Selectable clutch

Abstract

The invention provides a selectable clutch which is capable of switching operation modes with a simple structure, high in responsiveness, capable of ensuring expected torque capacity, less in loosening and noise, and capable of performing switching operation with a small force even if the transmission torque is large. Specifically, the present invention is provided with: a first clutch mechanism in which a lock member (150) that moves and / or rotates is disposed between a first rotating element (110) and a second rotating element (120), and which is configured so as to be able to transmit rotation at an arbitrary rotation angle; a second clutch mechanism configured so as to be able to transmit rotation at a predetermined rotation angle by engagement between the first engagement element (131) and the second engagement element (141); and an operation mechanism that switches the operation of at least the first clutch mechanism and / or the second clutch mechanism, and is configured so as to be able to switch between transmission and interruption of the relative rotation between the first shaft and the second shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a selectable clutch, which comprises: a clutch mechanism for transmitting and cutting off the rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft which are arranged to be relatively rotatable on the same axis; and an operating mechanism for switching the action of the clutch mechanism and being able to switch the transmission and cutting off of the relative rotation between the first shaft and the second shaft. Background Art

[0002] As a clutch that controls transmission and interruption of rotation between two shafts, a two-way clutch that can switch between driving and idling in both the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction is known.

[0003] A clutch composed of a ratchet clutch or a dog clutch is known, but since the rotation can be transmitted only at a predetermined rotation angle and the rotation is transmitted by rigid engagement, looseness is easily generated and noise is also large.

[0004] There is a certain bidirectional clutch that is constructed to switch between a locked state that prohibits the relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring (transmits the rotational force) and an idling state that allows the relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring (cuts off the rotational force) by tilting a cam or a wedge, and can transmit rotation at any rotation angle (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 3 describes a two-way clutch with a switching mechanism, which can control a retainer to switch between three action modes: a two-way idling mode, a one-way locking mode, and a two-way locking mode, and can transmit rotation at any rotation angle. The retainer can hold a roller serving as a power transmission component in a neutral position or an engagement position on one side of a cam surface formed on the inner circumference of an outer ring.

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-220509

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-182589

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-219015

[0010] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-190255 Summary of the invention

[0011] In the two-way clutch described in Patent Document 1, when the input-side rotating body rotates relative to the output-side rotating body, the input-side rotating body and the output-side rotating body are switched to engage and disengage by tilting the wedge in the same direction as the rotation direction of the input-side rotating body. Therefore, there is a problem that time loss occurs when switching the rotation direction, resulting in poor responsiveness. In addition, the two-way clutch described in Patent Document 2 also has the same problem.

[0012] Although the two-way clutch described in Patent Document 3 can transmit power in two directions simultaneously by means of a leaf spring-shaped member, the power transmission is performed by friction, and therefore there is a problem in that the torque that can be transmitted is small relative to the size of the two-way clutch.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve such problems and provide a cam clutch with a simple structure, capable of switching the operation mode, high responsiveness and capable of ensuring the expected torque capacity, the applicant invented a cam clutch having an operation mode switching mechanism shown in Patent Document 4.

[0014] However, in these types of clutches that clamp and lock the cam or roller, the cam or roller can be locked at a free position in each direction, and the torque is transmitted by slightly rotating relative to each other from the start of torque transmission and then strongly engaging the cam or roller. Therefore, in the two-way locking mode, even if the rotational torque disappears, the slight relative rotation when the engagement of one side is released will cause the cam or roller on the other side to engage, and the engagement will remain on the cams or rollers in both directions.

[0015] In order to switch to the bidirectional idling mode or the unidirectional idling mode in this state, the force of the cam or roller engagement needs to be released, and when the transmitted torque is large, the engagement will also increase. Therefore, when transmitting a large torque, a switching mechanism with a structure that can generate a large force is required.

[0016] The present invention is an invention for solving these problems. The technical problem to be solved is to provide a selectable clutch that can switch the action mode with a simple structure, has high responsiveness, can ensure the expected torque capacity, has less looseness and noise, and can perform switching operations with lighter force even if the transmitted torque is large.

