One-way clutch capable of being decoupled
By using a solenoid valve to drive the piston and transmission components to switch the cage position, the problem of increased parts in existing one-way clutches under different rotational requirements is solved. This achieves flexible coupling and decoupling of the one-way clutch, improving durability and reducing friction noise.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410649564.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing one-way clutches require multiple clutches to meet different rotational requirements, resulting in an increased number of parts and an inability to flexibly switch between coupling and decoupling states.
A decoupled one-way clutch was designed, which drives the piston and transmission assembly through a solenoid valve to switch the cage between different positions and change the position of the rollers to achieve one-way or two-way rotation. The clutch includes the coordinated work of components such as a solenoid valve, piston, transmission assembly, return spring and thrust bearing.
It enables switching the coupling or decoupling state of the one-way clutch as needed, reducing the number of parts, improving flexibility and durability, and reducing friction noise and friction debris.
Smart Images
Figure CN121007183A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of clutches. More particularly, the present application relates to a decouplable one-way clutch. BACKGROUND
[0002] The one-way clutch comprises a roller, an outer ring and an inner ring, when the outer ring is fixed, the inner ring can only rotate in one direction, if the inner ring rotates in the other direction, the roller will prevent the inner ring from rotating, or when the inner ring is fixed, the outer ring can only rotate in one direction, if the outer ring rotates in the other direction, the roller will prevent the outer ring from rotating.
[0003] During use, in some specific cases, the outer ring needs to rotate only in one direction, and in some other specific cases, the outer ring needs to be able to rotate in both directions, so multiple one-way clutches need to be set, resulting in an increase in the number of parts. SUMMARY
[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a decouplable one-way clutch, which can switch the coupling or decoupling state of the one-way clutch as needed.
[0005] The present application provides a decouplable one-way clutch, comprising:
[0006] a one-way clutch body, the one-way clutch body comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, a retainer and a roller, the retainer being arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the roller being arranged in the retainer; and
[0007] a decoupling mechanism, the decoupling mechanism being capable of driving the retainer to switch between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the inner ring can only rotate in a first direction relative to the outer ring, in the second position, the inner ring can rotate in the first direction and a second direction relative to the outer ring, the first direction and the second direction being opposite.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the decoupling mechanism comprises:
[0009] a solenoid valve;
[0010] a piston, the piston being connected to the solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve being capable of driving the piston to move axially; and
[0011] a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being connected to the piston, and the transmission assembly being capable of converting the axial movement into a circumferential movement to drive the retainer to move from the first position to the second position.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the transmission assembly comprises:
[0013] a first hub;
[0014] The second wheel hub, wherein the first wheel hub is fitted onto the outer circumference of the second wheel hub, and a helical raceway is provided between the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub; and
[0015] Ball bearings, wherein the ball bearings are located within the raceway;
[0016] The piston can drive the first hub to move axially outside the second hub, while the first hub moves circumferentially around the second hub. The first hub is connected to the cage to drive the cage to move from the first position to the second position.
[0017] In the embodiments of this application, one of the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub is provided with a stop pin, and the other is provided with a stop notch. The stop pin and the stop notch can move relative to each other. When one side of the stop notch contacts the stop pin, the retainer is located in the first position, and when the other side of the stop notch contacts the stop pin, the retainer is located in the second position.
[0018] In the embodiments of this application, one of the first hub and the cage is provided with a connecting protrusion and the other is provided with a connecting notch. The connecting protrusion and the connecting notch are engaged in the circumferential direction and can move relative to each other in the axial direction.
[0019] In an embodiment of this application, the first wheel hub includes a first sleeve portion and a first edge portion, wherein the first edge portion extends vertically outward from one end of the first sleeve portion;
[0020] The second hub includes a second sleeve portion and a second edge portion, wherein the second edge portion extends vertically outward from one end of the second sleeve portion;
[0021] The first sleeve portion is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second sleeve portion, the retainer is located on the side of the second edge portion opposite to the second sleeve portion, and at least a portion of the retainer passes through the second edge portion and is connected to the first edge portion.
[0022] In an embodiment of this application, the transmission assembly further includes a connecting pipe located outside the first wheel hub, and the connecting pipe connects the two ends of the raceway.
[0023] In embodiments of this application, the decoupling mechanism further includes a return spring, which can drive the retainer to move from the second position to the first position.
[0024] In the embodiments of this application, the reset spring is a wave spring, and the wave spring is located between the first hub and the second hub.
[0025] In embodiments of this application, the decoupling mechanism further includes a thrust bearing located between the piston and the first hub.
