Shiftable one-way clutch

Abstract

A shiftable one-way clutch. The shiftable one-way clutch comprises a first rotating component, a second rotating component, at least one roller, a cage, a driving mechanism, a driving frame, and a guide pin. Each roller can abut between the first rotating component and the second rotating component only when located at a first limit position, so as to transmit one-way torque. The driving frame is rotatably and axially movably mounted to the first rotating component and is non-rotatably connected to the cage, the driving frame comprises a guide slot at least partially extending obliquely relative to the axial direction, and the guide pin is fixed to the first rotating component and is inserted into the guide slot in the radial direction, so that the driving frame can be guided to drive the cage to rotate between a first rotation position and a second rotation position relative to the first rotating component.

Description

Switchable one-way clutch Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transmission technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a switchable one-way clutch. Background Technology

[0002] A clutch is a component used to control the state of the transmission path in a powertrain system. As a type of clutch, a one-way clutch allows torque to be transmitted in only one direction in the transmission path and prohibits reverse transmission. A shiftable one-way clutch (SOWC) further enhances the one-way clutch by allowing for multiple different connection states of the transmission path, such as unidirectional torque transmission and a fully disengaged state. With a shiftable one-way clutch, the torque transmission state of the powertrain can be switched between different modes. For example, in hybrid vehicles, a shiftable one-way clutch is typically installed between the internal combustion engine and the wheels to allow the powertrain to switch between unidirectional torque transmission and a fully disengaged state.

[0003] Some current one-way clutches achieve unidirectional torque transmission through the cooperation of a guide surface and rolling elements. In this type of clutch, the torque transmission state of the rolling elements depends on their positional relationship relative to the guide surface. Therefore, by using a cage to limit the position of the rolling elements relative to the guide surface, the one-way clutch can switch between different torque transmission states. While various existing technologies exist to control the rotation of the cage relative to the guide surface, these structures are complex, hindering production and assembly, and require expensive drive mechanisms, increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, these structures may affect the axial positioning of the cage and the connection strength between the ring and the hub, making them difficult to implement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a switchable one-way clutch with an improved structure.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a switchable one-way clutch according to the present invention. The switchable one-way clutch includes a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a cage, and at least one rolling element. The first and second rotating components are coaxially arranged rotatably relative to each other. The first rotating component includes at least one guide surface formed on a side of the second rotating component facing radially. The cage defines the circumferential position of each rolling element. Each rolling element is radially arranged between a corresponding guide surface and the second rotating component. The circumferential movement range of each rolling element relative to the first rotating component is defined by the corresponding guide surface between a first limit position and a second limit position. Each rolling element can only abut against the corresponding guide surface and the second rotating component to transmit unidirectional torque when located at the corresponding first limit position, and cannot simultaneously abut against the first and second rotating components to transmit torque when deviating from the corresponding first limit position. The switchable one-way clutch also includes a drive mechanism, a drive frame, and a guide pin. The drive frame is rotatably and axially movable and mounted to a first rotating component and is torsionally connected to a cage. The drive frame includes a guide groove extending at least partially at an axial angle. The guide pin is fixed to the first rotating component and inserted radially into the guide groove. The guide pin is configured to move within the guide groove along its extension direction, thereby guiding the drive frame to rotate relative to the first rotating component under the axial driving force of the drive mechanism and causing the cage to rotate between a first rotational position and a second rotational position relative to the first rotating component. In the first rotational position, the cage allows each rolling element to reach a corresponding first limit position to transmit unidirectional torque; in the second rotational position, the cage keeps each rolling element away from the corresponding first limit position and prevents torque transmission. This switchable one-way clutch can switch between unidirectional torque transmission and complete disengagement states. It has a simple and compact structure, and is easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switchable one-way clutch may further include a linkage frame anti-torsionally connected to the cage, the linkage frame being rotatably axially positioned relative to the first rotating component and anti-torsionally connected to the drive frame axially movable. The linkage frame can transmit the rotational motion of the drive frame relative to the first rotating component to the cage without causing the cage to move axially relative to the first rotating component.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the linkage frame may include a circumferentially extending positioning groove, and a guide pin is inserted radially into the positioning groove, such that the guide pin can move circumferentially relative to the linkage frame along the positioning groove and prevents the linkage frame from moving axially relative to the first rotating component. The guide pin and the positioning groove cooperate to achieve axial positioning of the linkage frame relative to the first rotating component.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide pin can be fixed to the radially opposite side of the first rotating component and protrude radially from the first rotating component, and: the drive frame can include an annular first axial section coaxially arranged with the first rotating component, the first axial section radially facing the radially opposite side of the first rotating component, and a guide groove can be formed on the first axial section; and / or, the linkage frame can include an annular second axial section coaxially arranged with the first rotating component, the second axial section radially facing the radially opposite side of the first rotating component, and a positioning groove can be formed on the second axial section. This provides installation space for the guide pin and avoids interference between the guide pin, drive frame, and linkage frame and the second rotating component.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating component may include a coaxially formed ring body, a hub, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is radially connected between one axial end of the ring body and the hub. A portion of the linkage extends radially beyond the ring body at the other axial end of the ring body and connects to the retainer, such that the retainer is axially constrained between the connecting portion and the linkage. Thus, the axial positioning of the retainer is achieved by the linkage and the first rotating component.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism may include a reset elastic element and an actuator. The reset elastic element abuts between the first rotating member and the drive frame, thereby applying a first driving force in a first direction along the axial direction to the drive frame. The actuator is configured to selectively apply a second driving force in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the drive frame. By controlling the operating state of the actuator, the movement of the drive frame between two positions can be controlled.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide groove may include a first section extending axially and a second section extending obliquely relative to the axial direction, a first driving force tending to hold the guide pin in the first section, and a second driving force tending to hold the guide pin in the second section. This allows the guide pin to be located in the axially extending section in the normal state when the actuator is not engaged, thereby helping to prevent accidental rotation of the drive frame.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive frame may include a first radial segment extending radially beyond the axially outer side of the ring body portion, connecting to the axial end of the connecting portion, and a reset elastic member abutting between the connecting portion and the first radial segment. The connecting portion and the first radial segment provide abutting surfaces for the reset elastic member. In this case, the reset elastic member may be formed as a disc spring or a diaphragm spring. This reduces the production cost of the switchable one-way clutch.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the linkage frame and the drive frame may include a recess, and the other may include a protrusion, with the recess and the protrusion facing each other radially, such that the protrusion is inserted radially into the recess and can move axially along the recess, thereby enabling the linkage frame and the drive frame to be axially movable and torsionally connected. This structure can easily realize the connection relationship between the drive frame and the linkage frame.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switchable one-way clutch may include a plurality of guide pins respectively fixed to the first rotating component, and the drive frame may include a plurality of corresponding guide slots, with each guide pin inserted axially into a corresponding guide slot, and the plurality of guide pins and the plurality of guide slots being distributed circumferentially. This ensures the force balance of the drive frame. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent elements with the same function. Wherein:

[0016] Figures 1a and 1b show longitudinal and transverse sectional views of a switchable one-way clutch in a rotating position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figures 2a and 2b show longitudinal and transverse sectional views of a switchable one-way clutch in another rotational position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a switchable one-way clutch from one end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the switchable one-way clutch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other end; and

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the switching process of a switchable one-way clutch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of the switchable one-way clutch according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to illustrate the principles of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments; the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switchable one-way clutch is provided. This switchable one-way clutch can be applied to the conventional system of a motor vehicle to achieve different transmission modes of the drivetrain.

[0023] Figures 1a to 5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the switchable one-way clutch according to the present invention. Figures 1a and 2a show longitudinal sectional views of the switchable one-way clutch through the central axis according to this exemplary embodiment, while Figures 1b and 2b show transverse sectional views of the switchable one-way clutch perpendicular to the central axis. As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the switchable one-way clutch includes two rotating components, referred to as a first rotating component 10 and a second rotating component 20, respectively. These two rotating components are coaxially arranged about a common central axis and are rotatable relative to each other about this central axis. These two rotating components can be torsionally connected to different transmission components (e.g., two drive shafts, not shown) in a transmission system to transmit torque between them as needed. The main body portion of each of the two rotating components is a generally cylindrical structure, and the two cylindrical structures are arranged coaxially such that one surrounds the radially outer side of the other. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion of the first rotating component 10 is located radially outer of the second rotating component 20, but this is not limiting.

[0024] The switchable one-way clutch also includes rolling elements 30 for transmitting torque between two rotating components and components for controlling the rolling elements 30. The switchable one-way clutch may include at least one, preferably multiple, rolling elements 30. Each rolling element 30 is arranged radially between the main body portions of the two rotating components and can roll along the radially opposite side surfaces of the two rotating components. When multiple rolling elements 30 are present, these rolling elements 30 are circumferentially spaced around the central axis of the switchable one-way clutch. Each rolling element 30 has a shape suitable for rolling along the side surfaces of the two rotating components, such as cylindrical, drum-shaped, etc., and all rolling elements 30 may preferably have substantially the same shape and size.

