Overrunning clutch and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of engineering elements, and particularly relates to a bearing, especially to a overrunning clutch and a working method thereof. The overrunning clutch comprises a retainer including a first support sheet and a second support sheet which are parallel to each other, the second support sheet can rotate circumferentially relative to the first support sheet, a plurality of connecting columns are vertically fixed on the inner wall of the first support sheet, a plurality of adjusting blocks are arranged on the side wall of the second support sheet close to the connecting columns, and a plurality of tabs are uniformly distributed on the inner wall of the second support sheet; the side wall of the adjusting block is in abutment with a spring sheet; when the overrunning clutch idles, a transmission shaft drives the second support sheet to rotate relative to the first support sheet through the tabs, the adjusting blocks extrude the spring sheet to cause compression deformation and retreat, the contact force between the end of the spring sheet and the outer wall of the roller is reduced, and only a thrust force which is insufficient to drive the roller to move in the direction of the shallow groove is generated, so as to reduce the friction between the roller and the spring sheet when the roller rotates in the deep groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of engineering components technology, specifically relating to bearings, and more particularly to overrunning clutches and their working methods. Background Technology

[0002] An overrunning clutch, also known as a one-way bearing, is a mechanical device that automatically engages or disengages based on changes in the speed or rotation direction of the driving and driven components. Its core function is to allow power to be transmitted in only one direction.

[0003] A typical one-way bearing consists of an outer ring, a cage, rollers (or needle rollers), and a leaf spring. The rollers are mounted in the roller bores on the cage, and one end of the leaf spring is fixedly connected to the cage, while the other end abuts against the roller. When the one-way bearing rotates in the locking direction, the rollers are compressed and wedged into the wedge-shaped space of the outer ring, thus transmitting power; when rotating in the free direction (idling direction), the rollers disengage from the wedged state and spin freely within the cage.

[0004] However, existing one-way bearings have the following technical problems when running in idle condition: During idling, although the rollers are not involved in power transmission, they still rotate with the bearing within the roller bores of the cage. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the rollers continuously contacts the free end of the spring plate, generating relative sliding friction. Especially under high-speed operation and long-term working conditions, this continuous friction exacerbates the wear on the spring plate surface. This continuous friction accelerates the wear of the spring plate surface, leading to a decrease in the positioning accuracy of the spring plate on the rollers, delayed roller return, and consequently affecting the locking response speed. In severe cases, locking slippage can occur because the rollers cannot reach the wedging position in time. Although some related technologies have solutions to reduce friction by changing the spring plate design, and others have solutions to limit the needle rollers by setting windows to reduce the spring plate compression, these solutions fail to fundamentally eliminate the continuous frictional contact between the rollers and the spring plate during idling.

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid continuous friction and wear between the rollers and the spring plates when the one-way bearing is idling is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of this application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute information related to the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides at least one overrunning clutch and its operating method.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an overrunning clutch, including an outer ring, a cage, rollers and spring plates, wherein the cage includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are parallel to each other, the second support plate being circumferentially rotatable relative to the first support plate, and a plurality of limiting plates evenly distributed along the circumference of the first support plate and the second support plate. The inner sidewall of the first support plate is vertically fixed with a plurality of connecting columns, the length of which is not less than the axial length of the roller; The second support plate is provided with several adjusting blocks near the side wall of the connecting column, and several protrusions are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate. The protrusions can abut against the drive shaft located in the inner ring of the cage. The inner wall of the outer ring is evenly distributed with several adjustment grooves along the circumference, and one adjustment groove corresponds to one roller. The adjustment groove includes deep grooves and shallow grooves. One end of the spring sheet is fixed to the outer wall of the connecting column, and the other end abuts against the roller. When the assembly is completed, the side wall of the adjusting block abuts against the spring sheet. When the overrunning clutch is idling, the drive shaft drives the second support plate to rotate relative to the first support plate through the cam. The adjusting block squeezes the spring plate to cause it to compress and deform and retract. The contact force between the free end of the spring plate and the outer wall of the roller is reduced, thereby reducing the friction between the roller and the spring plate when the roller rotates in the deep groove.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, an A-ring and a B-ring are respectively provided at the inner and outer ends of the outer ring. A plurality of limiting grooves are respectively formed on the A-ring and the B-ring, and one limiting groove corresponds to one limiting piece. The size of the limiting groove is larger than the size of the limiting piece.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the inner diameter of the inner ring of the B-stop ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the A-stop ring, and the second support piece abuts against the inner wall of the B-stop ring during assembly.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the connecting column has a rectangular cross-section, and the rollers are assembled between adjacent connecting columns.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, when the roller slides into the shallow groove, the adjusting block drives the spring plate to elastically deform in the direction of the roller and limits the roller, so that the outer wall of the roller abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring and the outer wall of the drive shaft respectively, so as to drive the outer ring to rotate synchronously.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the tabs are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate, and the number of tabs is the same as the number of rollers.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, a plurality of the adjusting blocks are evenly distributed on the side wall of the second support plate near the connecting column, and two adjusting blocks correspond to one spring plate.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the spring sheet is a spring steel strip with an S-shaped bend in cross-section, and the free end of the spring sheet faces the roller and forms a pre-tightened bend.

