Freewheeling element

Abstract

The invention relates to a one-way clutch element (4) having a plurality of wedge-caulking bodies (10) and a cage (5), the cage (5) having axially extending bridges (8) distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the cage and recesses, in each case one of the wedge-caulking bodies (10) being accommodated; the bridging part (8) has higher elasticity than the wedge-caulking body (10); the bridge (8) is designed to have a U-shaped cross-section when viewed in the axial direction.

Description

(12) International Application Published Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date 16 January 2025 (16.01.2025) llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll (10) International Publication Number .Λ,ιοη । dpt WO 2025 / 011708 AlWIPO IPCT (51) International Patent Classification: F16D 41 / 06 (2006.01) F16D 41 / 063 (2006.01) (21) International File Number: PCT / DE2024 / 100603 (22) International Filing Date: 4 July 2024 (04.07.2024) (25) Filing Language: German (26) Publication Language: German (30) Priority Information: 20 2023 103 882.4 12 July 2023 (12.07.2023) DE (71) Applicant: PAUE MÜEEER GMBH & CO. KG UN TERNEIMENSBETEIEIGUNGEN [DE / DE]; Äußere Bayreuther Straße 230, 90411 Nuremberg (DE). (72) Inventor: EEBACHER, Manfred; Ermreuther Straße 57, 90411 Nuremberg (DE). (74) Lawyer: EÖSCH, Christoph;Albrecht-Dürer-Platz 4, 90403 Nuremberg (DE). (81) States of Destination (unless otherwise specified, for each applicable national court of asylum)'. AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CV, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EC, EG, EG, GEE, GEE, FI, GE, D GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, ID, IL, IN, IQ, IR, IS, IT, JM, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, MG, MN, MX, MY, MYW MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UG, VN, US, VVC WS, ZA, ZM, ZW. (54) Title: FREEWHEELING ELEMENT (54) Description: FREILAUFELEMENT wo 20 25 / 0 11 70 8 A l llll llll llll llll llll llll llll llll llll̂ (57) Abstract: The invention relates to a free wheeling element (4) plurality of clamping bodies (10) and a cage (5), wherein the cage (5) has axially extending bars (8) distributed equidistantlyalong its circumference and pockets in which one of the clamping bodies (10) is received in each case; the bars (8) have a higher elasticity than the clamping bodies (10); and the bars (8) are formed with a U-shaped cross section as seen in the axial direction. (57) Summary: The invention relates to a freewheel element (4) with a plurality of clamping bodies (10) and a cage (5), wherein the cage (5) has axially extending bars (8) distributed equidistantly along its circumference and pockets in which one of the clamping bodies (10) is received in each case; the bars (8) have a higher elasticity than the clamping bodies (10); and [continued on the next page] WO 2025 / 011708 Al ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||^ (84) States of destination (unless otherwise specified, for each available regional type of intellectual property right)'. ARIPO (BW, CV, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SC, SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, TM), European (AL, AT,BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, ME, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Published: — with international search report (Article 21 paragraph 3)____________________________________________________________________ the webs (8) are formed with a U-shaped cross-section viewed in the axial direction. WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -1- Freewheel element DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a freewheel element. Freewheel elements are used, for example, in directional clutches that transmit or support torque in one direction by frictional engagement and allow freewheeling in the opposite direction. In clamping element freewheels, clamping elements are located within a clamping gap in the so-called clamping position when they transmit the torque by frictional engagement, i.e., through frictional engagement.in the so-called freewheel position, when they allow freewheeling. Conventional sprag clutches, in addition to the sprags, have a sprag cage (hereinafter also simply called cage) into which the sprags are received, and metallic springs that hold the sprags in position by means of spring force (so-called sprag springing). Such sprag clutches of known design therefore consist of at least three different components, which entails a correspondingly high manufacturing effort. The sprag clutch described in EP 2 660 488 A1, on the other hand, can do without metallic springs. There, the springing is achieved by elastically designed webs of the cage. A disadvantage in EP 2 660 488 A1, however, is that the spring travel achievable by the elastic webs is relatively small. This means that the tolerance requirements for the elements of the sprag clutch and for the components of the sprag clutch are higher.connected components are high. In addition, eccentricities occurring, for example, during the operation of the clamping element freewheel, lead to variations in the clamping gap and individual clamping elements generating an increased drag torque (WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -2-), while other clamping elements are no longer sufficiently spring-loaded. The object of the present invention is to provide a simply constructed freewheel element that remains functional over a relatively large tolerance range and also when eccentricities occur in the clamping gap. This object is achieved by a freewheel element with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the freewheel element are described in the dependent claims. The freewheel element according to the invention has a plurality of clamping elements and a cage. The cage has axially extending webs and pockets distributed equidistantly along its circumference, in each of which one of the clamping elements is located.The webs possess higher elasticity than the clamping elements and are designed with a U-shaped cross-section in the axial direction. Due to the higher elasticity of the webs of the clamping element cage compared to the clamping elements, they act as spring elements. Therefore, such a design eliminates the need for metallic springs, resulting in a particularly simple clamping element freewheel. "Higher elasticity" here means that the webs are made of a material with higher elastic behavior than the material from which the clamping elements are made. The clamping elements are preferably made of a metallic material, e.g., a steel alloy. Accordingly, the webs then