Locking pawl clutch device and vehicle drive device

Abstract

A pawl coupling device comprises an outer ring (1) and an inner ring (2). The inner ring (2) has toothed sections (4) and grooves (5) that alternately form an outer circumferential surface. The inner ring (2) comprises an inner ring body (3) and a locking plate (50). The locking plate (50) has limiting toothed sections (52) on its outer circumferential surface. Viewed from an axial direction, a state in which the limiting toothed sections (52) are offset in a first direction of rotation with respect to the toothed sections (4) and overlap with a portion of the grooves (5) is defined as a closed state of the locking plate (50), and a state in which all limiting toothed sections (52) overlap with the toothed sections (4) is defined as an open state of the locking plate (50).An elastic element (60) pre-tensions the closure plate (50) to change the state from the open state to the closed state. Each of the first claw elements (30) is shaped so that it can enter the corresponding groove (5) in the closed state, each of the second claw elements (40) is shaped so that it can enter the corresponding groove (5) in the open state, and a center of gravity is located closer to a tip section than a center of rotation of each of the corresponding second claw elements (40).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Scope of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pawl coupling device and a vehicle drive device. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A pawl-type coupling device of Japanese patent application No. 2020-118250 comprises a set of a first claw element and a second claw element. When an inner ring rotates in one direction relative to an outer ring, the first claw element engages a tooth section. When the inner ring rotates in the opposite direction relative to the outer ring, the second claw element engages the tooth section. Hereinafter, a condition in which only the first claw element can engage the tooth section is referred to as one-way coupling mode. A condition in which both the first and second claw elements can engage the tooth section is referred to as locking mode.

[0003] To switch from locking mode to one-way clutch mode, the pawl clutch device of Japanese patent application No. 2020-118250 comprises an actuator and a cam element that is moved axially by the actuator. The cam element lifts the claw elements to disengage from the tooth section. If the axial movement of the cam element is small, it lifts only the second claw element to switch from locking mode to one-way clutch mode. If the movement of the cam element is large, it lifts both the first and second claw elements.

[0004] However, the pawl-type coupling device of Japanese patent application No. 2020-118250 includes the actuator and the cam element and is therefore larger. Therefore, a pawl-type coupling device is required that can be switched from a locking mode to a one-way coupling mode while being smaller.

[0005] The present disclosure was made in consideration of the above problems, and one objective is to provide a pawl-type clutch device that can be switched from a locking mode to a one-way clutch mode while being smaller in size. Furthermore, a vehicle drive device incorporating the pawl-type clutch device is provided. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, a pawl coupling device comprises: an outer ring and an inner ring, which are rotatable relative to each other, the inner ring having toothed sections and grooves that are alternately formed on an outer circumferential surface therein in a circumferential direction. The outer ring comprises: several first claw elements that engage in the respective grooves and mesh with the respective toothed sections from a first direction of rotation; and several second claw elements that engage in the respective grooves and mesh with the respective toothed sections from a second direction of rotation. The inner ring comprises: an inner ring body in which the toothed sections and the grooves are formed; a locking plate that is arranged coaxially with the inner ring body and rotatable relative to the inner ring body; and an elastic element that biases the locking plate in a direction of rotation.The closure plate has several limiting tooth sections arranged at equal intervals from the tooth sections and formed on an outer circumferential surface. A direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the outer ring is defined as the axial direction. A condition in which the limiting tooth sections are misaligned with the tooth sections in the first direction of rotation and overlap with a portion of the grooves when viewed from the axial direction is defined as a closed state of the closure plate. A condition in which all limiting tooth sections overlap with the tooth sections when viewed from the axial direction is defined as an open state of the closure plate. The elastic element pre-tensions the closure plate to transition from the open to the closed state.Each of the first claw elements is shaped so that it can enter the corresponding groove in the closed state. Each of the second claw elements is shaped so that it can enter the corresponding groove in the open state, with a center of gravity located closer to a tip section than a center of rotation of the corresponding second claw element, and the second claw elements are released from their respective grooves when a centrifugal force of a predetermined value or greater is applied.

[0007] The above and other problems, features, advantages and the technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood if one reads the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments of the invention when considering them in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram representing a pawl coupling device of a first embodiment in a state viewed from a first direction; Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view in the axial direction of an inner ring of the first embodiment, specifically a sectional view along line II-II in the Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a group consisting of a first claw element and a second claw element in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the pawl coupling device of the first embodiment in the state in which it is viewed from the first direction; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the pawl coupling device of the first embodiment in the state in which it is viewed from the first direction; Fig. 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI in the Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an inner ring rotates in a second direction of rotation relative to an outer ring in the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner ring begins to rotate in a first direction of rotation relative to the outer ring in the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner ring continues to rotate in the first direction relative to the outer ring from the state of Fig. 8 turns; Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the rotational speeds of the inner ring and the outer ring are different from the state of Fig. 9 are increased; Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the outer ring begins to rotate in the first direction relative to the inner ring from the state of Fig. Turn 10; Fig. Figure 12 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle drive device of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 13 is a view showing a timing diagram of the vehicle drive device of the first embodiment; Fig. 14 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle drive device of a first modification example; Fig. 15 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle drive device of a second modification example; Fig. 16 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle drive device of a third modification example; Fig. Figure 17 is an enlarged view of a first claw element and its surroundings in a pawl coupling device of a fourth modification example; Fig. Figure 18 is a view illustrating a state in which a short first claw element enters a groove in the fourth modification example; and Fig. Figure 19 is a view illustrating a state in which a long first claw element rests against an inclined surface in the fourth modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be readily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are essentially the same. Moreover, the components described below can be combined in a suitable manner. First embodiment

[0009] First, a ratchet coupling device 100 is described, and then a vehicle drive device 200 is described which contains the ratchet coupling device 100.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the pawl coupling device 100 of the first embodiment in a state in which it is viewed from a first direction X1. Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view in the axial direction of an inner ring 2 of the first embodiment, specifically a sectional view along a line II-II in the Fig. 5. Furthermore, in the Fig. Figure 1 shows a state in which a closure plate 50, an elastic element 60 and a housing 70, arranged in the first direction X1 with respect to an inner ring main body 3, are removed to facilitate the view of the inner ring main body 3.