[0016] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for operating an overrunning clutch. The overrunning clutch includes an outer ring, a cage, rollers, and spring plates. The cage includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are parallel to each other. The second support plate is circumferentially rotatable relative to the first support plate. A plurality of connecting posts are vertically fixed to the inner sidewall of the first support plate. A plurality of adjusting blocks are disposed on the sidewall of the second support plate near the connecting posts. A plurality of protrusions are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate. A plurality of adjusting grooves are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the outer ring. The adjusting grooves include deep grooves and shallow grooves. The operating method includes: In the locking step, the drive shaft rotates in the forward direction, causing the roller to rotate in the reverse direction. The adjusting block drives the spring plate to move towards the roller. The spring plate squeezes the roller so that the outer wall of the roller abuts against the shallow groove of the adjusting groove. The outer wall of the roller abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring and the outer wall of the drive shaft respectively, so as to realize that the outer ring follows and rotates synchronously. During the idling step, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, and the drive shaft rubs against the protrusions on the inner wall of the second support plate, thereby causing the second support plate to rotate relative to the first support plate. When the second support plate rotates, it causes the adjusting block to squeeze the spring plate. At the same time, the roller rotates in the opposite direction to the drive shaft. At this time, the roller is released from the limit of the spring plate and slides from the shallow groove of the adjusting groove to the deep groove. The roller rotates around its own axis, and after the spring plate is squeezed by the adjusting block, its free end only touches the outer wall of the roller.

