Reverse-direction locking coupling

Abstract

A counter-directional locking coupling (1) comprising: a pressed element (2) with a pressed surface (7) on its inner circumferential surface, an input element (3) with an input-side engagement section (14) arranged on an inner side in a radial direction of the pressed surface (7), wherein the input element (3) is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface (7), an output element (4) having an output-side engagement section (21) on its inner side in the radial direction of the pressed surface (7), which is arranged further in the radial direction on the inner side than the input-side engagement section (14), wherein the output element (4) is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface (7), an engagement element (5) with a pressing surface (33) facing the pressed surface (7), and an input-side gripping section (34) that can be brought into engagement with the input-side engagement section (14). is,and an output-side gripped section (35) that can be brought into engagement with the output-side engagement section (21), wherein the engagement element (5) is arranged such that it is movable in a first direction which is a direction of the pressing surface (33) extending away from or towards the pressed surface (7), and a leaf spring (6) with two retained sections (43) arranged on both sides of the input-side engagement section (14) with respect to a second direction perpendicular to a central axis of the input element (3) and the first direction, and elastically held between the input-side engagement section (14) and the input-side gripped section (34), and a base section (44) connecting the two retained sections (43), wherein, when a torque input is applied to the input element (3),the engagement element (5) moves in a direction away from the pressed surface (7) with respect to the first direction based on the engagement of the input-side engagement section (14) with the input-side gripped section (34), and the output-side gripped section (35) engages in the output-side engagement section (21), thereby transferring the torque applied to the input element (3) to the output element (4), while, when torque is applied backwards to the output element (4), the engagement element (5) presses the pressing surface (33) against the pressed surface (7) based on the engagement of the output-side engagement section (21) with the output-side gripped section (35) to bring the pressing surface (33) into frictional engagement with the pressed surface (7).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reverse-direction locking coupling or coupling for blocking reverse input, which transmits torque that is input into an input element to an output element, while completely blocking torque that is input backward into the output element in order not to transmit it to the input element, or transmitting only a part of it to the input element and blocking the remaining part. Technical background

[0002] The reverse-direction locking clutch, or clutch for blocking reverse input, has an input element connected to an input-side mechanism such as a drive source or the like, and an output element connected to an output-side mechanism such as a reduction mechanism or the like, and has the function of transmitting a torque applied to the input element to the output element, while completely blocking a torque applied backward to the output element and not transmitting the reverse-applied torque to the input element, or only transmitting a part of the reverse-applied torque to the input element and blocking the remaining part.

[0003] Reverse-type locking clutches, or reverse-input locking clutches, are broadly classified into locking clutches and freewheel clutches, depending on the mechanism used to block the torque applied to the output element in the opposite direction. A locking-type reverse-input locking clutch has a mechanism that prevents rotation of the output element when torque is applied in the opposite direction. Conversely, a freewheel reverse-input locking clutch has a mechanism that disengages the output element when torque is applied. The choice between a locking-type or freewheel reverse-input locking clutch depends on the intended use of the device into which the reverse-input locking clutch is installed.

[0004] WO 2019 / 026794 A1 discloses a coupling for blocking reverse entry. The coupling for blocking reverse entry disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1 comprises a pressed element, an input element, an output element, and an engagement element.

[0005] The pressed element has a pressed surface around an inner circumferential surface of the same.

[0006] The inlet element has an inlet-side engagement section which is arranged on the radially inner side of the pressed surface, wherein the inlet element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface.

[0007] The output element has an output-side engagement section on the radially inner side of the pressed surface, which is arranged further in the radial direction on the inner side than the input-side engagement section, wherein the output element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface.

[0008] The engagement element has a pressing surface facing the pressed surface, an input-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the input-side engagement section, and an output-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the output-side engagement section, wherein the engagement element is arranged such that it moves in a first direction which is a direction which extends away from or towards the pressed surface.

[0009] In the reverse-direction locking coupling disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1, when a torque is applied to the input element, the engagement element moves away from the pressed surface based on the engagement of the input-side engagement section with the input-side gripped section. The torque applied to the input element is then transmitted to the output element through the engagement of the output-side gripped section with the output-side engagement section. Conversely, when a torque is applied in the opposite direction to the output element, the engagement element moves towards the pressed surface based on the engagement of the output-side engagement section with the output-side gripped section. The press surface is pressed against the pressed surface, and the press surface is brought into frictional engagement with the pressed surface. List of references Patent literature

[0010] Patent literature 1: WO 2019 / 026794 A1 Description of the invention; Technical problem

[0011] In the reverse-direction locking coupling disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1, the dimensional relationships of the components are not specifically limited, except in a configuration in which a gap (gap in the first direction, which is a direction of the engagement element that extends away from or towards the pressed surface) is provided so that the engagement element can be pressed against the pressed surface based on the engagement between the engagement element and the output element in a position in which the engagement element is brought into contact with the pressed surface due to a torque applied backwards into the output element.

[0012] However, in the case of the reverse-direction locking coupling disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1, it is necessary to regulate the dimensions of the components so that the input element and the engagement element can be combined relatively loosely in order to avoid excessively high dimensional accuracy of the input element and the engagement element and to ensure the feasibility of assembly work. In this case, a gap is formed in the first direction at an engagement section between the input element and the engagement element.

[0013] In the reverse-direction locking coupling disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1, since there is no limitation on the gap in the first direction between the input element and the engagement element, a gap is formed in the circumferential direction between the input-side engagement section and the input-side gripped section. As a result of this circumferential gap, the rattling of the input element relative to the engagement element is increased, and there is a possibility that an unpleasant abnormal noise will be generated when the locked or partially locked state is released due to a collision between the input element and the engagement element. In particular, the rattling of the input element becomes significant when the direction of the torque applied to the input element becomes reverse, thereby increasing the probability of generating the abnormal noise.

[0014] One objective of the present disclosure is to achieve a structure of a reverse-direction locking coupling that is capable of minimizing the rattling of the input element. Solution to the problem

[0015] The reverse-direction locking coupling or coupling for blocking rear entry according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pressed element, an input element, an output element, an engagement element and a leaf spring.

[0016] The pressed element has a pressed surface around an inner circumferential surface of the same.

[0017] The inlet element has an inlet-side engagement section which is arranged on an inner side in a radial direction of the pressed surface, wherein the inlet element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface.

[0018] The output element has an output-side engagement section on the radially inner side of the pressed surface, which is arranged further in the radial direction on the inner side than the input-side engagement section, wherein the output element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface.

[0019] The engagement element has a pressing surface facing the pressed surface, an input-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the input-side engagement section, and an output-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the output-side engagement section, wherein the engagement element is arranged such that it is movable in a first direction which is a direction of the pressing surface that extends away from or towards the pressed surface.Furthermore, if a torque is applied to the input element, the engagement element moves in a direction away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction, based on the engagement of the input-side engagement section with the input-side gripped section, and transmits the torque applied to the input element to the output element through the engagement of the output-side gripped section with the output-side engagement section, whereas, if a torque is applied backwards to the output element, based on the engagement of the output-side engagement section with the output-side gripped section, the engagement element presses the pressing surface against the pressed surface to bring the pressing surface into frictional engagement with the pressed surface.

[0020] The leaf spring has two held sections arranged on both sides of the inlet-side engagement section perpendicular to a central axis of the inlet element and the first direction with respect to a second direction, and held elastically between the inlet-side engagement section and the inlet-side gripped section, as well as a base section connecting the two held sections.

[0021] In a reverse-direction locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, the two held sections can exert an elasticity on the input-side engagement section, wherein the elasticity has components that point towards each other with respect to the second direction, and a component that points in a direction with respect to the first direction which brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface.

