A clutch mechanism, an automotive cover actuator

Abstract

This utility model discloses a clutch mechanism and an automotive cover actuator. The clutch mechanism includes: a first shaft and a second shaft, which are axially connected and can rotate independently relative to each other; an outer ring, which is sleeved outside the second shaft and the first shaft; the first shaft is provided with a first groove and a second groove symmetrically arranged around its center, and the two grooves are spaced apart from the inner wall of the outer ring. The groove spacing of the first groove gradually decreases along the first circumferential direction A, and the groove spacing of the second groove gradually decreases along the second circumferential direction B; rollers are respectively installed in the first groove and the second groove, and can move within the groove along the first circumferential direction A or the second circumferential direction B; the second shaft is also provided with a retaining part, which is opposite to the tail end of the second groove. When the second shaft rotates relative to the first shaft along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part can penetrate into the side of the second groove with a smaller groove spacing, so that the rollers in the second groove are held on the side with a larger groove spacing. This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more specifically to a clutch mechanism and an automotive cover actuator. Background Technology

[0002] In order to enable the cover (fuel filler door, charging door, etc.) to be opened and closed electrically, some existing automobiles usually use a motor connected to the cover through a gear set. The rotation of the motor can open and close the cover through the gear set.

[0003] To enable the cover plate to also function as a manual operation device, a clutch mechanism can be installed between the gear sets. However, existing clutch mechanisms often struggle to flexibly switch torque transmission methods under different working conditions, or to effectively balance torque requirements and ease of operation in different scenarios, such as special working conditions requiring large torque for ice breaking and daily manual operation. For example, some clutch mechanisms are structurally complex and unreliable when large torque transmission is needed, while requiring overcoming significant resistance during manual operation, leading to inconvenience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, a clutch mechanism is provided that can stably transmit a smaller torque in one rotational direction and a larger torque in another rotational direction, thereby stably realizing two functional modes of automotive cover actuator.

[0005] A clutch mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The first and second axes are axially connected and can rotate independently relative to each other.

[0007] The outer ring is fitted around the outside of the second shaft and the first shaft;

[0008] The second shaft and the inner hole of the outer ring form a friction pair through contact.

[0009] The first shaft is provided with a first groove and a second groove that are symmetrical about the center, and there is a groove spacing between the two grooves and the inner wall of the outer ring.

[0010] The spacing between the slots in the first slot gradually decreases along the first circumferential direction A, and the spacing between the slots in the second slot gradually decreases along the second circumferential direction B.

[0011] Rollers are installed in the first and second grooves respectively, and can move along the first circumference towards A or the second circumference towards B within the grooves;

[0012] The second shaft is also provided with a retaining part, which is opposite to the tail end of the second groove. When the second shaft rotates relative to the first shaft along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part can penetrate into the side of the second groove with a smaller groove spacing, so that the rollers in the second groove are kept on the side with a larger groove spacing.

[0013] With the above structure, the automobile cover drive mechanism of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0014] The friction pair forms a structure similar to a friction clutch, which can stably transmit a preset torque between the second shaft and the inner hole of the outer ring;

[0015] If the roller in the first groove enters the side with the smaller groove spacing, it can abut against the groove structure and the inner hole of the outer ring respectively, thus forming the first one-way clutch structure.

[0016] If the rollers in the second groove enter the side with the smaller groove spacing, they can abut against the groove structure and the inner hole of the outer ring respectively, thus forming the second one-way clutch structure.

[0017] When the first shaft and the second shaft rotate relative to each other, for example, the second shaft rotates along the first circumferential direction A, the rollers in the second groove are kept on the side with the smaller groove spacing as the holding part enters the second groove, so that the rollers in the second groove cannot simultaneously form contact with the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole of the outer ring. At this time, only the friction clutch structure is active, and the torque required for relative rotation is less.

