Decoupling device and transfer case

Abstract

A decoupling device comprises: a ratchet (10); a hub member (20) comprising a plurality of actuation holes (223); a plurality of pawls (30); an actuating member (40) which can at least partially extend into the actuating hole (223); and the driving device (60) is used for driving the actuating piece (40) to extend into the actuating hole (223) or move out of the actuating hole (223). When the actuating piece (40) extends into the actuating hole (223), the pawl (30) is connected with the ratchet wheel (10). When the actuating piece (40) is moved out of the actuating hole (223), the pawl (30) is allowed to be separated from the ratchet wheel (10). Each pawl (30) comprises a first engagement portion (32) and a second engagement portion (33) for engaging with the teeth (11) of the ratchet (10) in two opposite directions, respectively. The invention further provides the transfer case comprising the decoupling device.

Description

Decoupling device and transfer case Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of decoupling devices, and in particular to a decoupling device and a transfer case comprising the decoupling device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in a transfer case of a vehicle, for example, two one-way clutches are provided to ensure bidirectional torque transmission, or a one-way clutch having pawls for two directions is provided.

[0003] FIG1 shows a possible one-way clutch with two-directional pawls. To ensure torque transmission in two directions, two groups of pawls 100 facing each other are provided. Both groups of pawls 100 can be controlled to engage or disengage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 200 .

[0004] In the case of providing two freewheeling clutches, the two freewheeling clutches require a large axial installation space and high costs.

[0005] In the case of the clutch shown in FIG. 1 comprising two sets of pawls 100 , since only half of the pawls are operable in each rotational direction, such a clutch cannot transmit large torques.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present application is to overcome or at least alleviate the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art and to provide a decoupling device that can transmit large torque.

[0008] The present application also provides a transfer case including the decoupling device.

[0009] An embodiment of the present application provides a decoupling device, comprising:

[0010] a ratchet comprising a plurality of teeth;

[0011] a hub member that is annular and includes a plurality of actuation holes;

[0012] a plurality of pawls rotatably mounted to the hub member;

[0013] an actuating member capable of at least partially extending into the actuating hole;

[0014] a driving device for driving the actuating member to extend into or move out of the actuating hole;

[0015] When the actuating member extends into the actuating hole, the actuating member climbs onto the back of the pawl, causing the distal end of the pawl to swing radially inward and engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

[0016] When the actuating member moves out of the actuating hole, the actuating member releases the pressure on the pawl, allowing the distal end of the pawl to swing radially outward and separate from the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

[0017] Each of the pawls includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being respectively configured to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel in two opposite directions.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, a base end of the pawl is rotatably connected to the hub member, the first engagement portion is formed at a distal end of the pawl, and the second engagement portion is formed at a position between the base end and the distal end of the pawl.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the actuator comprises: a plurality of actuator posts; and a connecting ring connecting the plurality of actuator posts together.

[0020] The connecting ring can drive the plurality of actuating posts to synchronously enter and exit the plurality of actuating holes.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the hub member includes a plurality of pawl mounting recesses for respectively mounting the plurality of pawls.

[0022] The actuating hole is a through hole that penetrates the hub member in the axial direction of the hub member. The actuating hole is communicated with the corresponding pawl mounting recess. When the actuating post extends into the actuating hole, the actuating post is squeezed between the hub member and the pawl.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the actuating column includes a column portion and an actuating column inclined surface, and the pawl includes a pressure-bearing surface formed on a back surface thereof and a pawl inclined surface connected to the pressure-bearing surface.

[0024] The cooperation between the inclined surface of the actuating column and the inclined surface of the pawl facilitates the column portion to climb onto the pressure surface, and the distal end of the pawl swings radially inward to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the decoupling device further includes a return spring, which is disposed between the actuating member and the hub component and is configured to move the actuating member out of the actuating hole.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the driving device includes a driving mechanism and a driving buffer mechanism, and the driving buffer mechanism is disposed between the driving mechanism and the actuating member.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the driving mechanism is or includes an electromagnet, a motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder, and the driving buffer mechanism is or includes a compression spring.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the drive device further comprises a bearing,

[0029] The driving mechanism is an electromagnet, which includes a coil, an armature, and a driving ring connected to the armature. The bearing is arranged between the driving ring and the driving buffer mechanism.

