Roller and cam clutch unit

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a roller for a cam clutch unit capable of reducing contact with a spring, and a cam clutch unit capable of suppressing the generation of drag torque using the roller. The rollers (20, 30, 40) are used in a cam clutch unit (10) provided with at least a plurality of cams (11) disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring provided coaxially and relatively rotatable, and an annular spring (12) for applying a force to the cams (11), and are disposed together with the cams (11) between the inner ring and the outer ring. The rollers (20, 30, 40) comprise a pair of roller parts (21, 31, 41) and pin parts (22, 32, 42) provided across the roller parts (21, 31, 41), and at least one of the roller parts (21, 31, 41) is separated from the pin parts (22, 32, 42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a roller and cam clutch unit. Background Technology

[0002] As a cam clutch unit used for transmitting and cutting off torque between an input shaft and an output shaft, there are existing cam clutch units that have multiple cams, multiple rollers, and annular springs that apply force to the cams. These multiple cams and rollers are circumferentially arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring that are coaxially rotatable relative to each other. Furthermore, there are cam clutch units that also have spacers with multiple slots that restrict the relative circumferential movement of the cams and rollers.

[0003] For example, in the case of the cam clutch unit with spacers described in Patent Document 1, multiple cams and multiple rollers are housed in the socket of the spacers, and the relative circumferential movement of the cams and rollers is restricted.

[0004] At this time, as Figure 8 As shown, the roller has a groove 102 formed circumferentially between a pair of roller portions 101 that function as roller 100, and a spring 103 is housed in the groove 102, thereby being configured to apply force to the roller 100 on the inner ring side.

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-161566 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a cam clutch unit using such a roller 100, the groove 102 of the roller 100 is not sufficiently deep relative to the roller surface of the roller portion 101. This may cause contact with the spring 103, resulting in a dragging torque (frictional slippage) between the spring 103 and the roller 100. Furthermore, the spring 103 may age due to wear with the roller 100, thus affecting the lifespan of the cam clutch unit itself. Additionally, since the groove 102 is located at a higher position than the spring contact point of the cam, it is possible that the spring 103 cannot effectively apply pressure to the cam adjacent to the roller 100.

[0008] On the other hand, since the groove 102 of the roller 100 is formed by cutting or rolling, the groove depth that can be formed is limited, and it is not possible to set the groove depth to reduce the contact with the spring 103.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object is to provide a roller for a cam clutch unit that can reduce contact with the spring, and a cam clutch unit using the roller that can suppress the generation of drag torque.

[0010] The roller of the present invention is used in a cam clutch unit having at least a plurality of cams disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring that are coaxially rotatable relative to each other, and an annular spring that applies force to the cams, wherein the roller is disposed together with the cams between the inner ring and the outer ring, characterized in that the roller is composed of a pair of roller portions and a pin portion disposed over the span between the roller portions, and at least one roller portion and the pin portion are separate.

[0011] Since the roller of the present invention is composed of a pair of roller portions and a pin portion disposed across the span between the roller portions, and at least one roller portion and the pin portion are separate, the diameter of the pin portion can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, the depth of the groove portion formed by the opposing end faces of the roller portions and the surface of the pin portion, from the roller surface, can be set at a desired depth, thereby reducing contact with the spring.

[0012] Preferably, the roller portion, which is separate from the pin portion, is provided with a through hole extending through its end face, into which the pin portion is inserted. Because the pin portion is inserted into the through hole, the roller can be constructed through simple component assembly.

[0013] Preferably, a recess is formed on one end face of the roller portion that is separate from the pin portion, and the pin portion is inserted into the recess. Because the pin portion is inserted into the recess, the roller portion can be constructed by simple component assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the pin extends through the through hole and is inserted to protrude further outward than the outer end face of the roller. With this configuration, the contact point with the spacer or the like is not the end face of the roller, but the outwardly protruding end of the pin. As a result, the contact area is reduced, which can decrease the frictional slippage between the roller and the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the pin is disposed on the roller portion via a clearance fit. When configured with a clearance fit, the pin functions as an anti-detachment pin in the outer diameter direction of the roller, and is therefore preferred.

[0016] Preferably, each of the roller portions and the pin portions are separate parts. Since they are separate parts, machining can be reduced, and it has the advantage of being easy to assemble rollers.

[0017] The cam clutch unit of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of cams disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring that are coaxially rotatable relative to each other; a roller as described in any of the above; and an annular spring that applies force to the cams. Since the roller as described in any of the above can reduce contact with the spring, it is possible to suppress the generation of drag torque between the roller and the spring.