[0017] In one alternative implementation, during the idling step, when the roller slides into the deep groove, the roller disengages from the inner wall of the outer ring, and the friction between the roller and the free end of the spring plate decreases as the roller rotates, thereby slowing down the wear rate of the spring plate end.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, an assembly step is included before the locking step, in which the second support piece is aligned with the B-ring, and the cage and rollers are assembled into the outer ring, with one roller corresponding to one adjustment groove and the limit piece corresponding to the limit groove. The second support piece abuts against the inner wall of the B-ring, and the B-ring restricts the second support piece from axially falling out of the outer ring.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it provides an overrunning clutch and its working method. By setting a first support plate and a second support plate that can rotate relative to each other, and setting a protrusion and an adjusting block on the second support plate, during idling, the drive shaft drives the second support plate to rotate through the protrusion. The adjusting block compresses and deforms the spring plate, and the end of the spring plate only contacts the outer wall of the roller, generating a very small thrust. When the roller rotates in the deep groove, there is no continuous frictional pressure between it and the spring plate. Compared with the problem in the prior art where continuous friction between the roller and the spring plate leads to wear of the spring plate, attenuation of preload, and even locking failure, this invention fundamentally eliminates the continuous frictional contact between the roller and the spring plate during idling, thereby slowing down the wear rate of the spring plate.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of an overrunning clutch provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 A perspective view of the cage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 A perspective view of the outer ring provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 Provided for the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 A sectional stereoscopic view from a mid-BB perspective; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking state provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the idling state provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 A front view of the overrunning clutch in the locked state provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a front view of the overrunning clutch in its idling state, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] In the picture: 1. Outer ring; 10. Adjustment groove; 101. Deep groove; 102. Shallow groove; 11. A-ring; 12. B-ring; 13. Limiting groove; 2. Cage; 21. First support plate; 22. Second support plate; 23. Limiting plate; 24. Connecting post; 25. Protrusion; 26. Adjusting block; 3. Rollers; 4. Spring plates. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, and the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0027] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0028] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, at least one embodiment provides an overrunning clutch, including an outer ring 1, a cage 2, rollers 3, and a spring plate 4. The outer ring 1 has an annular structure, and its inner wall forms a working surface that mates with the rollers 3. The cage 2 is disposed inside the outer ring 1 to maintain a plurality of rollers 3 evenly distributed circumferentially. The rollers 3 are cylindrical rolling elements, and their axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the overrunning clutch. The spring plate 4 is an elastic element used to apply an elastic preload to the rollers 3.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the retainer 2 includes a first support plate 21 and a second support plate 22 that are parallel to each other. Both the first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 are annular plate structures, and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the overrunning clutch. The second support plate 22 can rotate circumferentially relative to the first support plate 21 by a certain angle. Figure 8 In this context, 'a' represents the rotation angle of the second support piece 22 relative to the first support piece 21 and the outer ring 1. The cage 2 also includes a plurality of limiting pieces 23 evenly distributed circumferentially along the first support piece 21 and the second support piece 22. The limiting pieces 23 are arc-shaped and match the limiting grooves 13 formed on the outer ring 1. The limiting pieces 23 are used to limit the relative rotation angle of the cage 2 relative to the outer ring 1.

[0031] A plurality of connecting posts 24 are vertically fixed to the inner wall of the first support plate 21. The connecting posts 24 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the first support plate 21 and extend along the axial direction of the first support plate 21. Each connecting post 24 corresponds to one spring plate 4. The length of the connecting post 24 is not less than the axial length of the roller 3 to ensure that the roller 3 is completely accommodated between adjacent connecting posts 24 and to prevent the roller 3 from moving axially. The connecting posts 24 not only connect and limit the axial movement of the roller 3, but also provide fixed support for the spring plate 4.

[0032] The second support plate 22 has several adjusting blocks 26 on its side wall near the connecting column 24. Each pair of adjusting blocks 26 forms a group, and each group corresponds to one spring plate 4. When successfully assembled, the adjusting blocks 26 are located inside the spring plate 4. The adjusting blocks 26 are wedge-shaped, preferably triangular or trapezoidal, with a guide slope that abuts against the back of the spring plate. When the second support plate 22 rotates, the guide slope slides along the back of the spring plate, pressing the free end of the spring plate back away from the rollers 3 (towards the connecting column 24). When the second support plate 22 rotates relative to the first support plate 21, the adjusting blocks 26 rotate accordingly, thereby causing the spring plate 4 to undergo compression deformation. The adjusting blocks 26 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the second support plate 22. Each pair of adjusting blocks 26 corresponds to one spring plate 4. The inner wall (inner ring side wall) of the second support plate 22 also has several protrusions 25 evenly distributed along its inner circumferential wall. The number of protrusions 25 is the same as the number of rollers 3. The protruding portion of the inner wall of the convex plate 25 directly abuts against the outer cylindrical surface of the drive shaft, forming contact and generating friction. The convex plate 25 can abut against the drive shaft located in the inner ring of the cage 2. The drive shaft can contact the convex plate 25 in both forward and reverse rotation, and drive the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21 at a certain angle, as detailed below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. When the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction (F2 direction), friction is generated between the convex plate 25 and the outer wall of the drive shaft, thereby causing the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21.