[0025] The first rotating component 10 has at least one, preferably multiple, guide surfaces 14. Each guide surface 14 is formed as a curved surface region extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis on the radial side of the first rotating component 10 facing the second rotating component 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, since the main body of the first rotating component 10 is located radially outward of the second rotating component 20, each guide surface 14 is formed on the radially inner surface of the first rotating component 10. When the first rotating component 10 has multiple guide surfaces 14, these guide surfaces 14 are preferably circumferentially spaced, particularly uniformly distributed, and all guide surfaces 14 may have substantially the same shape and size. As shown in Figures 1b and 2b, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, each guide surface 14 has a profile that is radially recessed away from the second rotating component 20. The number of guide surfaces 14 is the same as the number of rolling elements 30, such that each rolling element 30 corresponds to a corresponding guide surface 14. Each rolling element 30 is arranged radially between the corresponding guide surface 14 and the second rotating component 20. The radial recess depth of the guide surface 14 changes with the circumferential position, so that the radial distance between the guide surface 14 and the second rotating component 20 is inconsistent in the circumferential direction, thereby limiting the circumferential movement range of each rolling element 14 relative to the first rotating component 10.

[0026] Specifically, the circumferential movement range of each rolling element 30 relative to the first rotating component 10 is limited by a corresponding guide surface 14 between a first limit position (Fig. 1b) and a second limit position (Fig. 2b). The first limit position and the second limit position are two circumferential endpoint positions that the rolling element 30 can reach within the extension range of the corresponding guide surface 14. The rolling element 30 cannot move beyond the two limit positions relative to the first rotating component 10 to reach outside the circumferential rotation range. Herein, a first rotation direction R is defined, and the circumferential positional relationship of the first limit position and the second limit position of each rolling element 30 relative to the first rotation direction R is the same, that is, the first rotation direction R always points from the first limit position of each rolling element 30 to the second limit position. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial depth of each guide surface 14 gradually increases from one end of the circumferential direction along the first rotation direction R towards the other end, such that each rolling element 30 can only abut radially between the corresponding guide surface 14 and the second rotating component 20 when it is located at the corresponding first limit position. Simultaneously, the radial distance of the guide surface 14 relative to the second rotating component 20 at the second limit position and at other positions between the first and second limit positions is greater than the radial dimension of the rolling element 30, such that the rolling element 30 deviating from the first limit position (i.e., located at the second limit position or other positions between the two limit positions) cannot simultaneously abut against the first rotating component 10 and the second rotating component 20. The rolling element 30 abutting between the corresponding guide surface 14 and the second rotating component 20 at the first limit position can transmit torque from the first rotating component 10 rotating in the first rotation direction R to the second rotating component 20 (and correspondingly, can also transmit torque from the second rotating component 20 rotating in the opposite direction to the first rotating component 10 to the first rotating component 10), but cannot transmit torque from the second rotating component 20 rotating in the first rotation direction R to the first rotating component 10. That is, each rolling element 30 can only transmit unidirectional torque when located at the corresponding first limit position. When the rolling element 30 deviates from the first limit position, torque in any direction cannot be transmitted between the first rotating component 10 and the second rotating component 20 via the rolling element 30. Therefore, the torque transmission state (unidirectional torque transmission state or completely disconnected state) between the first rotating component 10 and the second rotating component 20 depends on the position of the rolling element 30 relative to the guide surface 14.

[0027] The components used to control the rolling elements 30 mainly include a cage 40, a drive mechanism, a drive frame 50, and a guide pin 60. Each rolling element 30 is held in the same cage 40. The cage 40 defines the circumferential position of each rolling element 30. In particular, when there are multiple rolling elements 30, the cage 40 can maintain the circumferential positions of the multiple rolling elements 30 relative to each other. The cage 40 may include an annular ring body for holding these rolling elements 30, which is coaxially arranged between the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 radially. The ring body is formed with a plurality of radially penetrating pockets, and each rolling element 30 is arranged in a corresponding pocket. Due to the constraint of the cage 40, the circumferential movement of these rolling elements 30 is substantially synchronized, and thus they are located at substantially the same circumferential position relative to their respective guide surfaces 14.