[0018] The second shaft rotates along the second circumferential direction B. At this time, the rollers in the first groove can enter the side with smaller groove spacing and press against the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole of the outer ring. At this time, the friction clutch engages and the first one-way clutch structure works simultaneously, and the torque required for relative rotation increases significantly.

[0019] As an improvement of this utility model, the roller has a central hole, and the first groove and the second groove are respectively provided with connecting posts that pass through the central hole, and a gap is formed between the peripheral surface of the connecting post and the inner wall of the central hole.

[0020] Elastic elements are respectively provided in the first and second grooves, and the elastic elements stop the rollers, causing the rollers to tend to move towards the side with smaller groove spacing.

[0021] The side with the larger groove spacing of the first groove and the side with the larger groove spacing of the second groove are configured to be connected.

[0022] The elastic element is disposed within the communicating structure and located between two rollers. The elastic element has two elastically movable top stops, one of which abuts against a roller in the first groove and the other abuts against a roller in the second groove.

[0023] The second shaft has an access groove at one end, and the first shaft has a protrusion at one end. The protrusion enters into the protrusion to form a fitting connection structure, and the protrusion and the access groove are spaced apart in the circumferential direction so that the two shafts can rotate independently relative to each other.

[0024] The second shaft is provided with a radially outwardly extending protrusion, and an arc-shaped surface is formed on the outer side of the protrusion, which contacts the inner hole wall.

[0025] The retaining part is arranged to extend axially on the second shaft and extends through the mating groove on the first shaft to the tail end of the second groove.

[0026] An automotive cover actuator includes a clutch mechanism as described in any of the above descriptions, and further includes a worm and a worm wheel engaged with the worm. The worm is driven to rotate by a motor, and the worm wheel is connected to an outer sleeve via a gear structure. The second shaft is connected to the cover.

[0027] With the above-mentioned clutch mechanism, the rotation of the second shaft along the first circumferential direction A can be configured as the closing process of the cover plate, and the rotation of the second shaft along the second circumferential direction B can be configured as the opening stroke of the cover plate. When the motor drives the cover plate into the opening stroke, the clutch mechanism can transmit a large torque, which can realize functions such as ice breaking.

[0028] If the cover needs to be closed manually, only one friction clutch mechanism is active. The cover can be closed by simply overcoming the torque of the friction clutch mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch mechanism of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the clutch mechanism of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 This is the utility model Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the CC direction.

[0032] Figure 4 This is the utility model Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point E in the middle.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch mechanism of this utility model under the condition of component explosion.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first shaft, the second shaft, and the rollers of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first shaft of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 8 This is the utility model Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the DD direction.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the automotive cover actuator of this utility model.

[0038] The figure shows: 1. First shaft; 1.1. First groove; 1.2. Second groove; 1.3. Protrusion; 2. Second shaft; 2.1. Holding part; 2.2. Inlet groove; 2.3. Protrusion; 2.31. Arc surface; 3. Outer ring; 3.1. Inner hole; 4. Roller; 4.1. Center hole; 5. Connecting column; 6. Elastic element; 7. Motor; 7.1. Worm; 8. Worm wheel; 8.1. First gear; 9. Second gear; 9.1. Third gear; 10. External gear ring; 11. Fourth gear; 12. Output gear. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] Please see Figure 1-8 As shown,

[0041] A clutch mechanism, comprising:

[0042] First shaft 1 and second shaft 2 are axially connected and can rotate independently relative to each other;

[0043] The outer ring 3 is fitted around the outside of the second shaft 2 and the first shaft 1;

[0044] The second shaft 2 and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3 form a friction pair through contact;

[0045] The first shaft 1 is provided with a first groove 1.1 and a second groove 1.2 that are symmetrical about the center. There is a groove spacing between the two grooves and the wall surface of the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3.

