Bidirectional overrunning clutch

Abstract

The invention provides a bidirectional overrunning clutch. The bidirectional overrunning clutch comprises a shell, a driving shaft, a driving disc, a transmission disc and a driven disc, the shell sleeves the outer side of the driving shaft to form a containing space, and the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc sequentially sleeve the driving shaft; the driving disc is fixedly connected with the driving shaft, and the transmission disc is in transmission connection with the driving disc in an axial moving manner; an elastic element is arranged for pushing the transmission disc to move in the axial direction; the driving disc is provided with bidirectional ramp grooves and balls, the balls roll along the grooves to push the transmission disc to compress the elastic elements so as to achieve transmission combination or separation with the driven disc, and transmission is sensitive and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical transmission, in particular to a two-way overrunning clutch Background Art

[0002] A bidirectional overrunning clutch is a special mechanical transmission device that enables a driving shaft to drive the rotation of a driven shaft in both the forward and reverse directions. When the driving shaft stops applying driving torque, the driven shaft can rotate freely relative to the driving shaft. Existing bidirectional overrunning clutch structures generally include ratchets, wedges, rollers, or other similar components, utilizing friction or meshing principles to achieve unidirectional transmission, while achieving bidirectional drive through symmetrical configurations or other arrangements. Therefore, bidirectional overrunning clutches offer compactness, rapid response, and high reliability, making them widely used in mechanical transmission systems requiring bidirectional drive and where the driven end occasionally experiences overspeed.

[0003] However, although the existing two-way overrunning clutch can adapt to the two-way drive of the driving shaft to the driven shaft, it is usually unable to achieve the freedom of movement of the driven shaft when it is actively rotating alone. That is, when the driven shaft is reversely driven at a speed higher than the driving shaft, the mechanism will usually lock or reverse self-lock, making it impossible for the driven shaft to operate independently. This characteristic greatly limits the application of the two-way overrunning clutch. In addition, in order to solve the above problems, complex mechanical structures (such as electromagnetic clutches, hydraulic controls or mechanical clutches with special structures, etc.) are currently used to achieve independent rotation of the driven shaft or complete disconnection when the driving shaft stops driving. However, this has caused the clutch to increase in size significantly and the structure is too complex to meet the application requirements of limited space layout. Therefore, how to realize a two-way clutch device with a simple structure, reliable performance and smaller space occupation has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above technical defects, the object of the present invention is to provide a bidirectional overrunning clutch.

[0005] The invention discloses a bidirectional overrunning clutch, which comprises a housing, a driving shaft, a driving disc, a transmission disc and a driven disc.

[0006] The housing is disposed outside the driving shaft and defines a housing space. At least a portion of the driving shaft, the driving disc, and the transmission disc are disposed within the housing space. The driving shaft extends along a first direction. The driving disc, the transmission disc, and the driven disc are all sleeved around the driving shaft and arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0007] The driving disc is fixedly connected to the driving shaft, and the transmission disc is drivingly connected to the driving disc and can move in a first direction.

[0008] When the transmission disc is in the first position, the transmission disc is in driving connection with the driven disc, so that the driving shaft drives the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc to rotate. When the transmission disc is in the second position, the transmission disc is separated from the driven disc.

[0009] A guide groove is provided on the outer surface of the transmission disc; a guide pin is provided on the outer shell, the guide pin passes through the outer shell and slides in the guide groove; when the transmission disc is in the first position, the guide pin is disengaged from the guide groove; when the transmission disc is in the second position, the guide pin is located in the guide groove.

[0010] Preferably, the bidirectional overrunning clutch includes an elastic element. The elastic element is disposed on the driving shaft and abuts against the driven disc. When the elastic element is compressed, the driving disc is in a first position. When the elastic element is not compressed, the elastic element pushes the driving disc to a second position.