[0030] An embodiment of the present application further provides a transfer case including a decoupling device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the ratchet is connected to or includes an input shaft for connecting to a power input member, the hub member is torsionally connected to an output shaft, and the output shaft is for connecting to a driven member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG1 shows a possible structural example of a one-way clutch with two-directional pawls.

[0033] FIG2A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a decoupling device according to one embodiment of the present application, in which hatching is omitted.

[0034] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A , in which some structures are omitted.

[0035] FIG. 3A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A , in which hatching is omitted and the decoupling device is in a separated (decoupled) state.

[0036] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A , in which hatching is omitted and the decoupling device is in an engaged (coupled) state.

[0037] FIG. 4A shows a view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A as viewed along the axial direction, wherein the decoupling device is in a separated (decoupled) state.

[0038] FIG. 4B shows a view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A , viewed along the axial direction, wherein the decoupling device is in an engaged (coupled) state.

[0039] FIG. 4C shows a view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A as viewed along the axial direction, wherein the decoupling device is in another engaged (coupled) state.

[0040] FIG. 4D shows a view of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A , viewed along the axial direction, wherein the decoupling device is in a tooth top tooth state.

[0041] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an actuating post of the decoupling device of FIG. 2A .

[0042] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the pawl of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A .

[0043] FIG. 5C is a perspective view illustrating a positional relationship between an actuating post and a pawl of the decoupling device in FIG. 2A . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In this application, "torsionally rigid" refers to the ability to transmit torque between two components. For example, when a gear is attached to a shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, the gear and shaft can transmit torque and rotate together. For example, a spline connection can achieve a torsionally rigid connection.

[0046] 2A to 5C , embodiments of the present application provide a decoupling device. This decoupling device can be used, for example, in a transfer case to switch between disconnecting and connecting the power input of, for example, an electric vehicle's electric axle system. Of course, the applications of the decoupling device of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0047] 2A to 3B , the decoupling device may include a ratchet 10 , a hub member 20 , a plurality of pawls 30 , an actuator 40 , a return spring 50 , and a driving device 60 .

[0048] The ratchet 10 may be connected to or include an input shaft 90 for connecting to a power input member, so that the ratchet 10 can rotate at a certain speed. In the illustrated example, the ratchet 10 and the input shaft 90 are integrally formed. The power input member may be, for example, a differential, and the input shaft 90 may be a half shaft of the differential.

[0049] The decoupling device of this embodiment may further include an output shaft 70. The output shaft 70 may be torsionally connected to the hub member 20. For example, the torsionally connected output shaft 70 and the hub member 20 may be achieved by a spline connection or an interference fit. In the illustrated example, a retaining ring 71 is provided on one axial side of the hub member 20 (e.g., the left side in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) to achieve or assist in achieving axial relative positioning between the output shaft 70 and the hub member 20.

[0050] Here, one axial end of the output shaft 70 may extend into the inner hole of the ratchet 10 , and a bearing 73 may be provided between the output shaft 70 and the ratchet 10 .

[0051] The output shaft 70 can be connected to a driven member, for example, connected to the axle of a wheel via its internal spline 72. Thus, when the decoupling device is engaged (or coupled), power is input to the driven member.

[0052] A plurality of pawls 30 are evenly distributed along the circumference C of the hub member 20 and mounted on the hub member 20. The hub member 20 may include a mounting portion 21 for mounting on the output shaft 70, and a hub ring portion 22 extending from the mounting portion 21 toward the outside in the radial direction R and toward one axial side (the side where the ratchet 10 is located, the left side in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B). The hub ring portion 22 is formed with a plurality of pawl mounting recesses 221 that are recessed from one axial side to the other axial side. The plurality of pawls 30 can be rotatably (or swingably) mounted to the plurality of pawl mounting recesses 221.

