NL2020191B1 - Clutch system for a torque transmission - Google Patents
Clutch system for a torque transmission Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2020191B1 NL2020191B1 NL2020191A NL2020191A NL2020191B1 NL 2020191 B1 NL2020191 B1 NL 2020191B1 NL 2020191 A NL2020191 A NL 2020191A NL 2020191 A NL2020191 A NL 2020191A NL 2020191 B1 NL2020191 B1 NL 2020191B1
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- rotatable unit
- unit
- rotatable
- operating element
- selector
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- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 48
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 44
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
- F16D41/24—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles
- F16D41/30—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles with hinged pawl co-operating with teeth, cogs, or the like
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
- F16D41/24—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
Abstract
A clutch system for a torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit connectable to an input, including at least one first abutment surface and a second rotatable unit connectable to an output, including at least one second abutment surface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces being adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load. The system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for selectively being in a first position or a second position relative to the second rotatable unit, wherein at least one retaining member of the third rotatable unit selectively locks the at least one second abutment surface in engagement With the at least one first abutment surface for selectively rotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit.
Description
Title: Clutch system for a torque transmission
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a clutch system for a torque transmissionhaving an input arranged for connection to a drive source, and an output arrangedfor connection to a load.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Transmission systems, e.g. for vehicles, windmills etc., are known. Inbicycles, especially racing bicycles, the transmission system traditionally includes afront derailleur and a rear derailleur, for shifting gears of the transmission system.An alternative to derailleurs is formed by gear hubs, where shifting of gears isaccommodated by a gear shifting mechanism inside the, generally rear, wheel hub.A hybrid form is known where a gear hub torque transmission having at least twoselectable gear ratios is coupled between the rear wheel hub and the rear sprocket.Herein the rear sprocket can include a plurality of gear wheels, selectable througha rear derailleur. Here the gear hub can take the place of a front derailleur.
Such gear hub gear shifting mechanisms can include one or moreplanetary gear sets. The planetary gear includes at least three rotational members,such as a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear. A clutch system can be usedfor selectively coupling two of the rotational members, e.g. the planet carrier andthe ring gear. When coupled, the hub gear shifting mechanism operates accordingto a first gear ratio. When decoupled, the hub gear shifting mechanism operatesaccording to a second gear ratio.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object to provide a clutch system for a torque transmissionwhich is cost-effective, can be manufactured with a small size, is easy to operateand/or is durable. Alternatively, or additionally, it is an object to provide a clutchsystem for a torque transmission which can be operated under load, e.g. whilepedaling. Alternatively, or additionally, it is an object to provide a clutch system fora torque transmission which can be operated for coupling and for decoupling underload, e.g. while pedaling. Alternatively, or additionally, it is an object to provide a clutch system for a torque transmission which can be operated both for upshiftingand for downshifting under load, e.g. while pedaling. More in general it is an objectto provide an improved clutch system for a torque transmission, or at least analternative clutch system for a torque transmission.
According to an aspect is provided a clutch system for a torquetransmission. Such clutch system can be used in a vehicle, such as a bicycle or car,a windmill, or the like. The clutch system has an input arranged for connection to adrive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output. Morepreferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, the clutch system isoperable under load between the input and the output both during upshift anddownshift of the torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatableunit, e.g. a housing, connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a secondrotatable unit connectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatableunit is connectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to theinput. The first rotatable unit includes at least one first abutment surface. Thesecond rotatable unit includes at least one second abutment surface arranged forselectively engaging the first abutment surface. The first and second abutmentsurfaces are adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load, e.g. so asto disengage under load. The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit. Thethird rotatable unit can be arranged for co-rotating with the second rotatable unit.The third rotatable unit includes at least one retaining member. The thirdrotatable unit is arranged for selectively being in a first position or a secondposition relative to the second rotatable unit. It will be appreciated that the firstposition can be a first rotational and/or axial position, and the second position canbe a second, different, rotational and/or axial position. The at least one retainingmember in the first position locks the at least one second abutment surface inengagement with the at least one first abutment surface for rotationally couplingthe second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit. The at least one retainingmember in the second position releases the at least one second abutment surfacefor disengagement of the at least one first abutment surface for decoupling thesecond rotatable unit from the first rotatable unit.
Hence, while the first and second abutment surfaces are adapted toeach other so as to allow disengaging under load, or to disengage under load, therelative positioning of the second and third rotatable units can in the first positionlock the at least one second abutment surface in engagement with the at least onefirst abutment surface, and in the second position release the at least one secondabutment surface for disengagement of the at least one first abutment surface.Hence, in the first position, the second rotatable unit can be rotationally coupled tothe first rotatable unit, and in the second position the second rotatable unit can bedecoupled from the first rotatable unit. Thus a simple and efficient clutch systemcan be provided.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit is arranged for co-rotating with thesecond rotatable unit, and the system is arranged for temporarily changingrotation speed of the third rotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit, e.g.by temporarily speeding up, braking or halting the second and/or third rotatableunit, for rotating from the first position to the second position, or from the secondposition to the first position.
Optionally, the clutch system includes an actuator for rotating the thirdrotatable unit and/or the second rotatable unit from the first position to the secondposition, and/or from the second position to the first position. The actuator can betriggerable from outside the clutch system, such as via a control unit. The actuatorcan e.g. be triggered by external means. The actuator can e.g. be triggered byelectrical means or mechanical means. The actuator can e.g. be triggered bymanual means such as a user operated button or lever. The actuator can e.g. betriggered by automatic means, such as a controller. The clutch system can includeinput means. The input means can be arranged for receiving a trigger fortriggering the actuator. Triggering of the actuator can be independent of internalforces, torques and/or rotational speeds in the clutch system. Hence, the clutchsystem can be operated under control of a user or user device.
Optionally, the clutch system includes an actuator for rotating the thirdrotatable unit and/or the second rotatable unit from the first position to the secondposition, and/or from the second position to the first position.
According to an aspect is provided a clutch system for a torquetransmission. Such clutch system can be used in a vehicle, such as a bicycle or car, a windmill, or the like. The clutch system has an input arranged for connection to adrive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output. Morepreferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, the clutch system isoperable under load between the input and the output both during upshift anddownshift of the torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatableunit, e.g. a housing, connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a secondrotatable unit connectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatableunit is connectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to theinput. The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for co-rotatingwith the second rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit is arranged for selectivelybeing in a first rotational position or a second rotational position relative to thesecond rotatable unit. The system is arranged for selectively in the first rotationalposition rotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit,and in the second rotational position decoupling the second rotatable unit from thefirst rotatable unit. The system is arranged for temporarily changing rotationspeed of the third rotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit, e.g. bytemporarily speeding up, braking or halting the second and/or third rotatable unit,for rotating from the first position to the second position, or from the secondposition to the first position. Hence, the second and third rotatable units can in asimple manner be rotated from the first position to the second position or viceversa.