[0033] When idling, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction (F2 direction), and the drive shaft rubs against the protrusion 25 on the inner wall of the second support plate 22, thereby causing the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21. When the second support plate 22 rotates, it causes the adjusting block 26 to squeeze the spring plate 4, and the free end of the spring plate 4 retracts away from the roller 3. Subsequently, the roller 3 slides from the shallow groove 102 of the adjusting groove 10 to the deep groove 101 under the drive of the drive shaft, and the roller 3 rotates relative to the outer ring 1. After the spring plate 4 is squeezed and retracted by the adjusting block 26, the contact pressure between the free end of the spring plate 4 and the outer wall of the roller 3 decreases, and the thrust of the spring plate 4 on the roller 3 is lower than the critical value that drives the roller 3 to move in the direction of the shallow groove 102.

[0034] When idling, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction (F2 direction). The drive shaft, through friction, actuates the cam 25, causing the second support plate 22 to rotate. However, this rotation angle is limited. For example... Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the second support plate 22 rotates to a certain angle, that is, when the limiting plate 23 touches the side wall of the limiting groove 13, the second support plate 22 is limited and locked by the outer ring 1, and cannot continue to rotate with the drive shaft. Afterwards, although the drive shaft continues to rotate in the opposite direction, driving the roller 3 to rotate within the deep groove 101, the protrusion 25 is locked, and relative sliding friction occurs between the contact surfaces of the two. Therefore, the drive shaft continues to rotate, while the second support plate 22 remains stationary, thus achieving dissynchronization after a certain angle.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall of the outer ring 1 has several adjusting grooves 10 evenly distributed circumferentially, with one adjusting groove 10 corresponding to one roller 3. Each adjusting groove 10 includes a deep groove 101 and a shallow groove 102, which are connected circumferentially along the inner wall of the outer ring 1. The radial depth of the deep groove 101 is greater than the radial depth of the shallow groove 102. When the roller 3 is located in the deep groove 101, it disengages from the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and is in a free-running state; when the roller 3 is located in the shallow groove 102, its outer wall abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and is in a locked state.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, an A-ring 11 and a B-ring 12 are respectively provided at the inner and outer ends of the outer ring 1. The A-ring 11 is located at one end of the outer ring 1, and the B-ring 12 is located at the other end of the outer ring 1. Several limiting grooves 13 are respectively formed on the A-ring 11 and the B-ring 12, with each limiting groove 13 corresponding to a limiting piece 23. The size of the limiting groove 13 is larger than the size of the limiting piece 23, that is, the circumferential width of the limiting groove 13 is greater than the circumferential width of the limiting piece 23, thus providing a certain amount of movement space for the limiting piece 23. Figure 7 The circumferential width of the limiting piece 23 is W1, and the circumferential width of the limiting groove 13 is W2, where W2 > W1. The difference ΔW corresponds to the maximum rotation angle α. maxα max The range is 3°-15°, with 5°-8° being preferred.

[0037] The inner diameter of the inner ring of the B retaining ring 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the A retaining ring 11. During assembly, the second support piece 22 abuts against the inner wall of the B retaining ring 12. The B retaining ring 12 prevents the second support piece 22 from detaching from the outer ring 1 in the axial direction, thus serving as an axial limit.

[0038] The A-ring 11 and B-ring 12 can be manufactured integrally with the outer ring 1, or they can be fixed to both ends of the outer ring 1 by welding, riveting, or threaded connection. Preferably, the A-ring 11 and B-ring 12 are integrally formed with the outer ring 1 to ensure the strength and precision of the overall structure.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, both the first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 of the cage 2 are annular plates. The first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 are preferably made of metallic materials, such as carbon structural steel, alloy steel or stainless steel, to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity.

[0040] The rollers 3 are cylindrical rolling elements, and their number is determined according to the torque transmission requirements of the overrunning clutch, ranging from 6 to 12. The rollers 3 are assembled between adjacent connecting posts 24 of the cage 2 and are located within the adjusting groove 10 on the inner wall of the outer ring 1. The outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 3 are in contact with or out of contact with the outer wall of the drive shaft and the inner wall of the outer ring 1, respectively.

