Clutch assembly and power module

Abstract

A clutch assembly (1), comprising a switchable one-way clutch (10) which comprises an outer ring (11) and an inner ring (12) which are coaxially arranged, and a rolling element (14) which is retained between the outer ring and the inner ring by means of a cage (13) , wherein a first section (122) and a second section (121) which are distributed in a circumferential direction are provided on a contact surface of the inner ring (12) that is configured to be in contact with the rolling element (14) or on a contact surface of the outer ring (11) that is configured to be in contact with the rolling element (14); at the first section (122), there is a gap between the rolling element (14) and the outer ring (11); and at the second section (121), the rolling element (14) is in contact with both the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (11). The clutch assembly (1) further comprises a pushing member for applying a pushing force in a circumferential direction to the rolling element (14) so as to move the rolling element (14) from the second section (121) to the first section (122); and the clutch assembly (1) further comprises a driving assembly (30) arranged on an axial side of the clutch (10) and connected to the inner ring (12) or the outer ring (11) and the cage (13) at axial ends thereof so as to drive the inner ring or the outer ring and the cage to move relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Further comprised is a power module.

Description

Clutch assembly and power module Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of vehicle transmission, and more specifically, to a clutch assembly and a power module including the clutch assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A clutch acts like a switch, connecting or disconnecting a power source from a power transmission system. When the clutch is engaged, torque is transmitted between the inner and outer rings via rolling elements held by a cage. When the clutch is disengaged, the rolling elements held by the cage do not contact the inner or outer rings, thus disconnecting torque transmission between them.

[0003] The clutch is expected to have excellent performance, for example, to enable rapid switching between engaged and disengaged states, or to reliably maintain the desired state.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a clutch assembly that can quickly switch between two states.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clutch assembly that ensures that the inner and outer races do not interfere with each other when the clutch is in the disengaged state, which advantageously improves the reliability of the clutch; and the present invention also provides a power module including the clutch assembly.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a clutch assembly comprising:

[0008] A switchable one-way clutch includes an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements held between them via a cage, all arranged coaxially.

[0009] in,

[0010] The inner ring's contact surface for contacting the rolling element, or the outer ring's contact surface for contacting the rolling element, is provided with a first segment and a second segment distributed circumferentially. At the first segment, a gap is provided between the rolling element and the outer ring or the inner ring; and at the second segment, the rolling element contacts both the inner and outer rings. The clutch further includes a pusher for applying a circumferential pushing force to the rolling element to move the rolling element from the second segment to the first segment.

[0011] The clutch assembly further includes a drive assembly disposed on one axial side of the switchable one-way clutch and connected thereto at the axial end of either the inner race or the cage, or either the outer race or the cage, to drive them to move relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drive assembly includes a drive member and a transmission member, the transmission member rotating synchronously with the inner ring or the outer ring. Driven by the drive member, the transmission member moves from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the switchable one-way clutch, and both the cage and the inner ring or both the cage and the outer ring are linked with the transmission member to cause the cage and the inner ring or the cage and the outer ring to move relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission member is slidably connected to the inner ring or the outer ring in the axial and circumferential directions of the switchable one-way clutch, and the transmission member is slidably connected to the cage in the axial and circumferential directions of the switchable one-way clutch.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission component includes a first transmission sub-part and a second transmission sub-part, a first linkage part is provided on the cage, and a second linkage part is provided on the inner ring or the outer ring. The first transmission sub-part and the first linkage part are slidably connected, and the second transmission sub-part and the second linkage part are slidably connected.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission sub-part and the second transmission sub-part are configured as one of a protrusion and a guide groove, and the first linkage part and the second linkage part are configured as the other of the protrusion and the guide groove.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first linkage and the second linkage are configured in the form of the guide groove, and the guide groove includes a plurality of straight grooves spliced ​​together and extends in the axial and circumferential directions of the clutch.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first linkage includes a first axial extension section and a first oblique extension section. The first axial extension section is configured to extend along the axial direction of the clutch, and the first oblique extension section is configured to extend from the first axial extension section along both the circumferential and axial directions of the switchable one-way clutch.

