Clutch unit

Abstract

To provide a clutch unit with a lock mechanism without largely changing the structure of an output side clutch part.SOLUTION: A locking mechanism 12 of a clutch unit includes a first locking element 27 provided on an output member 22, and a second locking element 28 engaged with the first locking element 27. An output side clutch part 11 of a clutch unit includes a side plate 25 fixed to a fixing object. The first and second locking elements 27, 28 of the locking mechanism 12 are provided on the 25a side of the outer surface of the side plate 25 facing the object to be fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch unit including an input clutch portion and an output clutch portion. [Background technology]

[0002] In a clutch unit that uses engaging elements such as cylindrical rollers or balls, a clutch portion is disposed between an input member and an output member. The clutch portion is configured to control the transmission and interruption of rotational torque by engaging and disengaging the engaging elements between the input member and the output member.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clutch unit that is incorporated into a seat lifter for an automobile, which adjusts the height of a seat by operating a lever.

[0004] This clutch unit comprises a lever-side clutch section to which rotational torque is input by lever operation, and a brake-side clutch section that transmits the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch section to the output side and blocks the rotational torque (reverse input torque) from the output side.

[0005] The lever-side clutch portion comprises an outer ring to which rotational torque is input by operating the lever, an inner ring that transmits the rotational torque input from the outer ring to the brake-side clutch portion, and cylindrical rollers that control the transmission and interruption of rotational torque from the outer ring by engaging and disengaging up to the wedge gap between the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0006] The brake-side clutch portion comprises an inner ring to which rotational torque from the lever-side clutch portion is input, an output shaft to which rotational torque from the inner ring is output, an outer ring whose rotation is restricted, and cylindrical rollers that control the interruption of rotational torque from the output shaft and the transmission of rotational torque from the inner ring by engaging and disengaging up to the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring.

[0007] In the lever-side clutch, when rotational torque is input to the outer ring by operating the lever, the cylindrical rollers engage with the wedge gap between the outer and inner rings. The engagement of the cylindrical rollers up to this wedge gap transmits rotational torque to the inner ring, causing it to rotate.

[0008] In the brake-side clutch, when a rotational torque is input in reverse to the output shaft due to a seated person, the cylindrical rollers engage with the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring, locking the output shaft to the outer ring. This locking of the output shaft blocks the rotational torque input in reverse from the output shaft, thereby maintaining the seat height.

[0009] On the other hand, when rotational torque is input from the lever-side clutch to the brake-side clutch, the inner ring presses the cylindrical rollers of the brake-side clutch, causing the cylindrical rollers to disengage from the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring. This release of the cylindrical rollers from the wedge gap releases the locked state of the output shaft, allowing it to rotate.

[0010] As the inner ring rotates further, the rotational torque from the inner ring is transmitted to the output shaft, causing the output shaft to rotate. This rotation of the output shaft makes it possible to adjust the seat height. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-210117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] As described above, in conventional clutch units, when a rotational torque is input in reverse to the output shaft due to an occupant sitting in the seat, the cylindrical rollers in the brake-side clutch section engage with the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring, locking the output shaft to the outer ring.

[0013] The rotational torque input in reverse from the output shaft is locked by the engagement of the cylindrical rollers up to the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring in the brake-side clutch section, blocking the return flow to the lever-side clutch section, thereby maintaining the seat height.

[0014] Here, when the output shaft is locked by only the cylindrical rollers in the brake-side clutch section, if an impact load is input in reverse to the output shaft during a rear-end collision, the cylindrical rollers will be pushed back into the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring, and the cylindrical rollers will come out of the wedge gap, making it difficult to maintain the locked state of the output shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, in a clutch unit incorporated in an automobile seat lifter, when a person is seated in the seat and the vehicle is traveling on rough roads or the like, up and down vibrations occur, and forward and reverse rotational torques are input alternately and continuously to the output shaft.

[0016] At this time, the contact position of the cylindrical rollers in the brake-side clutch section up to the wedge gap between the output shaft and the outer ring may shift slightly, and elastic deformation hysteresis may exist in the output shaft, outer ring, and cylindrical rollers that are loaded with rotational torque, causing the output shaft to gradually rotate. Deterioration of the brake-side clutch section may also cause the cylindrical rollers to shift out of position. As a result, the seat may drop slightly.

[0017] To prevent such a situation, it is conceivable to provide an additional locking mechanism to the clutch unit.

[0018] However, if the structure of the brake-side clutch portion is significantly changed when adding an additional locking mechanism to the clutch unit, this could result in a rise in manufacturing costs. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to easily install a locking mechanism after the fact without significantly changing the structure of the brake-side clutch portion.