[0017] The present invention is a selectable clutch, comprising: a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism, which transmit and cut off the rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft which are arranged to be able to rotate relative to each other on the same axis; and an operating mechanism, which at least switches the action of the first clutch mechanism and / or the second clutch mechanism, and can switch the transmission and cutting of the relative rotation between the first shaft and the second shaft. The problem can be solved by the following contents, that is, the first clutch mechanism is constructed so that a locking component that moves and / or rotates is arranged between the first rotating element and the second rotating element, and the rotation can be transmitted at an arbitrary rotation angle; and the second clutch mechanism is constructed so that the rotation can be transmitted at a specified rotation angle through the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element.

[0018] According to the invention involved in technical solution 1 of the present invention, the first clutch mechanism is constructed so that a locking component that moves and / or rotates is arranged between the first rotating element and the second rotating element and can transmit rotation at an arbitrary rotation angle, and the second clutch mechanism is constructed so that rotation can be transmitted at a specified rotation angle through the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element. Since the first clutch mechanism can transmit rotation at an arbitrary rotation angle, it is possible to achieve loose-free rotation transmission in both directions in a two-way locking mode, and in the relative rotation when the rotational torque disappears and the engagement of the first clutch mechanism is released, no engagement will occur on the second clutch mechanism, and even if the transmitted torque is large, the switching operation can be performed with a lighter force.

[0019] Furthermore, by releasing the second clutch mechanism and operating the one-way freewheeling mode using the first clutch mechanism, relative rotation with extremely little noise and rotational resistance can be achieved.

[0020] According to the configurations of claims 2 and 3 of the present invention, by configuring the first clutch mechanism with a so-called cam clutch, the operation mode of the first clutch mechanism can be switched with a simple configuration, and high responsiveness and a desired torque capacity can be ensured.

[0021] According to the invention according to claim 4 , by configuring the second clutch mechanism with a so-called ratchet-type one-way clutch, it is possible to ensure high responsiveness and a desired torque capacity.

[0022] According to the configuration involved in solution 5 of the present invention, by arranging the first engaging element and the second engaging element relative to each other in the axial direction and configuring the operating mechanism to enable the first engaging element or the second engaging element to move in the axial direction, the action mode of the second clutch mechanism can be switched with a simple structure.

[0023] According to the structure involved in the sixth technical solution, the first engaging element is formed by a plurality of pawls arranged on the end face of the outer ring, and the second engaging element is formed by ratchet teeth, wherein the ratchet teeth are configured to extend from the end face of the inner ring toward the outer peripheral direction, thereby achieving compactness with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a selectable clutch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The selectable clutch is shown in a sectional perspective view from another direction.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded illustration of the selectable clutch is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a selectable clutch is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a selectable clutch is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of a selectable clutch is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the selectable clutch shown.

[0031] Figure 8 This is an enlarged illustration of the cam.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 100-selectable clutch; 110-outer ring (first rotating element); 111-cam sliding surface; 120-inner ring (second rotating element); 121-cam sliding surface; 122-selector sliding surface; 123-inner ring pressure plate; 130-pawl retaining component; 131-pawl (first engaging element); 140-ratchet retaining component; 141-ratchet (second engaging element); 150-cam (locking component); 151-side plate; 152-pressing portion; 160-selector component; 170-spring (force adding unit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 7 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a selectable clutch 100 involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism, which transmit and cut off the rotation of the first shaft and the second shaft, and the first shaft and the second shaft are arranged to be coaxially rotatable relative to each other; and an operating mechanism, which switches the actions of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism, wherein the first clutch mechanism is a cam clutch that is configured to transmit rotation at any rotation angle and has a self-rotating locking component, i.e., a cam 150, between the first rotating element, i.e., an inner ring 120, and the second rotating element, i.e., an outer ring 110.

[0036] The second clutch mechanism is a ratchet-type one-way clutch capable of transmitting rotation at a predetermined rotation angle by engaging the ratchet 141 provided on the ratchet holding member 140 as the first engagement element with the ratchet pawl 131 provided on the ratchet holding member 130 as the second engagement element.