Optionally, the first rotatable unit includes at least one first abutmentsurface, and the second rotatable unit includes at least one second abutmentsurface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface. The thirdrotatable unit in the first position locks the at least one second abutment surface inengagement with the at least one first abutment surface for rotationally couplingthe second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit, and in the second positionreleases the at least one second abutment surface for disengagement of the at leastone first abutment surface for decoupling the second rotatable unit from the firstrotatable unit.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit is rotatable relative to the secondrotatable unit. Optionally a rotation angle of the third rotatable unit relative to thesecond rotatable unit is more than 360 degrees. Optionally a rotation angle of thethird rotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit is unlimited. The clutchsystem can be free from stop means limiting the rotation angle of the thirdrotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit is arranged to be rotated relative tothe second rotatable unit from the first position to the second position, and fromthe second position to the first position in one and the same rotational direction.The third rotatable unit can be rotated relative to the second rotatable unit in acontinued forward rotation for being moved from the first position to the secondposition, and from the second position to the first position. The third rotatable unitcan be rotated relative to the second rotatable unit in a continued rearwardrotation for being moved from the first position to the second position, and from thesecond position to the first position.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit is arranged for selectively being inone of a plurality of first or second positions relative to the second rotatable unit.The third rotatable unit in each of the first positions of the plurality of firstpositions locks the at least one second abutment surface in engagement with the atleast one first abutment surface for rotationally coupling the second rotatable unitto the first rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit in each of the second positions ofthe plurality of second positions releases the at least one second abutment surfacefor disengagement of the at least one first abutment surface for decoupling thesecond rotatable unit from the first rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit can bearranged to be rotated relative to the second rotatable unit from a first firstposition to a first second position, and from the first second position to a secondfirst position in one and the same rotational direction. The third rotatable unit canbe arranged to be rotated relative to the second rotatable unit from the second firstposition to a second second position, and from the second second position to a thirdfirst position (or to a third first position) in the same one and the same rotationaldirection. The first positions of the plurality of first positions can e.g. be equallyspaced around the perimeter of the second rotatable unit. The second positions ofthe plurality of second positions can e.g. be equally spaced around the perimeter of the second rotatable unit. The first positions and second positions can bealternatingly and preferably equally spaced around the perimeter of the secondrotatable unit. For example, three first positions and three second positions arealternatingly spaced at 60 degrees around the perimeter of the second rotatableunit.
Optionally, the second and third rotatable units are free from biasingforce relative to each other, such that the third rotatable unit is not forced into afirst or second position relative to the second rotatable unit by a force, such as aspring force.
Optionally, the engagement or disengagement of the second abutmentsurface with the at least one first abutment surface is independent of input torqueand/or rotation speed, but relies only on the second and third rotatable units being-in the first or second relative positions.
Optionally, the at least one second abutment surface of the secondrotatable unit is hingedly connected to the remainder of the second rotatable unit.Optionally, the at least one second abutment surface of the second rotatable unit ishingedly connected to the remainder of the second rotatable unit so as to have asingle pivot axis.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit includes at least one, e.g. as at leasttwo, actuation member arranged for moving the third rotatable unit from a firstposition (e.g. the first position or a first position of the plurality of first positions) toa second position (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality ofsecond positions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a secondposition of the plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first positionor a first position of the plurality of first positions) relative to the second rotatableunit.
Optionally, the clutch system further includes a, e.g. non-rotatable,fourth unit. The fourth unit includes a selector. The selector is arranged forselectively being in a gripping or non-gripping mode. The selector in the grippingmode is arranged for gripping the at least one actuation member for rotating thethird rotatable unit from a first position (e.g. the first position or a first position ofthe plurality of first positions) to a second position (e.g. the second position or asecond position of the plurality of second positions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality of second positions) to afirst position (e.g. the first position or a first position of the plurality of firstpositions) relative to the second rotatable unit. The selector in the non-grippingmode is arranged for not engaging the at least one actuation member. The selectorin the non-gripping mode can allow the third rotatable unit to freely rotate withthe second rotatable unit.
According to an aspect is provided a clutch system for a torquetransmission. Such clutch system can be used in a vehicle, such as a bicycle or car,a windmill, or the like. The clutch system has an input arranged for connection to adrive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output. Morepreferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, the clutch system isoperable under load between the input and the output both during upshift anddownshift of the torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatableunit, e.g. a housing, connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a secondrotatable unit connectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatableunit is connectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to theinput. The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for co-rotatingwith the second rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit is arranged for selectivelybeing in a first rotational position or a second rotational position relative to thesecond rotatable unit. The system is arranged for selectively in the first rotationalposition rotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit,and in the second rotational position decoupling the second rotatable unit from thefirst rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit includes at least one, e.g. as at leasttwo, actuation member arranged for moving the third rotatable unit from a firstposition (e.g. the first position or a first position of a plurality of first positions) to asecond position (e.g. the second position or a second position of a plurality of secondpositions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a second position ofthe plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first position or a firstposition of the plurality of first positions) relative to the second rotatable unit. Theclutch system includes a, e.g. non-rotatable, fourth unit. The fourth unit includes aselector. The selector is arranged for selectively being in a gripping or non-gripping mode. The selector in the gripping mode is arranged for gripping the at least oneactuation member for rotating the third rotatable unit from a first position (e.g. thefirst position or a first position of the plurality of first positions) to a secondposition (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality of secondpositions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a second position ofthe plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first position or a firstposition of the plurality of first positions) relative to the second rotatable unit. Theselector in the non-gripping mode is arranged for not engaging the at least oneactuation member. The selector in the non-gripping mode can allow the thirdrotatable unit to freely rotate with the second rotatable unit.