[0018] According to the present invention, a roller for a cam clutch unit capable of setting a desired groove depth and a cam clutch unit using the roller can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the cam clutch unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the roller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view of the roller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the roller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the roller according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the roller according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view representing the roller according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is the main view representing the existing roller.

[0027] Symbol Explanation

[0028] 10-Cam clutch unit; 11-Cam; 12-Spring; 13-Socket portion; 14-Spacer ring; 20, 30, 40-Roller; 21, 31, 41-Roller portion; 22, 32, 42-Pin portion; 23, 33, 43-Slot portion; 210, 310, 410-End face; 211, 411-Through hole; 212-Roller surface; 221, 321-End; 311-Recess; 312-End face. Detailed Implementation

[0029] (Implementation Method 1)

[0030] Figure 1This refers to the cam clutch unit 10 according to the present invention. The cam clutch unit 10 includes: a plurality of cams 11 and a plurality of rollers 20, disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring (not shown) that are coaxially rotatable relative to each other; an annular spring 12 that applies force to the cams 11; and a spacer 14 having a socket portion 13 for receiving the cams 11 and the rollers 20 respectively. The plurality of cams 11 and the plurality of rollers 20 are received in the socket portion 13 of the spacer 14, thus restricting their relative circumferential movement.

[0031] use Figures 2-4 The roller 20 will be described below. In this embodiment, the roller 20 consists of a pair of roller portions 21 that function as rollers and a pin portion 22 provided across the span between the roller portions 21. Each roller portion 21 is cylindrical and consists of two end faces 210 and a roller surface 212. A through hole 211 is provided in each roller portion 21, penetrating the center of the end faces 210 on both sides. The opening of the through hole 211 is circular, and a solid cylindrical pin portion 22 is inserted into the through hole 211. In this embodiment, the two ends of the pin portion 22 are inserted and fixed into the through hole 211 by pressing, and the end portion 221 of the pin portion 22 protrudes from the opening of the through hole 211. In this embodiment, the end portion 221 of the pin portion 22 is configured to be flush with the end faces 210 of the roller portion 21 when it is inserted and fixed.

[0032] In this embodiment, the roller portion 21 and the pin portion 22 are provided as separate parts and assembled by press-fitting. Therefore, the pin portion 22 does not need to be formed by cutting, and its diameter can be arbitrarily determined. Consequently, the depth H of the groove 23 formed by the opposing end faces 210 of the roller portion 21 and the surface of the pin portion 22 relative to the roller surface 212 can also be arbitrarily determined. As a result, the depth H of the groove 23 can be increased compared to existing structures. For example, in... Figure 8 In the conventional rollers formed by cutting shown, the diameter ratio of the pin portion relative to the end face diameter of the roller portion is greater than 40%. However, for example, in this embodiment, the diameter ratio of the pin portion 22 relative to the end face 210 diameter of the roller portion 21 can be made to be less than 40%.

[0033] Therefore, contact between the roller portion 21 and the spring 12 can be suppressed, reducing frictional slippage between them. Furthermore, the use of simple components such as rollers and pins in the assembly process reduces manufacturing costs. Additionally, suppressing contact between the pin portion 22 and the spring 12 reduces the set load on the spring 12. Moreover, the reduced pressure on the roller 20 from the spring 12 effectively applies pressure to the cam 11, suppressing wear-induced aging of the spring 12 and extending the lifespan of the cam clutch unit 10 itself.

[0034] In this embodiment, although the pin 22 is inserted and fixed to the roller portion 21 by pressing, it is not limited to this, and a clearance fit can also be used. When in a clearance fit, the pin 22 can be used to prevent the roller portion 21 from falling off in the outer diameter direction, and even at this time, contact with the spring 12 can be suppressed, so it is preferred. In addition, although this embodiment shows a cam clutch unit 10 with a spacer ring 14, it is not limited to this, and the roller 20 of this embodiment can be appropriately used even in a cam clutch unit without a spacer ring 14.

[0035] (Implementation Method 2)

[0036] use Figure 5 , Figure 6 The roller 30 involved in this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, descriptions of parts that are the same as in other embodiments will be omitted, and descriptions will use the same constituent elements as needed.

[0037] The roller 30 of this embodiment consists of a pair of roller portions 31 that function as rollers and a pin portion 32 provided across the span between the roller portions 31. A recess 311 is provided at the center of the opposite end face 310 of each roller portion 31. The opening shape of the recess 311 is circular. No recess 311 is formed on the non-opposing end faces 312 located at both ends of the roller 30. That is, in this embodiment, the pin portion 32 is inserted and fixed into the recess 311 by pressing, and in the inserted and fixed state, the end 321 of the pin portion 32 is pressed against the bottom surface of the recess 311 of the roller portion 31.

