TW202024501A - A clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a clutch (11) which is moveable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The clutch comprises an output member (29) which is selectively connected to an input member (31) wherein the axial distance between the output member and the input member is fixed. The clutch also comprises an engagement means which is adapted to move from a first position to a second position and an activation means. When the engagement means is in the first position the clutch is in the disengaged condition, whereupon activation of the activation means the engagement means moves to the second position to fix the output member relative to the input member such that the clutch is in the engaged condition.

Description

clutch

The present invention generally relates to a clutch, and in particular, the present invention relates to a clutch having a fixed width.

Transmission systems are used in various vehicles and industrial equipment to provide controlled power application from input to output. These systems usually use a certain number of gears and one or more clutches to control the application of power from input to output.

The transmission system is configured to provide the required output for a given input. This may result in controlling the application of power from the input to provide a slower output speed at high torque, or to provide a higher output speed.

The purpose of the clutch in the transmission system is to connect and disconnect the two rotating shafts so that when the clutch is engaged, the rotation of the input shaft is transmitted to the output shaft, and then when the clutch is released, each shaft rotates independently of each other. Clutches generally work through the axial movement of one component relative to another, and these components are then frictionally engaged or interlocked to transmit movement between them. The space required to allow axial movement can be difficult to accommodate, especially in small transmission systems.

Transmission systems generally provide multiple gear ratios according to the number of gears, and provide a device for switching between these gear ratios to provide speed and/or direction changes.

Considering a bicycle, its transmission system usually includes a central chain link to which two crank arms are fixed. The chain links are spaced from the rear sprocket set, and the chain/belt spans between them. The rider engages the crank arm to provide input and rotates the link. The result of the rider's input torque is applied to the chain link and transmitted to the rear sprocket through the chain. This will cause the rear sprocket to spin. The rear sprocket set is fixed to the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle, so that the rotation of the rear sprocket set is converted into the rotation of the rear wheel.

To control the power applied from the rider to the rear wheels, the transmission system provides a gear system. The gear system enables the rider to change gears, thereby controlling the effect of rider's input on the rear wheels. The gear system usually includes a certain number of coaxially installed rear sprockets with different diameters and a certain number of coaxially installed chain rings with different diameters. By shifting gears, the rider can move the chain to different combinations of sprockets or chain links so that the rider can choose the gear ratio that best suits the conditions.

The gear system usually includes a transmission that moves the bicycle chain and guides it to different sprockets in order to provide different gear ratios. If the bicycle has multiple rear sprockets and multiple chain links, the bicycle will have a transmission dedicated to each group.

Although transmissions are widely used on bicycles, they are not without problems. In the current bicycle transmission system, the transmission will disengage the chain when shifting gears and cause difficulties when shifting gears (up or down).

In addition, most gear combinations result in the chain being positioned on a plane that is at an angle to the plane of the link and/or to the plane of the rear sprocket that engages the chain. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the bicycle transmission system and makes all gear ratios unusable. In fact, the linear chain setting that provides maximum efficiency is only achievable for a few gear settings of the bicycle transmission system.

The typical gear system on a bicycle requires the operator to manually adjust the lever to shift gears. Therefore, it depends on the rider knowing exactly when is the best shift time. Even for experienced cyclists, let alone those with little or no experience, the best point of shifting gears is a challenge. In most cases, it is inconvenient for cyclists to continuously select gears and/or not to change gears at appropriate times, which results in a decrease in speed and efficiency.

In addition, the transmission transmission mechanism is exposed to the environment, promoting pollution, which in turn reduces their effective service life and increases the risk of maintenance and failure. In order to achieve optimal operation, the transmission needs to be adjusted and lubricated frequently to ensure that the chain is guided to the correct gear when changing gears.

Another disadvantage of the transmission transmission mechanism is that when the chain is repositioned, the shifting process causes a temporary loss of power transmission. This leads to a loss of input from the rider, especially when riding uphill, because the resulting loss of momentum requires extra effort to return the bicycle to the speed before the shift.