Optionally, the first rotatable unit includes at least one first abutmentsurface, and the second rotatable unit includes at least one second abutmentsurface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface. The thirdrotatable unit includes at least one retaining member arranged for in a firstposition locking the at least one second abutment surface in engagement with theat least one first abutment surface for rotationally coupling the second rotatableunit to the first rotatable unit, and in a second position releasing the at least onesecond abutment surface for disengagement of the at least one first abutmentsurface for decoupling the second rotatable unit from the first rotatable unit.Optionally, the actuation member is biased into contact with the selector, e.g. byspring force.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit includes a first body and a secondbody, wherein the first body includes the at least one retaining member, and thesecond body includes the at least one actuation member. Optionally, the thirdrotatable unit includes at least two actuation members, and the second bodyincludes at least one of the actuation members, e.g. all of the actuation members.
Optionally, the first body is rotationally resiliently coupled to the secondbody, e.g. by means of a spring.
Optionally, the second rotatable unit includes a retractor memberarranged for moving the at least one actuation member out of engagement with theselector.
Optionally, the selector includes a groove including a first partial grooveand a second partial groove. In gripping mode the partial grooves allow, e.g. align for, engaging the at least one actuation member. In non-gripping mode the partialgrooves allow, e.g. are out of alignment for, preventing engagement of the at leastone actuation member.
Optionally, the third rotatable body includes two actuation members,optionally arranged such that when the first actuation member is biased intocontact with the selector, the second actuation member is maintained at a distancefrom, e.g. non-engaged by, the selector and vice versa. Optionally, the selector isarranged to be in a first mode or in a second mode. In the first mode the selector isin gripping mode for the first actuation member and in non-gripping mode for thesecond actuation member. In the second mode the selector is in non-gripping modefor the first actuation member and in gripping mode for the second actuationmember.
Optionally, the selector includes a groove including a first partialgroove, a second partial groove and a third partial groove. In the first mode thefirst and second partial grooves allow, e.g. align for, gripping the first actuationmember and optionally for not engaging the second actuation member, and in thesecond mode the second and third grooves allow, e.g. align for, gripping the secondactuation member and optionally for not engaging the first actuation member.
Optionally, the first partial groove, the second partial groove and thethird partial groove extend on a cylindrical surface of the fourth unit in a directionsubstantially parallel to an axis of the cylindrical surface.
Optionally, the second partial groove and the third partial groove arearranged to be moved, e.g. relative to the first partial groove, e.g. displacedtangentially. Optionally, the second and third partial groove are arranged to bemoved, e.g. simultaneously, in opposite directions.
Optionally, the second partial groove is arranged for moving in the samedirection as the first actuation member when the second partial groove moves fromthe non-gripping mode to the gripping mode for the first actuation member, andthe third partial groove is arranged for moving in the same direction as the secondactuation member when the third partial groove moves from the non-grippingmode to the gripping mode for the second actuation member. Hence, forces on theselector are minimized, and symmetrical for both actuation members.
Optionally, the at least one second abutment surface is a grippingmember arranged for radially moving, e.g. pivoting, in and out of engagement withthe at least one first abutment surface.
Optionally, the at least one actuation member is arranged for radiallymoving, e.g. pivoting, in and out of engagement with the fourth unit.
Optionally, the first and/or second abutment surface is biased todisengage. Hence the default for the first and second abutment surfaces is adisengaged mode. The relative position of the third and second rotatable units thendetermined whether or not the first and second abutment surfaces are engaged ordisengaged.
Optionally, the clutch system includes a plurality of first and/or secondabutment surfaces, e.g. distributed along a perimeter of the first and/or secondrotatable units, respectively. Optionally, the first and/or second abutment surfacesare distributed substantially uniformly along the perimeter of the first and/orsecond rotatable units, respectively. Optionally the number of first abutmentsurfaces is equal to the number of second abutment surfaces.
Optionally, the clutch system includes a plurality of retaining members.
Optionally, the first, second, third, and/or fourth unit are coaxial.Optionally, the fourth unit is positioned at least partially within the third rotatableunit, and/or the third rotatable unit is at least partially positioned within thesecond rotatable unit, and/or the second rotatable unit is at least partiallypositioned within the first rotatable unit.
According to an aspect is provided a torque transmission, including aclutch system as described herein and a planetary gear. The clutch system can bearranged in the torque transmission so as to selectively couple two of the sun gear,the planet carrier and the ring gear of the planetary gear. Optionally, The clutchsystem is arranged in the torque transmission so as to selectively couple the planetcarrier and the ring gear.
According to an aspect is provided a wheel axle assembly, such as abicycle wheel axle assembly, including the torque transmission. The wheel axleassembly can be arranged for receiving a cassette having a plurality of gear wheels.
According to an aspect is provided a bicycle wheel hub including aclutch system as described herein. The bicycle wheel hub can include a torque transmission, as described. Optionally, the wheel hub is arranged for receiving acassette having a plurality of gear wheels.
According to an aspect is provided a bicycle including a clutch system asdescribed herein. The bicycle can include a torque transmission, including a clutchsystem as described herein and a planetary gear. The clutch system can bearranged in the torque transmission so as to selectively couple two of the sun gear,the planet carrier and the ring gear. Optionally, The clutch system is arranged inthe torque transmission so as to selectively couple the planet carrier and the ringgear. Optionally, the torque transmission is included in a rear wheel hub of thebicycle. Optionally, a rear cassette having a plurality of gear wheels is attached tothe rear wheel hub. The bicycle can include a rear derailleur for selecting one of theplurality of gear wheels of the rear pinion. Optionally, the bicycle includes onesingle front pinion. In such case, the torque transmission can emulate functioningof a front derailleur.
According to an aspect is provided a method for operating a clutchsystem for a torque transmission. Such method can be practiced in a vehicle, suchas a bicycle or car, a windmill or the like. The clutch system has an input arrangedfor connection to a drive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load.Preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput. More preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between theinput and the output both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output both duringupshift and downshift of the torque transmission. The method includes providing aclutch system. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit, e.g. a housing,connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a second rotatable unitconnectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatable unit isconnectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to the input.The first rotatable unit includes at least one first abutment surface. The secondrotatable unit includes at least one second abutment surface arranged forselectively engaging the first abutment surface. The first and second abutmentsurfaces are adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load, e.g. so asto disengage under load. The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit. Thethird rotatable unit can be arranged for co-rotating with the second rotatable unit.
