JPH05187463A - One-way clutch with thin race - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide one-way clutch with an inner race member and an outer race member rotating in one direction which can transmit torque in one direction when engaged and can make a feewheel action when disengaged by disposing a plurality of thrust transmitting rollers in a circular space between the members. CONSTITUTION: The inner member 14, defining the surface 16 around the clutch shaft 12, is formed by a line in contact between rollers 26 and the surface 16, and the surface 20 of the outer member 18 is also formed by a line in contact between the rollers 26 and the surface 20. A plurality of thrust transmitting cylindrical rollers 26 are disposed inside the space 22 defined by the surfaces 16 and 20, slanting and in contact with the surfaces 16 and 20. The rollers 26 are rolled toward the larger diameter part of the clutch by the rotation of the outer member 18 relative to the inner member 14 in the direction of the arrow A to transmit torque between the members 14 and 18. When the members 14 and 18 are relatively rotated in the opposite direction of the arrow B, the rollers 26 are rolled relative to the inner member 14 in the direction of the arrow B1, so that the member 14 and 18 are in the freewheel condition.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a one-way clutch, and more particularly to transmitting torque in one direction, rotating as a freewheel in the other direction, and functioning as a roller bearing in this freewheel mode. The present invention relates to an improved lightweight and compact positive clutch. In accordance with the present invention, injection molded, stamped, extruded, or otherwise integrally molded, thin, lightweight, minimum wall thickness inner and outer races. Can be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of one-way clutches are currently known. The best known of these clutches is the sprag clutch, which comprises an inner race and an outer race and a number of so-called sprags held in place in a cage. There is. The other clutch is a ramp roller clutch and includes an inner race and an outer race, and a plurality of needle-shaped rollers adjacent to the inclined surface of the outer race. The sprag of the sprag clutch engages the camming engagement against the race surface by rotation of one race in the first direction, while rotation in the other direction cams the race surface. It is shaped so as to allow freewheel movement of the clutch without any action. The needle rollers of the ramp roller clutch lock the space between the sloping surface and the inner race into torque transmitting engagement during rotation of one race relative to the other in the first direction, while in the opposite direction. A freewheeling motion is produced by a relative rotary motion to. Almost all conventionally known clutches utilize members made by polishing or machining solid materials such as hardened steel. This reduces the variety of available race topography and significantly increases manufacturing costs. Integral molding is possible,
Manufacture of clutches with inner and outer races having a minimal wall thickness can provide a large number of different shapes at low cost.

Conventionally, a positive axial clutch (positive axial clutch) in which inner and outer race members are manufactured by punching is not known,
Also, the inner and outer race members are made by stamping, pressing, or other methods from thin steel plates, ceramics or other suitable materials, and the race members are hyperboloidal. Define a race surface with a shape similar to, and place a roller between both surfaces,
Torque is transmitted in the first relative rotational movement direction, freewheel movement is achieved in the other opposite rotational movement direction, and the roller is supported axially and slidably in this freewheel movement direction. I did it,
There is no known hyperboloid type positive axial clutch. A "positive" clutch is a clutch that transmits torque without slipping.

Some conventionally known clutches require that some actuating member of the device be an inner race member. As an example of this, a small one-way clutch manufactured by Koyo Co., Ltd. in Westlake, Ohio, USA has a stamped thin outer race member and the inner peripheral portion of this outer race member, and the rotation axis of the clutch. A plurality of rollers arranged in parallel with each other, and the rollers are rotatably arranged between the cage and an engagement pocket formed in the outer race. The inner race is the rotating shaft of the device with the clutch attached. This Koyo clutch is
It operates essentially the same as a ramp roller clutch, but has the characteristics of high friction, heat generation and wear. Since the placement of the rollers is determined exclusively by the diameter of the inner race / shaft, this Koyo clutch requires that the placement of the rollers be located radially far from the clutch axis of rotation. Under the torque condition, it is completely defective. In addition, since the Koyo rollers do not rotate in-situ, friction and therefore wear on the outer race can lead to premature failure.