The transmission transmission mechanism is also sensitive to physical impact of the bicycle, lack of mechanical alignment, mismatched parts, and incorrect operation by the rider. These factors can cause the chain to fall off and the general inefficiency in converting the energy of the cyclist into bicycle motion.

The above discussion of the background art is intended only to promote an understanding of the present invention. Although the discussion focused on the bicycle's transmission system, it is easy to understand that similar problems exist in transmission systems used in other applications.

The object of the present invention is to provide a clutch that can improve, alleviate or overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide a practical choice for the public.

The present invention provides a clutch movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: The output element is selectively connected to the input element, wherein the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed; An engagement device, which is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position; and Actuation device Wherein, when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in a disengaged state, and then, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element, so that the clutch is in the engaged state .

The output element and the input element may be fixed relative to each other when they are selectively connected, and may freely rotate relative to each other when they are not selectively connected.

The output element and the input element may be coaxially installed, wherein when the clutch is in a disengaged state, the output element and the input element rotate independently of each other, and when the clutch is in an engaged state, the output element and the input element are rotatably fixed relative to each other.

The output element and the input element can be coaxially mounted on the output shaft. The output element can be appropriately fixed to the output shaft.

The input element can include a bearing and can be appropriately mounted on the output shaft. The input element can be directly or indirectly connected to the input shaft as appropriate.

The engagement device may include at least one engagement portion that selectively fixes the output element with respect to the input element.

In one aspect of the present invention, at least one joining portion is joined to the output element to fix the output element relative to the input element.

In another aspect of the present invention, at least one engagement portion is engaged with the input element to fix the output element relative to the input element.

The at least one engagement portion is movable between a retracted position in which the output member and the input member are independent of each other and an extended position in which the output member and the input member are fixed relative to each other. With this arrangement, when at least one of the engaging portions is in the extended position, the output element and the input element are surely engaged.

At least one engagement portion may be deflected to the retracted position.

The input element may include a receiving part for receiving the engagement part.

Each of the at least one engagement portion may be in the form of a protrusion that moves between a retracted position and an extended position.

Each of the at least one engagement portion may be in the form of a pawl that is pivotally mounted on the output element so that the pawl can pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. There may be one or more pawls.

The receiving portion of the input element may be in the form of a recessed portion which is appropriately received by the end of the pawl when the pawl is moved to the extended position.

There may be two pawls spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the two pawls are angularly spaced apart from each other. The input element may have at least two recesses equally spaced apart from each other. It is obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the art that there may be more than two pawls and more than two recesses. The scope of this specification covers such changes.

Each recess may be configured to hold the pawl therein to fix the output element to the input element.

The recess may be configured to hold the pawl therein to fix the output element to the input element when the rotation speed of the output element is equal to the rotation speed of the input element.

The recess may be configured to release the pawl when the rotation speed of the input element is greater than the rotation speed of the output element, allowing the output element and the input element to rotate independently of each other.

When released from the recess, each pawl can be deflected to the retracted position. The deflection of the pawl may be caused by springs, magnets, or other devices that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The actuation device may include a governor element operatively connected to the engagement device to move the engagement device between the retracted position and the extended position.

The governor element can be installed coaxially with the output element and the input element.

The governor element may be pivotally connected to each pawl.

The governor element can be mounted to the output element so that it can move between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first angular position is where each pawl is in the retracted position, and the second angular position is each pawl The claw is in the extended position.

Each pawl may have an arm extending therefrom, with one end of the arm fixed to the governor element. Each arm can be held relative to a slot formed in the governor element. Each arm may be provided with a pin which is received in the corresponding slot.

In one aspect of the invention, the actuation device is electronically actuated. The actuating device can act in a radial direction relative to the clutch. The actuating device may include a rotating voice coil that, when actuated, moves the governor element from the first angular position to the second angular position. The rotating voice coil moves in an arc motion to generate torque with fast response time. When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it will cause movement/torque. The amount of torque produced is proportional to the current, and the direction of the current determines the direction of movement. As those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand and fall within the scope of the present invention in other variants of the invention, the actuating device may include other actuators acting in a radial manner, and the actuating device may Is electronic and/or mechanical in nature.

