Freewheel device and freewheel clutch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a freewheel device (12) comprising a first freewheel component (14) and a second freewheel component (16), the second freewheel component (16) being axially coupled to the first freewheel component (14) via an axially acting coupling device (22) which connects the first freewheel component (14) and the second freewheel component (16) together for co-rotation when the relative rotation between the two components is in a first rotational direction (24) and connects the two components together for co-rotation when the relative rotation between the two components is in an opposite second rotational direction (24). and a second freewheel component (16) having at least one coupling element (30) to which a spring force is applied by a spring element (32) that releases the two components so that the two components can rotate relative to one another in one of two rotational directions (26), the spring element (32) fixing the coupling element (30) to the first freewheel component (14) and defining a tilt axis (62) about which the coupling element (30) can tilt against the spring force. Additionally, the present invention relates to a freewheel clutch (10) comprising such a freewheel device (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a freewheel device according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a freewheel clutch. [Background technology]

[0002] EP 3404279 A1 describes a switchable freewheel clutch comprising a first freewheel component and a second freewheel component connected to the first freewheel component via a coupling device, the coupling device including a number of coupling elements actuated by helical spring elements for rotational engagement in the second freewheel component. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to fix a coupling element to a first freewheel component in a more cost-effective and simple manner. Furthermore, the spring element should be constructed in a more cost-effective and space-saving manner and should be more reliably fixed to the first freewheel component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] At least one of these objects is achieved by a freewheel device having the features of claim 1, whereby the coupling element can be fixed to the first rotating component in a cost-effective and simple manner and the spring element can be constructed more cost-effectively.

[0005] The freewheel device may be arranged in a vehicle. The vehicle may be a car. The freewheel device may be arranged in a drive train of the vehicle.

[0006] The freewheel device may be configured to be switchable. The coupling device may be activated or deactivated according to the axial relative position between the first and second freewheel components. When the coupling device is deactivated, the first and second freewheel components are decoupled and rotate relative to each other regardless of the rotational direction of the relative rotation.

[0007] The first freewheel component may be rotatable about a rotation axis or may be fixed in a non-rotatable manner. The second freewheel component may be rotatable about a rotation axis or may be fixed in a non-rotatable manner.

[0008] The first freewheel component and / or the second freewheel component may have teeth for connecting with the connecting component. The first freewheel component and / or the second freewheel component may transmit or support torque. During relative rotation, torque may be transmitted in a first rotational direction via the coupling device.

[0009] The coupling element may be made of metal. The coupling element may be configured as a punched component. The coupling element may be punched from a sheet metal component.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if a coupling element for a co-rotating connection between a first freewheel component and a second freewheel component engages in a form-fitting manner with a coupling structure in the second freewheel component. The coupling structure may have teeth with which the coupling element releasably engages in a form-fitting manner. The teeth may be configured as axial teeth on the second freewheel component. The axial teeth may be arranged directly axially opposite the coupling element.

[0011] The spring element may be configured to be mirror symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry including an axis of symmetry running parallel to the first longitudinal axis and including the tilt axis as normal, such that the spring element can be reliably fixed to the first freewheel component and can be constructed in a cost-effective manner.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the invention is advantageous in that the spring element bears against the first freewheel component and has a straight first spring portion extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and a second spring portion projecting at an angle from the first spring portion. Preferably, the first spring portion fixes the coupling element to the first freewheel component. The second spring portion can exert a spring force on the coupling element, in particular in a direction towards the second freewheel component.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the invention, it is advantageous if the spring element is constructed in the form of a wire, the first spring section being a straight first wire section and the second spring section being a straight second wire section. This allows the spring element to be constructed cost-effectively and with minimal weight. The first wire section and / or the second wire section may have a circular cross section or other cross sections.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is advantageous if the spring element has a fastening portion via which the spring element is fastened to the coupling element. The fastening portion may be received in the coupling element in a clamp-like manner.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the fastening portion borders the first spring portion, which makes it possible to make the spring element as compact as possible.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening part defines a tilt axis about which the coupling element can be deformed in a direction facing the first freewheel component against the spring action of the second spring part, making it possible to achieve both fixing of the coupling element and tilting of the coupling element.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring element has a contact portion, which bears against the coupling element to transmit the spring force to the coupling element and is spaced apart from the fastening portion. The contact portion and the fastening portion may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The contact portion may be directly adjacent to the second spring portion.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the fastening part is suspended as a first U-shaped part on the coupling element and the first spring part and the second spring part form the legs of the second U-shaped part, which makes it possible to further reduce the installation space of the spring element.