[0046] The slot spacing of the first slot 1.1 is set to gradually decrease along the first circumferential direction A, and the slot spacing of the second slot 1.2 is set to gradually decrease along the second circumferential direction B;

[0047] Rollers 4 are respectively installed in the first groove 1.1 and the second groove 1.2, and can move along the first circumference A or the second circumference B within the groove;

[0048] The second shaft 2 is also provided with a retaining part 2.1, which is opposite to the tail end of the second groove 1.2. When the second shaft 2 rotates relative to the first shaft 1 along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part 2.1 can penetrate into the side of the second groove 1.2 with a smaller groove spacing, so that the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2 is held on the side with a larger groove spacing.

[0049] The friction pair forms a structure similar to a friction clutch, which can stably transmit a preset torque between the second shaft 2 and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3;

[0050] If the roller 4 in the first groove 1.1 enters the side with the smaller groove spacing, it can abut against the groove structure and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3 respectively. At this time, the first one-way clutch structure is formed.

[0051] If the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2 enters the side with the smaller groove spacing, it can abut against the groove structure and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3 respectively. At this time, a second one-way clutch structure is formed.

[0052] When the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 rotate relative to each other, for example, the second shaft 2 rotates along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part 2.1 penetrates into the side with the smaller groove spacing of the second groove 1.2, keeping the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2 on the side with the larger groove spacing, so that the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2 cannot simultaneously form contact with the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3. At this time, only the friction clutch structure is active, and the torque required for relative rotation is small;

[0053] The second shaft 2 rotates along the second circumferential direction B. At this time, the roller 4 in the first groove 1.1 can enter the side with a smaller groove spacing and press against the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3. At this time, the friction clutch engagement and the first one-way clutch structure work at the same time, and the torque required for relative rotation increases significantly.

[0054] As an improvement of this utility model, the roller 4 has a central hole 4.1, and the first groove 1.1 and the second groove 1.2 are respectively provided with connecting posts 5 that pass through the central hole 4.1, and a gap is formed between the circumferential surface of the connecting post 5 and the inner wall of the central hole 4.1.

[0055] There is a certain amount of space between the roller 4 and the connecting column 5. When the roller 4 moves in the groove, its movement is within a certain range, which can prevent the roller 4 from dislodging, reduce the risk of jamming, and improve the reliability of the device operation.

[0056] This device can be provided with multiple first grooves 1.1 and second grooves 1.2, and they are arranged in a ring-shaped interval on the first shaft 1. Each groove is provided with a roller 4. When multiple rollers 4 simultaneously press against the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3, the bonding force is greatly improved, thereby greatly increasing the torque required for the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 to rotate relative to each other.

[0057] Elastic elements 6 are respectively provided in the first groove 1.1 and the second groove 1.2, and the elastic elements 6 and the roller 4 are stopped, causing the roller 4 to tend to move towards the side with smaller groove spacing, so that the roller 4 can enter the side with smaller groove spacing in the initial state of the device (i.e. when the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 2 do not rotate relative to each other), and at the same time connect the bottom wall of the groove 2.2 and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3, and then in the outer ring 3 and the inner hole 3.1.

[0058] By setting the elastic element 6, which abuts against the roller 4, the roller 4 can be automatically pushed to the side with a smaller groove spacing. This ensures that under normal conditions, the roller 4 can make close contact between the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3. Thus, when the outer ring 3 rotates or the first shaft 1 rotates, the roller 4 can quickly press against the wall between the bottom wall of the groove and the inner hole 3.1 of the outer ring 3, forming a reliable clutch structure.

[0059] When the second shaft 2 rotates relative to the first shaft 1 along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part 2.1 enters the side of the second groove 1.2 with a smaller groove spacing. By pressing against the roller 4 and overcoming the preload of the elastic member 6, the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2 can be kept on the side with a larger groove spacing. When the second shaft 2 returns to its original position, the retaining part 2.1 no longer enters the side of the second groove 1.2 with a smaller groove spacing, and the roller 4 can be reset to its normal state under the action of the elastic member 6.

