selectable clutch

Abstract

Provided is a selectable clutch that is simple in structure, can switch action modes, is high in responsiveness, can ensure a desired torque capacity, integrates a drive source required for operation, and can be compactly configured as a device that includes an operation mechanism as a whole. A selectable clutch (200) includes a clutch mechanism and an operation mechanism, and can switch transmission and interruption of relative rotation of a first rotating element and a second rotating element. The operation mechanism includes a body portion (280), a ring-shaped connection plate (224) that is disposed so as not to move in an axial direction together with the first rotating element, and a drive unit that is disposed in the body portion (280) and drives the connection plate (224) in the axial direction. The body portion (280) is configured to be able to support a shaft member that is connected to the first rotating element or the second rotating element by a bearing (281).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a selectable clutch comprising: a clutch mechanism for transmitting and disengaging rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft configured to rotate relative to each other on the same shaft; and an operating mechanism for switching the operation of the clutch mechanism, capable of switching the transmission and disengagement of relative rotation of the first shaft and the second shaft. Background Technology

[0002] As a clutch that controls the transmission and cut-off of rotation between two shafts, a bidirectional clutch is known to be able to switch between drive and idle in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0003] Although it is well known that clutches are composed of ratchet clutches or jaw clutches, these can only transmit rotation at a specified rotation angle and transmit rotation through rigid engagement, which makes them prone to vibration and noise.

[0004] Some types of two-way clutches are configured to switch between a locked state and a free state by tilting a cam or wedge, and can transmit rotation at any rotation angle. The locked state is a state that prohibits relative rotation between the inner and outer rings (transmitting rotational force), and the free state is a state that allows relative rotation between the inner and outer rings (cutting off rotational force) (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 3 describes a bidirectional clutch that controls a retainer that holds a roller, which serves as a power transmission component, in a neutral position or a one-sided engagement position on a cam surface formed on the inner circumference of the outer ring. This allows switching between three operating modes: bidirectional free mode, one-way locking mode, and bidirectional locking mode. Furthermore, it has a switching mechanism capable of transmitting rotation at any rotation angle.

[0006] Patent documents

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

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication 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 bidirectional clutch known in Patent Document 1, when the input-side rotating body rotates relative to the output-side rotating body, the wedge will tilt in the same direction as the rotation direction of the input-side rotating body, thereby switching the engagement and disengagement of the input-side rotating body and the output-side rotating body. Therefore, there is a problem of time loss and poor responsiveness when switching the rotation direction. The same problem exists in the bidirectional clutch described in Patent Document 2.

[0012] In the bidirectional clutch described in Patent Document 3, power can be transmitted simultaneously in both directions through a leaf spring-like component. However, since the power transmission is based on friction, the torque that can be transmitted is relatively small relative to the volume of the bidirectional clutch.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve such problems and to provide a selectable clutch with a simple structure, switchable operating modes, high responsiveness and guaranteed expected torque capacity, the applicant invented a cam clutch with the operating mode switching mechanism shown in Patent Document 4.

[0014] However, in these known two-way clutches, the operating force required for the switching action needs to be input, but its drive source needs to be configured separately, and it is not integrated as a device that includes the operating mechanism as a whole.

[0015] In addition, in these types of clutches that achieve locking by clamping cams, the cams can be locked at any position in their respective directions. At the same time, the cams are firmly engaged and transmit torque by a small relative rotation starting from torque transmission. Therefore, in the bidirectional locking mode, even if the rotational torque disappears, the other cam will engage by a small relative rotation when the engagement on one side is released, and the cams in both directions remain engaged.

[0016] In this state, to switch to bidirectional free mode or unidirectional free mode, the force of cam engagement needs to be released. If the transmitted torque is large, the engagement will be firm. Therefore, when transmitting large torque, a switching mechanism with a structure capable of generating large force is required.

[0017] The present invention addresses these problems by providing a selectable clutch that is simple in structure, has switchable operating modes, is highly responsive, and ensures the expected torque capacity, while integrating the drive source required for operation, thus enabling it to be compactly configured as a device comprising the entire operating mechanism.