exhibit an elasticity that is greater than that of metallic materials. WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -3- Due to the in axialThe U-shaped cross-section of the webs, viewed from the direction of travel, increases the possible spring travel. In other words, the web acts similarly to a bending spring. The positioning of the clamping elements therefore requires less precision and is less susceptible to eccentricities of the clamping gap or dimensional inaccuracies of the connecting components. In this way, the freewheel element is particularly suitable for thin-walled connecting components. Preferably, the opening of the U-shaped cross-section points radially inwards or outwards. This orientation of the cross-section allows the lateral end regions of each web to be contacted by the adjacent clamping elements, thus maximizing the use of the spring effect of the cross-sectional shape. In an advantageous embodiment, the freewheel element further comprises at least one cage flange, and each web is connected to the cage flange by a torsion spring bar. In other words, there is a connection between theA torsion spring bar is arranged on both the cage flange and the web. This allows the web to twist relative to the cage flange. The torsion spring bar thus acts like a torsion spring. This makes the freewheel element even less susceptible to eccentricities of the clamping gap or dimensional inaccuracies of the connecting components. The connection point between the web and the torsion spring bar can be located at one end of the U-shaped cross-section. This results in the effective superposition of the bending spring effect of the web and the torsion spring effect of the torsion spring bar. Advantageously, the clamping elements are positively engaged in the pockets, particularly in the form of a snap-fit ​​or detent connection. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the freewheel element (WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -4-) and ensures secure clamping of the clamping elements during operation. Utilizing the elasticDue to the properties of the webs, the clamping element pocket can be elastically expanded to engage or snap the clamping element into the pocket. Generally, the clamping elements have a first contact zone for contact with a first adjacent web and a second contact zone for contact with a second adjacent web. Preferably, the first and second contact zones differ in their radial position. In other words, one of the contact zones is located further inward (i.e., closer to the central axis of the freewheel element) than the other. This makes it possible to apply a torque to the clamping element and thus, for example, influence its spring action. The magnitude and direction of the torque, in turn, can be adjusted by the relative position of the contact zones to each other. In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and / or the second contact zone is configured as aThe contact zone of the clamping element has a surface corresponding to the lateral end region of the U-shaped cross-section of the web. In other words, the contact zone of the clamping element has a curvature or shape that corresponds to a negative image of the curvature / shape of the web. In this way, a particularly defined and reproducible contact between the web and the clamping element is possible. In an advantageous embodiment, at least the webs and the torsion spring bars consist of a polymer material, in particular a polyamide. Preferably, the polymer material contains fillers, in particular in the form of fibers and / or spheres. If reinforcing fibers are used, these are preferably oriented along the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped cross-section of the webs. Glass fiber reinforced polyamide, especially PA 46 GF 15 (polyamide 46 with 15% glass fiber content), is particularly suitable as a material.Both the webs and / or the torsion spring bars, as well as the entire clamping element cage, consist of the aforementioned materials. The use of the aforementioned materials allows for particularly advantageous spring behavior. The invention is further explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment in the drawing figures. These show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a clamping element freewheel with inner ring, outer ring, and freewheel element arranged between them; Fig. 2 a detail of a sectional view of the freewheel element from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a side view of the freewheel element from Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the freewheel element from Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a detail of a perspective view of a cage of the freewheel element from Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 a detail of a sectional view of the freewheel element from Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a clamping element freewheel 1. The clamping element freewheel 1 has aInner ring 2 and an outer ring 3. WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -6- The outer ring 3 is arranged coaxially to the inner ring 2. A gap, the so-called clamping gap, forms between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3. The freewheel element 4 is arranged within this gap. This freewheel element 4 is described in more detail in Figures 2 to 6. The freewheel element 4 is essentially ring-shaped and has a cage 5 made of a fiber-reinforced polymer material (polyamide 46 with 15% glass fiber content). The cage 5 has a first cage flange 6 and a second cage flange 7 offset in the axial direction. Equidistantly distributed, axially extending webs 8 are arranged between the first cage flange 6 and the second cage flange 7. For the sake of clarity, not all elements that appear multiple times in the figures are marked with a separate reference symbol. For example, in Fig. 1, only a web 8 with aThe webs 8 are each connected to one of the cage sides 6, 7 via a torsion spring rod 9. The elements first cage side 6, second cage side 7, webs 8, and torsion spring rods 9 together form the cage 5. The space between each pair of adjacent webs 8 and the cage sides 6, 7 forms a pocket for receiving a clamping element 10. The connection between the clamping element 10 and the cage 5 is designed as a snap-fit ​​connection. The clamping elements 10 are made of a steel material. The cage 5 is therefore made of a material with higher elasticity than the material from which the clamping elements 10 are made. The webs 8 have a U-shaped cross-section viewed in the axial direction. The opening of the U points radially inwards, i.e., towards the central axis of the freewheel element. The