[0022] In a counter-directional locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, a preload element can be provided, wherein the preload element elastically preloads the engagement element in a direction which brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface with respect to the first direction, and a component applied by the preload element to the engagement element in the direction which brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface with respect to the first direction can be made larger than a component applied by the two held sections to the engagement element in a direction which moves the pressing surface away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction.

[0023] In a reverse-direction locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, the two held sections can exert an elasticity on the input-side engagement section, the elasticity having components only in directions that point towards each other with respect to the second direction.

[0024] In a counter-directional locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, the two held sections can exert an elasticity on the input-side engagement section, wherein the elasticity has components in directions that point towards each other with respect to the second direction, and a component that points in a direction that moves the pressing surface away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction.

[0025] In a counter-directional locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, the leaf spring may have a limiting section that regulates its relative displacement in an axial direction with respect to the engagement element.

[0026] In a reverse-direction locking coupling of one aspect of the present disclosure, the limiting section may have two curved pieces which are bent by end sections on both sides in the axial direction of the two held sections or the base section and are arranged on both sides in the axial direction of the sections around the input-side gripped section of the engagement element.

[0027] In a reverse-direction locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one point of the base section can be brought into contact with a section of an inner surface of the input-side gripped section, which points in the radial direction to the inner side.

[0028] In a reverse-direction locking coupling of an aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement element can be configured by two engagement elements. In this case, the input-side engagement section is configured by two input-side engagement sections. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0029] In a reverse-direction locking coupling or coupling for blocking rear entry according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the input element rotates, one of the two held sections of the leaf spring, which is arranged on a front side of the input-side engagement section with respect to a direction of rotation of the input element, must be elastically deformed. This prevents rattling of the input element. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reverse-direction locking coupling of a first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is an end view of the reverse-direction locking coupling of the first example, viewed from the side of the input element with respect to the axial direction. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of section AA in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of section BB in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of section CC in Fig. 3, where one leaf spring and one preload element are omitted. Fig. 6 is a drawing similar to Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a state in which a torque is applied to the input element. Fig. 7 is a drawing similar to Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a state in which the torque is applied backwards into the output element. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of the opposite-direction locking coupling of the first example. Fig. Figure 9 is an end view of an engagement element, a leaf spring and a preload element of the reverse-direction locking coupling of the first example, when viewed from an axial direction. Fig. Figure 10 is an end view of an engagement element of the opposite-direction locking coupling of the first example, when viewed from an axial direction. Fig. 11(A) is a perspective view of a leaf spring of the opposite-direction locking coupling of the first example, Fig. 11(B) is an end view of the leaf spring when viewed from the axial direction, Fig. 11(C) is a top view of it when viewed from the top of Fig. 11(B) is considered from, and Fig. 11(D) is a side view of it when viewed from one side of Fig. 11(B) is considered. Fig. Figure 12 is a front view illustrating another example of the engagement element. Fig. 13 is a drawing similar to the Fig. 4, illustrating a reverse-direction locking coupling of a second example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a leaf spring of the opposite-direction locking coupling of the second example. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic view illustrating the main parts of a reverse-direction locking coupling of a third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a drawing similar to the Fig. 15, illustrating a reverse-direction locking coupling of a fourth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of the embodiments [First example]

[0030] A first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given using Fig. 1 to Fig. 11(D) described. Here, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction refer to the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of a reverse-direction locking coupling or coupling for blocking rear entry 1. In this example, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 coincide with the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of an input element 3 and coincide with the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of an output element 4. Furthermore, one side in the axial direction is the side of the input element 3 (right side in Fig. 3) and the other side in the axial direction is the side of the output element 4 (left side in Fig. 3). <Aufbau einer Gegenrichtungs-Sperrkupplung>

[0031] The reverse-direction locking clutch 1 of this example has a pressed element 2, an input element 3, an output element 4, an engagement element 5, and a leaf spring 6. The reverse-direction locking clutch 1 has a reverse-input blocking function that transmits torque applied to the input element 3 to the output element 4; however, it either completely blocks torque applied backward to the output element 4 and does not transmit this torque to the input element 3, or it transmits part of this torque to the input element 3 and blocks the remaining part.

[0032] The pressed element 2 has a pressed surface 7 on its inner circumferential surface. An inlet-side engagement section 14 of the inlet element 3 and an outlet-side engagement section 21 of the outlet element 4 are arranged coaxially on the radially inner side of the pressed surface 7, and the engagement element 5 is arranged such that it is movable in a direction away from or towards the pressed surface 7. The inlet-side engagement section 14, the outlet-side engagement section 21, and the engagement element 5 are rotatable on the radially inner side of the pressed surface 7. Furthermore, the pressed surface 7 forms a surface that comes into contact with a pressing surface 33 of the engagement element 5 when the engagement element 5 moves in a direction towards the pressed surface 7.

[0033] In this example, the pressed surface 7, when viewed from the axial direction, has a ring-shaped form, and although it is not restricted to this, the pressed surface 7 in this example has a cylindrical form whose inner diameter does not change in the axial direction.

[0034] In this example, the pressed element 2 is supported and attached to a fixed section, such as a housing, which does not rotate even during use, and its rotation is restricted. Alternatively, the pressed element 2 is configured by the fixed section. The shape of the pressed element 2 is not specifically restricted as long as it has a pressed surface 7 on its inner circumferential surface.

[0035] In this example, the pressed element 2 has an output-side element 8 and an input-side element (not shown).

[0036] The outlet-side element 8 has an inner circumferential surface with a stepped cylindrical shape. In other words, the inner circumferential surface of the outlet-side element 8 is configured by connecting a large-diameter cylindrical surface section 9, which is axially connected on one side, and a small-diameter cylindrical surface section 10, which is axially connected on the other side, by a connecting surface section 11, which faces one side axially. In this example, the large-diameter cylindrical surface section 9 forms the pressed surface 7. Furthermore, the outlet-side element 8 has an inwardly directed flange section 12, which projects radially in the direction at an end section on the other side, axially towards the inner side of the small-diameter cylindrical surface section 10.

[0037] The pressed element 2 is configured by precisely (tenon-shaped) fitting of the input-side element to the output-side element 8 without play, in order to position the output-side element 8 and the input-side element radially, and in this state, the output-side element 8 and the input-side element are coupled by a coupling element such as a bolt. The pressed element 2 is supported and fastened to the fixed section by screwing a screw, which is inserted into a through-hole in the fixed section, into a screw hole 13 that is open on a side surface on the opposite side of the output-side element 8 in the axial direction.

[0038] The input element 3 has an input-side engagement section 14 located on the radially inner side of the pressed surface 7, and the engagement element 3 is arranged coaxially with the pressed surface 7. The engagement element 3 is configured to be connected to an input-side mechanism, such as an electric motor, to receive a torque, and is rotatable on the radially inner side of the pressed surface 7 due to the application of the torque. The input-side engagement section 14 is provided on a section offset radially from the center of rotation O of the input element 3 on its outer side and has a section that engages with input-side gripped sections 34 of the engagement element 5.The input-side engagement section 14 is configured such that an inner side surface 17 in its radial direction is brought into engagement (contact) with an inner surface 36 in the radial direction of the output-side gripped section 34 when the input element 3 or the engagement element 5 rotates.

[0039] In this example, the input element 3 has, in addition to the input-side engagement section 14, an input shaft section 15 and an input flange section 16.

[0040] The input wave section 15 has a cylindrical shape.

[0041] The input flange section 16 projects from an outer circumferential surface of an end section on the other side in the axial direction of the drive shaft section 15 in the radial direction around the entire circumference towards the outer side.

[0042] The inlet-side engagement section 14 protrudes from a section of a side surface on the other side in the axial direction of the inlet flange section 16, meaning that it is shifted axially from the center of rotation O to the other side.