[0018] The present invention comprises: at least one clutch mechanism for transmitting and cutting off rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft configured to rotate relative to each other on the same axis; and an operating mechanism for switching the operation of at least one of the clutch mechanisms. The clutch mechanism includes: a first rotating element fixed in the rotational direction to the first shaft; and a second rotating element rotatably fixed to the second shaft. The operating mechanism includes: a body portion; an annular connecting plate configured to be unable to move axially together with the first rotating element; and a drive unit disposed in the body portion and driving the connecting plate axially. The body portion is configured to support a shaft member connected to the first rotating element or the second rotating element by means of a bearing, thereby solving the aforementioned problems.

[0019] According to the invention involved in this technical solution 1, since the operating mechanism has: a body part; an annular connecting plate, which is configured to not move axially together with the first rotating element; and a drive unit, which is disposed in the body part and drives the connecting plate, the body part is configured to support the shaft member connected to the first rotating element or the second rotating element by means of bearings. Therefore, the structure is simple, the radially protruding part is reduced and the drive source required for operation is integrated, and it can be compactly constructed as a device including the entire operating mechanism.

[0020] According to the configuration involved in this technical solution 2, the structure in which the input direction of the operating force required for switching is set to the axial direction can be further compacted.

[0021] According to the configuration involved in this technical solution 3, since the actuator, plunger and connecting plate are arranged in a ring around the first shaft, the driving force can be uniformly transmitted to the entire circumference of the inner ring, which can reduce the driving force required for switching and realize the miniaturization and power saving of the actuator.

[0022] According to the configuration involved in this technical solution 4, since the main body is formed in a shape that accommodates at least one clutch mechanism and an operating mechanism, it can be integrally modularized as a device that includes the operating mechanism as a whole.

[0023] According to the configuration involved in technical solution 5, since the clutch mechanism includes a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism, the first clutch mechanism is configured to have a movable and / or self-rotating locking member disposed between the first rotating element and the second rotating element, and can transmit rotation at any rotation angle. The second clutch mechanism is configured to transmit rotation at a predetermined rotation angle through the engagement of the first engagement element and the second engagement element. Therefore, the first clutch mechanism can transmit rotation at any rotation angle, so in the bidirectional locking mode, it can transmit vibration-free rotation in both directions. At the same time, when the rotational torque disappears and the engagement of the first clutch mechanism is released, the second clutch mechanism will not engage due to relative rotation. Even if the transmitted torque is large, the switching operation can be performed with a small force.

[0024] Moreover, in the one-way free mode, since the second clutch mechanism is disengaged and the operation is carried out through the first clutch mechanism, relative rotation with minimal noise and rotational resistance can be achieved.

[0025] According to the configuration involved in technical solutions 6 and 7, since the first clutch mechanism is composed of a so-called cam clutch, the operating mode of the first clutch mechanism can be switched with a simple structure, while ensuring high responsiveness and expected torque capacity.

[0026] According to the invention involved in this technical solution 8, since the second clutch mechanism is composed of a so-called ratchet-type one-way clutch, high responsiveness and expected torque capacity can be ensured.

[0027] According to the configuration involved in this technical solution 9, since the first engaging element is composed of a plurality of ratchet pawls disposed on the end face of the outer ring, and the second engaging element is composed of ratchet teeth arranged in a manner extending from the end face of the inner ring toward the outer periphery, compactness can be achieved through a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a sectional perspective view of a clutch structure that omits a portion of the operating mechanism.

[0029] Figure 2 Observing from other directions Figure 1 A sectional perspective view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The rear view of one configuration of the clutch structure is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 This is an enlarged illustration of the cam.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an optional clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 Observing from other directions Figure 9 The sectional perspective view of the optional clutch is shown.