[0018] The second linkage includes a second axial extension section and a second oblique extension section. The second axial extension section is configured to extend along the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch, and the second oblique extension section is configured to extend from the second axial extension section along both the circumferential and axial directions of the switchable one-way clutch.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission sub-part and the second transmission sub-part are constructed as the same component, and the first oblique extension segment and the second oblique extension segment extend from their respective axial extension segments along opposite circumferential directions.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second segment includes a first sub-segment and a second sub-segment, and in the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch, the second sub-segment is located between the first sub-segment and the first segment, and,

[0021] A first angle is formed between the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element and the first sub-section and the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element and the outer ring. A second angle is formed between the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element and the second sub-section and the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element and the outer ring. The first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bump is constructed as a cylindrical block or a cube.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a clutch assembly comprising:

[0024] A switchable one-way clutch includes an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements held between them via a cage, all arranged coaxially.

[0025] in,

[0026] The inner ring has a contact surface for contacting the rolling element, which is provided with a first segment and a second segment distributed circumferentially. At the first segment, a gap exists between the rolling element and the outer ring; and at the second segment, the rolling element contacts both the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0027] The clutch assembly further includes a retainer that is moved to the rolling element to apply a radially inward force to the rolling element located at the first segment.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cage includes a receiving portion for accommodating the rolling element, wherein both a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion of the retainer are positioned within the receiving portion and are respectively positioned on both sides of the rolling element along the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch, and,

[0029] The first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are capable of switching from a first circumferential relative position to a second circumferential relative position relative to each other along the circumferential direction. In the first circumferential relative position, neither of them is in contact with the rolling element; in the second circumferential relative position, both of them apply a force to the rolling element in the radially inward direction.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining portion is integrated on the retainer, and the second retaining portion is integrated on the inner ring.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switchable one-way clutch further includes a pusher for applying a circumferential pushing force to the rolling element to move the rolling element from the second segment to the first segment, and the pusher and the first retaining portion are integrated into a single component.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are configured as protrusions extending into the receiving portion, and the protrusions have a profile surface adapted to the shape of the rolling element.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer includes a plurality of the receiving portions evenly arranged along the circumference.

[0034] A third aspect of the present invention provides a power module, comprising:

[0035] A drive unit and a clutch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner ring or the outer ring of the clutch assembly is torsionally connected to the output shaft of the drive unit. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) schematically illustrate the switchable one-way clutch in a first state in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate the switchable one-way clutch in the second state of the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 shows some components of the clutch assembly in the disengaged state of the switchable one-way clutch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) schematically illustrate the operation of some components of the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the second and first states of the switchable one-way clutch.

[0040] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) schematically illustrate some components of the drive assembly in the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are not configured to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the present invention by illustrating examples of the invention.

[0042] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) schematically illustrate the clutch in a first state in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate the clutch in a second state in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b).

