DE102021127786B3 - Freewheel with a freewheel ring and a freewheel cage and methods of assembling a freewheel and manufacturing the freewheel ring and cage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a freewheel (O8) with a freewheel ring (O6), a cage (C17) and with sprags (S1). The locking element (C10-1) fixed on the cage (C17) engages in a locking recess (O7) formed on the freewheel ring (O6). The detent recess (O7) is formed between two clamping ramps (O4) of the freewheel ring (O6) that are adjacent to one another on the circumferential side.

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a freewheel with a freewheel ring, a cage and with sprags. The freewheel ring is provided with at least one radially recessed locking recess formed on the freewheel ring and with clamping ramps for the clamping bodies, with at least one locking element fixed to the cage engaging in the locking recesses.

Background of the Invention

With DE 10 2008 030 229 A1 discloses a pinch roller type one-way clutch having a plurality of pinch rollers held in a cage between an outer ring and an inner ring. The freewheel described usually consists of at least one outer freewheel ring with clamping ramps, clamping bodies and a cage. The sprags are rollers. The cage has windows arranged at a distance around the circumference around the axis of symmetry of the cage or around the axis of rotation of the freewheel, which windows are separated from one another in the circumferential direction by webs. The webs axially connect the side edges of the cage, which run in the circumferential direction around the axis of symmetry. One of the rollers is guided and held in position in each of the windows.

During operation of the freewheel, the clamping bodies run in one direction on the clamping ramps and onto them and are pressed into a wedge-like gap between a running surface and the ramp, so that the outer freewheel ring of the freewheel and its inner ring are locked against twisting about a common axis of rotation will. In order to operate the freewheel, it is necessary for the sprags to be held in position relative to the clamping ramps in all operating states. For this purpose, the cage has radially projecting so-called latching means between the windows on one of the side edges. The locking means engage in an annular groove formed on the outer ring, so that the cage cannot move axially. The cage consists of an elastically deformable material. During the axial assembly of the cage in the annular gap between the outer ring and the inner ring, these latching means meet an entry edge which is formed on the ramp surface and is inclined to the assembly direction of the cage. The latching means on the input edge are forcibly elastically deflected radially inwards until they are opposite the annular groove and latch into it by again elastically radially springing back.

From the DE 20 2015 101 730 U1 a freewheeling of the genus emerges. Its freewheel ring, which is provided with clamping ramps on the outside, is provided between the clamping ramps with radially deepened latching depressions, into which at least one latching element fixed on the cage engages. The respective latching element is a bead formed on the inside of the web of the cage, running axially and protruding radially inward.

An arrangement comparable to the aforementioned arrangement with regard to the anti-rotation device is based on DE 44 42 404 A1 out. The plastic cage of the freewheel disclosed therein is provided with radial projections on the webs, which engage in corresponding axial grooves.

the DE 10 2008 030 229 A1 shows a roller freewheel with an elastically deformable freewheel cage. A plurality of latching means are distributed around the circumference of this cage, which elastically deviate radially during the axial assembly of the cage in a freewheel ring and finally deflect into a circumferential groove of the freewheel ring. As a result, the freewheel cage is held in position axially relative to the freewheel ring.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a freewheel that can be produced easily and inexpensively.

The object is solved according to the subject matter of claims 1, 4, 5 and 6.

An essential feature of the invention is that at least one web formed between two adjacent windows is formed as a compensation profile. The profile protrudes in the radial direction beyond the side edges and is at the same time the locking element and a compensating element. At least two sections connected to one another in the circumferential direction are formed on the profile. One of the sections delimits one window immediately adjacent to the other window. The other of the sections delimits the other adjacent window. The profile and the sections as well as the side edges are formed from one piece, that is to say they are monolithically connected to one another. According to the invention, it is provided that the entire cage, including the latching elements, is designed in one piece and made of one material, that is to say monolithic. Such a cage can advantageously be produced from a sheet steel strip, which is first profiled and trimmed as a sheet metal strip and then bent into shape, with its ends being fed to one another and connected to one another in a form-fitting and/or cohesive manner. The production of such a cage saves material and is inexpensive.

The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the freewheel ring can be designed symmetrically, which simplifies its manufacture. The detent depressions are not formed on one side on the edge of the freewheel ring, but rather with a preferably uniform division on the circumference and are each formed between two clamping ramps that are adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction. As a result, such latching depressions can be produced, for example, by rolling, during which the clamping ramps are also formed.

• - Der Freilaufring ist entweder ein innerer Freilaufring oder vorzugsweise ein äußerer Freilaufring.
• - Die Klemmrampen können auch an Wellen oder in Gehäusen oder in beliebigen anderen Maschinenelementen ausgebildet sein. In diesen Fällen sind die Wellen oder die Gehäuse bzw. die anderen Maschinenelemente die Freilaufringe.
• - Die Klemmrampen bzw. Klemmrampen weisen, in beliebigen quer zur Rotationsachse verlaufenden Querschnitten betrachtet, über der Umfangsrichtung oder über beliebige an Umfangslinien anliegende Tangenten der Umfänge des Freilaufs lineare oder beliebig gekrümmt ansteigend oder abfallende Konturen auf.
• - Der Freilaufring ist umfangsseitig mit am Umfang angeordneten Klemmrampen für Kontakte mit den Klemmkörpern versehen.
• - Der Freilaufring und der Käfig sind konzentrisch zu einer gemeinsamen axial verlaufenden Rotationsachse ausgerichtet.
• - Die Anzahl an Klemmkörpern entspricht der Anzahl der Klemmrampen. Es ist denkbar, dass die Zahlen voneinander abweichen.
• - Jeder Klemmrampe liegt jeweils mindestens einer der Klemmkörper gegenüber.
• - Die Klemmkörper sind Kugeln oder vorzugsweise Rollen bzw. können beliebig andere Formen, z.B. Knochenformen, aufweisen.
• - Die Klemmkörper sind mit radialem Abstand zu der Rotationsachse in einander entgegengesetzte Umfangsrichtungen um die Rotationsachse verteilt im Käfig angeordnet. Jeweils ein oder mehr Klemmkörper sind in einem Fenster des Käfigs geführt.
• - Jedes Fenster des Käfigs ist in jede der Umfangsrichtungen jeweils von einem Steg und beidseitig axial jeweils durch einen Seitenrand begrenzt.
• - Die Stege verbinden die Seitenränder axial.
• - Die Fenster des Freilauf-Käfigs sind über den Umfang des Käfigs um die Rotationsachse entweder mit gleichmäßigen Umfangsabständen zueinander verteilt oder in unregelmäßigen Abständen. Im ersten Fall sind die Fenster also mit Sicht auf einen 360° Umfangswinkel mit gleichmäßiger Winkelteilung am Umfang verteilt angeordnet. Im zuletzt genannten Fall sind sie dagegen mit ungleichmäßiger Winkelteilung verteilt.
• - An dem Käfig, an oder in den Fenstern, sind wahlweise Federn angeordnet oder der Käfig ist mit federnden Elementen versehen. Mittels der Federn bzw. federnden Elemente werden die Klemmkörper in tangentiale Richtungen und Umfangsrichtungen gegen die Rampenkonturen vorgespannt.

