Positive locking clutch with latch mechanism

JP2026143734APending Publication Date: 2026-09-08SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2026098162
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-16
Filing Date
2026-06-11
Publication Date
2026-09-08

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026143734000001_ABST
    Figure 2026143734000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To operate shape-fit clutches in a more energy-efficient and reliable manner. [Solution] A positive locking clutch (10) for influencing torque transmission between a first rotating component (14) and a second rotating component (16), comprising: a gear row (28) for setting up torque transmission in a first clutch operating state (57) and interrupting torque transmission in a second clutch operating state; a displaceable actuation element (42) for changing the clutch operating state; and a latching device (46) for fixing the first clutch operating state (57) and / or the second clutch operating state, wherein the latching device (46) comprises at least one latching element (48), the latching element (48) being displaceable between a release position and a latching position (59) for fixing the first clutch operating state (57), and being positively locking coupled to a receiving element (50) in the latching position (59).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a form-fitting clutch according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016222539 describes a form-fitting clutch comprising two spur-toothed disc-shaped clutch bodies provided with a synchronizing device for adjusting the speed of the clutch bodies before engagement. The clutch bodies are axially spaced from each other, and one clutch body is arranged axially movable relative to the other clutch body to bring the spur teeth into engagement.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to operate a form-fitting clutch in a more energy-saving and highly reliable manner. The clutch function is to be improved, and the form-fitting clutch is to be more cost-effective.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0004] At least one of these objects is achieved by a form-fitting clutch having the features of claim 1. In this way, the form-fitting clutch can be constructed more cost-effectively, and the respective clutch actuation states can be maintained more reliably and in a more energy-saving manner.

[0005] The form-fitting clutch can be arranged in a vehicle. The form-fitting clutch can be arranged in the drive train of a vehicle. The form-fitting clutch can transmit drive torque for propelling the vehicle. The form-fitting clutch can be arranged on an electrically driven axle of a vehicle. The form-fitting clutch can be configured to be bistable. Each of the first clutch actuation state and the second clutch actuation state can be maintained in a fixed manner.

[0006] The first rotating component may be a shaft or a hub. The second rotating component may be a shaft or a hub.

[0007] A shape-matching clutch can be configured as a claw clutch. The teeth can be configured as claw teeth.

[0008] The shape-fit clutch can be engaged for torque transmission in the first clutch operating state and disengaged to interrupt torque transmission in the second clutch operating state.

[0009] The actuating element can be electromechanically displaceable. The actuating element can be coupled to the shift fork and / or shift rocker in a shape-fitting manner. The actuating element can be hydraulically displaceable. The actuating element can be displaceable by an actuating piston.

[0010] The actuating element is a component separate from the first and second rotating components. The actuating element can be axially displaceable relative to the first and second rotating components in order to achieve a second clutch operating state. The actuating element can be displaceable in one axial direction to achieve a first clutch operating state and in the opposite axial direction to achieve a second clutch operating state.

[0011] The actuating element can transmit an actuating force to the first rotating component, at least partially via a locking element, in order to achieve a first clutch operating state. The locking element can be positioned at least partially movably so as to transmit force between the actuating element and the first rotating component.

[0012] The locking device can provide the transmission of an actuation force between the actuation element and the first rotating component. As a result, the actuation force applied through the actuation element can be adjusted to set a desired actuation force on the first rotating component. When the first clutch is engaged, the actuation force applied to the first rotating component can depend on the actuation force that provides it and the actuation force applied to the actuation element. This dependence can be linear and / or nonlinear. This dependence can be continuous and / or discontinuous.

[0013] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is advantageous when the locking element is radially displaceable in response to the displacement of the actuating element. The locking element may be additionally or alternatively made axially displaceable in response to the displacement of the actuating element.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking element is further radially inward in the first clutch operating state than in the second clutch operating state. The actuating element may be positioned radially above the locking element, at least in the first clutch operating state. The actuating element may radially fix the locking element, at least in the first clutch operating state. The receiving element may be positioned radially inward of the locking element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous that the receiving element has a radially open recess, and that the locking element engages within the recess so as to fit in shape in the locking position. The recess can preferably conform to the shape of a ball. The recess can be configured in a cup shape.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the present invention, it is advantageous that the locking element comprises at least one rotationally symmetric locking component coupled to a receiving element so as to shape-fit in the locking position. The locking component may be a ball or a roller.

[0017] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous that at least the first teeth and / or the second teeth are axially displaceable depending on the clutch operating state. The first teeth and / or the second teeth may be spur teeth or radial teeth. The first teeth may be internal teeth or external teeth. The second teeth may be internal teeth or external teeth. The first teeth may be formed directly or indirectly on the first rotating component. The second teeth may be formed directly or indirectly on the second rotating component.

