Clutch assembly with switchable freewheel and drivetrain with clutch assembly
The clutch assembly addresses the need for a robust and power-shiftable design by using a sliding sleeve for axial movement, simplifying actuation and reducing components, enabling efficient torque transmission in vehicle drivetrains.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024528566
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-12-15
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-10-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing clutch assemblies lack a robust and power-shiftable design suitable for vehicle drivetrains, requiring complex mechanisms and additional actuators for freewheel control.
A clutch assembly with a sliding sleeve that axially moves between blocking, freewheel, and neutral positions, utilizing spring-loaded blocking bodies and a control ring to simplify actuation, eliminate the need for additional actuators, and enable high-torque transmission.
The clutch assembly achieves simple, cost-effective, and robust operation with reduced component count, allowing easy integration into vehicle drivetrains and efficient torque transmission.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch assembly having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a drive train comprising the clutch assembly. [Background technology]
[0002] Switchable overrunning clutches are known for use in coupling rotatable components such as shafts. The clutches may be equipped with controllable freewheels for selective torque transfer between the torque-transmitting components. Overrunning clutches are typically controlled by electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic drives.
[0003] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018101148 describes a switchable clutch having an outer ring, an inner ring, a roller cage, a plurality of rollers, and a driver plate. The outer ring has a plurality of inclined surfaces. The roller cage is radially disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. The rollers are guided through the roller cage. The driver plate is fastened to the inner ring in a rotationally fixed manner and can engage with the roller cage to rotate the rollers relative to the outer ring. In an exemplary embodiment, the switchable clutch has a spring engaged with the outer ring and used to preload the roller cage in a first direction of rotation relative to the outer ring. In an exemplary embodiment, the switchable clutch has an electromagnet engaging the driver plate and roller cage and / or a coil spring unit for releasing the driver plate and roller cage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a clutch assembly characterized by power-shiftable operation and a robust construction, and also to propose a drivetrain comprising the clutch assembly. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] This object is achieved by a clutch assembly having the features of claim 1 and by a drive train having the features of claim 10. Preferred and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention arise from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.
[0006] The subject of the present invention is a clutch assembly that is particularly configured and / or suitable for a vehicle drivetrain. The clutch assembly is used in particular to connect or disconnect the drive axle of the vehicle. Preferably, the clutch assembly is configured as a dog clutch, preferably as a disconnecting clutch.
[0007] The clutch assembly includes a first clutch partner and a second clutch partner. In particular, the clutch partners can rotate around a common main rotation axis. Preferably, the first clutch partner is torqueably connectable and / or connected to a first rotating component, e.g., a first shaft, and the second clutch partner is torqueably connectable and / or connected to a second rotating component, e.g., a second shaft. The two clutch partners are preferably arranged coaxially and / or concentrically with respect to the main rotation axis. For example, the first clutch partner is configured as a hub, and the second clutch partner is configured as a coupling body, in particular a ratchet ring.
[0008] The clutch assembly includes a switchable freewheel. The freewheel is disposed between the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner to couple the two clutch partners to each other according to the direction of rotation. In particular, the freewheel can be mechanically connected or disconnected. When connected, the freewheel transmits torque between the two clutch partners according to the direction of rotation. When disconnected, the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner are connected or disconnected to each other regardless of the freewheel.
[0009] The freewheel has spring-loaded blocking bodies that are fixed at least circumferentially to one clutch partner and interact form-fittingly with ramped blocking contours arranged on the other clutch partner according to the direction of rotation. When the freewheel is engaged, the blocking bodies preferably form-fittingly engage with the blocking contours in the fixed direction of rotation and slide off from the blocking contours in the counter-rotational direction directed against the direction of rotation. The blocking contours are preferably formed by ramped circumferential toothing, in particular sawtooth ramps. The blocking bodies are preferably configured as axially movable claws.
[0010] Within the scope of the present invention, it is proposed that the clutch assembly has a sliding sleeve arranged coaxially with respect to the two clutch partners and configured and / or suitable for controlling freewheeling. The sliding sleeve is preferably axially movable relative to the rotation axis relative to the two clutch partners and is connected or connectable to the first clutch partner and / or the second clutch partner in a circumferentially rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the two clutch partners are radially received or can be received within the sliding sleeve. Optionally, the sliding sleeve can have a circumferentially extending groove on its outer periphery for connecting an actuator. In particular, the groove is used to receive a shift fork, in particular a sliding block. The sliding sleeve is axially movable relative to the main rotation axis between a blocking position, a freewheel position, and a neutral position. In particular, the sliding sleeve is axially movable relative to the main rotation axis from the blocking position to the freewheel position and then to the neutral position, and is axially movable in the opposite direction in the reverse order.