[0060] The side with the larger slot spacing of the first slot 1.1 and the side with the larger slot spacing of the second slot 1.2 are configured to be connected;

[0061] The elastic element 6 is disposed within the communicating structure and located between the two rollers 4. The elastic element 6 has two elastically movable top and bottom ends, one of which abuts against the roller 4 in the first groove 1.1 and the other abuts against the roller 4 in the second groove 1.2. This improvement allows one elastic element 6 to simultaneously apply force to both rollers 4, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts and cost.

[0062] The second shaft 2 has an access groove 2.2 at one end of its axial direction, and the first shaft 1 has a protrusion 1.3 at one end of its axial direction. The protrusion 1.3 enters into the protrusion 1.3 to form a fitting connection structure, and the protrusion 1.3 and the access groove 2.2 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction so that the two shafts can rotate independently relative to each other.

[0063] The inlet slot 2.2 has a cylindrical slot, and the cylindrical slot has four fan-shaped grooves on its peripheral wall, arranged in a cross shape.

[0064] The protrusion 1.3 is positioned corresponding to the groove, and a column adapted to the cylindrical groove is formed on the inner side of the protrusion 1.3. The length of the protrusion 1.3 in the circumferential direction is shorter than the length of the groove in the circumferential direction, so that the protrusion 1.3 and the groove are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the two shafts can rotate independently relative to each other.

[0065] Preferably, in the initial state, the gap appears between the sidewall of the second circumferential direction B of the protrusion 1.3 and the sidewall of the second circumferential direction B of the groove. When the second shaft 2 rotates relative to the first shaft 1 along the first circumferential direction A, the gap gives the second shaft 2 a certain rotational stroke and enables the retaining part 2.1 to penetrate into the side of the second groove 1.2 with a smaller groove spacing.

[0066] The above improvements result in a simple and compact structure, reliable connection, easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring the normal operation of the entire clutch mechanism and the effective transmission of torque, and improving the stability and service life of the mechanism.

[0067] The second shaft 2 is provided with a radially outwardly extending protrusion 2.3, and an arc-shaped surface 2.31 is formed on the outer side of the protrusion 2.3, which contacts the wall surface of the inner hole 3.1.

[0068] The 2.31 arc-shaped contact ensures uniform force transmission, reduces vibration and noise, improves the smoothness and quietness of the entire friction clutch structure, and enhances the user experience.

[0069] The retaining part 2.1 is axially extended on the second shaft 2 and extends through the mating groove on the first shaft 1 to the tail end of the second groove 1.2. After the above improvement, the overall integrity between the two shafts is better, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the device.

[0070] Furthermore, a limiting structure can be provided on the second axis 2 to prevent excessive rotation of the second axis 2 relative to the first axis 1 in the second circumferential direction A. For example, [attached structure]. Figure 3 In this configuration, the retaining part 2.1 is located between the first groove 1.1 and the second groove 1.2. The limiting structure prevents the retaining part 2.1 from encroaching on the side of the first groove 1.1 with the smaller groove spacing. This ensures stable and reliable operation of the device.

[0071] Please see Figure 9 As shown, an automotive cover actuator includes a clutch mechanism as described in any of the above descriptions, and also includes a worm 7.1 and a worm wheel 8 meshing with the worm 7.1. The worm 7.1 is driven to rotate by a motor 7, and the worm wheel 8 is connected to the outer sleeve via a gear structure. The second shaft 2 is connected to the cover plate.

[0072] With the above-mentioned clutch mechanism, the rotation of the second shaft 2 along the first circumferential direction A can be configured as the closing process of the cover plate, and the rotation of the second shaft 2 along the second circumferential direction B can be configured as the opening stroke of the cover plate. When the motor 7 drives the cover plate to enter the opening stroke, the clutch mechanism can transmit a large torque, which can realize functions such as ice breaking.

[0073] If the cover needs to be closed manually, only one friction clutch mechanism is active. The cover can be closed by simply overcoming the torque of the friction clutch mechanism.