[0019] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its technical object to provide a locking mechanism in a clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the output-side clutch portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a clutch unit comprising an input-side clutch portion that controls transmission and interruption of input rotational torque, and an output-side clutch portion that interrupts input reverse input torque, wherein the input-side clutch portion comprises an input member that is rotatable about a rotation axis when the rotational torque is applied and that is returnable to a neutral position, and the output-side clutch portion comprises a rotatable output member that outputs the rotational torque input to the input member, a stationary member whose rotation is restricted, and an engaging element that interrupts the reverse input torque input from the output member by engagement between the stationary member and the output member, and is configured to be fixed to a fixed object, the clutch unit further comprising a locking mechanism that restricts rotation of the output member, the locking mechanism comprising a first locking element provided on the output member and a second locking element that meshes with the first locking element, the output-side clutch portion comprising a side plate that is fixed to the fixed object, and the first locking element and the second locking element of the locking mechanism are provided on the outer surface of the side plate that faces the fixed object.

[0021] According to this configuration, by providing the first and second locking elements of the locking mechanism on the outer surface of the side plate related to the output side clutch portion, it is possible to provide the locking mechanism to the clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the output side clutch portion.

[0022] In other words, the first locking element and the second locking element can be arranged as described above by utilizing the space between the object to which the clutch unit is fixed and the outer surface of the side plate of the output clutch part that faces the object to which the clutch unit is fixed. This makes it possible to attach an additional locking mechanism to the clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the clutch unit.

[0023] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the output member may include an output shaft that rotates about the rotation axis, and the second locking element may be configured to be movable along a radial direction of the output shaft.

[0024] With this configuration, the second locking element can be engaged with and disengaged from the first locking element by moving the second locking element in the radial direction of the output shaft, and the dimensions of the clutch unit in the axial direction of the output shaft can be made as small as possible.

[0025] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the second locking element may be attached to the side plate so as to be movable in the radial direction but not to be movable in the rotational direction of the output shaft. With this configuration, engagement and release of the second locking element with the first locking element can be performed accurately and reliably.

[0026] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the side plate may have a positioning portion that regulates the position of the second locking element in the axial direction of the output shaft. With this configuration, engagement and release of the second locking element with the first locking element can be performed accurately and reliably.

[0027] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include an elastic member that biases the second locking element toward the first locking element. With this configuration, the elastic force of the elastic member can maintain the second locking element in engagement with the first locking element.

[0028] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the locking mechanism may include an operating portion that operates the second locking element, and a cam portion provided on the operating portion may press a cam portion provided on the second locking element, thereby allowing the second locking element to move radially outward. With this configuration, engagement and release of the second locking element with the first locking element can be suitably performed.

[0029] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the operating portion may have a recess or a protrusion that engages with the cam portion, and the recess or the protrusion may be provided on the input member. With this configuration, the operating portion can be configured with a simple shape.

[0030] In the clutch unit having the above configuration, the first locking element may have a plurality of teeth with which the second locking element meshes. With this configuration, the second locking element can be accurately and reliably engaged with and disengaged from the first locking element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the lock mechanism can be provided in the clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the output clutch portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of the arrows III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear view of a main part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 10] 1 is a structural diagram showing a seat and a seat lifter portion of an automobile; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 10 show one embodiment of a clutch unit according to the present invention. The clutch unit according to this embodiment is incorporated into, for example, a seat lifter unit for an automobile, but is not limited thereto and can also be applied to devices other than seat lifters for an automobile.

[0034] 1 and 2, the clutch unit has a unitized structure of a lever-side clutch portion 10 as an input-side clutch portion and a brake-side clutch portion 11 as an output-side clutch portion. Furthermore, the clutch unit has a lock mechanism 12 attached to the brake-side clutch portion 11.

[0035] The lever-side clutch unit 10 controls the transmission and interruption of rotational torque input by lever operation. The brake-side clutch unit 11 transmits rotational torque from the lever-side clutch unit 10 to the output side, and has a reverse input interruption function that interrupts reverse input torque (reverse rotational torque) input in reverse from the output side.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lever-side clutch portion 10 mainly comprises a side plate 13 and an outer ring 14 which are input members, an inner ring 15 which is a connecting member, a plurality of cylindrical rollers 16 which are engaging elements (torque transmission members), a retainer 17, an inner centering spring 18, and an outer centering spring 19.

[0037] The side plate 13 and outer ring 14 serving as input members are configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis RA when a rotational torque is applied by operating a lever. The side plate 13 and outer ring 14 are integrated by fitting a part of the outer peripheral edge (claw portion) of the side plate 13 into a part of the outer peripheral edge (notched recess) of the outer ring 14 and crimping them together. However, the side plate 13 and outer ring 14 may also be connected by welding.

[0038] The side plate 13 has a lever attachment portion 20 to which an operating lever is attached. When the operating lever attached to this lever attachment portion 20 is operated, a rotational torque is input to the lever-side clutch portion 10. The side plate 13 also has a hole in its center through which an output member (output shaft 22) of the brake-side clutch portion 11, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0039] A plurality of cam surfaces 14a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of the outer ring 14. The inner ring 15 is a cylindrical member disposed inside the outer ring 14. An output member (output shaft 22) of the brake-side clutch section 11 is inserted inside the inner ring 15. The inner ring 15 transmits the rotational torque input from the outer ring 14 to the brake-side clutch section 11.