In another aspect of the invention, the actuation device is mechanically actuated. The output element and the governor element may be biased by a biasing device such as a spring extending between the governor element and the output element. Before overcoming the force of the biasing device, the governor element remains in its first angular position and the pawl remains in the retracted position.

The actuating device also includes a plurality of weights fixed to the input element. The centripetal force generated by the weight counteracts the force of the offset device at a predetermined speed, so that the governor element moves to the second angular position, and then the pawl moves to the extended position, and then each pawl in the input element and the The engagement of the corresponding recess fixes the input element relative to the output element.

The actuation device may also include a control device for actuating the actuation device.

In one aspect, the control device may include a plurality of sensors that monitor one or more characteristics associated with the clutch. These characteristics can include one or more of the following: the linear speed of the clutch, the angular position of the clutch, the angular speed of the output element, and the angular speed of the input element. When the monitored characteristic or characteristics reach a predetermined value, the control device may actuate the actuation device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the control device includes a switch that can be manually operated to activate the actuation device.

The present invention also provides a clutch that can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: The output element is selectively connected to the input element, wherein the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed; An engaging device, which is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device The clutch is in a disengaged state when the engagement device is in the first position, and then the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element, thereby making the clutch in the engagement position.

The present invention also provides a clutch, which has a fixed width and can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: Output element Input components, which are selectively fixed on the output components; An engaging device, which is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device The clutch is in a disengaged state when the engagement device is in the first position, and then the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element, thereby making the clutch in the engagement position.

The present invention also provides a clutch, including: The first element, which is appropriately fixed relative to the input terminal; The second element, which is appropriately and selectively fixed to the first element, and the second element provides an output; A joining device which joins the first element with respect to the second element; An actuating device that activates the engaging device between an engaged position where the clutch is in an engaged state and a disengaged position where the clutch is in a released state; Subsequently, the actuation of the engagement device causes the clutch to be in an engaged state, so that the first element is fixed to the second element to transmit input to output, and then the engagement device moves to the first state, and the clutch is in a disengaged state, making the first element independent For the second element, when the clutch moves between its engaged and disengaged state, the width of the clutch remains constant.

The present invention also provides a clutch, including: The output element is selectively connected to the input element, and the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed. An engagement device, which is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position; and Actuation device Wherein, when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in a disengaged state, and then the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to rotationally fix the output element to the input element, so that the clutch is in the engaged state .

The present invention also provides a transmission system including one or more clutches as described herein.

The present invention also provides a bicycle transmission system, which includes one or more clutches as previously described herein, wherein the output element is mounted on the crankshaft supporting the crank arm, and the input element is connected to the bicycle through a chain passing through a series of gears. The rear sprocket of the rear wheel.

The present invention also provides a clutch movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: An output element, which is selectively connected to an input element; An engaging device, which is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device When the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in a disengaged state. Then, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element, thereby making the clutch in the engagement position.

Compared with the prior art clutch, the clutch of the present invention is advantageous in terms of structure and configuration. In particular, the clutch of this embodiment maintains a fixed width regardless of whether the clutch is engaged or not. As a result, the clutch does not require any additional space to accommodate the additional required width changes. The output element and the input element are axially fixed relative to each other, allowing the clutch to be used in applications where space is limited. This is achieved by providing a device whereby the output element and the input element can be reliably joined to each other through the radial movement of the joining device.

In addition, according to one embodiment, the clutch can be automatically operated when the predetermined parameters are satisfied. This eliminates the need for the operator to operate the clutch, allowing the clutch to be released and engaged at the best time according to the required application. As described below, the clutch may be associated with a control device 53 which may be electronically operated to allow the clutch to operate.

1 to 8, the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a clutch 11. In one application, the clutch 11 is configured in the transmission system 13 of the bicycle 15.