curved section of the U points radially outwards. The lateral elements (legs) of the U each contact one of theClamping elements 10 are adjacent to the respective web 8 of WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -7-. In other words, a clamping element 10 contacts a first adjacent web 8 in a first contact zone 11 and a second adjacent web in a second contact zone 12. The first contact zone 11 and the second contact zone 12 differ in their radial position. More precisely, the second contact zone 12 is located further inward than the first contact zone 11. The webs 8 are connected to the first cage side 6 and the second cage side 7 at a lateral end region of the U-shaped cross-section via a torsion spring bar 9. Apart from this connection, the webs 8 are self-supporting, meaning there is no further connection to the cage sides 6, 7. In this way, the webs 8 possess high flexibility and bending / torsional capacity. The function of the freewheel element 4 will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 6.The following will be explained, with the clamping element 10a shown in the clamped position, the clamping element 10b in a neutral position, and the clamping element 10c in the free-running position for better understanding. In reality, all clamping elements 10a, 10b, and 10e would be in the same position. In the clamped position, the clamping elements 10a, 10b, and 10c form a frictional connection with the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3, so that a torque can be transmitted between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3. In a free-running position, however, the clamping elements 10a, 10b, and 10c allow rotational movement of the inner ring 2 relative to the outer ring 3. In every position, the clamping elements 10a, 10b, and 10c contact the intermediate webs 8 in the area of ​​the first contact zone 11 and the second contact zone 12. Due to their elasticity and U-shaped cross-section, the webs act like a bending spring. The webs 8 provide resilient support for the clamping bodies 10a, 10b, 10c and thereby change theirGestalt, WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 -8- This means the U-shape widens or narrows. Additionally, the torsion spring bars 9 can twist under torsional load. Overall, this allows the clamping elements 10a, 10b, 10c to be reliably spring-loaded, and also reduces the displacement resistance within the cage 5. This, in turn, ensures that the freewheel element 4 remains functional over a relatively large tolerance range and even with eccentricities occurring in the clamping gap, without having to rely on metallic springs for spring action. The freewheel element 4 is particularly suitable for installation situations involving thin-walled connecting components, such as freewheels in two-wheeled vehicles (bicycles, e-bikes, or similar). Cage 5 is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, with suitable injection points during injection molding ensuring that the reinforcing fibers are inThe webs are oriented longitudinally along the U-shaped cross-section. To achieve the most homogeneous material distribution possible, as many or all webs as possible should be connected to the injection mold. Injection points located centrally in the webs 8 have also proven advantageous in this context. WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 -9- REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Clamping element freewheel 2 Inner ring 3 Outer ring 4 Freewheel element 5 Cage 6 First cage flange 7 Second cage flange 8 Web 9 Torsion spring bar 10 , 10a, 10b, 10c Clamping element 11 First contact zone 12 Second contact zone WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -10- CLAIMS 1. Freewheel element (4) with a plurality of clamping elements (10) and a cage (5), wherein: - the cage (5) has axially extending webs (8) distributed equidistantly along its circumference and pockets in which one of the clamping elements (10) is received; - the webs (8) have a higher elasticity than the clamping elements (10); and -1. The webs (8) are formed with a U-shaped cross-section viewed in the axial direction. 2. Freewheel element (4) according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the U-shaped cross-section points radially inwards or outwards. 3. Freewheel element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one cage flange (6, 7), wherein each web (8) is connected to the cage flange (6, 7) by a torsion spring rod (9). 4. Freewheel element (4) according to claim 3, wherein the torsion spring rod (9) is connected to the web (8) at an end region of the U-shaped cross-section. 5. Freewheel element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping elements (10) are positively engaged in the pockets, in particular in the form of a snap or latch connection. 6. Freewheeling element (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each clamping body (10) has a first contact zone (11) for contact with WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 5 10 15 20 25 30 -11- a first adjacent web(8) and a second contact zone (12) for contact with a second adjacent web (8). 7. Freewheel element (4) according to claim 6, wherein the first contact zone (11) and the second contact zone (12) differ in their radial position from one another. 8. Freewheel element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cage (5) is made of a polymer material, in particular a polyamide, and the clamping elements (10) are made of a steel material. 9. Freewheel element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the webs (8) are made of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide, in particular PA 46 GF 15. 10. Freewheel element (4) according to claim 9, wherein the reinforcing fibers are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped cross-section of the webs (8). WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 1 / 4 Fig. 1 WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 10 Fig. 3 WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 3 / 4 WO 2025 / 011708 PCT / DE2024 / 100603 4 / 4 INTERNATIONAL SEARCHREPORT International application No. PCT / DE2024 / 100603 A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER F16D 41 / 06(2006.01)1; F16D 41 / 063(2006.01)1 According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) F16D Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) EPO-Intemal, WPI Data C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. X A US 6092634 A (KREMER JOHN Μ [US] ET AL) 25 July 2000 (2000-07-25) column 3, line 10 - line 16 figures 1-15 1, 2, 5, 6, 8-10 3,4 X JP H09210099 A (KOYO SEIKO CO) 12 August 1997 (1997-08-12) figure 3 paragraphs