[0053] A plurality of pawl return springs 80 may be installed between the pawl 30 and the hub member 20 to rotate the distal end of the pawl 30 (the end engaging with the teeth 11 of the ratchet 10) radially outward, that is, to separate the pawl 30 from the ratchet 10 (see FIG. 4A ). Referring to FIG. 2B , the pawl return springs 80 may be installed on a mounting post 222 formed at the bottom of the pawl mounting recess 221.

[0054] 2A to 3B , 5B , and 5C , the base end 31 of the pawl 30 may be cylindrical to facilitate mounting and rotation within the pawl mounting recess 221 . A first engaging portion 32 may be formed at the distal end of the pawl 30 . The first engaging portion 32 may engage with the circumferential tip of the teeth 11 of the ratchet 10 , thereby engaging the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 in a first direction. This is shown in FIG. 4B as an engaged (coupled) state. In FIG. 4B , when the ratchet 10 rotates clockwise, the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 rotate together.

[0055] A second engagement portion 33 can be formed at a position between the base end 31 and the distal end of the pawl 30. For example, the middle portion (or the portion closer to the front side of the middle portion) of the pawl 30 can form the second engagement portion 33. The second engagement portion 33 can engage with the top end of the other circumferential side of the teeth 11 of the ratchet 10, so that the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 engage in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. Here, another engagement (coupling) state shown in Figure 4C can be referred to. In Figure 4C, when the ratchet 10 rotates counterclockwise, the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 will rotate together.

[0056] 2A to 3B , the hub member 20 further includes a plurality of actuating holes 223, and the actuating member 40 (more specifically, the actuating column 41 described later) can at least partially extend into the actuating hole 223 to press the pawl 30 toward the ratchet 10, or move out of the actuating hole 223 (here, including the actuating column 41 being completely moved out or partially moved out of the actuating hole 223), thereby allowing the pawl 30 to separate from the ratchet 10.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the actuating hole 223 may be a through hole that penetrates the hub member 20 (more specifically, the hub ring portion 22 of the hub member 20) in the axial direction A. The actuating hole 223 may be in communication with the pawl mounting recess 221. When the actuating post 41 extends into the actuating hole 223, the actuating post 41 is pressed between the hub member 20 (i.e., the hole wall of the actuating hole 223) and the pawl 30. Thus, when the actuating post 41 passes through the actuating hole 223 and presses against the pawl 30, the actuating post 41 presses the pawl 30 radially inward at the radially outer side (back side) of the distal end portion of the pawl 30.

[0058] Here, the pawl 30 and the actuator 40 are installed and positioned by the same component (hub component 20), and the number of parts is small. The actuator 40 (actuating column 41) extends into the axial through hole of the hub component 20, which can provide stable and sufficient axial support for the actuator 40.

[0059] 2B , the actuator 40 may include a plurality of actuator posts 41 and a connecting ring 42 connecting the plurality of actuator posts 41. The plurality of actuator posts 41 may be inserted into or removed from the actuator holes 223. The number of actuator posts 41 may be the same as the number of pawls 30.

[0060] It can be understood that the structure of the actuator 40 of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the actuator 40 can also be in the form of a plurality of separate actuator columns, that is, it does not include the above-mentioned connecting ring.

[0061] 2B , in order to illustrate the structure of the pawl 30 , the pawl return spring 80 and the actuator 40 , the hub member 20 is moved toward one axial side (upper left side in FIG. 2B ) and part of the structure is omitted.

[0062] 5A to 5C , the actuating post 41 may include a post portion 412 and an actuating post inclined surface 411 formed at the top end of the actuating post 41. The provision of the actuating post inclined surface 411 allows the actuating post 41 to smoothly slide onto the back side (radially outer side) of the pawl 30.

