Clutch device

Abstract

To provide a clutch device that is installed between a driving source and a driven body and is capable of preventing the transmission of impulsive torque from the driven body to the driving source. [Solution] The clutch device 1 includes a first rotating member 2, a second rotating member 3, a third rotating member 4, an engagement element 5, and a flywheel 6 fixed to the first rotating member 2. When torque is input to the second rotating member 3, a steady rotation state is reached in which the first rotating member 2, the flywheel 6, the second rotating member 3, the third rotating member 4, and the engagement element 5 rotate integrally while torque is transmitted between the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4. When the torque acting on the third rotating member 4 increases suddenly in the steady rotation state, a torque transmission restriction state is reached in which the torque transmitted between the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4 is reduced or lost based on the inertial force acting on the flywheel 6.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clutch device that is installed between a driving source and a driven body. [Background technology]

[0002] A drive unit for an electric vehicle includes an electric motor as a drive source, a gear-type reduction mechanism, and a differential gear, as described in, for example, JP 09-226394 A. When the electric motor is energized to rotate an output shaft of the electric motor, the rotational torque of the output shaft is increased by the reduction mechanism and then transmitted to the differential gear, and distributed by the differential gear to the left and right drive wheels as driven bodies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-226394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electric vehicle drive device disclosed in JP-A-9-226394 has room for improvement in the following respects.

[0005] In the electric vehicle drive device, when the torque input in reverse to the drive wheels is greater than the torque transmitted from the electric motor to the drive wheels via the differential gear and the reduction mechanism, the torque input in reverse from the drive wheels is transmitted to the electric motor via the differential gear and the reduction mechanism.

[0006] For example, when an electric vehicle is traveling on a rough road, if the drive wheels lift off the road surface and then touch the ground again, an impulsive torque is input in reverse from the drive wheels. If an attempt is made to allow such an impulsive torque to be input in reverse, problems arise in that the differential gear, the reduction mechanism, and the electric motor become larger and heavier.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch device that is installed between a driving source and a driven body and is capable of preventing the transmission of impulsive torque from the driven body to the driving source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A clutch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first rotating member having a first rotating member side engaging portion; A second rotating member having a second rotating member side engaging portion; a third rotating member having a third rotating member side engaging portion; an engaging element having an engaging element first engaging portion engageable with the first rotating member engaging portion, an engaging element second engaging portion engageable with the second rotating member engaging portion, and an engaging element third engaging portion engageable with the third rotating member engaging portion; a flywheel fixed to the first rotating member; Equipped with.

[0009] In particular, in a clutch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when torque is input to the second rotating member or the third rotating member, the second rotating member side engaging portion engages with the engager side second engaging portion, and the third rotating member side engaging portion engages with the engager side third engaging portion, thereby transmitting torque between the second rotating member and the third rotating member, while the engager side first engaging portion engages with the first rotating member side engaging portion, thereby entering a steady rotation state in which the first rotating member, the flywheel, the second rotating member, the third rotating member and the engager rotate integrally.

[0010] In addition, in a clutch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the torque acting on the third rotating member suddenly increases in the steady rotation state, the first rotating member side engaging portion presses the engager side first engaging portion based on the inertial force acting on the flywheel, causing the engager to move in a direction moving the engager side third engaging portion away from the third rotating member side engaging portion, and the contact pressure between the engager side third engaging portion and the third rotating member side engaging portion decreases or is lost, resulting in a torque transmission restricted state in which the torque transmitted between the second rotating member and the third rotating member is reduced or lost.

[0011] The reverse input cutoff clutch according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a biasing member that elastically biases the engagement element in a direction in which the third rotating member side engagement portion and the engagement element side third engagement portion engage with each other.

[0012] In a clutch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, The third rotating member may have the third rotating member side engaging portion on an inner circumferential surface, The first rotating member side engaging portion may be disposed radially inward of the third rotating member side engaging portion, The second rotating member side engaging portion may be disposed radially inward of the first rotating member side engaging portion, and The engaging member can have the engaging member side second engaging portion on its radially inner surface and the engaging member side third engaging portion on its radially outer surface, and can be arranged to be able to move in a first direction, which is a direction toward or away from the third rotating member side engaging portion.

[0013] In a clutch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, The engaging element may be composed of two engaging elements, and The first rotating member side engaging portion can be configured by two first rotating member side engaging portions.

[0014] A clutch device according to an aspect of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a drive system that transmits torque from a drive source to drive wheels. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to a clutch device of one aspect of the present disclosure, the clutch device is installed between a driving source and a driven body, and can prevent impulsive transmission of torque from the driven body to the driving source. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a drive system of an electric vehicle incorporating a clutch device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device of the first example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a steady rotation state in which rotational torque input to the second rotating member is transmitted to the third rotating member in the clutch device of the first example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the clutch device of the first example in a state where a first rotating member to which a flywheel is fixed rotates relatively to the second rotating member and the third rotating member due to inertial force. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(e) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the clutch device of the first example when an impulsive torque is reversely input from the output side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a steady rotation state in which rotation torque reversely input to the third rotating member is transmitted to the second rotating member, in the clutch device of the first example. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the clutch device of the first example when the torque reversely input from the output side increases. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system of an electric vehicle incorporating a clutch device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a drive system of a mechanical device in which a clutch device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is incorporated. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] [Example 1] A first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8(d).

[0018] The clutch device 1 of this example includes a first rotating member 2, a second rotating member 3, a third rotating member 4, an engagement element 5, and a flywheel 6 fixed to the first rotating member.

[0019] In the description of the clutch device 1, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction refer to the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the clutch device 1, unless otherwise specified. The axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the clutch device 1 coincide with the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the first rotating member 2, coincide with the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the second rotating member 3, and coincide with the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the third rotating member 4. With respect to the clutch device 1, one axial side is the right side in Figs. 1 and 2, and the other axial side is the left side in Figs. 1 and 2. These points are the same for other embodiments described later.

[0020] The first rotating member 2 has a first rotating member side engaging portion 7 .