[0007] ,

[0011] 1,2, 6, 8-10 X US 8157069 B2 (ALTMANN FRIEDER [DE]; SCHAEFFLER KG [DE]) 17 April 2012 (2012-04-17) figures 1,7,3,17,18 paragraph

[0017] 1, 2, 5-8 A US 4998605 A (FERRIS ERNEST A [US]) 12 March 1991 (1991-03-12) the whole document 1-10 | | Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | Z | See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents: “T” later document published after the international filing date or priority “A” document defining the general state of the art which is not considered date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the to be of particular relevance principle or theory underlying the invention “E” earlier application or patent but published on or after the international “χ” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be filing date considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step “L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is when the document istaken alone cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other -γ- document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be special reason (as specified) considered to involve an inventive step when the document is “O” document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other combined with one or more other such documents, such combination means being obvious to a person skilled in the art “P” document published prior to the international filing date but later than document member of the same patent family the priority date claimed Date of the actual completion of the international search 04 September 2024 Date of mailing of the international search report 13 September 2024 Name and mailing address of the ISA / EP European Patent Office p.b. 5818, Patentlaan 2, 2280 HV Rijswijk Netherlands (Kingdom of the) Telephone No. (+31-70)340-2040 Facsimile No. (+31-70)340-3016 Authorized officer Michel, Aaron Telephone No. Form PCT / ISA / 210 (second sheet)(January 2015) INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Information on patent family members International application No. PCT / DE2024 / 100603 Patent document cited in search report Publication date (day / month / year) Patent family members) Publication date (day / month / year) US 6092634 A 25 July 2000 EP 1035343 Al 13 September 2000 JP 2000266085 A 26 September 2000 KR 20000062721 A 25 October 2000 US 6092634 A 25 July 2000 JP H09210099 A 12 August 1997 NONE US 8157069 B2 17 April 2012 DE 102005056220 Al 06 June 2007 EP 1790871 A2 May 30, 2007 US 2007119676 Al 31 May 2007 US 4998605 A 12 March 1991 NONE Form PCT / ISA / 210 (patent family annex) (January 2015) A. CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBJECT OF APPLICATION INV. F16D41 / 06 F16D41 / 063 ADD. INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International File Number PCT / DE2024 / 100603 According to the International Patent Classification (IPC) or according to the national classification and the IPC B. AREAS SEARCHED Minimum subject matter researched (classification system andClassification symbols ) F16D Publications researched but not included in the minimum examination material, insofar as they fall within the researched areas. Electronic database consulted during the international search (name of the database and any search terms used): EPO-Internal, WPI Data C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL Category* Title of the publication, if necessary indicating the relevant parts. Claim No. X US 6 092 634 A (KREMER JOHN M [US] ET AL) July 25, 2000 (2000-07-25) 1,2,5,6, 8-10 A Column 3, Line 10 - Line 16 Figures 1-15 3,4 X JP H09 210099 A (KOYO SEIKO CO) August 12, 1997 (1997-08-12) Figure 3 Paragraphs