[0011] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the pawl coupling device 100 comprises an annular outer ring 1 and an inner ring 2 arranged within the outer ring 1. The outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are arranged coaxially. Furthermore, the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are arranged such that they are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis X. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the central axis X is referred to as the axial direction. A direction orthogonal to the central axis X is referred to as the radial direction.

[0012] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the inner ring 2 comprises the inner ring main body 3, the closure plate 50, the elastic element 60, and the housing 70. Hereinafter, the axial direction in which the closure plate 50 is arranged from the inner ring main body 3 is referred to as the first direction X1, and the opposite direction as the second direction X2.

[0013] The inner ring main body 3 has a side surface 3a facing the first direction X1. A shaft section 3b is formed on the side surface 3a, projecting in the first direction X1. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the shaft section 3b is columnar in shape around the central axis X. Thus, an outer circumferential surface 3c of the shaft section 3b has a circular shape. Furthermore, a mounting hole 3d is formed in the side surface 3a. It should be noted that, although the inner ring main body 3 and the shaft section 3b are formed in one piece in the first embodiment, a rod-shaped shaft section 3b can be attached to an annular inner ring main body 3 in the present disclosure.

[0014] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, alternating tooth segments 4 and grooves 5 are formed in the circumferential direction on an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring main body 3. The circumferential length of the tooth segments 4 is W1. The grooves 5 are formed between the tooth segments 4 and open radially outwards. The circumferential width of the grooves 5 is W2.

[0015] Each of the tooth sections 4 has a side surface 6 facing one side in the circumferential direction and the other side surface 7 facing the opposite side in the circumferential direction. Hereinafter, with respect to a direction of rotation (circumferential direction) about the central axis X, the direction to which one side surface 6 faces is referred to as a first direction of rotation L1, and the direction to which the other side surface 7 faces is referred to as a second direction of rotation L2. It should be noted that the closure plate 50, the elastic element 60, and the housing 70 are described later.

[0016] The outer ring 1 comprises an annular outer ring main body 10, an annular support 11 arranged on an inner circumferential side of the outer ring main body 10, several first claw elements 30 and several second claw elements 40.

[0017] An inner circumferential surface of the outer ring main body 10 is circular around the central axis X. A fitted section 12, recessed radially outwards, is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring main body 10. The support 11 comprises a support main body 13 extending along the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring main body 10 and a fitting section 14 that is fitted into the fitted section 12 of the outer ring main body 10.

[0018] Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a group consisting of the first claw element 30 and the second claw element 40 in the Fig. 1. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an opening section 15 is formed between the main body of the holder 13 and the fitting section 14, in which a portion of the first claw element 30 or the second claw element 40 is arranged radially on an inner surface of the holder 11. Furthermore, a shaft housing section 16 is formed in a section between the main body of the outer ring 10 and the holder 11 and adjacent to the opening section 15. An extended housing section 17 is also formed in the shaft housing section 16 in the first direction of rotation L1 of the shaft housing section 16, in which the first claw element 30 is housed.

[0019] The first claw element 30 comprises a first shaft section 31 which is housed in the shaft housing section 16, a first claw section 32 which projects out of the first shaft section 31, and a torque transmission section 33 which is arranged in the extended housing section 17.

[0020] The first shaft section 31 is clamped between the outer ring main body 10 and the holder 11 and is rotatable about a pivot point 031. The first claw section 32 extends through the opening section 15 and is arranged on an inner circumferential side of the holder 11.

[0021] The first claw section 32 has an inner surface 32a that faces radially inwards. A projection 32b is formed on the inner surface 32a, extending radially furthest inwards. The inner surface 32a is inclined such that it faces radially inwards as one approaches the projection 32b. A length from an end surface 32c to the projection 32b of the first claw section 32 is H1. Hereinafter, a region of length H1 or less from the end surface 32c of the first claw section 32 is referred to as a first tip section 32d.

[0022] The length H1 of the first tip section 32d is smaller than the width W2 of the grooves 5. Thus, the first tip section 32d of the first claw section 32 enters the groove 5 and can come into contact with one side surface 6 of the tooth section 4. That is, the first claw element 30 is a claw element that engages with the tooth section 4 in the first direction of rotation L1.

[0023] The torque transmission section 33 faces an opposite surface 17a of the extended housing section 17. When the first claw section 32 of the first claw element 30 comes into contact with the tooth section 4, the torque transmission section 33 presses against the opposite surface 17a, and the torque is transmitted to the outer ring main body 10.

[0024] A center of gravity G30 of the first claw element 30 of the present embodiment is located in the torque transmission section 33. Thus, when the centrifugal force acts on the first claw element 30, the torque transmission section 33 moves radially outwards (see arrow A1 in the Fig. 3) This causes the first claw section 32 to move radially inwards (see arrow A2 in Fig. 3) As a result, the contact area between the first claw section 32 and the tooth section 4 increases, and the engagement between the first claw section 32 and the tooth section 4 is stabilized. It should be noted that, although the center of gravity G30 of the first claw element 30 is located in the torque transmission section 33 in the first embodiment, the center of gravity G30 may be located in the first shank section 31 in the present disclosure.