[0040] A wedge gap is formed between the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15a of the inner ring 15 and a cam surface 14a formed on the inner periphery of the outer ring 14. Cylindrical rollers 16 control the transmission and interruption of rotational torque from the outer ring 14 by engaging and disengaging with the wedge gap.

[0041] The cage 17 is cylindrical and has a plurality of pockets 17a that accommodate and hold the cylindrical rollers 16. The pockets 17a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cage 17.

[0042] The inner centering spring 18 is a C-shaped elastic member with a circular cross section that is disposed between the cage 17 and the cover 24 of the brake-side clutch section 11. Both ends of the inner centering spring 18 are engaged with the cage 17 and a part of the cover 24.

[0043] When rotational torque is input from the outer ring 14 by operating the lever, the inner centering spring 18 is expanded relative to the stationary cover 24 as the retainer 17 rotates following the outer ring 14, building up elastic force. When the input of rotational torque from the outer ring 14 ceases, the elastic force of the inner centering spring 18 returns the retainer 17 to its neutral state.

[0044] The outer centering spring 19 is located radially outward of the inner centering spring 18. The outer centering spring 19 is a C-shaped elastic band member disposed between the outer ring 14 and the cover 24. Both ends of the outer centering spring 19 are engaged with the outer ring 14 and a part of the cover 24.

[0045] When rotational torque is input from the outer ring 14 by operating the lever, the outer centering spring 19 is expanded relative to the stationary cover 24 as the outer ring 14 rotates, building up elastic force. When the input of rotational torque from the outer ring 14 ceases, the elastic force of the outer centering spring 19 returns the outer ring 14 to its neutral state.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the brake side clutch section 11 mainly comprises the inner ring 15 of the lever side clutch section 10, an output shaft 22 which is an output member that outputs torque input to the input members (side plate 13 and outer ring 14), an outer ring 23, a cover 24, and a side plate 25 which are stationary members whose rotation is restricted, and multiple pairs of cylindrical rollers 26 which are engaging elements.

[0047] The output shaft 22 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis RA. That is, the center (axial center) of the output shaft 22 coincides with the rotation axis RA. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the output shaft 22 has a pinion gear portion 22a formed coaxially at its output side end. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner ring 15 is fitted onto the output shaft 22, and rotational torque from the lever-side clutch portion 10 is transmitted to the output shaft 22 via this inner ring 15. The pinion gear portion 22a of the output shaft 22 is connected to a seat lifter portion that supports a seat so that it can be raised and lowered.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the output shaft 22 has a disk-shaped large diameter portion 22b at its midpoint. The large diameter portion 22b has a plurality of cam surfaces 22b1 on its outer circumferential surface. Each cam surface 22b1 is formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 22b. The cam surfaces 22b1 are configured as flat surfaces.

[0049] The outer ring 23 is cylindrical and is disposed outward of the large diameter portion 22b in the radial direction D of the output shaft 22. A wedge gap is formed between the cam surface 22b1 of the large diameter portion 22b of the output shaft 22 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 23a of the outer ring 23.

[0050] A pair of cylindrical rollers 26 and one leaf spring interposed between the cylindrical rollers 26 are arranged in each wedge gap. The cylindrical rollers 26 control the blocking of rotational torque input in reverse from the output shaft 22 and the transmission of rotational torque input from the inner ring 15 by engaging and disengaging with the wedge gap. The leaf spring applies a separating force to the cylindrical rollers 26 in the circumferential direction.

[0051] The large diameter portion 22b of the output shaft 22 has a plurality of protrusions for transmitting rotational torque from the inner ring 15 to the output shaft 22. The protrusions are formed on one surface (the surface on the inner ring 15 side) in the thickness direction of the large diameter portion 22b (the axial direction of the output shaft 22). The plurality of protrusions are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the large diameter portion 22b.

[0052] The inner ring 15 has an expanded diameter portion 15b at its end. The expanded diameter portion 15b has pockets for holding the cylindrical rollers 26 and holes into which protrusions formed on the large diameter portion 22b of the output shaft 22 are inserted. The inner ring 15 also functions as a cage by holding the cylindrical rollers 26 in the pockets. A predetermined clearance is set between the inner circumferential surface of the hole in the expanded diameter portion 15b and the protrusion of the output shaft 22 inserted into the hole.

[0053] The outer ring 23, the cover 24, and the side plate 25 are integrated by connecting parts of them together by means of caulking, welding, or the like.

[0054] The side plate 25 is a member (fixed member) that is fixed to the seat lifter portion as a fixed object and supports the entire clutch unit. The side plate 25 has a first surface 25a as an outer surface that faces the fixed object (part of the seat lifter portion), a second surface 25b as an inner surface that faces the outer ring 23, and a fixing portion 25c that is fixed to the seat lifter portion.

[0055] The fixing portion 25c is configured as a plurality of protrusions protruding from the outer periphery of the side plate 25. The tip of the fixing portion 25c is fixed to the seat lifter portion via a fixing member 25d such as a screw member.

[0056] The locking mechanism 12 is for restricting rotation of the output shaft 22 due to reverse input torque. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the locking mechanism 12 includes a first locking element 27 provided on the output shaft 22, a second locking element 28 that meshes with the first locking element 27, support portions 29a to 29c that support the second locking element 28, an elastic member 30 that biases the second locking element 28 toward the first locking element 27, and an operating portion 31 that operates the second locking element 28.