[0026] In the decoupling one-way clutch of this application, the decoupling one-way clutch can be coupled as a one-way clutch when needed. Furthermore, the decoupling one-way clutch can be decoupled when needed. That is, the decoupling one-way clutch of this application can switch between coupling and decoupling states of the one-way clutch according to actual needs. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupling one-way clutch in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the decoupled one-way clutch in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the decoupled one-way clutch in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupled one-way clutch with a portion of its structure as described in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupled one-way clutch with a portion of its structure as described in the embodiments of this application;
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupled one-way clutch in the first position according to an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupled one-way clutch in the second position according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details specific to this application. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to exemplify the principles of this application; however, this application is not limited to the described preferred embodiments, and the scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims.
[0035] like Figures 1-3As shown, the decoupling one-way clutch includes a one-way clutch body and a decoupling mechanism. The one-way clutch body includes an inner ring 110, an outer ring 120, a cage 130, and a roller 140. The cage 130 is located between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120, and supports the roller 140. The roller 140 is located within the cage 130 and is supported by the cage 130 between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. When the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 rotate relative to each other, the rotation of the roller 140 reduces the frictional force of the relative rotation. The roller 140 can be a ball, a roller, etc. The one-way clutch body also includes a spring, which can push or pull the roller 140 to ensure that the roller 140 is in contact with both the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120, preventing the roller 140 from being suspended in the air. The one-way clutch body is the main component that realizes the one-way clutch function. In addition to the above-mentioned components, it also includes other parts such as end plate 150 and tensioning ring 160, which will not be described in detail here.
[0036] The decoupling mechanism can drive the cage 130 to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the inner ring 110 can only rotate in a first direction relative to the outer ring 120. In the second position, the inner ring 110 can rotate in both the first and second directions relative to the outer ring 120, with the first and second directions being opposite.
[0037] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in one possible implementation, the distance between the outer wall of the inner ring 110 and the inner wall of the outer ring 120 is not fixed but varies. In a first position, on one side of the roller 140, the distance between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 increases, and on the other side of the roller 140, the distance between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 decreases. In the first position, when the inner ring 110 rotates relative to the outer ring 120 in a first direction, the relative motion of the roller 140 tends towards the side with the increased distance, and the roller 140 can rotate freely without affecting the relative rotation of the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. When the inner ring 110 begins to rotate relative to the outer ring 120 in a second direction, the relative motion of the roller 140 tends towards the side with the decreased distance, and the roller 140 is stuck and cannot rotate freely, thus preventing the inner ring 110 from rotating relative to the outer ring 120 in the second direction. Therefore, in the first position, the inner ring 110 rotates relative to the outer ring 120 only in the first direction.
[0038] In the second position, the distance between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 increases on one side of the roller 140, and the distance between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 also increases on the other side of the roller 140. In the second position, when the inner ring 110 rotates relative to the outer ring 120 in the first direction, the relative motion of the roller 140 tends towards the side with the increased distance; the roller 140 can rotate freely without affecting the relative rotation of the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. When the inner ring 110 rotates relative to the outer ring 120 in the second direction, the relative motion of the roller 140 tends towards the side with the increased distance; the roller 140 can rotate freely without affecting the relative rotation of the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. Therefore, in the second position, the inner ring 110 can rotate relative to the outer ring 120 in both the first and second directions.
[0039] The above is only one possible method. As long as it can be achieved that in the first position, the inner ring 110 can only rotate in the first direction relative to the outer ring 120, and in the second position, the inner ring 110 can rotate in both the first and second directions relative to the outer ring 120, other methods are also possible.
[0040] Therefore, the decoupling mechanism can change the position of the cage 130, thereby changing the position of the roller 140. In a first position, the inner ring 110 rotates only in a first direction relative to the outer ring 120. In a second position, the inner ring 110 can rotate in both the first and second directions relative to the outer ring 120. When needed, the decoupling one-way clutch can be coupled as a one-way clutch. Furthermore, when needed, the decoupling one-way clutch can disengage the one-way coupling. Therefore, the decoupling one-way clutch of this application can switch the coupling or decoupling state of the one-way clutch according to actual needs.
[0041] In this embodiment, the decoupling mechanism includes a solenoid valve 210, a piston 220, and a transmission assembly. The solenoid valve 210 provides driving power. The piston 220 is connected to the solenoid valve 210, and the solenoid valve 210 can drive the piston 220 to move axially. Specifically, the piston 220 can be integrated into the solenoid valve 210. The transmission assembly is connected to the piston 220, and the transmission assembly can convert the axial movement into circumferential movement to drive the cage 130 to move from a first position to a second position. That is, in this embodiment, the decoupling mechanism provides power through the solenoid valve 210 to drive the piston 220 to move axially, and then converts it into circumferential movement through the transmission assembly, thereby driving the cage 130 to switch from the first position to the second position.