[0011] In the blocking position, the two clutch partners are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in one rotational direction and in an opposite rotational direction via the sliding sleeve. In particular, in the blocking position, the sliding sleeve circumferentially form-fittingly engages with the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner to connect the two clutch partners to one another in a rotationally fixed manner upon rotation in one rotational direction and in an opposite rotational direction. By axially moving the sliding sleeve to the freewheel position, the rotatably fixed connection between the two clutch partners is at least partially released.
[0012] In the freewheel position, the two clutch partners are rotationally fixedly connected to one another via the freewheel in exactly one direction of rotation. In particular, in the freewheel position, the blocking body is form-fittingly engaged with the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner in the direction of rotation to connect the two clutch partners rotationally fixedly to one another when rotating in the direction of rotation. In contrast, the two clutch partners can rotate relative to one another when rotating in the opposite direction of rotation, or one of the two clutch partners remains stationary. The freewheel is disengaged by axially moving the sliding sleeve to a neutral position.
[0013] In the neutral position, the blocking body is held disengaged from the blocking contour by the sliding sleeve, so that the two clutch partners can rotate relative to each other in both the direction of rotation and the counter-rotational direction. In particular, the sliding sleeve is movably coupled to the blocking body in such a way that the blocking body is moved away from the blocking contour when the sliding sleeve is moved axially. By moving the sliding sleeve axially to the neutral position, the rotatably fixed connection between the two clutch partners is completely released.
[0014] The advantage of the present invention is that a clutch assembly is proposed that is characterized by simple actuation, particularly by the axial movement of the shift sleeve, which can be switched, especially under load. By actuating the freewheel via the sliding sleeve, an additional actuator for the freewheel can also be omitted, so that the clutch assembly requires significantly fewer components and can be designed to be extremely cost-effective. Another advantage is that the clutch assembly can be designed to be extremely robust and is suitable for transmitting high torques.
[0015] In a specific embodiment, the freewheel is arranged axially relative to the main rotation axis between the two clutch partners. For this purpose, the first clutch partner has a plurality of receiving pockets on its axial end face for receiving the blocking bodies, and the second clutch partner has a blocking profile on its axial end face opposite the blocking bodies. In particular, the blocking bodies are retractably received in the receiving pockets. The receiving pockets preferably form a negative profile of the blocking bodies so that the blocking bodies are received in the receiving pockets in a form-fitting and / or exact-fitting manner at least in the circumferential direction. The blocking bodies are axially movably guided in the receiving pockets. Each blocking body is preferably supported in its associated receiving pocket via a spring so that a spring force is applied to the blocking body axially along the main rotation axis or in the direction of the blocking profile. When connected, the blocking body is partially removed from the receiving pocket so as to be in torque-transmitting engagement with the blocking profile on the one hand and the receiving pocket on the other hand. When disconnected, the blocking body is fully or largely inserted into the receiving pocket so as to be disengaged or spaced apart from the blocking profile. Due to the axial arrangement of the freewheel between the two clutch components, the blocking body can be easily inserted into or removed from the receiving pocket by axial movement of the sliding sleeve, which means that no complex mechanism is required to transmit the movement of the sliding sleeve to the blocking body.
[0016] In a further embodiment, the freewheel has a control ring movably coupled to the sliding sleeve. The control ring abuts against the blocking bodies in an axial direction against a spring force relative to the main rotation axis to transmit the axial movement of the sliding sleeve to the blocking bodies. In particular, the sliding sleeve is movably coupled to the control ring at least during movement between the neutral position and the freewheel position to connect or disconnect the freewheel. In particular, the blocking bodies are circumferentially distributed on a common pitch circle and / or spaced apart from one another. The control ring is mounted on each cross section of the blocking bodies to simultaneously insert all of the blocking bodies into the associated receiving pockets when the sliding sleeve is moved from the freewheel position to the neutral position. The control ring preferably has an inner ring and an outer ring, which are radially spaced apart from one another and arranged coaxially and / or concentrically with one another relative to the main rotation axis. The inner ring and the outer ring are preferably connected to one another via a plurality of connecting webs distributed in the circumferential direction. In particular, the blocking bodies and / or blocking contours pass through the control ring between the inner ring and the outer ring in the freewheel position. The blocking bodies each have a body portion with at least one outer, radially outwardly directed contact portion for contacting the outer ring and at least one inner, radially inwardly directed contact portion for contacting the inner ring. The body portion is preferably arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the blocking bodies in the freewheel position with their body portion engage with the blocking contour in the direction of rotation. The control ring allows the blocking bodies to be inserted or removed in a simple manner when the sliding sleeve is moved, which further improves the switching process.