[0021] In this example, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is provided in a portion radially outwardly displaced from the rotation center O of the first rotating member 2, and has a portion that engages with the engaging member side first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member 5. The first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is configured such that its radially inner surface 9 engages with the radially inner surface 18 of the engaging member side first engaging portion 15 as the first rotating member 2 or the engaging member 5 rotates.

[0022] In this example, the first rotating member 2 has a first shaft portion 8 in addition to the first rotating member side engaging portion 7. The first shaft portion 8 has a stepped cylindrical shape consisting of a small diameter portion on one axial side and a large diameter portion on the other axial side.

[0023] The first rotating member side engaging portion 7 protrudes from a portion of the end face on the other axial side of the first shaft portion 8 that is radially outwardly spaced from the center of rotation O toward the other axial side.

[0024] The shape of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is not limited as long as it is configured to engage with the engaging member side first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member 5. The number of first rotating member side engaging portions 7 is determined according to the number of engaging members 5, and when the engaging member 5 is configured with a plurality of engaging members 5, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is also configured with a plurality of first rotating member side engaging portions 7 (the same number as the engaging members 5).

[0025] In this example, the engaging element 5 is composed of two engaging elements 5. Therefore, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is composed of two first rotating member side engaging portions 7 corresponding to the number of engaging elements 5. The two first rotating member side engaging portions 7 are arranged at two radially opposite positions on the radially outer side of the end face on the other axial side of the first shaft portion 8, and are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the first rotating member 2. The first rotating member side engaging portion 7 has a shape that is symmetrical in the circumferential direction.

[0026] In this example, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 has a substantially arched end face shape as viewed from the axial direction. That is, the radial inner side surface 9 of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is formed of a flat surface perpendicular to the straight line connecting the rotation center O and the center of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 as viewed from the axial direction. The radial outer side surface 55 of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is formed of a partial cylindrical surface centered on the rotation center O. The side surfaces 56 on both circumferential sides of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 are formed of flat surfaces parallel to the straight line connecting the rotation center O and the center of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 as viewed from the axial direction. The connecting portion between the radial inner side surface 9 and the side surfaces 56 on both circumferential sides, and the connecting portion between the radial outer side surface 55 and the side surfaces 56 on both circumferential sides are each formed of a convex curved surface such as an R chamfered portion.

[0027] The first rotating member 2 can be rotatably supported by a fixed portion (not shown) that is arranged around the third rotating member 4 or the clutch device 1 .

[0028] The second rotating member 3 has a second rotating member side engaging portion 10.

[0029] The second rotating member 3 is disposed coaxially with the first rotating member 2 .

[0030] The second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is radially inward from the first rotating member side engaging portion 7, but has a portion that is radially outward from the rotation center O of the second rotating member 3, and this portion is arranged at a position where it can engage with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 of the engaging member 5. The second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is configured so that this portion engages with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 as the second rotating member 3 or the engaging member 5 rotates.

[0031] In this example, the second rotating member 3 has a second shaft portion 11 in addition to the second rotating member side engaging portion 10. The second shaft portion 11 has a cylindrical shape.

[0032] The second rotating member side engaging portion 10 protrudes from the center of an end face on one axial side of the second shaft portion 11 towards one axial side.

[0033] The shape of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is not limited as long as it is configured to engage with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16. The number of portions of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 that engage with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 is determined according to the number of engaging members 5, and when the engaging member 5 is configured with a plurality of engaging members 5, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is also configured to have a plurality of engaging portions (the same number as the engaging members 5).

[0034] In this example, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is configured to have portions that engage with two of the engaging element side second engaging portions 16 in accordance with the number of the engaging elements 5.

[0035] In this example, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 has a substantially rectangular end face shape when viewed from the axial direction, and protrudes from the center of the end face on one axial side of the second shaft portion 11 toward one axial side. That is, the distance from the rotation center O of the second rotating member 3 to the outer circumferential surface of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10, which is the portion that engages with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16, is not constant in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 has a cam function.

[0036] More specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is composed of two large flat surfaces 12 parallel to each other, two small flat surfaces 13 each having a width dimension smaller than that of the large flat surfaces 12 when viewed in the axial direction, and a convex curved surface such as an R-chamfered portion connecting the large flat surfaces 12 and the small flat surfaces 13. Therefore, the distance from the rotation center O of the second rotating member 3 to the outer circumferential surface of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is not constant in the circumferential direction.

[0037] The second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is plane-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that passes through the rotation center O of the second rotating member 3 and is perpendicular to the large flat surface 12. Furthermore, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is plane-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that passes through the rotation center O of the second rotating member 3 and is parallel to the large flat surface 12.

[0038] Such a second rotating member side engaging portion 10 is disposed between two first rotating member side engaging portions 7 .

[0039] The second rotating member 3 can be rotatably supported on the third rotating member 4 or on the fixed part.

[0040] The third rotating member 4 has a third rotating member side engaging portion 14.

[0041] The third rotating member 4 is arranged coaxially with the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member 3. In this example, the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the third rotating member 4. In this example, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 of the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 of the second rotating member 3 are arranged coaxially on the radial inside of the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, and the engaging element 5 is arranged so as to be movable in the direction away from the third rotating member side engaging portion 14. The first rotating member side engaging portion 7, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10, and the engaging element 5 are rotatable on the radial inside of the third rotating member side engaging portion 14. The third rotating member side engaging portion 14 forms a surface that comes into contact with the engaging element side third engaging portion 17 of the engaging element 5 when the engaging element 5 moves in the direction approaching the third rotating member side engaging portion 14.

[0042] In this example, the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction, and although not limited to this, in this example, it has a cylindrical surface shape whose inner diameter does not change in the axial direction.

[0043] In this example, the third rotating member 4 is rotatably supported by at least one of the first rotating member 2, the second rotating member 3, and the fixed portion. The shape of the third rotating member 4 is not limited as long as it has a third rotating member side engaging portion 14 on its inner circumferential surface.

[0044] In this example, the third rotating member 4 includes at least a cylindrical portion having a third rotating member side engaging portion 14 on its inner circumferential surface.

[0045] The engaging member 5 has a first engaging portion 15 on the engaging member side that is engageable with the first rotating member side engaging portion 7, a second engaging portion 16 on the engaging member side that is engageable with the second rotating member side engaging portion 10, and a third engaging portion 17 on the engaging member side that is engageable with the third rotating member side engaging portion 14.