[0007] ,

[0011] 1,2,6, 8-10 X US 8 157 069 B2 (ALTMANN FRIEDER [DE]; SCHAEFFLER KG [DE]) April 17, 2012 (2012-04-17) Figures 1,7,3,17,18 Paragraph

[0017] 1,2,5-8 A US 4 998 605 A (FERRIS ERNEST A [US]) March 12, 1991 (1991-03-12) the entire document 1-10 See Appendix Patent Family FurtherPublications are to be taken from the continuation of field C χ * Special categories of publications indicated "A" Publication that defines the general prior art but is not considered to be of particular significance "E" Earlier application or patent that was published only on or after the international filing date "L" Publication that is likely to cast doubt on a priority claim, or that is intended to prove the publication date of another publication mentioned in the search report, or that is indicated for another special reason (as explained) "O" Publication relating to an oral disclosure, a use, an exhibition, or other action "P" Publication published before the international filing date but after the claimed priority date "A" Subsequent publication published after the internationalPublication published on the filing date or priority date and does not conflict with the application, but is only indicated for understanding the principle or theory underlying the invention. 'X' Publication of particular importance; the claimed invention cannot be considered new or involving an inventive step solely on the basis of that publication. Ύ' Publication of particular importance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step if the publication is associated with one or more publications of this category and such association is obvious to a person skilled in the art. Publication that is a member of the same patent family. Date of completion of the international search. Date of dispatch of the international search report: 4 September 2024. 13 / 09 / 2024. Name and postal address of the International Searching Authority.Europäisches Patentamt, PB 5818 Patentlaan 2 NL- 2280 HV Rijswijk Tel. (+31-70) 340-2040, Fax: (+31-70)340-3016 Bevollmächtigter Bediensteter Michel, Aaron1 Formblatt PCT / ISA / 210 (Blatt 2) (April 2005) Internationales Aktenzeichen PCT / DE2024 / 100603 INTERNATIONALER RECHERCHENBERICHT Angaben zu Veröffentlichungen, die zur selben Patentfamilie gehören Im Recherchenbericht angeführtes Patentdokument Datum der Veröffentlichung Mitglied(er) der Patentfamilie Datum der Veröffentlichung US 6092634A 25-07-2000 EP 1035343 Al 13-09-2000 JP 2000266085 A 26-09-2000 KR 20000062721 A 25-10-2000 US 6092634 A 25-07-2000 JP H09210099 A 12-08-1997 KEINE US 8157069 B2 17-04-2012 DE 102005056220 Al 06-06-2007 EP 1790871 A2 30-05-2007 US 2007119676 Al 31-05-2007 US 4998605 A 12-03-1991 KEINE Formblatt PCT / ISA / 210 (Anhang Patentfamilie) (April 2005) (19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480046247.9 (22) Application Date 2024.07.04 (30) Priority Data 202023103882.4 2023.07.12 DE (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2026.01.08(86) Application data for PCT international application: PCT / DE2024 / 100603 2024.07.04 (87) Publication data for PCT international application: WO2025 / 011708 DE 2025.01.16 (71) Applicant: Paulmüller AG, Ltd. Address: Germany (72) Inventor: M. Elbacher (74) Patent Agency: Beijing Zhongzi Law Firm, 11247 Patent Attorney: Wang Qin (51) Int.Cl. F16D 41 / 06 (2006.01) F16D 41 / 063 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: One-way Clutch Element (57) Abstract: This invention relates to a one-way clutch element (4) having a plurality of wedges (10) and a cage (5), wherein the cage (5) has axially extending bridging portions (8) evenly distributed along the periphery of the cage and grooves in which one of the wedges (10) is received; the bridging portions (8) have higher elasticity than the wedges (10); and the bridging portions (8) are designed to have a U-shaped cross section when viewed in the axial direction. Claims 1 page, Description 4 pages, Drawings 5 ​​pages, CN 121488114 A 2026.02.06 CN 1 21 48 81 14 A 1. A one-way clutch element (4) having a plurality of wedges (10) and a cage (5), wherein: - The cage (5) has axially extending bridging portions (8) evenly distributed along the periphery of the cage and grooves, each groove receiving one of the wedges (10); - The bridging portions (8) have higher elasticity than the wedges (10); and - The bridging portions (8) are designed to have a U-shaped cross-section when viewed in the axial direction. 2. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the U-shaped cross-section is radially inward or outward. 3. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the one-way clutch element further having at least one cage flange (6, 7), wherein each bridge portion (8) is connected to the cage flange (6, 7) via a torsion spring rod (9). 4. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 3, wherein the torsion spring rod (9) is connected to the bridge portion (8) in the end region of the U-shaped cross section. 5. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wedge body (10) is received in a groove in a form-locking manner, particularly in the form of a snap-fit ​​or latching connection. 6. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wedge body (10) has a first contact area (11) for contacting an adjacent first bridge portion (8) and a second contact area (12) for contacting an adjacent second bridge portion (8).7. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 6, wherein the first contact area (11) and / or the second contact area (12) are located differently from each other in the radial direction. 8. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cage (5) is made of a polymer material, especially polyamide, and the wedge (10) is made of steel. 9. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bridging portion (8) is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, especially PA 46 GF 15. 10. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 9, wherein the reinforcing fibers are longitudinally oriented along the U-shaped cross-section of the bridging portion (8). Claims 1 / 1 page 2 CN 121488114 A One-way clutch element Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-way clutch element. Background art