[0043] As shown in Figures 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b), the clutch assembly 1 includes a switchable one-way clutch 10. The switchable one-way clutch 10 includes an outer ring 11, an inner ring 12, a cage 13, and rolling elements 14. The outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 are coaxially arranged, and the rolling elements 14, particularly a plurality of rolling elements 14, are held between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 via the cage 13. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) schematically show the switchable one-way clutch in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes an engagement mode and an overrunning mode. Specifically, in the case shown in Figure 1(b), when the inner ring 12 acts as the driving member, the outer ring 11 acts as the driven member, and the inner ring 12 wants to transmit torque to the outer ring 11, the inner ring 12 should rotate clockwise in the orientation shown in Figure 1(b). At this time, the rolling elements 14 are driven by friction to retract into the gap between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11. The narrow section rolls and weds between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11, causing the outer ring 11 to rotate clockwise together. The one-way clutch 10 can be switched to the engaged mode and transmit torque in one direction. If the outer ring 11 rotates with the inner ring 12 and receives the same rotation but a higher speed from another component, or if the inner ring 12 slows down due to resistance, the one-way clutch 10 can be switched to the overrunning mode. That is, even if the angular velocity of the outer ring 11, which is the driven member, exceeds that of the inner ring 12, which is the driving member, it still cannot drive the inner ring 12 to rotate. Similarly, when the outer ring 11 acts as the driving member and the inner ring 12 acts as the driven member, and the outer ring 11 wants to transmit torque to the inner ring 12, the outer ring 11 should rotate counterclockwise in the orientation shown in FIG1(b). At this time, the rolling element 14 is driven by friction to roll towards the narrowing part of the gap between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11, and wedged between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11, so that the inner ring 12 rotates counterclockwise together. The one-way clutch 10 can be switched to the engagement mode and transmit torque in one direction. If the inner ring 12 rotates with the outer ring 11 and obtains the same rotation but a larger speed from another component, or if the outer ring 11 slows down due to resistance, the one-way clutch 10 can be switched to the overrunning mode. That is, even if the angular velocity of the inner ring 12 as the driven member exceeds that of the outer ring 11 as the driving member, it still cannot drive the outer ring 11 to rotate. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second state, specifically an open state, in which the rolling element 14 is configured not to contact the outer ring 11, and thus the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 cannot transmit torque to each other via the rolling element 14 held by the cage 13.

[0044] Figure 3 shows some components of the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the switchable one-way clutch is in the disengaged state. The clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is further described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0045] As clearly shown in Figure 3, the inner ring 12 has a first segment 122 and a second segment 121 on its inner ring contact surface for contacting the rolling element 14. Although only one first segment 122 and one second segment 121 are shown in Figure 3, and both are distributed along the circumference of the inner ring 12, in conjunction with Figures 1(a) and 2(a), multiple first segments 122 and multiple second segments 121 are arranged alternately one after another along the circumference of the inner ring 12. Specifically, as an example, the first segment 122 can be constructed in the form of a groove, and the second segment 121 protrudes outward relative to the first segment 122. That is, the radial clearance between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11 at the first segment 122 is large, and the radial clearance between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11 at the second segment 121 is small. Of course, this is merely an example. The first segment 122 and the second segment 121 can also be configured in other forms. For example, the first segment 122 and the second segment 121 can be constructed as two segments smoothly connected on the same ramp-shaped section. Similarly, the radial clearance between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11 at the first segment 122 is larger, and the radial clearance between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11 at the second segment 121 is smaller. Moreover, at the first segment 122, a gap is provided between the rolling element 14 and the outer ring 11 (shown in Figure 3); and at the second segment 121, the rolling element 14 is in contact with both the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11. As an embodiment of the present invention, the second segment 121 includes a first sub-segment 1211 and a second sub-segment 1212. In the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch 10, the second sub-segment 1212 is located between the first sub-segment 1211 and the first segment 122. A first angle is formed between the tangent line passing through the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the first sub-segment 1211 and the tangent line passing through the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the outer ring 11. A second angle is formed between the tangent line passing through the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the second sub-segment 1212 and the tangent line passing through the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the outer ring 11. The first angle is smaller than the second angle. In other words, the first sub-segment 1211 is "steeper" than the second sub-segment 1212. Thus, when the rolling element 14 contacts the second sub-segment 1212, the contact angle between the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the second sub-segment 1212 and the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the outer ring 11 is smaller; and when the rolling element 14 contacts the first sub-segment 1211, the contact angle between the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the first sub-segment 1211 and the tangent at the contact point between the rolling element 14 and the outer ring 11 is larger.It should be noted that the above-mentioned configuration of the first sub-section and the second sub-section has the following characteristics: When the switchable one-way clutch 10 moves from the second state to the first state, the rolling element 14 will move from the first section 122 to the second sub-section 1212 under the action of the spring 15 on its right side as shown in Figure 3. At the second sub-section 1212, the contact angle between the outer surface of the rolling element 14 and the inner ring 12 is set to a self-locking angle. The rolling element 14 is in contact with both the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11, and the switchable one-way clutch 10 is in the first state. (As mentioned above); if the torque continues to increase, the outer ring 11 will expand radially, while the inner ring 12 will contract radially. This causes the rolling element 14 to continue moving to the left and contacting the first sub-section 1211. At the first sub-section 1211, the contact angle between the outer surface of the rolling element 14 and the inner ring 12 is not a self-locking angle. Therefore, the rolling element 14 slips and cannot transmit torque from the inner ring 12 to the outer ring 11 or from the outer ring 11 to the inner ring 12. In other words, the first sub-section 1211 can be used to implement overload protection.