[0038] Even in this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, the depth H of the groove 33 can be arbitrarily set by the diameter of the pin 32. Therefore, the depth H of the groove 33 of the roller 30 can be increased to suppress the contact between the roller 30 and the spring 12, thereby reducing the frictional sliding between the roller 30 and the spring 12.

[0039] Even in this embodiment, the pin 32 is inserted and fixed to the roller portion 31 by pressing, but it is not limited to this; a clearance fit can also be used. In the case of embodiment 1, if there is a clearance fit between the pin 22 and the roller portion 21, it is possible that the roller portion 21 will be biased towards the center and come into contact with the spring 12. However, as in this embodiment, when the pin 32 is engaged with the recess 311, even a clearance fit can suppress such contact. Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates a cam clutch unit 10 with a spacer ring 14, it is not limited to this. Even a cam clutch unit without a spacer ring 14 can appropriately use the roller 30 of this embodiment.

[0040] (Implementation Method 3)

[0041] use Figure 7 The roller 40 involved in this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, descriptions of parts that are the same as in other embodiments will be omitted, and the same constituent elements will be used for description as needed.

[0042] The roller 40 in this embodiment consists of a pair of roller portions 41 that function as rollers and a pin portion 42 provided across the span between the roller portions 41. Each roller portion 41 has a through hole 411 extending through the center of its end faces 410 on both sides. The opening of the through hole 411 is circular, and the ends of solid cylindrical pin portions 42 are inserted and fixed into the through holes 411 by pressing. In this embodiment, the ends of the pin portions 42 are inserted such that they protrude outward from the end faces 410 of the roller portions 41 when they are inserted and fixed.

[0043] Even in this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the diameter of the pin 42 can be set to a desired value. Therefore, the depth H of the groove 43 of the roller 40 can be increased to suppress the contact between the roller 41 and the spring 12, thereby reducing frictional slippage between the roller 41 and the spring 12. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the end face 210 of the roller 21 contacts the spacer 14. However, in this embodiment, the pin 42 protruding outward from the roller 41 contacts the spacer 14, thus reducing the contact area and further reducing frictional slippage between the roller 40 and the spacer 14. Moreover, as in this embodiment, when the pin 42 is inserted and fixed to the roller 41 by pressing, a cam clutch unit without a spacer can be used. In this case, the housing (not shown) of the cam clutch unit itself is kept in contact with the pin 42 protruding outward from the roller 41. Therefore, even with this configuration, the contact area is reduced because the pin 42 protrudes outward from the roller portion 41 and contacts the housing, thus further reducing the frictional sliding between the roller 40 and the housing.

[0044] (Modified Example)

[0045] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in any embodiment, the materials constituting the pins 22, 32, and 42 are not limited to steel, but can also be made of resin or non-ferrous metals. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, both roller portions 21, 31, and 41 are configured as separate from the pins 22, 32, and 42, but this is not a limitation. One of the roller portions 21, 31, and 41 can be integral with the pins 22, 32, and 42, while the other roller portion 21, 31, and 41 can be separate. Even when one roller portion 21, 31, and 41 is integral with the pins 22, 32, and 42 and composed of the same components, since the other roller portion 21, 31, and 41 does not exist, the diameter of the pins 22, 32, and 42 can be arbitrarily set.

Claims

1. A roller for a cam clutch unit comprising at least a plurality of cams disposed between an inner and an outer ring arranged coaxially and rotatably relative to each other, and an annular spring for applying force to the cams. The cam is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, characterized in that, The roller is composed of a pair of roller portions and a pin portion disposed across the span between the roller portions, wherein at least one roller portion and the pin portion are separate.

2. The roller according to claim 1, characterized in that a through hole is provided in the roller portion that is separate from the pin portion, and the pin portion is inserted into the through hole.

3. The roller according to claim 1, characterized in that a recess is formed on one end face of the roller portion which is separate from the pin portion, and the pin portion is inserted into the recess.

4. The roller according to claim 2, characterized in that the pin passes through the through hole and is inserted to protrude further outward than the outer end face of the roller portion.

5. The roller according to claim 1, characterized in that the pin is disposed on the roller portion by means of clearance fit.

6. The roller according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the roller portions and the pin portions are separate from each other.

7. A cam clutch unit, characterized in that, It comprises at least: a plurality of cams disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring that are configured to rotate relative to each other on the same axis; a roller as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; and an annular spring that applies force to the cams.

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