[0046] In this example, the engagement piece 5 is arranged so as to be movable in a first direction, which is a direction toward or away from the third rotating member side engagement portion 14.

[0047] In the clutch device 1, when torque is input to the second rotating member 3 or the third rotating member 4, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 engages with the engaging member side second engaging portion 16, and the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 engages with the engaging member side third engaging portion 17, thereby transmitting torque between the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4 via the engaging member 5, while as the engaging member 5 rotates, the engaging member side first engaging portion 15 engages with the first rotating member side engaging portion 7, thereby entering a steady rotation state in which the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 rotate integrally with the second rotating member 3, the third rotating member 4, and the engaging member 5.

[0048] In the clutch device 1, when the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 suddenly increases while operating in the steady rotation state, the inertial force acting on the flywheel 6 causes the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 to press the engaging member side first engaging portion 15, causing the engaging member 5 to move the engaging member side third engaging portion 17 in a direction away from the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, and the contact pressure between the engaging member side third engaging portion 17 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 decreases or is lost, resulting in a torque transmission restricted state in which the torque transmitted between the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4 decreases or is lost.

[0049] The engagement element 5 may be constituted by one engagement element 5 or may be constituted by two or more engagement elements 5 so long as the steady rotation state and the torque transmission restricted state can be realized.

[0050] In this example, the engaging element 5 is composed of two engaging elements 5. Each engaging element 5 has a function as an engaging element 5. Each engaging element 5 has a substantially semicircular end face shape when viewed from the axial direction, and has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the width direction (the direction shown by the arrow B in FIG. 3). The configuration of each engaging element 5 will be described below.

[0051] In this example, the radial direction with respect to the engaging element 5 is the direction in which the engaging element third engaging portion 17 approaches or approaches the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, and corresponds to the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 3. The width direction with respect to the engaging element 5 is the direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the engaging element third engaging portion 17 approaches or approaches the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 and the axial direction of the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, and corresponds to the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 3. In this example, the radial direction with respect to the engaging element 5 corresponds to the first direction.

[0052] The engaging part side third engagement portion 17 is provided on a radial outer surface of the engaging part 5 facing the third rotating member side engagement portion 14. In this example, the engaging part side third engagement portion 17 is composed of two engaging part side third engagement portions 17 provided at two positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the radial outer surface of the engaging part 5. Each engaging part side third engagement portion 17 is composed of a partially cylindrical convex curved surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the third rotating member side engagement portion 14.

[0053] Of the radially outer surface of the engaging member 5, a portion circumferentially displaced from the two engaging member side third engagement portions 17 is located radially inward of a virtual circle that is centered on the rotation center O of the first rotating member 2 and tangent to the two engaging member side third engagement portions 17 when viewed from the axial direction. In other words, when the two engaging member side third engagement portions 17 are in contact with the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, the portion circumferentially displaced from the two engaging member side third engagement portions 17 does not contact the third rotating member side engaging portion 14.

[0054] The third engagement portion 17 on the engaging part side preferably has a surface property that has a larger coefficient of friction with the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 than the other portions of the engaging part 5. The third engagement portion 17 on the engaging part side may be formed integrally with the other portions of the engaging part 5, or may be formed by the surface of a friction material fixed to the other portions of the engaging part 5 by adhesion or the like.

[0055] In this example, the first engagement portion 15 on the engagement member side is provided at a radially intermediate portion of the widthwise center portion of the engagement member 5. The shape of the first engagement portion 15 on the engagement member side is not limited as long as it is configured to be able to engage with the first rotating member side engagement portion 7.

[0056] In this example, the first engagement portion 15 on the engagement element side has a generally arched opening shape when viewed from the axial direction, and is configured as a through hole that axially penetrates the radial middle portion at the widthwise center position of the engagement element 5.

[0057] The first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side has a size that allows the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 to be loosely inserted. Therefore, in a state where the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 is inserted inside the first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side, there is a gap between the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 and the inner surface of the first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side in the width direction and the radial direction of the engaging member 5. Therefore, the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 can be displaced in the rotation direction of the first rotating member 2 relative to the first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side, and the first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side can be displaced in the radial direction of the engaging member 5 relative to the first engaging portion 7 of the engaging member side. In this example, the radially inner surface 18 of the inner surface of the first engaging portion 15 of the engaging member side that faces radially outward is configured by a flat surface perpendicular to the first direction.

[0058] In this example, the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 is provided at the center in the width direction of the radially inner surface of the engaging member 5. The shape of the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 is not limited as long as it is configured to be able to engage with the second rotating member side engaging portion 10.

[0059] In this example, the engaging element 5 has, on its radially inner surface, a flat surface portion 19 that is perpendicular to the radial direction of the engaging element 5. The engaging element 5 has a central recess 20 formed in the center of the width direction of the flat surface portion 19 so as to be recessed radially outward, and has substantially rectangular guide recesses 21 formed at two positions on both sides of the flat surface portion 19 in the width direction so as to be recessed radially outward.

[0060] The central recess 20 has a size and shape that allows half of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 in the short side direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) to be loosely positioned inside it. Specifically, the central recess 20 has an opening width larger than the dimension in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3) of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10, and has a radial depth smaller than 1 / 2 the dimension in the short side direction of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10. The bottom surface of the central recess 20 is formed by a flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the engaging element 5. In this example, the engaging element side second engaging portion 16 is formed by the bottom surface of the central recess 20.

[0061] In this example, the two engaging elements 5 are arranged radially inside the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 so as to be movable in the first direction, with the engaging element side third engaging portions 17 of the two engaging elements 5 facing radially opposite directions and with the flat surface portions 19 facing each other. In addition, the two first rotating member side engaging portions 7 of the first rotating member 2 are axially inserted into the engaging element side first engaging portions 15 of the two engaging elements 5, and the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 of the second rotating member 3 is axially inserted between the engaging element side second engaging portions 16 of the two engaging elements 5. That is, the two engaging elements 5 are arranged so as to sandwich the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 from the radially outer side by the respective engaging element side second engaging portions 16.