[0025] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second claw element 40 comprises a second shaft section 41, which is housed in the shaft housing section 16, and a second claw section 42, which protrudes from the second shaft section 41.

[0026] The second shaft section 41 is arranged between the outer ring main body 10 and the holder 11 and is rotatable about a pivot point 041. The second claw section 42 extends through the opening section 15 and is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the holder 11.

[0027] The second claw section 42 has an inner surface 42a that faces radially inwards. A projection 42b is formed on the inner surface 42a, extending radially furthest inwards. The inner surface 42a is inclined such that it faces radially inwards when approaching the projection 42b. A length H2 from an end surface 42c to the projection 42b of the second claw section 42 is subsequently referred to as the second apical section 42d.

[0028] The length H2 of the second tip section 42d is less than the width W2 of the grooves 5. Thus, the second tip section of the second claw section 42 enters the groove 5 and can come into contact with the other side surface 7 of the tooth section 4. That is, the second claw element 40 is a claw element that engages with the tooth section 4 in the second direction of rotation L2. Furthermore, the length H2 of the second tip section 42d is greater than the length H1 of the first tip section 32d (H2 > H1).

[0029] The fitting section 14 is provided with a first spring 35 and a second spring 45, which bias the first claw section 32 and the second claw section 42 radially inwards. Furthermore, a center of gravity G40 of the second claw element 40 is located within the second claw section 42. That is, the center of gravity G40 of the second claw element 40 is closer to the end surface 42c than the pivot point 041 of the second claw element 40. Thus, when the outer ring 1 rotates and a centrifugal force of a predetermined value or greater acts on the second claw element 40, the second claw section 42 moves radially outwards against the second spring 45.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pawl coupling device 100 of the first embodiment in a state viewed from the first direction X1. It should be noted that a state in which the elastic element 60 and the housing 70 are removed is shown in the Fig. Figure 4 is shown to facilitate viewing of the closure plate 50. Furthermore, the closure plate 50 is shown in the Fig. 4 and the following drawings are assigned points.

[0031] The closure plate 50 is an annular part centered on the central axis X. An inner circumferential surface 51 of the closure plate 50 is circular. The inner circumferential surface 51 of the closure plate 50 is slidably attached to the outer circumferential surface 3c of the shaft section 3b. Thus, the closure plate 50 is rotatable relative to the inner ring main body 3.

[0032] On an outer circumferential surface of the closure plate 50, alternating limiting tooth sections 52 and limiting grooves 53 are formed in the circumferential direction. The limiting tooth sections 52 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the tooth sections 4. The circumferential length W3 of the limiting tooth sections 52 is equal to the length W1 of the tooth sections 4 (see Fig. 1) The limiting grooves 53 are spaces formed between the limiting tooth sections 52, opening radially outwards. The circumferential width W4 of the limiting grooves 53 is equal to the width W2 of the grooves 5 (see Fig. 1).

[0033] Although in the present embodiment the length W3 of the limiting tooth sections 52 is equal to the length W1 of the tooth sections 4 and the width W4 of the limiting grooves 53 is equal to the width W2 of the grooves 5, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the length W3 of the limiting tooth sections 52 may be shorter than the length W1 of the tooth sections 4 and the width W4 of the limiting grooves 53 may be greater than the width W2 of the grooves 5.

[0034] The closure plate 50 has a circular arc-shaped hole 55 extending axially. In the following, a surface located at an end section in the first direction of rotation L1 on an inner circumferential surface of the circular arc-shaped hole 55 is referred to as the locking surface 56, and a surface located at an end section in the second direction of rotation L2 is referred to as the positioning surface 57.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pawl-type coupling device 100 of the first embodiment as viewed from the first direction X1. The housing 70 is an annular part. An inner circumferential surface 71 of the housing 70 is circular. The inner circumferential surface 71 of the housing 70 is attached to the shaft section 3b of the inner ring main body 3. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a receiving groove 72 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 70, offset radially inwards and extending circumferentially.

[0036] The elastic element 60 comprises a C-shaped main body section 61, a rotation limiting section 62 (see Fig. 6) and a locking section 63 (see Fig. 6). As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the main body section 61 is housed in the receiving groove 72 of the housing 70. This holds the elastic element 60 in the housing 70 so that it does not drop in the first direction X1. Furthermore, the main body section 61 is separated from a base surface 73 of the receiving groove 72. Thus, the main body section 61 is supported in such a way that it is deformable (reduced in diameter).

[0037] Fig. 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI in the Fig. 5. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the rotation limiting section 62 extends in the second direction X2 from an end section of the main body section 61 in the first direction of rotation L1. Furthermore, the rotation limiting section 62 passes through the arc-shaped hole 55 and is inserted into the mounting hole 3d of the inner ring main body 3. Thus, the rotation limiting section 62 is attached to the inner ring main body 3.

[0038] The locking section 63 extends in the second direction X2 from an end section in the second direction of rotation L2 of the main body section 61. Furthermore, the locking section 63 is inserted into the arc-shaped hole 55 of the locking plate 50. The locking section 63 is located at an end section in the first direction of rotation L1 of the arc-shaped hole 55 and rests against the locking surface 56 of the arc-shaped hole 55.

[0039] Furthermore, the elastic element 60 is assembled with the inner ring main body 3 and the locking plate 50 in a state in which the diameter of the main body section 61 is reduced. That is, the distance W10 between the rotation limiting section 62 and the locking section 63 (see Fig. 6) is larger before assembly than after assembly. Therefore, the locking section 63 constantly presses on the locking surface 56 in the first direction of rotation L1 (see arrow A3 in the Fig. 6) This pre-tensions the locking plate 50 so that it rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 (see arrow A4 in the Fig. 6), and a positioning surface 57 abuts the rotation limiting section 62.