[0017] In one embodiment, the control ring has one or more radially outwardly directed control rods, each of which is guided axially in a control slot formed in the first clutch partner. The sliding sleeve is movably coupled to the control ring via the control rods. The freewheel is preferably received radially in the first clutch partner, and at least one control rod extends radially outward or toward the sliding sleeve through the control slot. Preferably, the control rods are evenly distributed circumferentially and / or spaced apart from one another. The control slots are configured as notches, slots, recesses, openings, etc. extending axially relative to the main rotation axis. In particular, the control ring is guided axially linearly in the associated control slot via at least one control rod and held in a circumferentially rotationally fixed manner. This provides a clutch assembly characterized by a very compact structure. In particular, a freewheel can be integrated into the first clutch partner for this purpose, and the freewheel is controlled in a simple manner by the sliding sleeve via the control rod.
[0018] In a further specific implementation, the sliding sleeve has one or more control contours on its inner circumference. The control contours are supported and / or can be supported on the control rod in the axial direction, particularly toward the neutral position, to axially accompany the control ring during movement of the sliding sleeve from the freewheel position to the neutral position, particularly during axial movement, against a spring force. In particular, the sliding sleeve has a control contour associated with each control rod. The control contours can be configured as radially inward webs, lugs, or teeth. Optionally, the control contours can engage with the second clutch partner in the blocking position to connect the two clutch partners to each other so as to transmit torque. Therefore, a sliding sleeve is proposed, which is coupled for movement with the control ring in a simple manner via a form-fit connection.
[0019] In a further development, the clutch assembly includes a locking ring. The first clutch partner has a circumferential receiving groove, and the sliding sleeve has a circumferential retaining groove. The locking ring is mounted in the receiving groove and engages in a cross section within the retaining groove in the neutral position to axially secure the shift sleeve on the first coupling in the neutral position. In particular, the locking ring serves to secure the sliding sleeve in the neutral position against axial movement due to a spring force acting on the control ring. Optionally, the locking ring is used to secure the entire structural unit, in particular at least the freewheel, against damage after assembly. Preferably, the locking ring can be deformed into the receiving groove when the sliding sleeve is subjected to an axial actuation force to release the sliding sleeve toward the freewheel position. Particularly preferably, the locking ring is radially prestressed during axial displacement to the freewheel position and / or blocking position, and the locking ring automatically latches into the retaining groove upon reaching the neutral position. The locking ring is particularly configured as a slotted snap ring. A further advantage is that by axially fixing the sliding sleeve, the energy supply to the actuator can be interrupted in the neutral position, thereby proposing a highly efficient and energy-saving clutch assembly. Furthermore, the locking ring can prevent or reduce drag torque between the sliding sleeve and the shift fork in the neutral position.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the retaining groove and / or the locking ring have a ramp. When the sliding sleeve is moved axially from the neutral position to the freewheel position, the locking ring can be deformed radially into the receiving groove via the ramp, so that the sliding sleeve can move freely in the direction of the neutral position and the blocking position or the axial fixation of the sliding sleeve is released. In particular, the ramp has a path that rises in the direction of the freewheel position so that the degree of deformation increases as the displacement of the sliding sleeve increases from the neutral position toward the freewheel position. The ramp is preferably formed axially on a groove side surface of the retaining groove. Meanwhile, the groove side surface of the retaining groove opposite the ramp extends straight, in particular in the radial plane of the main rotation shaft, thereby defining an axial end stop for the sliding sleeve beyond the neutral position. Alternatively, the ramp or optionally additional ramp is formed on the outer diameter of the locking ring. Therefore, a sliding sleeve is proposed which ensures automatic release of the axial lock when actuated in the neutral position, and in addition the effort required by the actuator to overcome the holding force applied by the locking ring is significantly reduced.