[0041] One end of the spring plate 4 is fixed to the outer wall of the connecting column 24, and the other end is a free end, which abuts or fits against the outer wall of the roller 3. The spring plate 4 is preferably made of spring steel strip, and its cross-sectional shape can be S-shaped. Its free end is bent toward the roller 3, thereby applying an elastic preload force to the roller 3 in the direction of the deep groove 101 of the adjusting groove 10.

[0042] When assembled, the side wall of the adjusting block 26 abuts against the outer side wall of the middle part of the spring plate 4 (i.e., the side facing away from the roller 3). The abutting relationship between the adjusting block 26 and the spring plate 4 allows the adjusting block 26 to push the spring plate 4 to undergo compression deformation when the second support plate 22 rotates relative to the first support plate 21.

[0043] When the overrunning clutch is locked, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the roller 3 is located in the shallow groove 102 of the adjusting groove 10. At this time, the roller 3 compresses the spring plate 4 to cause it to undergo elastic deformation, and the outer wall of the roller 3 abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and the outer wall of the drive shaft, thereby realizing power transmission.

[0044] When the overrunning clutch is in a free-running state, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the roller 3 slides into the deep groove 101 of the adjusting groove 10. At this time, the drive shaft drives the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21 through the protrusion 25. The adjusting block 26 squeezes the spring plate 4 to cause it to undergo compression deformation. The roller 3 slides into the deep groove 101. The contact force between the end of the spring plate 4 and the outer wall of the roller 3 is reduced to below the critical thrust value for the spring plate 4 to drive the roller 3 to move. The end of the spring plate 4 remains in contact with the outer wall of the roller 3 but does not generate a thrust sufficient to move the roller 3 in the axial direction. When the roller 3 rotates with the drive shaft in the deep groove 101, the friction between it and the free end of the spring plate 4 is greatly reduced, thereby avoiding continuous wear of the spring plate 4.

[0045] At least one disclosed embodiment also provides a method for operating an overrunning clutch, the method being implemented based on the structure of the overrunning clutch described above. For example... Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the method includes a locking step and an idling step.

[0046] Locking steps, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, when torque needs to be transmitted, the drive shaft rotates in the positive direction (e.g.) Figure 5 (As shown in the F1 direction). When the drive shaft rotates in the forward direction (F1 direction), the second support plate 22 and the adjusting block 26 rotate synchronously in the F1 direction. At this time, the adjusting block 26 first exerts a squeezing force on the spring plate 4 from the middle, causing the spring plate 4 to deform towards the roller 3. The roller 3 along... Figure 5 When F3a rotates in the direction of the drive shaft, the roller 3 rotates synchronously around the center of the clutch. Guided by the outer ring adjusting groove 10, the roller 3 moves circumferentially away from the spring plate 4. Figure 5 The roller 3 moves in the direction of F4a. The spring plate 4 pushes the roller 3 from the deep groove 101 into the shallow groove 102. At this time, the outer wall of the roller 3 abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and the outer wall of the drive shaft, respectively. The roller 3 wedges into the wedge-shaped space between the outer ring 1 and the drive shaft, realizing that the outer ring 1 rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the roller 3 is opposite to the rotation direction of the drive shaft; that is, when the drive shaft rotates in the direction of F1 (counterclockwise), the roller 3 rotates in the direction of F3a. The rotation directions of the second support plate 22 and the adjusting block 26 are consistent with the rotation direction of the drive shaft.

[0047] During the locking step, as the roller 3 is wedged into the shallow groove 102, the roller 3 and the spring plate 4 remain in contact. The spring plate 4 applies a squeezing force to the roller 3 to prevent the roller 3 from undergoing circumferential displacement, thus ensuring the stability of the power transmission of the drive shaft.