[0040] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when the positioning surface 57 rests against the rotation limiting section 62, the locking plate 50 is in a phase such that the limiting tooth sections 52 are misaligned with respect to the tooth sections 4 in the first direction of rotation L1. That is, viewed from the axial direction, the limiting tooth sections 52 overlap with a portion of the grooves 5. In this state, the size of the claw elements that can engage in the grooves 5 is limited to W5. Hereinafter, a state in which the positioning surface 57 rests against the rotation limiting section 62 (the limiting tooth sections 52 overlap with a portion of the grooves 5) is referred to as a closed state of the locking plate 50 (or simply "closed state").

[0041] Furthermore, the closing plate 50 can rotate relative to the inner ring main body 3 in the second direction of rotation L2 when closed. In other words, the inner ring main body 3 can rotate relative to the closing plate 50 in the first direction of rotation L1. When the inner ring main body 3 then rotates relative to the inner ring main body 3 in the first direction of rotation L1, the limiting tooth sections 52 and the tooth sections 4 overlap in the axial direction (see the Fig. 9 and the Fig. 10). Thus, the size of the claw elements that can enter the grooves 5 returns to W2 (see the Fig. 1) In the following, a state in which all limiting tooth sections 52 overlap with the tooth sections 4 viewed in the axial direction is referred to as an open state of the closure plate 50 (or simply as the “open state”).

[0042] The following describes an example of the operation of the pawl coupling device 100. A first state described in this description is the one in the Fig. Figure 5 shows the closed state (W5 is the size that allows entry into the groove 5). Furthermore, the first claw element 30 and the second claw element 40 are not engaged with the tooth sections 4.

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner ring 2 rotates in the second direction of rotation L2 relative to the outer ring 1 in the first embodiment. It should be noted that the representation of the main body section 61 of the elastic element 60 and the housing 70 in the Fig. 7 and the following drawings have been omitted. In a case where the inner ring 2 rotates in the second direction L2 relative to the outer ring 1 from the one shown in the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 5, when rotating, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 do not enter the grooves 5. Thus, the second claw elements 40 do not engage the tooth sections 4. Furthermore, the first tip sections 32d of the first claw elements 30 enter the grooves 5 but do not engage the tooth sections 4. The first tip sections 32d of the first claw elements 30 therefore either enter the grooves 5 or ride on the tooth sections 4 and oscillate (see arrows B1 in the figure). Fig. 7).

[0044] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner ring 2, in the first embodiment, begins to rotate in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to the outer ring 1. On the other hand, at a time when the inner ring 2 begins to rotate in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to the outer ring 1 from the position shown in the Fig. 5 in the depicted state begins to rotate, the size that can enter the grooves 5, W5, as shown in the Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this. Therefore, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 cannot enter the grooves 5. On the other hand, the first tip sections 32d of the first claw elements 30 enter the grooves 5 and come into contact with the limiting tooth sections 52. As a result, the rotation of the closure plate 50 in the first direction of rotation L1 is restricted. Thus, only the inner ring main body 3 rotates in the first direction of rotation L1.

[0045] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner ring 2 continues to rotate in the first direction relative to the outer ring 1 from the state of Fig. 8 rotates. If only the inner ring main body 3 then rotates in the first direction of rotation L1, as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the tooth sections 4 of the inner ring main body 3 come into contact with the first tip sections 32d of the first claw elements 30. That is, the first claw elements 30 are in a state where they are engaged with the tooth sections 4. As a result, the torque in the first direction of rotation L1 is transmitted via the first claw elements 30 to the outer ring main body 10 (see arrows B2 in the figure). Fig. 9), and the outer ring 1 rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 at the same speed as the inner ring 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the one in the Fig. The state shown in Figure 9 is a state in which both the limiting tooth sections 52 and the tooth sections 4 are in contact with the first tip sections 32d. This means that the phases of the inner ring main body 3 and the closure plate 50 coincide, and the closure plate 50 is in the open position. As a result, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 enter the grooves 5 (see arrows B3 in the figure). Fig. 9) and are brought into a state in which they can engage with the tooth sections 4. According to the above explanations, the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are brought into the locking mode in which the relative rotation is restricted.

[0047] Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the rotational speeds of the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are different from the state of Fig. 9 are increased. If the rotational speeds of the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 in the first direction of rotation L1 are higher than that in the Fig. As the condition shown in Figure 9 is increased, the centrifugal force acting on the second claw elements 40 is also increased. This causes the second tip sections 42d to move radially outwards against the preload force of the second springs 45. That is, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 are released from the grooves 5. Consequently, the system switches to one-way coupling mode, in which the outer ring 1 is rotatable relative to the inner ring 2 in the first direction of rotation L1.

[0048] Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the outer ring 1, in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to the inner ring 2, moves from the state of Fig. 10 begins to turn. Then, as in the Fig. Figure 11 shows that a rotation of a coupling element coupled to the outer ring 1 (not shown) is accelerated and the rotational speed of the outer ring 1 is increased, and the rotational speed of the outer ring 1 in the first direction of rotation L1 becomes greater than that of the inner ring 2. As a result, the outer ring 1 rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to the inner ring 2. In addition, the first claw elements 30 oscillate at this time (see arrows B5 in the Fig. 11).

[0049] From the above explanations, it follows that in the first embodiment of the pawl-type coupling device 100, the locking mode can be switched to the one-way coupling mode without the need for the actuator and the cam element. Thus, the pawl-type coupling device 100 can be miniaturized.