[0011] Preferably, the bidirectional overrunning clutch further comprises at least one bidirectional ramp groove; a first portion of the at least one bidirectional ramp groove is provided on the driving plate, and a second portion is provided on the transmission plate; a ball is provided in the bidirectional ramp groove, and the ball can roll freely along the bidirectional ramp groove; When at least one ball rolls and abuts the transmission disc, the active disc compresses the elastic element through the ball, thereby driving the transmission disc to rotate; when at least one ball rolls and separates from the transmission disc, the elastic element is in a natural state, and the active disc and the transmission disc are separated.

[0012] Preferably, the bidirectional overrunning clutch is provided with three or more bidirectional ramp grooves; and a ball is provided in each bidirectional ramp groove.

[0013] Preferably, ratchets are provided on the end surface of the transmission disc facing the driven disc and the end surface of the driven disc facing the transmission disc, respectively. When the transmission disc is located at the first position, the ratchets of the transmission disc and the ratchets of the driven disc mesh with each other for transmission.

[0014] Preferably, a self-lubricating copper sleeve is embedded in the transmission disc and is sleeved on the driving shaft.

[0015] Preferably, the bidirectional overrunning clutch comprises a flat key, and the driving disc is mounted on the driving shaft via the flat key.

[0016] Preferably, a first clamping spring and a second clamping spring are respectively provided at both ends of the driving shaft in contact with the housing. The first clamping spring and the second clamping spring fix the driving shaft in the first direction.

[0017] Compared with the existing technology, the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: 1. In the bidirectional overrunning clutch designed in this invention, the drive plate can be switched between a first position and a second position. This allows for complete physical separation between the drive plate and the driven plate, making engagement and disengagement more sensitive and precise, significantly improving bidirectional transmission efficiency and reducing energy loss and noise caused by idling. Furthermore, the design of guide pins and guide slots effectively enhances the precision and reliability of meshing, preventing tooth wear caused by relative rotation when the meshing is not fully engaged, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the mechanism.

[0018] 2. The coordinated design of the bidirectional ramp groove and ball bearings allows for flexible axial movement of the drive plate and completely separates the drive plate from the active plate, allowing the active, drive, and driven plates to operate independently, further enhancing the effectiveness of bidirectional transmission. Combined with the elastic recovery effect of the elastic element, the structure is simple and reliable, with rapid response, improving riding agility and stability. Ratchet structures are incorporated on the opposing end surfaces of the drive and driven plates, increasing the meshing area, further improving clutch reliability and extending product life.

[0019] 3. A self-lubricating copper sleeve embedded within the drive plate effectively reduces friction between the drive shaft and the drive plate, extending component life and improving overall operational stability. The drive plate is secured to the drive shaft via a flat key, and retaining springs at both ends of the drive shaft provide a more compact and stable structure for the bidirectional overrunning clutch, making it easier to install, maintain, and mass-produce. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application when stationary; Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided by the present application when stationary from another angle; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application during operation; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided by the present application during operation from another angle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the two-way overrunning clutch provided in this application from another angle.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. First bearing; 3. Driving shaft; 4. First retaining spring; 5. Flat key; 6. Driving plate; 61. First section of bidirectional ramp groove; 7. Ball bearing; 8. Transmission plate; 81. Transmission tooth surface; 82. Transmission plate end face ratchet; 83. Second section of bidirectional ramp groove; 9. Second bearing; 10. Driven plate; 101. Driven tooth surface; 102. Driven plate end face ratchet; 11. Spring; 12. Second retaining spring; 13. Third bearing; 14. Self-lubricating copper sleeve; 15. Guide pin x, first direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The advantages of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0024] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining" In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the internal communication between two components. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the following description, the suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention and have no specific meaning. Therefore, "module" and "component" can be used interchangeably.

[0028] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application when stationary; Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided by the present application when stationary from another angle; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application during operation; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided by the present application during operation from another angle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the bidirectional overrunning clutch provided in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the two-way overrunning clutch provided in this application from another angle.

