 16 and a fixed pawl device 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear has teeth 20 pointing outwards in the radial direction 8. The pawl device is arranged aligned with the gear 18 in the radial directions 8 and 10. The gear 18 is mounted on a fixed housing 24. Figures 3 to 5 The diagram shows a ratchet device 22 that largely surrounds the periphery of gear 18 in the circumferential directions 12, 14, and is arranged on a fixed housing 24 such that the ratchet device can engage with gear 18 or its teeth 20. Therefore, the fixed ratchet device 22 can be understood as a ratchet device 22 that, unlike gear 18, cannot rotate about the axis of rotation 16, while gear 18 can rotate relative to the ratchet device 22.

[0035] The pawl device 22 has a pawl support 26. The pawl support 26 is constructed as a single-piece metal component, preferably a sintered, extruded, die-cast, or broached part. Aluminum is particularly considered as the metal component. For example, from... Figure 3As can be seen, the pawl support 26 of the pawl device 22 is inserted into an opening 28 within the housing 24, wherein the opening 28 is a radial opening within the housing 24 or its wall. Alternatively, the pawl support 26 may also be integrally constructed with the housing 24 or its wall, although the embodiment shown with the pawl support 26 inserted into the opening 28 is preferred from a manufacturing perspective. The pawl support 26 is secured by screws 30, which tighten two flange sections 32 onto the housing 24, the flange sections being laterally positioned on the pawl support 26. The securing method is preferably detachable, regardless of the chosen securing mechanism.

[0036] Furthermore, the pawl device 22 has a first pawl 34, which is pivotally arranged on the pawl support 26 about a pivot axis 36. More precisely, the first pawl 34 is arranged in a recess 38 in the radially inward side of the pawl support 26 so that the first pawl 34 can be pivoted to the position described below, wherein the pivot axis 36 extends in the axial directions 4, 6. The first pawl 34 has a front end 40 and a rear end 42 arranged on opposite sides of the pivot axis 36 that engage with the gear 18. The first pawl 34 can be pivotally arranged on the radially inward side of the pivot axis 36. Figure 4 The opening position shown pivots to Figure 3 In the locked position shown, in the open position, gear 18 can rotate relative to pawl device 22 in a first rotational direction 44, and in the locked position, rotation of gear 18 in the first rotational direction 44 is locked by first pawl 34 engaging with gear 18. More precisely, the front end section 40 of first pawl 34 engages with the teeth 20 of gear 18, while the rear end section 42 of pawl 34 is directly supported in the recess 38 on pawl support 26, such that first pawl 34 is in its locked position when gear 18 is locked.

[0037] Furthermore, the pawl device 22 has a second pawl 46, which is pivotally arranged on the same pawl support 26 about a pivot axis 48. The second pawl 46 is also arranged in a recess 50 in the radially inwardly pointing side of the pawl support 26. The pivot axis 48 also extends in axial directions 4 and 6, and the second pawl 46 has a front end section 52 and a rear end section 54 that engage with the gear 18, arranged on opposite sides of the pivot axis 48. The second pawl 46 can also be... Figure 3 The opening position shown pivots to Figure 4In the locked position shown, in the open position, the gear 18 is able to rotate relative to the pawl device 22 in a second rotation direction 56 opposite to the first rotation direction 44. In the locked position, the front end section 52 of the second pawl 46 is engaged with the teeth 20 of the gear 18, and the rotation of the gear 18 in the second rotation direction 56 is locked. The rear end section 54 of the second pawl 46 is directly supported on the pawl support 26 in the recess 50.