A freewheel according to the invention usually consists of at least one freewheel ring with ramps, sprags and a cage.
When the freewheel is in operation, the sprags run against and onto the clamping ramps in one direction. They are pressed into a wedge-like gap between a running surface and the ramp, so that the inner element and the outer element of the freewheel are locked against twisting about a common axis of symmetry or rotation. In order to operate the freewheel, it is necessary for the sprags to be held in position relative to the clamping ramps in all operating states.
The freewheel according to the invention has at least one freewheel ring, a cage and clamping body, preferably with the following design features:

• - The freewheel ring is either an inner freewheel ring or preferably an outer freewheel ring.
• - The clamping ramps can also be formed on shafts or in housings or in any other machine elements. In these cases, the shafts or the housing or other machine elements are the freewheel rings.
• The clamping ramps or clamping ramps, viewed in any cross-section running transversely to the axis of rotation, have linear or arbitrarily curved rising or falling contours over the circumferential direction or over any tangents of the circumferences of the freewheel bearing on circumferential lines.
• - The freewheel ring is provided with clamping ramps arranged on the circumference for contacts with the clamping bodies.
• - The freewheel ring and the cage are aligned concentrically to a common axially running axis of rotation.
• - The number of clamping bodies corresponds to the number of clamping ramps. It is conceivable that the numbers differ.
• - At least one of the clamping bodies is located opposite each clamping ramp.
• - The clamping bodies are balls or preferably rollers or can have any other shape, eg bone shapes.
• - The clamping bodies are distributed in the cage at a radial distance from the axis of rotation in mutually opposite circumferential directions around the axis of rotation. One or more clamping bodies are guided in a window of the cage.
• - Each window of the cage is limited in each of the circumferential directions by a web and on both sides axially by a side edge.
• - The webs connect the side edges axially.
• - The windows of the freewheel cage are distributed over the circumference of the cage around the axis of rotation either at equal circumferential distances from one another or at irregular distances. In the first case, the windows are distributed over the circumference with a view of a 360° angle of circumference with a uniform angular division. In the latter case, on the other hand, they are distributed with an uneven angular pitch.
• - Springs are optionally arranged on the cage, on or in the windows, or the cage is provided with resilient elements. The clamping bodies are prestressed in tangential directions and circumferential directions against the ramp contours by means of the springs or resilient elements.

The advantages mentioned above occur in particular when, as an embodiment of the invention provides, the freewheel is made from a sheet metal strip. In this case, a sheet metal strip is first produced, in which all or the essential shaped elements such as the clamping ramps and latching depressions are introduced in a common process step by cold forming, such as rolling or burnishing or embossing.

As described in the “Background of the Invention” chapter, a separate groove into which the locking element engages must be formed in the respective freewheel ring of the previously known prior art. The cost of introducing a groove can be relatively high. On the other hand, the invention has the advantage that it is not necessary to separately introduce a groove or another undercut, since this is produced without cutting with the metal strip. Such freewheel rings are usually present when the freewheel ring is made from a sheet metal strip onto which, for example, the ramps are formed. The sheet metal strip, initially produced by rolling, is still in the flat state and is already provided with ramps, locking depressions, etc then shaped into a cylinder. In this case, the ends of the metal strip are fed onto one another and fastened to one another in a form-fitting and/or cohesive manner.

The latching recess between the ramps is used for a form fit with the latching element, preferably the respective form fit of a plurality of latching recesses and latching elements with one another. When inserting the cage into the freewheel ring, the locking elements "thread" into the locking recesses without much effort, especially if the freewheel ring or its ramps are not initially covered on the front side during assembly.

Alternatively, the locking elements are snapped into the locking recesses. This results in further refinements of the invention and advantages from a dual function of the locking element, after which the freewheel cage, its window or the clamping bodies are aligned or fixed by means of the locking element by positive engagement in the locking recess, particularly advantageously in the circumferential direction to the ramps. This can be with play, so that a certain amount of pivoting of the cage relative to the ramps is possible. But it can also be done by defining the exact shape. In addition, the locking connection can also serve as an axial stop, so that the cage cannot move axially. In this case, the locking recess is provided with an axial stop on one axial side or optionally on both axial sides, on which the locking element is held in position in the axial direction, ie aligned with the axis of rotation of the freewheel.

The profile is preferably designed in such a way that two webs or two web sections of a web are connected to one another between two adjacent windows via at least two expansion members of the sections of the profile which are resiliently connected to one another and protrude radially beyond the webs. The webs and the expansion members and the sections are monolithically connected to one another. Partial areas of the sections, i.e. the expansion members, are designed to be shiftable against each other once or repeatedly - e.g. the free ends of the legs of a W or V profile. The length of the sections, i.e. the length of the legs of e.g. The cage can thus be designed in the manner and with the advantages of the flexible design of a cage composed of segments, but consists of one piece with all the elements mentioned. This promotes the variable use of the cage for different diameters without having to accept the disadvantages of segment cages composed of individual parts. In addition, by changing the profiles, the resilience of the latching elements can be adjusted when they snap into the latching depressions.