[0018] The first tooth can be configured as the clutch body. The second tooth can be configured as a slide sleeve. The second tooth can be made axially displaceable on the sleeve carrier. The sleeve support can be coupled to the second rotating component for shape fitting. The sleeve support can be coupled to the second tooth for shape fitting. The sleeve carrier can be coupled to the second rotating component for shape fitting by internal teeth. The sleeve carrier can be coupled to the second tooth for shape fitting by external teeth.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous that the second tooth is axially displaceable and is axially fixed by a locking device in the first clutch operating state and / or the second clutch operating state. The locking device can be associated with the second tooth. The locking element can fix the second tooth axially in the locking position.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the present invention, it is advantageous when the actuating element causes radial movement of the locking element via an inclined region. The inclined region can be formed on the actuating element. The inclined region can cause the transmission of actuating force. The actuating element and the locking element can be arranged to overlap radially in the release position. The actuating element and the locking element can be arranged to overlap radially on each other and axially in the locking position.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous if the actuating element fixes the locking element radially in the locking position. The actuating element can be arranged radially outward of the locking element. In the locking position, the locking element can be arranged radially between the receiving element and the actuating element.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageous if the locking element is acted upon via at least one spring element. The spring element can act on the locking element axially and / or radially. The spring element can act on the locking element directly or indirectly. The spring element can be acted upon by the locking element in the locking position. In the release position, the spring element cannot be loaded by the locking element.

[0023] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the figures and the drawings.

[0024] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a form-fit clutch according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, in a first clutch actuation state. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 shows the form-fit clutch of Fig. 1 in a second clutch actuation state. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a positive clutch according to a specific embodiment of the present invention in a first clutch operating state. The positive clutch 10 is arranged in a vehicle for torque transmission. The positive clutch 10 has a first rotating component 14 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 12 and is formed as a shaft, and a second rotating component 16 which is further rotatable about the rotation axis 12 and is configured as a shaft. The first rotating component 14 may be a drive shaft 18, and the second rotating component 16 may be an output shaft 20. The drive shaft 18 is mounted relative to the output shaft 20 via at least one bearing element 22. The bearing element 22 may be a radial needle bearing. The second rotating component 16 is mounted relative to a housing 26 via a further bearing element 24.

[0027] The positive clutch 10 has teeth 28 that establish torque transmission when the positive clutch 10 is in a first clutch operating state and interrupt torque transmission when the positive clutch 10 is in a second clutch operating state. The teeth 28 are formed of first teeth 30 on the first rotating component 14 and second teeth 32 on the second rotating component 16. The teeth 28 are configured as dog teeth 34, wherein spur teeth form the first teeth 30 and spur teeth form the second teeth 32. In the first clutch operating state shown herein, the first teeth 30 and the second teeth 32 are engaged with each other in a form-fit manner for torque transmission.

[0028] The second teeth 32 are received axially displaceably on a sleeve carrier 36. The sleeve carrier 36 is arranged radially outward of the output shaft 20, and is coupled in a form-fit manner to the output shaft 20 via internal teeth 38 and to the second teeth 32 via external teeth 40. The clutch operating state can be switched by an actuating element 42, which is axially displaceable relative to the first rotating component 14 and the second rotating component 16, and introduces an actuating force to change the clutch operating state. The actuating element 42 comprises a locking ring 44.

[0029] The shape-fit clutch 10 includes a locking device 46 for fixing at least a first clutch operating state, the locking device 46 includes a locking element 48, the locking element 48 is radially displaceable between a release position and a locking position for fixing the first clutch operating state, and is coupled to a receiving element 50 so as to shape-fit in the locking position. The receiving element 50 is integrally formed with the sleeve carrier 36.

[0030] The locking element 48 comprises at least one rotationally symmetric locking component 52, preferably a ball, and the receiving element 50 has at least one radially open recess 54 into which the locking element 48 engages to shape-fit in the locking position. The recess 54 is preferably shaped to fit the shape of the ball 52. The recess 54 is configured, for example, in a cup shape.

[0031] The locking element 48 is loaded in the locking position by a radially acting spring element 56. When the actuating element 42 is displaced axially to take a second clutch operating state that interrupts torque transmission through the teeth 28, the spring element 56 pushes the locking element 48 out of the recess 54, and the locking element 48 can move axially due to the axial displacement of the second teeth 32. The locking element 48 is further radially inward in the first clutch operating state than in the second clutch operating state.