[0050] Fig. Figure 12 is a view showing a configuration of the vehicle drive device 200 of the first embodiment. The vehicle drive device 200 is described below. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the vehicle drive device 200 is mounted on a vehicle 300. The vehicle drive device 200 then drives the wheels 101L and 101R, which are the drive wheels. The vehicle 300 has a main power source that generates the main power, e.g., an engine, and moves by driving wheels other than wheels 101L and 101R. Therefore, the drive of wheels 101L and 101R by the vehicle drive device 200 plays an additional role in the movement of the vehicle 300.

[0051] The vehicle drive device 200 comprises a motor 110, a reduction gear 120, an intermediate gear 124, a ring gear 130, a differential gear 140, the axles 150L and 150R and the pawl clutch device 100. In the present embodiment, the pawl clutch device 100 is arranged between the motor 110 and the reduction gear 120.

[0052] An output shaft 111 of the motor 110 is coupled to the inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 (see the Fig. 1) Furthermore, a coupling shaft 112 is coupled to the outer ring main body 10 of the pawl coupling device 100 (see the Fig. 1) It should be noted that when the vehicle 300 moves forward, one direction of the torque introduced into the inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 is the first direction of rotation L1. When the vehicle 300 moves backward, however, the direction of the torque acting on the inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 is the second direction of rotation L2.

[0053] The reduction gear 120 comprises a first gear 121 and a second gear 122, which meshes with the first gear 121. The second gear 122 has a larger diameter than the first gear 121. Therefore, when the torque is transmitted from the first gear 121 to the second gear 122, the torque is reduced. The first gear 121 is connected to the coupling shaft 112. The second gear 122 is coupled to an intermediate shaft 123. Furthermore, the intermediate shaft 123 is connected to the intermediate gear 124.

[0054] The intermediate gear 124 is engaged with the ring gear 130. The ring gear 130 has a larger diameter than the intermediate gear 124, and the torque is reduced. Furthermore, the ring gear 130 is coupled to a differential housing (not shown) of the differential gear 140.

[0055] The differential 140 is a device that compensates for a difference in rotation between wheels 101L and 101R. The differential 140 comprises the differential housing (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown) that rotates integrally with the differential housing, a pair of pinions (not shown) rotatably mounted on the pinion shaft, and a pair of lateral gears (not shown) that mesh with the pinion pair. The axle 150L is connected to one lateral gear of the pair of lateral gears, and the axle 150R is connected to the other lateral gear.

[0056] Thus, the torque transmission path, until the torque generated by the motor 110 is transmitted to the axles 150L and 150R, consists of the pawl clutch 100, the reduction gear 120, the intermediate gear 124, the ring gear 130, and the differential 140, in that order from the upstream side. It should be noted that the upstream side of the torque transmission path is one side of the motor 110, and the downstream side is one side of the wheels 101L and 101R.

[0057] Fig. Figure 13 is a view showing a timing diagram of the vehicle drive device of the first embodiment. Next, an operation of the vehicle drive device 200 is described. As in the Fig. Figure 13 shows vehicle 300 at time T0. In this case, the pawl coupling device 100 is in a state in which both the first claw elements 30 and the second claw elements 40 can enter the grooves 5 and engage the tooth sections 4 (locking mode (see the Fig. 9)).

[0058] When the vehicle 300 moves forward at time T1, the motor 110 is driven. As a result, the torque in the first direction of rotation L1 is introduced into the inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100. Then the first claw elements 30 and the tooth sections 4 engage with each other, and the torque is transmitted to the outer ring main body 10 (see the Fig. 9, in particular an arrow B2 in the Fig. 9) Thus, the outer ring 1 rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 at a speed corresponding to that of the inner ring 2. Then the torque of the outer ring 1 is transmitted in sequence to the reduction gear 120, the intermediate gear 124, the ring gear 130, the differential gear 140 and the axles 150, and the wheels 101L and 101R are driven.

[0059] The speed of the vehicle 300 increases, and the rotational speeds of the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 also increase. This also increases the centrifugal force acting on the second claw elements 40. In the present embodiment, when the speed of the vehicle 300 exceeds 100 km / h (time T2), the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 move radially outwards due to the centrifugal force against the preload force of the second springs 45 (see Fig. 10, in particular arrow B4 in the Fig. 10). As a result, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 are released from the grooves 5. That is, from time T2 the mode becomes one-way coupling mode (see the Fig. 10).

[0060] It should be noted that, although the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 move radially outwards in a case where the speed of the vehicle 300 exceeds 100 km / h in the present embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The rotational speed of the outer ring 1 when the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 move radially outwards is not specifically limited and can be adjusted appropriately.

[0061] At time T3, the speed of vehicle 300 continues to increase, and the support provided by wheels 101L and 101R becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the vehicle drive device 200 stops the drive of motor 110 and also stops the rotation of the inner ring main body 3. However, since wheels 101L and 101R are still rolling on the road, axles 150L and 150R continue to rotate in the same direction. The torque reaching axles 150L and 150R from wheels 101L and 101R is then transmitted in the following sequence: differential gear 140, ring gear 130, intermediate gear 124, reduction gear 120, and outer ring 1. That is, even after the drive of motor 110 has stopped, the torque in the first direction of rotation L1 is transmitted to the outer ring 1.

[0062] This refers to the one-way coupling mode (see the Fig. 10) at time T2. The outer ring 1 therefore rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to the inner ring 2. The first claw elements 30 oscillate at this time (see arrow B5 in the Fig. 11). In addition, the engagement between the first claw elements 30 and the limiting tooth sections 52 is released, and the closure plate 50 is brought into the closed position.