Although the example application is about bicycles, the present invention is not limited to this application because there are many applications in many other types of driven devices. These include applications in vehicles, motorcycles and industrial equipment. Other applications as would be understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

7 and 8, the transmission system 13 is located near the input shaft 17 of the bicycle 15. The input shaft 17 supports the chain link and crank arm 19 of the bicycle. The clutch 11 is mounted on the output shaft 21. The output shaft 21 provides a drive sprocket 23. The bicycle includes a chain 25 that extends from a drive sprocket 23 to a rear sprocket 27 fixed to the rear wheel. When the clutch 11 is engaged, the rotation of the input shaft 17 generated by the pedaling of the rider is converted into the rotation of the drive sprocket 23 via the transmission system 13, and the drive sprocket 23 in turn causes the rear sprocket 27 to rotate through the chain 25. The transmission system 13 is configured to provide different gear ratios to control the transmission of power from the input (pedal) to the output (rear wheels), but it is not described further herein.

The clutch 11 includes an output element 29 fixed on the output shaft 21 and an input element 31 mounted on the output shaft 21.

The shape of the input element 31 is a disk shape and includes a bearing 33 so that when the input element 31 is mounted on the output shaft 21, the input element 31 can rotate independently of the output shaft 21. The input element 31 also includes four recesses 35 that surround the periphery of the input element 29 at equal intervals, so that the opening of each recess 35 opens inward from the periphery of the input element 31 for reasons that will be described below.

The clutch 11 also includes an engagement device that moves between a first position and a second position. The first position causes the output element 29 and the input element 31 to freely rotate independently of each other, and the second position causes the output element 29 to rotate freely. And the input element 31 is fixed relative to each other. The engaging device provides an engaging portion, which is in the form of two pawls 37 in this embodiment.

Each pawl 37 is pivotally mounted on the output element 29 to move from the retracted position (shown in Fig. 2) to the extended position (shown in Fig. 3). Each pawl 37 has an end 39 away from the installation position of the pawl, and the end 39 is properly received in the recess 35 of the input element 31 when in the extended position. Each pawl is also provided with an arm 41 which extends away from the pawl at a position along the length of the pawl, the reason for which will be described below.

The clutch 11 also includes an actuation device, which is electronic in this embodiment. The actuation device includes a governor element 43 coaxially mounted with respect to the input element 31 and the output element 29. The governor element 43 is restricted to angular movement between a first angular position (shown in Figure 2) and a second angular position (shown in Figure 3).

The governor element 43 provides two slots 51, in this embodiment, the two slots 51 extend radially outward from the center of the output shaft 21. Once assembled, each slot 51 receives a pin (not shown) extending from the underside of the arm 41 of each pawl 37. Each slot 51 restricts the movement of the pin along the slot to regulate the movement of each pawl 37.

The actuating device also includes a rotating voice coil 45 which acts directly to cause the angular movement of the governor element 43.

The voice coil 45 includes two magnets 47 fixed to the output element 29 in a spaced apart relationship. The voice coil 45 includes a copper coil 49 that is fixed to the governor element 43 and is received between the magnets 47 when the clutch 11 is assembled.

In operation, the actuation device is associated with the control device 53, and the control device 53 functions in certain states to determine when the actuation device needs to be actuated. According to this embodiment and as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 53 includes two speed sensors 55, an inclinometer 57, a power supply 59 and a microprocessor 61. The microprocessor 61 can be programmed so that the microprocessor 61 activates the actuating device by vibrating the voice coil 45 at a predetermined value. Figure 6 shows two voice coils. The second voice coil is associated with a second clutch that may be included in the transmission system 13. In other embodiments, the control device 53 may include one or more sensors. These sensors can be selected to measure various characteristics associated with the transmission system 13. In addition, the transmission system according to other embodiments may include one, two or more clutches 11. In addition, the transmission system 13 of other embodiments may include other types of clutches along with at least one clutch 11 according to the present invention. Such changes are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

In bicycle applications, the clutch 11 is initially in a loose state. The transmission system 13 includes a wedge clutch (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the input shaft caused by the pedal to the output shaft 21 at a low speed to rotate the drive sprocket 23. This causes the chain 25 to rotate the rear sprocket 27. In this configuration, the output element 29 rotates together with the output shaft 21, and the input element 31 can rotate independently of the output element 29.