The third rotatable unit includes at least one retaining member. The thirdrotatable unit is arranged for selectively being in a first positon or a secondposition relative to the second rotatable unit. It will be appreciated that the firstposition can be a first rotational and/or axial position, and the second position canbe a second, different, rotational and/or axial position. The third rotatable unit inthe first position locks the at least one second abutment surface in engagementwith the at least one first abutment surface for rotationally coupling the secondrotatable unit to the first rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit in the secondposition releases the at least one second abutment surface for disengagement of theat least one first abutment surface for decoupling the second rotatable unit fromthe first rotatable unit. The method includes rotating the third rotatable unitrelative to the second rotatable unit from a first position to a second position fordisengaging the clutch system, and rotating the third rotatable unit relative to thesecond rotatable unit from a second position to a first position for engaging theclutch system.
Optionally, the method includes having the third rotatable unit co-rotate with the second rotatable unit, and temporarily changing rotation speed ofthe third rotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit, e.g. by temporarilyspeeding up, braking or halting the second and/or third rotatable unit, for rotatingthe third rotatable unit from the first position to the second position, or from thesecond position to the first position, relative to the second rotatable unit.
Optionally, the method includes automatically resuming co-rotation ofthe third rotatable unit with the second rotatable unit after the third rotatable unithas been rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational positionor vice versa.
According to an aspect is provided a method for operating a clutchsystem for a torque transmission. Such method can be practiced in a vehicle, suchas a bicycle or car, a windmill or the like. The clutch system has an input arrangedfor connection to a drive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load.Preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput. More preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between theinput and the output both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output both during upshift and downshift of the torque transmission. The method includes providing aclutch system. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit, e.g. a housing,connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a second rotatable unitconnectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatable unit isconnectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to the input.The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for co-rotating with thesecond rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit is arranged for selectively being in afirst rotational positon or a second rotational position relative to the secondrotatable unit. The system is arranged for selectively in the first rotational positionrotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit, and in thesecond rotational position decoupling the second rotatable unit from the firstrotatable unit. The method includes temporarily changing rotation speed of thethird rotatable unit relative to the second rotatable unit, e.g. by temporarilyspeeding up, braking or halting the second and/or third rotatable unit, for rotatingthe third rotatable unit from the first position to the second position, or from thesecond position to the first position, relative to the second rotatable unit.
Optionally, the method includes rotating the third rotatable unit fromthe first position to the second position and from the second position to the firstposition in one and the same rotational direction.
Optionally, third rotatable unit includes at least one, such as at leasttwo, actuation member arranged for moving the third rotatable unit from the firstposition to the second position or from the second position to the first positionrelative to the second rotatable unit, and the clutch system includes a, e.g. non-rotatable, fourth unit including a selector, the selector being arranged forselectively being in a gripping or non-gripping mode, and the method includes withthe selector in the gripping mode gripping the at least one actuation member forrotating the third rotatable unit from the first position to the second position orfrom the second position to the first position relative to the second rotatable unit,and with the selector in the non-gripping mode not engaging the at least oneactuation member. The selector in the non-gripping mode can allowing the thirdrotatable unit to freely rotate with the second rotatable unit.
According to an aspect is provided a method for operating a clutchsystem for a torque transmission. Such method can be practiced in a vehicle, such as a bicycle or car, a windmill or the like. The clutch system has an input arrangedfor connection to a drive source, and an output arranged for connection to a load.Preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between the input and theoutput. More preferably, the clutch system is operable under load between theinput and the output both when coupling and when decoupling. Preferably, theclutch system is operable under load between the input and the output both duringupshift and downshift of the torque transmission. The method includes providing aclutch system. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit, e.g. a housing,connectable to the input. The clutch system includes a second rotatable unitconnectable to the output. It is also possible that the first rotatable unit isconnectable to the output and the second rotatable unit is connectable to the input.The clutch system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for co-rotating with thesecond rotatable unit. The third rotatable unit is arranged for selectively being in afirst rotational positon or a second rotational position relative to the secondrotatable unit. The system is arranged for selectively in the first rotational positionrotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit, and in thesecond rotational position decoupling the second rotatable unit from the firstrotatable unit. The third rotatable unit includes at least one, e.g. as at least two,actuation member arranged for moving the third rotatable unit from a firstposition (e.g. the first position or a first position of a plurality of first positions) to asecond position (e.g. the second position or a second position of a plurality of secondpositions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a second position ofthe plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first position or a firstposition of the plurality of first positions) relative to the second rotatable unit. Theclutch system includes a, e.g. non-rotatable, fourth unit. The fourth unit includes aselector. The selector is arranged for selectively being in a gripping or non-grippingmode. The method includes with the selector in the gripping mode gripping the atleast one actuation member for rotating the third rotatable unit from a firstposition (e.g. the first position or a first position of the plurality of first positions) toa second position (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality ofsecond positions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a secondposition of the plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first positionor a first position of the plurality of first positions) relative to the second rotatable unit; and with the selector in the non-gripping mode not engaging the at least oneactuation member. The selector in the non-gripping mode can allow the thirdrotatable unit to freely rotate with the second rotatable unit.
Optionally, the first rotatable unit includes at least one first abutmentsurface, and the second rotatable unit includes at least one second abutmentsurface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface, and the thirdrotatable unit includes at least one retaining member, and the method includes inthe first position locking the at least one second abutment surface in engagementwith the at least one first abutment surface for rotationally coupling the secondrotatable unit to the first rotatable unit, and in the second position releasing the atleast one second abutment surface for disengagement of the at least one firstabutment surface for decoupling the second rotatable unit from the first rotatableunit.
Optionally, the actuation member is biased into contact with theselector.
Optionally, the method includes, e.g. actively, moving the at least oneactuation member out of engagement with the selector after the third rotatableunit has been rotated from the first position to the second position, or from thesecond position to the first position.
Optionally, the selector includes a groove including a first partial grooveand a second partial groove, and the method includes in gripping mode allowing,e.g. aligning, the partial grooves to engage the at least one actuation member, andin non-gripping mode allowing, e.g. dis-aligning, the partial grooves to preventengagement of the at least one actuation member.
Optionally, the third rotatable unit includes two actuation members,optionally arranged such that when the first actuation member is in contact withthe selector, the second actuation member maintained at a distance from theselector and vice versa, and the method includes selectively setting the selector in afirst mode or in a second mode, wherein in the first mode the selector is in grippingmode for the first actuation member and in non-gripping mode for the secondactuation member, and in the second mode the selector is in non-gripping mode forthe first actuation member and in gripping mode for the second actuation member.