In addition, conventionally, inner and outer race members are made from sheet steel, nylon, ceramics or other suitable plastics by stamping or other forming methods, and rollers. There is no known one-way clutch that can achieve a bearing function in the freewheel direction with almost no slippage between the inner and outer races.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to be engageable and disengageable, transmitting torque in one direction when engaged and freewheeling in the opposite direction when disengaged. That is, the overrunning movement is performed, and the inner and outer race members are made of a relatively thin and therefore lightweight material by stamping or another molding method. And an improved clutch of the hyperboloid type adapted to be secured to the outer race connecting element.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight, compact clutch which is capable of transmitting a substantial amount of torque from one element to another.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The improved one-way freewheel or clutch member of the present invention generally comprises:
Has one member. That is, (1) an inner race member fixed to an inner race element such as a shaft; (2) rotated in one direction with respect to the rotatable shaft, but against rotation in the opposite direction. Is an outer race member fixed to the rotatable shaft and secured to an outer race element, such as a sprocket or other member, the outer race member surrounding the inner race member. And, in cooperation with the inner race member, defines opposing inner and outer race surfaces and an annular space formed between the two surfaces; (3) disposed in the annular space portion. A plurality of sloping thrust transmission rollers having a cylindrical shape; and (4) arranged in relation to at least one end of the clutch, Bearing means disposed at the boundary between the end of the the end clutch is.
The inner and outer race surfaces converge from the first end of the clutch to the second end parallel to the axis of rotation of the clutch.

The contour shape (that is, the outer shape) of the inner and outer race surfaces that face each other is created by the contact line between the inner race surface and the roller and the contact line between the outer race surface and the roller.

Therefore, the outer shape of the race surface is the diameter of the roller, the diameter of the throat in the inner or outer race of the clutch, the inclination angle of the roller with respect to the radial plane,
And a function of the distance Z from the throat of the clutch to the measurement point.

The longitudinal axis of rotation of the needle roller defines a plane of rotation about the axis of rotation of the clutch, which has two straight generatrixes (the axes of rotation of the rollers) over the entire plane of rotation. Note that it is a hyperboloid drawn in such a way that it also passes through all points. On the other hand, each roller contacts the inner and outer race surfaces along the generatrix of the inner and outer race surfaces. This line of contact looks like a spiral across the length of each roller against each race surface. All the rollers are arranged in the same inclination with respect to a radial plane, ie a plane transverse to the central axis of the clutch at right angles. The present invention is further arranged at a boundary position between the roller and at least one of the first and second race members to allow sliding movement in at least a first direction, and also in an axial direction of the roller. For the roller is provided with a means adapted to support the roller.

According to the present invention, the inner and outer races are formed with a thin, lightweight structure, and the inner and outer race surfaces have a diameter at the first end of each race member that is greater than the diameter at the second end. It is regarded as an approximated hyperboloid.
Furthermore, the clutch according to the invention has axially fixed inner and outer race members. Thereby, relative rotational movement of the race member in one direction achieves slip-free thrust transmission engagement of the roller between the opposing surfaces, and relative rotational movement in the other direction causes the roller to
The tangent angle between the curved beveled surface of the inner race is reduced, thereby releasing thrust transmission engagement.

It should be understood that the angle of inclination of the roller with respect to the radial plane is constant in the freewheel motion mode and the thrust transfer mode.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The positive axial clutch according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a one-leaf hyperboloid defined as a straight-lined surface (line-woven curved surface) is illustrated. The ruled curved surface is formed by drawing the straight lines 10 called two generatrixes over all points of the curved surface so that the straight line 10 is completely located in the curved surface. The hyperboloid shown in the drawing is a central axis 12 which is a rotation axis of a positive axial clutch (positive axial clutch) described later.
Is the plane of rotation around. In the present invention, the bus bar 10 of FIG.
, Which will be described later in detail, is a cylindrical roller (roller) 2
6 coincides with the axis of rotation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the clutch of the present invention has a first inner member 14 (inner race) made by stamping or molding a thin plate material. The member 14 defines a surface of revolution (inner race surface) 16 about the clutch axis 12, which surface of rotation is associated with the roller 26 and the inner race surface 16.
It is defined and created by the line of continuous contact between and. The surface shape of the inner race 16 and, in this regard, the surface 20 of the outer race, are also hyperboloids illustrated in FIG. 1 rather than true hyperboloids in the description herein, particularly in the description of the preferred embodiment. , Adjacent to the portion to the immediate left of the radial plane defined by the dash-dotted line. The radial plane is the plane passing through the throat of the clutch, that is, the smallest diameter portion.

In addition, the clutch has a second or outer race member 18. This member is made of a suitable material by punching or molding, and the clutch axis 1
Fabricated into a thin walled structure having an outer race surface 20 formed as a surface of revolution about two. The outer race surface 20, like the inner race surface 16, is defined and created by the line of continuous contact between the surface 20 and the roller 26.