[0029] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the present invention discloses a bidirectional overrunning clutch 100, comprising a housing 1, a driving shaft 3, a driving disc 6, a transmission disc 8, and a driven disc 10. The housing 1 is disposed outside the driving shaft 3 and defines a receiving space 11. The driving shaft 3 is mounted on the housing 1 via a second bearing 2. At least a portion of the driving shaft 3, the driving disc 6, and the transmission disc 8 are disposed within the receiving space 11. The driving shaft 3 extends along a first direction x. The driving disc 6, the transmission disc 8, and the driven disc 10 are all sleeved on the driving shaft 3 and arranged sequentially along the first direction x.

[0030] The driving disk 6 is fixedly connected to the driving shaft 3; the transmission disk 8 is transmission-connected to the driving disk 6 and can move in the first direction x; when the transmission disk 8 is in the first position, the transmission disk 8 is transmission-connected to the driven disk 10, so that the driving shaft 3 drives the driving disk 6, the transmission disk 8 and the driven disk 10 to rotate; when the transmission disk 8 is in the second position, the transmission disk 8 is separated from the driven disk 10.

[0031] A guide groove is provided on the outer surface of the transmission disc; a guide pin is provided on the housing, which extends through the housing and slides within the guide groove. When the transmission disc is in the first position, the guide pin is disengaged from the guide groove; when the transmission disc is in the second position, the guide pin is located within the guide groove. Those skilled in the art will understand that the bidirectional overrunning clutch 100 disclosed herein specifically comprises a driving disc 6, a transmission disc 8, and a driven disc 10, which extend through the driving shaft 3. These discs are arranged sequentially along the extension direction (first direction x) of the driving shaft 3. The driving disc 6 is fixed to the driving shaft 3 and rotates with it. The transmission disc 8 is movable along the first direction x. When the transmission disc 8 is in the first position, it is in transmission connection with the driving disc 6 and the driven disc 10, allowing the power from the driving shaft 3 to pass sequentially through the driving disc 6 and the transmission disc 8, ultimately driving the driven disc 10 to rotate. Therefore, the first position herein can also be understood as an engaged position. When the transmission disc 8 is in the second position, the driving disc 8 is separated from the driven disc 10, thereby disconnecting the power. Therefore, the second position here can also be understood as the disconnected position. In the two-way overrunning clutch, the guide pin is inserted into the guide groove on the side of the transmission disc through the outer shell, which plays the role of limiting and guiding the movement of the transmission disc. In the initial stage, when the active disc drives the transmission disc, the guide pin slides in the guide groove to limit the rotation angle of the transmission disc, ensuring that the transmission disc and the driven disc are fully engaged to avoid misalignment or excessive rotation. After the transmission disc and the driven disc are fully engaged, the guide pin automatically disengages the groove, releasing the rotation restriction on the transmission disc and preventing additional friction. When the external power is interrupted and the transmission disc moves from the first position to the second position again, the guide pin enters the guide groove again to guide the transmission disc to accurately return to the initial position, ensuring smooth power cut-off.

[0032] By switching the transmission disc 8 between the first position and the second position, the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 can be completely physically separated, thereby making the engagement and separation of the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 more sensitive and precise, significantly improving the effect of bidirectional transmission, and reducing energy loss and noise caused by idling.

[0033] The above is an explanation of the basic concept and effects of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific structure of the two-way overrunning clutch 100 is not limited.

[0034] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 6-Figure 7 It is understood that, in one possible implementation, the position switching of the transmission disc is achieved by an elastic element. Specifically, the elastic element can be a spring, an elastic shaft, a gas spring, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0035] Exemplarily, the elastic element is a spring. The spring is disposed on the driving shaft 3 and abuts the driven disc 10. When the spring is compressed, the driving disc 8 is in the first position. When the spring is uncompressed, the spring pushes the driving disc 8 to the second position. The spring thereby enables the driving disc 8 to move in the first direction x, thereby enabling the driving disc 8 and the driven disc 10 to engage and disengage.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the transmission disc 8 may also be separated from the driving disc 6 to further enhance the effect of bidirectional transmission.