[0062] The inner diameter dimension of the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 and the radial dimension of the engaging element 5 are regulated so that when the two engaging elements 5 are positioned radially inside the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, a gap exists in at least one of the portions between the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 and the engaging element side third engaging portion 17, and between the flat surface portions 19 of the two engaging elements 5.

[0063] The flywheel 6 is fixed to the first rotating member 2 .

[0064] The flywheel 6 is fixed to the first rotating member 2 to form a combined body together with the first rotating member 2, and is a member for ensuring a large mass of the combined body. There are no limitations on the shape and size of the flywheel 6, so long as it is possible to avoid interference with objects disposed around it.

[0065] The mass of the flywheel 6 is appropriately adjusted according to the magnitude of the impulsive torque whose transmission from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3 should be restricted.

[0066] Specifically, when the clutch device 1 is used by being incorporated into the drive system of a vehicle, the mass of the flywheel 6 is adjusted to a size such that an impulsive torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 based on an impulsive torque applied to the drive wheels at the moment when the drive wheels lift off the road surface and touch the ground again while the vehicle is traveling, or when the vehicle is rear-ended by a following vehicle, is not transmitted to the second rotating member 3. However, from the viewpoint of reducing loss when the second rotating member 3 is rotationally driven by the drive source 23 and reducing the weight of the clutch device 1, it is preferable to make the mass of the flywheel 6 as small as possible within a range in which the transmission of the impulsive torque from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3 can be restricted.

[0067] In this example, the flywheel 6 has a generally circular disk shape, and is fixed to one end of the first shaft portion 8 in the axial direction in a state where it is disposed coaxially with the first rotating member 2.

[0068] The clutch device 1 of this example further includes, as an optional component, a biasing member 22. The biasing member 22 elastically biases the engagement member 5 in a direction in which the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 and the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 engage with each other, i.e., in a direction in which the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 approaches the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 with respect to the first direction. The shape and number of the biasing member 22 are not particularly limited as long as it has such a function.

[0069] In this example, the urging member 22 is configured with two urging members 22 arranged between the two engaging members 5. Each of the two urging members 22 is configured with a compression coil spring. The compression coil spring constituting each of the urging members 22 is held by inserting both axial side portions thereof into guide recesses 21 provided in the two engaging members 5. When implementing the present disclosure, the urging member may be configured with various springs other than compression coil springs, for example, leaf springs disposed between the second rotating member and the engaging members.

[0070] In this example, the biasing member 22 elastically biases the engaging elements 5 in a direction that brings the engaging element side third engaging portion 17 closer to the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 in the first direction, so that it is possible to synchronize the postures of the two engaging elements 5 and stabilize the postures of each engaging element 5, and it is possible to accurately move each engaging element 5 closer or farther in the radial direction. Also, the engaging element side third engaging portion 17 of the two engaging elements 5 can be pressed against the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, except for a case where the engaging elements 5 move the engaging element side third engaging portion 17 in a direction that moves them away from the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 based on the engagement of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 with the engaging element side first engaging portion 15 due to the inertial rotational force of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6.

[0071] In this example, the clutch device 1 is incorporated in the drive system (drive device) of an electric vehicle as shown in Fig. 1. However, the use of the clutch device of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The clutch device of the present disclosure can be incorporated and used between the drive source and the driven body of various mechanical devices.

[0072] The drive system of the electric vehicle in this example includes a drive source 23, a rotating shaft 24 connected to the driven body, i.e., the drive wheels, via other driving members so as to be able to transmit torque, and a clutch device 1 incorporated between the drive source 23 and the rotating shaft 24.

[0073] The driving source 23 is an electric motor. In this example, the second shaft portion 11 (see FIG. 2) of the second rotating member 3 constituting the clutch device 1 is provided at the tip of the output shaft 25 of the driving source 23 either integrally with the output shaft 25 or connected to the tip of the output shaft 25 so as to be capable of transmitting torque.

[0074] In this example, the third rotating member 4 constituting the clutch device 1 has a gear portion 26 (shown only in FIG. 1) on its outer circumferential surface. The rotating shaft 24 has a gear portion 27 at its base end, which meshes with the gear portion 26 of the third rotating member 4. This enables torque to be transmitted between the third rotating member 4 and the rotating shaft 24.

[0075] The operation of the clutch device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6(a) to 6(e), 7, and 8(a) to 8(d). Figures 4, 5, and 7 exaggerate the radial gaps between the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member 3 and the two engaging elements 5. Figures 6(a) to 6(e) and 8(a) to 8(d) are schematic cross-sectional views of the same locations as in Figures 4, 5, and 7.

[0076] In a drive system incorporating the clutch device 1 of this example, when torque is input to the second rotating member 3 by rotating the output shaft 25 of the drive source 23, the second rotating member side engaging portion 10 rotates in the rotation direction of the second rotating member 3 (clockwise in the example of FIG. 4) between the engaging member side second engaging portions 16 of the two engaging members 5, regardless of the rotation direction of the second rotating member 3. Then, the engaging member side second engaging portion 16 is pressed radially outward by the connecting portion (corner portion) between the large flat surface 12 and the small flat surface 13 of the outer circumferential surface of the second rotating member side engaging portion 10, and the engaging member side third engaging portions 17 of the two engaging members 5 are pressed against the third rotating member side engaging portions 14 to frictionally engage with each other.

[0077] As a result, the torque input to the second rotating member 3 is transmitted to the third rotating member 4 via the two engaging elements 5. As a result, when the second rotating member 3, the two engaging elements 5, and the third rotating member 4 start to rotate together, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6(a), the radially inner side surfaces 18 of the engaging element side first engaging portions 15 of the two engaging elements 5 engage with the radially inner side surfaces 9 of the two first rotating member side engaging portions 7. As a result, the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 rotate together with the second rotating member 3, the two engaging elements 5, and the third rotating member 4. That is, a steady rotation state is reached in which the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 rotate together with the second rotating member 3, the third rotating member 4, and the two engaging elements 5 while the forward torque is transmitted from the second rotating member 3 to the third rotating member 4. In Figs. 6(a) to 6(e), the solid arrows attached to the respective members indicate the rotation direction of the members, and the length of the solid arrows indicates the rotation speed.