[0028] The cage 40 is torsionally connected to the drive frame 50. The drive frame 50 can move relative to the first rotating component 10 under the drive of the drive mechanism, thereby controlling the rotational position of the cage 40 relative to the first rotating component 10. The drive frame 50 restricts the rotational position of the cage 40 between a first rotational position and a second rotational position: in the first rotational position, the cage 40 allows each rolling element 30 to reach its corresponding first limit position to transmit unidirectional torque, thus allowing the one-way clutch to be switched to a unidirectional torque transmission state (Figures 2a and 2b); in the second rotational position, the cage 40 biases each rolling element 30 toward the second limit position relative to the first rotational position, thereby keeping each rolling element 30 away from its corresponding first limit position. In this state, torque in any direction cannot be transmitted between the two rotating components, thus allowing the one-way clutch to be switched to a fully disengaged state (Figures 1a and 1b).

[0029] The movement of the drive frame 50 relative to the first rotating component 10 is achieved by a drive mechanism and guide pins 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive frame 50 is rotatably and axially movable to the first rotating component 10 and forms guide grooves 53 that extend at least partially obliquely relative to the axial direction. Guide pins 60 are fixed to the first rotating component 10 and inserted radially into the guide grooves 53. The switchable one-way clutch may include one or more guide pins 60 respectively fixed to the first rotating component 10, and the drive frame 50 may include the same number of guide grooves 53, each guide pin 60 being inserted axially into a corresponding guide groove 53. When multiple guide pins 60 and corresponding multiple guide grooves 53 are present, these guide pins 60 and guide grooves 53 are preferably distributed circumferentially, particularly uniformly, and these guide pins 60 and guide grooves 53 are preferably respectively having substantially the same shape and size, such that the movement position of each guide pin 60 in the corresponding guide groove 53 is synchronized with each other.

[0030] Each guide pin 60 is movable within the guide groove 53 along its extension direction. Each guide groove 53 has a dimension approximately equal to (slightly larger than) the diameter of the guide pin 60 in its width direction perpendicular to the extension direction, allowing each guide pin 60 to move in the extension direction within its respective guide groove 53 while preventing significant movement of each guide pin 60 in the width direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The guide groove 53 extends at least partially obliquely relative to the axial direction, meaning that at least a portion of the guide groove 53 has an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees (excluding 0 and 90 degrees) relative to the axial direction in its extension direction. The guide groove 53 does not contain any sections extending entirely circumferentially (perpendicular to the axial direction). The drive mechanism can apply a substantially axial driving force to the drive frame 50, causing the drive frame 50 to move axially relative to the first rotating member 10, while the guide pins 60 move accordingly along the guide grooves 53. When the guide pin 60 moves through the inclined section of the guide groove 53, since the guide pin 60 can only move along the extension direction of the guide groove 53, the drive frame 50 not only moves axially relative to the first rotating component 10, but also rotates relative to the first rotating component 10. At this time, the drive frame 50 will also drive the retainer 40 to rotate together relative to the first rotating component 10. Therefore, by the axial driving force of the drive mechanism, the retainer 40 can be controlled to rotate between a first rotational position and a second rotational position relative to the first rotating component 10. Typically, the two endpoints of the guide pin 60 moving in the guide groove 53 can be set to correspond to the first rotational position and the second rotational position of the retainer 40, respectively.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1a and 2a, in a preferred embodiment, the guide pin 60 can be fixed to the radially opposite side of the first rotating component 10 facing away from the second rotating component 20 and protrude radially from the first rotating component 10. The guide pin 60 can be formed as a generally columnar component, such as a cylinder or prism, which can be fixed to the first rotating component 10, for example, by interference fit, threaded fit, or integral forming. The main body of the drive frame 50 can be formed as a cylindrical structure coaxially arranged with the first rotating component 10, referred to as the first axial section 51, which has an annular sidewall that is circumferentially closed around a central axis. The first axial section 51 faces the radially opposite side of the first rotating component 10 facing away from the second rotating component 20, and a guide groove 53 is formed on the first axial section 51. In the illustrated embodiment, since the second rotating component 20 is located radially inside the first rotating component 10, the first axial section 51 of the drive frame 50 surrounds the radially outside of the first rotating component 10. Furthermore, in order to be radially positioned relative to the first rotating member 10, at least a portion of the first axial section 51 can be radially supported on the side surface of the first rotating member 10 over the entire circumference.