[0048] Idle steps, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, when torque transmission is not required, i.e., when the overrunning clutch is in an idle state, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction (e.g. Figure 6 (As shown in the F2 direction), roller 3 along Figure 6 When the drive shaft rotates in the direction of F3b and rotates in the opposite direction (F2 direction), friction is generated between the outer wall of the drive shaft and the protrusion 25 of the inner wall of the second support plate 22, thereby driving the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21 in the circumferential direction (F2 direction).

[0049] When the second support plate 22 rotates, it drives the adjusting block 26 mounted on it to rotate synchronously. During rotation, the adjusting block 26 compresses the spring plate 4, causing it to deform and the free end of the spring plate 4 to retract away from the roller 3. Simultaneously, the roller 3, driven by the drive shaft, moves along... Figure 6 The roller 3 rotates in the direction of F3b, while the roller 3 moves along... Figure 6 As the roller 3 moves in the direction of F4b, it slides from the shallow groove 102 into the deep groove 101. After the roller 3 slides into the deep groove 101, it disengages from the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and is in a state of free rotation (in the direction of F3b) relative to the outer ring 1.

[0050] Because the spring plate 4 is compressed and deformed by the adjusting block 26, the free end of the spring plate 4 only contacts the outer wall of the roller 3 and does not exert a thrust on the roller 3. Therefore, when the roller 3 rotates with the drive shaft in the deep groove 101, the contact pressure between the outer circumferential surface of the roller 3 and the free end of the spring plate 4 is greatly reduced, and the friction between the two is reduced accordingly, thereby avoiding the aggravated wear of the end of the spring plate 4 caused by the continuous contact between the spring plate 4 and the outer wall of the roller 3.

[0051] When the drive shaft switches from rotating in the reverse direction (F2 direction) to rotating in the forward direction (F1 direction), the drive shaft drives the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21 in the F1 direction until the limiting plate 23 abuts against the other side wall of the limiting groove 13. The second support plate 22 drives the adjusting block 26 to move in the same direction (F1 direction). The adjusting block 26 squeezes the middle of the spring plate 4 so that the spring plate 4 exhibits an elastic deformation state in the direction of the roller 3. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates in the F1 direction, the roller 3 rotates in the F3a direction. At the same time, the adjusting block 26 pushes the spring 4 to deform in the direction of the roller 3, thereby pushing the roller 3 to move from the deep groove 101 into the shallow groove 102. The spring plate 4 continuously squeezes the roller 3, thereby realizing the re-entry into the locking preparation state.

[0052] Before the locking step, there is also an assembly step. The specific assembly method is as follows: First, the roller 3 is installed between the adjacent connecting columns 24 of the cage 2, so that the two axial ends of the roller 3 are adjacent to the inner sidewalls of the first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22, respectively.

[0053] Then, align the second support piece 22 with the B-ring 12 of the outer ring 1. Since the inner diameter of the inner ring of the B-ring 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the A-ring 11, the second support piece 22 can abut against the inner wall of the B-ring 12, thereby being confined to the inner side of the B-ring 12.

[0054] Next, the cage 2 and roller 3 are assembled into the inner part of the outer ring 1. During assembly, it is necessary to ensure that: one roller 3 corresponds to one adjustment groove 10 on the inner wall of the outer ring 1; and one limiting piece 23 corresponds to one limiting groove 13 on the A retaining ring 11 and the B retaining ring 12.