[0043] The shape of the input-side engagement section 14 is not specifically limited, as long as it is configured such that it engages with the input-side gripped section 34 of the engagement element 5. Furthermore, the number of input-side engagement sections 14 is determined in accordance with the number of engagement elements 5, and if the engagement element 5 is configured by a plurality of engagement elements 5, the input-side engagement section 14 is also configured by a plurality of input-side engagement sections 14 accordingly.

[0044] In the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, the engagement element 5 is configured by two engagement elements 5. Therefore, the input-side engagement section 14 is configured by two input-side engagement sections 14, corresponding to the number of engagement elements 5. The two input-side engagement sections 14 are arranged at two locations on opposite sides in the radial direction of the side surface and on the other side in the axial direction of the input flange section 16, and are separated from each other with respect to the radial direction of the input element 3. Furthermore, the input-side engagement sections 14 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0045] In this example, each inlet-side engagement section 14 has an end-surface shape that is essentially fan-shaped or essentially trapezoidal and has a circumferential width that increases radially from the axial direction to the outer side. An inner side surface 17 in the radial direction of each inlet-side engagement section 14 is configured as a flat surface such that the flat surfaces of the inlet-side engagement sections 14 are parallel to each other, and an outer side surface 18 in the radial direction of each inlet-side engagement section 14 has a cylindrical contour shape that is the same as the outer circumferential surface of the inlet flange section 16.Two side surfaces 19 in the circumferential direction of each inlet-side engagement section 14 are formed by flat surfaces inclined in a direction that diverges from each other when viewed radially towards the outer side. The inner side surface 17 in the radial direction and the side surfaces 19 in the circumferential direction are connected by curved surface sections 20, each of which has a substantially arcuate contour shape when viewed from the axial direction.

[0046] The input element 3 can be rotatably mounted by the pressed element 2 or the fixed section. In this example, the input element 3 is rotatably mounted by a radial bearing on the inner side of the input-side element.

[0047] The output element 4 has the output-side engagement section 21 on the radially inner side of the pressed surface 7, wherein the output-side engagement section 21 is located further on the radially inner side than the input-side engagement section 14, and the output element 4 is arranged coaxially with the pressed surface 7. In other words, the output element 4 is also arranged coaxially with the input element 3. The output element 4 is connected to an output-side mechanism, such as a reduction gear or the like, and is configured to transmit a torque to the output-side mechanism as soon as it rotates.

[0048] The output-side engagement section 21 has a portion that is located further inward in the radial direction than the input-side engagement section 14, but is displaced outward in the radial direction from the center of rotation O of the output element 4, and the portion is positioned at a location where it can engage with an output-side gripped portion 35 of the engagement element 5. The output-side engagement section 21 is configured such that the portion engages with the output-side gripped portion 35 when the output element 4 or the engagement element 5 rotates.

[0049] In this example, the output element 4 has, in addition to the output-side engagement section 21, an output shaft section 22, an output flange section 23 and a small diameter shaft section 24.

[0050] The output wave section 22 has a stepped column shape.

[0051] The output flange section 23 projects from the outer circumferential surface of an end section on one side in the axial direction of the output shaft section 22 in the radial direction over the entire circumference towards the outer side.

[0052] The output-side engagement section 21 protrudes from a central section of the side surface on one side in the axial direction of the output shaft section 22 in the direction of one side in the axial direction.

[0053] The shape of the output-side engagement section 21 is not specifically limited, as long as it is configured to include the section that engages with the output-side captured section 35. Furthermore, the number of sections of the output-side engagement section 21 that engages with the output-side engagement section is determined in accordance with the number of engagement elements 5. If the engagement element 5 is configured by a plurality of engagement elements 5, the output-side engagement section 21 is configured to include a plurality of sections that engage with the output-side captured sections. Here, even if the engagement element 5 is configured by a single engagement element, the output-side engagement section can be provided with multiple sections that engage with the output-side captured sections.

[0054] In this example, the output-side engagement section 21 is configured such that it has sections which engage with the two output-side captured sections 35, corresponding to the number of engagement elements 5.

[0055] In this example, the output-side engagement section 21 has an end-surface shape that, viewed from the axial direction, is essentially rectangular or essentially elongated, and projects from the central section of the end-surface on one side in the axial direction of the output shaft section 22. In other words, the distance from the center of rotation O of the output element 4 to the outer circumferential surface of the output-side engagement section 21, which is a section that engages with the output-side gripped section 35, is not constant in the circumferential direction. Because of this, the output-side engagement section 21 has a cam function.

[0056] More precisely, the outer circumferential surface of the output-side engagement section 21 is configured by two mutually parallel flat surfaces 25 and two convexly curved surfaces 26, each of which is partially cylindrical. Therefore, the distance from the center of rotation O of the output element 4 to the outer circumferential surface of the output-side engagement section 21 is not constant along the circumferential direction. Each of the two convexly curved surfaces 26 is formed by a partially cylindrical surface centered on the center of rotation O of the output element 4.

[0057] The outgoing engagement section 21 is plane-symmetric with respect to an imaginary plane that passes through the center of rotation O of the output element 4 and is perpendicular to the flat surfaces 25. Furthermore, the outgoing engagement section 21 is plane-symmetric with respect to an imaginary plane that passes through the center of rotation O of the output element 4 and is parallel to the flat surfaces 25.

[0058] The outlet-side intervention section 21 is arranged in a section between the two inlet-side intervention sections 14.

[0059] The small diameter shaft section 24 has a column shape and protrudes from a central section of an end surface on one side in the axial direction of the output-side engagement section 21 in the direction of one side in the axial direction.

[0060] The output element 4 can be rotatably mounted by the pressed element 2 or the stationary section. In this example, the output element 4 is rotatably mounted by a radial roller bearing 27 on the radially inner side of the output element 8 of the pressed element 2. An outer ring 28 of the radial roller bearing 27 is fitted without play into the small-diameter cylindrical surface section 10 of the output element 8 and is held axially between a side surface on one side of the inwardly facing flange section 12 and a retaining ring 29a, which is locked at an end section on one side of the small-diameter cylindrical surface section 10.The inner ring 30 of the radial rolling bearing 27 is mounted without play around an end section on one side in the axial direction of the output shaft section 22 and is held in the axial direction between a side surface on the other side in the axial direction of the output flange section 23 and a retaining ring 29b, which is located on an outer circumferential surface of a central section in the axial direction of the output shaft section 22.

[0061] In the example shown, the radial rolling bearing 27 is designed as a ball bearing with balls as rolling elements 31. However, the radial rolling bearing for supporting the output element 4 can also be designed as a tapered roller bearing with tapered rollers as rolling elements or as a roller bearing with cylindrical rollers as rolling elements.

[0062] Furthermore, the small diameter shaft section 24 of the output element 4 is mounted by a sliding bearing (sleeve) 32 inside the input element 3 so that it is rotatable relative to the input element 3.

[0063] The engagement element 5 has a pressing surface 33 facing the pressed surface 7, an inlet-side gripped section 34 which can be brought into engagement with the inlet-side engagement section 14, and an outlet-side gripped section 35 which can be brought into engagement with the outlet-side engagement section 21, and is arranged such that it is movable in a first direction which is a direction which extends away from or towards the pressed surface 7.

[0064] When a torque is applied to the input element 3, the engagement element 5 moves in the first direction away from the pressed surface 7, based on the engagement of the input-side engagement section 14 with the input-side gripped section 34, and through the engagement of the output-side gripped section 35 with the output-side engagement section 21, it transmits the torque applied to the input element 3 to the output element 4, while with a reverse torque application to the output element 4, based on the engagement of the output-side engagement sections 21 with the output-side gripped section 35, the engagement element 5 presses the pressing surface 33 against the pressed surface 7 in order to bring the pressing surface 33 into frictional engagement with the pressed surface 7.