[0019] Furthermore, at least one of the above-mentioned goals is achieved by a freewheel clutch for switchable torque transmission, comprising a freewheel device having at least one of the above-mentioned features, in which a first freewheel component and a second freewheel component are connected to each other such that torque is transmitted during relative rotation in a first rotational direction, and by means of the freewheel device torque transmission between the first freewheel component and the second freewheel component is interrupted during relative rotation in a second rotational direction.

[0020] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention become apparent from the description and the drawings.

[0021] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a freewheel clutch in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the spring element according to FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the spring element and the coupling element according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional detailed view of the first freewheel component according to FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional detailed view of the first freewheel component and the spring element according to FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional detailed view of the freewheel clutch according to FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] 1 shows an exploded view of a freewheel clutch according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. The freewheel clutch 10 comprises a freewheel device 12 having a first freewheel component 14 and a second freewheel component 16. The first freewheel component 14 includes external teeth 18 for connecting with a connecting element and internal teeth 20 for connecting with a shaft.

[0024] The second freewheel component 16 is coupled to the first freewheel component 14 via a coupling device 22, which connects the two components together for co-rotation while the relative rotation between the first and second freewheel components 14 and 16 is in a first rotational direction 24, and disengages the two components for rotation relative to each other while the relative rotation is in an opposite second rotational direction 26. The freewheel device 12 can be configured to be switchable such that the first and second freewheel components 14 and 16 are axially movable relative to each other. The coupling device 22 is activated or deactivated according to the relative axial position between the first and second freewheel components 14 and 16. When the coupling device 22 is deactivated, the first and second freewheel components 14 and 16 are deactivated and rotate relative to each other regardless of the rotational direction 24, 26.

[0025] The coupling device 22 comprises a number of coupling elements 30 arranged circumferentially distributed on an axial side 28 of the first freewheel component 14, each of which is subjected to a spring force via a spring element 32. The coupling device 22 further comprises a coupling structure 34 on an axial side 36 of the second freewheel component 16 axially opposite the axial side 28 of the first freewheel component 14. The coupling structure 34 is configured as an axial toothing 38, and during relative rotation in the first rotation direction 24, the coupling elements 30 engage in a form-fitting manner with the axial toothing 38.

[0026] The coupling element 30 is preferably configured as a fitting body 40 supported by the spring force of the spring element 32, the fitting body 40 form-fittingly engaging with the coupling structure 34 of the second freewheel component 16 for a co-rotating connection between the first freewheel component 14 and the second freewheel component 16 and fastening in the first freewheel component 14 at an opening 42.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the spring element according to Figure 1. The spring element 32 is configured in the form of a wire, bears against the first freewheel component, comprises a first spring portion 44 extending linearly parallel to a first longitudinal axis 46 and has a straight second spring portion 48 projecting at an angle from the first spring portion 44. The first spring portion 44 is configured as a straight first wire portion 50 and the second spring portion 48 is configured as a straight second wire portion 52.

[0028] The first spring portion 44 is followed by a fastening portion 54 that fastens the spring element 32 to the coupling element. The fastening portion 54 extends directly from the first spring portion 44, while the second spring portion 48 transitions into a contact portion 56 that bears against the coupling element and is spaced from the fastening portion 54 with respect to the first longitudinal axis 46.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the spring element and the coupling element according to Figure 1. The spring element 32 is pre-installed in the coupling element 30, preferably in a sandwiched manner. The spring element 32 and the coupling element 30 form a pre-installed assembly. The fastening portion 54 is suspended in a groove 59 in the coupling element 30 as a first U-shaped portion 58. The first spring portion 44 and the second spring portion 48 form the legs of a second U-shaped portion 60. The second spring portion 48 extends at an angle to the first spring portion 44.

[0030] The fastening portion 54 defines a tilt axis 62 about which the coupling element 30 can deform in a direction 63 facing the first freewheel component against the spring action of the second spring portion 48. The second spring portion 48 bends downwards in the direction of the first freewheel component.

[0031] The angle of tilt of the second spring portion 48 defines the tilt of the coupling element 30 about the tilt axis 62 .

[0032] The spring element 32 is configured to be mirror symmetric about a plane of symmetry 66, which includes an axis of symmetry 64 that extends parallel to the first longitudinal axis 46 and includes the tilt axis 62 as a normal.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional detailed view of the first freewheel component according to Figure 1. The first freewheel component 14 has an opening 42 for receiving a coupling element. The contour of the opening 42 matches the contour of the coupling element. As a result, the stability of the first freewheel component 14 can be increased and the first freewheel component 14 can be configured to be lighter and more space-saving.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional detailed view of the first freewheel component and the spring element according to Figure 1. The first freewheel component 14 accommodates the spring element 32. For this purpose, the first spring part 44 is suspended at a shoulder 68 of the first freewheel component 14, and thus the spring element 32 is fastened to the first freewheel component 14. The spring element 32 can be released from the first freewheel component 14 by pressing the two opposing first spring parts 44 towards each other, thus removing the first spring parts 44 from the shoulder 68.