[0032] In various specific embodiments, the torsional connection between the drive frame 50 and the cage 40 can be achieved in a variety of ways. As described above, the movement of the drive frame 50 relative to the first rotating member 10 includes both circumferential rotation and axial movement. For the function of the cage 40 in restraining the rolling elements 30, only rotational movement is necessary for the cage 40, and axial movement of the cage 40 relative to the first rotating member 10 is generally undesirable. Therefore, the torsional connection between the drive frame 50 and the cage 40 is preferably a connection that allows axial movement between them, for example, through the engagement of inserts and slots that allow axial movement between them. This connection between the drive frame 50 and the cage 40 can be formed directly between them, or it can be achieved via other intermediate components.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, this connection between the drive frame 50 and the retainer 40 can be achieved via a linkage 70. As shown in Figures 1a and 2a, on the one hand, the linkage 70 is torsionally connected to both the retainer 40 and the drive frame 50, thereby enabling the retainer 40 to rotate synchronously with the drive frame 50 relative to the first rotating member 10. On the other hand, the axial position of the linkage 70 relative to the first rotating member 10 is substantially fixed, i.e., it is rotatably axially positioned relative to the first rotating member 10; simultaneously, the linkage 70 is axially movable relative to the drive frame 50.

[0034] As shown in the figure, similar to the drive frame 50, the main body of the linkage frame 70 can also be formed as a cylindrical structure coaxially arranged with the first rotating component 10, referred to as the second axial section 71, which has an annular sidewall that is closed circumferentially around the central axis. When the guide pin 60 protrudes radially from the side of the first rotating component 10 facing away from the second rotating component 20, the second axial section 71 also faces radially from the side of the first rotating component 10 facing away from the second rotating component 20 (specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second axial section 71 surrounds the radially outer side of the first rotating component 10). At least a portion of the second axial section 71 can also be radially supported on the side surface of the first rotating component 10 over the entire circumference, so that the linkage frame 70 is radially positioned relative to the first rotating component 10. The sections of the first axial section 51 of the drive frame 50 and the second axial section 71 of the linkage frame 70 that are directly supported to the first rotating component 10 need to be staggered in the axial direction. For example, as shown in Figures 1a and 2a, the first axial section 51 is supported on the right end region of the radial outer side of the first rotating component 10, while the second axial section 71 is supported on the left end region of the radial outer side of the first rotating component 10.

[0035] The axially movable torsional connection between the linkage 70 and the drive frame 50 can be achieved, for example, through form-fitting. Specifically, one of the linkage 70 and the drive frame 50 may include one or more recesses, while the other may include one or more corresponding protrusions. These recesses and protrusions are formed on their radially opposite sides, with each protrusion 54 inserted substantially radially into a corresponding recess 74, thereby defining the circumferential relative position of the linkage 70 and the drive frame 50 so that they are substantially unable to rotate relative to each other; at the same time, each recess has a certain axial extension length, allowing each protrusion to move axially along the corresponding recess. This achieves an axially movable torsional connection between the linkage 70 and the drive frame 50. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 70 includes a plurality of recesses 74 spaced circumferentially, while the drive frame 50 includes a corresponding plurality of protrusions 54. Each recess 74 is radially recessed outward on the second axial section 71 (since the second axial section 71 is a thin-walled structure, its corresponding outer region is correspondingly protruding), and each protrusion 54 protrudes radially outward on the first axial section 51 and is axially slidably inserted into the corresponding recess 74. In other embodiments, the positional relationship between the protrusions and recesses can also be interchanged as needed.

[0036] The rotatable axial positioning of the linkage 70 relative to the first rotating component 10 can also be achieved through form fit. Specifically, as shown in FIG4, the linkage 70 may have one or more circumferentially extending positioning grooves 73 formed on the second axial section 71. A component fixed relative to the first rotating component 10 can be inserted into the corresponding positioning groove 73. This component has a diameter approximately corresponding to the axial width of the positioning groove 73, allowing it to move circumferentially along the positioning groove 73 but not axially relative to the positioning groove 73, thereby preventing the linkage 70 from moving axially relative to the first rotating component 10. This component can preferably also be a guide pin 60. As shown in FIG4, the linkage 70 has the same number of positioning grooves 73 as the guide pins 60. Each guide pin 60 can be inserted radially into the corresponding positioning groove 73, and each guide pin 60 can move circumferentially relative to the linkage 70 along the corresponding positioning groove 73 and prevent the linkage 70 from moving axially relative to the first rotating component 10. The circumferential extension of the positioning groove 73 allows the linkage frame 70 to rotate with the drive frame 50 within a predetermined rotation range (corresponding to the rotation range between the first and second rotation positions of the retainer 40) without being obstructed by the end of the positioning groove 73.