When a certain standard is met, for example, when the bicycle 15 reaches a predetermined speed, as monitored by the sensor of the control device 53, the control device 53 activates the actuation device by causing the voice coil 45 to vibrate. This causes angular movement of the governor element 43. When the governor element 43 rotates, the arm 41 is forced to move along the slot 51 so that the pawl 37 extends from its retracted state to its extended state. When the output element 29 rotates relative to the input element 31, the end 39 of the pawl will be aligned with the recess 35 in the input element 31, when the end of the pawl is fully extended, the end of the pawl will be received in the recess In 35, the input element 31 is reliably engaged and the input element 31 is fixed relative to the output element 29 so that the input element 31 and the output element 29 rotate in the same direction at the same speed.

The pawl 37 will remain in its extended position to positively engage the input element, and fix the output element relative to the input element until the input element 31 is rotated faster than the output element (overspeed) or is removed from the output element 29 force. When any of these events occur, the force holding the pawl in the recess 35 is removed, and the pawl 37 can return to its retracted position, allowing the input element 31 to rotate independently of the output element 29. When this happens, the clutch returns to its disengaged state.

A clutch 211 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been used to denote features of the clutch 211 that are similar or corresponding to those of the clutch 11 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the input element 31 is different from the input element of the first embodiment in that the input element 31 includes ten recesses 235 instead of four. These recesses 235 surround the periphery of the input element 29 at equal intervals. The opening of each recess 235 opens inward from the periphery of the input element 31, and each recess 235 has a closed end with an apex 269. Each pawl 37 has an end 239 which is complementary in shape to the recess 235 so that the pawl end 239 and the recess 235 are positively engaged, so that the pawl 37 accidentally loosens from the input element 29 or from one The possibility of the recess 235 sliding to the adjacent recess 235 is minimized. It is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that the clutch may include any number of recesses.

Due to the increase in the number of recesses 235, the configuration of the clutch 211 of the second embodiment allows a more accurate and faster clutch response.

In FIG. 12, a clutch 311 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. For the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals have been used to denote the features of the clutch 311 that are similar or corresponding to the features of the clutch 11 of the first embodiment. .

In this embodiment, the actuation device is mechanically actuated. The output element 29 and the governor element 343 are biased by a biasing device (in the form of a spring 263) which extends between the spring post 265 on the governor element 343 and the spring post 265 on the output element 29. Until the force of the spring 363 is overcome, the governor element 343 remains in its first angular position, and the pawl 37 remains in its retracted position, and the clutch is released.

The actuating device also includes a plurality of weights 367 fixed to the input element 31. , The centripetal force generated by these weights offsets the force of the spring at a predetermined speed to move the governor element 343 to the second angular position, so that the pawl moves to the extended position, and then each pawl with its corresponding in the input element The engagement of the recess fixes the input element relative to the output element, at which time the clutch is engaged.

The clutch of the present invention allows a very fast response and can be manually or automatically actuated between the engaged state and the disengaged state. This allows the clutch to be used in a wide variety of applications, from electric and non-electric bicycles to vehicle transmission systems.

Modifications and changes such as obvious to the skilled person are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by any specific embodiment described herein. These embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations, and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention described herein.

The description of the reference positions, such as the lower part and the upper part, will be performed in the context of the embodiment depicted in the drawings, and should not be regarded as limiting the present invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but as understood by the technical processing personnel .

The terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may also be intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "have" or variations thereof are inclusive, and therefore specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude one or more other features, The existence or addition of integers, steps, operations, component components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "bonded to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, It is bonded to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly bonded to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. middle layer. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar way (for example, "between" and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply an order or order. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatial relative terms can be used in this article, such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., in order to describe the one shown in the diagram The relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature or features. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms may also be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawing is turned over, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can include both an orientation of above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated by 90 degrees or other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this article are explained accordingly.