[0002] One-way clutch elements are used, for example, in one-way clutches, which transmit or support torque by force engagement in one direction, while allowing freewheeling in the opposite direction. For a wedge-type one-way clutch, where the wedge body / wedge is located in a wedge-shaped gap, the wedge body is in the so-called wedge engagement position or wedge position when the wedge-type one-way clutch transmits torque in a force-locked manner, that is, a friction-locked manner, and in the so-called free-spinning position or free-spinning position when the wedge-type one-way clutch allows free-spinning.

[0003] In addition to the wedge body, a conventional wedge-type one-way clutch also has a wedge body cage (hereinafter also simply referred to as the cage) in which the wedge body is received and a metal spring, which holds the position of the wedge body by means of spring force (the so-called wedge body return spring). Therefore, such wedge-type one-way clutches with known structural forms consist of at least three different components, which results in a correspondingly high manufacturing cost. In contrast, the wedge-type one-way clutch described in EP 2 660 488 A1 can omit the metal spring. Here, an elastic return action is generated by the bridging portion of the elastic design of the cage. However, a disadvantage of EP 2 660 488 A1 is that the elastic travel achievable through the elastic bridging portion is relatively small. This results in higher tolerance requirements for the components of the wedge-type one-way clutch and the components connected by the wedge-type one-way clutch. Additionally, for example, eccentricity occurring during the operation of the wedge-type one-way clutch causes changes in the wedge clearance, and a single wedge clamping body generates an increased drag torque, while other wedge clamping bodies no longer obtain sufficient elastic reset. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a one-way clutch element with a simple structure, a large tolerance range, and maintaining functionality even in the case of eccentricity occurring in the wedge clearance.

[0005] This object is achieved by a one-way clutch element having the features described in claim 1. In the dependent claimsAdvantageous embodiments of a one-way clutch element are described herein.

[0006] The one-way clutch element according to the invention has a plurality of wedges / wedges and a cage. The cage has axially extending bridging portions equidistantly distributed along the circumference / circumferential direction of the cage and grooves in which one of the wedges is received respectively. The bridging portions have higher elasticity than the wedges, and the bridging portions are designed to have a U-shaped cross-section when viewed in the axial direction.

[0007] Since the bridging portions of the wedge holder have higher elasticity than the wedges, the bridging portions serve as elastic elements. Therefore, with this type of structure, metal springs can be omitted, which makes the structure of the wedge-type one-way clutch particularly simple and easy to manufacture. Here, "higher elasticity" is understood to mean that the bridging portions are made of a material with higher elastic properties than the material used to manufacture the wedges. Preferably, the wedges are made of a metallic material, such as steel. Accordingly, the bridging portions are made of a material with greater elasticity than the metallic material.

[0008] The possible elastic travel is increased by the U-shaped cross-section of the bridging portions when viewed in the axial direction. In other words, the bridging portion functions similarly to a bending spring. Therefore, the positioning accuracy requirement of the wedge is reduced, and its sensitivity to eccentricity of the clamping gap or dimensional errors of the connecting components is also lower. In this way, one-way clutch elements, especially those described on page 1 / 4 of the specification (CN 121488114 A), are suitable for thin-walled connecting components.

[0009] Preferably, the opening of the U-shaped cross-section is radially inward or outward. This orientation of the cross-section allows the lateral end region of each bridging portion to contact the corresponding adjacent wedge, and maximizes the use of the elastic effect of the cross-sectional shape.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the one-way clutch element also has at least one cage flange, with each bridging portion connected to the cage flange by a torsion spring rod. In other words, torsion spring rods are arranged between the cage flange and the bridging portion. In this way, the bridging portion can be twisted relative to the cage flange. Therefore, the torsion spring rod acts like a torsion spring. Therefore, the one-way clutch element is less sensitive to the eccentricity of the clamping gap or the dimensional error of the connecting components.