Optionally, the selector includes a groove including a first partialgroove, a second partial groove and a third partial groove, wherein in the firstmode the first and second partial grooves allow, e.g. align for, gripping the firstactuation member and optionally not engaging the second actuation member, andin the second mode the second and third grooves allow, e.g. align for, gripping thesecond actuation member and optionally not engaging the first actuation member.
Optionally, the method includes moving the second and third partialgrooves, e.g. simultaneously, in opposite directions.
Optionally, the method includes moving the second partial groove in thesame direction as the first actuation member when the second partial groove movesfrom the non-gripping mode to the gripping mode for the first actuation member,and moving the third partial groove in the same direction as the second actuationmember when the third partial groove moves from the non-gripping mode to thegripping mode for the second actuation member.
It will be appreciated that any one or more of the above aspects,features and options can be combined. It will be appreciated that any one of theoptions described in view of one of the aspects can be applied equally to any of theother aspects. It will also be clear that all aspects, features and options described inview of the clutch system apply equally to the method, and vice versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplaryembodiments which are represented in a drawing. The exemplary embodiments aregiven by way of non-limitative illustration. It is noted that the figures are onlyschematic representations of embodiments of the invention that are given by wayof non-limiting example.
In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 2 shows an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 3 shows an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c show an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 5 shows an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 6 shows an example of a clutch system;
Fig. 7 shows an example of a clutch system; andFig. 8 shows an example of a wheel axle assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show an example of a clutch system 1. The clutchsystem 1 of this example is for use in a torque transmission of a bicycle, however,other fields of use can be envisioned. The clutch system 1 has an input arranged forconnection to a drive source, such as pedals or a chain/belt. The clutch system hasan output arranged for connection to a load, such as a rear wheel hub. Theexemplary clutch system 1 is operable under load between the input and theoutput, e.g. while pedaling. Hence, the clutch system 1 can be coupled or decoupledunder load. Here, the clutch system is operable under load between the input andthe output both during upshift and downshift of the torque transmission.
The clutch system in Figures 1, 2 and 3 includes a first rotatable unit 2.The first rotatable unit 2 is arranged to be connected to the input. Here, the firstrotatable unit 2 is designed as a housing part of the clutch system 1. The clutchsystem 1 includes a second rotatable unit 4. The second rotatable unit 4 isarranged to be connected to the output. The first rotatable unit 2 includes at leastone first abutment surface 6. In this example, the first rotatable unit 2 includesnine first abutment surfaces 6, here evenly distributed along the perimeter of thefirst rotatable unit 2 at 40 degrees mutual spacing. The second rotatable unit 4includes at least one second abutment surface 8. In this example, the secondrotatable unit 4 includes three second abutment surfaces 8, here evenly distributedalong the perimeter of the second rotatable unit 4 at 120 degrees mutual spacing. Itwill be appreciated that in this example the second rotatable unit 4 includes aplurality of gripping members 4a, here embodied as separate parts hingedlyconnected to a body portion 4b of the second rotatable unit 4. In this example, thesecond abutments surfaces 8 are part of the gripping members 4a of the secondrotatable unit 4. The second abutment surfaces 8, here the gripping members 4a,are each arranged for selectively engaging one of the first abutment surfaces 6. Inthe example of Figure 1 it can be seen that the first and second abutment surfacesare oriented at an angle relative to a radial direction of the first and secondrotatable units, respectively. This allows the first and second abutment surfaces are to disengaging under load. In this example, the second rotatable unit 4 includesresilient members 4c, here helical springs, arranged so as to bias the secondabutment surfaces 8 out of engagement with the first abutment surfaces 6.
The clutch system 1 in Figures 1, 2 and 3 includes a third rotatable unit10. The third rotatable unit 10 is arranged for co-rotating with the second rotatableunit 4. That is, in use, when the output is rotating (e.g. when the driven wheel ofthe bicycle is rotating), i.e. when the second rotatable unit 4 is rotating, the thirdrotatable unit 10 generally co-rotates with the second rotatable unit 4.
The third rotatable unit 10 includes at least one retaining member 12.In this example, the third rotatable unit 10 includes three retaining members 12,here evenly distributed along the perimeter of the third rotatable unit 10 at 120degrees mutual spacing. The third rotatable unit 10 is arranged for selectivelybeing in a first position (see Figure 1) or a second position (see Figure 3) relative tothe second rotatable unit 4. It will be appreciated that in this example the firstposition is a first rotational position, and the second position is a second, different,rotational position.
In the first position (shown in Figure 1), the retaining members 12 arepositioned rotationally aligned with, here under, cams 4d of the gripping members4a. Thus, in the first position, the gripping members 4a are forced to be pivoted in aradially outer position. In the first position, the second abutment surfaces 8 arepositioned to be touching or close to the first abutment surfaces 6. The presence ofthe retaining members 12 under the cams 4a prevents the second abutmentsurfaces from being pivoted radially inwards sufficiently to disengage from the firstabutment surfaces 6. Hence, the retaining members 12 in the first position lock thesecond abutment surfaces 8 in engagement with the first abutment surfaces 6. Asthe second abutment surfaces 8 are locked in engagement with the first abutmentsurfaces 6, the second rotatable unit 4 is rotationally coupled to the first rotatableunit 2.
In the second position (shown in Figure 3), the retaining members 12are positioned rotationally not aligned with, here out of the reach of, the cams 4d ofthe gripping members 4a. Thus, in the second position, the gripping members 4aare free to pivot to a radially inner position. In this example, the biasing force ofthe resilient members 4c pivots the second abutment surfaces 8 radially inwards sufficiently to disengage from the first abutment surfaces 6. As a result, the firstrotatable unit 2 is free to rotate independently of the second rotatable unit 4. Thus,the second rotatable unit 4 is decoupled from the first rotatable unit 2.
Hence, while the first abutment surfaces 6 and second abutmentsurfaces 8 are adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load, or todisengage under load, the relative positioning of the second rotatable unit 4 andthe third rotatable unit 10 can selectively in the first position lock the secondabutment surfaces 8 in engagement with the first abutment surfaces 6, and in thesecond position release the second abutment surfaces 8 for disengagement from thefirst abutment surfaces 6. It will be appreciated that while the first rotatable unit 2and second rotatable unit 4 are decoupled, rotating the third rotatable unit 10 fromthe first position to the second position relative to the second rotatable unit 4, willcouple the first and second rotatable units. While the first rotatable unit 2 andsecond rotatable unit 4 are coupled, rotating the third rotatable unit 10 from thesecond position to the first position relative to the second rotatable unit 4, willdecouple the first and second rotatable units.