Preferably, such compensating profiles are arranged circumferentially between all adjacent windows, the distances between which can be adjusted. The number of parts of the prior art cages composed of individual segments is relatively high. The number of machines and tools used is correspondingly high, as is the effort involved in warehousing and transport, and the associated costs are high. Cages formed from one piece (monolithic), on the other hand, can be produced easily and inexpensively.

• - Schneiden eines Blechstreifens als Rohling für einen den Käfig oder für den Freilaufring. Als Ausgangsmaterial für den Blechstreifen wird vorzugsweise ein auf ein Coil gewickeltes Bandmaterial eingesetzt, wobei die Breite des Bandmaterials so ausgelegt ist, dass dieses zur Herstellung des Käfigs bzw. des Freilaufrings nicht mehr beschnitten werden muss. Alternativ sind die Blechstreifen aus Platten geschnitten. Die Länge der vom Coil abgeschnittenen oder aus der Platte geschnittenen Blechstreifen entspricht einer gestreckten Ausgangslänge, welche zum Formen des Käfigs inklusive der Profile usw. zur fertigen Ausgangsform des Käfigs bzw. führen. In beiden Fällen kann vorteilhaft beim Zuschneiden Material gespart werden. Der Abfall beschränkt sich bei der Herstellung des Käfigs auf das zur Schaffung der Fenster und auf das bei der Herstellung einer Formschlussverbindung des Freilaufrings ausgeklinkte Material.
• - Profilieren eines Blechstreifens, wobei in den Blechstreifen für den Käfig fensterartige Öffnungen und Stege und Seitenränder sowie die Profile eingebracht bzw. angeformt werden, und wobei in den Freilaufring Konturen der Klemmrampen eingewalzt und die Vertiefungen für die Rastvertiefungen vorzugsweise spanlos (d.h. ohne den Einsatz von spanabhebenden Verfahren wie Hobeln, Drehen oder Schleifen) durch Biegen, Walzen und Prägen eingebracht werden. Die Fenster werden gestanzt.
• - Biegen des Blechstreifens auf einer Umfangslinie um die Symmetrieachse, wobei die anfangs am flachen Blechstreifen voneinander weg weisenden Biegeenden des Blechstreifens aufeinander zu gebogen und miteinander verbunden werden.

The invention therefore also provides a method for producing a cage and/or the freewheel ring from sheet metal. The procedure is characterized by the following steps:

• - Cutting a sheet metal strip as a blank for a cage or for the freewheel ring. A strip material wound on a coil is preferably used as the starting material for the metal strip, the width of the strip material being designed such that it no longer has to be trimmed to produce the cage or the freewheel ring. Alternatively, the metal strips are cut from plates. The length of the sheet metal strips cut from the coil or from the plate corresponds to a stretched initial length, which leads to the forming of the cage including the profiles etc. to the finished initial shape of the cage or . In both cases, material can be advantageously saved when cutting to size. During the production of the cage, the waste is limited to the material notched to create the windows and to the material notched in the production of a positive connection of the freewheel ring.
• - Profiling of a metal strip, with window-like openings and webs and side edges as well as the profiles being introduced or formed in the metal strip for the cage, and with contours of the clamping ramps being rolled into the freewheel ring and the depressions for the locking depressions preferably being made without cutting (i.e. without the use of machining processes such as planing, turning or grinding) by bending, rolling and embossing. The windows are punched.
• - Bending of the metal strip on a peripheral line around the axis of symmetry, with the bending ends of the metal strip initially pointing away from one another on the flat metal strip nander to be bent and connected to each other.

• - Schneiden eines Blechstreifens als Rohling für einen den Freilaufring. Als Ausgangsmaterial für den Blechstreifen wird vorzugsweise ein auf ein Coil gewickeltes Bandmaterial eingesetzt, wobei die Breite des Bandmaterials so ausgelegt ist, dass diese zur Herstellung des Freilaufrings nicht mehr beschnitten werden muss. Alternativ sind die Blechstreifen aus Platten geschnitten. Die Länge der vom Coil abgeschnittenen oder aus der Platte geschnittenen Blechstreifen entspricht jeweils einer gestreckten Ausgangslänge, welche zum Formen des jeweiligen Freilaufrings führen. Dadurch kann vorteilhaft beim Zuschneiden Material gespart werden. Der Abfall beschränkt sich bei der Herstellung des Freilaufrings auf das zur Schaffung Klemmrampen, Rastvertiefungen und auf das bei der Herstellung einer Formschlussverbindung des Freilaufrings ausgeklinkte Material.
• - Profilieren eines Blechstreifens, wobei in den Freilaufring Konturen der Klemmrampen eingewalzt und die Vertiefungen für die Rastvertiefungen vorzugsweise spanlos (d.h. ohne den Einsatz von spanabhebenden Verfahren wie Hobeln, Drehen oder Schleifen) durch Biegen, Walzen und Prägen eingebracht werden.
• - Biegen des Blechstreifens auf einer Umfangslinie um die Symmetrieachse, wobei die voneinander weg weisenden Biegeenden des Blechstreifens aufeinander zu gebogen und zu dem Freilaufring miteinander verbunden werden.

The invention therefore also provides a method for producing a freewheel ring made of sheet metal. The procedure is characterized by the following steps:

• - Cutting a sheet metal strip as a blank for the freewheel ring. A strip material wound onto a coil is preferably used as the starting material for the metal strip, the width of the strip material being designed such that it no longer has to be trimmed to produce the freewheel ring. Alternatively, the metal strips are cut from plates. The length of the sheet metal strips cut from the coil or from the plate corresponds in each case to a stretched initial length, which leads to the shaping of the respective freewheel ring. As a result, material can advantageously be saved when cutting to size. During the production of the freewheel ring, the waste is limited to the material notched to create clamping ramps, latching depressions and to the material that is notched when producing a form-fitting connection of the freewheel ring.
• - Profiling of a sheet metal strip, with the contours of the clamping ramps being rolled into the freewheel ring and the indentations for the locking indentations preferably being introduced without cutting (ie without the use of machining processes such as planing, turning or grinding) by bending, rolling and embossing.
• - Bending of the metal strip on a peripheral line around the axis of symmetry, the bending ends of the metal strip pointing away from one another being bent towards one another and connected to one another to form the freewheel ring.