[0063] The pawl 30 includes a pressure-receiving surface 34 formed on the outer side of its distal end and a pawl slope 35 formed on the other axial side (corresponding to the right side in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B) of the pressure-receiving surface 34. The provision of the pawl slope 35 allows the actuating post 41 to slide smoothly onto the pressure-receiving surface 34 of the pawl 30. For example, the pressure-receiving surface 34 and the surface of the post portion 412 of the actuating post 41 that contacts the pressure-receiving surface 34 may be curved surfaces having the same or similar curvature.

[0064] It is understood that the actuating post ramp 411 and the pawl ramp 35 may, but need not, exist at the same time.

[0065] 2A , 3A , and 3B , a return spring 50 may be disposed between the actuator 40 and the hub member 20 to push the actuator 40 from an engaged state (see FIG. 3B ) to a disengaged state (see FIG. 3A ). For example, the return spring 50 may be a wave spring that is compressed and disposed between the hub member 20 and the connecting ring 42 of the actuator 40.

[0066] The drive mechanism 60 is used to drive the actuator 40, causing the actuator 40 to drive the pawl 30, thereby engaging the pawl 30 with the teeth 11 of the ratchet wheel 10. When the drive mechanism 60 drives the actuator 40 axially to one side, thereby engaging the pawl 30 with the teeth 11 of the ratchet wheel 10, the return spring 50 is compressed, thereby accumulating elastic potential energy. After the drive mechanism 60 releases its driving force, the return spring 50 releases its elastic potential energy, causing the actuator 40 to move axially to the other side. Under the action of the pawl return spring 80, the pawl 30 disengages from the teeth 11 of the ratchet wheel 10 and returns to its original position.

[0067] It is understood that after the return spring 50 releases its elastic potential energy and causes the actuator 40 to move axially to the other side, the actuator 40, or at least a portion of the actuator post 41, may optionally remain in the actuator hole 223, thereby facilitating the subsequent smooth engagement of the decoupling device. In other words, the aforementioned insertion of the actuator 40 into the actuator hole 223 does not necessarily mean that the actuator 40 is completely removed from the actuator hole 223, and the aforementioned removal of the actuator 40 from the actuator hole 223 does not necessarily mean that the actuator 40 is completely removed from the actuator hole 223.

[0068] It is understood that the return spring 50 can also be regarded as a part of the drive device 60 .

[0069] In one possible solution, the driving device 60 may be connected to the actuating member 40 to drive the actuating member 40 to axially reciprocate. In this case, the return spring 50 may also be omitted.

[0070] The driving device 60 may include a driving mechanism 61 , a driving buffer mechanism 62 , and a bearing 63 . The driving buffer mechanism 62 and the bearing 63 may be disposed between the driving mechanism 61 and the actuator 40 .

[0071] In the illustrated example, the drive buffer mechanism 62 may be a compression spring, which may be referred to herein as an actuating spring. The actuating spring may be, for example, a wave spring. The bearing 63 may be a thrust bearing. The bearing 63 may be positioned between the actuating spring and the drive mechanism 61, and the actuating spring may be positioned between the bearing 63 and the actuating member 40. In this manner, the drive mechanism 61 may drive the actuating member 40 via the bearing 63 and the actuating spring (i.e., the drive buffer mechanism 62).