[0046] In the clutch assembly of the present invention, considering the effect of centrifugal force, the clutch assembly 1 further includes a retainer 20. As shown in Figures 2(b) and 3, when the rolling element 14 is located in the first section 122, the retainer 20 is moved to the rolling element 14 to apply a force to the rolling element 14 in a radially inward direction. The retainer in the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2(b) and 3.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 3, the retainer 20 includes a first retaining portion 21 and a second retaining portion 22. The first retaining portion 21 can be integrated into the cage 13, and the second retaining portion 22 can be integrated into the inner ring 12. Specifically, the cage 13 includes a receiving portion 131 for accommodating rolling elements 14, for example, a plurality of receiving portions 131 evenly arranged along the circumference of the switchable one-way clutch 10 to retain a plurality of rolling elements 14. That is, for each rolling element 14, a retainer 20, a receiving portion 131, a first segment 122, and a second segment 121 are provided. Both the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 of the retainer 20 are positioned in the receiving portion 131 and are respectively positioned on both sides of the rolling element 14 along the circumference of the switchable one-way clutch 10. It should be noted that the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion can be integrally formed with the cage and the inner ring, respectively, or they can be separate protrusions that are subsequently fixed at predetermined positions on the cage and the inner ring to extend into the receiving portion. It is understood that in order to apply a radially inward force to the rolling element 14, the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 will contact the outer surface of the upper half of the rolling element 14 in FIG. 3. To increase the contact area with the rolling element 14, the first retaining portion 21 may also include a first profile surface 21A adapted to the shape of the rolling element 14, and the second retaining portion 22 may also include a second profile surface 22A adapted to the shape of the rolling element 14. The first profile surface 21A and the second profile surface 22A adapted to the shape of the rolling element 13 can, for example, be arc-shaped profile surfaces.

[0048] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1(b) and 2(b), the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 can be switched from a first circumferential relative position (shown in Figure 1(b)) to a second circumferential relative position (shown in Figure 2(b)) relative to each other along the circumferential direction. In the first circumferential relative position, the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 do not contact the rolling element 14, thereby preventing interference with the transmission of torque between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 by the rolling element 14. In the second circumferential relative position, the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 apply a radially inward force to the rolling element 14 to prevent the following situation from occurring: when the inner ring 12 rotates at high speed, the rolling element 14 is very likely to move radially outward under the action of centrifugal force and contact the outer ring 11, which makes it impossible for the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11 to be completely separated even when disconnected.

[0049] The following describes in detail how the first holding part and the second holding part switch between the first circumferential relative position and the second circumferential relative position.

[0050] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) schematically illustrate the operation of certain components of the clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a second state and a first state, respectively. The clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

[0051] It should be noted that although the drive assembly will be described below with reference to a clutch assembly having a retainer, the drive assembly of the present invention can be used in a clutch assembly without a retainer. Furthermore, although the following description uses the example of the drive assembly driving relative circumferential displacement between the cage and the inner ring as an example, the drive assembly of the present invention can similarly be used to achieve relative circumferential displacement between the outer ring and the cage; however, to avoid redundancy, this will not be described in detail here.

