Clutch unit for vehicle

A clutch unit used for a vehicle seat includes an input side clutch configured such that one member of an input side inner ring member and an input side outer ring member rotates with a rotation of an operation lever, and the other member is rotated via an input side transmission member, so that a rotation of the operation lever is transmitted to an output side clutch. A rotation suppressing member configured to apply a rotational resistance force greater than a force for the co-rotating is provided between the other member and a member that does not rotate during a return operation of the operation lever, so as to suppress co-rotation of the other member by the one member during the return operation to the neutral position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a clutch unit for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

As a clutch unit for a vehicle, one described in Patent Literature 1 has been known.

In this clutch unit for a vehicle, a wave washer is arranged between an input side outer ring member and a housing. By urging the input side outer ring member and the housing in a direction away from each other in an output shaft direction, the input side outer ring member is prevented from co-rotating together with a rotation of an input side inner ring member when an operation lever returns to a neutral position.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, in the clutch unit for a vehicle described in Patent Literature 1, rattling may occur in the operation lever.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a clutch unit for a vehicle that is capable of suppressing rattling of an operation lever without increasing the number of components while suppressing co-rotation between an input side inner ring member and an input side outer ring member when the operation lever returns to a neutral position.

Solution to Problem

A clutch unit for a vehicle according to the present invention is a clutch unit used for a vehicle seat, the clutch unit for a vehicle including:

an operation lever rotatable around a rotation axis and capable of returning to a neutral position;

an operation member configured to rotate integrally with the operation lever around the rotation axis;

an output shaft member rotatable around the rotation axis and configured to output an operating force input on the operation lever to the vehicle seat;

an input side clutch including an input side inner ring member and an input side outer ring member which are coaxial with the rotation axis and into which the output shaft member is inserted, and an input side transmission member which is arranged in a wedge-shaped space formed between an outer peripheral surface of the input side inner ring member and an inner peripheral surface of the input side outer ring member;

an output side clutch; and

a bottomed cylindrical housing accommodating the input side clutch and the operation member, wherein

the input side clutch is configured such thatone member of the input side inner ring member and the input side outer ring member rotates with a rotation of the operation lever, and the other member of the input side inner ring member and the input side outer ring member is rotated via the input side transmission member, so that the rotation of the operation lever is transmitted to the output side clutch,during a driving operation of driving the operation lever from the neutral position, the rotation of the operation lever is input to the output side clutch, andduring a return operation to return to the neutral position after driving the operation lever, the operation lever is returned to the neutral position while holding a rotational position of the output shaft member,

the output side clutch is configured to allow a rotation of the output shaft member when the rotation of the operation lever is transmitted by the other member of the input side clutch while regulating the rotation of the output shaft member due to a force input from a vehicle seat side to the output shaft member,

so as to suppress co-rotation of the other member by the one member during the return operation of the operation lever to the neutral position, a rotation suppressing member configured to apply a rotational resistance force greater than a force for the co-rotating is provided between the other member and a member that does not rotate during the return operation of the operation lever,

the one member and the operation member which are separated members from each other are connected so as to rotate integrally with each other and so as to be relatively movable in a rotational axis direction, and

the rotation suppressing member is provided between the other member and the operation member in the rotation axis direction, urges the other member and the operation member to separate from each other, and presses the operation member against a bottom surface of the housing.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the clutch unit for a vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to suppress rattling of the operation lever without increasing the number of components while suppressing the co-rotation between the input side inner ring member and the input side outer ring member when the operation lever returns to the neutral position.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a clutch unit for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is a side view showing a state in which the clutch unit for a vehicle according to the embodiment is applied to a vehicle seat lifter. As shown inFIG.1, a clutch unit100for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is used for a vehicle seat40. The vehicle seat40includes a seating seat40a, a backrest40b, and a seat frame40c. The clutch unit100for a vehicle is fixed to the seat frame40cof the vehicle seat40. A vehicle seat lifter41is mounted on the vehicle seat40. The vehicle seat lifter41includes the clutch unit100for a vehicle.

The vehicle seat lifter41includes a sector gear41fand a link mechanism. The clutch unit100for a vehicle includes an operation lever21that is rotated in forward and reverse directions. A pinion gear31integrated with an output shaft member30that is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by the operation lever21meshes with the sector gear41fof the vehicle seat lifter41.

The link mechanism includes a first link member41cextending in a substantially upper-lower direction, a second link member41dextending in the substantially upper-lower direction, and a third link member41eextending in a substantially lateral direction.

An upper portion of the first link member41cand an upper portion of the second link member41dare rotatably connected to the seat frame40cby shaft members41c1,41d1, respectively. A lower portion of the first link member41cand a lower portion of the second link member41dare rotatably connected to a slide movable member41b1of a seat slide adjuster41bby shaft members41c2,41d2, respectively.

One end of the third link member41eis connected to the first link member41cby a shaft member41e1above the shaft member41c1. The other end of the third link member41eis rotatably connected to the sector gear41fby a shaft member41e2.

InFIG.1, when the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise (upward), an input torque (rotational force) in a rotation direction is transmitted to the pinion gear31, and the pinion gear31rotates counterclockwise. Then, the sector gear41fmeshing with the pinion gear31rotates clockwise, and the third link member41epulls the upper portion of the first link member41cupward. As a result, both the first link member41cand the second link member41dstand up, and a seating surface of the seating seat40abecomes higher. When a force input on the operation lever21is released after a height H of the seating seat40ais adjusted, the operation lever21rotates clockwise and returns to an original position (referred to as a neutral position or a neutral state in the following description).