[0038] The two pawls 34 and 46 can pivot in opposite directions from their respective open positions to their respective locked positions, and vice versa. Thus, it can be said that the first pawl 34 can pivot from the open position to the locked position in a first pivoting direction, while the second pawl 46 can pivot from the open position to the locked position in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction. The two pawls 34 and 46 are also arranged mirror-symmetrically on the pawl support 26 and are otherwise structurally identical or identically constructed. Furthermore, the two pawls 34 and 46 are preloaded into the locked position by spring elements 58 and 60, respectively. Spring element 58 engages with a section of the first pawl 34, which (like the front section 40) is located on the side of the pivot axis 36 opposite to the rear section 42, while spring element 60 engages with a section of the second pawl 46, which (like the front section 52) is located on the side of the pivot axis 48 opposite to the rear section 54.

[0039] To enable the first pawl 34 and the second pawl 46 to pivot or be manipulated, the pawl device 22 has a common actuating element 62, which is movably arranged on the pawl support 26 and can cooperate with the first and second pawls 34, 46. Generally, the common actuating element 62 cooperates with the first and second pawls 34, 46 such that the actuating element can move relative to the pawl support 26 while the first pawl 34 and / or the second pawl 46 pivot in the circumferential directions 12, 14 of the gear 18, wherein the actuating element 62 here directly cooperates with the pawls 34, 46 or can be supported or rested on the pawls.

[0040] In the first embodiment shown, the actuating element 62 is capable of moving or pivoting in an arc about a center 64 relative to the pawl support 26 in the circumferential directions 12, 14. The center 64 is arranged in the radial direction 10 toward the actuating element 62 side of the rotation axis 16 of the gear 18 and spaced apart from the actuating element 62, wherein, in a specific embodiment, the center 64 is arranged on the rotation axis 16 of the gear 18.

[0041] Furthermore, not only is the actuating element 62 independent of its position relative to the pawl support 26, but the two pawls 34 and 46 are also arranged only on... Figure 3Within the sector 66, shown in dashed lines, the sector has a center 68 on the axis of rotation 16 of the gear 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the centers 64 and 68 coincide; this is not mandatory but advantageous. Therefore, by arranging the actuating element 62 only within the sector 66, the circumferential extension of the sector 12, 14 is significantly less than the extension in the annular actuating element that is closedly encircled in the circumferential directions 12, 14, resulting in a simplified structure without requiring the increased structural space for the pawl device 22. The central angle α of the sector 66 is preferably a maximum of 90°, particularly preferably a maximum of 45°, wherein the latter, according to… Figures 1 to 6 This is the case in the implementation method.

[0042] The pawl device 22 includes only a first pawl 34 and a second pawl 46, thus eliminating the need for additional pawls and providing a clutch device in the form of a so-called sector clutch. In its simplest form, the clutch device 2 may include only the first pawl 34 without the second or any additional pawls.

[0043] The operating element 62 is frame-shaped and comprises an outer support 70, inner supports 72 opposed in the radial direction 10, and two connecting supports 74, 76. The inner supports 72, like the outer supports 70, extend in the circumferential directions 12, 14. The connecting supports 74, 76 connect the ends of the outer supports 70 and the inner supports 72. Therefore, the frame-shaped operating element 62 surrounds the opening 78, and the operating element 62 is substantially planar and extends in a plane opened by the radial directions 8, 10. The operating element 62 is preferably constructed as a sheet metal piece, and particularly preferably as a hardened sheet metal piece.

[0044] The actuating element 62, thus formed, is arranged along the axial direction 4 beside the pawl support 26, wherein the actuating element 62—for example in… Figure 1 As shown, the actuating element 62 does not extend beyond the pawl support 26 in the radial direction 8, regardless of its position relative to the pawl support 26. The actuating element 62 is also supported or rests on the end side 80 of the pawl support 26 pointing towards the axial direction 4 in the axial direction 6. At least one guide protrusion 82 extending in the axial direction 4 is also provided on the end side 80 of the pawl support 26, the guide protrusion being fixed to the pawl support 26 as a mounting member or being integrally constructed with the pawl support 26. Here, the actuating element 62 is arranged beside and above the pawl support 26 such that the guide protrusion 82 extends into the opening 78 of the frame-shaped actuating element 62, and the actuating element 62 is thus supported or rests on the pawl support 62 not only inward in the radial direction 10 but also outward in the radial direction 8 via the guide protrusion 82.