[0021] In a further specific implementation, the locking ring defines an end stop for the control ring in the opposite axial direction when the sliding sleeve is arranged in the freewheel position and / or the blocking position. For this purpose, the locking ring is arranged in front of the control ring, particularly in the region of the guide slot, when viewed axially. In other words, the locking ring is arranged on the first clutch partner so that the axial movement of the control ring in the freewheel position is limited by the locking ring, particularly in the opposite axial direction. Preferably, the locking ring extends cross-sectionally within the guide slot so that the control rod is supported and / or can be supported on the locking ring in the opposite axial direction, particularly in the freewheel position of the sliding sleeve. A clutch assembly is proposed that ensures freewheel capture assembly as a pre-assembled unit by axially fixing the control ring in the freewheel position or the blocking position, eliminating the need for an additional locking ring.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the first clutch partner has external toothing and the second clutch partner has locking toothing. The sliding sleeve is rotatably and fixedly engaged with the external toothing via the internal toothing, which can also be rotatably and fixedly engaged with the locking toothing when moved to the blocking position to couple the two clutch partners in a rotationally fixed manner. The external toothing, internal toothing, and locking toothing are each configured as spur toothing aligned axially with respect to the main rotation axis so that the sliding sleeve and the first clutch partner or the second clutch partner are movable relative to each other in the axial direction with respect to the main rotation axis and are coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction. In particular, at least the internal toothing of the sliding sleeve and the external toothing of the first clutch partner are formed by webs, teeth, or grooves extending axially with respect to the main rotation axis. The sliding sleeve preferably has axial roof-shaped toothing on the side of the internal toothing facing the second clutch partner. Alternatively or optionally additionally, the second clutch partner has an axial roof-shaped toothing on the side of the locking toothing facing the sliding sleeve.
[0023] The present invention further relates to a drivetrain having a first shaft and a second shaft and a clutch assembly as described above or as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9. The first shaft is rotationally fixedly connected to a first clutch partner, and the second shaft is rotationally fixedly connected to a second clutch partner, and torque transmission between the two shafts can be controlled by axially moving a sliding sleeve of the clutch assembly. In particular, the first clutch partner has first drive toothing for rotatably and fixedly connecting the first shaft, and the second clutch partner has second drive toothing for rotatably and fixedly connecting the second shaft. The drivetrain is preferably configured and / or suitable for driving a vehicle, in particular an automobile. Preferably, the drivetrain is configured and / or suitable for an electric axle of the vehicle. The clutch assembly can be part of a connecting or disconnecting unit, for example, for disconnecting an electric drive from the drive shaft of the vehicle. For this purpose, one shaft may be configured as a motor-side drive shaft and the other shaft may be configured as a wheel-side output shaft.
[0024] Further features, advantages and benefits of the present invention arise from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exploded view of a clutch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows an axial view of the first clutch partner of the clutch assembly depicted in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the clutch assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the clutch assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly in a freewheel position. [Figure 6]6 shows the clutch assembly in the same view as FIG. 5 in a neutral position. [Figure 7] 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a clutch assembly in a blocking position. [Figure 8] 8 shows the clutch assembly in the same view as FIG. 7 in the freewheel position. [Figure 9] 8 shows the clutch assembly in the same view as FIG. 7 in the neutral position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] 1 shows an exploded view of a clutch assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The clutch assembly 1 is configured as a dog clutch and includes a first clutch partner 2, a second clutch partner 3, and a sliding sleeve 4, which are coaxially arranged along a common main rotation axis 100.
[0027] The first clutch partner 2 is configured as a hub, in particular as a sleeve carrier, on which a sliding sleeve 4 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and displaceable in an axial direction 101 and an opposite axial direction 102 along a main rotation axis 100. For this purpose, the first clutch partner 2 has an external toothing 5 on its outer periphery, and the sliding sleeve 4 has an internal toothing 6 on its inner periphery, each configured as a spur toothing extending axially relative to the main rotation axis 100.
[0028] The second clutch partner 3 is configured as a combined body having locking teeth 7 on its outer periphery, with which the sliding sleeve 4 can be rotatably and fixedly engaged during axial movement in opposite axial directions 102 along the main rotation axis 100, in order to couple the two clutch partners 2, 3 to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, the first clutch partner 2 and the second clutch partner 3 are each formed as a spur gear or a gear with spur teeth.
[0029] The sliding sleeve 4 can be connected to an actuator (not shown) which applies an actuating force to the sliding sleeve 4 in the axial direction relative to the main rotation shaft 100. To move the sliding sleeve 4 in the axial direction 101 or in the counter-axial direction 102 during rotation about the main rotation shaft 100, the sliding sleeve 4 has on its outer periphery a circumferential groove 8 into which, for example, a shift fork of an actuator can engage.