A plurality of thrust transmitting cylindrical needle rollers 26 of radius R are disposed within a space 22 defined by the opposing inner and outer race surfaces 16 and 20, and the surfaces along their respective generatrices. Contacting 16 and 20, and all rollers are similarly tilted with respect to the radial plane. At least three equally spaced rollers 26 are required for the clutch to function properly.

Each roller 26 has surfaces 16 and 2 along a line that is somewhat helically curved with respect to the roller axis.
It is in contact with 0. These spirally curved contact lines for the surfaces 16, 20 of each roller 26 are similar to the hyperbolic busbar 10 and are said to approach the busbar as the radius R of the roller approaches zero. be able to.

2 and 3, rotation of outer member 18 relative to inner member 14 in the direction of arrow A causes each roller to rotate in the same direction about its own axis, and thus The inner member 14 is urged to move in the arrow A1 direction. This causes the rollers to roll towards the larger diameter first end of the clutch. When the roller is rolled in the said direction, the roller will engage the inner and outer race surfaces 16
And 20 are arranged in the annular space at a preferred critical angle with respect to the contours of 20 and 20, so that when the sliding contact between the cylindrical rolling member and the flat surface is about to end, each roller 26 is opposed. Between the surfaces 16 and 20 to be stopped substantially instantaneously, and thus the first and second members 1
Torque is transmitted between Nos. 4 and 18. First and second member 1
By making relative rotation movement of 4, 18 in the opposite direction indicated by arrow B in FIG.
4 in the direction of the arrow B1 to move each roller into the curved ramp surfaces 16 and 20 adjacent the first end of the clutch.
Release from the critical locking angle state created by
The second race member is freewheeled with respect to the first race member.

Furthermore, the clutch according to the invention can also be assembled so that it locks in one direction, but when disassembled, in the opposite direction, the rollers are locked in the opposite direction. It is also possible to tilt it.

The inner race member 14 comprises the inner race element 4
It is stuck at 0. The inner race element may be the shaft or other member of the mechanism that provides torque transmission, i.e., torque delivery, in the locked mode. Similarly, the outer race member 18 is secured to an outer race element 42, such as a sprocket or other member that transmits torque in the locked mode. Suitable means are provided to secure the inner and outer race members 14 and 18 to the race elements 40 and 42, respectively. Most importantly, the race member 14,
18 is rigidly connected to the corresponding race elements 40 and 42, which means that a slight relative movement between the race member and the corresponding race element is not allowed. To this end, the outer surface 20 of the outer race member 18 and the inner surface 16 of the inner race member 14
For proper engagement with the corresponding surface shape of the race element,
Surface coating, uneven surface, predetermined contour shape, rough surface, zinc plating, toothed surface, spline formation, holed surface, The recess may be formed or have another shape.

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the outer race 18 is removed from the inner race member 14 to show the positional relationship of each roller 26 to the inner race surface 16 and the annular shoulder 30. The annular shoulder portion 30 directly or indirectly supports each roller in the axial direction, and is integrally connected to the large diameter end of the inner race member 14, that is, the first end A. In addition, this annular shoulder portion is used for the outer race member 18
It is also possible to integrally connect to the large diameter end, that is, the first end A.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4A. Rollers 26 all arranged at the same inclination with respect to the radial plane
Are disposed around the inner race surface 16 and have their first or lower ends 52 axially supported by the annular shoulder 30. Preferably, the end 52 of the roller 26 is spherical or lens-shaped.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bearing surface 62 of the annular shoulder 30 is shaped to engage the end 52 of the roller 26 and achieve a substantially line contact therebetween. It will be appreciated that the compact, yet easy-to-manufacture device of the present invention is particularly well suited for relatively low torque applications such as, for example, single sheet feeders.

A conformal shape between the end 52 and the surface 62 is important in terms of durability of the clutch of the present invention.
If the shapes of the end portions 52 do not match, the end portions may be damaged such as being dented, resulting in the inoperability of the clutch.

The second annular shoulder portion 32 is formed on the small diameter end B of the inner race member 14 to support the roller 26 in the axial direction and prevent the movement from the space portion 22.

As shown in FIG. 5, inter alia, inner race member 14 is formed with splines 44 and corresponding splines 4 formed in inner race element 40.
6 is adapted to engage. Further, the outer race member 18 is provided with an outer shoulder member 66 having an uneven shape or other treatment, and / or a tooth portion and a notched grip means 25 connected to the lip 21. Can be set up. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the outer race element 42 is integrally molded on the outer peripheral surface of the outer race member 18 so as to be locked to the grip means 25 having the teeth and the notches. In particular, the outer surface 19 of the outer race member 18 can be treated to rigidly engage an outer race element 42 (illustrated in FIG. 5).