[0063] As the vehicle speed decreases 300, the centrifugal force acting on the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 also decreases. At time T4, the centrifugal force acting on the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 becomes smaller than the preload force of the second springs 45, and the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 move radially inwards. However, the locking plate 50 is in the closed position, and the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 do not enter the grooves 5 (see the Fig. 7) Thus, the one-way coupling mode is maintained.

[0064] Motor 110 is driven at time T5. Furthermore, motor 110 generates torque such that the rotational speed of the inner ring 2 is greater than the rotational speed of the outer ring 1. Consequently, the inner ring 2 rotates in the first direction L1 relative to the outer ring 1. Then, the first tip sections 32d of the first claw elements 30 enter the grooves 5 and come into contact with the limiting tooth sections 52 (see the Fig. 8) As a result, the limiting tooth sections 52 and the tooth sections 4 have the same phase, and the locking plate 50 is brought into the open position. Then the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 enter the grooves 5 and are brought into the locking mode (see the Fig. 9).

[0065] At time T6, vehicle 300 begins to decelerate, and motor 110 stops accordingly. Vehicle 300 then comes to a complete stop at time T7. In this case, the speed of vehicle 300 does not exceed 100 km / h from time T5 to time T7. This means that the release of the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 from the grooves 5 is not generated due to centrifugal force. Thus, vehicle 300 is stopped in a state where the locking mode is maintained. It should be noted that the mode is also the locking mode at time T0 for these reasons.

[0066] At time T8, the vehicle 300 is moving backward, and the motor 110 is driven. It should be noted that the direction of the torque generated by the motor 110 at this time is opposite to that at the time of the vehicle 300's forward movement (second direction of rotation L2). Thus, the second tip sections 42d of the second claw elements 40 engage with the tooth sections 4, and the torque is transmitted to the outer ring main body 10. The outer ring 1 then rotates in the second direction of rotation L2 at a speed corresponding to that of the inner ring 2. As a result, the torque is transmitted by the vehicle drive device 200, and the wheels 101L and 101R rotate in the opposite direction to that in which the vehicle 300 is moving forward.

[0067] As described above, according to the vehicle drive device 200 of the first embodiment, when the vehicle 300 is moving and the motor 110 is stopped (between time T3 and time T5), the mode is one-way clutch mode. That is, the torque transmission path is interrupted by the pawl clutch device 100. Since the output shaft 111 of the motor 110 and the inner ring 2 are not rotating, rotation of a reverse drive from the wheels 101L and 101R is not transmitted to the motor 110, and the load during the movement of the vehicle 300 is reduced.

[0068] The first embodiment has been described above. Modification examples are described below in which the position of a pawl-type clutch device arranged on a torque transmission path of a vehicle drive unit 200 is changed. In each of the modification examples, only the differences from the first embodiment are described. First modification example

[0069] Fig. Figure 14 is a view showing a configuration of a 200A vehicle drive unit of the first modification example. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the vehicle drive device 200A of the first modification example differs from the first embodiment in that a pawl clutch device 100 is inserted between an intermediate shaft 123 and an intermediate gear 124. Thus, in the first modification example, an output shaft 111 of a motor 110 is coupled to a first gear 121. The intermediate shaft 123 is coupled to an inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 (see Figure 14). Fig. 1) In addition, a second intermediate shaft 125 with an outer ring main body 10 of the pawl coupling device 100 (see the Fig. 1) coupled. In addition, the intermediate gear 124 is coupled to the second intermediate shaft 125.

[0070] As described above, according to the vehicle drive device 200A of the first modification example, the output shaft 111 of the motor 110, a reduction gear 120 and an inner ring 2 do not rotate while a vehicle 300 is moving and the motor 110 is stopped (see a period from time T3 to time T5 in the Fig. 13). Thus, a rotation of a reverse feed from the wheels 101L and 101R is not transmitted to the motor 110, and a load during the driving of the vehicle 300 is reduced. Second modification example

[0071] Fig. Figure 15 is a view showing a configuration of a 200B vehicle drive unit of the second modification example. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the vehicle drive device 200B of the first modification example differs from the first embodiment in that a pawl clutch device 100 is arranged between a ring gear 130 and a differential gear 140. In the second modification example, a ring gear shaft 131 is coupled to the ring gear 130. The ring gear shaft 131 is coupled to an inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 (see Figure 15). Fig. 1) Furthermore, an outer ring main body 10 of the pawl coupling device 100 (see the Fig. 1) coupled to a differential housing of a differential gear 140.

[0072] According to the vehicle drive device 200B of the second modification example, when a vehicle is traveling at 300 and an engine 110 is stopped (see a period from time T3 to time T5 in the Fig. 13), an output shaft 111 of the motor 110, a reduction gear 120, an intermediate gear 124, the ring gear 130 and an inner ring 2 do not rotate. Thus, a rotation of a reverse feed from the wheels 101L and 101R is not transmitted to the motor 110, and a load during the movement of the vehicle 300 is reduced. Third modification example

[0073] Fig. Figure 16 is a view showing a configuration of a 200C vehicle drive unit of the third modification example. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the vehicle drive device 200C of the third modification example differs from the first embodiment in that a pawl clutch device 100 is arranged between a differential gear 140 and a wheel 101R. In the differential gear 140 of the third modification example, a transmission shaft 141 is coupled to one of two lateral gears (not shown). The transmission shaft 141 is coupled to an inner ring main body 3 of the pawl clutch device 100 (see Figure 16). Fig. 1) An axle 150R is connected to an outer ring 1 of the pawl coupling device 100 (see the Fig. 1) connected.