[0030] The first clutch partner 2 and the second clutch partner 3 are each connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotating component, for example, a shaft. For this purpose, the first clutch partner 2 has first drive toothing 9 on its inner circumference, and the second clutch partner 3 has second drive toothing 10 on its inner circumference. The first drive toothing 9 and the second drive toothing 10 are each configured as plug-in teeth. For example, the first clutch partner 2 can be arranged on the driven side, and the second clutch partner 3 can be arranged on the driving side.
[0031] The clutch assembly 1 also comprises a switchable freewheel 11, which is arranged axially between the two clutch partners 2, 3 and radially accommodated within the first clutch partner 2. The freewheel 11 comprises a plurality of, in particular six, blocking bodies 12 distributed around the main rotation axis 100, which blocking bodies 12 are each resiliently supported via springs 13 in a receiving pocket 14 formed on the first clutch partner 2. Each receiving pocket 14 is formed as a recess in the front side of the first clutch partner 2, which recess essentially forms the negative contour of the blocking body 12. The blocking body 12 is axially movable and is circumferentially accommodated in the associated receiving pocket 14 in a form-fitting manner.
[0032] On its axial end face facing the blocking body 12, the second clutch partner 3 has a cylindrical extension with an inclined blocking contour 15, which blocking contour 15 and the blocking body 12 can interact form-fittingly in the direction of rotation 103 of the second clutch partner 3 when the freewheel 11 is engaged. In a counter-rotational direction 104 directed opposite to the direction of rotation 103, the first clutch partner 2 and the second clutch partner 3 can rotate relative to each other, and the blocking body 12 slides on the blocking contour 15 when the freewheel 11 is engaged. The blocking body 12 is configured as a claw, and the blocking contour 15 is formed by a number of sawtooth inclines rising in the circumferential direction.
[0033] The freewheel 11 also has an axially movable control ring 16 for controlling the freewheel 11, which is arranged coaxially with respect to the two clutch partners 2, 3 along the main rotation axis 100 and is supported in the axial direction 101 on the blocking body 12 against the spring force of the spring 13. The control ring 16 is formed by an outer ring 17 and an inner ring 18 arranged concentrically with respect to the outer ring 17, which are arranged radially spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via a plurality of connecting webs 19.
[0034] The control ring 16 has three control rods 20 arranged on the outer periphery of the outer ring 17, which are each housed in a control slot 21 introduced into the external toothing 5 of the first clutch partner 2. The control ring 16 is guided axially linearly in the control slots 21 via the control rods 20 and is supported in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction. The control rods 20 extend radially through the control slots 21 and are movably connected to control contours 22 arranged on the inner periphery of the sliding sleeve 8. The control contours 22 are configured as teeth directed radially inward, which are supported or can be supported in the axial direction 101 on the associated control rods 20 in each case to accompany the control ring 16 when the sliding sleeve 8 moves.
[0035] The sliding sleeve 4 can be moved along the main rotation axis 100 into a blocking position 105, a freewheel position 106 and a neutral position 107. In the blocking position 105, the sliding sleeve 4 engages via the internal toothing 6 with the external toothing 5 on the one hand and with the locking toothing 7 on the other hand, such that the two clutch partners 2, 3 are rotationally fixedly connected to one another in the direction of rotation 103 and in the opposite direction of rotation 104. In the freewheel position 106, the sliding sleeve 4 exclusively engages via the internal toothing 6 with the external toothing 5, and at the same time the freewheel 11 is connected, such that the two clutch partners 2, 3 are rotationally fixedly connected to one another in the direction of rotation 103 and can rotate relative to one another in the opposite direction of rotation 104. In the neutral position 107, the sliding sleeve 4 exclusively engages with the external toothing 5 via the internal toothing 6 so that the two clutch partners 2, 3 can rotate relative to each other in the direction of rotation 103 and in the opposite direction of rotation 104, while at the same time the freewheel 11 is disengaged.
[0036] The clutch assembly 1 has a locking ring 23 used to axially fix the sliding sleeve 4 in the neutral position 107. The first clutch partner 2 has a circumferential receiving groove 24 on its outer periphery, in which the locking ring 23 is mounted. The sliding sleeve 4 has a retaining groove 25 on its inner periphery, which is circumferentially introduced in cross section in the internal toothing 6, and the locking ring 23 partially engages in the retaining groove 25 in the neutral position 107 to axially fix the sliding sleeve 4 to the first clutch partner 2 in a form-fitting manner.