[0074] If the cover is opened manually, or if the cover tends to open due to wind or other factors, it is necessary to overcome the engagement torque of the friction clutch structure and the one-way clutch structure to open it. Opening it is quite difficult, and it is possible to keep the cover stably in the closed state.

[0075] Working principle: The worm gear 8 is equipped with a coaxial first gear 8.1, which meshes with a second gear 9. The second gear 9 is equipped with a coaxial third gear 9.1. The outer ring 3 is equipped with an external gear ring 10, which meshes with the third gear 9.1. The second shaft 2 is equipped with a coaxial fourth gear 11, which meshes with an output gear 12. The output gear 12 is connected to the cover plate component of the car (the cover plate component can be a fuel tank door, a charging door, etc.).

[0076] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are within its protection scope. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within its protection scope.

Claims

1. A clutching mechanism characterized by, include: The first shaft (1) and the second shaft (2) are axially connected and can rotate independently relative to each other. The outer ring (3) is fitted outside the second shaft (2) and the first shaft (1); The second shaft (2) and the inner hole (3.1) of the outer ring (3) form a friction pair; The first shaft (1) is provided with a first groove (1.1) and a second groove (1.2) symmetrically arranged along the center, and the two grooves have a groove spacing with the inner hole (3.1) wall of the outer ring (3). The spacing between the slots of the first slot (1.1) gradually decreases along the first circumferential direction A, and the spacing between the slots of the second slot (1.2) gradually decreases along the second circumferential direction B. Rollers (4) are respectively installed in the first groove (1.1) and the second groove (1.2), and can move along the first circumference to A or the second circumference to B within the groove; The second shaft (2) is also provided with a retaining part (2.1). The retaining part (2.1) is opposite to the tail end of the second groove (1.2). When the second shaft (2) rotates relative to the first shaft (1) along the first circumferential direction A, the retaining part (2.1) can penetrate into the side with a smaller groove spacing of the second groove (1.2), so that the roller (4) in the second groove (1.2) is kept on the side with a larger groove spacing.

2. A clutching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The roller (4) has a central hole (4.1), and the first groove (1.1) and the second groove (1.2) are respectively provided with connecting posts (5) that pass through the central hole (4.1). A gap is formed between the circumferential surface of the connecting post (5) and the inner wall of the central hole (4.1).

3. A clutching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: Elastic elements (6) are respectively provided in the first groove (1.1) and the second groove (1.2), and the elastic elements (6) abut against the roller (4), causing the roller (4) to tend to move towards the side with smaller groove spacing.

4. A clutching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The side with the larger slot spacing of the first slot (1.1) and the side with the larger slot spacing of the second slot (1.2) are connected; The elastic element (6) is disposed within the communicating structure and located between two rollers (4). The elastic element (6) has two elastically movable top stops, one of which abuts against the roller (4) in the first groove (1.1) and the other abuts against the roller (4) in the second groove (1.2).

5. A clutching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The second shaft (2) has an access groove (2.2) at one axial end, and the first shaft (1) has a protrusion (1.3) at one axial end. The protrusion (1.3) enters into the protrusion (1.3) to form a fitted connection structure, and the protrusion (1.3) and the access groove (2.2) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction so that the two shafts can rotate independently relative to each other.

6. A clutching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The second shaft (2) is provided with a radially outwardly extending protrusion (2.3), and an arc-shaped surface (2.31) is formed on the outer side of the protrusion (2.3), which contacts the wall of the inner hole (3.1).

7. A clutching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining part (2.1) is provided to extend axially on the second shaft (2) and extends through the mating groove on the first shaft (1) to the tail end of the second groove (1.2).

8. An actuator for an automobile cover, characterized in that: The device includes a clutch mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-7, and further includes a worm (7.1) and a worm wheel (8) meshing with the worm (7.1). The worm (7.1) is driven to rotate by a motor (7), and the worm wheel (8) is connected to the outer sleeve via a gear structure. The second shaft (2) is connected to the cover plate.

Images