[0045] The outer support 70 has a first guide profile 84 on its side facing the opening 78 and a second guide profile 86 spaced apart from the first guide profile in the circumferential direction 14. These are respectively constructed in an arc or arc shape and supported on the guide protrusion 82 in the radial direction 10. Furthermore, an arc or arc-shaped third guide profile 88 is constructed on the side of the inner support 72 facing the opening 78, the inner support supporting the guide protrusion 82 in the radial direction 8. The guide profiles 84, 86, 88 cooperate with the guide protrusion 82 in this way so that the actuating element 62 can perform the previously described arc-shaped movement about the center 64 relative to the pawl support 26 in the circumferential directions 12, 14. In addition, an elongated carrying gap 90 is provided in the outer support 70, which is exemplarily in the form of a cut pointing outward in the radial direction 8; the significance of this will be explained in detail later.

[0046] Such as especially by Figure 1 As can be seen, pawls 34 and 46 are not fully accommodated in the corresponding recesses 38 or 50 in the axial directions 4 and 6. More precisely, the first pawl 34 extends beyond the pawl support 26 in the axial direction 4 with pawl segment 92 and the second pawl 46 extends beyond the end side 80 of the pawl support 26 with pawl segment 94. Pawl segments 92 and 94 extend into the opening 78 of the adjacently arranged actuating element 62. On the actuating element 62, more precisely on the side of the inner rod 72 facing the opening 78, there is a first adjustment profile 96 corresponding to and cooperating with the first pawl 34 and a second adjustment profile 98 corresponding to and cooperating with the second pawl 46. The two adjustment profiles 96 and 98 have a different orientation from the circumferential circle so as to cause the actuation or deflection of the corresponding pawls 34 and 46 in the arcuate movement of the actuating element 62 relative to the pawl support 26. Here, the corresponding adjustment profiles 96, 98 can be supported in the radial direction 8 or supported on the side of the corresponding pawl sections 92, 94 that points inward in the radial direction 10.

[0047] As by Figure 2As can be seen, the pawl device 22 further includes a cover 100, which is indirectly or directly fixed to the pawl support 26 when the actuating element 62 is located between the end side 80 of the pawl support 26 and the cover 100 in the axial directions 4 and 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 100 is indirectly supported or fixed to the pawl support 26 by a guide protrusion 82, wherein the fixing mechanism 102 used, such as a screw, pin, or rivet, is preferably used not only to fix the cover 100 but also to fix the guide protrusion 82, which is configured as a mounting element, to the pawl support 26. However, if the guide protrusion 82 is to be integrally constructed with the pawl support 26, the fixing mechanism 102 is only used to fix the cover 100 to the guide protrusion 82 and therefore also to the pawl support 26.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 100 not only covers the operating element 62 in the axial direction 4, but the two pawls 34, 46 or their pawl sections 92, 94 are also axially supported or rest on the cover 100. Support protrusions extending in the axial direction 4 (which extend into the gaps in the cover 100 to achieve the pivotability of the pawls 34, 46) are as known in the prior art but do not have pawls 34, 46. In particular, the pivotability of the pawls 34, 46 is derived from their arrangement in the corresponding recesses 38, 50, and when the pawls 34, 46 are in the locked position, the previously described direct support of the corresponding rear end sections 42, 54 on the pawl support 26 is significantly more reliable and saves on costly manufacturing.

[0049] In order to enable the actuating element 62 to move relative to pawls 26 and 34, 46 in the manner described, the actuating element 62 is further provided with a drive element 104, which, for clear reasons, is only used in... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the drive element 104 is capable of linear movement, and here also tangentially to the circumferential circle, in opposite directions 106, 108, and has a carrying protrusion 110 extending into the previously described carrying gap 90 in the actuating element 62 to achieve motion coupling between the drive element 104 and the actuating element 62. Here, the carrying protrusion 110 extends through an opening 112 in the cover 100, which further extends outward in the radial direction 8 and at least partially covers the actuating element 62 in the circumferential directions 12, 14. Thus, if the drive element 104 moves linearly in one of the directions 106, 108, the actuating element 62 performs the aforementioned arcuate movement in the corresponding circumferential directions 12, 14.