[0037] As described above, due to the mating relationship between the positioning groove 73 and the positioning pin 60, and the mating relationship between the protrusion 54 and the recess 74, the first axial segment 51 and the second axial segment 71 need to have a partially overlapping area. In this overlapping area, the first axial segment 51 and the second axial segment 71 are radially offset. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, in this overlapping area, the first axial segment 51 is located radially inside the second axial segment 71 and closer to the side of the first rotating member 10. At this time, the first axial segment 51 can be radially positioned by directly abutting against the side of the first rotating member 10 in this area, and the second axial segment 71 needs to form another narrower diameter section at its non-overlapping left end to support itself on the first rotating member 10. This positional relationship can also be interchanged as needed.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first rotating component 10 can be connected to the drive shaft via a hub. As shown in Figures 1a and 2a, the first rotating component 10 may include a coaxially formed ring body 11, a hub 12, and a connecting portion 13. The ring body 11 is the main body of the first rotating component 10 mentioned above, and the rolling element 30 is located radially between the ring body 11 and the second rotating component 20. The hub 12 is used for (e.g., via a spline) torsionally connected to the drive shaft, and it is radially offset relative to the ring body 11 towards the second rotating component 20. Preferably, the second rotating component 20 is located radially inward of the ring body 11, and the hub 12 is also radially inward relative to the ring body 11, i.e., it has a smaller diameter than the ring body 11. The connecting portion 13 is generally radially connected between one axial end of the ring body 11 and the hub 12. In this case, to facilitate the connection between the linkage 70 and the retainer 40, the portion of the linkage 70 connected to the retainer 40 is preferably located at the other end opposite to the connecting portion 13. Specifically, a portion of the linkage 70 may be located axially outside the other axial end of the ring portion 11 opposite to the connecting portion 13 and extend substantially radially beyond the ring portion 11, thereby being torsionally connected to the retainer 40. This portion of the linkage 70 may be a second radial segment 72 extending radially from the axial end of the second axial segment 71 opposite to the connecting portion 13. In the illustrated embodiment, since the second axial segment 71 is located radially outside the ring portion 11, the second radial segment 72 extends substantially radially inward beyond the ring portion 11. As shown in FIG3, the retainer 40 can be torsionally connected to the linkage 70 by inserting an axially protruding lug into a recess formed on the radially inner edge of the second radial segment 72. As mentioned above, since the linkage 70 is substantially axially fixed relative to the first rotating member 10, the retainer 40 can be axially constrained between the first rotating member 10 and the linkage 70, particularly between the connecting portion 13 of the first rotating member 10 and the second radial segment 72 of the linkage 70. Thus, the axial positioning of the retainer 40 is achieved through the linkage 70.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism of the switchable one-way clutch may include a reset elastic element 80 and an actuator (not shown). The reset elastic element 80, in a pre-compressed state, abuts substantially axially between the first rotating member 10 and the drive frame 50, thereby continuously or normally applying a first driving force in a first axial direction to the drive frame 50. The actuator is capable of selectively applying a second driving force in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the drive frame 50. The actuator may be of various types known in the art, such as electromagnetic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. The actuator can be configured by the customer after purchasing the switchable one-way clutch, and therefore may not be included in the switchable one-way clutch at the time of product shipment.