Changing the position of the third rotatable unit 10 relative to thesecond rotatable unit 4 from the first position to the second position, or vice versa,can be performed in many different ways. Changing the position of the thirdrotatable unit 10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4 from the first position tothe second position can be performed by rotating the third rotatable unit 10relative to the second rotatable unit 4 in a forward direction, and changing theposition of the third rotatable unit 10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4 fromthe second position to the first position can be performed by rotating the thirdrotatable unit 10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4 in an opposite, rearwarddirection. It is also possible to rotate the third rotatable unit 10 relative to thesecond rotatable unit 4 from the first position to the second position, and from thesecond position to the first position in one and the same rotational direction.
An actuator can be provided for rotating the third rotatable unit and/orthe second rotatable unit from the first position to the second position, and/or fromthe second position to the first position.
In the example of Figures 1, 2 and 3, the third rotatable unit 10 isarranged for co-rotating with the second rotatable unit 4. Therefore, changing the position of the third rotatable unit 10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4 fromthe first position to the second position, or vice versa, can be performed bytemporarily changing rotation speed of the third rotatable unit relative to thesecond rotatable unit, e.g. by temporarily speeding up, braking or halting thesecond and/or third rotatable unit, for rotating from the first position to the secondposition, or from the second position to the first position.
In the example of Figures 1, 2 and 3, the third rotatable unit 10 is freelyrotatable relative to the second rotatable unit 4. There is no limit to the rotationaldisplacement of the third rotatable unit 10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4.In this example, the third rotatable unit 10 is arranged for selectively being in oneof a plurality of first positions or one of a plurality of second positions relative tothe second rotatable unit. Each of the first positions of the plurality of firstpositions is defined by the third rotatable unit 10 being positioned to lock thesecond abutment surfaces 8 in engagement with the first abutment surfaces 6 forrotationally coupling the second rotatable unit 4 to the first rotatable unit 2. In thisexample there are three gripping members 4a and three retaining members 12, sothere are three distinct first positions. Here, the three first positions are evenlydistributed along the perimeter of the second rotatable unit 4 at 120 degreesmutual spacing. Each of the second positions of the plurality of second positions isdefined by the third rotatable unit 10 being positioned to release the secondabutment surfaces 8 from engagement with the first abutment surfaces 6 forrotationally decoupling the second rotatable unit 4 from the first rotatable unit 2.In this example there are three gripping members 4a and three retaining members12, so there are three second positions. Here, the three second positions can be seenas evenly distributed along the perimeter of the second rotatable unit 4 at 120degrees mutual spacing. It will be appreciated that the three first positions andthree second positions are alternatingly placed along the perimeter of the secondrotatable unit 4. For example, the three first positions and three second positionsare alternatingly spaced at 60 degrees around the perimeter of the second rotatableunit.
Here, the third rotatable unit 10 can be rotated relative to the secondrotatable unit 4 from a first first position to a first second position, from the firstsecond position to a second first position, from the second first position to a second second position, from the second second position to a third first position, from thethird first position to a third second position, and from the third second position tothe first first position in one and the same rotational direction. The clutch system 1can be arranged for temporarily changing rotation speed of the third rotatable unit10 relative to the second rotatable unit 4, e.g. by temporarily speeding up, brakingor halting the second and/or third rotatable unit, for rotating from a first position(e.g. the first position or a first position of the plurality of first positions) to asecond position (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality ofsecond positions) or from a second position (e.g. the second position or a secondposition of the plurality of second positions) to a first position (e.g. the first positionor a first position of the plurality of first positions). Hence, the second and thirdrotatable units can in a simple manner be rotated from a first position to a secondposition or vice versa.
Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 show an example of a mechanism for movingthe third rotatable unit 10 from a first position (e.g. the first position or a firstposition of the plurality of first positions) to a second position (e.g. the secondposition or a second position of the plurality of second positions) or from a secondposition (e.g. the second position or a second position of the plurality of secondpositions) to a first position (e.g. the first position or a first position of the pluralityof first positions) relative to the second rotatable unit.
The third rotatable unit 10 includes at least one, here two, actuationmember 10a arranged for moving the third rotatable unit 10 from a first position toa second position or from a second position to a first position relative to the secondrotatable unit 4. The actuation members 10a are hingedly connected to a bodyportion 10b of the third rotatable unit 10. In this example, the body portion 10b ofthe third rotatable unit 10 includes an first body portion 10b 1 and a second bodyportion 10b2. The first body portion 10b 1 hingedly receives the actuation members10a. The second body portion 10b2 includes the retaining members 12. The firstbody portion 10b 1 is rotatable relative to the second body portion 10b2, here overan angular stroke S. The first and second body portions 10b 1, 10b2 are biased inabutment with a resilient element 10c, here a tension spring.
In Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 the clutch system 1 further includes a, herenon-rotatable, fourth unit 16. The fourth unit 16 can be arranged to be non- rotatably mounted to a frame of the bicycle. The fourth unit 16 is further shown inFigures 6 and 7. The fourth unit 16 includes a selector 18. The selector 18 isarranged for selectively being in a gripping or non-gripping mode.
As shown in Figures 4a-7, here the third rotatable body 10 includes twoactuation members 10a. In this example, the actuation members 10a are biasedtowards the fourth unit 16 by resilient elements lOd, here helical springs. In thisexample, the second rotatable unit 4 includes three retractor members 4e. theretractor members 4e co-rotate with the body portion 4b of the second rotatableunit 4. The retractor members 4e can e.g. be fixedly connected to, or integral with,the body portion 4b. As can be seen in Figure 4a, one of the retractor members 4e,here 4el, allows a first actuation member 10a 1 to engage the fourth unit 16, whileanother one of the retractor members 4e, here 4e3, prevents a second actuationmember 10a2 to engage the fourth unit 16. Hence, when the first actuationmember lOal is biased into contact with the selector 18, the second actuationmember 10a2 is maintained at a distance from, e.g. non-engaged by, the selector18, and vice versa.