[0050] exist Figure 5The diagram shows the actuating element 62 in a mid-position relative to the pawl support 26. In this mid-position, the adjusting profiles 96 and 98 engage with the pawls 34 and 46 such that the two pawls 34 and 46 pivot to their locked positions. From this mid-position, the actuating element 62 can move in an arc to... Figure 3 In the first position shown or Figure 4 In the second position shown, in the first position, the first pawl 34 is arranged in the locked position and the second pawl 46 is arranged in the open position; in the second position, the first pawl 34 is arranged in the open position and the second pawl 46 is arranged in the locked position. Therefore, the clutch device 2 can operate in three modes, wherein, in the intermediate position mentioned by the operating element 62, rotation of the gear 18 in two opposite directions of rotation 44, 56 is prevented.

[0051] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the clutch device 2 is shown, which substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment is described below, and the differences will be discussed only in light of this embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the preceding description applies accordingly. Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, only the adjustment profiles 96, 98 are changed, such that the pawls 34, 46 do not occupy the locked position in the intermediate position of the operating element 62, but rather, more precisely, occupy the open position, thus allowing rotation of the gear 18 in both rotational directions 44, 56 in the intermediate position. Furthermore, the clutch device 2 in the second embodiment can also operate in a total of three modes.

[0052] In all the above embodiments, it is preferred that the gear 18, when locked by the corresponding pawl 34 or 46, is additionally directly supported or supported on the housing 24, if necessary, by a portion spaced apart from the pawl 34 or 46. If, for example, a torque is applied to the gear 18, driving the gear in a first rotational direction 44, and the first pawl 34 is in the indicated locked position, then the torque is supported on the pawl support 26 by the teeth 20 of the gear 18 and the first pawl 34, wherein this results in… Figure 3 The radial force 114 shown is applied to gear 18 and a shaft (not shown) supporting gear 18. If the radial force 114 causes the axis of rotation 16 to deflect in the direction of the radial force 114, the distance A in the radial directions 8, 10 between the teeth 20 of gear 18 and the inner side of housing 24 is chosen such that gear 18 is additionally supported on the portion 116 of the inner side of housing 24 by its teeth 20, thereby reducing the load on gear 18 and the shaft supporting gear 18.

[0053] Although not shown in the above embodiments, the actuating element 62 may consist only of a connecting post, which may be centrally located if necessary. If the connecting post is centrally located in this case, at least two guide protrusions 82 may be provided on the pawl support 26, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential directions 12, 14, with a single connecting post extending between the at least two guide protrusions 82, connecting the outer post 70 and the inner post 72 to each other. In this case, all guide profiles may also be provided on the outer post 70, while the inner post 72 may only have adjustment profiles 96, 98.