[0057] The first locking element 27 is provided on the first surface 25a side of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11. The first locking element 27 is configured in a disk shape and has a hole 27a in the center thereof, through which the output shaft 22 is inserted. The first locking element 27 is supported by the output shaft 22 via this hole 27a. The center of the first locking element 27 (the center of the hole 27a) is disposed so as to coincide with the rotation axis RA. In other words, the first locking element 27, which is fixed integrally to the output shaft 22, is configured to be rotatable together with the output shaft 22 about the rotation axis RA.

[0058] The first locking element 27 has, on its outer periphery, a plurality of first teeth 27b that mesh with the second locking element 28. The plurality of first teeth 27b are formed at equal intervals in the outer periphery of the first locking element 27.

[0059] The second locking element 28 is disposed on the first surface 25a side of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11. The second locking element 28 restricts rotation of the output shaft 22 due to reverse input torque by meshing with the first locking element 27. The second locking element 28 is configured to be positionally changeable between a locked position (see FIG. 5) in which it meshes with the first locking element 27 and an unlocked position (see FIG. 8) in which it is retracted from the locked position.

[0060] The second locking element 28 has a main body portion 28 a, a second tooth portion 28 b that meshes with the first tooth portion 27 b of the first locking element 27 , and a cam portion 28 c that is operated by the operating portion 31 .

[0061] 5 and 8, the main body portion 28a is formed of an elongated plate member extending along the radial direction D of the output shaft 22. The second tooth portion 28b is formed on one end of the main body portion 28a, and the cam portion 28c is formed on the other end of the main body portion 28a.

[0062] 3, 6, and 9, the main body portion 28a has an opening 28a1 through which the support portion 29a is inserted. The opening 28a1 is formed in the middle of the main body portion 28a, penetrating through the main body portion 28a in the thickness direction. The opening 28a1 is configured to be elongated along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 28a.

[0063] The second tooth portions 28b are supported by the support portions 29a to 29c so as to face inward in the radial direction D of the output shaft 22. The second tooth portions 28b are arranged so as to face the first tooth portions 27b of the first locking element 27. The second locking element 28 has three second tooth portions 28b, but the number of the second tooth portions 28b is not limited to this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 2, the cam portion 28c is configured as a long plate member that faces the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 23 of the brake-side clutch portion 11 and is provided along the circumferential direction of this outer peripheral surface. As shown in Fig. 6, the cam portion 28c has a protrusion at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] Cam portion 28c is provided at a position spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of outer ring 23 of brake-side clutch portion 11 so as to face the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, cam portion 28c has a first cam surface 28c1, a second cam surface 28c2, a third cam surface 28c3, and a fourth cam surface 28c4. First cam surface 28c1 and second cam surface 28c2 are operated by operating portion 31 when adjusting the position of the seat downward. Third cam surface 28c3 and fourth cam surface 28c4 are operated by operating portion 31 when adjusting the position of the seat upward.

[0066] First cam surface 28c1 is formed to face third cam surface 28c3. First cam surface 28c1 and third cam surface 28c3 are formed on the inner side of the protrusion of cam portion 28c. In other words, a recess is formed on the inner side of the protrusion by first cam surface 28c1 and third cam surface 28c3.

[0067] 2 and 7, one end of first cam surface 28c1 is connected to second cam surface 28c2, and the other end of first cam surface 28c1 is connected to third cam surface 28c3. First cam surface 28c1 is an inclined surface formed to form a predetermined angle with third cam surface 28c3. The angle formed between first cam surface 28c1 and third cam surface 28c3 is preferably between 45° and 90°.

[0068] The second cam surface 28c2 is an elongated surface formed along the longitudinal direction of the cam portion 28c. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the second cam surface 28c2 is a curved surface configured in an arc shape when viewed from the front, but is not limited to this shape. One longitudinal end of the second cam surface 28c2 is connected to the first cam surface 28c1.

[0069] 2 and 7, third cam surface 28c3 is formed between first cam surface 28c1 and fourth cam surface 28c4. One end of third cam surface 28c3 is connected to first cam surface 28c1, and the other end of third cam surface 28c3 is connected to fourth cam surface 28c4.

[0070] The fourth cam surface 28c4 is an elongated surface formed along the longitudinal direction of the cam portion 28c. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the fourth cam surface 28c4 is a curved surface configured in an arc shape when viewed from the front, but is not limited to this shape.

[0071] The support portions 29a to 29c include a first support portion 29a, a second support portion 29b, and a third support portion 29c.

[0072] The first support portion 29a is formed between the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c. The first support portion 29a is configured as a protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch component 11. The first support portion 29a functions as a guide portion that guides the second locking element 28 so that it moves within a predetermined range in the radial direction D of the output shaft 22. The first support portion 29a also functions as a restricting portion that restricts the second locking element 28 from moving (rotating) in the rotational direction of the output shaft 22. The first support portion 29a is inserted into an opening 28a1 of the main body portion 28a of the second locking element 28. The length of the opening 28a1 is set so that the second locking element 28 can move within a predetermined range along the radial direction D when the first support portion 29a is inserted.