[0037] The retaining groove 25 has a rising ramp 26 that rises in the opposite axial direction 102, and when the sliding sleeve 4 is moved from the neutral position 107 in the opposite axial direction 102, the locking ring 23 is radially deformed into the receiving groove 24 via the rising ramp 26 in order to ensure a form-fit connection between the sliding sleeve 4 and the first clutch partner 2. For this purpose, the locking ring 23 is configured as a circumferentially interrupted snap ring, which changes diameter when deformed radially.
[0038] 2 shows the first clutch partner 2 in an axial view relative to the main shaft 100. The blocking bodies 12 accommodated in the receiving pockets 14 each have a body 27 bounded by two radially outwardly directed contact portions 28 and two radially inwardly directed contact portions 29. The control ring 16 is supported in the axial direction 101 with the outer ring 17 resting on the outer contact portions 28 of the blocking bodies 12 and the inner ring 18 resting on the inner contact portions 29 of the blocking bodies 12, as shown in FIG.
[0039] The body parts 27 are each arranged radially between the outer ring 17 and the inner ring 18, the blocking contours 15 are arranged in freewheel positions 106 of the sliding sleeve 8 between the outer ring 17 and the inner ring 18 as shown in Figure 1, and the locking bodies 12 can be form-fittingly engaged with the body parts 27 when the second clutch partner 3 rotates in the direction of rotation 103. When the control ring 16 is moved axially in the axial direction 101 or to the neutral position 107, the blocking bodies 12 are inserted into the receiving pockets 14 via the control ring 16 against the spring force, such that the blocking bodies 12 sink into the receiving pockets 14 and / or disengage from the blocking contours 15.
[0040] Figures 3 and 4 show the assembled clutch assembly 1 in different perspective views. The clutch assembly 1 is shown in Fig. 3 as seen obliquely from the rear and in Fig. 4 as seen obliquely from the front. In the illustration shown, the sliding sleeve 4 is in the freewheel position 106, with the internal toothing 6 and the locking toothing 7 disengaged and the freewheel 11 connected, as already described in Fig. 1.
[0041] 5 and 6 each show a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly 1 along the main rotation axis 100. In FIG. 5, the sliding sleeve 4 is positioned in a freewheel position 106, and in FIG. 6, the sliding sleeve 4 is positioned in a neutral position 107. For example, torque on a shaft (not shown) engaged with the second drive toothing 10 is transmitted to the second clutch partner 3, and depending on the position of the sliding sleeve 4, torque can be transmitted to the first clutch partner 2 and to a shaft (not shown) engaged with the first drive toothing 9.
[0042] In the freewheel position 106, the blocking body 12 is partially removed from the receiving pocket 14 in the opposite axial direction 102 so that torque can be transmitted to the first clutch partner 2 via the receiving pocket 14. The blocking body 12 is acted upon by the spring force of the spring 13 in the direction of the blocking contour 15. When the blocking body 12 is pressed into the blocking contour 15 by the spring 13, torque is transmitted from the second clutch partner 3 to the first clutch partner 2 via the freewheel 11 in the direction of rotation. If the direction of rotation is reversed, the blocking contour 15 slides off the blocking body 12 due to its inclination, and torque transmission is interrupted. In the freewheel position 106, the locking ring 23 is deformed into the receiving groove 24 or is held therein under preload by the internal toothing 6.
[0043] When the sliding sleeve 4 is moved to the neutral position 107, the control ring 16 is moved in the axial direction 101 by the control contour 22, as shown in FIG. 1, and the blocking body 12 is engaged in the receiving pocket 14 via the control ring 16 while the spring 13 is compressed. The blocking body 12 sinks into the receiving pocket 14 against the blocking contour 15 so that the two clutch partners 2, 3 are decoupled from each other regardless of the direction of rotation. By compressing the spring 13, the spring force acting on the control ring 16 increases, and therefore the effort required to hold the sliding sleeve 4 in the neutral position 107 also increases.