[0054] List of reference numerals

[0055] 2. Clutch assembly

[0056] 4. Axial direction

[0057] 6. Axial direction

[0058] 8. Radial direction

[0059] 10 Radial direction

[0060] 12 Circumferential Direction

[0061] 14. Circumferential direction

[0062] 16 Rotation axis

[0063] 18 gears

[0064] 20 teeth

[0065] 22. Claw mechanism

[0066] 24. Shell

[0067] 26. Pawl support

[0068] 28 Opening

[0069] 30 screws

[0070] 32 Flange Section

[0071] 34 First pawl

[0072] 36 Pivot axis

[0073] 38 recess

[0074] 40 Front end section

[0075] 42 Rear end section

[0076] 44 First direction of rotation

[0077] 46 Second pawl

[0078] 48 Pivot axis

[0079] 50 recess

[0080] 52. Front end section

[0081] 54 Rear End Section

[0082] 56 Second direction of rotation

[0083] 58 Spring Components

[0084] 60 Spring Components

[0085] 62 Control elements

[0086] 64 Center

[0087] 66 sector

[0088] 68 Center

[0089] 70 external supports

[0090] 72 Internal pillars

[0091] 74 Connecting pillars

[0092] 76 Connecting pillars

[0093] 78 Opening

[0094] 80 end side

[0095] 82. Guiding Prominence

[0096] 84 First guiding contour

[0097] 86 Second Guide Profile

[0098] 88 Third Guided Profile

[0099] 90 Carrying gap

[0100] 92. Claw section

[0101] 94. Claw section

[0102] 96 First Adjustment Profile

[0103] 98 Second Adjustment Profile

[0104] 100 Covers

[0105] 102 Fixed mechanism

[0106] 104 driving elements

[0107] 106 directions

[0108] 108 directions

[0109] 110 Carrying Protrusion

[0110] 112 Opening

[0111] 114 Radial force

[0112] Location 116

[0113] A distance

[0114] α Central angle

Claims

1. A clutch device (2) having a rotatable gear (18) and a fixed pawl device (22), the pawl device having: a pawl support (26); a first pawl (34) pivotally arranged on the pawl support (26), the first pawl being pivotable from an open position to a locked position, in which the gear (18) is rotatable relative to the pawl device (22) in a first rotation direction (44), and in which rotation of the gear (18) in the first rotation direction (44) is locked by engaging the first pawl (34) with the gear (18); and an actuating element (62) directly engaging with the first pawl (34), the actuating element being movable relative to the pawl support (26) when the first pawl (34) is pivoted to the open or locked position, wherein, The actuating element (62) is movable relative to the pawl support (26) in the circumferential direction (12, 14) of the gear (18), wherein the actuating element (62) surrounds the opening (78), wherein the pawl section (92) of the first pawl (34) extends into the opening (78), characterized in that the actuating element (62) is arranged only within a sector (66) having a center (68) on the rotation axis (16) of the gear (18), wherein the sector (66) has a central angle (α) of up to 90°.

2. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pawl device (22) also has a second pawl (46) pivotally arranged on the pawl support (26), the second pawl being pivotable from an open position to a locked position, in which the gear (18) is able to rotate relative to the pawl device (22) in a second rotation direction (56) opposite to the first rotation direction (44), and in the locked position, the rotation of the gear (18) in the second rotation direction (56) is locked by engaging the second pawl (46) with the gear (18), wherein the actuating element (62) cooperates with the second pawl (46) such that the actuating element (62) is able to move relative to the pawl support (26) in the circumferential direction (12, 14) of the gear when the second pawl (46) is pivoted to its open or locked position.

3. The clutch device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) is capable of moving in an arc around the center (64) relative to the pawl support (26), and / or the pawl device (22) includes only the first pawl (34) or only the first and second pawls (34, 46).

4. The clutch device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The center (64) is located on one side of the actuating element (62) facing the rotation axis (16) of the gear (18).

5. The clutch device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The center (64) is located on the rotation axis (16) of the gear (18).

6. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) and the first and / or second pawl (46) are arranged only within a sector (66) having a center (68) on the rotation axis (16) of the gear (18).

7. The clutch device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sector (66) has a central angle (α) of up to 45°.

8. The clutch device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The control element (62) can be driven by a drive element (104) capable of linear motion.

9. The clutch device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driving element (104) is capable of tangential circular motion.

10. The clutch device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive element (104) or the actuation element (62) has a carrying protrusion (110) that extends into a carrying gap (90) on the actuation element (62) or the drive element (104).

11. The clutch device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The carrying gap (90) is an elongated hole or an elongated cut.