[0065] The intervention element 5 can be configured by an intervention element 5 with the above structure and can also be configured by two or more intervention elements 5.

[0066] In this example, the engagement element 5 is configured by two engagement elements 5. Each of the engagement elements 5 has a function as an engagement element 5. Each of the engagement elements 5 has an end-surface shape which, when viewed from the axial direction, is essentially semicircular, and has, with respect to the width direction (indicated by arrow B in Fig. (5 shown direction) a symmetrical shape. The configuration of each of the 5 intervention elements is explained below.

[0067] In this example, the radial direction with respect to the engagement element 5 is a direction of the pressing surfaces 33 that runs away from or towards the pressed surface 7, and it corresponds to that indicated by arrow A in Fig. 5 direction shown. The lateral direction with respect to the engagement element 5 is a direction perpendicular both to the direction of the pressing surfaces 33, which run away from or towards the pressed surface 7, and to the axial direction of the input element 3 and corresponds to that indicated by arrow B in Fig. 5 indicated direction. In this example, the radial direction with respect to the engagement element 5 corresponds to the first direction and the lateral direction with respect to the engagement element 5 corresponds to the second direction.

[0068] The pressing surface 33 is provided on an outer surface in the radial direction of the engagement element 5, facing the pressed surface 7. In this example, the pressing surface 33 is formed by two pressing surfaces 33, which are provided at two locations on the outer surface in the radial direction of the engagement element 5 and are separated from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the pressing surfaces 33 is formed by a partially cylindrical, convexly curved surface whose radius of curvature is smaller than the radius of curvature of the pressed surface 7.

[0069] A portion of the outer surface in the radial direction of the engagement element 5, which is offset circumferentially from the two pressing surfaces 33, lies further inward in the radial direction than an imaginary circle centered on the central axis O of the input element 3, which, viewed axially, is in contact with the two pressing surfaces 33. In other words, when the two pressing surfaces 33 are in contact with the pressed surface 7, the portion that is offset circumferentially from the two pressing surfaces 33 does not come into contact with the pressed surface 7.

[0070] It is preferred that the pressing surface 33 has a surface property that exhibits a higher coefficient of friction with the pressed surface 7 than the other section of the engagement element 5. Furthermore, the pressing surface 33 can be configured such that it is integral with the other section of the engagement element 5, or it can be configured by a surface of a friction material that is attached to the other section of the engagement element 5, for example by gluing or bonding.

[0071] In this example, the input-side gripped section 34 is provided on a central section in the radial direction of the central section in the width direction of the engagement element 5. More precisely, the input-side gripped section 34, without being limited thereto, has an opening shape of a substantially circular segment when viewed from the axial direction and is configured by a through-hole that passes through the central section in the axial direction and through the central section in the radial direction in the width direction.

[0072] The input-side gripped section 34 is sized to allow the input-side engagement section 14 to be loosely inserted into it. Therefore, when the input-side engagement section 14 is inserted into the input-side gripped section 34, a gap exists in the lateral direction, or radial direction, of the engagement element 5 between the input-side engagement section 14 and the inner surface of the input-side gripped section 34. As a result, the input-side engagement section 14 can be displaced relative to the input-side gripped section 34 in the direction of rotation of the input element 3, and the input-side gripped section 34 can be displaced relative to the input-side engagement section 14 in the radial direction of the engagement element 5.

[0073] The form of the incoming section 34 is not specifically limited, as long as it can be brought into contact with the incoming intervention section 14.

[0074] In this example, the inner surface of the input-side gripped section 34 has an inner surface 36 in the radial direction, which points radially towards the outer side, configured as a flat surface perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, the inner surface of the input-side gripped section 34 has an outer surface 37 in the radial direction, which points radially towards the inner side, configured as a composite surface which, when viewed from the axial direction, has a substantially V-shape.In particular, the outer surface 37 has a concavely curved surface section 38 in the radial direction with a partially cylindrical shape at the intermediate section in the width direction of the engagement element 5 and has two inclined surface sections 39 on both side sections in the width direction of the engagement element 5, which are inclined in directions that point inwards in the radial direction of the engagement element 5, being separated from each other in the width direction of the engagement element 5. Side surfaces 40 in the circumferential direction, which connect end sections on both sides in the second direction of the inner surface 36 in the radial direction and end sections on both sides in the second direction of the outer surface 37 in the radial direction, are configured by partially cylindrical, concavely curved surfaces.

[0075] In this example, the exit-side gripped section 35 is provided on a central section in the width direction of the inner surface in the radial direction of the engagement element 5. The shape of the exit-side gripped section 35 is not specifically limited as long as it is configured such that it can engage with the exit-side engagement section 21.

[0076] In this example, the engagement element 5 has a flat surface section 41 perpendicular to the radial direction of the engagement element 5 on its inner surface in the radial direction and has two convex sections 42 that project radially at two points on the flat surface section 41 in the lateral direction of the engagement element 5 towards the inner side. Furthermore, the outward-engaged section 35 is configured by a section of the flat surface section 41 that is located laterally between the two convex sections 42. In this example, the lateral dimension of the outward-engaged section 35, in other words, the distance between the two convex sections 42, is greater than the lateral dimension of the flat surface 25 of the outward-engaging section 21.

[0077] In the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, in a state in which the pressing surfaces 33 of the two engagement elements 5 are oriented in opposite directions with respect to the radial direction and the flat surface sections 41 face each other, each of the engagement elements 5 is arranged on the radially inner side of the pressed element 2 such that it is movable in the first direction, which is the radial direction of each of the engagement elements 5 and the direction of the pressing surfaces 33 that extend away from or towards the pressed surface 7, furthermore, the two input-side engagement sections 14 of the input element 3, which are arranged on one side in the axial direction, are each inserted in the axial direction through the input-side gripped sections 34 of the two engagement elements 5, and the output-side engagement section 21 of the output element 4,The section 21, which is arranged on the other side in the axial direction, is held in the axial direction between the two output-side gripped sections 35 of the engagement elements 5. In other words, the two engagement elements 5 are arranged such that the output-side engagement section 21 is held by the output-side gripped sections 35 from the outer side in the radial direction.

[0078] The inner diameter dimension of the pressed element 2 and the radial dimension of the engagement elements 5 are regulated such that a gap exists at least in one section between the pressed surface 7 and the two pressing surfaces 33 or in one section between the tip end faces of two combinations of the convex sections 42 configured by the two convex sections 42 of the two engagement elements facing each other, in a state in which the two engagement elements 5 are arranged on the radially inner side of the pressed element 2.

[0079] The leaf spring 6 is arranged on both sides of the inlet-side engagement section 14 with respect to the second direction and has two retained sections 43 which are elastically held between the inlet-side engagement section 14 and the inlet-side gripped section 34, and a base section 44 which connects the two retained sections 43.

[0080] The two held sections 43 exert an elasticity on the entry-side engagement section 14 with components in directions pointing towards each other with respect to the second direction and a component pointing towards the outer side with respect to the radial direction of the engagement element 5. Furthermore, the two held sections 43 exert an elasticity on the engagement element 5 with components in directions pointing away from each other with respect to the second direction and a component pointing towards the inner side with respect to the radial direction of the engagement element 5.

[0081] In this example, each of the held sections 43 has a discontinuous section at one point in its circumferential direction and has a partially cylindrical shape with a radius of curvature of its outer circumferential surface that is slightly smaller than that of the side surfaces 40 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34. Although not limited to the following discussion, in the illustrated example each of the held sections 43 has an end-surface shape which, viewed from the axial direction, is essentially a 3 / 4 arc shape.