[0037] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 6-Figure 7 Specifically, the two-way overrunning clutch is provided with at least one two-way ramp groove. The first portion of the two-way ramp groove is provided on the driving plate 6, and the second portion is provided on the transmission plate 8. Balls 7 are provided in the two-way ramp groove and can roll freely along the two-way ramp groove.

[0038] The bidirectional ramp groove here can be understood as a V-shaped structure extending in the first direction x. As the driving disc 6 rotates in either direction of the V-shaped structure (i.e., forward and reverse), the bidirectional ramp groove on the driving disc 6 begins to squeeze the ball 7, pushing it toward the top of the bidirectional ramp groove and into contact with the transmission disc 8, thereby driving the transmission disc 8 to rotate. Furthermore, the spring 11 begins to compress in the first direction x, causing the transmission disc 8 to approach the driven disc 10. As the driving shaft 3 continues to rotate, the transmission disc 8 continues to be pushed axially and gradually comes into contact with the driven disc 10. Finally, when the ball 7 reaches the apex of the bidirectional ramp groove (i.e., the apex of the V), the transmission disc 8 engages with both the driving disc 6 and the driven disc 10, completing power transmission and achieving bidirectional transmission from the driving disc 6 to the transmission disc 8. When the driving disc 6 stops rotating, the elastic force of the spring 11 is transferred from the transmission disc 8 to the at least one ball 7, compressing the at least one ball 7 and gradually returning it to the bottom of the V-shaped structure. When the spring 11 continues to act until it returns to its natural state, it will gradually cause at least one ball 7 to roll and gradually separate from the transmission disc 8 until the active disc 6 and the transmission disc 8 are finally separated.

[0039] The bidirectional ramp groove allows the driving plate 6 to partially extend and retract. This design allows for flexible axial movement of the transmission plate 8 and allows for complete separation of the transmission plate 8 from the driving plate 6, thereby making the driving plate 6, the transmission plate 8, and the driven plate 10 independent of each other, further enhancing the bidirectional transmission effect. Combined with the elastic recovery effect of the spring 11, the structure is simple and reliable, with rapid response, improving the sensitivity and stability of the rider.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific number of the bidirectional ramp grooves is not limited.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the bidirectional overrunning clutch is provided with three or more bidirectional ramp grooves, specifically three, four, five, six, or more. A ball 7 is disposed in each bidirectional ramp groove. Obviously, a greater number of bidirectional ramp grooves improves the engagement between the driving plate 6 and the transmission plate 8, and results in smoother operation. However, this also increases the manufacturing difficulty. Therefore, those skilled in the art are free to design the design as needed, and this application does not constitute a limitation thereto.

[0042] For example, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, four bidirectional ramp grooves are provided on the active disk 6. A ball 7 is provided in each bidirectional ramp groove. Thus, the comprehensive optimization of stability and economy is achieved.

[0043] Similarly, the specific combination method of the driving plate and the driven plate is also not limited.

[0044] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, ratchet teeth are provided on the end surface of the driving disc 8 facing the driven disc 10 and on the end surface of the driven disc 10 facing the driving disc 8. Specifically, the driving disc 8 is provided with driving disc end surface ratchet teeth 82, thereby forming a driving tooth surface 81. The driven disc 10 is provided with driven disc end surface ratchet teeth 102, thereby forming a driven tooth surface 101.

[0045] When the transmission disc 8 is in the first position, the transmission tooth surface 81 of the transmission disc 8 and the driven tooth surface 101 of the driven disc 10 engage and transmit each other. In the second position, they are separated. By setting the engagement method as a ratchet structure, the meshing area between the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 is increased, further improving the reliability of the clutch 100 and extending the product life.

[0046] The connection relationship between the transmission disc and the driving shaft, and between the driven disc and the housing is also not limited.