[0040] Preferably, the reset elastic member 80 can be mounted using the connecting portion 13 in the foregoing embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1a and 2a, the drive frame 50 may further include a first radial segment 52. The first radial segment 52 extends generally radially toward the second rotating member 20 from one axial end of the first axial segment 51 and passes over the ring body portion 11. The first radial segment 52 is located axially outside the axial end of the ring body portion 11 connected to the connecting portion 13, such that the ring body portion 11 is axially located between the first radial segment 52 and the second radial segment 72. The first radial segment 52 may extend close to the hub portion 12 but not in contact with it. An annular gap is formed between the first rotating member 11 and the drive frame 50, which is axially located between the connecting portion 13 and the first radial segment 52, and radially located between the first axial segment 51 and the hub portion 12. At this time, the reset elastic member 80 can be placed in this gap and abut against the connecting portion 13 and the first radial segment 52 in a pre-compressed state. In this case, the reset elastic element 80 can preferably be formed as an elastic element in the form of a disc spring or a diaphragm spring. Such elastic elements have a simple structure, low cost, and can provide a large elastic force. This can reduce the production cost of the switchable one-way clutch. The actuator can apply a second driving force to the drive frame 50 on the other side of the first radial section 52.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the guide groove 53 can preferably be formed as a segmented extending groove. Specifically, as shown in FIG5, the guide groove 53 can be divided into two segments connected to each other in the extending direction: a first segment 53a extending generally along the axial direction and a second segment 53b extending obliquely relative to the axial direction. As previously explained, the second segment 53b can extend obliquely relative to the axial direction in a straight line or a curve, such that the two endpoints of the second segment 53b are offset relative to each other in the axial and circumferential directions, respectively. When the guide pin 60 moves in the first segment 53a, the drive frame 50 moves only axially relative to the first rotating member 10, thereby not causing the retainer 40 to rotate relative to the first rotating member 10 (left side state of FIG5). Therefore, when the guide pin 60 is located in the first segment 53a or at the endpoint of the second segment 53b connected to the first segment 53a, the retainer 40 is located in one of the first rotating position and the second rotating position. As the guide pin 60 moves within the inclined second section 53b, the drive frame 50 moves both axially and circumferentially relative to the first rotating member 10, thereby causing the retainer 40 to rotate relative to the first rotating member 10 (right side of Figure 5). Therefore, when the guide pin 60 is located at a non-endpoint position within the second section 53b, the retainer 40 rotates to a position corresponding to the first and second rotational positions, while when the guide pin 60 is located at an endpoint of the second section 53b not connected to the first section 53a, the retainer 40 is located at the other of the first and second rotational positions. As shown in Figure 1a, when the actuator of the drive mechanism is closed, the drive frame 50 is only subjected to the first driving force applied by the reset elastic member 80 and is thus held at the end of the guide groove 53 corresponding to the second direction (i.e., the axial direction opposite to the first driving force). Generally, it is desirable for the actuator to be in the open state for a short period of time or only under specific circumstances to provide the second driving force. Therefore, the position of the guide pin 60 when the drive frame 50 is only subjected to the first driving force of the reset elastic member 80 is the normal position (the position it is in for most of the working time). Correspondingly, the clutch engagement state (one-way torque transmission or fully disengaged state) corresponding to the rotational position of the cage 40 in this position is also the normal position of the clutch (i.e., normally open clutch or normally closed clutch). In order to prevent the cage 40 from rotating accidentally in the normal position of the clutch (e.g., the actuator is not open but the guide pin 60 moves in the guide groove 53 due to vibration), it is preferable that the normal position of the guide pin 60 is in the axially extending first section 53a. That is, the first driving force applied by the reset elastic member 80 tends to hold the guide pin 60 in the first section 53a (left side of FIG. 5), and correspondingly, the second driving force applied by the actuator tends to hold the guide pin 60 in the second section 53b (right side of FIG. 5). This arrangement effectively prevents the guide pin 60 from accidentally moving into the second section 53b due to vibration or other reasons, thus preventing the cage 40 from rotating.

[0042] The switchable one-way clutch according to the present invention can control the rotational position of the cage through a simple structure, thereby realizing the switching of the clutch between different transmission states. This switchable one-way clutch requires only axial driving force to drive the rotation of the cage, thus eliminating the need for a complex drive mechanism. Axial motion can be easily converted into rotational motion by a guide pin fixed to one of the rotating parts of the clutch engaging with a guide groove on the drive frame. Torque transmission between the drive frame and the cage can be achieved through a linkage frame. This design avoids drilling holes in the connecting part of the hub, thus preventing a reduction in structural strength, and also allows for axial restraint of the cage via the linkage frame. Furthermore, this design provides ample space for a reset elastic element, allowing the use of more cost-effective diaphragm springs or disc springs as the reset elastic element. This makes this switchable one-way clutch highly cost-effective.

[0043] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0044] Reference Numerals Table 10 First Rotating Component 11 Ring Body 12 Hub 13 Connecting Part 14 Guide Surface 20 Second Rotating Component 30 Rolling Element 40 Cage 50 Drive Frame 51 First Axial Section 52 First Radial Section 53 Guide Groove 53a First Section 53b Second Section 54 Protrusion 60 Guide Pin 70 Linkage Frame 71 Second Axial Section 72 Second Radial Section 73 Positioning Groove 74 Recess 80 Reset Elastic Member R First Rotation Direction