[0072] When the drive mechanism 61 drives the actuator 40 to move via the bearing 63 and the drive buffer mechanism 62, if the pawl 30 is in contact with the tooth top of the tooth 11 of the ratchet 10 (see Figure 4D), since the pawl 30 cannot rotate radially inward, the actuator 40 will not be able to move axially to one side and press onto the pressure surface 34 of the pawl 30. At this time, the drive buffer mechanism 62 can be compressed to absorb the movement of the drive mechanism 61, thereby preventing the drive mechanism 61 from experiencing movement failure or damage. After the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 rotate a small angle, the pawl 30 can move radially inward and engage with the tooth 11. At this time, the drive buffer mechanism 62 can release the movement it has absorbed (for example, the elastic potential energy of the actuating spring), allowing the pawl 30 to quickly move radially inward and engage with the tooth 11. It can be seen that the setting of the drive buffer mechanism 62 can, on the one hand, avoid the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 from being forced into engagement and causing teeth to clash, or avoid the drive mechanism 61 from being blocked from movement and causing movement failure or damage; on the other hand, it can accelerate the engagement of the ratchet 10 and the pawl 30 and improve the performance of the decoupling device.

[0073] It is understood that the drive buffer mechanism 62 may also be of other structures or forms. For example, the drive buffer mechanism 62 may include elastic materials such as rubber. For example, the drive buffer mechanism 62 may be a rubber spring or a composite spring.

[0074] Here, the driving mechanism 61 may include an electromagnet, a motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder, etc. When the driving mechanism 61 is a driving mechanism with a certain degree of motion flexibility, such as an electromagnet or a cylinder, the driving buffer mechanism 62 may also be omitted.

[0075] The drive mechanism 61 can be mounted on a housing (not shown) of the decoupling device, so that the drive mechanism 61 does not rotate with the hub member 20 and the output shaft 70. It will be appreciated that if the drive mechanism 61 rotates with the hub member 20 and the output shaft 70, the bearing 63 can be omitted.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the drive mechanism 61 is an electromagnet. The drive mechanism 61 includes a coil 611, an armature 612, and a drive ring 613 connected to the armature 612. A bearing 63 is mounted on the drive ring 613. When the coil 611 is energized, it causes the armature 612 and drive ring 613 to move axially, thereby driving the actuator 40 axially via the bearing 63 and the drive buffer mechanism 62, causing the decoupling device to engage. It should be understood that the structure and operating method of the electromagnet serving as the drive mechanism 61 are not limited to this.

[0077] An embodiment of the present application further provides a transfer case comprising the decoupling device of the present application.

[0078] The ratchet 10 may be connected to or include an input shaft 90 for connecting with a power input member, and the hub member 20 may be torsionally connected with an output shaft 70 for connecting with a driven member.

[0079] The embodiments of the present application further provide a vehicle drive device, which may include the above-mentioned decoupling device or the above-mentioned transfer case. The vehicle may be a fuel vehicle, a pure electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle.

[0080] The working mode of the decoupling device of the present application is briefly described below.

[0081] 3A and 4A , when the decoupling device is disengaged, or in the disengaged state, the electromagnet serving as the drive mechanism 61 is de-energized, and the return spring 50 axially pushes the actuator 40, the drive buffer mechanism 62, the bearing 63, the drive ring 613, and the armature 612. Under the action of the pawl return spring 80, the pawl 30 disengages from the teeth 11 of the ratchet wheel 10, moves away from the ratchet wheel 10 (i.e., the distal end of the pawl 30 swings radially outward), and resets.

[0082] At this time, when the decoupling device of the present application is applied to a vehicle, for example, a power input member of a differential can drive the input shaft 90 and the ratchet 10 to rotate. The rotation speed of the hub member 20 and the output shaft 70 can be different from the rotation speed of the input shaft 90 and the ratchet 10.

[0083] When the decoupling device is engaged, the electromagnet serving as the driving mechanism 61 is energized, and the armature 612 and the driving ring 613 move axially to one side, thereby driving the actuator 40 to move axially to one side via the bearing 63 and the driving buffer mechanism 62, and the actuating column 41 climbs onto the pawl 30 (that is, the column portion 412 of the actuating column 41 is pressed onto the pressure surface 34 of the pawl 30), and the pawl 30 engages with the teeth 11 of the ratchet 10, thereby engaging the decoupling device.