[0035] The first freewheel component 14 has a ramp 69 which compresses the first spring portion 44 to facilitate insertion of the spring element 32 .

[0036] 6 shows a three-dimensional detailed view of the freewheel clutch according to FIG. 1. The freewheel clutch 10 comprises a first freewheel component 14, a coupling element 30 and a spring element 32 fastening the coupling element 30 to the first freewheel component 14. The coupling element 30 is fixed to the first freewheel component 14 via the spring element 32. A fastening portion 54 fastens the spring element 32 to the coupling element 30, the first spring portion 44 being suspended at a shoulder 68 of the first freewheel component 14. The coupling element 30 is arranged tilted relative to the first freewheel component 14 and can be tilted towards the first freewheel component 14 against the spring force of the spring element 32 about a tilt axis 62 defined by the fastening portion 54.

[0037] Due to its inclined arrangement, the coupling element 30 protrudes axially from the axial side 28 of the first freewheel component 14 and can therefore engage in a form-fitting manner with the coupling structure of the second freewheel component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10 Freewheel clutch 12 Freewheel device 14 First freewheel component 16 Second freewheel component 18 Outer teeth 20 Inner teeth 22 Coupling device 24 First Rotation Direction 26 Second Rotation Direction 28 Axial side 30 Coupling elements 32 Spring elements 34 Coupling Structure 36 Axial side 38 Axial teeth 40 Inserted body 42 Opening 44 First spring part 46 first longitudinal axis 48 Second spring part 50 First Wire Section 52 Second Wire Section 54 Fastening part 56 Contact part 58 parts 59 Groove 60 portions 62 Tilt axis 63 directions 64 Axis of Symmetry 66 Symmetry Plane 68 Shoulder 69 Lamp section

Claims

1. A freewheel device (12), comprising: A first freewheel component (14); a second freewheel component (16) axially coupled to the first freewheel component (14) via an axially acting coupling device (22) which connects the two components together for co-rotation when the relative rotation between the first freewheel component (14) and the second freewheel component (16) is in a first rotational direction (24) and which releases the two components so that they can rotate relative to each other when the relative rotation is in an opposite second rotational direction (26), the second freewheel component having at least one coupling element (30) to which a spring force is applied by a spring element (32); The spring element (32) fixes the coupling element (30) on one side to the first freewheel component (14) and defines a tilt axis (62) on the other side, about which the coupling element (30) can tilt against the spring force.

2. 2. The freewheel device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element (30) for a co-rotating connection between the first freewheel component (14) and the second freewheel component (16) engages in a form-fitting manner with a coupling structure (34) in the second freewheel component (16).

3. 3. The freewheel device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (32) has a straight first spring portion (44) supporting the first freewheel component (14) and extending parallel to a first longitudinal axis (46), and has a second spring portion (48) projecting at an angle from the first spring portion (44).

4. 4. The freewheel device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring element (32) is constructed in the form of a wire, the first spring portion (44) being a straight first wire portion (50) and the second spring portion (48) being a straight second wire portion (52).

5. The freewheel device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring element (32) has a fastening portion (54) via which the spring element (32) is fastened to the coupling element (30).

6. 6. Freewheel device (12) according to claim 5, when dependent on claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said fastening portion (54) abuts said first spring portion (44).

7. The freewheel device (12) according to claim 5 or 6, when taken from claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fastening portion (54) defines the tilt axis (62), about which the coupling element (30) can be deformed in a direction facing the first freewheel component (14) against the spring action of the second spring portion (48).

8. 8. The freewheel device (12) according to claim 5, wherein the spring element (32) has a contact portion (56) which bears against the coupling element (30) to transmit the spring force to the coupling element (30) and is spaced apart from the fastening portion (54).

9. The freewheel device (12) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, when taken from claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fastening portion (54) is suspended in the coupling element (30) as a first U-shaped portion (58), and the first spring portion (44) and the second spring portion (48) form the legs of a second U-shaped portion (60).

10. A freewheel clutch (10) for switchable torque transmission, comprising:

10. A freewheel clutch (10) comprising a freewheel device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the first freewheel component (14) and the second freewheel component (16) are connected to one another in such a way that torque is transmitted during relative rotation in the first direction of rotation (24), and by means of the freewheel device (12) torque transmission between the first freewheel component (14) and the second freewheel component (16) is interrupted during relative rotation in the second direction of rotation (26).

Images