[0052] As described in conjunction with Figures 1(a) and 2(a), the clutch assembly 1 also includes a drive assembly 30, which is arranged on one axial side (the right axial side in the figure) of the switchable one-way clutch 10 and connected to the inner ring 12 and the retainer 13 at their axial ends. The drive assembly 30 is used to drive the retainer 20 from the position shown in Figure 1(b) to the position shown in Figure 2(b), and from the position shown in Figure 2(b) to the position shown in Figure 1(b). The drive assembly 30 includes a drive element (e.g., the wave spring 32 shown in the figure) and a transmission element 31. The transmission element 31 rotates synchronously with the inner ring 12. For example, the transmission element 31 rotates synchronously with the inner ring 12 by being sleeved on the retainer 13, so that the transmission element 31 can move in the axial direction of the output shaft, that is, in the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch 10. At the same time, the inner ring 12 is also torsionally connected to the output shaft. Driven by the drive member, the transmission member 31 can move relative to the switchable one-way clutch 10 from a first axial position (as shown in FIG. 1(a)) to a second axial position (as shown in FIG. 2(a)). As can be seen from the figures, when the transmission member 31 is in the first axial position, it is axially close to the switchable one-way clutch 10, and at this time, the rolling element 14 is located at the second segment 121. And when the transmission member 31 is in the second axial position, it is axially away from the switchable one-way clutch 10, and at this time, the rolling element 14 is located at the first segment 122. Under the action of the elastic force applied by the drive member (wave spring 32), the transmission member 31 moves to the second axial position (as shown in FIG1(b)). Correspondingly, a stop member 33 is also provided. The stop member 33 and the wave spring 32 are respectively provided on both sides of the axial direction of the transmission member 21, and the stop member 33 is used to limit the axial position of the transmission member 31 relative to the switchable one-way clutch 10. Under the action of another drive member (not shown) of the drive assembly 30, the transmission member 31 can overcome the force of the wave spring 32 and return from the second axial position to the first axial position (as shown in FIG1(a)). In other words, when the switchable one-way clutch 10 needs to enter the first state, the transmission member 31 is subjected to a leftward force to overcome the elastic force of the wave spring 32, thereby moving to the first axial position shown in FIG1(a). At this time, the rolling element 14 is subjected to the force applied by the spring 15, thereby moving along the circumference of the switchable one-way clutch 10 from the first section 122 to the second section 121, specifically to the second sub-section 1212 of the second section 121. As an example, the spring 15 is suspended on the inner ring 12 via a suspension structure 151, which is specifically a radial protrusion on the inner ring 12, and one end of the spring 15 can abut against the radial protrusion to connect to the inner ring 12; moreover, corresponding to the rolling element 14, a plurality of springs 15 and the suspension structure 151 are evenly arranged on the inner ring 12 along the circumference of the switchable one-way clutch 10.In addition, by way of example, in order to reduce the friction between the transmission member 31 and the stop member 33, a gasket 34 is provided between the transmission member 31 and the stop member 33, the gasket 34 being made of, for example, a wear-resistant metal material.

[0053] Figure 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of the switchable one-way clutch 10 in the disengaged state, and Figure 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of the switchable one-way clutch 10 in the first state, where both the retainer 13 and the inner ring 11 are linked to the transmission member 31. As shown in the example, the retainer 13 is provided with a first linkage portion 132, and the inner ring 12 is provided with a second linkage portion 123. Both the first linkage portion 132 and the second linkage portion 123 are constructed as guide grooves, particularly as multiple joined straight grooves. The first linkage portion 132 includes a first axially extending section 1321 and a first obliquely extending section. The first axially extending section 1321 is a groove segment extending axially along the switchable one-way clutch 10, and the first obliquely extending section is constructed as... Starting from the first axial extension segment 1321, the second linkage 123 extends along both the circumferential and axial directions of the switchable one-way clutch 10, and is located to the left of the first axial extension segment 1321 in the figure. Similarly, the second linkage 123 includes a second axial extension segment 1231 and a second oblique extension segment. The second axial extension segment 1231 is a groove segment extending along the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch 10. The second oblique extension segment is configured to extend from the second axial extension segment 1231 along both the circumferential and axial directions of the switchable one-way clutch 10, and is located to the left of the second axial extension segment 1231 in the figure. Furthermore, the first oblique extension segment and the second oblique extension segment extend from their respective axial extension segments along opposite circumferential directions. That is, the two ends of the two oblique extension segments have a predetermined displacement relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the clutch, and at the same time, a predetermined displacement in the axial direction of the clutch. The transmission component 31 includes a first transmission sub-part and a second transmission sub-part, which are constructed as the same component and are constructed in the form of a protrusion 311. Accordingly, the first linkage part 132 and the second linkage part 123 are aligned at the right end of the figure and the protrusion 311 is positioned at the right end.