[0011] Here, the connection point between the bridging portion and the torsion spring rod can be realized in the end region of the U-shaped cross-section. This results in the bending spring action of the bridging portion and the torsional spring action of the torsion spring rod being effectively superimposed.

[0012] Advantageously, the wedge body is received in the groove in a locking shape, especially in the form of a snap-fit ​​or latch-on connection. Thus, on the one hand, simple installation and removal of the one-way clutch element is achieved, and on the other hand, safe support of the wedge body can be achieved during operation. Taking advantage of the elastic properties of the bridging portion, the wedge body groove can be elastically expanded to allow the wedge body to be snapped into or engaged in the groove.

[0013] Typically, the wedge has a first contact area for contacting an adjacent first bridging portion and a second contact area for contacting an adjacent second bridging portion. Preferably, the first and second contact areas are located differently in the radial direction. In other words, one of the contact areas is closer to the interior (i.e., closer to the central axis of the one-way clutch element) than the other contact areas. This allows for the application of a torque load to the wedge, thus affecting, for example, the elastic return of the wedge. The magnitude and direction of the torque can be adjusted by the relative positions of the contact areas relative to each other.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment, the first and / or second contact areas are designed to correspond to the lateral end regions of the U-shaped cross-section of the bridging portion. In other words, the contact areas of the wedge have a negative / reverse curvature or shape corresponding to the curvature / shape of the bridging portion. In this way, a defined and repeatable contact is achieved, particularly, between the bridging portion and the wedge.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one bridging portion and the torsion spring rod are made of a polymeric material, especially polyamide. In a preferred manner, the polymer material contains filler, particularly filler in the form of fibers and / or spheres. If reinforcing fibers are used, the reinforcing fibers are preferably oriented longitudinally along the U-shaped cross-section of the bridging portion.

[0016] In a particular manner, glass fiber reinforced polyamide is suitable as a material, particularly preferably PA 46 GF 15 (polyamide 46 containing a 15% glass fiber share). Not only the bridging portion and / or torsion spring rod but also the entire wedge retainer can be made of the above-described material. By using the above-described material, particularly advantageous elastic properties can be achieved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The invention is further explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a wedge-type one-way clutch having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a one-way clutch element disposed therebetween; Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch element in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the one-way clutch element in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the one-way clutch element in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a partial perspective view of the cage of the one-way clutch element in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch element in Figure 1. Detailed Description

[0018] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a wedge-type one-way clutch 1. The wedge-type one-way clutch 1 has an inner ring 2 and an outer ring 3. The outer ring 3 is arranged coaxially with the inner ring 2. A gap, a so-called wedge gap, is formed between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3. A one-way clutch element 4 is disposed within this gap. The one-way clutch element 4 is described in more detail in Figures 2 to 6.

[0019] The one-way clutch element 4 is basically designed as an annular shape and has a polymer material reinforced with fibers (containing...A retainer 5 is made of polyamide 46 with a 15% glass fiber content. The retainer 5 has a first retainer flange 6 and a second retainer flange 7 offset in the axial direction. Equally spaced axially extending bridging portions 8 are arranged between the first retainer flange 6 and the second retainer flange 7. For clarity, not all elements present multiple times in the figures are given individual reference numerals. That is, for example, in Figure 1, only one bridging portion 8 is given a reference numeral. The bridging portions 8 are connected to the retainer flanges 6 and 7 respectively via torsion spring rods 9. The first retainer flange 6, the second retainer flange 7, the bridging portions 8, and the torsion spring rods 9 together form the retainer 5.

[0020] Grooves for receiving wedge-shaped bodies 10 are formed in the spaces between every two adjacent bridging portions 8 and the retainer flanges 6 and 7. Here, the connection between the wedge-shaped body 10 and the retainer 5 is designed as an interlocking connection. The wedge-shaped body 10 is made of steel. Therefore, the cage 5 is made of a material with greater elasticity than the material used to manufacture the wedge body 10.

[0021] The bridging portion 8 has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed in the axial direction. Here, the opening of the U-shape faces radially inward, i.e., toward the central axis of the one-way clutch element. The arcuate section of the U-shape faces radially outward. The lateral elements (sides) of the U-shape respectively contact the wedge body 10 adjacent to the corresponding bridging portion 8. In other words, the wedge body 10 contacts the adjacent first bridging portion 8 in the first contact area 11 and the adjacent second bridging portion in the second contact area 12. Here, the positions of the first contact area 11 and the second contact area 12 are different from each other in the radial direction. More precisely, the second contact area 12 is closer to the interior than the first contact area 11.