The invention provides a method in which the cage is inserted into the freewheel ring and the profiles are pushed laterally into the locking recesses or snapped in elastically radially.
If the profiles are designed appropriately, there are further advantages. It is provided that a first diameter of an enveloping circle that delimits the freewheel cage radially on the inside or radially on the outside and runs around the axis of symmetry is adjusted to a second diameter by deforming the profiles, the first diameter being present in an initial state of the cage and the second diameter being a desired value corresponds to which the cage is to be adjusted to match the freewheel ring.
The distance between the two windows which are directly adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction can be adjusted in an adjustable manner by deforming the sections and thus by deforming the profile, for example by spreading the legs. The geometric shape of the profile can be changed or the dimensions of a geometric shape - in general, the changes in the geometric shape and dimensions of the profile can also be changed and the distance between the two windows can be adjusted. The profile or profiles act as locking elements and as compensating profile(s) via which the distance between two adjacent windows can be made variable and, for example, diameter tolerances and other dimensional deviations or changes can be compensated for.

Between two adjacent windows, the profile can in each case connect a web or just as well two webs or web sections with one another. The aforementioned measure can be implemented in such a way that between all of the webs or web sections that are directly adjacent in the circumferential direction, the profile is flexibly connected to one another. Alternatively, this measure can also only be implemented at one point on the circumference between exactly two adjacent windows. Alternatively, this measure is implemented between more than two peripherally adjacent windows but not between all adjacent windows of the cage. In the latter case, for example, there is only one web between at least two circumferentially adjacent windows, which delimits one window in one direction and the other of the adjacent windows in the other direction, but has no profile, for example.
With the aforementioned configuration, one and the same cage can be used in freewheels with different diameters within the scope of certain dimensional or tolerance ranges that are to be compensated for, or can be adapted to different tolerance ranges. The compensation of diameter or circumference tolerances in the range of a few millimeters or tenths of a millimeter is compensated for by spreading, stretching, compressing or similar of the profiles using the flexible adjustable profiles, while maintaining the even or uneven division.
In an advantageous embodiment of the aforementioned embodiment, at least two webs or web sections that are flexibly connected to one another in the circumferential direction are formed between at least two of the windows that are adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction. Provision is therefore made for at least one distance between two windows that are adjacent in the circumferential direction to be adjustable in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction in such a way that the circumference of the cage can be changed. The distance between the two webs of the pair is either elastic or preferably by Bie and then adjustable to remain in the set position. “Then remaining adjustable in the set position” does not mean that the set distance has to be permanently fixed. He can be fixed with it. Alternatively, the distance can be corrected at any time or adjusted again as desired by renewed bending, widening, constricting, etc. of the profile(s). Alternatively, the profile responds elastically by itself.

• - Axial ist unabhängig von der tatsächlichen Lage der Achse im Raum, als gleichgerichtet konzentrisch oder parallel zur Symmetrieachse des Käfigs bzw. Rotationsachse des Freilaufs definiert. Radial ist dementsprechend quer zur Symmetrieachse auf die Symmetrieachse zuführend oder diese schneidend. Die Symmetrieachse liegt auf der Rotationsachse.
• - Die Geometrie der Öffnung der Fenster bzw. die Geometrie von deren Umrandung ist wahlweise rechteckig, quadratisch, polygonförmig, rund, oval oder kann beliebig anders ausgebildet sein.
• - Die Querschnitte der Seitenränder sind wahlweise rechteckig, quadratisch, polygonförmig, rund, oval oder können beliebig anders ausgebildet sein, z.B. wie nach Art von Hohlprofilen wie L-, C-, U-, T-förmig im Querschnitt.
• - Die miteinander vorzugsweise einmaterialig-monolithisch ausgebildeten Abschnitte/Spreizglieder bilden zum Beispiel im Querschnitt durch den Käfig und quer zur Symmetrieachse vorzugsweise ein V-, oder U-Profil, oder weisen alternativ ein Omega-Profil oder die Gestalt einer Schlingfeder auf.
• - Die zwischen zwei in Umfangsrichtung benachbarten Fenstern angeordneten und ebenfalls in Umfangsrichtung zueinander benachbarten und miteinander verbundenen Stege sind wahlweise Stegabschnitte eines Steges, der beide in Umfangsrichtung zueinander benachbarten Fenster voneinander trennt und diese beiden in Umfangsrichtung begrenzt.
• - Alternativ sind die beiden Stege separat zueinander ausgebildet, tangential mit Abstand zueinander aber über die Seitenränder in Umfangsrichtung miteinander verbunden, und bilden ein Paar zwischen zwei umfangsseitig zueinander benachbarten Fenstern. Dabei begrenzt einer der Stege des Paars das eine der umfangsseitig zueinander benachbarten Fenstern in die eine Umfangsrichtung und der andere der Stege das andere der umfangsseitig zueinander benachbarten Fenster in die andere Umfangsrichtung.
• - Die wenigstens zwei miteinander verbundenen Abschnitte des Profils sind, in quer durch den Käfig und die Stege gelegten Querschnitten betrachtet, die miteinander elastisch verbundenen Schenkel eines V-Profils oder U-Profils oder Omega-Profils oder beliebig gekrümmt verlaufende bzw. linear ausgerichtete Schenkel.
• - Konkrete Ausführungsbeispiele sehen vor, dass die sich radial über die Seitenränder hinaus erhebende Höhe des Profils oder die gestreckte Länge der Abschnitte bzw. deren Spreizglieder mindestens dem Dreifachen der Dicke des Blechs entspricht, aus dem der Käfig gefertigt ist. Die bevorzugte Höhe entspricht dabei in etwa dem 10-fachen dieser Blechdicke.
• - Generell ist denkbar, dass die Stege eines Paares durch zu den Stegen gesondert ausgeführte biegbare Profile oder Federelemente miteinander elastisch verbunden sind. Die vorzugsweise monolithische Ausbildung bedeutet jedoch, dass der Käfig und die Profile aus einem Stück und von einem Halbzeug in einem Stück ausgebildet und nicht durch form-, stoff- und/oder kraftschlüssige Verfahren miteinander verbunden sind. Das Material der Käfige ist dabei vorzugsweise Stahl. Es ist auch der Einsatz von Kunststoffen oder eine Kombination in Struktur oder schichtartig miteinander ausgebildeter Materialien denkbar. Beispiele sind plattierte oder beschichtete Materialien oder Verbundwerkstoffe.
• Die Stege sind entweder eigene Elemente, die sich axial von einem Seitenrand zu dem anderen Seitenrand erstrecken und die Seitenränder verbinden. Oder sie sind durch die Enden der Abschnitte gebildet. Sie sind in dem Fall also praktisch in die Form des Profils integriert.