[0073] The first support portion 29a has a contact surface 29a1 that comes into contact with the main body portion 28a of the second locking element 28, and a pair of guide surfaces 29a2 that guide the second locking element 28.

[0074] 3 and 9, the contact surface 29a1 is formed at the tip end of the first support portion 29a. The contact surface 29a1 is a flat surface formed to face the second locking element 28. The contact surface 29a1 is configured to face the second locking element 28 in the axial direction of the output shaft 22 (the direction along the rotation axis RA). The contact surface 29a1 comes into contact with a part of the second locking element 28, thereby functioning as a positioning portion that regulates the position of the second locking element 28 in the axial direction of the output shaft 22.

[0075] The guide surfaces 29a2 are formed in the middle of the first support portion 29a. Each guide surface 29a2 faces the inner surface of the opening 28a1 of the main body portion 28a of the second locking element 28. That is, each guide surface 29a2 can guide the second locking element 28 along the radial direction D while being positioned inside the opening 28a1 of the second locking element 28.

[0076] 6, the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c are formed with a predetermined distance between them. Gaps are formed between the second support portion 29b and the first support portion 29a, and between the third support portion 29c and the first support portion 29a. The second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c are configured as protrusions that protrude from the outer periphery of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11.

[0077] 6 to 8, the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c have guide portions 29b1 and 29c1 that guide the second locking element 28 along the radial direction D, and hook portions 29b2 and 29c2 that hook the elastic member 30. The guide portions 29b1 and 29c1 are formed on one side surface in the width direction of the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c. The hook portions 29b2 and 29c2 are formed on the other side surface in the width direction of the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c.

[0078] The guide portion 29b1 of the second support portion 29b and the guide portion 29c1 of the third support portion 29c are formed to face each other, and each of the guide portions 29b1 and 29c1 is formed to face the guide surface 29a2 of the first support portion 29a.

[0079] 8, when the first support portion 29a is inserted into the opening 28a1 of the second locking element 28, the guide portion 29b1 of the second support portion 29b comes into contact with one end portion in the width direction (one side surface 28a2) of the main body portion 28a of the second locking element 28. Similarly, the guide portion 29c1 of the third support portion 29c comes into contact with the other end portion in the width direction (the other side surface 28a3) of the main body portion 28a of the second locking element 28.

[0080] With this configuration, the second locking element 28 is sandwiched between one guide surface 29a2 of the first support portion 29a and the guide portion 29b1 of the second support portion 29b, and between the other guide surface 29a2 of the first support portion 29a and the guide portion 29c1 of the third support portion 29c. In this way, the second locking element 28 is supported by the supports 29a to 29c so as to move linearly along the radial direction D.

[0081] The hook portions 29b2 and 29c2 have protrusions 29b21 and 29c21 formed on the upper portion of the second support portion 29b and the upper portion of the third support portion 29c, and flat portions (flat surfaces) 29b22 and 29c22 connected to the protrusions 29b21 and 29c21.

[0082] The elastic member 30 is formed of, but is not limited to, a leaf spring member. The elastic member 30 has a pressing portion 30a that presses the second locking element 28 and a support portion 30b that supports the pressing portion 30a.

[0083] The pressing portion 30a is a plate-like portion configured in an elongated shape. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 7, and 8, the pressing portion 30a is in contact with the outer surface of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28 in the radial direction D. When the second tooth portion 28b of the second locking element 28 is engaged with the first tooth portion 27b of the first locking element 27, the pressing portion 30a presses the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28 inward in the radial direction D by its elastic force so as to prevent this engagement from being released.

[0084] 5 and 6, the support portion 30b includes a pair of support portions that support one end and the other end of the pressing portion 30a in the longitudinal direction. The support portion 30b has a first portion 30b1, a second portion 30b2, and a third portion 30b3.

[0085] The first portion 30b1 is a plate-shaped portion connected to the pressing portion 30a. The first portion 30b1 is formed integrally with the pressing portion 30a so as to be parallel to the pressing portion 30a.

[0086] The second portion 30b2 is a plate-like portion connected to the first portion 30b1. The second portion 30b2 is formed integrally with the first portion 30b1 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first portion 30b1. That is, a bent portion is formed between the first portion 30b1 and the second portion 30b2.

[0087] The third portion 30b3 is a plate-shaped portion connected to the second portion 30b2. The third portion 30b3 is integrally formed with the second portion 30b2 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the second portion 30b2. The tip of the third portion 30b3 is formed in a hook shape so as to be hooked onto the hook portions 29b2, 29c2 of the second support portion 29b and the third support portion 29c of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch component 11.

[0088] The third portion 30b3 is hooked onto the protrusions 29b21 and 29c21 while being hooked onto the flat portions 29b22 and 29c22 of the hook portions 29b2 and 29c2.

[0089] 1 to 3, the operating portion 31 is configured as a protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the outer ring 14 of the lever-side clutch portion 10. The operating portion 31 has a first portion 31a and a second portion 31b.