[0022] The bridging portion 8 is connected to the first cage flange 6 and the second cage flange 7 respectively by torsion spring rods 9 in the lateral end regions of the U-shaped cross-section. Apart from this connection, the bridging portion 8 is designed to be self-supporting, that is, it is not further connected to the cage flanges 6, 7. In this way, the bridging portion 8 has high flexibility and bending or torsional capacity.

[0023] The working principle of the one-way clutch element 4 should be explained in more detail with reference to FIG6, in which, for better understanding, the wedge clamping body 10a in the wedge engagement position, the wedge clamping body 10b in the intermediate position, and the wedge clamping body 10c in the idle position are shown. In fact, all the wedge clamping bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c are in the same position. In the wedge engagement position, the wedge clamping bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c form a friction-locked connection with the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3, thereby allowing torque to be transmitted between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3. Conversely, in the idle position, the wedge clamping bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c allow the inner ring 2 to rotate relative to the outer ring 3.

[0024] In each position, the wedge clamping bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c are all in the region of the first contact area 11 and the second contact area 12.The bridging portion 8 is located between them. Due to its elasticity and U-shaped cross-section, the bridging portion acts like a bending spring. The bridging portion 8 elastically supports the wedge-shaped bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c, and at this time changes its shape, that is, the U-shape widens or narrows. Additionally, the torsion spring rod 9 can be torsion under torsional loads. In general, this reliably and elastically supports the wedge-shaped bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c, and also reduces the movement resistance within the cage 5. This, in turn, allows the one-way clutch element 4 to remain functional within a large tolerance range and even with eccentricity occurring in the wedge gap, without relying on a metal spring to provide elastic reset.

[0025] The application of the one-way clutch element 4 is particularly suitable for installations where thin-walled connecting members are present, such as in one-way clutches in two-wheeled vehicles (bicycles, electric bicycles, etc.).

[0026] The retainer 5 is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, wherein, during injection molding, the reinforcing fibers are ensured to be oriented longitudinally in the U-shaped cross-section of the bridging portion by means of a suitable injection point. To achieve the most uniform material distribution possible, as many or all of the bridging portions as possible should be connected to the injection mold. In this regard, it has proven advantageous to have the injection point at the center of the bridging portion 8.

[0027] List of reference numerals

[0028] 1 Wedge-type one-way clutch

[0029] 2 Inner ring

[0030] 3 Outer ring

[0031] 4 One-way clutch element

[0032] 5 Cage

[0033] 6 First cage flange

[0034] 7 Second cage flange

[0035] 8 Bridge

[0036] 9 Torsion spring rod

[0037] 10a, 10b, 10c Wedge clamping body

[0038] 11 First contact area

[0039] 12 Second contact area. Instruction manual page 4 / 4 6 CN 121488114 A Figure 1 Instruction manual figure 1 / 5 page 7 CN 121488114 A Figure 2 Instruction manual figure 2 / 5 page 8 CN 121488114 A Figure 3 Instruction manual figure 3 / 5 page 9 CN 121488114 A Figure 4 Instruction manual figure 4 / 5 page 10 CN 121488114 A Figure 5 Figure 6 Instruction manual figure 5 / 5 page 11 CN 121488114 A

Claims

1. A one-way clutch element (4) having a plurality of wedges (10) and a cage (5), wherein: - The cage (5) has axially extending bridging portions (8) evenly distributed along the periphery of the cage and grooves, in which one of the wedges (10) is received respectively; - The bridging part (8) has higher elasticity than the wedge (10); and - The bridging section (8) is designed to have a U-shaped cross section when viewed in the axial direction.

2. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 1, wherein, The opening of the U-shaped cross-section faces inward or outward in the radial direction.

3. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way clutch element further comprises at least one cage flange (6, 7), wherein, Each bridging section (8) is connected to the cage flange (6, 7) via a torsion spring rod (9).

4. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 3, wherein, The torsion spring rod (9) is connected to the bridging part (8) in the end region of the U-shaped section.

5. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wedge (10) is received in the groove in a locking shape, especially in the form of a snap or latch connection.

6. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each wedge (10) has a first contact area (11) for contacting the adjacent first bridging part (8) and a second contact area (12) for contacting the adjacent second bridging part (8).

7. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 6, wherein, The first contact area (11) and / or the second contact area (12) are located at different positions in the radial direction.

8. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cage (5) is made of polymer material, especially polyamide, and the wedge (10) is made of steel.

9. The one-way clutch element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one bridging portion (8) is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, especially PA 46 GF 15.

10. The one-way clutch element (4) according to claim 9, wherein, The reinforcing fibers are longitudinally oriented along the U-shaped cross section of the bridging portion (8).

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