[0074] In the third modification example, the vehicle drive device 200C is in a one-way clutch mode when the vehicle is traveling at 300 and the engine 110 is stopped (see a period from time T3 to time T5 in the Fig. 13) Therefore, the outer ring 1, which is connected to the axis 150R, rotates in a first direction of rotation L1. Furthermore, the torque of the outer ring 1 is not transmitted to an inner ring 2.

[0075] Furthermore, the direction of rotation of axle 150L is the same first direction of rotation L1 as that of axle 150R. Since the motor 110 is stopped, the rotation of a differential housing (not shown) is also stopped. Therefore, the lateral gear coupled to axle 150R and the lateral gear coupled to transmission shaft 141 rotate in opposite directions. That is, transmission shaft 141 rotates in a second direction of rotation L2. Thus, the inner ring 2 rotates in the second direction of rotation L2, opposite to the outer ring 1. Since this is a one-way coupling, the torque of the inner ring 2 is not transmitted to the outer ring 1.

[0076] The above explanations show that, according to the third modification example, if the vehicle is traveling at 300 and the engine is stopped at 110 (see the period from time T3 to time T5 in the Fig. 13), a reduction gear 120, an intermediate gear 124, a ring gear 130 and the differential housing (not shown) of the differential gear 140 do not rotate. Thus, rotation of a reverse feed from the wheels 101L and 101R is not transmitted to the motor 110, and a load during the driving of the vehicle 300 is reduced.

[0077] The modification examples for the vehicle drive device 200 were described above. Next, an example of a modification for the pawl clutch device 100 is described. Fourth modification example

[0078] Fig. Figure 17 is an enlarged view showing a first claw element 30 and its surroundings in a pawl coupling device 100D of the fourth modification example. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the pawl coupling device 100D of the fourth modification example differs from the first embodiment in one point in which an inclined surface 80 is formed on a limiting tooth section 52 of a locking plate 50.

[0079] The limiting tooth section 52 has a side surface 52a facing a first direction of rotation L1 and an outer diameter surface 52b pointing radially outwards. It should be noted that the side surface 52a is a surface that is in contact with a first tip section 32d of the first claw element 30 (see the Fig. 8) The inclined surface 80 is arranged at a corner section where the side surface 52a and the outer diameter surface 52b intersect. The inclined surface 80 is inclined such that it is located further inwards in the radial direction in the direction of a first rotation direction L1. Next, an action of the pawl coupling device 100D of the fourth modification example is described.

[0080] Fig. Figure 18 is a view illustrating a state in which a short first claw element 30 enters a groove 5 in the fourth modification example. Fig. Figure 19 is a view showing a state in which a long first claw element 30 rests against the inclined surface 80 in the fourth modification example.

[0081] The first claw elements 30 exhibit a variation (tolerance) in length in the longitudinal direction during a manufacturing process. Thus, the first several claw elements 30 include the first claw element 30 with a small length in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "short") (see the Fig. 18) and the first claw element 30 with a large length in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "long") (see the Fig. 19).

[0082] In a case where an inner ring 2 rotates in the first direction of rotation L1 relative to an outer ring 1, a first tip section 32d of the short first claw element 30 of the several first claw elements 30 enters the groove 5, as shown in the Fig. Figure 18 is shown. Then an end surface 32c comes into contact with the side surface 52a.

[0083] On the other hand, at the time the short first claw element 30 comes into contact with the limiting tooth section 52, the long first claw element 30 has a small distance to the side surface 52a and cannot enter the groove 5. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 19, a first tip section 32d of the first claw element 30 is therefore in a state where it rests against the inclined surface 80. In particular, in a first claw section 32, a corner section 32e, where an inner surface 32a and the end surface 32c intersect, is in a state where it rests against the inclined surface 80 of the limiting tooth section 52. It should be noted that the first claw section 32 is biased inwards in the radial direction by a first spring 35 (see Figure 19). Fig. 3 and the like). Thus, a state is maintained in which the corner section 32e rests against the inclined surface 80.

[0084] It follows from the above explanations that the rotation of the closure plate 50 is limited not by the long first claw element 30, but by the short first claw element 30. If only one inner ring main body 3 then continues to rotate in the first direction of rotation L1, as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 18, a side surface 6 of a tooth section 4 moves in the first direction of rotation L1 (see arrow D1 in the Fig. 18). Then one side surface 6 of the tooth section 4 comes into contact with the first tip section 32d of the first claw element 30, and the short first claw element 30 and the tooth section 4 are engaged with each other.

[0085] Similarly, as in the Fig. Figure 19 shows a side surface 6 of the tooth section 4 during movement in the first direction of rotation L1 (see arrow D2 in the Fig. 19) also in contact with the corner section 32e, which rests against the inclined surface 80. As a result, the long first claw element 30 and the tooth section 4 are in engagement with each other.

[0086] According to the fourth modification example, this prevents the long first claw element 30 from coming into contact with the corner part of the limiting tooth section 52 and being folded radially outwards. This increases the number of first claw elements 30 that engage with the tooth sections 4 compared to the first embodiment. This prevents only some of the multiple first claw elements 30 from being subjected to a load.

[0087] Furthermore, as in the Fig.Figure 17 shows a straight line connecting the corner section 32e of the first claw element 30 and a pivot point 031 of the first claw element 30, referred to as virtual line M1. A straight line drawn along the inclined surface 80 is also referred to as virtual line M2. The angle 0 at which virtual line M1 and virtual line M2 intersect is preferably 90° or greater. Accordingly, the inclined surfaces 80 are lengthened, and the first claw elements 30 that bear against the inclined surfaces 80 of the limiting tooth sections 52—in other words, the first claw elements 30 that engage with the tooth sections 4—are enlarged.