[0054] Under the action of the drive element (e.g., the aforementioned wave spring 32), the protrusion 311 gradually moves away from the switchable one-way clutch 10 in the axial direction indicated by the horizontal arrow from the first axial position shown in FIG4(b) until the second axial position shown in FIG4(a). The retainer 13 rotates downward as indicated by the arrow, and the inner ring 12 rotates upward as indicated by the arrow. This causes the retainer 13 and the inner ring 12 to have a relative displacement in the circumferential direction. That is, the retainer 13 and the inner ring 12 change from the first circumferential relative position shown in FIG1(b) to the second circumferential relative position shown in FIG2(b), so that the switchable one-way clutch 10 changes from the first state to the disengaged state. At this second axial position, the first axial extension segment 1321 and the second axial extension segment 1231 are aligned in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion 311 is constrained in the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch 10 at the first axial extension segment 1321 and the second axial extension segment 1231, thereby preventing relative displacement between the cage 13 and the inner ring 12 in the circumferential direction and thus placing them at the second circumferentially opposite position, thereby reliably setting the switchable one-way clutch 10 to the disengaged state. As described above, at this second circumferentially opposite position, the first retaining portion 21 and the second retaining portion 22 apply a radially inward force to the rolling element 14.

[0055] Furthermore, when it is necessary to switch the switchable one-way clutch 10 from the disengaged state to the first state, a leftward force is applied to the protrusion 311 in FIG4(a). The protrusion 311 gradually approaches the switchable one-way clutch 10 from the second axial position shown in FIG4(a) in the axial direction indicated by the horizontal arrow until it reaches the first axial position shown in FIG4(b), so that the switchable one-way clutch 10 switches from the second state to the first state. Specifically, since the protrusion 311 is slidably connected to the first linkage 132 and the protrusion 311 is slidably connected to the second linkage 123, the protrusion 311 first moves to the left through the first axial extension section 1321 and the second axial extension section 1231; then, the protrusion 311 moves to the first oblique extension section and the second oblique extension section; next, the protrusion 311 moves along the oblique extension section in the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch 10, relative to the first linkage 132 and the second linkage 1231. 23 generates a relative circumferential displacement, that is, the cage 13 rotates upward as shown by the arrow and the inner ring 12 rotates downward as shown by the arrow, thereby causing the cage 13 and the inner ring 12 to generate a relative displacement in the circumferential direction. The cage 13 and the inner ring 12 change from the second circumferential relative position shown in FIG2(b) to the first circumferential relative position shown in FIG1(b). As described above, at this first circumferential relative position, the first retaining part 21 and the second retaining part 22 do not exert a force on the rolling element 14 in the radially inward direction.

[0056] It should be noted that, because the protrusion 311 engages with the oblique extension section connected to the axial extension section, the protrusion 311 can cause relative displacement between the cage 13 and the inner ring 12 in both the axial and circumferential directions when subjected to only axial force and without circumferential force. Advantageously, this design simplifies the structure of the drive unit and reduces the space it occupies.

[0057] As an example, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), three protrusions 311 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the transmission member 31. These three protrusions 311 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the transmission member 31. Furthermore, the protrusions 311 can be designed as cylindrical blocks or square blocks, or they can also be configured as protrusions with other shapes. It can be understood that, correspondingly, each of the retainer 13 and the inner ring 12 can be provided with three grooves as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) to respectively mate with the protrusions 311.