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch of the present invention, in which the inner race member 14 is, for example, a spline 44.
At the corresponding spline 4 of the inner race element 40
6 is fixed in an engaged state. Similarly, the outer race member 18 is disposed in a manner that surrounds the inner race member 14 and is secured to the outer race element 42, thereby causing the outer race surface 20 to face the inner race surface 16. .. The roller 26 is disposed between the surfaces 16, 20 at an appropriate angle. This angle is a function of the roller diameter, the diameter of the inner race throat position (possibly the diameter of the small diameter end A), and the length of the clutch along the axis of rotation of the inner race.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the clutch comprises inner and outer race members 14 and 18.
Made of thin steel plate, carbon steel, nylon, ceramics, suitable plastics or other materials resistant to heat, wear and shear stress, or otherwise It is made by. The clutch of the present invention in this embodiment is compact, has a substantially negligible weight, and is capable of producing several times as much torque as various clutches that can be replaced with the clutch of the present invention. It can be transmitted. The inner and / or outer race elements 40 and 42 may be molded integrally with the pre-positioned race members 14 and 18, respectively.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer race member 18 has an annular retaining segment 19 connected to its large diameter end and bent downwardly. The segment 19 engages the annular shoulder 30 of the inner race member 14 and acts to resist the axial thrust force applied to the clutch. In addition, engagement means 64 can be provided, for example curved washers, corrugated washers, or Belleville washers. These engagement means 64 act as annular thrust elements between the legs 19 and shoulders 30 to ensure that the inner member 14 is aligned with the outer member 18.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inner race element 4
0 can be an intermediate member of a sprocket fixed to the shaft S having the same axis as the clutch axis 12 by any convenient means. The torque transmitted between the inner and outer race members depends on the roller 26 used.
Of the inner race element 40 can be of any desired diameter, and if desired, as a function of the inner race element 40, as well as the radius of rotation from the axis of rotation 12 to a point on any roller 26. It is also possible to mold around the race member 16. The larger the diameter of element 40, the greater the moment from axis 12 to the roller,
Also, as the radius from the axis 12 increases, the number of rollers that can be used also increases, so the torque capability of the clutch increases. The inner race surface, and thus each roller, can be positioned at any radial position from the clutch axis of rotation, if desired, and is limited only by the geometry of the device in which the clutch of the present invention is used. is there.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the roller 2
At the boundary between the end region of 6 and the large-diameter end A of the clutch, an annular ring 48, preferably having a pocket 50, is provided, in which the end region 52 of the roller 26 fits. And can be configured to accept. The annular bearing means or ring 48 is adapted to slidably engage the shoulder 30. Therefore, ring 4
8 is preferably made of a material suitable for this purpose, such as a self-lubricating composite material. Ring 48
By providing the receiving pockets 50 at even intervals, it is possible to maintain equal spacing between the rollers 26 and facilitate uniform operation of the clutch. In applications where relatively high torque is transmitted between the inner and outer race elements 40 and 42, it is highly desirable to use a means such as a ring 48 at the interface.

The annular shoulder 30 is integrally connected to the outer race member 18 in other embodiments where the ring 48 rests on the shoulder 30 '(not shown) of the outer race member 18, It is not provided on the inner member 14.

According to another embodiment, the clutch of the present invention is provided with axial thrust bearing means such as, for example, ball bearings as illustrated in FIGS.
According to this structure, the inner race member 14 has the second inner race 90 formed therein, adjacent to either the small diameter end B or the large diameter end A of the clutch. It is adapted to receive the bearing element 92. Inside the outer race 18, the second inner race 90
A second outer race 94 is formed that forms a surface opposite the surface formed by and acts as an outer race abutting the ball bearing element 92.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the axial thrust bearing arrangement acts against the force biased against the clutch in the direction of axis 12.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the axial thrust bearing means is located at the first large diameter end of the clutch and is connected to the inner race member 14 and the outer race member 18, respectively.
Inner race 100 and second outer race 104
It comprises a plurality of bearing means 102 slidably disposed between the two. The axial thrust bearing means, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, acts against the force biased against the clutch in the direction of the axis 12.