[0042] In this embodiment, the transmission component can convert axial motion into circumferential motion. In one feasible manner, the transmission component is a ball screw structure.
[0043] The transmission assembly includes a first hub 231, a second hub 232, and balls 234. The second hub 232 provides a mounting base for other components. The first hub 231 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second hub 232, and a helical raceway 233 is provided between the first hub 231 and the second hub 232. The balls 234 are located within the raceway 233. The piston 220 can drive the first hub 231 to move axially around the outer periphery of the second hub 232. Due to the presence of the helical raceway 233 and the balls 234, the axial movement of the first hub 231 is converted into circumferential movement around the second hub 232. The first hub 231 is connected to a cage 130 to drive the cage 130 from a first position to a second position.
[0044] Therefore, the solenoid valve 210 provides power to drive the piston 220 to move axially. The piston 220 drives the first hub 231 to move axially along the outer edge of the second hub 232 while simultaneously moving circumferentially around the second hub 232. The first hub 231 can also drive the retainer 130 to move from the first position to the second position, thereby realizing the switching of the clutch coupling state.
[0045] In the ball screw structure, the friction pair utilizes rolling friction with lubrication. Compared to designs based on sliding friction and without lubrication, this prevents drive noise, avoids the generation of friction debris, and thus improves durability. In the ball screw structure, the rotational motion of the first hub 231 is proportional to the axial pushing motion of the solenoid valve 210 and the piston 220, resulting in smooth movement.
[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment of this application, one of the first hub 231 and the second hub 232 is provided with a stop pin 2321, and the other is provided with a stop notch 2311. The stop pin 2321 and the stop notch 2311 can move relative to each other. When one side of the stop notch 2311 contacts the stop pin 2321, the retainer 130 is located in the first position. When the other side of the stop notch 2311 contacts the stop pin 2321, the retainer 130 is located in the second position.
[0047] The positioning of the first hub 231 is achieved by setting the stop pin 2321 and the stop notch 2311. During operation, driven by the piston 220, the first hub 231 moves axially along the second hub 232. Because a helical raceway 233 and ball bearings 234 are provided between the first hub 231 and the second hub 232, the first hub 231 moves axially and circumferentially around the second hub 232 simultaneously. The circumferential movement of the first hub 231 drives the cage 130 to switch between a first position and a second position. The stop pin 2321 and the stop notch 2311 cooperate to position the first hub 231, thereby achieving the positioning of the cage 130 in both the first and second positions.
[0048] In one implementation, the stop pin 2321 is disposed on the first hub 231, and the stop notch 2311 is disposed on the second hub 232. In another implementation, the stop pin 2321 is disposed on the second hub 232, and the stop notch 2311 is disposed on the first hub 231.
[0049] In this embodiment, one of the first hub 231 and the cage 130 is provided with a connecting protrusion 131, and the other is provided with a connecting notch 2312. The connecting protrusion 131 and the connecting notch 2312 are engaged in the circumferential direction, and the connecting protrusion 131 and the connecting notch 2312 are movable relative to each other in the axial direction. The first hub 231 is connected to the cage 130 to drive the cage 130 to move from a first position to a second position. More specifically, the circumferential movement of the first hub 231 drives the switching of the cage 130 between the first position and the second position. The connecting protrusion 131 and the connecting notch 2312 enable the connection between the first hub 231 and the cage 130 in the circumferential direction. At the same time, the relative movement of the connecting protrusion 131 and the connecting notch 2312 in the axial direction ensures that the circumferential movement of the first hub 231 driving the switching of the cage 130 between the first position and the second position does not affect the position of the cage 130 in the axial direction.
[0050] In one implementation, the connecting protrusion 131 is disposed on the first hub 231, and the connecting notch 2312 is disposed on the retainer 130. In another implementation, the connecting protrusion 131 is disposed on the retainer 130, and the connecting notch 2312 is disposed on the first hub 231.