[0082] The base section 44 is arranged between the outer surface in the radial direction 18 of the inlet-side engagement section 14 and the outer surface 37 in the radial direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34 and connects base end sections of the two held sections 43, i.e., connects the end sections of the end sections on both sides in the circumferential direction of the two held sections 43, which are located on the sides that are further apart in the second direction.

[0083] In this example, the base section 44 has an end-surface shape that is essentially V-shaped when viewed from the axial direction. Specifically, the base section 44 has a curved section 45 with a partially cylindrical shape in the middle section with respect to the second direction and has two inclined plate sections 46 on both side sections with respect to the second direction, inclined in directions that diverge from the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction, as they diverge from each other in the second direction.

[0084] The leaf spring 6 is arranged within the inlet-side gripped section 34, the base section 44 being elastically deformed to bring the two held sections 43 closer together, and each of the held sections 43 being held in an elastically compressed state (reduced diameter) between the side surface 19 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14 and the side surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34. As a result, when each of the held sections 43 attempts to elastically restore its shape in order to expand with respect to its diameter, the outer circumferential surfaces near the end sections of the held sections 43 are elastically pressed against the side surfaces 19 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14.

[0085] Furthermore, the base section 44 attempts to elastically restore its shape in a direction that moves the two held sections 43 away from each other, and each of the held sections 43 attempts to elastically restore its shape in order to expand with respect to its diameter, wherein a section of the outer circumferential surface of each of the held sections 43, which is located on the substantially opposite side of the section that is in contact with the side surface 19 with respect to the radial direction of the held section 43 in the circumferential direction, is elastically pressed against the side surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34.

[0086] In a state where the leaf spring 6 is arranged within the inlet-side gripped section 34, at least one point of the outer surface in the radial direction of the base section 44 is brought into contact with the outer surface 37 in the radial direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34, which points radially towards the inner side. In this example, the outer surface in the radial direction of the curved section 45 is in contact with the concavely curved surface section 38 of the outer surface 37 in the radial direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34.

[0087] In this example, the leaf spring 6 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the second direction. Therefore, the spring characteristics of the two held sections 43 are the same. Furthermore, the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the two held sections 43 and the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the base section 44 are the same. Additionally, the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the two held sections 43 and the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the base section 44 are approximately equal to the thickness in the axial direction of the engagement element 5.

[0088] However, the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the two held sections and the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the base section can also be smaller or larger than the thickness in the axial direction of the engagement element. Furthermore, it is also possible for the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the two held sections and the width dimension with respect to the axial direction of the base section to be designed differently from each other.

[0089] The leaf spring 6 also has a limiting section 47 which regulates the relative displacement in the axial direction with respect to the engagement element 5.

[0090] The boundary section 47 has curved pieces 48 which are bent from end sections on both sides in the axial direction of the two held sections 43 or the base section 44 and are arranged on both side sections in the axial direction of the sections around the entry-side gripped section 34 of the engagement element 5.

[0091] In this example, the limiting section 47 has four curved pieces 48 that are bent axially from end sections on both sides of the inclined plate sections 46 of the base section 44 towards the outer side in the radial direction of the engagement element 5, and are arranged axially on both sides of sections located on the outer side in the radial direction of the inclined surface sections 39 of the engagement element 5. In other words, by holding the sections located on the outer side in the radial direction of the inclined surface sections 39 of the engagement element 5 in place, the curved pieces 48 on both sides regulate a relative displacement in the axial direction of the leaf spring 6 with respect to the engagement element 5.

[0092] The leaf spring 6 is formed in one piece by applying a stamping or bending process to a metal plate with elasticity, such as a steel plate, using a press.

[0093] The reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example also includes a preloading element 49, two spacers 50 and a stop element 51 as optional components.

[0094] The prestressing element 49 is positioned between the outward engagement section 21 of the outward element 4 and the engagement element 5, and elastically prestresses the engagement element 5 in directions that bring the pressing surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction. In this example, the prestressing element 49 is formed by two prestressing elements 49, each arranged between the inner surfaces in the radial direction of the two engagement elements 5 and the outward engagement section 21 of the outward element 4.

[0095] Each of the preload elements 49 is configured by a leaf spring with two arm sections 52 and two connecting sections 53. Each of the arm sections 52 has a notch that is open at one tip end section thereof and has a substantially U-shaped planar form when viewed from a plate thickness direction (the radial direction of the engagement element 5). Each of the connecting sections 53 is configured by a rectangular flat plate that connects the end sections on both sides in the axial direction of the base end sections of the two arm sections 52.

[0096] Each of the prestressing elements 49 is supported by the engagement element 5 by the engagement of the notches formed in the two arm sections 52 with the two convex sections 42 of the engagement element 5. In this example, the outbound engagement section 21 is elastically brought into contact with the two connecting sections 53 of each of the prestressing elements 49, irrespective of the positional relationship between each of the engagement elements 5 and the outbound engagement section 21, in particular the position in the radial direction of each of the engagement elements 5 and the rotational phase of the outbound engagement section 21 with respect to each of the engagement elements 5. Accordingly, play between the outbound engagement section 21 and the outbound recessed section 35 is suppressed.

[0097] The shape of the preload element is not specifically limited, as long as it is possible to quickly switch between the blocked or semi-blocked state when the initial element is subjected to a reverse torque by elastically preloading the engagement element in a direction that brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface. For example, the preload element can be configured by a torsion coil held in an elastically compressed state between the inner surfaces in the radial direction of the two engagement elements.

[0098] Each of the spacers 50 is configured in a flat plate shape and has a substantially elongated or substantially rectangular end-face shape when viewed from the axial direction. Each of the spacers 50 has a through-hole 54 through which the output-side engagement section 21 can be inserted without play. The spacers 50 are arranged on both sides in the axial direction of the two engagement elements 5, with the output-side engagement section 21 being inserted without play into each of the through-holes 54.

[0099] The stop element 51 is configured by a retaining ring with a partially cylindrical shape. In other words, the stop element 51 has an essentially C-shaped end face when viewed from the axial direction.

[0100] The stop element 51 is blocked at the end section on the other side in the axial direction of the small-diameter shaft section 24. Accordingly, the two spacers 50 prevent the spacer 51 from being displaced axially in one direction. In this example, the preload elements 49, which are supported by the two engagement elements 5, are held axially between the side surfaces on one side of the output flange section 23 and the stop element 51 by the two spacers 50, thus preventing a relative displacement of the two engagement elements 5 in the axial direction with respect to the output element 4. <Erläuterung der Funktionsweise der Gegenrichtungs-Sperrkupplung>

[0101] The operation of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example is explained using the following: Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 explained. In the Fig. 6 and Fig. In Figure 7, the leaf springs 6 and the preload elements 49 are omitted, and the gaps in the radial direction between the input element 3 and the two engagement elements 5, as well as between the output element 4 and the two engagement elements 5, are exaggerated.

[0102] When a torque is applied to the input element 3, the two engagement elements 5 move in directions away from the pressed surface 7, regardless of the direction of rotation of the input element 3. More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, of the two held sections 43, which are arranged on both sides of the input-side engagement section 14 with respect to the second direction, the held section 43 which is arranged on the front of the input-side engagement section 14 with respect to the direction of rotation of the input element 3, exerts a resisting force on the input-side engagement section 14, and the input-side engagement section 14 moves against the resisting force in the direction of rotation of the input element 3 (in the example of Fig. 6 counterclockwise) within the inset sections 34 on the inlet side, while the held section 43, which is located on the front of the inlet-side engagement section 14, is elastically compressed.

[0103] Accordingly, the gap between the inner side surfaces 17 in the radial direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14 and the inner surface 36 in the radial direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34 is reduced, and the inner side surface 17 in the radial direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14 is brought into contact with the inner surface 36 in the radial direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34.