[0058] It is understood that in the above example, the first retaining part 21 also serves as a pusher, which applies a circumferential pushing force to the rolling element 14 on its side facing the rolling element 14 to move the rolling element 14 from the second section 121 to the first section 122.

[0059] Of course, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the clutch assembly of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the correspondence between the first and second axial positions described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and the first and disengaged states of the clutch is not limited to the above examples and can be interchanged. For another example, the first and second transmission sub-parts can be constructed as two components, and for example, as two guide grooves. Correspondingly, the first and second linkage parts can be constructed as protrusions, and the first transmission sub-part is slidably connected to the first linkage part, and the second transmission sub-part is slidably connected to the second linkage part. This alternative scheme can also achieve the following operation: the transmission member is slidably connected to the inner ring in the axial and circumferential directions of the clutch, and the transmission member is slidably connected to the cage in the axial and circumferential directions of the clutch. The specific operation process is similar to the embodiments already described in detail, and therefore will not be repeated here. Similarly, the guide grooves are not limited to the above-described multiple straight grooves; other forms of grooves extending in the axial and circumferential directions of the clutch, such as arcuate grooves, are also feasible.

[0060] It should be noted that, in the clutch of the above embodiment of the present invention, the transmission member of the drive assembly can be slidably connected to the first linkage part and the second linkage part respectively provided on the cage and the inner ring. Therefore, the linear motion of the transmission member along the clutch axis can be converted into the rotational motion of both the cage and the inner ring. That is, both the cage and the inner ring rotate simultaneously until they move to the upper side of the rolling element, thereby applying a radially inward force to the rolling element. Compared with the case where only the cage rotates, it has the characteristic of rapid action.

[0061] Although the above embodiments describe the first and second retaining portions as protrusions, this is merely an example. The retaining portion can also be formed by bending a wire, and the bent wire has a contoured end that is positioned on the upper side of the rolling element and subjected to a radially inward force to ensure that the rolling element remains in the first segment of the inner ring under the action of centrifugal force.

[0062] The clutch assembly of the present invention can be used in a power module, and the inner or outer ring of the clutch assembly is torsionally connected to the output shaft of the drive unit of the power module. The features described with reference to the clutch assembly of the present invention are equally applicable to the power module of the present invention, namely, ensuring that the clutch is reliably in the disengaged state to improve the reliability and service life of the power module.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly (1), comprising: a switchable one-way clutch (10) comprising a coaxially arranged outer ring (11), an inner ring (12) and rolling elements (14) held therebetween via a cage (13), characterized in that a first section (122) and a second section (121) are provided on an inner ring contact surface of the inner ring (12) for contact with the rolling elements (14) or on an outer ring contact surface of the outer ring (11) for contact with the rolling elements (14), at the first section (122) a gap is provided between the rolling elements (14) and the outer ring (11) or the inner ring (12), and at the second section (121) the rolling elements (14) are in contact with both the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (11), the switchable one-way clutch (10) further comprises a pusher for applying a push force along the circumference to the rolling elements (14) to move the rolling elements (14) from the second section (121) to the first section (122), and the clutch assembly (1) further comprises a drive assembly (30) arranged at an axial side of the switchable one-way clutch (10) and connected to both the inner ring (12) and the cage (13) or to both the outer ring (12) and the cage (13) at axial ends thereof to drive both relative to each other in the circumference.

2. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The drive assembly (30) comprises a drive and a transmission (31) which rotates synchronously with the inner ring (12) or the outer ring (11), under the drive of the drive the transmission (31) is moved relative to the switchable one-way clutch (10) from a first axial position to a second axial position, and both the cage (13) and the inner ring (12) or both the cage (13) and the outer ring (11) are linked with the transmission (31) to move the cage (13) and the inner ring (12) or the cage (13) and the outer ring (11) relative to each other in the circumference.

3. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein The transmission (31) is slidably connected with the inner ring (12) or the outer ring (11) in the axial and circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10), and the transmission (31) is slidably connected with the cage (13) in the axial and circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10).

4. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein The transmission (31) comprises a first transmission sub-part and a second transmission sub-part, a first linkage part (132) is provided on the cage (13), a second linkage part (123) is provided on the inner ring (12) or the outer ring (11), the first transmission sub-part is slidably connected with the first linkage part (132), and the second transmission sub-part is slidably connected with the second linkage part (123).

5. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The first transmission sub and the second transmission sub are configured as one of a protrusion (311) and a guide groove, and the first linkage (132) and the second linkage (123) are configured as the other of the protrusion (311) and the guide groove.

6. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein The first linkage (132) and the second linkage (123) are configured in the form of the guide groove, and the guide groove includes a plurality of straight grooves spliced together and extends in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10).

7. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein The first linkage (132) includes a first axially extending section (1321) configured to extend in the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10) and a first obliquely extending section configured to extend in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10) from the first axially extending section (1321); The second linkage (123) includes a second axially extending section (1231) configured to extend in the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10) and a second obliquely extending section configured to extend in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10) from the second axially extending section (1231).

8. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein The first transmission sub and the second transmission sub are configured as one member, and the first obliquely extending section and the second obliquely extending section extend in opposite circumferential directions from the respective axially extending sections.

9. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The second section (121) includes a first sub-section (1211) and a second sub-section (1212), the second sub-section (1212) is located between the first sub-section (1211) and the first section (122) in the circumferential direction of the switchable one-way clutch (10), and A tangent line passing through a contact point between the rolling element (14) and the first sub-section (1211) and a tangent line passing through a contact point between the rolling element (14) and the outer ring (11) form a first angle, and a tangent line passing through a contact point between the rolling element (14) and the second sub-section (1212) and the tangent line passing through the contact point between the rolling element (14) and the outer ring (11) form a second angle, the first angle being greater than the second angle.

10. The clutch assembly of claim 5, wherein, The protrusion (311) is configured as a cylindrical block or a square block.

11. A clutch assembly (1) comprising: a switchable one-way clutch (10) including an outer ring (11), an inner ring (12) coaxially arranged, and a rolling element (14) held therebetween via a retainer (13), characterized in that The inner ring (12) is provided with a first section (122) and a second section (121) distributed along the circumference on the inner ring contact surface for contacting the rolling element (14), at the first section (122), a gap is provided between the rolling element (14) and the outer ring (11); and, at the second section (121), the rolling element (14) is in contact with both the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (11), The clutch assembly (1) further comprises a retainer (20) which is moved to the rolling element (14) to apply a force in the direction of the radial inward to the rolling element (14) located at the first section (122).

12. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein The retainer cage (13) comprises a receiving portion (131) for accommodating the rolling element (14), the first retaining portion (21) and the second retaining portion (22) of the retainer (20) are both positioned in the receiving portion (131) and are respectively positioned on both sides of the rolling element (14) along the circumference of the switchable one-way clutch (10), and The first retaining portion (21) and the second retaining portion (22) can be switched from a first circumferential relative position to a second circumferential relative position relative to each other along the circumference, at the first circumferential relative position, both are not in contact with the rolling element (14); at the second circumferential relative position, both apply a force in the direction of the radial inward to the rolling element (14). The first retaining portion (21) is integrated on the retainer cage (13), and the second retaining portion (22) is integrated on the inner ring (12).

13. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein The switchable one-way clutch (10) further comprises a pushing member for applying a pushing force in the direction of the circumference to the rolling element (14) to move the rolling element (14) from the second section (121) to the first section (122), and the pushing member is integrated with the first retaining portion (21) as one member.

14. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein The first retaining portion (21) and the second retaining portion (22) are configured as protrusions extending into the receiving portion (131), and the protrusions have a profile surface matched with the shape of the rolling element (14).

15. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein The retainer cage (13) comprises a plurality of receiving portions (131) arranged uniformly along the circumference.

16. The clutch assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein Comprise:

17. A power module characterized by A driving device and the clutch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the inner ring (12) or the outer ring (11) of the clutch assembly (1) is connected to the output shaft of the driving device in a torsionally rigid manner. ​

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