[0051] In this embodiment, the first hub 231 includes a first sleeve portion 2313 and a first edge portion 2314, the first edge portion 2314 extending vertically outward from one end of the first sleeve portion 2313. The piston 220 can drive the first hub 231 to move. The second hub 232 includes a second sleeve portion 2323 and a second edge portion 2324, the second edge portion 2324 extending vertically outward from one end of the second sleeve portion 2323. The first sleeve portion 2313 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second sleeve portion 2323, and the retainer 130 is located on the side of the second edge portion 2324 opposite to the second sleeve portion 2323, and at least a portion of the retainer 130 passes through the second edge portion 2324 and is connected to the first edge portion 2314, or at least a portion of the first edge portion 2314 passes through the second edge portion 2324 and is connected to the retainer 130.
[0052] That is, the first hub 231 is fitted around the outer periphery of the second sleeve portion 2323 of the second hub 232. Furthermore, the first hub 231 is located on one side of the second edge portion 2324 of the second hub 232, and the retainer 130 is located on the other side of the second edge portion 2324.
[0053] A clearance notch 2322 may be provided on the second edge portion 2324, through which at least a portion of the retainer 130 passes and is connected to the first edge portion 2314 of the first hub 231, or through which at least a portion of the first edge portion 2314 passes and is connected to the retainer 130.
[0054] In one implementation, the first hub 231 includes a first sleeve portion 2313 and a first edge portion 2314, the first edge portion 2314 extending outward from one end of the first sleeve portion 2313. The second hub 232 includes a second sleeve portion 2323 and a second edge portion 2324, the second edge portion 2324 extending outward from one end of the second sleeve portion 2323. The first sleeve portion 2313 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second sleeve portion 2323, and the retainer 130 is located on the side of the second edge portion 2324 opposite to the second sleeve portion 2323. Furthermore, the first edge portion 2314 is provided with a stop notch 2311, and the second edge portion 2324 is provided with a stop pin 2321, the stop pin 2321 engaging with the stop notch 2311. A clearance notch 2322 is provided on the second edge portion 2324, a connecting notch 2312 is provided on the first edge portion 2314, and a connecting protrusion 131 is provided on the retainer 130. The connecting protrusion 131 passes through the clearance notch 2322 and engages with the connecting notch 2312.
[0055] When the solenoid valve 210 is energized, the first hub 231 moves circumferentially, the stop notch 2311 moves, and the stop pin 2321 remains stationary. The first hub 231 stops moving when one side of the stop notch 2311 abuts against the stop pin 2321, and the retainer 130 is in the second position. When the solenoid valve 210 is de-energized, the first hub 231 moves circumferentially in the opposite direction, the stop notch 2311 moves, and the stop pin 2321 remains stationary. The first hub 231 stops moving when the other side of the stop notch 2311 abuts against the stop pin 2321, and the retainer 130 is in the first position.
[0056] In this embodiment, the transmission assembly further includes a connecting pipe 235, which is located outside the second hub 232 and connects to both ends of the raceway 233. The connecting pipe 235 connecting to both ends of the raceway 233 enables the circulation of the balls 234 within the raceway 233.
[0057] In this embodiment, the decoupling mechanism further includes a return spring 240, which can drive the retainer 130 to move from the second position to the first position. The solenoid valve 210 only needs to drive the piston 220 in one axial direction, and the return spring 240 is used to reset it. When the solenoid valve 210 is energized and drives the piston 220 to move axially, the return spring 240 stores energy. After the solenoid valve 210 is de-energized, the return spring 240 releases the stored energy, driving the first hub 231 to move in the opposite direction, thereby driving the retainer 130 to move from the second position to the first position.
[0058] The return spring 240 is a wave spring, located between the first hub 231 and the second hub 232. Specifically, the wave spring can be positioned between the first edge portion 2314 and the second edge portion 2324. Therefore, only one wave spring is needed to push the first hub 231 back to its original position. The wave spring can push the first hub 231 axially, allowing it to rotate back to its original position. The wave spring applies force evenly across the entire circumference, ensuring a smooth return of the first hub 231.
[0059] In this embodiment, the decoupling mechanism further includes a thrust bearing 250, which is located between the piston 220 and the first hub 231. Specifically, the thrust bearing 250 may be located between the piston 220 and the first edge 2314 of the first hub 231. The first hub 231 has both axial and circumferential movement, while the piston 220 only has axial movement driven by the solenoid valve 210. Providing the thrust bearing 250 can make the circumferential movement of the first hub 231 smoother and more stable.