• - Als Stege sind also alle geometrischen Abschnitte des Käfigs zu sehen, die in eine Umfangsrichtung und tangential jeweils ein Fenster begrenzen/abschließen und in eine entgegengesetzte Richtung mit dem Profil verbunden oder an diesem ausgebildet sind. Alternativ begrenzt ein Steg in die eine Umfangsrichtung ein Fenster und in die andere Umfangsrichtung ein anderes Fenster. In diesem Fall ist das Profil der Steg.
• - Umfangseitig oder unmittelbar umfangsseitig zueinander benachbart sind die Fenster, wenn zwischen ihnen kein weiteres Fenster ausgebildet ist. Jedes Fenster des Käfigs ist in beide entgegengesetzte Umfangsrichtungen jeweils zu einem Fenster unmittelbar benachbart ausgebildet.
• - Der Käfig ist inklusive aller Stege, Seitenränder und Profile einmaterialig-monolithisch ausgeführt und z.B. aus Stahlblech oder aus einem Stahlband hergestellt. Alternativ ist der Käfig mehr-materialig-monolithisch hergestellt. Das Material aller Elemente des Käfigs incl. der Stege und der Profile ist dabei vorzugsweise Stahl oder eine Nichteisenlegierung. Es ist auch der Einsatz von Kunststoffen oder eine Kombination in Struktur oder schichtartig miteinander ausgebildeter Materialien denkbar. Beispiele sind plattierte oder beschichtete Materialien mit Trägermaterial aus Stahl oder Kunststoffen oder Verbundwerkstoffe aus allen denkbaren Werkstoffen.

The webs and the side edges, as well as the two webs connected to one another in the circumferential direction, are monolithically connected to one another. The webs are connected to one another in one piece, ie in one piece, in the circumferential direction.
The disadvantage of known cages is that their dimensions, ie their circumference or their diameter, are only fixed at a nominal value and accordingly can only be installed in freewheels of a production batch with fixed nominal dimensions of their diameter. The advantage of the invention lies in particular in the fact that such a cage can be used variably in certain diameter ranges that go beyond the diameter ranges of normal tolerances.

The cage can be adjusted to different diameter or distance tolerance ranges by changing the circumferential length on the profiles, especially if it is made from a flat strip material, in X-fold and identical segment length (cut length). Alternatively, different cages for significantly different diameter series are first produced uniformly with the same tools as a band with the same profile using the same mold. The different diameter ranges are then determined by setting the cut length of the profiled sheet metal strip that corresponds to the finished circumference of the cage. For example, metal strips of a first length are cut in one lot and metal strips with a second length are cut in another lot, which corresponds to twice the first length. The sheet metal strips cut to length are preferably bent immediately after cutting on the same production line using a mandrel with the specification of the first diameter and the bending ends are connected to one another. The same applies to the cages of the second batch, which are bent in a separate production run but on the same system using a mandrel with the specification of the second diameter. This results in two lots of cages from the same profile, which initially only differ in the cut length and later in the diameter. The fine tuning of the diameters or circumferences within the cages of a lot is then carried out according to the method described above, for example by spreading or pressing together the legs of the profiles. The maximum compensable diameter difference is "stored" in the radial height and in the distance between the sections of the respective profile, i.e. in its geometric shape, and retrieved as required by stretching, stretching or compressing the profile. By adjusting the distances between the webs, the length of the sheet metal strip can be brought to the desired circumferential length before bending or during bending of the sheet metal strip over the circumference or after bending to the circumferential length by widening or constricting. A cage strip blank that can be used in cages with a wide variety of diameters can be realized with one tool.
As already mentioned at the beginning, the advantage of this configuration is that the circumference or diameter of the cages produced according to the invention can be adjusted to different diameter ranges/diameter series or circumferences/circumferential series of freewheels. The nominal dimensions or lower or upper limits of the diameter ranges or circumferences are specified by reference values to which the freewheel cage can be adjusted by changing the distances between the bars of a pair of bars. The reference values can be graded in values in the tenth range from millimeters to millimeters between the possible lower and upper limits. In this case, a cage can advantageously be adjusted steplessly within the specified upper and lower limits to different reference values of a diameter or circumferential series.
The following further refinements of the invention are provided and/or specifications apply to the subject matter of the invention.:

• - Axial is defined independently of the actual position of the axis in space as concentric or parallel to the axis of symmetry of the cage or the axis of rotation of the freewheel. Accordingly, radial is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry leading to the axis of symmetry or intersecting it. The axis of symmetry lies on the axis of rotation.
• - The geometry of the opening of the window or the geometry of the border is either rectangular, square, polygonal, round, oval or can be designed in any other way.
• - The cross-sections of the side edges are optionally rectangular, square, polygonal, round, oval or can be of any other design, for example like the type of hollow profiles such as L, C, U, T-shaped in cross section.
• The sections/spreading members, which are preferably made of one material and monolithic, preferably form a V or U profile in cross section through the cage and transverse to the axis of symmetry, or alternatively have an omega profile or the shape of a wrap spring.
• The webs arranged between two circumferentially adjacent windows and also circumferentially adjacent and connected to one another are optionally web sections of a web which separates the two circumferentially adjacent windows from one another and delimits these two in the circumferential direction.
• - Alternatively, the two webs are formed separately from each other, tangentially at a distance from each other but connected to each other via the side edges in the circumferential direction, and form a pair between two circumferentially adjacent windows. One of the webs of the pair delimits one of the peripherally adjacent windows in one circumferential direction and the other of the webs delimits the other of the peripherally adjacent windows in the other circumferential direction.
• The at least two interconnected sections of the profile are, viewed in cross sections laid across the cage and the webs, the elastically connected legs of a V profile or U profile or Omega profile or any curved or linearly aligned legs.
• - Concrete exemplary embodiments provide that the height of the profile rising radially beyond the side edges or the stretched length of the sections or their expanding elements corresponds to at least three times the thickness of the sheet metal from which the cage is made. The preferred height corresponds to approximately 10 times this sheet thickness.
• It is generally conceivable that the webs of a pair are elastically connected to one another by flexible profiles or spring elements that are designed separately from the webs. However, the preferably monolithic design means that the cage and the profiles are formed from one piece and from a semi-finished product in one piece and are not connected to one another by positive, material and/or non-positive methods. The material of the cages is preferably steel. The use of plastics or a combination of structures or materials formed in layers with one another is also conceivable. Examples are plated or coated materials or composite materials.
• The webs are either separate elements that extend axially from one side edge to the other side edge and connect the side edges. Or they are formed by the ends of the sections. In this case, they are practically integrated into the shape of the profile.

• All geometric sections of the cage that limit/close off a window in a circumferential direction and tangentially and are connected to or formed on the profile in the opposite direction can be seen as webs. Alternatively, a web delimits a window in one circumferential direction and another window in the other circumferential direction. In this case, the profile is the web.
• The windows are adjacent to one another on the circumference or directly on the circumference if no further window is formed between them. Each window of the cage is formed immediately adjacent to a window in both opposite circumferential directions.
• - The cage, including all webs, side edges and profiles, is designed as a monolithic material and is made of sheet steel or steel strip, for example. Alternatively, the cage is made of multiple materials and is monolithic. The material of all elements of the cage, including the webs and the profiles, is preferably steel or a non-ferrous alloy. The use of plastics or a combination of structures or materials formed in layers with one another is also conceivable. Examples are plated or coated materials with carrier material made of steel or plastics or composite materials made of all conceivable materials.

character list

• 1 zeigt einen Freilauf O8 frontal in einer Gesamtansicht.
• Die 2, 3 und 4 zeigen ein des Freilaufs O8 in verschiedenen Ansichten.
• 5 zeigt eine Gesamtansicht des Freilaufrings O6.
• 6 zeigt ein Detail des Freilaufrings nach 5 als vergrößerte und nicht maßstäbliche Darstellung.
• Die 7 und 8 zeigen in verkürzter Darstellung einen Blechstreifen 06-1, welcher als Halbzeug für die Herstellung eines Freilaufrings 06-1 vorgesehen ist, in gestreckter Form in verschiedenen Ansichten - so in 7 in einer Seitenansicht und in 8 in einer Draufsicht auf die Profilierung.
• Die 9 und 10 zeigen Ansichten eines vereinfacht dargestellten Freilaufrings O6.
• 11 zeigt eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines Käfigs C17 als Resultat eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Herstellung des Käfigs.
• 12 zeigt vereinfacht einen Blechstreifen C17-1, der mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensschritt in eine mit 11 gezeigte Form des Käfigs C17 gebracht wird.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Some of the representations are simplified, schematic and not to scale.

• 1 shows a front view of a freewheel O8 in an overall view.
• the 2 , 3 and 4 show one of the freewheel O8 in different views.
• 5 shows an overall view of the freewheel ring O6.
• 6 shows a detail of the freewheel ring 5 as an enlarged and not to scale representation.
• the 7 and 8th show an abbreviated representation of a metal strip 06-1, which as Semi-finished product intended for the production of a freewheel ring 06-1, in stretched form in different views - as in 7 in a side view and in 8th in a plan view of the profiling.
• the 9 and 10 show views of a simplified representation of a freewheel ring O6.
• 11 shows a simplified representation of a cage C17 as a result of a method according to the invention for manufacturing the cage.
• 12 shows a simplified sheet metal strip C17-1, with a step according to the invention in a 11 shown shape of the cage C17 is brought.

1 - The freewheel O8 (in the usual abbreviation from the English One Way Clutch = OWC) has a freewheel ring O6, a cage C17 (cage = C), elastic elements E1 and sprags S1 (sprags = S).

The freewheel ring O6 is an outer freewheel ring and is therefore designed as an outer ring. An inner track of an inner ring or a shaft, a shaft journal, etc., which is usually designed to be cylindrical on the outside, and on which the clamping bodies S1 run, is not shown.

The freewheel ring O6 and the cage C17 are aligned concentrically to a common axially running axis of rotation R1 of the freewheel O8 or axis of symmetry R1 of the freewheel ring O6 or the cage C17. The clamping bodies S1 are designed as rollers and are distributed in mutually opposite circumferential directions around the axis of rotation R1 at a radial distance from the axis of rotation R1.

The freewheel ring O6 is provided with circumferentially arranged and radially recessed pockets O3. The respective pocket O3 is designed to be recessed radially outwards in the freewheel ring O6 and is directed away from the axis of rotation R1. Clamping ramps O4 for contacts with the clamping bodies S1 are formed on the pockets O3. At least one of the clamping bodies S1 is assigned to each clamping ramp 04, i.e. the clamping bodies S1 rest against one of the clamping ramps O4 at least in the locking mode of the freewheel O8. In this exemplary embodiment, the clamping bodies S1 are designed as cylindrical rollers.