[0078] In the steady rotation state in which the forward torque is transmitted, the torque transmitted from the second rotating member 3 to the third rotating member 4 via the two engaging members 5 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 24 via the meshing portion between the gear portions 26 and 27, and is further transmitted from the rotating shaft 24 to the drive wheel via the other driving members.

[0079] On the other hand, when the accelerator is released and the vehicle is coasting, a torque is input from the road surface to the third rotating member 4 via the drive wheels, and the two engaging members 5 rotate integrally with the third rotating member 4 regardless of the rotation direction of the third rotating member 4. That is, in a neutral state in which no torque is applied to the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4, the third rotating member 4 and the two engaging members 5 are in a state in which the engaging member side third engaging portion 17 is pressed against the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 by the elastic biasing force of the biasing member 22, and the third rotating member side engaging portion 14 and the engaging member side third engaging portion 17 are frictionally engaged with each other. Therefore, when a torque is input in reverse to the third rotating member 4, the two engaging members 5 rotate integrally with the third rotating member 4 regardless of the rotation direction of the third rotating member 4.

[0080] When the two engaging members 5 rotate integrally with the third rotating member 4, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(a), the second engaging portion 16 on the engaging member side engages with the connection portion (corner portion) between the large flat surface 12 and the small flat surface 13 on the outer circumferential surface of the engaging portion 10 on the second rotating member side.

[0081] As a result, the torque input to the third rotating member 4 is transmitted to the second rotating member 3 via the two engaging elements 5. As a result, when the second rotating member 3, the two engaging elements 5, and the third rotating member 4 start to rotate together, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8(a), the radially inner side surfaces 18 of the engaging element side first engaging portions 15 of the two engaging elements 5 engage with the radially inner side surfaces 9 of the two first rotating member side engaging portions 7. As a result, the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 rotate together with the second rotating member 3, the two engaging elements 5, and the third rotating member 4. That is, a steady rotation state is reached in which the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 rotate together with the second rotating member 3, the third rotating member 4, and the two engaging elements 5 while the torque is transmitted in the reverse direction from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3. In Figs. 8(a) to 8(d), the solid arrows attached to the respective members indicate the rotation direction of the members, and the length of the solid arrows indicates the rotation speed.

[0082] In the steady rotation state in which the torque in the reverse direction is being transmitted, the torque transmitted from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3 via the two engaging members 5 is transmitted to the output shaft 25 of the driving source 23, and the electric motor constituting the driving source 23 enters a regenerative state.

[0083] In this example, when the torque acting on the third rotating member 4 suddenly increases in the steady rotation state, the clutch device 1 enters a torque transmission restriction state in which the torque transmitted from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3 is reduced or lost.

[0084] In the steady rotation state in which the forward torque is transmitted, for example, when a vehicle jumps in a rally or the like, causing the drive wheels to leave the road surface and lose grip, and then the drive wheels contact the road surface again and regain grip, or when a vehicle runs from a dry road onto an icy or snowy road, causing the drive wheels to lose grip, and then the vehicle runs back onto a dry road and regains grip, the torque applied to the drive wheels suddenly decreases and then suddenly increases. As a result, the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 suddenly decreases and then suddenly increases.

[0085] The clutch device 1 of this example can prevent the impulsive torque that is reversely input to the third rotating member 4, based on the impulsive torque applied to the driving wheel at the moment the grip force of the driving wheel is restored, from being transmitted to the second rotating member 3 in the following manner.

[0086] First, in the steady rotation state in which the forward torque is transmitted as shown in Figures 4 and 6(a), if the grip force of the drive wheel decreases or is lost, the resistance to rotation of the third rotating member 4 connected to the drive wheel decreases, and as a result, as shown in Figure 6(b), the rotational speed of the entire clutch device 1, i.e., the integrated rotational speed of the first rotating member 2 and flywheel 6, and the second rotating member 3, third rotating member 4, and engaging element 5, increases.

[0087] Thereafter, when the grip force of the drive wheel is restored, the frictional force acting between the drive wheel and the road surface increases rapidly, the torque applied to the drive wheel increases rapidly, and the rotation speed of the drive wheel decreases rapidly. As a result, as shown in Fig. 6(c), the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 increases rapidly, and the rotation speed of the third rotating member 4 decreases rapidly. As for the two engagement members 5, since the respective engagement member-side third engagement portions 17 are frictionally engaged with the third rotating member-side engagement portions 14, the rotation speed of the two engagement members 5 decreases in the same manner as the third rotating member 4.

[0088] On the other hand, the combined body of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 tends to continue rotating at the original rotational speed due to its inertial force, and rotates forward in the rotational direction (clockwise in the example of FIG. 6(c)) relative to the two engaging members 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(c) to FIG. 6(d), the radially inner surface 9 of the first rotating member side engaging portion 7 presses the radially inner surface 18 of the engaging member side first engaging portion 15.

[0089] As a result, the two engagement members 5 overcome the biasing forces of the two biasing members 22 directed radially outward and move radially inward, which is a direction that moves the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 away from the third rotating member side engagement portion 14. Then, the contact pressure between the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion decreases, or, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6(d), the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 separate from each other, and the contact pressure between the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 is lost. This results in a torque transmission restricted state in which the torque transmitted from the third rotating member 4 to the second rotating member 3 is reduced or lost.

[0090] As a result, application of an impulsive torque from the drive wheel to the drive source 23 is prevented.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6(c) and 6(d), the phenomenon in which the radial inner surface 9 of the first rotating member side engagement portion 7 presses against the radial inner surface 18 of the engaging member side first engagement portion 15 due to the inertial rotational force of the combination of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 occurs immediately after the grip force of the drive wheel is restored. Thereafter, the inertial force decreases and the radially outward biasing forces of the two biasing members 22 exceed the inertial force, causing the engaging member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 to strongly abut against each other. As a result, the rotational speed of the combination of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 and the rotational speed of the third rotating member 4 become the same, and the state returns to a steady rotation state in which the forward torque is transmitted, as shown in Figure 6(e).

[0092] On the other hand, in the steady rotation state in which the torque in the reverse direction is being transmitted, if the vehicle is rear-ended by a following vehicle, the torque input in reverse from the road surface to the drive wheels increases rapidly, and as a result, the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 increases rapidly.