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this example the selector 18 includes agroove 20. In this example, the groove 20 includes a first partial groove 20a, asecond partial groove 20b and a third partial groove 20c. In a first mode the firstpartial groove 20a and second partial groove 20b align as shown in Figures 6 and 7.It is noted that in this first mode the third partial groove 20c does not align withthe first partial groove 20a. In a second mode the first partial groove 20a and thirdpartial groove 20c align. It is noted that in this second mode the second partialgroove 20b does not align with the first partial groove 20a. As can be seen in Figure6, the first and second partial grooves 20a, 20b aligning, allows the first actuationmember 10a 1 to enter into the first partial groove 20a, as can also be seen inFigure 4a. It will be noted that in this example the shape of the first actuationmember 10a 1, requires the first partial groove 20a and the second partial groove20b to align for allowing the first actuation member 10a 1 to enter the first partialgroove 20a. The first partial groove 20a then supports the first actuation member10a 1, allowing a force to be guided from the fourth unit 16 via the first actuationmember 10a 1 to the third rotatable unit 10. As a result, the third rotatable unit 10will be halted, and when, in use, the second rotatable unit 4 will remain rotating, the third rotatable unit 10 will be rotated relative to the second rotatable unit 4.When the second rotatable unit 4 has rotated over approximately 60 degrees aftergripping of the first actuation member lOal by the first partial groove 20a, theretractor member 4el knocks the first actuation member 10a 1 out of the firstpartial groove 20a, as can be seen in Figures 4b and 4c, and the third rotatableunit 10 resumes co-rotating with the second rotatable unit 4.
In this example, the third rotatable unit 10 includes a retainer 24. Inthis example, the retainer 24 is hingedly connected to the body portion 10b of thethird rotatable unit 10. Here, the retainer 24 includes a tooth 26. The tooth 26 isbiased by a resilient element, here a spring 28. The second rotatable unit 4includes a, here three, notch 30. Here the notch 30 has an angled face 30a. As canbe seen in Figure 4b, when the retractor member 4el has knocked the firstactuation member 10a 1 out of the first partial groove 20a the tooth 26 of theretainer 24 is on the angled face 30a of the notch 30. Due to the biasing force of theresilient element 28, the tooth 26 is pushed along the angled face 30a to the bottomof the notch 30, as can be seen in Fig. 4b. As a result, the third rotatable unit 10assumes a defined angular position relative to the second rotatable unit 4. Also, theslight angular movement from the situation shown in Figure 4b, with the actuationmember 10a 1 just freed from the groove 20, to the situation shown in Figure 4c,enables that the retractor member 4el lifts the actuation member lOal away fromthe groove 20, so that mechanical contact between the actuation member 10a 1 andthe fourth unit 16 can be avoided.
Having been rotated over 60 degrees, the third rotatable unit 10 hasbeen rotated from a first position to a second position, or from a second position to afirst position relative to the second rotatable unit 4. Now, the first actuationmember lOal is maintained in a non-deployed position by the retractor member 4eand is maintained at a distance from the selector 18.
At approximately the same time, the other retractor member 4e3 is alsorotated and releases the second actuation member 10a2 to engage the fourth unit16. However, as can be seen in Figure 7, the second actuation member 10a2 cannotenter into the first partial groove 20a, as the shape of the second actuation member10a2 requires the third partial groove 20c to align with the first partial groove 20afor allowing the second actuation member 10a2 to enter into the first partial groove 20a. The second actuation member 10a2 will slide along the surface of the selector18 without being gripped.
For again actuating the third rotatable unit 10, the second partialgroove 20b is moved out of alignment with the first partial groove 20a, and thethird partial groove 20c is moved into alignment with the first partial groove 20a.In this situation, the second actuation member 10a2 can enter into the first partialgroove 20a. The first partial groove 20a then supports the second actuationmember 10a2, allowing a force to be guided from the fourth unit 16 via the secondactuation member 10a2 to the third rotatable unit 10. As a result, the thirdrotatable unit 10 will again be halted, and when, in use, the second rotatable unit 4will remain rotating, the third rotatable unit 10 will be rotated relative to thesecond rotatable unit 4. The tooth 26 of the retainer 24 will be moved out of thenotch 30 by sliding over a second angled face 30b of the notch. When the secondrotatable unit 4 has rotated over approximately 60 degrees after gripping of thesecond actuation member 10a2 by the first partial groove 20a, the retractormember 4e, now 4e2, knocks the second actuation member 10a2 out of the firstpartial groove 20a and the third rotatable unit 10 resumes co-rotating with thesecond rotatable unit 4 again. The tooth 26 of the retainer 24 will be seated at thebottom of a notch 30 again. Having been rotated over 60 degrees, the thirdrotatable unit 10 has been rotated from a second position to a first position, or froma first position to a second position relative to the second rotatable unit 4. Now, thesecond actuation member 10a2 is maintained in a non-deployed position by theretractor member 4e again and is maintained at a distance from the selector 18 asshown in Figure 4a.
At approximately the same time, the other retractor member 4el is alsorotated and again releases the first actuation member 10a 1 to engage the fourthunit 16. However, the first actuation member lOal cannot enter into the firstpartial groove 20a, as the shape of the first actuation member 10a 1 requires thesecond partial groove 20b to align with the first partial groove 20a for allowing thefirst actuation member 10a 1 to enter into the first partial groove 20a. The firstactuation member lOal will now slide along the surface of the selector 18 withoutbeing gripped.
Thus, the selector 18 can be in a first mode for gripping the firstactuation member and for not engaging the second actuation member, and in asecond mode for gripping the second actuation member and not engaging the firstactuation member.
It will be appreciated that in this example, forces from the thirdrotatable unit 10 via, the actuation members 10a are supported by the first partialgroove 20a only. The second and third partial grooves 20b, 20c absorb no, or hardlyany, force. The second and third partial grooves merely act as keys to selectwhether the first or second actuation member can enter the first partial groove 20aor not.
In the example of Figure 6, it can be seen that the fourth unit 16includes two toothed racks 22a, 22b. The first toothed rack 22a is connected to abush carrying the second partial groove 20b. The second toothed rack 22b isconnected to a bush carrying the third partial groove 20c. The toothed racks 22a,22b can be driven by pinions of one or two electric motors.
In the example of Figures 6 and 7, the second partial groove 20b and thethird partial groove 20c are arranged to be moved relative to the first partialgroove 20a in a tangential displacement. Here the second and third partial grooves20b, 20c are arranged to be moved simultaneously in opposite directions. In thisexample, the second partial groove 20b is arranged for moving in the samedirection the as the first actuation member lOal, i.e. along with the sliding of thefirst actuation member lOal along the surface of the selector 18, when the secondpartial groove 20b moves from the non-gripping mode to the gripping mode for thefirst actuation member lOal. The third partial groove 20c is arranged for moving inthe same direction as the second actuation member 10a2, i.e. along with the slidingof the second actuation member 10a2 along the surface of the selector 18, when thethird partial groove 20c moves from the non-gripping mode to the gripping modefor the second actuation member 10a2. Hence, forces on the selector 18 areminimized, and symmetrical for both actuation members 10a.