[0088] Although the embodiment and the examples of modifications have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described in the embodiment. For example, although the inner ring 2 of the embodiment has the housing 70 to support the elastic element 60, it may not have a housing 70 as long as the elastic element 60 can be supported by the inner ring main body 3 or the closure plate 50. Furthermore, the shape of the elastic element 60 is not limited to the shape described in the embodiment.

[0089] In the present disclosure, when the inner ring rotates in the first direction relative to the outer ring, the first claw element engages in the groove. The first claw element then restricts the rotation of the locking plate. Consequently, only the main body of the inner ring rotates in the first direction, and the limiting tooth section and the tooth section overlap. This brings the locking plate into an open state, and the second claw element engages in the groove (becoming the locking mode). As the rotational speeds of the inner and outer rings increase, the second claw element is disengaged from the groove by centrifugal force (one-way coupling mode). When the outer ring rotates in the first direction relative to the inner ring in this state, the contact between the first claw element and the limiting tooth section is released, and the locking plate is brought into a closed state.In this way, the one-way coupling mode is maintained. As described above, the actuator and the like are unnecessary, and a miniaturization is achieved in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0090] Although the invention has been described with regard to a complete and unambiguous disclosure in respect of certain embodiments, the attached claims are not to be limited in this sense, but are to be interpreted as encompassing all modifications and alternative constructions that a person skilled in the art might think of and that appropriately fall within the basic teaching set forth herein. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-118250 [0002, 0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] A pawl coupling device (100) comprising the following: an outer ring (1) and an inner ring (2) which are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the inner ring (2) has tooth sections (4) and grooves (5) which are alternately formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof in a circumferential direction, wherein the outer ring (1) comprises: several first claw elements (30) that enter the respective grooves (5) and engage with the respective tooth sections (4) from a first direction of rotation; and several second claw elements (40) that enter the respective grooves (5) and engage with the respective tooth sections (4) from a second direction of rotation, the inner ring (2) comprises: an inner ring main body (3) in which the tooth sections (4) and the grooves (5) are formed; a closure plate (50) which is arranged coaxially to the inner ring main body (3) and rotatable relative to the inner ring main body (3); and an elastic element (60) that pre-tensions the closure plate (50) in a direction of rotation, the closure plate (50) has several limiting tooth sections (52) which are arranged at equal intervals to the tooth sections (4) and are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the same, a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the outer ring (1) is defined as the axial direction, a state in which the limiting tooth sections (52) are misaligned in the first direction of rotation with respect to the tooth sections (4) and overlap with part of the grooves (5) when viewed from the axial direction, is defined as a closed state of the closure plate (50), a state in which all limiting tooth sections (52) overlap with the tooth sections (4) when viewed from the axial direction is defined as an open state of the closure plate (50), the elastic element (60) pre-tensions the closure plate (50) to change the state from the open state to the closed state, each of the first claw elements (30) is designed such that it can enter the corresponding groove (5) in the closed state, and Each of the second claw elements (40) is shaped such that it can enter the corresponding groove (5) in the open state, a center of gravity is arranged closer to a tip section than a center of rotation of the corresponding second claw element (40), and the second claw elements (40) are released from the respective grooves (5) when a centrifugal force of a predetermined value or more is applied. [2] The pawl coupling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein Each of the boundary tooth segments (52) comprises: an outer diameter surface (52b) that points outwards in a radial direction; a side surface (52a) facing the first direction of rotation; and a corner region (32a) where the outer diameter surface and the side surface intersect, and The corner area is an inclined surface that lies further inwards in the radial direction in the direction of the first rotation. [3] A vehicle drive device (200) which transmits a torque generated by a motor (110) via a reduction mechanism, an intermediate gear (124), a ring gear (130) and a differential gear (140) to a pair of axles (150L, ​​150R), wherein the vehicle drive device (200) comprises: the pawl coupling device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is provided on a torque transmission path from the motor to the axles (150L, ​​150R), wherein the inner ring (2) is coupled to a part on an upstream side of the torque transmission path, and the outer ring (1) is coupled to a part on a downstream side of the torque transmission path. [4] The vehicle drive device (200) according to claim 3, wherein The reduction mechanism includes: a first gear (121); a second gear (122) that engages with the first gear (121) and has a larger diameter than the first gear (121); and a clutch shaft (112) connected to the first gear (121), the part on the upstream side of the torque transmission path includes an output shaft of the motor (110), and the part on the downstream side of the torque transmission path includes the coupling shaft (112). [5] The vehicle drive device (200) according to claim 3, wherein The reduction mechanism includes: a first gear (121); a second gear (122) that engages with the first gear (121) and has a larger diameter than the first gear (121); and an intermediate shaft (123) which is connected to the second gear (122), the intermediate gear (123) is coupled to a second intermediate shaft (125), the part on the upstream side of the torque transmission path includes the intermediate shaft (123), and the part on the downstream side of the torque transmission path includes the second intermediate shaft (125). [6] The vehicle drive device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the ring gear (130) is connected to a ring gear shaft (131), the part on the upstream side of the torque transmission path includes the ring gear shaft (131), and the part on the downstream side of the torque transmission path includes a differential housing of the differential gear (140). [7] The vehicle drive device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the differential gear (140) includes: a differential housing; a pinion shaft that rotates as one piece with the differential housing; a pair of pinions that are rotatably mounted on the pinion shaft, and a pair of lateral gears that mesh with the pinion pair, the pair of side gears is connected to a transmission shaft (141) and an axle of the pair of axles (150L, ​​150R), the part on the upstream side of the torque transmission path includes the transmission shaft (141), and the part on the downstream side of the torque transmission path includes another axis of the pair of axes (150L, ​​150R).

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