[0032] The actuating element 42 is displaced in a first direction 58 to assume a first clutch operating state 57 as shown herein, and displaced in the opposite second direction 60 to assume a second clutch operating state. When the actuating element 42 moves in the first direction 58, the axial displacement of the actuating element 42 is converted into radial movement of the locking element 48 against the spring force of the spring element 56 via the inclined region 62 on the actuating element 42. As a result, the locking element 48 assumes a locking position 59 in which the actuating element 42 radially locks the locking element 48 and the locking element 48 axially locks the second tooth 32. The actuating element 42 is located radially outward of the locking element 48.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the shape-fit clutch of Figure 1 in the second clutch operating state. The shape-fit clutch 10 is shown in the second clutch operating state 63, in which torque transmission via the teeth 28 is interrupted. The second teeth 32 are displaced in the second direction 60 relative to the first clutch operating state.

[0034] As the actuating element 42 moves in a second direction 60 to take the second clutch operating state 63, the locking element 48 moves radially outward by the spring element 56. The actuating element 42 displaces the second tooth 32 in the second direction 60 via the locking ring 64 on the second tooth 32. The locking element 48 can move radially outward as the actuating element 42 is displaced in the second direction 60, thereby being in the release position 65.

[0035] When the first clutch is engaged, the actuating element 42 is connected to the locking element 48 so as to transmit force to transmit the actuating force to the first rotating component 14. In this case, the axial movement of the actuating element 42 causes the locking element 48 to be displaced axially and radially against the spring force of the spring element 56. The locking element 48 transmits the actuating force generated from the actuating element 42 to the second tooth 32. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 10 Shape-matching clutch 12 Rotation axes 14. First rotation component 16. Second rotation component 18 Drive shaft 20 Output shaft 22 Bearing elements 24 Bearing elements 26 Housing 28 teeth 30 First tooth 32 Second tooth 34 Nail teeth 36 Sleeve Carrier 38 Inner teeth 40 External teeth 42 Actuating elements 44 Locking Rings 46 Locking device 48 Rocking Elements 50 Receiving elements 52 Locking Components 54 recess 56 Spring elements 57 First clutch operating state 58. First Direction 59 Locking position 60 Second direction 62 Slope area 63 Second clutch operating state 64 Locking Rings 65 Release position

Claims

1. A shape-fit clutch (10) for influencing torque transmission between a first rotating component (14) and a second rotating component (16) that are rotatable about a rotation axis (12), wherein the shape-fit clutch (10) is A tooth (28) comprising a first tooth (30) on the rotating component (14) and a second tooth (32) on the second rotating component (16), which can be coupled to the shape-fit clutch (10) to shape-fit for torque transmission, which establishes torque transmission in a first clutch operating state (57) and interrupts torque transmission in a second clutch operating state (63), It has a displaceable actuation element (42) for changing the clutch operating state by the actuation force, A locking device (46) is provided for fixing the first clutch operating state (57) and / or the second clutch operating state (63), the locking device (46) comprises at least one locking element (48), the at least one locking element (48) is displaceable between a release position (65) and a locking position (59) for fixing the respective clutch operating states (57, 63), and is coupled to a receiving element (50) so as to fit into the locking position (59). A shape-fit clutch (10) characterized in that the actuation element is axially displaceable relative to the first rotating component (14) and the second rotating component (16) in order to take the first clutch operating state (57), and is connected to the locking element (48) in order to transmit force to the first rotating component (14) via the locking element (48).

2. The shape-fit clutch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (48) is radially displaceable in accordance with the displacement of the operating element (42).

3. The shape-fit clutch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking element (48) is further radially inward in the first clutch operating state (57) than in the second clutch operating state (63).

4. A shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving element (50) has a radially open recess (54), and the locking element (48) engages with the recess (54) so ​​as to shape-fit in the locking position (59).

5. Shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking element (48) comprises at least one rotationally symmetric locking component (52) which is coupled to the receiving element (50) in the locking position (59).

6. A shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first tooth (30) and / or the second tooth (32) are displaceable in the axial direction according to the clutch operating state.

7. The shape-fit clutch (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second tooth (32) is displaceable in the axial direction and is fixed in the axial direction by the locking device (46) in the first clutch operating state (57) and / or the second clutch operating state (63).

8. A shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuation element (42) causes radial movement of the locking element (48) via the inclined region (62).

9. The shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuation element (42) fixes the locking element (48) in the radial direction in the locking position (59).

10. A shape-fit clutch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking element (48) is acted upon via at least one spring element (56).