Claims

1. A switchable one-way clutch, comprising a first rotating component (10), a second rotating component (20), a cage (40), and at least one rolling element (30), the first rotating component (10) and the second rotating component (20) being arranged coaxially and rotatably relative to each other, the first rotating component (10) including at least one guide surface (14) formed on a side of the second rotating component (20) radially facing it, the cage (40) defining a circumferential position of each rolling element (30), each rolling element (30) being radially arranged on a corresponding guide surface (14). Between the first rotating component (10) and the second rotating component (20), the circumferential movement range of each rolling element (30) relative to the first rotating component (10) is limited between a first limit position and a second limit position by a corresponding guide surface (14). Each rolling element (30) can only transmit unidirectional torque by abutting between the corresponding guide surface (14) and the second rotating component (20) when it is located at the corresponding first limit position, and cannot simultaneously abut against the first rotating component (10) and the second rotating component (20) to transmit torque when it deviates from the corresponding first limit position. The switchable one-way clutch further includes a drive mechanism, a drive frame (50), and a guide pin (60). The drive frame (50) is rotatably and axially movable and mounted to the first rotating component (10) and is torsionally connected to the retainer (40). The drive frame (50) includes a guide groove (53) extending at least partially obliquely relative to the axial direction. The guide pin (60) is fixed to the first rotating component (10) and radially inserted into the guide groove (53). The guide pin (60) is configured to be able to extend along the extension direction of the guide groove (53) into the guide groove. (53) moves in such a way that the drive frame (50) rotates relative to the first rotating component (10) under the axial driving force of the drive mechanism and causes the retainer (40) to rotate between a first rotational position and a second rotational position relative to the first rotating component (10): in the first rotational position, the retainer (40) allows each rolling element (30) to reach the corresponding first limit position to transmit unidirectional torque; in the second rotational position, the retainer (40) keeps each rolling element (30) away from the corresponding first limit position and prevents it from transmitting torque.

2. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switchable one-way clutch further includes a linkage frame (70) that is torsionally connected to the retainer (40), the linkage frame (70) being rotatably axially positioned relative to the first rotating component (10) and torsionally connected to the drive frame (50) that is axially movable.

3. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linkage (70) includes a circumferentially extending positioning groove (73), into which the guide pin (60) is radially inserted, such that the guide pin (60) is circumferentially movable relative to the linkage (70) along the positioning groove (73) and prevents the linkage (70) from axially moving relative to the first rotating component (10).

4. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide pin (60) is fixed to the radially opposite side of the first rotating component (10) facing away from the second rotating component (20) and protrudes radially from the first rotating component (10), and: The drive frame (50) includes an annular first axial section (51) coaxially arranged with the first rotating component (10), the first axial section (51) facing radially towards the first rotating component (10) and radially away from the second rotating component (20), the guide groove (53) being formed on the first axial section (51); and / or The linkage frame (70) includes an annular second axial section (71) arranged coaxially with the first rotating component (10). The second axial section (71) faces the side of the first rotating component (10) radially away from the second rotating component (20), and the positioning groove (73) is formed on the second axial section (71).

5. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotating component (10) includes a coaxially formed ring body (11), a hub (12), and a connecting part (13). The connecting part (13) is radially connected between one axial end of the ring body (11) and the hub (12). A portion of the linkage (70) extends radially beyond the ring body (11) at the other axial end of the ring body (11) and is connected to the retainer (40), such that the retainer (40) is axially constrained between the connecting part (13) and the linkage (70).

6. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a reset elastic element (80) and an actuator. The reset elastic element (80) abuts between the first rotating member (10) and the drive frame (50) to apply a first driving force in a first direction along the axial direction to the drive frame (50). The actuator is configured to selectively apply a second driving force in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the drive frame (50).

7. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide groove (53) includes a first section (53a) extending axially and a second section (53b) extending obliquely relative to the axial direction. The first driving force tends to hold the guide pin (60) in the first section (53a), and the second driving force tends to hold the guide pin (60) in the second section (53b).

8. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive frame (50) includes a first radial section (52) that extends radially beyond the axial outer side of the ring body (11) at one end connected to the connecting portion (13), and the reset elastic member (80) abuts between the connecting portion (13) and the first radial section (52).

9. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reset elastic element (80) is formed as a disc spring or a diaphragm spring.

10. The switchable one-way clutch according to claim 2, characterized in that, One of the linkage frame (70) and the drive frame (50) includes a recess (74) and the other includes a protrusion (54). The recess (74) and the protrusion (54) are radially opposite each other, such that the protrusion (54) is radially inserted into the recess (74) and is axially movable along the recess (74), thereby axially and torsionally connecting the linkage frame (70) and the drive frame (50).

11. The switchable one-way clutch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The switchable one-way clutch includes a plurality of guide pins (60) respectively fixed to the first rotating component (10), and the drive frame (50) includes a plurality of corresponding guide grooves (53). Each guide pin (60) is inserted into the corresponding guide groove (53) axially, and the plurality of guide pins (60) and the plurality of guide grooves (53) are distributed circumferentially.

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