The cage C17 is provided with radial windows C2, which are also commonly referred to as cage pockets C2 and in each of which one of the clamping bodies S1 is guided. Each window C2 is delimited in each of the circumferential directions by a web C3 and on both sides axially by a side edge C4 or C5. The webs C3 connect the side edges C4 and C5 axially to one another and each extend in the axial direction in the same direction as the axis of rotation R1 between two clamping bodies S1 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation R.

The elastic elements E1 are tension or compression springs, preferably compression springs, which press the clamping bodies S1 back into an initial position during operation of the freewheel O8 and which are held on a holder C9 of the cage C2.

Each window C2 is delimited in each of the circumferential directions by a web C3 and on both sides axially by a side edge C4 or C5. The side edges C4 and C5 run around the axis of rotation R1 in the circumferential direction and delimit a number of the windows C2 axially, each of the side edges C4 and C5 respectively the pockets C2 in only one direction. The webs C3 axially connect the side edges C4 and C5 to one another and each extend in the axial direction in the same direction as the axis of symmetry between the two webs C4 and C5 running in the circumferential direction about the axis of symmetry R1. The side edges C4 and C5 as well as the webs C3 of the cage C17 are formed in one piece with one another (monolithic) from the sheet steel of the cage C17.

1 and 2 each of the webs C3 of the cage C17 is formed by a profile C10 which protrudes radially beyond the lateral edges C4 and C5. It is also conceivable (not shown) for the cage to be provided with just one such profile or for a number of such identical or different profiles that deviates from the total number of webs in the cage. Two sections C11 and C12 connected to one another in the circumferential direction are formed on the respective profile C10, one of the sections C11 delimiting one of the adjacent windows C2 and the other of the sections C12 delimiting the other adjacent window C2.

2 - The shape of the profile C10 and a very small compared to the radial profile height T1 sheet thickness T2 of the cage respectively at the respective of the sections C11 and C12 make it possible to adjust the profile C10 in terms of its dimensions T1 and T3. The profile height T1 is a radial distance between two mutually parallel distance lines D1 and D2. The distance line connects the two points of the sections C11 and C12 which are closest radially to the axis of symmetry R1. The distance line T5 runs through the radially furthest point from the axis of symmetry R1 of a body edge of the profile 10. It is possible to measure the tangential distance T3 between two sections C11 and spread apart from one another C12 by bending, ie by deforming the profile C10, either by spreading it out or shortening it tangentially, the distance T3 between the legs C13 and C14 of the sections C11 and C12 can be adjusted to a limited extent - tangentially to an imaginary circumferential circle, which in the cross section under consideration ( 1 ) is placed around the axis of rotation R1 and which runs approximately on the inner circumference of the cage C17. Changing the distance T3 entails a change in the profile height T1 or can bring about a change in the profile height T1. The C17 cage is a stamped and bent part, which means that the sheet metal thickness in each area of the cage roughly corresponds to the sheet metal thickness T2. The height T1 is reduced, for example, by spreading the legs 13 and 14 and thus increasing the distance T3. The elastic element E1 is held on a holder 9 and is prestressed against the clamping body S1.

1 and 3 - The profile C10 is in cross section through the cage C17, ie transverse to the axis of symmetry R1 as shown, preferably V-shaped and thereby open in the radial direction toward the axis of symmetry R1, but can also (not shown) W-shaped, U-shaped , omega-shaped etc. with expandable legs and loops. In this case, each of the sections C11 and C12 has a radial component and an axial component. The radial component is formed by the respective leg C13 or C14.

3 - The axial component is a transverse web C11a and C12a, respectively, extending between the side edges C4 and C5. One of the holders C9 for the elastic element E1 is formed on the respective transverse web C12a for each window C2.

3 and 4 - The freewheel ring O6 has a locking recess O7. One of the latching depressions O7 is in each case formed in the circumferential direction between two adjacent clamping ramps O4. A latching element C10-1 engages in each of the latching depressions O7, so that the pockets C2 of the cage C17 are held in position relative to the clamping ramps O4. The locking elements C10-1 correspond to the profiles C10 or their radially outer tips. Out of 7 axial stops O10 and O11 can also be seen, which limit the locking recess O7 axially in one direction and on which the cage C17 engages by means of the locking element C10-1. The locking element C10-1 must be snapped radially into the freewheel ring O6 when the cage C17 is installed. In the with 8th The modification shown, on the other hand, lacks the axial stop O10 7 . The latching recess O7 is axially open in one direction and only closed in one axial direction by the axial stop O11 (at the back in the illustration). The cage C17 can be pushed into the freewheel ring O6 in the axial direction. When inserting the cage C17 into the freewheel ring O6, the locking element C10-1 is "threaded" axially into the locking recess O7 and guided axially up to the axial stop O11.

5 and 6 - The 5 and 6 describe the freewheel ring O6 in an overall view or in a detail that is not to scale. The detent depressions O7 between the clamping ramps O4 are axially running grooves with a depth that extends radially into the freewheel ring O6. The respective groove is open toward an end face O9 of the freewheel ring O6 and is axially closed by an axial stop O11 toward an axial end 012 of the freewheel ring O6 that is axially opposite the end face O9. - As a comparison: looking at the detailed representation 3 the groove of the latching recess O7 is also closed axially towards the end face O9 with an axial stop O10.

3 - The axial stops O10 and/or O11 each form an axial stop for the respective locking element C10-1 seated in the locking recess O7 against axial movement. It follows that in the with the detail of 7 In the alternative arrangement shown, the cage C17 is held positioned axially towards the freewheel ring O6 by means of the latching element C10-1 engaging in the latching recess O7, both through the axial stop O11 in the direction of the end face O9 and through the axial stop 10 towards the end 012.

7 and 8th - The extended length of the metal strip 06-1 corresponds to the circumferential length of the 5 illustrated finished freewheel ring O6.Der sheet metal strip 06-1 is cut from a strip material, the strip being profiled either or at the same time during, before or after cutting. The initial contours 07-1, which later result in the latching depressions O7 on the finished freewheel ring O6, and the initial contours 04-1, which later result in the clamping ramps O4 on the finished freewheel ring O6, are then preferably formed on the profile without cutting - i.e. embossed, burnished or rolled. In addition, form-fitting elements O6-2 and O6-3 are cut out on the example shown at the two opposite ends O6-4 and O6-5, through which at the with the 9 or. 10 Freewheel rings O6, the bending ends O6-4 and O6-5 of the metal strip 06-1 are positively connected to each other.