[0104] As the input element 3 continues to rotate from this state, the inner surface 36 of the input-side gripped section 34 is pressed radially towards the inner side by the inner surface 17 of the input-side engagement section 14, and the engagement element 5 moves away from the pressed surface 7. In other words, the two engagement elements 5 move radially towards the inner side, meaning they move towards each other based on the engagement with the input element 3, so that the inner surfaces of the two engagement elements 5 come closer together radially, and the output-side engagement section 21 of the output element 4 is pressed radially from both sides by the output-side gripped sections 35 of the two engagement elements 5.

[0105] In this way, while the output element 4 is rotated so that the flat surface 25 of the output-side engagement section 21 is parallel to the flat surface section 41 of the engagement element 5, the output-side engagement section 21 and the output-side gripped section 35 of the engagement element 5 mesh without play. This means that the torque applied to the input element 3 is transmitted via the two engagement elements 5 to the output element 4 and released by the output element 4.

[0106] When the torque is applied backwards to the output element 4, the two engagement elements 5 move in directions that approach the pressed surface 7 more closely, regardless of the direction of rotation of the output element 4. More precisely, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows the output-side engagement section 21 within the two output-side gripped sections 35 of the engagement elements 5 in the direction of rotation of the output element 4 (in the example of Fig. 7 clockwise). From the outer circumferential surface of the exit-side engagement section 21, the connecting sections (corner sections) between the flat surfaces 25 and the convexly curved surfaces 26 press the exit-side gripped sections 35 in the radial direction towards the outer side, so that the two engagement elements 5 move in directions that approach the pressed surface 7 more closely.

[0107] In other words, the two engagement elements 5 move in the radial direction towards the outer side, that is, in directions leading away from each other, based on the engagement with the output element 4, and the pressing surfaces 33 of the two engagement elements 5 come into contact with the pressed surface 7 in order to engage frictionally with the pressed surface 7.

[0108] This completely blocks the torque applied backwards to the output element 4 and prevents it from being transferred to the input element 3, or only a portion of the torque applied backwards to the output element 4 is transferred to the input element 3 and the remaining portion is blocked.

[0109] To completely block the torque applied backwards to the output element 4 so as not to be transferred to the input element 3, the output element 4 is blocked by wedging (holding) the engagement element 5 between the output-side engagement section 21 and the pressed element 2, so that the pressing surface 33 of the engagement element 5 does not slide (rotate relative to) the pressed surface 7.

[0110] In order to ensure that only part of the torque applied backwards to the output element 4 is transferred to the input element 3 and the remaining part is blocked, the output element 4 is half-blocked by wedging (holding) the engagement element 5 between the output-side engagement section 21 and the pressed element 2, so that the pressing surface 33 slides relative to the pressed surface 7.

[0111] In the case of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 in this example, the size of the gap between the components is adjusted to enable the process described above. Specifically, in the positional relationship where the pressing surfaces 33 of the two engagement elements 5 are in contact with the pressed surface 7, gaps are created between the inner side surfaces 17 in the radial direction of the input-side engagement sections 14 and the inner surfaces 36 in the radial direction of the input-side gripped sections 34.

[0112] Accordingly, when a torque is applied backwards into the output element 4, the movement of the engagement element 5 towards the outer side in the radial direction is prevented from being blocked by the input-side engagement section 14, and even after the pressing surface 33 comes into contact with the pressed surface 7, the surface pressure acting on the contact section between the pressing surface 33 and the pressed surface 7 changes in accordance with the magnitude of the torque applied backwards into the output element 4, whereby the output element 4 can be blocked or partially blocked accordingly.

[0113] In the case of the counter-directional locking coupling 1 of this example, the dimension in the axial direction can be shortened and the number of parts reduced for the same reason as in the counter-directional locking coupling disclosed in WO 2019 / 026794 A1.

[0114] In the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, the respective rotations of the input element 3 and the output element 4 are converted into a radial movement of the engagement element 5. By converting the rotations of the input element 3 and the output element 4 into a radial movement of the engagement element 5, the engagement element 5 is brought into engagement with the output element 4, which is located on the inner side in the radial direction of the engagement element 5, and the engagement element 5 is pressed against the pressed element 2, which is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the engagement element 5.

[0115] As described above, in the case of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, since it is possible to switch between the unlocked state, in which a torque can be transmitted from the input element 3 to the output element 4, and the blocked state, in which rotation of the output element 4 is prevented, or the semi-blocked state, in which rotation of the output element 4 is suppressed, based on the radial movement of the engagement element 5, which is controlled by the rotation of the input element 3 and / or the output element 4, the axial dimension of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 as a whole can be shortened.

[0116] Furthermore, the engagement element 5 has the function of transmitting the torque acting on the input element 3 to the output element 4, as well as the function of locking or partially locking the output element 4. This allows the number of parts of the reverse-direction locking clutch 1 to be reduced and the operation to be stabilized compared to a configuration in which the torque transmission function and the locking or partially locking function of the output element are performed by separate elements.

[0117] If, for example, the function of transmitting a torque and the function of blocking or partially blocking the output element are performed by separate elements, the time of unlocking or partially unlocking may differ from the time at which the torque transmission begins. In this case, the output element will be blocked or partially blocked again if, during the period from the release of the blocked or partially blocked state until the start of torque transmission, a torque is applied backward into the output element.

[0118] Since in this example the engagement element 5 has both the function of transmitting torque to the output element 4 and the function of blocking or half-locking the output element 4, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such inconveniences.

[0119] Furthermore, since the direction of the force acting from the input element 3 on the engagement element 5 is opposite to the direction of the force acting from the output element 4 on the engagement element 5, the direction of movement of the engagement element 5 can be controlled by regulating the magnitude ratio between the two forces. This allows the switching process between the blocked or partially blocked state and the unlocked state of the output element 4 to be carried out stably and reliably.

[0120] In particular, in the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, the two held sections 43 of the leaf spring 6 are arranged on both sides of the input-side engagement section 14 with respect to the second direction and are elastically held between the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34. When the input element 3 rotates, this means that of the two held sections 43, the held section 43 which is arranged on the front of the input-side engagement section 14 with respect to the direction of rotation of the input element 3 must be elastically compressed against the resisting force exerted by the leaf spring 6 on the input-side engagement section 14.

[0121] Therefore, even if a certain gap in the circumferential direction is provided between the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34 to ensure the mountability of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1, rattling of the input element 3 relative to the engagement element 5 can be suppressed. As a result, in the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, it is prevented that the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34 collide strongly, even when releasing the locked or partially locked state, and it is prevented that unpleasant noises are generated due to the collision between the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34.

[0122] In this example, as described above, the leaf spring 6 for suppressing the rattling of the input element 3 is integrally manufactured by applying a stamping or bending process to an elastic metal plate using a press. This allows, for example, a reduction in the number of parts and a simple reduction in the cost of manufacturing the reverse-direction locking clutch 1, compared to a case where two torsion coil springs are arranged on both sides of the input-side engagement section with respect to the second direction.

[0123] In the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, the two held sections 43 exert an elasticity on the input-side engagement section 14 with components that point towards each other in the second direction. Furthermore, the two held sections 43 have the same spring characteristics, such as spring constant and free length. Therefore, in a neutral state, where no torque is applied to either the input element 3 or the output element 4, the input-side engagement section 14 can be positioned at the midpoint of the input-side gripped section 34 with respect to the second direction.

[0124] In other words, the gaps in the circumferential direction between the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34 can be the same regardless of the direction of rotation of the input element 3. Therefore, if the direction of the torque applied to the input element 3 becomes reverse, the circumferential gap between the input-side engagement section 14 and the input-side gripped section 34 can be prevented from increasing, and the rattling of the input element 3 can be prevented.