12. The clutch device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The pawl support (26) is integrally constructed or / and has recesses (38, 50), and the corresponding pawls (34; 46) are pivotally accommodated in the recesses about a pivot axis (36; 48) between the open position and the locked position.

13. The clutch device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The corresponding pawls (34; 46) have a front end section (40; 52) and a rear end section (42; 54) that engage with the gear (18), which are arranged on opposite sides of the pivot (36; 48), wherein the rear end section (42; 54) is directly supported or can be supported on the pawl support (26) at least in the locked position when the gear (18) is locked.

14. The clutch device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pawl support (26) is made of metal.

15. The clutch device (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The metal part is a sintered part, an extruded part, a die-cast part, or a component made by broaching.

16. The clutch device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) is arranged in the axial direction (4) next to or on the pawl support (26).

17. The clutch device (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) has an adjustment profile (96; 98) that engages with a pawl section (92; 94) of a corresponding pawl (34; 46) that extends in the axial direction (4) beyond the pawl support (26) and / or is supported or can be supported in the radial direction (8) on the extended pawl section (92; 94).

18. The clutch device (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) has at least one arcuate guide profile (84, 86, 88) supported in the radial direction (8, 10) on at least one guide protrusion (82) extending from the pawl support (26) in the axial direction (4).

19. The clutch device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The guide protrusion (82) is integrally constructed with the pawl bracket (26) or fixed to the pawl bracket (26) as a mounting component.

20. The clutch device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) is configured as a plate part and / or the pawl device (22) has a cover (100) which is fixed in the axial direction (4, 6) between the pawl support (26) and the cover (100) in the intermediate layer of the actuating element (62).

21. The clutch device (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) is configured as a hardened sheet metal component.

22. The clutch device (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuating element (62) extends in a radial plane.

23. The clutch device (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The cover (100) is indirectly supported or / and fixed to the pawl bracket (26) by the guide protrusion (82).

24. The clutch device (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The corresponding pawls (34; 46) are supported or can be supported on the cover (100) in the axial direction (4).

25. The clutch device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The pawl device (22) is arranged on a fixed housing (24) that houses the gear (18).

26. The clutch device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The pawl support (26) of the pawl device (22) is inserted into the opening (28) in the housing (24) or is integrally formed with the housing (24).

27. The clutch device (2) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The opening (28) is a radial opening.

28. The clutch device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The gear (18) is supported or can be supported on the housing (24) by a corresponding pawl (34; 46) and also by a portion (116) spaced apart from the pawl (34; 46).

29. The clutch device (2) according to claim 28, characterized in that, When the gear (18) is locked, it is directly supported or can be supported on the housing (24) by a corresponding pawl (34; 46) and also by a portion (116) spaced apart from the pawl (34; 46).

30. A pawl device (22) for a clutch mechanism, the pawl device comprising: a pawl support (26); a first pawl (34) pivotally disposed on the pawl support (26), the first pawl being pivotable from an open position to a locked position; and an actuating element (62) directly engaging with the first pawl (34), the actuating element being movable relative to the pawl support (26) when the first pawl (34) is pivoted to the open or locked position, wherein, The actuating element (62) is capable of moving in an arc around a center (64) relative to the pawl support (26), wherein the actuating element (62) surrounds an opening (78), wherein the pawl segment (92) of the first pawl (34) extends into the opening (78), characterized in that the actuating element (62) is arranged only within a sector (66) having the center (64), wherein the sector (66) has a central angle (α) of up to 90°.

31. The ratchet device (22) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The clutch device is the clutch device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

32. The ratchet device (22) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The sector (66) has a central angle (α) of up to 45°.

33. The ratchet device (22) according to claim 30, characterized in that, A second pawl (46) is also provided, which is pivotally arranged on the pawl support (26). The second pawl is pivotable from the open position to the locked position in a pivoting direction opposite to that of the first pawl (34). The actuating element (62) is able to move in an arc around the center (64) relative to the pawl support (26) when the second pawl (46) is pivoted to the open or locked position.

Images