9 and 10 - The one in the 9 and 10 After being cut to size and after profiling, the sheet metal strip shown is brought into a hollow-cylindrical shape of the freewheel ring O6, with the two opposite ends O6-4 and O6-5 being bent towards one another and secured by means of the shape which is positively fitted into one another and non-positively secured to one another by embossing connecting elements O6-2 and O6-3 are permanently connected to each other. As an alternative or in addition to these measures, the ends O6-4 and O6-5 can also be connected to one another in a cohesive manner by welding a welded joint O6-6.

11 and 12 - The cage C17 with its pockets C2, profiles C10 and the holders C9 is cut and profiled from a sheet metal strip C17-1 (see the illustration, which is not to scale 12 ) and then in the with 11 shown shape. In this case, ends C17-2 and C17-3 of the metal strip C17-1 are bent towards one another and preferably connected to one another in a materially bonded manner by welding. The pitch P1 or the circumferential distances P1 (in radians) between the profiles 10 are predetermined via the distances F between the profiles 10 on the metal strip C17-1 still stretched in one plane.

reference list

C2

Window or pocket of the cage

C3

bar of the cage

C4

side edge of the cage

C5

side edge of the cage

C9

holder

C10

Profile of the jetty

C10-1

locking element

C11

section of the profile

C12

section of the profile

C13

leg of the section

C14

leg of the section

C15

stripes

C16

stripes

C17

Cage

C17-1

sheet metal strips

C17-2

end of the sheet metal strip

C17-3

end of the sheet metal strip

D1

distance line

D2

distance line

E1

elastic element

O3

Free wheel pocket

O4

Freewheel ring clamping ramp

O4-1

Exit contours of the clamp ramp

O6

freewheel ring

06-1

Sheet metal strips of the freewheel ring

O6-2

interlocking element

O6-3

interlocking element

O6-4

ends of the sheet metal strip

O6-5

end of the sheet metal strip

O6-6

welded joint

O7

detent recess

07-1

Outline of the detent recess

O8

freewheel

O9

face

O10

axial stop

O11

axial stop

012

end of the free wheel

R1

Axis of rotation or axis of symmetry

S1

clamping body

T1

radial height of the profile

T2

sheet thickness

T3

tangential distance

T4

distance line

T5

distance line

Claims (6)

Freewheel (O8) at least having a freewheel ring (O6), a cage (C17) and clamping body (S1), wherein - the freewheel ring (O6) and the cage (C17) are aligned concentrically to a common axial axis of rotation (R1), - the clamping bodies (S1) are arranged in the cage (C17) at a radial distance from the axis of rotation (R1) and are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction over the circumference around the axis of rotation (R1), - the freewheel ring (O6) with at least one on the freewheel ring ( O6) formed and radially recessed latching recess (O7), - at least one latching element (C10-1) fixed to the cage (C17) engages in the latching recess (O7), - clamping ramps (O4) are formed on the freewheel ring (O6), - the clamping ramps (O4) are designed for contacts with the clamping bodies (S1), - at least one of the clamping bodies (S1) is located opposite each clamping ramp (O4), - the locking recess (O7) between two clamping ramps ( O4) is formed, - the cage (C17) with the locking element (C10-1) in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation (R1) relative is held positioned to the clamping ramps (O4), - the cage (C17) is provided with radial windows (C2), in which at least one of the clamping bodies (S1) is guided, each window (C2) in the circumferential direction being surrounded by a web (C3) is delimited, and that the latching element (C10-1) is formed on at least one of the webs (C3) between two circumferentially adjacent windows (C2), the latching element (C10-1) engaging in the latching recess (O7). characterized in that the locking element (C10-1) is at least one profile (C10) which has two sections (C11, C12) connected to one another in the circumferential direction, one of the sections (C11, C12) being one of two adjacent windows (C2) and the other of the sections (C11, C12) delimits another of the two adjacent windows (C2), the profile (C10) and the sections (C11, C12) and the side edges (C4, C5) being monolithically connected to one another. Freewheel (O8) after claim 1 , characterized in that the cage (C17) with the locking recess (O7) engaging locking element (C10-1) is guided axially on the freewheel ring (O6). Cage (C17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windows (C2) are delimited axially on both sides by side edges (C4, C5) running around the axis of rotation (R1). Process for the manufacture of a cage (C17) according to claims 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized by the following steps: - cutting a metal strip (C17-1) as a blank for the cage (C17), - profiling the metal strip (C17-1), wherein in the metal strip (C17-1), windows (C2) and webs (C3) and side edges (C4, C5) and the profiles (C10) are introduced or formed, - bending the metal strip (C17-1) around the axis of symmetry (R1), with the bending ends (C17-2) of the Sheet metal strips (C17-1) are bent towards each other and connected to each other. Method for producing a freewheel ring (O6) for a freewheel (O8) according to one of Claims 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized by the following steps: - cutting a metal strip (06-1) as a blank for the freewheel ring (O6), - profiling a metal strip (06-1), wherein in the metal strip (06-1) output contours (04-1) of Clamping ramps (O4) are rolled in and starting contours (07-1) for the latching depressions (O7) are introduced, - the metal strip (06-1) is bent on a peripheral line around the axis of symmetry (R1), with the ends (O6-4 , O6-5) of the metal strip (06-1) are bent towards one another and connected to one another. Procedure for assembling a freewheel (O8) according to the claims 1 until 3 with a cage (C17) after the claims 1 , 2 or 3 , in which the clamping bodies (S1) and the cage (C17) are assembled with the freewheel ring (O6) to form the freewheel (O8) and one of the locking elements (C10-1) is brought into engagement with one of the locking recesses (O7).

Images