[0090] The first portion 31a of the operating portion 31 is configured as a protrusion that protrudes from the second portion 31b outward in the radial direction D. The first portion 31a has, at its tip portion, a cam portion 31a1 that comes into contact with the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28. The cam portion 31a1 is configured as a protrusion (convex portion) that engages with a recess of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28 (a recess between the first cam surface 28c1 and the third cam surface 28c3).

[0091] The second portion 31b of the operating portion 31 is an extension portion that extends from the outer periphery of the outer ring 14 of the lever-side clutch portion 10 along the axial direction of the output shaft 22. One end of the second portion 31b is connected to the outer periphery of the outer ring 14, and the other end of the second portion 31b is connected to the first portion 31a.

[0092] The operating portion 31 is configured to be repositionable between a restricted position where its cam portion 31a1 fits into a recess in the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28, i.e., a position where it contacts the first cam surface 28c1 and the third cam surface 28c3, and a deregulated position where it contacts the second cam surface 28c2 or the fourth cam surface 28c4.

[0093] The operation of the lever-side clutch portion 10 and the brake-side clutch portion 11, which are the basic components of the clutch unit, will be described below.

[0094] In the lever-side clutch portion 10, when rotational torque is input to the outer ring 14 by operating the lever, the cylindrical rollers 16 engage with the wedge gap between the outer ring 14 and the inner ring 15. Due to the engagement of the cylindrical rollers 16 up to this wedge gap, rotational torque is transmitted to the inner ring 15, causing the inner ring 15 to rotate. At this time, elastic forces are accumulated in both centering springs 18, 19 as the outer ring 14 and cage 17 rotate.

[0095] When the input of rotational torque by lever operation is removed, the elastic forces of the centering springs 18 and 19 return the cage 17 and outer ring 14 to their neutral positions. Meanwhile, the inner ring 15 maintains the given rotational position. Therefore, repeated rotation of the outer ring 14 by pumping the operating lever 43 causes the inner ring 15 to rotate in increments.

[0096] In the brake-side clutch section 11, even if a rotational torque is input in reverse to the output shaft 22 when a driver or other passenger sits on the seat, the cylindrical rollers 26 engage with the wedge gap between the output shaft 22 and the outer ring 23, locking the output shaft 22 to the outer ring 23.

[0097] In this way, the rotational torque input in reverse from the output shaft 22 is locked by the brake-side clutch portion 11, and the return flow to the lever-side clutch portion 10 is blocked. This maintains the seat height.

[0098] On the other hand, when rotational torque from the lever-side clutch portion 10 is input to the inner ring 15 by operating the lever, the inner ring 15 presses the cylindrical rollers 26 of the brake-side clutch portion 11 held in the pockets of the enlarged diameter portion 15b. As a result, in the brake-side clutch portion 11, the cylindrical rollers 26 are released from the wedge gap between the output shaft 22 and the outer ring 23. With the cylindrical rollers 26 released from the wedge gap, the locked state of the output shaft 22 is released, and the output shaft 22 becomes rotatable.

[0099] As the inner ring 15 rotates further, the clearance between the projection of the output shaft 22 and the hole in the inner ring 15 into which this projection fits becomes smaller, and the inner peripheral surface of the hole abuts against the projection of the output shaft 22 in the rotational direction.

[0100] As a result, the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch portion 10 is transmitted to the output shaft 22 via the inner ring 15, causing the output shaft 22 to rotate. In other words, when the inner ring 15 rotates incrementally, the output shaft 22 also rotates incrementally. This makes it possible to adjust the seat height of the seat 40.

[0101] Next, the configuration of the seat lifter portion in which the clutch unit is incorporated and the operation of the lock mechanism 12 will be described.

[0102] 10 shows an example of an automobile seat lifter unit 39 incorporating a clutch unit. The seat lifter unit 39 supports a seat 40 installed in the passenger compartment of the automobile. The seat lifter unit 39 is used to adjust the height of the seat surface of the seat 40 by operating a lever.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10, the seat height of a seat 40 in a seat lifter portion 39 is adjusted by an operating lever 43 attached to the side plate 13 (lever attachment portion 20) of the lever-side clutch portion 10 in the clutch unit.

[0104] The seat lifter portion 39 has a support portion to which the clutch unit is fixed. The clutch unit is fixed to the support portion via a fixing portion 25c and a fixing member 25d, with the first surface 25a of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11 facing the support portion.

[0105] The seat lifter portion 39 includes a sliding movable member 44, a first link member 45, and a second link member 46. One end of each of the link members 45, 46 is pivotally attached to the sliding movable member 44. The other end of each of the link members 45, 46 is pivotally attached to the seat 40. A sector gear 47 is integrally provided at the other end of the first link member 45. The sector gear 47 is in mesh with the pinion gear portion 22a of the output shaft 22 of the clutch unit.

[0106] In this seat lifter section 39, for example, when lowering the seat surface of the seat 40, the locked state of the brake side clutch section 11 is released by operating the lever on the lever side clutch section 10, that is, by swinging the operating lever 43 downward.