[0084] At this time, when the decoupling device of the present application is applied to, for example, a vehicle, the input shaft 90 , the ratchet 10 , the hub member 20 , and the output shaft 70 can be driven to rotate together by, for example, a power input member of a differential.

[0085] The following briefly describes some of the beneficial effects of the decoupling device of the present application.

[0086] In the decoupling device of the present embodiment, multiple pawls 30 are provided, each having the same shape, structure, and mounting method. Each pawl 30 has a first engagement portion 32 and a second engagement portion 33, capable of engaging with the teeth 11 of the ratchet wheel 10 in both directions. This allows each pawl to transfer loads in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, enhancing the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of the device.

[0087] Allowing each pawl to transfer loads in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions allows for higher torque transmission within the same space or volume.

[0088] The actuating post inclined surface 411 cooperates with the pawl inclined surface 35 so that the actuating post 41 can slide smoothly to the back side of the pawl 30 , thereby enabling the pawl 30 and the ratchet wheel 10 to engage smoothly and reliably.

[0089] The column portion 412 of the actuating column 41 matches the shape of the pressure surface 34 of the pawl 30 , and can provide a self-locking function, so that the engagement between the pawl 30 and the ratchet 10 is reliable.

[0090] For example, a drive buffer mechanism 62 in the form of an actuating spring is arranged between the actuating member 40 and the drive mechanism 61. When a tooth top tooth situation occurs between the pawl 30 and the ratchet 10, the drive buffer mechanism 62 can absorb the movement of the drive mechanism 61, accumulate energy, improve the performance of the decoupling device, and improve the NVH performance of the device.

[0091] It should be understood that at least some aspects or features of the above-mentioned embodiments, examples or examples may be appropriately combined.

[0092] It is understood that in this application, when the number of parts or components is not specifically limited, the number may be one or more, and the term "plurality" herein refers to two or more. Where the number of parts or components is shown in the drawings and / or described in the specification as a specific number, such as two, three, or four, the specific number is generally illustrative and not restrictive, and may be understood as a plurality, i.e., two or more. However, this does not mean that this application excludes the case of one.

[0093] In this application, unless otherwise clearly stated or limited, terms such as "install", "assemble", "connect", "connect", "couple", "link", "abut", "connect", "interconnect", "communicate", "connect", "connect", "fix", "fasten", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, they can be direct or indirect. For example, with respect to connection, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly stated or limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0094] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly stated or limited, a component is set on / installed on / located on / accommodated on / housed in / placed in, within, or inside another component, and a component is inserted into / extended into / extended into or inside another component, etc., which may be any of the following two situations: a part or most of the component is located in the other component; and the component is completely accommodated / housed in the other component.

[0095] The present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, examples or examples. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments, examples or examples of the present application under the guidance of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0096] Industrial practicality

[0097] Embodiments of the present application provide a decoupling device. This decoupling device can be used, for example, in a transfer case to switch between disconnecting and connecting the power input of, for example, an electric vehicle's electric axle system. Of course, the use of the decoupling device of the present application is not limited to this.