11: Clutch 13: Transmission system 15: Bicycle 17: Input shaft 19: crank arm 21: output shaft 23: drive sprocket 25: chain 27: Rear sprocket 29: output components 31: Input components 33: Bearing 35: recess 37: pawl 39: end 41: Arm 43: governor components 45: voice coil 47: Magnet 49: Copper coil 51: Slot 53: control device 55: Speed sensor 57: Inclinometer 59: power supply 61: Microprocessor 211: Clutch 235: Concave 239: End 263: Spring 265: Spring column 269: Vertex 31: Input components 311: Clutch 343: governor element 367: weight block 37: pawl

In the following description of several non-limiting embodiments, other features of the present invention will be described more fully. This description is included only for the purpose of illustrating the invention. It should not be understood as a limitation on the broad generalization, disclosure or description of the present invention as described above. It will be described with reference to the drawings, where: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a clutch according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front assembly view of the clutch of Figure 1 in a released state; Figure 3 is a front assembly view of the clutch of Figure 1 in an engaged state; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but with the magnet and panel removed; Figure 5 is a detailed view of the pawl when the clutch is in an engaged state; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the control system; Figure 7 is a bicycle including a transmission system including two clutches according to the first embodiment; Figure 8 is an external view of the transmission system shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an exploded view of a clutch according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a front assembly view of the clutch of Figure 1 in a released state; Figure 11 is a front assembly view of the clutch of Figure 1 in an engaged state; and Fig. 12 is a side view of a clutch according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, similar structures are indicated by similar reference numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily drawn to scale, but usually focus on explaining the principles of the invention.

no

29: output components

31: Input components

37: pawl

45: voice coil

51: Slot

211: Clutch

235: Concave

239: End

Claims (38)