[0037] The ratchet pawl 131 is configured to engage with the ratchet tooth 141 during relative rotation in one direction, and to pass over the ratchet tooth 141 while changing the relative distance therebetween during relative rotation in the other direction.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the pawl 131 has the same shape as the ratchet tooth 141 and the pawl holding member 130 and the ratchet tooth holding member 140 are configured to move relative to each other in the axial direction. However, each pawl 131 itself may be configured to be swingable relative to the pawl holding member 130 .

[0039] The pawl holding member 130 is fixed to the end surface of the outer ring 110, and the ratchet holding member 140 is fixed to the inner ring 120 and is arranged to extend from the end surface of the inner ring 120 toward the outer circumference. The pawl 131 and the ratchet 141 are arranged to face each other in the axial direction.

[0040] Furthermore, a side plate 151 is attached to the outer ring 110 , and the axial position of the cam 150 constituting the first clutch mechanism is regulated between the pawl holding member 130 and the side plate 151 .

[0041] The operating mechanism for switching the operation of the first clutch mechanism includes a selector member 160 that is externally fitted to the inner ring 120 and is slidable in the axial direction on the selector sliding surface 122 of the inner ring 120 .

[0042] Furthermore, an inner ring pressure plate 123 is disposed at the end of the inner ring 120 to limit the movement of the selector member 160 and prevent it from falling off.

[0043] like Figure 8As shown, on the first clutch mechanism, by winding the spring 170 on the pressing portion 152, the cam 150 is urged toward the inner ring 120 side, and is urged to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, so as to be in contact with both the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110, thereby allowing the relative rotation of the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 in one direction and cutting off the transmission of the rotational torque, and the relative rotation of the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 in the other direction is constructed so that the cam 150 is slightly rotated in the direction of the arrow and wedge-shapedly meshed between the cam sliding surfaces 111, 121 of the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110, thereby preventing the relative rotation and transmitting the rotational torque.

[0044] The selector component 160 is constructed to slide axially on the selector sliding surface 122 of the inner ring 120 and be inserted under the pressing portion 152, and to resist the force of the spring 170 to maintain the cam 150 in a posture where it is not subjected to force from both the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110, thereby allowing free relative rotation in two directions between the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 and cutting off the transmission of rotational torque in two directions.

[0045] The operating mechanism for switching the action of the second clutch mechanism is constructed to change the interval between the ratchet 141 provided on the ratchet retaining component 140 and the pawl 131 provided on the pawl retaining component 130 by moving the inner ring 120 itself axially relative to the outer ring 110, and switch the following states, namely: a state in which the ratchet mechanism can be operated and transmits rotation in only one direction; and a state in which the pawl 131 does not contact the ratchet 141 and the transmission of rotational torque in both directions is cut off.

[0046] In addition, by utilizing the aforementioned inner ring pressure plate 123 and the selector member 160, excessive sliding of the inner ring 120 can be restricted during the switching action.

[0047] The operation of the selectable clutch 100 configured as above will be described.

[0048] Figure 1 , 2 The states shown in , 4, and 5 are the states of the bidirectional idling mode, in which the selector component 160 abuts against the pressing portion 152 of the cam 150 and the first clutch mechanism becomes idling, while the inner ring 120 slides to a state where the pawl 131 does not contact the ratchet tooth 141 and the second clutch mechanism also becomes idling.

[0049] From this state, when the selector member 160 is slid to release the contact between the selector member 160 and the pressing portion 152 of the cam 150 , the first clutch mechanism operates as a one-way clutch and enters the one-way freewheeling mode.

[0050] Furthermore, when the selector component 160 is slid, the selector component 160 will abut against the inner ring pressure plate 123, and the inner ring 120 will also slide as a whole, so that the pawl 131 and the ratchet tooth 141 can engage with each other, and the second clutch mechanism will act as a one-way clutch for rotation in the opposite direction to that of the first clutch mechanism, thereby forming a two-way locking mode that transmits rotation in both directions.