[0107] When the brake side clutch section 11 is unlocked, the rotational torque transmitted from the lever side clutch section 10 to the brake side clutch section 11 causes the pinion gear section 22a of the output shaft 22 of the brake side clutch section 11 to rotate clockwise (in the direction of the arrow in Figure 10).

[0108] In the seat lifter portion 39, the sector gear 47 meshing with the pinion gear portion 22a swings counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow in Figure 10), causing the first link member 45 and the second link member 46 to tilt together, lowering the seat surface of the seat 40.

[0109] After adjusting the seat height of the seat 40 in this way, when the operating lever 43 is released, the outer ring 14 and the retainer 17 of the lever-side clutch portion 10 swing upward and return to their original positions (neutral state) due to the elastic forces of the centering springs 18, 19. At this time, the operating lever 43 also returns to its original position in accordance with the movement of the outer ring 14.

[0110] When the operating lever 43 is swung upward, the seat surface of the seat 40 becomes higher in the opposite manner to the above. When the operating lever 43 is released after adjusting the seat surface height of the seat 40, the operating lever 43 swings downward and returns to its original position (neutral state).

[0111] Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 12 in response to the operation of the operating lever 43 will be described.

[0112] Before the operating lever 43 is operated, the locking mechanism 12 restricts (locks) the rotation of the output shaft 22 with the second teeth 28b of the second locking element 28 in the locked position meshing with the first teeth 27b of the first locking element 27. In this case, the cam portion 31a1 of the operating part 31 fits into the recessed portion of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28 (between the first cam surface 28c1 and the third cam surface 28c3), restricting the movement of the cam portion 28c.

[0113] When the operating lever 43 is operated downward from this state as described above, the outer ring 14 of the lever-side clutch part 10 rotates clockwise from the neutral position in a front view about the rotation axis RA. Due to this rotation, the operating part 31 moves clockwise from the restricting position along the first direction DR1 to operate the second locking element 28, as shown in FIG.

[0114] This movement causes cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31 to press first cam surface 28c1 of cam portion 28c of second locking element 28. Thereafter, cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31 pushes aside first cam surface 28c1, moves to the restriction release position, and comes into contact with second cam surface 28c2 (see FIG. 7).

[0115] As a result of the operation portion 31 moving as described above, the second locking element 28 moves outward in the radial direction D of the output shaft 22 against the pressing force of the pressing portion 30a of the elastic member 30 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0116] This movement causes the second tooth portion 28b of the second locking element 28 to separate from the first tooth portion 27b of the first locking element 27. This causes the second locking element 28 to move to the unlocked position. Therefore, the engagement between the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 is released, and the output shaft 22 becomes rotatable.

[0117] When the second locking element 28 is in the unlocked position, the cam portion 31a1 of the operating portion 31 maintains contact with the second cam surface 28c2 of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28 at the restriction release position, thereby allowing the second locking element 28 to maintain the unlocked position.

[0118] When the operation of the operating lever 43 is completed, the operating portion 31 of the locking mechanism 12 returns to the original restricted position as the outer ring 14 of the lever-side clutch portion 10 returns to the neutral position.

[0119] At this time, the cam portion 31a1 of the operating portion 31 fits into the recess of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28. Due to the movement of this operating portion 31 and the pressing force of the pressing portion 30a of the elastic member 30, the second locking element 28 moves to the locked position, and the second tooth portion 28b meshes with the first tooth portion 27b of the first locking element 27. As a result, the rotation of the first locking element 27 and the output shaft 22 is restricted again.

[0120] On the other hand, when the operating lever 43 is pulled up from the neutral position to raise the seat 40, the outer ring 14 of the lever-side clutch portion 10 rotates counterclockwise from the neutral position as viewed from the front about the rotation axis RA. Due to this rotation, the operating portion 31 moves counterclockwise from the restricting position as viewed from the front along the second direction DR2 (see FIG. 7) to operate the second locking element 28.

[0121] This movement causes cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31 to press third cam surface 28c3 of cam portion 28c of second locking element 28. Thereafter, cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31 pushes away third cam surface 28c3, moves to the release position, and comes into contact with fourth cam surface 28c4. This movement of operating portion 31 causes second locking element 28 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position against the pressing force of pressing portion 30a of elastic member 30.

[0122] When the second locking element 28 is in the unlocked position, the cam portion 31a1 of the operating portion 31 maintains contact with the fourth cam surface 28c4 of the cam portion 28c of the second locking element 28. This allows the second locking element 28 to maintain the unlocked position.

[0123] According to the present embodiment described above, by providing a locking mechanism 12 in a clutch unit having a lever side clutch portion 10 and a brake side clutch portion 11, it is possible to prevent the seat supported by the automobile seat lifter portion from dropping slightly.