[0038] Symbol Explanation

[0039] 100, 200 - Optional clutch; 201 - Second shaft; 110, 210 - Outer ring (first rotating element); 111 - Cam sliding surface; 120, 220 - Inner ring (second rotating element); 121 - Cam sliding surface; 122 - Selector component sliding surface; 123 - Inner ring stop plate; 224 - Connecting plate; 225 - Fixing bolt; 130, 230 - Ratchet pawl retaining component; 131 - Ratchet pawl (First meshing element); 140, 240 - Ratchet tooth retaining member; 141 - Ratchet tooth (second meshing element); 150, 250 - Cam (locking member); 151 - Side plate; 152 - Pressing part; 160 - Selecting member; 170, 270 - Spring (force application means); 280 - Body part; 281 - Bearing; 282 - Driver; 283 - Plunger; 284 - Spacer; 285 - Oil seal. Detailed Implementation

[0040] First, refer to Figures 1 to 7 One embodiment of a clutch structure with a portion of the operating mechanism omitted will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to these clutch structures.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, an alternative clutch 100, which omits part of the operating mechanism, includes: a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism for transmitting and disengaging rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft that are configured to rotate relative to each other on the same shaft; and an operating mechanism for switching the operation of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism. The first clutch mechanism is a cam clutch, configured such that a self-rotating locking member, i.e., a cam 150, is disposed between a first rotating element, i.e., an outer ring 110, and a second rotating element, i.e., an inner ring 120, and is capable of transmitting rotation at any rotation angle.

[0042] In addition, the second clutch mechanism is a ratchet-type one-way clutch, which is configured such that rotation can be transmitted at a specified rotation angle through the engagement of the first engagement element, namely the ratchet pawl 131 provided on the ratchet pawl retaining member 130, and the second engagement element, namely the ratchet teeth 141 provided on the ratchet tooth retaining member 140.

[0043] The ratchet pawl 131 is configured such that when it rotates relative to the ratchet tooth 141 in one direction, it engages with the ratchet tooth 141, and when it rotates relative to the ratchet tooth 141 in another direction, the relative distance between it and the ratchet tooth 141 changes and it passes over the ratchet tooth 141.

[0044] In this method, the ratchet pawl 131 and the ratchet tooth 141 have the same shape, and are configured such that the ratchet pawl retaining member 130 and the ratchet tooth retaining member 140 can move relative to each other in the axial direction. However, each ratchet pawl 131 can also be configured to swing relative to the ratchet pawl retaining member 130.

[0045] The ratchet pawl retainer 130 is fixed to the end face of the outer ring 110, the ratchet tooth retainer 140 is fixed to the inner ring 120 and is configured to extend from the end face of the inner ring 120 toward the outer periphery, and the ratchet pawl 131 and the ratchet tooth 141 are configured to be axially opposite each other.

[0046] Additionally, a side plate 151 is mounted on the outer ring 110, configured to define the cam 150 constituting the first clutch mechanism in an axial position between the ratchet pawl retaining member 130 and the side plate 151.

[0047] The operating mechanism for switching the action of the first clutch mechanism has a selection member 160, which is externally fitted into the inner ring 120 and can slide axially on the selection member sliding surface 122 of the inner ring 120.

[0048] In addition, an inner ring stop plate 123 is provided at the end of the inner ring 120 to restrict the movement of the selection member 160 to prevent it from falling off.

[0049] like Figure 8As shown, the cam 150 in the first clutch mechanism is configured such that a spring 170 is wound around the pressing part 152, thus receiving force towards the inner ring 120 and simultaneously receiving force in a manner that rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. This puts the cam 150 in contact with both the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110, allowing the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 to rotate relative to each other in one direction to cut off the transmission of rotational torque. In the other direction, the relative rotation of the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 is prevented because the cam 150 rotates slightly in the direction of the arrow and engages in a wedge-like manner between the cam sliding surfaces 111 and 121 of the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110, thereby transmitting rotational torque.

[0050] The selection member 160 is configured to slide axially on the selection member sliding surface 122 of the inner ring 120 and be inserted below the pressing part 152. It overcomes the force of the spring 170 and maintains the cam 150 in a position where neither the inner ring 120 nor the outer ring 110 is subjected to force. This allows the inner ring 120 and the outer ring 110 to rotate freely relative to each other in both directions and cuts off the transmission of rotational torque in both directions.