[0055] After assembly, the second support piece 22 abuts against the inner wall of the B-ring 12, and the B-ring 12 restricts the second support piece 22 from detaching from the outer ring 1 in the axial direction. The limiting piece 23 is located in the limiting groove 13. Since the opening size of the limiting groove 13 is larger than the size of the limiting piece 23, the limiting piece 23 can move circumferentially at a certain angle within the limiting groove 13, providing space for the rotation of the second support piece 22 relative to the first support piece 21.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the tabs 25 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate 22. The protrusion height of the tabs 25 should be moderate to ensure reliable contact with the outer wall of the drive shaft while avoiding excessive compression of the drive shaft and generating excessive frictional resistance.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the spring sheet 4 and the connecting post 24 can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, screw connection, or snap-fitting. Preferably, the spring sheet 4 and the connecting post 24 are fixed by snap-fitting to facilitate the replacement of the spring sheet 4.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting post 24 can be circular, rectangular or elliptical, preferably rectangular, to facilitate the assembly and fixing of the spring sheet 4.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, when the roller 3 slides into the shallow groove 102, the free end of the spring plate 4 presses and limits the roller 3, so that the outer wall of the roller 3 abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring 1 and the outer wall of the drive shaft, respectively, thereby driving the outer ring 1 to rotate synchronously. The contour shape of the shallow groove 102 should be adapted to the outer peripheral surface of the roller 3 to ensure a stable contact state between the roller 3 and the shallow groove 102.

[0060] The overrunning clutch and its working method provided in this embodiment achieve automatic disengagement between the spring plate 4 and the roller 3 in the idling state by setting a first support plate 21 and a second support plate 22 that can rotate relatively circumferentially, and setting a protrusion 25 and an adjusting block 26 on the second support plate 22. Specifically, when the overrunning clutch is idling, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, and the protrusion 25 drives the second support plate 22 to rotate relative to the first support plate 21. The adjusting block 26 then compresses the spring plate 4, causing it to deform. The free end of the spring plate 4 only contacts the outer wall of the roller 3 without exerting a thrust on the roller 3. At the same time, the roller 3 slides from the shallow groove 102 into the deep groove 101, and the roller 3 disengages from the inner wall of the outer ring 1. When the roller 3 rotates with the drive shaft in the deep groove 101, the contact pressure between it and the free end of the spring plate 4 is greatly reduced, reducing the friction between them.

[0061] Compared with the existing technology, which suffers from continuous friction between roller 3 and spring plate 4 leading to wear of spring plate 4, attenuation of preload, and even lock-up failure, the present invention fundamentally eliminates the continuous frictional contact between roller 3 and spring plate 4 in the idling state, thereby slowing down the wear rate of spring plate 4 and significantly improving the service life and operational reliability of the overrunning clutch.

[0062] exist Figure 5-8 In the diagram, F1 indicates the direction of rotation of the drive shaft in the locked state, and F2 indicates the direction of rotation of the drive shaft in the idling state.

[0063] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0065] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An overrunning clutch, characterized in that, It includes an outer ring (1), a cage (2), rollers (3) and spring plates (4). The cage (2) includes a first support plate (21) and a second support plate (22) that are parallel to each other. The second support plate (22) is circumferentially rotatable relative to the first support plate (21), and a plurality of limiting plates (23) evenly distributed along the circumference of the first support plate (21) and the second support plate (22). The inner wall of the first support plate (21) is vertically fixed with a number of connecting columns (24), and the length of the connecting columns (24) is not less than the axial length of the roller (3); The second support plate (22) is provided with several adjusting blocks (26) near the side wall of the connecting column (24), and several protrusions (25) are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate (22). The protrusions (25) can abut against the drive shaft located in the inner ring of the retainer (2). The inner wall of the outer ring (1) is evenly distributed with several adjustment grooves (10) along the circumference. Each adjustment groove (10) corresponds to one roller (3). The adjustment groove (10) includes a deep groove (101) and a shallow groove (102). One end of the spring sheet (4) is fixed to the outer wall of the connecting column (24), and the other end abuts against the roller (3). When the assembly is completed, the side wall of the adjusting block (26) abuts against the spring sheet (4). When the overrunning clutch is idling, the drive shaft drives the second support plate (22) to rotate relative to the first support plate (21) through the cam (25). The adjusting block (26) squeezes the spring plate (4) to compress and deform it and retract it. The contact force between the free end of the spring plate (4) and the outer wall of the roller (3) is reduced, so as to reduce the friction between the roller (3) and the spring plate (4) when it rotates in the deep groove (101).

2. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring (1) has an A-ring (11) and a B-ring (12) respectively at its inner and outer ends. The A-ring (11) and the B-ring (12) are respectively provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (13). Each limiting groove (13) corresponds to a limiting piece (23), and the size of the limiting groove (13) is larger than the size of the limiting piece (23).

3. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the inner ring of the B-ring (12) is smaller than the inner diameter of the A-ring (11). During assembly, the second support piece (22) abuts against the inner wall of the B-ring (12).

4. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the connecting column (24) is rectangular, and the roller (3) is assembled between adjacent connecting columns (24).

5. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the roller (3) slides into the shallow groove (102), the adjusting block (26) drives the spring plate (4) to elastically deform in the direction of the roller (3) and limit the roller (3) so that the outer wall of the roller (3) abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring (1) and the outer wall of the transmission shaft respectively, so as to drive the outer ring (1) to rotate synchronously.

6. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tabs (25) are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate (22), and the number of tabs (25) is the same as the number of rollers (3).

7. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Several adjustment blocks (26) are evenly distributed on the side wall of the second support plate (22) near the connecting column (24), and two adjustment blocks (26) correspond to one spring plate (4).

8. The overrunning clutch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring sheet (4) is a spring steel strip with an S-shaped bend in cross section, and the free end faces the roller (3) and forms a pre-tightened bend.

9. A method for operating an overrunning clutch, the overrunning clutch comprising an outer ring (1), a cage (2), rollers (3) and spring plates (4), the cage (2) comprising a first support plate (21) and a second support plate (22) parallel to each other, the second support plate (22) being circumferentially rotatable relative to the first support plate (21), a plurality of connecting columns (24) being vertically fixed on the inner sidewall of the first support plate (21), a plurality of adjusting blocks (26) being provided on the sidewall of the second support plate (22) near the connecting columns (24), a plurality of protrusions (25) being evenly distributed on the inner wall of the second support plate (22), and a plurality of adjusting grooves (10) being evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the outer ring (1), the adjusting grooves (10) comprising deep grooves (101) and shallow grooves (102); Its features are, The working method includes: In the locking step, the drive shaft rotates in the forward direction, causing the roller (3) to rotate in the reverse direction. The adjusting block (26) drives the spring plate (4) to move towards the roller (3). The spring plate (4) squeezes the limiting roller (3) so that the outer wall of the roller (3) abuts against the shallow groove (102) of the adjusting groove (10). The outer wall of the roller (3) abuts against the inner wall of the outer ring (1) and the outer wall of the drive shaft respectively, so that the outer ring (1) rotates synchronously. During the idling step, the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction and rubs against the protrusion (25) on the inner wall of the second support plate (22), thereby causing the second support plate (22) to rotate relative to the first support plate (21). When the second support plate (22) rotates, it causes the adjusting block (26) to squeeze the spring plate (4). At the same time, the roller (3) rotates in the opposite direction to the drive shaft. At this time, the roller (3) is released from the limit of the spring plate (4). The roller (3) slides from the shallow groove (102) of the adjusting groove (10) to the deep groove (101). The roller (3) rotates around its own axis. After the spring plate (4) is squeezed by the adjusting block (26), its free end only touches the outer wall of the roller (3).

10. The method of operating the overrunning clutch as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, During the idling step, when the roller (3) slides into the deep groove (101), the roller (3) disengages from the inner wall of the outer ring (1), and the friction between the roller (3) and the free end of the spring plate (4) decreases when the roller (3) rotates, thereby slowing down the wear rate of the end of the spring plate (4).

11. The method of operating the overrunning clutch as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, Before the locking step, there is also an assembly step, in which the second support piece (22) is aligned with the B stop ring (12), and the cage (2) and roller (3) are assembled into the outer ring (1). One roller (3) corresponds to one adjustment groove (10), and the limit piece (23) corresponds to the limit groove (13). The second support piece (22) abuts against the inner wall of the B-ring (12), and the B-ring (12) restricts the second support piece (22) from falling out of the outer ring (1) axially.

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