[0093] In the clutch device 1 of this example, regardless of the direction of torque transmission between the second rotating member 3 and the third rotating member 4, if an impact torque is input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 in the steady rotation state, for example when the vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle, the impact torque can be prevented from being transmitted to the second rotating member 3 as follows.

[0094] For example, in the steady rotation state in which the reverse torque is being transmitted as shown in Figures 7 and 8(a), if the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 suddenly increases, as shown in Figure 8(b), the rotational speed of the third rotating member 4 suddenly increases.

[0095] On the other hand, the combined body of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 tends to continue rotating at the original rotational speed due to the inertial force, and rotates relatively backward in the rotational direction with respect to the two engagement members 5. As a result, as shown in Figures 8(b) to 8(c), the radially inner surface 9 of the first rotating member side engagement portion 7 presses the radially inner surface 18 of the engagement member side first engagement portion 15. The dashed arrow shown in Figure 8(c) indicates the direction of the inertial force of the combined body of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6.

[0096] As a result, the two engagement members 5 overcome the biasing forces of the two biasing members 22 directed radially outward and move radially inward, which is a direction that moves the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 away from the third rotating member side engagement portion 14. Then, the contact pressure between the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion decreases, or, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 separate from each other, and the contact pressure between the engagement member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 is lost. This results in a torque transmission restricted state in which the torque transmitted between the third rotating member 4 and the second rotating member 3 is reduced or lost.

[0097] As a result, application of an impulsive torque from the drive wheel to the drive source 23 is prevented.

[0098] The phenomenon in which the radial inner surface 9 of the first rotating member side engagement portion 7 presses the radial inner surface 18 of the engaging member side first engagement portion 15 due to the inertial rotational force of the combination of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6, as shown in Figure 8(c), occurs immediately after a sudden increase in the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4. Thereafter, the inertial rotational force decreases and the radially outward biasing forces of the two biasing members 22 exceed the inertial rotational force, causing the engaging member side third engagement portion 17 and the third rotating member side engagement portion 14 to strongly abut against each other. As a result, the rotational speed of the combination of the first rotating member 2 and the flywheel 6 and the rotational speed of the third rotating member 4 become the same, and the state returns to a steady rotational state in which the torque is transmitted in the reverse direction, as shown in Figure 8(d).

[0099] In the clutch device 1 of this example, in addition to the cases described above, for example, in a steady rotation state in which the forward torque is transmitted, if the vehicle is rear-ended by a following vehicle, the torque input in reverse to the third rotating member 4 suddenly increases, causing a sudden increase in the rotational speed of the third rotating member 4, and the rotation of the first rotating member 2 is delayed, causing the engaging element 5 to be pressed radially inward, and the torque transmission restriction state is switched to.

[0100] In any of the above cases, the rate of increase in torque acting on the third rotating member 4, which is required to transition from the steady rotation state to the torque transmission restricted state, is determined by the mass of the flywheel 6 fixed to the first rotating member 2. In other words, the rate of increase in torque acting on the third rotating member 4, which is required to transition from the steady rotation state to the torque transmission restricted state, becomes smaller as the mass of the flywheel 6 increases.

[0101] According to the clutch device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent an impulsive torque from being applied from the drive wheels to the drive source 23, so that it is possible to reduce the size and weight of each member constituting the drive system of the electric vehicle.

[0102] [Example 2] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] In this example, the clutch device 1a is incorporated into the drive system (drive device) of an electric vehicle having a three-shaft transaxle structure.

[0104] The drive system of the electric vehicle of this example includes a drive source 23a formed by an electric motor, a power transmission mechanism 28, a differential gear 29, two drive shafts 30, and a clutch device 1a. In the drive system, the torque generated by the drive source 23a is amplified by the power transmission mechanism 28, transmitted to the differential gear 29, and distributed to the two drive shafts 30 by the differential gear 29. As a result, drive wheels 54 supported via suspensions on the ends of the two drive shafts 30 are rotated.

[0105] In this example, the power transmission mechanism 28 is configured by a gear-type reducer. The power transmission mechanism 28 includes a drive gear 31, an intermediate shaft 32, an intermediate gear 33, and a final reduction gear 34. The drive gear 31 is fixed to a tip end of the output shaft 25a (first shaft) of the drive source 23a. The intermediate shaft 32 (second shaft) is rotatably supported by a gear housing (not shown) in a state in which it is arranged parallel to the output shaft 25a of the drive source 23a. The intermediate gear 33 has a number of teeth greater than the number of teeth of the drive gear 31, and is fixed to one axial side (right side in FIG. 9) of the intermediate shaft 32. The intermediate gear 33 meshes with the drive gear 31. The final reduction gear 34 has a number of teeth less than the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 33, and is fixed to the other axial side (left side in FIG. 9) of the intermediate shaft 32.

[0106] The differential device 29 includes a differential case 35 , two pinion gears 57 , and two side gears 37 .

[0107] The differential case 35 has a central axis arranged parallel to the output shaft 25a of the drive source 23a, and is supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis. The differential case 35 has a ring gear 36 on the radially outer side. The ring gear 36 has a greater number of teeth than the final reduction gear 34, and is meshed with the final reduction gear 34. The differential case 35 has a support shaft 58 on the radially inner side, which is perpendicular to the central axis of the differential case 35.

[0108] The two pinion gears 57 are disposed radially inside the differential case 35 and are supported on both axial sides of the support shaft 58 so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft 58 .

[0109] The two side gears 37 are arranged coaxially with the differential case 35 at both axially opposite portions of the radially inner side of the differential case 35 so as to be rotatable relative to the differential case 35, and mesh with two pinion gears 57. The two side gears 37 are fixed to base ends of the two drive shafts 30 (third shafts).

[0110] In this example, the clutch device 1a is attached to an intermediate portion of the output shaft 25a of the driving source 23a. That is, in this example, the output shaft 25a includes a base end shaft portion 38 and a tip end shaft portion 39 that are coaxially arranged with each other. The clutch device 1a is attached between the base end shaft portion 38 and the tip end shaft portion 39.