[0098] Reference Signs List

[0099] 100 Pawl

[0100] 200 Ratchet

[0101] 10 Ratchet

[0102] 11 teeth

[0103] 20 hub component

[0104] 21 Installation

[0105] 22 Hub ring

[0106] 221 Pawl mounting recess

[0107] 222 Mounting Column

[0108] 223 Actuation hole

[0109] 30 Pawl

[0110] 31 base end

[0111] 32 first joint

[0112] 33 Second joint

[0113] 34 Pressure surface

[0114] 35 pawl ramp

[0115] 40 Actuator

[0116] 41 Actuating column

[0117] 411 Actuating column ramp

[0118] 412 Column

[0119] 42 connecting ring

[0120] 50 return spring

[0121] 60 drive unit

[0122] 61 driving mechanism

[0123] 611 Coil

[0124] 612 Armature

[0125] 613 drive ring

[0126] 62 drive buffer mechanism

[0127] 63 bearings

[0128] 70 Output shaft

[0129] 71 Snap Ring

[0130] 72 internal spline

[0131] 73 bearings

[0132] 80 Pawl return spring

[0133] 90 Input shaft

[0134] A Axial

[0135] R Radial

[0136] C Circumferential

Claims

1. A decoupling device, comprising: a ratchet wheel (10) comprising a plurality of teeth (11); a hub member (20) having an annular shape and including a plurality of actuation holes (223); a plurality of pawls (30) rotatably mounted to the hub member (20); an actuating member (40) capable of at least partially extending into the actuating hole (223); a driving device (60) for driving the actuating member (40) to extend into the actuating hole (223) or to move out of the actuating hole (223), When the actuating member (40) extends into the actuating hole (223), the actuating member (40) climbs onto the back of the pawl (30), causing the distal end of the pawl (30) to swing radially inward and engage with the teeth (11) of the ratchet wheel (10). When the actuating member (40) moves out of the actuating hole (223), the actuating member (40) releases the pressure on the pawl (30), allowing the distal end of the pawl (30) to swing radially outward and separate from the teeth (11) of the ratchet wheel (10). Each of the pawls (30) comprises a first engaging portion (32) and a second engaging portion (33), wherein the first engaging portion (32) and the second engaging portion (33) are respectively used to engage with the teeth (11) of the ratchet wheel (10) in two opposite directions.

2. The decoupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The base end of the pawl (30) is rotatably connected to the hub member (20), the first engaging portion (32) is formed at the distal end of the pawl (30), and the second engaging portion (33) is formed at a position between the base end and the distal end of the pawl (30).

3. The decoupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating member (40) includes: a plurality of actuating posts (41); and a connecting ring (42) connecting the plurality of actuating posts (41) together. The connecting ring (42) can drive the plurality of actuating posts (41) to synchronously enter and exit the plurality of actuating holes (223).

4. The decoupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hub member (20) includes a plurality of pawl mounting recesses (221) for mounting the plurality of pawls (30) respectively. The actuating hole (223) is a through hole that penetrates the hub member (20) in the axial direction (A) of the hub member (20). The actuating hole (223) is connected to the corresponding pawl mounting recess (221). When the actuating column (41) extends into the actuating hole (223), the actuating column (41) is squeezed between the hub member (20) and the pawl (30).

5. The decoupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuating column (41) includes a column portion (412) and an actuating column inclined surface (411), and the pawl (30) includes a pressure-receiving surface (34) formed on its back side and a pawl inclined surface (35) connected to the pressure-receiving surface (34). The cooperation between the actuating column inclined surface (411) and the pawl inclined surface (35) facilitates the column portion (412) to climb onto the pressure surface (34), and the distal end of the pawl (30) swings radially inward to engage with the teeth (11) of the ratchet (10).

6. The decoupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a return spring (50), which is arranged between the actuating member (40) and the hub member (20) and is used to move the actuating member (40) out of the actuating hole (223).

7. The decoupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device (60) comprises a driving mechanism (61) and a driving buffer mechanism (62), wherein the driving buffer mechanism (62) is arranged between the driving mechanism (61) and the actuating member (40).

8. The decoupling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (61) is or includes an electromagnet, a motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder, and the driving buffer mechanism (62) is or includes a compression spring.

9. The decoupling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The driving device (60) further includes a bearing (63), The driving mechanism (61) is an electromagnet comprising a coil (611), an armature (612), and a driving ring (613) connected to the armature (612); the bearing (63) is arranged between the driving ring (613) and the driving buffer mechanism (62).

10. A transfer case comprising the decoupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The transfer case according to claim 10, characterized in that: The ratchet (10) is connected to or includes an input shaft (90) for connecting to a power input member, the hub member (20) is connected to an output shaft (70) in a torsionally fixed manner, and the output shaft (70) is used to connect to a driven member.

Images