[0124] In other words, by attaching the locking mechanism 12 to a clutch unit in which the lever side clutch portion 10 and the brake side clutch portion 11 are unitized, it is possible to prevent reverse rotation torque from being input even if the cylindrical rollers 26 in the wedge gap between the output shaft 22 and the outer ring 23 of the brake side clutch portion 11 are bounced off, or if up and down vibrations occur when the vehicle is traveling on rough roads, causing a slight shift in the contact position of the cylindrical rollers 26 up to the wedge gap between the output shaft 22 and the outer ring 23 in the brake side clutch portion 11, or if the brake side clutch portion 11 deteriorates.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by providing the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 of the locking mechanism 12 on the outer surface (first surface 25a) of the side plate 25 of the brake side clutch section 11, it is possible to provide the locking mechanism 12 in the clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the brake side clutch section 11.

[0126] That is, the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 can be disposed by utilizing the space between the support portion of the seat lifter portion 39, which is the object to which the clutch unit is fixed, and the first surface 25a of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11, which faces this support portion. This allows the additional locking mechanism 12 to be attached to the clutch unit without significantly changing the structure of the brake-side clutch portion 11.

[0127] Furthermore, since conventional manufacturing facilities for clutch units can be used as they are, the clutch units can be manufactured without increasing costs.

[0128] In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 12 can be easily attached to a clutch unit that includes the lever-side clutch portion 10 and the brake-side clutch portion 11. That is, by arranging the first lock element 27 and the second lock element 28, which are the main components of the lock mechanism 12, together on the outer surface (first surface 25a) of the side plate 25 of the brake-side clutch portion 11, it becomes possible to easily and efficiently attach these elements to the clutch unit. Furthermore, with this configuration, the user of the clutch unit can select whether or not to use the lock mechanism 12 depending on the environment in which the clutch unit is used.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0130] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a recess is formed in cam portion 28c of second locking element 28 in locking mechanism 12 and a protrusion is formed in cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, cam portion 28c of second locking element 28 may be a protrusion, and cam portion 31a1 of operating portion 31 may be a recess. Cam portion 28c of second locking element 28 may be formed as a hole penetrating cam portion 28c. In this case, first cam surface 28c1 and second cam surface 28c2 are formed inside the hole.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the rotation of the output shaft 22 was restricted by the meshing of the first tooth portion 27b of the first locking element 27 and the second tooth portion 28b of the second locking element 28, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 may be formed with contact surfaces that come into contact with each other, and the rotation of the first locking element 27 may be restricted by the frictional force (meshing) between the contact surfaces.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the locking mechanism 12 is exemplified as engaging and disengaging with the first locking element 27 by moving the second locking element 28 in the radial direction D of the output shaft 22, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the locking mechanism 12 may engage and disengage with the first locking element 27 by moving the second locking element 28 along the axial direction of the output shaft 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10 Lever side clutch part (input side clutch part) 11 Brake side clutch section (output side clutch section) 12 Locking mechanism 14 Outer ring of the lever side clutch part (input member) 22 Output shaft (output member) 23 Outer ring of brake side clutch part (stationary member) 25 Brake side clutch side plate 25a First surface of side panel (outer surface) 26 Cylindrical roller (engagement element) 27 First Locking Element 27b First tooth portion of first locking element 28 Secondary Locking Element 28c Cam portion of second locking element 29a First support part 29a1 Contact surface of first support portion (positioning portion) 30 Elastic member 31 Operation section 39 Seat lifter part (fixed object) D Radial RA Rotation axis

Claims

1. The clutch mechanism includes an input side clutch unit that controls transmission and interruption of input rotational torque, and an output side clutch unit that interrupts input reverse input torque, the input-side clutch portion includes an input member that is rotatable about a rotation axis when the rotational torque is applied thereto and that is returnable to a neutral position; the output-side clutch portion includes a rotatable output member that outputs the rotational torque input to the input member, a stationary member whose rotation is restricted, and an engaging element that blocks the reverse input torque input from the output member by engagement between the stationary member and the output member, A clutch unit configured to be fixed to a fixed object, a locking mechanism that restricts rotation of the output member, the locking mechanism includes a first locking element provided on the output member and a second locking element that engages with the first locking element, the output-side clutch portion includes a side plate fixed to the fixed object, A clutch unit, characterized in that the first locking element and the second locking element of the locking mechanism are provided on an outer surface side of the side plate that faces the fixed object.

2. the output member includes an output shaft that rotates about the rotation axis, The clutch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the second locking element is configured to be movable along the radial direction of the output shaft.

3. 3. The clutch unit according to claim 2, wherein the second locking element is attached to the side plate so as to be movable in the radial direction but not to be movable in the rotational direction of the output shaft.

4. 4. The clutch unit according to claim 2, wherein the side plate has a positioning portion that regulates the position of the second locking element in the axial direction of the output shaft.

5. 4. The clutch unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes an elastic member that biases the second locking element toward the first locking element.

6. the locking mechanism includes an operating portion for operating the second locking element, 4. The clutch unit according to claim 1, wherein a cam portion provided on the operating portion presses a cam portion provided on the second locking element, thereby enabling the second locking element to move radially outward.

7. the operating portion has a recess or a protrusion that engages with the cam portion, The clutch unit according to claim 6, wherein the recess or the protrusion is provided on the input member.

8. 4. The clutch unit according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element has a plurality of teeth that mesh with the second locking element.

Images