A clutch that can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: An output element selectively connected to an input element, wherein the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed, An engagement device which is appropriately moved from a first position to a second position; and Actuation device Wherein, when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in the disengaged state, and subsequently, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position, so that the output element is relative to the input The element is fixed so that the clutch is in the engaged state. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the output element and the input element are fixed relative to each other when they are selectively connected, and can freely rotate relative to each other when they are not connected. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the output element and the input element are coaxially installed, when the clutch is in the released state, the output element and the input element rotate independently of each other, and when the clutch is in the In the engaged state, the output element and the input element are rotatably fixed relative to each other. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the output element and the input element are coaxially mounted on an output shaft, and the output element is fixed to the output shaft. The clutch according to claim 4, wherein the input element includes a bearing, and the input shaft is appropriately mounted on the output shaft. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the input element is directly or indirectly connected to the input shaft as appropriate. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the engagement device includes at least one engagement portion that selectively fixes the output element with respect to the input element. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein the at least one engaging portion is engaged with the output element to fix the output element relative to the input element. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein the at least one engagement portion is engaged with the input element to fix the output element relative to the input element. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein the at least one engagement portion can be in a retracted position in which the output element and the input element are independent of each other and an extended position in which the output element and the input element are fixed relative to each other Move between. The clutch according to claim 10, wherein the at least one engagement portion is shifted to the retracted position. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein the input element includes a receiving part for receiving the engagement part. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein each of the at least one engagement portion is in the form of a protrusion that moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The clutch according to claim 7, wherein each of the at least one engagement portion is in the form of a pawl, and the pawl is pivotally mounted on the output element so that the pawl can be retracted in the Pivot between the position and the extended position. The clutch according to claim 14, wherein the receiving portion of the input element may be in the form of a recessed portion that is appropriately received by one end of the pawl when the pawl moves to the extended position, each The recess is configured to hold the pawl therein to fix the output element to the input element. The clutch according to claim 14, wherein at least two pawls are angularly spaced apart from each other, and the input element has at least two recesses spaced equally apart from each other. The clutch according to claim 14, wherein the recesses release the pawls when the rotation speed of the input element is greater than the rotation speed of the output element, allowing the output element and the input element to rotate independently of each other. The clutch according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein each pawl is shifted to the retracted position when released from the recess. The clutch according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the actuating device includes a governor element that is operatively connected to the engagement device so that the engagement device is retracted in the Position and the extended position. The clutch according to claim 19, wherein the governor element is mounted coaxially with the output element and the input element, and is pivotally connected to each pawl. The clutch according to claim 19, wherein the governor element is mounted to the output element so that it can move between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first angular position being each The pawls are in the retracted position, and the second angular position is each pawl in the extended position. The clutch according to claim 19, wherein each pawl may have an arm extending therefrom, wherein one end of the arm is fixed to the governor element. The clutch of claim 22, wherein each arm is held relative to a slot formed in the governor element. The clutch according to claim 19, wherein the actuating device is electronically actuated and acts in a radial direction relative to the clutch. The clutch according to claim 24, wherein the actuating device may include a rotating voice coil that, when actuated, moves the governor element from the first angular position to the second angular position. The clutch according to claim 19, wherein the actuation device is mechanically actuated. The clutch according to claim 26, wherein the output element and the governor element are offset by an offset device, whereby the governor element is held in its first angular position, and the pawl is held in the Retract position until the force of the deflection device is overcome. The clutch according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the actuation device is actuated by a control device. The clutch according to claim 28, wherein the control device includes a plurality of sensors that monitor one or more characteristics associated with the clutch, and these characteristics include one or more of the following: linearity of the clutch Speed, angular position of the clutch, angular velocity of the output element, angular velocity of the input element. The clutch according to claim 29, wherein the control device activates the actuation device when the monitored characteristic or characteristics reach a predetermined value. The clutch according to claim 28, wherein the control device includes a switch that is manually operated to activate the actuation device. A clutch that can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: An output element, which is selectively connected to an input element, wherein the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed; An engagement device that is appropriately moved from a first position to a second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device Wherein when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in the released state, and subsequently, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element , Whereby the clutch is in an engaged position. A clutch having a fixed width and movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: An output element; An input element, which is selectively fixed on the output element; An engagement device that is appropriately moved from a first position to a second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device Wherein when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in the released state, and subsequently, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element , Thereby the clutch is in the engaged position. A clutch including: A first element, which is appropriately fixed relative to an input; A second element is appropriately and selectively fixed to the first element, and the second element provides an output; A joining device for joining the first element with respect to the second element; An actuating device for actuating the engagement device between an engaged position where the clutch is in the engaged state and a release position where the clutch is in the disengaged state; Subsequently, the actuation of the engagement device puts the clutch in the engaged state so that the first element is fixed to the second element to transfer the input to the output, and then the engagement device moves to the first state, the clutch In the disengaged state, so that the first element is independent of the second element, the width of the clutch remains constant when the clutch moves between its engaged state and a disengaged state. A clutch including: An output element, which is selectively connected to an input element, the axial distance between the output element and the input element is fixed, An engagement device which is appropriately moved from a first position to a second position; and Actuation device Wherein, when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in a disengaged state, and subsequently, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to rotationally fix the output element to The input element thereby makes the clutch in an engaged state. A transmission system comprising one or more clutches as described in claim 1, 32, 33, 34 or 35. A bicycle transmission system, comprising one or more clutches as described in claim 1, 32, 33, 34 or 35, wherein the output element is mounted on a crankshaft supporting the crank arm, and the input element passes through a A chain of the series gear is connected to a rear sprocket of a rear wheel of the bicycle. A clutch that can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state, the clutch including: An output element, which is selectively connected to an input element; An engagement device which is appropriately moved from a first position to a second position to fix the output element to the input element; and Actuation device Wherein when the engagement device is in the first position, the clutch is in the released state, and subsequently, the actuation of the actuation device moves the engagement device to the second position to fix the output element relative to the input element , Thereby making the clutch in an engaged position.

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