[0125] However, in a case where a high response is only required for a rotation of the input element 3 in one direction and a high response is not required for a rotation in the other direction, it is also possible that the spring characteristics of the two held sections, which are arranged between the input-side engagement section and the input-side gripped section, which are in engagement with each other, are different.

[0126] If the spring characteristics of the two held sections are different, in a neutral state where no torque is applied to either the input or output element, the circumferential gap between the input-side engagement section and the input-side gripped section, present on the front side when the input element rotates in one direction, can be made smaller than the gap present on the front side when the input element rotates in the other direction. This can improve the response when the input element rotates in one direction.

[0127] Furthermore, the counter-directional locking coupling 1 of this example can improve the feasibility of assembly work.

[0128] When assembling the reverse-direction locking coupling 1, the input element 3 is first rotatably mounted within the output element, and the output element 4 is rotatably mounted within the output element 8 by the radial roller bearing 27. Furthermore, the leaf spring 6 is attached to the inner side of the input-side gripped section 34 of the engagement element 5, and the preload element 49 is attached to the end sections on the radially inner side of the engagement element 5.

[0129] Next, the small diameter shaft section 24 and the output-side engagement section 21 of the output element 4 are inserted into the through hole 54 of the spacer 50 on the other side in an axial direction to bring the side surface on the other side of the spacer 50 and the side surface on one side of the output flange section 23 into contact with each other in an axial direction.

[0130] Then the two engagement elements 5, on which the leaf spring 6 and the preload element 49 are mounted respectively, are arranged between the output-side engagement section 21 of the output element 4 and the pressed surface 7, which is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the output-side element 8.

[0131] Furthermore, in a state where the phases of the two input-side engagement sections 14 of the input element 3, which is rotatably mounted within the output-side element, and the input-side gripped sections 34 of the two engagement elements 5 are aligned with respect to the circumferential direction, the input element 3 and the output-side element, as well as the output element 4 and the output-side element 8, are moved axially towards each other. Accordingly, the output-side element is attached to the output-side element 8 without play, and the two input-side engagement sections 14 are each inserted into the input-side gripped sections 34. Then, the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 is assembled by coupling the output-side element and the output-side element 8 by means of coupling elements.

[0132] In the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, at least one point of the outer surface in the radial direction of the base section 44 of the leaf spring 6 is brought into contact with the outer surface 37, which faces the inner side in the radial direction of the input-side gripped section 34. In this example, the outer surface in the radial direction of the curved section 45 is brought into contact with the concavely curved surface section 38 of the outer surface 37 in the radial direction of the input-side gripped section 34. This allows the position of the leaf spring 6 within the input-side gripped section 34 to be determined in a state prior to the insertion of the input-side engagement section 14 of the input element 3 into the input-side gripped section 34.Therefore, the insertion of the input-side engagement section 14 into the input-side gripped section 34 can be easily carried out, and the feasibility of assembling the opposite-direction locking coupling 1 can be improved.

[0133] The assembly sequence of the opposite-direction locking coupling 1 can be reversed and carried out simultaneously, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0134] The reverse-direction locking clutch 1 of this example features the preload element 49, which elastically preloads the engagement element 5 in the direction in which the pressing surface 33 is brought closer to the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction. As a result, the reverse-direction locking clutch 1 of this example can switch immediately between the locked and semi-locked states when torque is applied in the reverse direction to the output element 4. In other words, the locking behavior of this example can be reliably ensured.

[0135] In the case of the reverse-direction locking coupling 1 of this example, the elasticity exerted on the engagement element 5 by the two held sections 43 has a component in a direction that moves the pressing surface 33 away from the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction. However, in this example, the component of the elasticity exerted on the engagement element 5 by the preload element 49, which acts in the direction that brings the pressing surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7, is greater with respect to the first direction than the component of the elasticity exerted on the engagement element 5 by the two held sections 43, which acts in the direction that moves the pressing surface 33 away from the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction.Therefore, even in a case where the leaf spring 6 is provided, the engagement element 5 can be elastically pre-stressed in the directions which bring the pressing surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7, with respect to the first direction in a neutral state in which torque is neither introduced into the input element 3 nor into the output element 4.

[0136] In this example, the entry-side gripped section 34, which is provided in the engagement element 5, is configured by a through-hole extending axially through the engagement element 5. In an implementation of the present disclosure, for example as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the entry-side gripped section 34a can be configured by a notch that opens towards the outer surface in the radial direction of the engagement element 5a. Alternatively, the entry-side gripped section can be configured by a bottomed hole that opens in the axial direction of the engagement element only towards one side face on one side.

[0137] In the implementation of the present disclosure, the materials of the input element, the output element, the pressed element, and the engagement element are not specifically limited. For example, materials for these elements could include a metal such as an iron alloy, a copper alloy, or an aluminum alloy, as well as a synthetic resin mixed with reinforcing fibers as required. Furthermore, the input element, the output element, the pressed element, and the engagement element could be made of the same material or of different materials.

[0138] In the case of an implementation of the present disclosure, provided that the condition is met that the output element is blocked or semi-blocked when torque is applied backwards into the output element, a lubricating oil may be applied to the sections where the input element, the output element, the pressed element, and the engagement element come into contact with one another. Alternatively, the input element and / or output element and / or pressed element and / or engagement element may be made of an oil-retaining metal. [Second example]

[0139] A second example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given using Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 described. In this example, the opening shape of the inlet-side gripped section 34b of the engagement element 5b and the shape of the leaf spring 6a differ from those in the first example.

[0140] In this example, the inner surface 36 of the inlet-side gripped section 34b, in the radial direction facing the outer side, is configured by a flat surface perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, the inner surface 37a of the inlet-side gripped section 34b, in the radial direction facing the inner side, has a partially cylindrical concave surface section 38a in the middle section in the second direction and has flat surface sections 55 on both side sections in the second direction of the engagement element 5b, the flat surface sections 55 being perpendicular to the radial direction of the engagement element 5.The side surfaces 40 in the circumferential direction, which connect the end sections on both sides in the second direction of the inner surface 36 in the radial direction and the end sections on both sides in the second direction of the outer surface 37a in the radial direction, are configured by partially cylindrical concave curved surfaces.

[0141] The leaf spring 6a has two held sections 43a, a base section 44a and a limiting section 47a.

[0142] Each of the held sections 43a has an end-surface shape that is essentially a semicircular arc shape when viewed from the axial direction. Each of the held sections 43a is held in a state of elastically reduced diameter between a side surface 19 in the circumferential direction of the inbound engagement section 14 and a side surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the inbound gripped section 34b.

[0143] The base section 44a has a curved section 56, two flat plate sections 57 and two inclined plate sections 58.

[0144] The curved section 56 is partially curved in a cylindrical shape, so that the outer side is convex with respect to the radial direction of the engagement element 5b.

[0145] The flat plate sections 57 are provided in sections adjacent to both sides of the curved section 56 with respect to the second direction, each of them being configured by a rectangular flat plate perpendicular to the first direction.

[0146] The inclined plate sections 58 are bent at an obtuse angle from the end sections of the two flat plate sections 57, which are further apart with respect to the second direction, in the direction leading away from the pressing surface 7 with respect to the first direction.

[0147] The boundary section 47a has four curved pieces 48a which are bent by end sections on both sides in the axial direction of the inclined plate sections 58 towards the outer side in the radial direction, and are arranged on both sides in the axial direction of sections of the engagement element 5b which are located around the side surfaces 40 in the circumferential direction.