[0037]

Therefore, the present invention can provide a lightweight, compact one-way clutch suitable for low-cost, high-volume production, and this clutch acts as a bearing in the freewheel mode, It will be appreciated that torque transfer is provided in the locked mode. With conventional equipment,
Nothing has achieved the effects of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the description of a hyperboloid with a straight generatrix.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the principle of a one-way clutch manufactured according to the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

4 (A) is a partially exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the clutch of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (B) is FIG. 4 (A).
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch shown in FIG. 4A, in which inner and outer race members are respectively fixed to the inner and outer race elements, and thrust transmission rollers are omitted for clarity of the drawing. There is.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch of the present invention shown in FIG. 4A, in which inner race members are fixed to other inner race elements, respectively.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the clutch of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the clutch of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the clutch of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Busbars 14 Inner member 16 Inner race surface 18 Outer member 20 Outer race surface 22 Annular space 26 Roller 40 Inner race element 42 Outer race element

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A positive axial clutch comprising a first member, a second member, a plurality of thrust transmission rollers, and roller axial direction support means, wherein the first member is made of a thin and lightweight material. It is manufactured by stamping or molding, and has a rotation surface formed around the rotation axis of the clutch, and this rotation surface is a substantially hyperboloid; the second member is the clutch. Has a surface of revolution formed about its axis of rotation, and the second member, together with the first member, is between the opposing surfaces of both members, i.e. one is the surface of revolution of the first member. And the others define an annular space between both surfaces of the second member, which surfaces are rotation surfaces; the plurality of thrust transmission rollers are disposed in the annular space, and are engaged with the both surfaces. To make thrust transmission contact between the opposed surfaces, The first or second member is driven to rotate in at least one direction, each of the rollers has a longitudinal rolling center axis, and the hyperboloid defining the surface has a straight line thereof. Created by using the central axis of the roller as a busbar, and each roller has a busbar of the surface of revolution,
That is, it contacts the surface of rotation of the first member along a line close to this generatrix line, and further, all the rollers are similarly inclined with respect to the radial plane; , At least one end portion of each roller,
The roller is disposed at a boundary portion between at least one of the first and second members to enable a sliding motion between the roller and each member in at least a first direction, and at the same time, to allow the roller to slide. Provides axial support; said plane of rotation is
It is an approximate hyperboloid having a substantially conical shape such that the diameter of one end portion of the first and second members is larger than the diameter of the other end portion; at least the roller and the first and second members. The means disposed at the boundary between the first and second members is adjacent to the first end of the roller corresponding to the large-diameter end of the first and second members, An annular support member disposed on and supported by at least one of the two members; said annular support member slidingly rotating with respect to at least one of said first and second members Can, and therefore the first
And at least one of the second member rotatably supports the roller rotatably; a positive axial clutch. 2. A positive axial clutch provided with a first member, a second member, a plurality of thrust transmission rollers, and roller axial direction support means, wherein the first member is around the rotational axis of the clutch. Has a surface of revolution formed on the surface of the clutch, the surface of revolution being substantially hyperboloidal; the second member is made from a thin, lightweight material by stamping or molding, and the clutch Has a surface of revolution formed about its axis of rotation, and the second member, together with the first member, is between the opposing surfaces of both members, i.e. one is the surface of revolution of the first member. And the others define an annular space between both surfaces of the second member, which surfaces are rotation surfaces; the plurality of thrust transmission rollers are disposed in the annular space, and are engaged with the both surfaces. To make thrust transmission contact between the opposed surfaces, The first or second member is driven to rotate in at least one direction, each of the rollers has a longitudinal rolling center axis, and the hyperboloid defining the surface has a straight line thereof. Created by using the central axis of the roller as a busbar, and each roller has a busbar of the surface of revolution,
That is, it contacts the surface of rotation of the first member along a line close to this generatrix line, and further, all the rollers are similarly inclined with respect to the radial plane; , At least one end portion of each roller,
The roller is disposed at a boundary portion between at least one of the first and second members to enable a sliding motion between the roller and each member in at least a first direction, and at the same time, to allow the roller to slide. Provides axial support; said plane of rotation is
It is an approximate hyperboloid having a substantially conical shape such that the diameter of one end portion of the first and second members is larger than the diameter of the other end portion; at least the roller and the first and second members. The means disposed at the boundary with one member is an annular support shoulder located adjacent to the first end of the roller at the large diameter end of the first and second members. A smoothly curved bearing surface defined by a portion; said smoothly curved bearing surface generally conforming to the contour of the first end of said roller, and having a sliding motion relative to said roller. Is allowed; the annular support member is
It is capable of sliding rotation with respect to at least one of the first and second members, and thus the first and second members.
A positive axial clutch, wherein the roller is rotatably supported with respect to at least one of the members. 3. The first member is manufactured by punching or molding from a thin, lightweight material.
A reliable axial clutch.