[0051] The operating mechanism for switching the operation of the second clutch mechanism is configured such that the inner ring 120 moves axially relative to the outer ring 110, thereby changing the distance between the ratchet teeth 141 provided on the ratchet tooth retaining member 140 and the ratchet pawl 131 provided on the ratchet pawl retaining member 130, switching the state in which the ratchet mechanism can operate and transmit rotation only in one direction, and the state in which the ratchet pawl 131 does not contact the ratchet teeth 141 and cuts off the bidirectional transmission of rotational torque.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner ring stop plate 123 and the selection member 160 described above limit excessive sliding of the inner ring 120 when the switching action is performed.

[0053] The operation of the optional clutch 100 is described in one embodiment of the clutch structure that omits a portion of the operating mechanism as described above.

[0054] Figure 1 , 2 The states shown in 4 and 5 are in the bidirectional free mode, where the selection component 160 abuts against the pressing part 152 of the cam 150 and the first clutch mechanism is free, while the inner ring 120 slides to the position where the ratchet pawl 131 does not contact the ratchet tooth 141 and the second clutch mechanism is also free.

[0055] When the selection member 160 is slid out of this state and the contact between the selection member 160 and the pressing part 152 of the cam 150 is released, the first clutch mechanism operates as a one-way clutch, thereby entering the one-way free mode.

[0056] Furthermore, when the selection member 160 is slid further, the selection member 160 abuts against the inner ring stop plate 123 and the inner ring 120 also slides as a whole, and is in a state where the ratchet pawl 131 and ratchet teeth 141 can be engaged. The second clutch mechanism operates as a one-way clutch that rotates in the opposite direction to the first clutch mechanism, thereby being in a two-way locking mode that transmits rotation in both directions.

[0057] You can also achieve this action by sliding the inner circle 120 directly.

[0058] In this configuration, the selection member 160 of the first clutch mechanism can abut against the pressing part 152 of the cam 150 only when the inner ring 120 of the second clutch mechanism is in the free state. When switching the first clutch mechanism from the bidirectional free mode through the selection member 160, the second clutch mechanism can be switched by sliding the inner ring 120 with the same action, and the bidirectional locking mode can be directly entered.

[0059] When switching from the bidirectional locking mode, the inner ring 120 is simultaneously slid by sliding the selection member 160, thereby freeing the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism, and entering the lock state. Figure 1 , 2 The two-way free mode shown in 4 and 5.

[0060] In addition, when switching the first clutch mechanism from the bidirectional free mode via the selection member 160, if the operation is stopped at the non-slip position of the inner ring 120, the free state of the second clutch mechanism is maintained and the system enters the unidirectional free mode.

[0061] In the above configuration, although the selection member 160 of the first clutch mechanism can abut against the pressing part 152 of the cam 150 only at the position of the inner ring 120 when the second clutch mechanism is in the free state, as a structure that can be switched independently, the second clutch mechanism can also be operated as a one-way clutch and have a one-way free mode in the opposite direction, thereby allowing four modes to be switched.

[0062] Alternatively, other known switching mechanisms can be used in the above-described manner, that is, the operating mechanism of the first clutch mechanism has an axially slidable selection member 160, and the operating mechanism of the second clutch mechanism is realized by the sliding of the inner ring 120.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the cam 150, which serves as the first clutch mechanism, can be in different shapes depending on the required torque tolerance, etc. Although it is made into a cam clutch with a first clutch mechanism, it can also be made into a roller or the like to make small movements and engage between two rotating elements, thereby enabling a clutch that can transmit rotation at any rotation angle.

[0064] In addition, in the above-described manner, although the second clutch mechanism is composed of ratchet pawls 131 and ratchet teeth 141 that are axially opposed, they can also be opposed in the radial direction.

[0065] Furthermore, when a one-way free mode in the opposite direction is not available, as described above, a jaw clutch shape can be used where the second clutch mechanism does not have a one-way clutch function. The cam can also be in different shapes depending on the required torque tolerance, etc.

[0066] Next, refer to Figures 9-10 The optional clutch involved in the embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the dimensions of the first clutch mechanism, the second clutch mechanism, and a portion thereof are different, their structures are the same as described above, so detailed descriptions of the structures of the same components are omitted.