[0051] This action can also be performed by directly sliding the inner ring 120.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the selector component 160 of the first clutch mechanism can abut against the pressing portion 152 of the cam 150 only at the position of the inner ring 120 where the second clutch mechanism is in an idling state. When the first clutch mechanism is switched from the bidirectional idling mode using the selector component 160, the inner ring 120 can be slid by the same action to switch the second clutch mechanism, thereby directly becoming a bidirectional locking mode.

[0053] When the mode is switched from the two-way locking mode, the inner ring 120 will slide simultaneously by sliding the selector member 160, and the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism will enter the idle state, becoming Figure 1 , 2 , 4, and 5 show the bidirectional idling mode.

[0054] Furthermore, when the first clutch mechanism is switched from the bidirectional idling mode by the selector member 160, if the operation is stopped at a position where the inner ring 120 does not slide, the second clutch mechanism can be maintained in idling, thus achieving the unidirectional idling mode.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention described in the claims.

[0056] Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the selector component 160 of the first clutch mechanism can abut against the pressing portion 152 of the cam 150 only at the position of the inner ring 120 where the second clutch mechanism is in an idling state, it can also be configured to be able to switch independently and only the second clutch mechanism works as a one-way clutch. On the other hand, it can also have a one-way idling mode in the opposite direction and can switch between 4 modes.

[0057] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, other known switching mechanisms may be respectively adopted, wherein the switching mechanism has a selector member 160 capable of sliding the operating mechanism of the first clutch mechanism in the axial direction, and the operating mechanism of the second clutch mechanism is formed to be operated by sliding the inner ring 120 .

[0058] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the cam 150 serving as the first clutch mechanism may be formed into different shapes according to the torque resistance required thereof, etc. Although it is a cam clutch having the first clutch mechanism, it may also be a clutch capable of transmitting rotation at any rotation angle by slightly moving a roller or the like and meshing between two rotating elements.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the second clutch mechanism is constituted by the pawl 131 and the ratchet tooth 141 that are opposed to each other in the axial direction, but they may be opposed to each other in the radial direction.

[0060] Furthermore, when the one-way freewheeling mode in the reverse direction is not provided as in the above-mentioned embodiment, a dog clutch shape in which the second clutch mechanism does not have the function of a one-way clutch may be adopted.

[0061] The cam may be formed into different shapes depending on the torque resistance required of the cam.

Claims

1. A selectable clutch, comprising: a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism, which transmit and cut off the rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft which are arranged to be relatively rotatable on the same axis; and an operating mechanism, which switches at least the operation of the first clutch mechanism and / or the second clutch mechanism and can switch the transmission and cutting of the relative rotation between the first shaft and the second shaft, characterized in that: The first clutch mechanism is configured such that a locking member that moves and / or rotates is disposed between the first rotating element and the second rotating element, and can transmit rotation at an arbitrary rotation angle. The second clutch mechanism is configured to transmit rotation at a predetermined rotation angle through engagement between the first engagement element and the second engagement element.

2. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating element and the second rotating element are composed of an outer ring and an inner ring which are arranged at overlapping positions in the axial direction. The locking component is a cam, The first clutch mechanism includes a plurality of cams provided in a circumferential direction between the outer ring and the inner ring, and an urging unit for urging the plurality of cams.

3. The selectable clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The operating mechanism includes a selector member capable of switching between permission and prevention of the rotation of the cam.

4. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first engaging element and the second engaging element, one of which has ratchet teeth and the other of which has ratchet claws, are arranged to face each other.

5. The selectable clutch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first engaging element and the second engaging element are arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction. The operating mechanism is configured to be able to move the first engaging element or the second engaging element in the axial direction.

6. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating element and the second rotating element are composed of an outer ring and an inner ring which are arranged at overlapping positions in the axial direction. The first engaging element and the second engaging element are arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first engaging element is composed of a plurality of pawls provided on the end surface of the outer ring. The second engagement element is constituted by ratchet teeth, and the ratchet teeth are arranged so as to extend from the end surface of the inner ring toward the outer circumference.

Images