[0044] For this reason, the sliding sleeve 4 is additionally held axially in the neutral position 107 by the locking ring 23 so that the spring force acting on the locking ring 23 can be directed via the locking ring 23 to the first coupling body 2. For this purpose, once the neutral position 107 is reached, the locking ring 23 automatically latches into the retaining contours 25 by preload. Furthermore, the locking ring 23 is used to secure the individual components of the freewheel 11 after assembly. In addition, in the neutral position, the drag torque between the sliding sleeve 4 and the shift fork of the actuator is reduced.
[0045] Therefore, a clutch assembly 1 is proposed that can be easily switched under load between the individual positions 105, 106, 107. For example, the clutch assembly 1 with the switchable freewheel 11 can thereby be easily integrated into the drivetrain of a vehicle as part of a disconnecting clutch.
[0046] 7 to 9 each show an alternative embodiment of the clutch assembly 1 in a cross-section along the main rotation axis 100, with the sliding sleeve 4 arranged in a blocking position 105 in FIG. 7, in a freewheel position 106 in FIG. 8 and in a neutral position 107 in FIG. 9. Compared to the previous embodiment, the locking ring 23 is arranged in front of the control ring 16 when viewed in the axial direction 101, thereby forming an axial end stop for the control ring 16 or the control rod 20 in the opposite axial direction 102.
[0047] The sliding sleeve 4 is supported in the axial direction 101 on the control rod 20 via the control contour 22, and the control ring 16 remains supported on the locking ring 23 when the sliding sleeve 4 is moved from the freewheel position 106 to the blocking position 105 so that the control contour 22 is placed or moved away from the control rod 20, as shown in Figure 7. When the sliding sleeve 4 is moved from the blocking position 105 to the freewheel position 106, the control contour 22 is reattached to or supported on the control rod 20 in the axial direction 101 (as shown in Figure 8), and the control ring 16 is entrained along the axial direction 101 by the control contour 22 when the sliding sleeve 4 is moved further to the neutral position 107. Thereby, the locking ring 23 is used on the one hand to form defined end positions of the control ring 16 and to fix the freewheel 11, in particular the control ring 16 together with the blocking body 12 and the spring 13, during pre-assembly to the first clutch partner 2.
[0048] As can be seen from this exemplary embodiment, at least in the freewheel position 106, the control contour 22 passes through the control ring 16 in the axial direction 101 or is arranged radially between the outer ring 17 and the inner ring 18 so as to bring the blocking body 12 into contact with the blocking contour 15. For example, the control ring 16 can additionally be axially guided and / or centered on the control contour 22 or a cylindrical extension via the outer ring 17 and the inner ring 18. [Explanation of symbols]
[0049] 1 Clutch Assembly 2 First clutch partner 3 Second clutch partner 4 Sliding sleeve 5 External teeth 6 Internal teeth 7 Locking teeth 8 grooves 9 First driving tooth portion 10 second drive tooth portion 11 Freewheel 12 Blocker 13 Spring 14 Receptor pocket 15 Blocking Contour 16 Control Ring 17 outer ring 18 Inner Ring 19 Connecting Web 20 Control Rod 21 Control Slots 22 Control Contours 23 Locking Ring 24 Receptor groove 25 Retaining groove 26 Ride-on slope 27 Main body 28 Outer contact part 29 Inner contact part 100 Main Rotation Axis 101 Axial 102 Axial direction opposite 103 Direction of rotation 104 Reverse rotation direction 105 Blocking position 106 Freewheel position 107 Neutral position
Claims
1. a first clutch partner (2) and a second clutch partner (3); 1. A clutch assembly (1) comprising a switchable freewheel (11) arranged between a first clutch partner (2) and a second clutch partner (3) for coupling the two clutch partners (2, 3) to one another according to the direction of rotation, the switchable freewheel (11) comprising a plurality of spring-loaded blocking bodies (12) fixed at least in the circumferential direction to one of the clutch partners (2) and interacting in a form-fitting manner with an inclined blocking contour (15) arranged on the other clutch partner (3) according to the direction of rotation, A sliding sleeve (4) for controlling the clutch assembly (1) that is movable coaxially with respect to the two clutch partners (2, 3), in a blocking position (105) of the sliding sleeve (4), the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in one rotational direction (103) and in an opposite rotational direction (104) via the sliding sleeve (4), and in a freewheel position (106) of the sliding sleeve (4), the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in one rotational direction (103) and an opposite rotational direction (104). the sliding sleeve (4) is provided with a blocking body (15) which is held disengaged by the sliding sleeve (4) against the blocking contour (15) so that the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in exactly one rotational direction (103) via the freewheel (11) and in a neutral position (107) of the sliding sleeve (4) the two clutch partners (2, 3) are rotatable relative to one another in the one rotational direction (103) and in the opposite rotational direction (104), a first clutch partner (2) having a plurality of receiving pockets (14) on its axial end face for receiving the blocking body (12); and a second clutch partner (3) having the blocking contour (15) on its axial end face opposite the blocking body (12).