[0111] More specifically, the second shaft portion 11 of the second rotating member 3 constituting the clutch device 1a is provided at the tip end of the base end shaft portion 38 either integrally with the base end shaft portion 38 or connected to the tip end of the base end shaft portion 38 so as to be able to transmit torque. The third rotating member 4a constituting the clutch device 1a is provided at the base end of the tip end shaft portion 39 either integrally with the tip end shaft portion 39 or connected to the base end of the tip end shaft portion 39 so as to be able to transmit torque.

[0112] In the clutch device 1a of this example, the first shaft portion 8a of the first rotating member 2a and the flywheel 6a each have a through hole penetrating in the axial direction at the radial center, and the second shaft portion 11 or the base end shaft portion 38 of the second rotating member 3 is inserted into the through hole. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to coaxially assemble the clutch device 1a to the intermediate portion of a rotating shaft (in this example, the output shaft 25a) with the rotating shaft.

[0113] In this example, in a drive system having a three-shaft transaxle structure, the clutch device of the present disclosure is attached to the first shaft (output shaft of the drive source). However, when implementing this disclosure, the clutch device of the present disclosure can also be attached to the second shaft (intermediate shaft) or the third shaft (at least one of the two drive shafts, preferably both).

[0114] The other configurations and effects of the second example are similar to those of the first example.

[0115] [Example 3] A third example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] In this example, in the drive system of various mechanical devices, a third rotating member 4 constituting the clutch device 1 is arranged on the side of a drive source 40 that generates torque, and a second rotating member 3 constituting the clutch device 1 is arranged on the side of the driven body.

[0117] More specifically, in this example, the rotating shaft 24 is provided at the tip of the output shaft 41 of the driving source 40, either integrally with the output shaft 41 or connected to the tip of the output shaft 41 in a torque-transmittable manner. That is, the torque generated by the driving source 40 is input to the third rotating member 4 via the meshing portions of the two gear portions 26, 27. The second shaft portion 11 of the second rotating member 3 is connected to the driven body directly or via a gear transmission device or the like in a torque-transmittable manner.

[0118] In the structure of this example, the principle explained using Figures 6(a) to 6(e) and 8(a) to 8(d) prevents impact torque from being applied from the driving source 40 to the driven body.

[0119] The other configurations and effects of the third example are similar to those of the first example.

[0120] [Example 4] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0121] In this example, the structure of the clutch device 1b is different from that of the first example.

[0122] The clutch device 1b of this example includes a first rotating member , a second rotating member 43, a third rotating member 44, an engagement element 45, a flywheel 6b, and a biasing member .

[0123] The first rotating member 42 is disposed on one axial side of the clutch device 1b (right side in FIG. 11), and has a first shaft portion 47 and a first tubular portion 48 extending from a radially outer end of an end portion on the other axial side (left side in FIG. 11) of the first shaft portion 47 toward the other axial side. The first tubular portion 48 has retaining holes 49 penetrating radially at a plurality of locations that are equally spaced circumferentially in an axially intermediate portion. The first tubular portion 48 has first rotating member side engaging portions 50 between the retaining holes 49 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0124] The second rotating member 43 is configured by a shaft member arranged coaxially with the first rotating member 42 on the other axial side of the clutch device 1b. The second rotating member 43 has second rotating member side engaging portions 51 configured by flat surfaces at a plurality of locations (the same number as the first rotating member side engaging portions 50) that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the end portion on one axial side. The end portion on one axial side of the second rotating member 43 is inserted into the radial inside of the first cylindrical portion 48 constituting the first rotating member 42 via a radial gap. In this state, the second rotating member side engaging portions 51 and the retaining hole 49 are arranged at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction.

[0125] The third rotating member 44 is cylindrically configured and is coaxially disposed around the first rotating member 42 and the second rotating member 43. The third rotating member 44 has a third rotating member side engaging portion 52 configured by a cylindrical surface at an axially intermediate portion of the inner peripheral surface. With the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 disposed around the first cylindrical portion 48 constituting the first rotating member 42, the third rotating member 44 is supported at both axial ends by two rolling bearings 53a, 53b so as to be rotatable with respect to the first rotating member 42 and the second rotating member 43. The interval between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 gradually becomes smaller toward both circumferential sides.

[0126] The engaging element 45 is composed of a plurality of engaging elements 45, each of which is composed of a cylindrical roller. The engaging elements 45 are arranged between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 in the radial direction, with two engaging elements 45 held inside the retaining holes 49 constituting the first rotating member 42. The outer circumferential surface of the engaging element 45 has a portion that engages with the first rotating member side engaging portion 50 as an engaging element side first engaging portion, a portion that engages with the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 as an engaging element side second engaging portion, and a portion that engages with the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 as an engaging element side third engaging portion.

[0127] The flywheel 6b is coaxially fixed to one axial end of a first shaft portion 47 that constitutes the first rotating member .

[0128] The biasing member 46 is composed of a plurality of biasing members 46 each made of a spring member. Each biasing member 46 is disposed between two engagement pieces 45 held inside the holding hole 49. The two engagement pieces 45 are elastically biased by the biasing members 46 in directions away from each other.

[0129] 12 shows a state in which the first rotating member 42, the second rotating member 43, the third rotating member 44, the engaging element 45, and the biasing member 46 are in a neutral position. The two engaging elements 45 held in the retaining holes 49 are pressed in directions away from each other by the biasing member 46, so that each engaging element 45 is lightly engaged in a wedge-like shape with both circumferential sides between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52. In this state, a circumferential gap exists between each engaging element 45 and the first rotating member side engaging portion 50 adjacent to the engaging element 45.

[0130] In this example, the second rotating member 43 constituting the clutch device 1b is provided at the tip end of the output shaft 25 (see FIG. 1) of the driving source 23, either integrally with the output shaft 25 or connected to the tip end of the output shaft 25 so as to be able to transmit torque. The third rotating member 44 constituting the clutch device 1b has a gear portion 26 (see FIG. 1) on its outer circumferential surface. The gear portion 26 meshes with a gear portion 27 (see FIG. 1) provided at the base end of the rotating shaft 24.