Figure 8 shows an example of an axle assembly 100. In this example,the axle assembly is a rear bicycle assembly. The axle assembly 100 here includes ahollow axle 101. In this example, the hollow axle 101 is arranged for non-rotatablybeing fixed to a frame, e.g. a bicycle frame. In this example the axle assembly is an axle assembly for a bicycle. The axle assembly 100 includes a hub 102. Here thehub 102 is provided with apertures 104, e.g. for connection of spokes of a wheel,The axle assembly 102 further includes a driver 106. The driver 106 in thisexample is arranged for receiving a cassette of gear wheels (not shown).
The axle assembly 100 in this example includes a torque transmission108, Here the torque transmission includes a clutch system 1, e.g. as described inview of Figures 1-7, and a gear means, here a planetary gear 110, The planetarygear 110 includes a sun gear 112, a planet carrier 114 with planet gears 116 and aring gear 118. The clutch system 1 is arranged in the torque transmission 108 so asto selectively couple two of the sun gear, the planet carrier and the ring gear. Inthis example, In this example, the clutch system 1 is arranged in the torquetransmission 108 so as to selectively couple the planet carrier 114 and the ring gear118.
The planet carrier 114 is also fixedly coupled to the hub 102. Therefore,depending on whether the first rotatable unit 2 and second rotatable unit 4 arerotationally coupled, or rotationally disengaged, driving the driver 106 causes thehub 102 to rotate according to a first or second gear ratio relative to the driver 106.An overrunning clutch may thereto be positioned between the sun gear 112 and theaxle 101.In the examples of Figures 1-8, the first rotatable unit 2, the secondrotatable unit 4, the third rotatable unit 10, and the fourth unit 16 are coaxial.Here, the fourth unit 16 is positioned at least partially within the third rotatableunit 10. Here the third rotatable unit 10 is at least partially positioned within thesecond rotatable unit 4. Here the second rotatable unit 4 is at least partiallypositioned within the first rotatable unit 2.
The clutch system 1 can e.g. be used for selectively operating aplanetary gear according to a first mode when the second rotatable unit is engagedwith the first rotatable unit, and according to a second mode when the secondrotatable unit is disengaged from the first rotatable unit. Hence, the clutch system1 can be used in a torque transmission for operating the torque transmission at afirst transmission ratio in the first mode, and at a second, different transmissionratio in the second mode. The clutch system can e.g. be used in a rear hub of abicycle. The clutch system can then be used e.g. for emulating the functioning of a front derailleur, so as to be able to omit the front derailleur from the bicycle. Theinvention also relates to a bicycle including such clutch system.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples ofembodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that variousmodifications and changes maybe made therein, without departing from theessence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise descriptionfeatures are described herein as part of the same or separate examples orembodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all orsome of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.
In the examples, the first rotatable unit includes nine first abutmentsurfaces. It will be appreciated that other numbers of first abutment surfaces, suchas one, two, three, four, six or any other suitable number are also possible. In theexamples, the second rotatable unit includes three second abutment surfaces. Itwill be appreciated that other numbers of second abutment surfaces, such as one,two, four, six or any other suitable number are also possible. In the examples, thethird rotatable unit includes three retaining members. It will be appreciated thatother numbers of retaining members, such as one, two, four, six or any othersuitable number are also possible. In the examples, the third rotatable unitincludes two actuation members. It will be appreciated that other numbers ofactuation members, such as one, three, four, six or any other suitable number arealso possible.
In the examples, the gripping members are separate items hingedlyconnected to the body portion of the second rotatable unit. It will be appreciatedthat it is also possible that the gripping members are integral with the bodyportion of the second rotatable unit.
In the examples, the third rotatable unit includes an first body portionand a second body portion. It will be appreciated that the first and second bodyportions may also be an integral portion.
In the examples, the actuation members are separate items hingedlyconnected to the body portion of the third rotatable unit. It will de appreciated thatit is also possible that the actuation members are integral with the body portion ofthe third rotatable unit.
In the examples, the gripping members are arranged for pivoting in aradial direction. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the grippingmembers are arranged for pivoting in an axial direction. Then e.g. the secondrotatable unit and the first rotatable unit can be positioned, at least partially,axially next to each other. Also, then the third rotatable unit and the secondrotatable unit can be positions, at least partially, axially next to each other.
In the examples, the actuation members are arranged for pivoting in aradial direction. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the actuationmembers are arranged for pivoting in an axial direction. Then e.g. the thirdrotatable unit and the fourth unit can be positioned, at least partially, axially nextto each other.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples ofembodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that variousmodifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be made therein, withoutdeparting from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and aconcise description features are described herein as part of the same or separateembodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all orsome of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisagedand understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by theclaims. The specifications, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded inan illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The invention is intended toembrace all alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Further, many of the elements that aredescribed are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete ordistributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitablecombination and location.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude thepresence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, thewords ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead areused to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact thatcertain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.
Claims (51)
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2020191A NL2020191B1 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2017-12-28 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
| TW107114269A TWI773752B (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2018-04-26 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
| CN201880043520.7A CN111051724B (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2018-04-26 | Clutch system for torque transmitting mechanism |
| PCT/NL2018/050273 WO2018199757A2 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2018-04-26 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
| EP18726537.6A EP3615826B1 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2018-04-26 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
| US16/608,514 US11346405B2 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2018-04-26 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2020191A NL2020191B1 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2017-12-28 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2020191B1 true NL2020191B1 (en) | 2019-07-08 |
Family
ID=62685030
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2020191A NL2020191B1 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2017-12-28 | Clutch system for a torque transmission |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2020191B1 (en) |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2586694A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2013-05-01 | NTN Corporation | Electrically assisted bicycle |
| US20160186821A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-06-30 | Profile Racing, Inc. | Releasable Freewheel Clutch |
-
2017
- 2017-12-28 NL NL2020191A patent/NL2020191B1/en active
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2586694A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2013-05-01 | NTN Corporation | Electrically assisted bicycle |
| US20160186821A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-06-30 | Profile Racing, Inc. | Releasable Freewheel Clutch |
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