[0047] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the transmission plate 8 is embedded with a self-lubricating copper sleeve 14. This sleeve is fitted over the drive shaft 3. This effectively reduces friction between the drive shaft 3 and the transmission plate 8, extending component life and improving overall operational stability. The driven plate 10 is mounted on the housing 1 via a second bearing 9.

[0048] The connection method between the driving disk 6 and the driving shaft 3, as well as the positioning method of the driving shaft 3 are also not limited.

[0049] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7As shown, the two-way overrunning clutch 100 includes a flat key. A driving plate 6 is mounted to the driving shaft 3 via a flat key 5. A first retaining spring 4 and a second retaining spring 12 are provided at each end of the driving shaft 3 where it contacts the housing 1. These first retaining springs 4 and 12 secure the driving shaft 3 to the housing 1 in a first direction x. The driving plate 6 is secured to the driving shaft 3 via the flat key 5. Furthermore, the retaining springs at both ends of the driving shaft 3 provide a more compact and stable structure, making it easier to install, maintain, and mass-produce.

[0050] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention have better practicability and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Any technician familiar with the field may use the technical content disclosed above to change or modify it into an equivalent effective embodiment. However, any modification or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A two-way overrunning clutch, characterized in that: It includes a housing, a driving shaft, a driving plate, a transmission plate and a driven plate; The housing is arranged outside the driving shaft and forms a receiving space; at least a portion of the driving shaft, the driving disc, and the transmission disc are arranged in the receiving space; The driving shaft extends along a first direction; the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc are all sleeved on the driving shaft and arranged in sequence along the first direction; The driving disk is fixedly connected to the driving shaft; the transmission disk is in driving connection with the driving disk and can move in the first direction; When the transmission disc is in the first position, the transmission disc is in transmission connection with the driven disc, so that the driving shaft drives the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc to rotate; when the transmission disc is in the second position, the transmission disc is separated from the driven disc; A guide groove is provided on the outer surface of the transmission disc; a guide pin is provided on the outer shell, the guide pin passes through the outer shell and slides in the guide groove; when the transmission disc is in the first position, the guide pin is disengaged from the guide groove; when the transmission disc is in the second position, the guide pin is located in the guide groove.

2. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two-way overrunning clutch includes an elastic element; the elastic element is arranged on the driving shaft and abuts against the driven disc; when the elastic element is compressed, the transmission disc is located in a first position; when the elastic element is not compressed, the elastic element pushes the transmission disc to a second position.

3. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bidirectional overrunning clutch further comprises at least one bidirectional ramp groove; a first portion of the at least one bidirectional ramp groove is provided on the active plate, and a second portion is provided on the transmission plate; a ball is provided in the bidirectional ramp groove, and the ball can freely roll along the bidirectional ramp groove; When the at least one ball rolls and abuts against the transmission disc, the active disc compresses the elastic element through the ball, thereby driving the transmission disc to rotate; When the at least one ball rolls and separates from the transmission disc, the elastic element is in a natural state, and the active disc and the transmission disc are separated.

4. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The two-way overrunning clutch is provided with three or more two-way ramp grooves; and one ball is provided in each of the two-way ramp grooves.

5. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end surface of the transmission disc facing the driven disc and the end surface of the driven disc facing the transmission disc are provided with ratchet teeth correspondingly; When the transmission disc is located at the first position, the ratchet teeth of the transmission disc and the ratchet teeth of the driven disc engage with each other for transmission.

6. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A self-lubricating copper sleeve is embedded in the transmission disc; the self-lubricating copper sleeve is sleeved on the driving shaft.

7. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two-way overrunning clutch includes a flat key; the driving disc is installed on the driving shaft through the flat key.

8. The two-way overrunning clutch according to claim 1, wherein: A first clamping spring and a second clamping spring are respectively provided at both ends of the driving shaft in contact with the housing; the first clamping spring and the second clamping spring fix the driving shaft in the first direction.

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