[0068] like Figure 9 or Figure 10 As shown in the sectional perspective view, an optional clutch 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism for transmitting and cutting off rotation of a first shaft (not shown) and a second shaft 201 configured to rotate relative to each other on the same shaft; and an operating mechanism for switching the operation of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism.

[0069] The first clutch mechanism is a cam clutch, which is configured such that a self-rotating locking member, namely a cam 250, is arranged between the first rotating element, namely the outer ring 210, and the second rotating element, namely the inner ring 220, and can transmit rotation at any rotation angle.

[0070] Because a spring 270 is wound around the cam 250, it is subjected to force towards the inner ring 220.

[0071] In addition, the second clutch mechanism is a ratchet-type one-way clutch, which is configured such that rotation can be transmitted at a specified rotation angle through the engagement of the first engagement element, namely the ratchet pawl provided on the ratchet pawl retaining member 230, and the second engagement element, namely the ratchet teeth provided on the ratchet tooth retaining member 240.

[0072] The ratchet tooth retaining member 240 is fixed to the inner ring 220, and the ratchet pawl retaining member 230 is fixed to the outer ring 210.

[0073] Furthermore, in order to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement, any one or both of the ratchet tooth retaining member 240 and the inner ring 220, and the ratchet pawl retaining member 230 and the outer ring 210, can be fixed by elastic members or the like to allow for slight relative rotation.

[0074] In this embodiment, the ratchet tooth retaining member and the ratchet pawl retaining member are configured axially in the opposite manner to those described above. In the above manner, the inner ring 120 is pulled toward the selector member 160 to achieve engagement between the two. However, in this embodiment, the inner ring 220 is pressed in a direction away from the driver 282 described later to achieve engagement between the two.

[0075] The operating mechanism for switching the operation of the second clutch mechanism includes: a body portion 280; an annular connecting plate 224, which is configured to not move axially together with the first rotating element, i.e., the outer ring 210; and a drive unit, which is disposed in the body portion 280 and drives the connecting plate 224 axially.

[0076] The main body 280 is configured such that the bearing 281 can support the shaft member, i.e., the first shaft (not shown), which is connected to the first rotating element.

[0077] In this embodiment, an oil seal 285 is arranged side by side with the bearing 281.

[0078] In addition, the main body 280 is formed in a shape that accommodates the first clutch mechanism, the second clutch mechanism and the operating mechanism including the drive 282.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second shaft 201 side of the main body 280 is in an open shape, but it can also be provided integrally or separately with a closed member having a hole through which the second shaft 201 passes to cover the whole. In this case, a bearing or oil seal for the second shaft 201 can also be provided.

[0080] The drive unit includes: a driver 282, which is fixed to the body 280; a plunger 283, which is fixed to the connecting plate 224 by a fixing bolt 225 and is driven axially by the driver 282; and a spacer 284, which maintains the axial distance between the first rotating element, i.e., the outer ring 210, and the driver 282.

[0081] The connecting plate 224 is axially immovable and rotatably fitted into the groove of the inner ring 220. The connecting plate 224 and the plunger 283 are driven axially by the driver 282 as a whole, thereby driving the inner ring 220 axially.

[0082] Furthermore, the rotation direction of the connecting plate 224 can be fixed by the inner ring 220, and the plunger 283 can rotate relative to the driver 282.

[0083] As shown in the figure, when the inner ring 220 is located on the side of the driver 282, the ratchet tooth retaining member 240 and the ratchet pawl retaining member 230 constituting the second clutch mechanism are axially separated and can rotate relative to each other in both directions. At this time, only the first clutch mechanism functions, and as a whole, it functions as a one-way clutch that allows relative rotation in one direction and prevents relative rotation in the opposite direction.

[0084] When the inner ring 220 has moved away from the drive 282, the ratchet tooth retaining member 240 constituting the second clutch mechanism engages with the ratchet pawl retaining member 230, thereby preventing relative rotation in the direction originally allowed by the first clutch mechanism, and transmitting relative rotation between the first shaft (not shown) and the second shaft 201 in both directions.

[0085] Furthermore, a spacer 284 is provided between the drive 282 and the outer ring 210 to prevent the outer ring 210 from moving toward the drive 282 side when subjected to a certain external force, thereby preventing the second clutch mechanism from operating unexpectedly.