2. A clutch assembly (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that the freewheel (11) has a control ring (16) coupled to the sliding sleeve (4) so as to move in an axial direction (101), and the control ring (16) abuts against the blocking body (12) in one axial direction (101) of the main rotating shaft (100) against a spring force in order to transmit the axial movement of the sliding sleeve (4) to the blocking body (12).
3. 3. A clutch assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control ring (16) has at least one radially outward control rod (20) guided axially in a control slot (21) formed in the first clutch partner (2), and the sliding sleeve (4) is coupled to move together with the control ring (16) via the control rod (20).
4. 4. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sliding sleeve (4) has at least one control contour (22) on an inner circumference of the sliding sleeve (4), the control contour (22) being configured to abut against the control rod (20) in the axial direction (101) during movement of the sliding sleeve (4), thereby moving the control ring (16) in the axial direction (101) against the spring force at least from the freewheel position (106) to the neutral position (107).
5. 3. A clutch assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first clutch partner (2) has a circumferential receiving groove (24) and the sliding sleeve (4) has a circumferential retaining groove (25), the locking ring (23) being mounted in the receiving groove (24) and engaging at a cross section within the retaining groove (25) in the neutral position (107) of the sliding sleeve (4) to fix the sliding sleeve (4) axially on the first clutch partner (2) in the neutral position.
6. 6. A clutch assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining groove (25) and / or the locking ring (23) have a ramp (26) through which the locking ring (23) is radially deformed into the receiving groove (24) when the sliding sleeve (4) is moved axially from the neutral position (107) to the freewheel position (106), thereby allowing the sliding sleeve (4) to move freely in the direction of the neutral position (107) and the blocking position (105).
7. 7. A clutch assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the locking ring (23) defines end stops for the control ring (16) in the opposite axial direction (102) when the sliding sleeve (4) is arranged in the freewheel position (106) and / or the blocking position (105).
8. A clutch system having a first clutch partner (2) and a second clutch partner (3), and 1. A clutch assembly (1) comprising a switchable freewheel (11) arranged between a first clutch partner (2) and a second clutch partner (3) for coupling the two clutch partners (2, 3) to one another according to the direction of rotation, the switchable freewheel (11) comprising a plurality of spring-loaded blocking bodies (12) fixed at least in the circumferential direction to one of the clutch partners (2) and interacting in a form-fitting manner with an inclined blocking contour (15) arranged on the other clutch partner (3) according to the direction of rotation, A sliding sleeve (4) for controlling the clutch assembly (1) that is movable coaxially with respect to the two clutch partners (2, 3), in a blocking position (105) of the sliding sleeve (4), the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in one rotational direction (103) and in an opposite rotational direction (104) via the sliding sleeve (4), and in a freewheel position (106) of the sliding sleeve (4), the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner in one rotational direction (103) and an opposite rotational direction (104). the sliding sleeve (4) is provided with a blocking body (15) which is held disengaged by the sliding sleeve (4) against the blocking contour (15) so that the two clutch partners (2, 3) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in exactly one rotational direction (103) via the freewheel (11) and in a neutral position (107) of the sliding sleeve (4) the two clutch partners (2, 3) are rotatable relative to one another in the one rotational direction (103) and in the opposite rotational direction (104), 2. A clutch assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first clutch partner (2) has external toothing (5) and the second clutch partner (3) has locking toothing (7), the sliding sleeve (4) being in rotationally fixed engagement with the external toothing (5) via its internal toothing (6) and also being able to rotationally fixedly engage with the locking toothing (7) via its internal toothing (6) when moved to the blocking position (105) in order to couple the two clutch partners (2, 3) to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.
9. 10. A drivetrain comprising a first shaft and a second shaft and comprising a clutch assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first shaft is rotationally fixedly connected to the first clutch partner (2) and the second shaft is rotationally fixedly connected to the second clutch partner (3), and wherein torque transmission between the two shafts can be controlled by axially moving a sliding sleeve (4) of the clutch assembly (1).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Clutch
JP2005249115A
Multi-mode clutch system with sliding CAM profiles
WO2016168020A1