[0060] In this embodiment, under normal circumstances, the solenoid valve 210 is not energized, the retainer 130 is in the first position, and the outer ring 120 can only rotate in the first direction, i.e., it is coupled as a one-way clutch. When the solenoid valve 210 is energized, it drives the piston 220 to move axially. The piston 220 drives the thrust bearing 250 to move axially. The thrust bearing 250 drives the first hub 231 to move axially. Due to the helical raceway 233 and the balls 234, the first hub 231 also moves circumferentially. The first hub 231 drives the retainer 130 from the first position to the second position. At this time, the one-way clutch can be decoupled, and the outer ring 120 can rotate in the first and second directions. When the solenoid valve 210 is de-energized, the return spring 240 drives the first hub 231 to move axially and circumferentially in the opposite direction. The first hub 231 drives the retainer 130 from the second position to the first position. The one-way clutch can be decoupled and coupling is restored.
[0061] As mentioned above, although exemplary embodiments of this application have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the scope of protection of this application should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.
[0062] List of reference signs
[0063] Inner circle 110
[0064] Outer ring 120
[0065] Cage 130
[0066] Connecting protrusion 131
[0067] Roller 140
[0068] End plate 150
[0069] Tensioning shackle 160
[0070] Solenoid valve 210
[0071] Piston 220
[0072] First hub 231
[0073] Stop gap 2311
[0074] Connection gap 2312
[0075] First sleeve section 2313
[0076] First edge section 2314
[0077] Second wheel hub 232
[0078] Stop pin 2321
[0079] Avoid the gap 2322
[0080] Second sleeve section 2323
[0081] Second edge section 2324
[0082] Roller track 233
[0083] Ball bearing 234
[0084] Connecting pipe 235
[0085] Return spring 240
[0086] Thrust bearing 250.
Claims
1. A decoupling one-way clutch, characterized in that, The decoupling one-way clutch includes: A one-way clutch body, the one-way clutch body including an inner ring (110), an outer ring (120), a cage (130) and rollers (140), the cage (130) being disposed between the inner ring (110) and the outer ring (120), and the rollers (140) being disposed on the cage (130); and A decoupling mechanism is provided, which can drive the cage (130) to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the inner ring (110) can rotate only in a first direction relative to the outer ring (120). In the second position, the inner ring (110) can rotate in both the first and second directions relative to the outer ring (120), with the first and second directions being opposite.
2. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decoupling mechanism includes: Solenoid valve (210); A piston (220) connected to a solenoid valve (210), the solenoid valve (210) being capable of driving the piston (220) to move axially; and A transmission assembly connected to the piston (220) and capable of converting the axial motion into circumferential motion to drive the cage (130) from the first position to the second position.
3. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes: First wheel hub (231); A second hub (232) is provided, wherein the first hub (231) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second hub (232), and a spiral raceway (233) is provided between the first hub (231) and the second hub (232); and Ball (234), the ball (234) being located within the raceway (233); The piston (220) can drive the first hub (231) to move axially around the outer periphery of the second hub (232), while the first hub (231) moves circumferentially around the second hub (232). The first hub (231) is connected to the cage (130) to drive the cage (130) to move from the first position to the second position.
4. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the first hub (231) and the second hub (232) is provided with a stop pin (2321), and the other is provided with a stop notch (2311). The stop pin (2321) and the stop notch (2311) can move relative to each other. When one side of the stop notch (2311) is in contact with the stop pin (2321), the retainer (130) is located in the first position. When the other side of the stop notch (2311) is in contact with the stop pin (2321), the retainer (130) is located in the second position.
5. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the first hub (231) and the cage (130) is provided with a connecting protrusion (131), and the other is provided with a connecting notch (2312). The connecting protrusion (131) and the connecting notch (2312) are engaged in the circumferential direction, and the connecting protrusion (131) and the connecting notch (2312) can move relative to each other in the axial direction.
6. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first hub (231) includes a first sleeve portion (2313) and a first edge portion (2314), the first edge portion (2314) extending vertically outward from one end of the first sleeve portion (2313); The second hub (232) includes a second sleeve portion (2323) and a second edge portion (2324), the second edge portion (2324) extending vertically outward from one end of the second sleeve portion (2323); The first sleeve portion (2313) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second sleeve portion (2323), the retainer (130) is located on the side of the second edge portion (2324) opposite to the second sleeve portion (2323), and at least a portion of the retainer (130) passes through the second edge portion (2324) and is connected to the first edge portion (2314).
7. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission assembly also includes a connecting pipe (235) located outside the first hub (231) and connecting pipe (235) connecting both ends of the raceway (233).
8. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decoupling mechanism further includes a return spring (240), which can drive the retainer (130) to move from the second position to the first position.
9. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reset spring (240) is a wave spring, which is located between the first hub (231) and the second hub (232).
10. The decoupling one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decoupling mechanism further includes a thrust bearing (250) located between the piston (220) and the first hub (231).