[0131] In the clutch device 1b, when torque is input to the second rotating member 43 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 12, the clockwise rear one of the two engaging elements 45 strongly engages in a wedge shape with the clockwise rear end between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52. That is, the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 engages with the engaging element side second engaging portion of the clockwise rear engaging element 45, and the engaging element side third engaging portion 17 of the clockwise rear engaging element 45 engages with the third rotating member side engaging portion 14, thereby transmitting torque between the second rotating member 43 and the third rotating member 44.

[0132] As a result, when the second rotating member 43, the two engaging elements 45, and the third rotating member 44 start to rotate integrally, the engaging element first engaging portion of the engaging element 45 on the front side in the clockwise direction engages with the first rotating member engaging portion 50 on the front side in the clockwise direction. This results in a steady rotation state in the forward direction in which the first rotating member 42 and the flywheel 6b rotate integrally with the second rotating member 43, the two engaging elements 45, and the third rotating member 4.

[0133] In this example, in the forward steady rotation state, when the grip force of the drive wheel is reduced or lost and then the grip force of the drive wheel is restored, an impact torque is input inversely from the drive wheel to the third rotating member 44, causing the rotational speed of the third rotating member 4 and the two engaging members 5 to decrease rapidly.

[0134] On the other hand, the combined body of the first rotating member 42 and the flywheel 6b tends to continue rotating at the original rotational speed due to its inertial force, and rotates clockwise relative to the two engagement members 5. As a result, the first rotating member side engagement portion 50 on the clockwise rear side presses the engagement member side first engagement portion of the engagement member 45 on the clockwise rear side in the circumferential direction due to the inertial rotational force of the combined body of the first rotating member 42 and the flywheel 6b.

[0135] As a result, the engaging element 45 on the clockwise rear side moves to the circumferential center side between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52, i.e., to a portion where the interval between the second rotating member side engaging portion 51 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 is wide, and the contact pressure between the engaging element side third engaging portion of the engaging element 45 and the third rotating member side engaging portion 52 decreases or is lost. This results in a torque transmission restricted state in which the torque transmitted between the second rotating member 43 and the third rotating member 44 decreases or is lost.

[0136] As a result, it is possible to prevent an impact torque from being applied from the drive wheels toward the drive source 23. The other configurations and effects of the fourth example are similar to those of the first example.

[0137] The reverse input cutoff clutch of the present disclosure can be embodied by appropriately combining the structures of the first to fourth examples within a range in which no contradiction occurs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1, 1a, 1b Clutch device 2, 2a First rotating member 3 Second rotating member 4, 4a Third rotating member 5 Engagement element 6, 6a, 6b Flywheel 7 First rotating member side engagement portion 8, 8a First shaft 9 Radial inner surface 10 Second rotating member side engagement portion 11 Second shaft 12 Large flat surface 13 Small flat surface 14 Third rotating member side engagement portion 15 Engagement element side first engagement part 16 Engagement element side second engagement part 17 Engagement element side third engagement part 18 Radial inner surface 19 Flat surface part 20 Central recess 21 Guide recess 22 Pressurizing member 23, 23a Driving source 24 Rotational Axis 25, 25a output shaft 26 Gear section 27 Gear section 28 Power transmission mechanism 29 Differential gear 30 Drive shaft 31 Drive gear 32 Intermediate shaft 33 Intermediate gear 34 Final reduction gear 35 Differential case 36 Ring gear 37 Side gear 38 Proximal shaft part 39 Tip shaft 40 Power Source 41 Output shaft 42 First rotating member 43 Second rotating member 44 Third rotating member 45 Engagement element 46 Pressing member 47 First shaft 48 First tube part 49 Retaining hole 50 First rotating member side engagement portion 51 Second rotating member side engagement portion 52 Third rotating member side engagement portion 53a, 53b Rolling bearing 54 Drive Wheel 55 Radial outer surface 56 Side 57 Pinion gear 58 Support shaft

Claims

1. a first rotating member having a first rotating member side engaging portion; a second rotating member having a second rotating member side engaging portion; a third rotating member having a third rotating member side engaging portion; an engaging element having an engaging element first engaging portion engageable with the first rotating member engaging portion, an engaging element second engaging portion engageable with the second rotating member engaging portion, and an engaging element third engaging portion engageable with the third rotating member engaging portion; A flywheel fixed to the first rotating member; Equipped with When torque is input to the second rotating member or the third rotating member, the second rotating member side engaging portion engages with the engaging member side second engaging portion, and the third rotating member side engaging portion engages with the engaging member side third engaging portion, thereby transmitting torque between the second rotating member and the third rotating member, and the engaging member side first engaging portion engages with the first rotating member side engaging portion, thereby establishing a steady rotation state in which the first rotating member, the flywheel, the second rotating member, the third rotating member, and the engaging member rotate integrally, When the torque acting on the third rotating member suddenly increases in the steady rotation state, the first rotating member side engaging portion presses the engaging member side first engaging portion based on the inertial force acting on the flywheel, causing the engaging member to move the engaging member side third engaging portion in a direction away from the third rotating member side engaging portion, and the contact pressure between the engaging member side third engaging portion and the third rotating member side engaging portion decreases or is lost, resulting in a torque transmission restricted state where the torque transmitted between the second rotating member and the third rotating member decreases or is lost. Clutch device.

2. 2. The clutch device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that elastically biases the engagement element in a direction in which the third rotating member side engagement portion and the engagement element side third engagement portion engage with each other.

3. the third rotating member has the third rotating member side engaging portion on an inner circumferential surface, the first rotating member side engaging portion is disposed radially inward of the third rotating member side engaging portion, the second rotating member side engaging portion is disposed radially inward of the first rotating member side engaging portion, the engaging element has the engaging element side second engaging portion on a radially inner surface thereof and the engaging element side third engaging portion on a radially outer surface thereof, and is disposed so as to be movable in a first direction, which is a direction in which the engaging element side third engaging portion approaches or moves away from the third rotating member side engaging portion; 2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

4. The engaging element is composed of two engaging elements, The first rotating member side engaging portion is composed of two first rotating member side engaging portions.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

5. 2. The clutch device according to claim 1, which is incorporated into a drive system that transmits torque from a drive source to drive wheels.

Images