[0148] The leaf spring 6a is arranged within the inlet-side gripped section 34b, wherein a curved section 56 of the base section 44a is elastically deformed to bring the two held sections 43 closer together, and each of the held sections 43a is held in an elastically compressed state between a side surface 19 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14 and a side surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34b. As a result, when each of the held sections 43a attempts to elastically restore its shape in order to expand with respect to its diameter, the outer circumferential surfaces near the end sections of the held sections 43a in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side engagement section 14 are elastically pressed against the side surfaces 19.Since the curved section 56 attempts to elastically restore its shape in one direction to move the two held sections 43a away from each other, and each of the held sections 43a attempts to elastically restore its shape to expand with respect to its diameter, the section of the outer circumferential surface of each of the held sections 43a, which is on the substantially opposite side of the section that is in contact with the side surface 19 in the circumferential direction in the radial direction of the held section 43a, is elastically pressed against the side surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the inlet-side gripped section 34b.

[0149] In this example, when the leaf spring 6a is mounted within the input-side gripped section 34b, the outer surfaces of the flat plate sections 57 elastically contact the flat surface sections 55 of the outer surface 37a in the radial direction of the input-side gripped section 34b. This allows the position of the leaf spring 6a within the input-side gripped section 34b to be determined before the input-side engagement section 14 of the input element 3 is inserted into the input-side gripped section 34b. The configurations and operating effects of the other parts are the same as in the first example. [Third example]

[0150] A third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given using Fig. 15 described.

[0151] In this example, the two held sections 43b of the leaf spring 6b exert an elasticity consisting only of components pointing towards each other in the second direction on the inlet-side engagement section 14 of the input element 3 and exert an elasticity consisting only of one component pointing away from each other in a direction in relation to the second direction on the engagement element 5.

[0152] In other words, the elasticity exerted by the two held sections 43b on the entry-side engagement section 14 has no component in the first direction, and the elasticity exerted by the two held sections 43b on the engagement element 5 has no component in the first direction.

[0153] Since, in the present example, the leaf spring 6b does not prevent the preload element 49 from preloading the engagement element 5 in the direction that brings the pressing surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7, the elasticity of the preload element 49 can be minimized. Therefore, the magnitude of the minimum torque required to engage the locked or semi-locked state of the reverse-direction locking clutch 1 (see Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 etc.) to resolve, are minimized, and the unlocking performance of switching the reverse-direction locking clutch 1 from the locked or semi-locked state to the unlocked state can be well ensured. The configurations and operating effects of the other parts are the same as in the first example. [Fourth example]

[0154] A fourth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given using Fig. 16 described.

[0155] In this example, the two held sections 43c of the leaf spring 6c exert an elasticity on the inlet-side engagement section 14 of the input element 3, wherein the elasticity has components that point towards each other with respect to the second direction, and a component in a direction that moves the pressing surface 33 away from the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction, and exert an elasticity on the engagement element 5, wherein the elasticity has components in a direction that points away from each other with respect to the second direction, and a component in a direction that brings the pressing surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7 with respect to the first direction.

[0156] In the present example, the engagement element 5 can be elastically pre-stressed by the two held sections 43c of the leaf spring 6c in the direction that brings the contact surface 33 closer to the pressed surface 7, with respect to the first direction. As a result, the pre-stressing element 49 can be omitted, or alternatively, the elasticity of the pre-stressing element 49 can be minimized. The configurations and operational effects of the other parts are the same as in the first example. Reference symbol list 1 Reverse-direction locking coupling 2 pressed element 3. Input element 4 Starting element 5, 5a, 5b Intervention element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c Leaf spring 7 pressed surface 8 output-side element 9 cylindrical surface section with large diameter 10 cylindrical surface section with small diameter 11 Connection surface section 12 inward-facing flange section 13 screw holes 14. Inlet-side intervention section 15 Input wave section 16 Inlet flange section 17 Inner surface in the radial direction 18 Outer surface in the radial direction 19 Side surface in the circumferential direction 20 curved surface section 21. Outlet-side intervention section 22 Output wave section 23 Outlet flange section 24 small diameter shaft section 25 flat surface 26 convex curved surface 27 radial roller bearings 28 outer ring 29a, 29b retaining ring 30 inner ring 31 rolling elements 32 plain bearings 33 Pressing surface 34, 34a, 34b outlet-side intervention section 35 exit-side section seized 36 Inner surface in the radial direction 37, 37a Outer surface in the radial direction 38, 38a concave curved surface section 39 inclined surface section 40 Side surface in the circumferential direction 41 flat surface section 42 convex section 43, 43a, 43b, 43c held section 44, 44a Basic section 45 curved section 46 inclined plate section 47, 47a Limiting section 48 curved pieces 49 Preload element 50 spacers 51 Stop element 52 Arm section 53 Connecting section 54 Through hole 55 flat surface section 56 curved section 57 flat plate section 58 inclined plate section 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] WO 2019 / 026794 A1 [0004, 0009, 0010, 0011, 0012, 0013, 0113]

Claims

[1] Reverse-direction locking coupling comprising: a pressed element with a pressed surface on its inner circumferential surface, an input element with an input-side engagement section arranged on an inner side in a radial direction of the pressed surface, wherein the input element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface, an output element having an output-side engagement section on the inner side in the radial direction of the pressed surface, which is arranged further on the inner side in the radial direction than the input-side engagement section, wherein the output element is arranged coaxially to the pressed surface, an engagement element with a pressing surface facing the pressed surface, an input-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the input-side engagement section, and an output-side gripped section that can be brought into engagement with the output-side engagement section, wherein the engagement element is arranged such that it is movable in a first direction which is a direction of the pressing surface that extends away from or towards the pressed surface, and a leaf spring with two held sections arranged on both sides of the inlet-side engagement section perpendicular to a central axis of the inlet element and the first direction with respect to a second direction, and held elastically between the inlet-side engagement section and the inlet-side gripped section, and a base section connecting the two held sections, wherein, when a torque input is applied to the input element, the engagement element moves in a direction away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction based on the engagement of the input-side engagement section with the input-side gripped section, and the output-side gripped section engages in the output-side engagement section, thereby transferring the torque applied to the input element to the output element, whereas, when torque is applied backwards to the output element, the engagement element, based on the engagement of the output-side engagement section with the output-side gripped section, presses the pressing surface against the pressed surface to bring the pressing surface into frictional engagement with the pressed surface. [2] Counter-directional locking coupling according to claim 1, wherein the two held sections impart elasticity to the input-side engagement section, the components have directions which point towards each other with respect to the second direction, and a component which points in a direction which brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface with respect to the first direction. [3] Reverse-direction locking coupling according to claim 2, wherein a prestressing element is included which elastically prestresses the engagement element in a direction that brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface with respect to the first direction, and An elastic component exerted by the prestressing element on the engagement element in a direction that brings the pressing surface closer to the pressed surface with respect to the first direction is greater than an elastic component exerted by the two held sections on the engagement element in a direction that moves the pressing surface away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction. [4] Counter-directional locking coupling according to claim 1, wherein the two held sections impart elasticity to the input-side engagement section, the elasticity having components only in directions which point towards each other with respect to the second direction. [5] Counter-directional locking coupling according to claim 1, wherein the two held sections impart elasticity to the input-side engagement section, the elasticity having components in directions which point towards each other with respect to the second direction, and having a component which points in a direction which moves the pressing surface away from the pressed surface with respect to the first direction. [6] Counter-directional locking coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the leaf springs have a limiting section which regulates their relative displacement in an axial direction with respect to the engagement element. [7] Counter-directional locking coupling according to claim 6, wherein the limiting section has bent parts which are bent by end sections on both sides in the axial direction of the two held sections or the base section and are arranged on both sides in the axial direction of sections around the input-side gripped section of the engagement element. [8] Counter-directional locking coupling according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one point of the base section is brought into contact with a section of an inner surface of the input-side gripped section, which points in the radial direction to the inner side. [9] Reverse-direction locking coupling according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engagement element is configured by two engagement elements and the input-side engagement section is configured by two input-side engagement sections.