[0086] In this embodiment, a means such as a spring washer is provided between the driver 282 and the plunger 283 to apply force in the protruding direction. Thus, when the driving force of the driver 282 is cut off, the inner ring 220 moves away from the driver 282, and the ratchet tooth retaining member 240 engages with the ratchet pawl retaining member 230. When the driver 282 generates driving force, the inner ring 220 moves towards the driver 282, causing the ratchet tooth retaining member 240 to disengage from the ratchet pawl retaining member 230 (as shown in the figure).

[0087] Therefore, the actuator 282 can be made into a simple structure that generates driving force in only one direction, for example, a structure made of a simple coil (electromagnet) that draws in the plunger 283 by energizing the connection.

[0088] The driving force generated and applied by the driver 282 can be in opposite directions, and the driver 282 can generate and maintain driving force in both directions, thus eliminating the need for the means of applying force.

[0089] The driving force of the drive unit can be generated by any power source such as electromagnetic force or fluid pressure. In addition, it is not limited to being composed of driver 282 and plunger 283, but can also be a reciprocating drive unit of other types.

[0090] In this embodiment, the driver 282 uses a coil (electromagnet). The driver 282, plunger 283 and connecting plate 224 are arranged in a ring around the first shaft (not shown). Therefore, the driving force can be uniformly transmitted around the inner ring 220, which can reduce the driving force required for switching and realize the miniaturization and power saving of the driver 282.

[0091] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0092] For example, as in the clutch structure described above that omits part of the operating mechanism, a selection member can be provided on the first clutch mechanism to achieve switching, and a multi-stage movable and fixed drive structure can be made in which the action of the selection member and the action of the inner ring are performed in stages, thereby constituting a switchable mode of more than three modes.

Claims

1. A selectable clutch comprising: at least one clutch mechanism for transmitting and disengaging rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft configured to rotate relative to each other on the same shaft; and an operating mechanism for switching the operation of the at least one said clutch mechanism, capable of switching the transmission and disengagement of the relative rotation of the first shaft and the second shaft, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes: a first rotating element fixed to the first shaft in the direction of rotation; and a second rotating element rotatably fixed to the second shaft. The operating mechanism includes: a body portion; an annular connecting plate configured to be unable to move axially together with the first rotating element; and a drive unit disposed in the body portion and driving the connecting plate axially. The main body is configured to support a shaft member connected to the first rotating element or the second rotating element by means of a bearing.

2. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes: a driver fixed to the body; a plunger fixed to the connecting plate and driven axially by the driver; and a spacer maintaining the axial distance between the second rotating element and the driver.

3. The selectable clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driver, the plunger, and the connecting plate are arranged in a ring around the first shaft.

4. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body portion is formed to accommodate the clutch mechanism and the operating mechanism.

5. The selectable clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. The first clutch mechanism is configured such that a movable and / or rotating locking member is disposed between the first rotating element and the second rotating element, and is capable of transmitting rotation at any rotation angle. The second clutch mechanism is configured such that rotation can be transmitted at a predetermined rotation angle through the engagement of the first engagement element and the second engagement element.

6. The selectable clutch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rotating element and the second rotating element are composed of an outer ring and an inner ring arranged at positions that overlap in the axial direction. The locking component is a cam. The first clutch mechanism includes: a plurality of cams circumferentially disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring; and a force-applying means for applying force to the plurality of cams.

7. The selectable clutch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating mechanism has a selection member that can switch between allowing and preventing the rotation of the cam.

8. The selectable clutch according to claim 5, characterized in that, in Of the first and second meshing elements, one has ratchet teeth and the other has ratchet pawls, and the two are arranged opposite to each other.

9. The selectable clutch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rotating element and the second rotating element are composed of an outer ring and an inner ring arranged at positions that overlap in the axial direction. The first engaging element and the second engaging element are axially opposite each other. The first engaging element is composed of a plurality of ratchet pawls disposed on the end face of the outer ring. The second engagement element is composed of ratchet teeth arranged to extend from the end face of the inner ring toward the outer periphery.

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