When the operation lever21is rotated clockwise (downward), the seating surface of the seating seat40ais lowered by an operation opposite to that described above. In addition, when the operation lever21is released after the height adjustment, the operation lever21rotates counterclockwise to return to the original position (the neutral position, the neutral state).

In a state in which the operation lever21is released, a brake is applied to the rotation of the output shaft member30(the pinion gear31) by the clutch unit100for a vehicle. Therefore, even when a force in the upper-lower direction is applied to the seating seat40a, the seating seat40ais prevented from moving in the upper-lower direction.

<Clutch Unit for Vehicle>

Next, the clutch unit100for a vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described. The components of the clutch unit100described below are basically made of metal unless otherwise specified.

FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the clutch unit100for a vehicle.FIG.3is a sectional view of the clutch unit100for a vehicle taken along an axial direction.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the clutch unit100for a vehicle includes the operation lever21, the output shaft member30, an input side clutch50, an output side clutch60, and a housing11.

The input side clutch50is driven (performed) by the operation lever21to transmit a rotation of the operation lever21to the output shaft member30. The output side clutch60prevents the rotation of the output shaft member30when the force in the upper-lower direction is applied to the seating seat40a. The input side clutch50and the output side clutch60are accommodated in the housing11. The housing11is a member that does not rotate when the operation lever21is operated.

The output shaft member30is a shaft member extending in a left-right direction inFIG.3. In the following description, a term “axial direction” means a direction in which the output shaft member30extends. As shown inFIG.3, the output shaft member30penetrates through the output side clutch60and the input side clutch50in this order from the left to the right inFIG.3. In the following description, a left side inFIG.3may be referred to as an output side in the axial direction, and a right side inFIG.3may be referred to as an input side in the axial direction.

In the output shaft member30, the pinion gear31, a large-diameter cylindrical portion32, a spline portion33, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion34are provided in this order from the output side to the input side in the axial direction.

The pinion gear31is provided at an end portion of the output shaft member30on an output side in the axial direction. The large-diameter cylindrical portion32is rotatably supported by a metal bush13fixed to an output side outer ring member62of the output side clutch60to be described later. The small-diameter cylindrical portion34is rotatably supported by an input side inner ring member51and an input side outer ring member52of the input side clutch50to be described later, and the housing11. A plurality of groove portions are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the spline portion33. The spline portion33is spline-coupled to an output side inner ring member61of the output side clutch60to be described later.

A stopper ring36is mounted to the small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30. The stopper ring36includes a cylindrical fitting portion36aand a disk-shaped flange portion36bwhich is positioned on the output side of the fitting portion36ain the axial direction. The small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30is fitted into the fitting portion36a. The flange portion36babuts against a second urging member25to be described later, and prevents the second urging member25, an operation plate22to be described later, the housing11, the input side clutch50, and the output side clutch60from coming out of the output shaft member30.

The housing11is a cup-shaped (bottomed cylindrical) member and includes a bottom surface11aand a tubular portion11b. Two fixing flanges11cprotruding in a radial direction are formed at end portions of the tubular portion11bon the output side in the axial direction from the bottom surface11a. The fixing flange11cis provided with a fixing bolt insertion hole11d. The housing11is fixed to the seat frame40cby screwing bolts (not shown) inserted into the fixing bolt insertion holes11dinto screw holes of the seat frame40c. The housing11may be fixed to the seat frame40cby providing a caulking portion in the housing11and caulking the caulking portion to the seat frame40c.

A spring locking portion24having a spring locking piece24ais fixed to one fixing flange11c. The spring locking piece24aextends to the input side in the axial direction along the tubular portion11bof the housing11.

A tubular bearing11gis formed at a center portion of the bottom surface11ain the radial direction by burring. The bearing11gextends from the bottom surface11atoward the input side in the axial direction. In addition, the bottom surface11ais formed with three window portions11heach having a circular arc-shaped long hole, and three protruding pieces11iextending from edge portions of the respective window portions11htoward the output side in the axial direction.

The operation lever21is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and is fixed to the operation plate22to be described later. The operation lever21includes a fixing portion21afixed to the operation plate22and a rod-shaped gripping portion21bextending outward in the radial direction from the fixing portion21a.

The operation plate22is provided between the housing11and the operation lever21in a rotation axis direction (axial direction). When an operator grips the gripping portion21bof the operation lever21and rotates the operation lever21in the forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis, the operation plate22rotates in the forward and reverse directions integrally with the operation lever21. The operation plate22is rotatably supported by the housing11.

The operation plate22includes an insertion hole22aat the center in the radial direction thereof. The small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30is inserted through the insertion hole22a. In addition, the operation plate22includes three rectangular engaging holes22band a circular fixing hole22caround the insertion hole22a. The operation plate22is fixed to the operation lever21by screwing a screw (not shown) inserted through the fixing hole22cinto the operation lever21.

An operation piece portion22dand a pair of regulating piece portions22eare provided on an outer peripheral edge of the operation plate22. The operation piece portion22dis provided between the pair of regulating piece portions22e. The operation piece portion22dand the pair of regulating piece portions22eextend toward the output side in the axial direction.

A return spring23is provided on an outer periphery of the housing11. The return spring23is a spring that returns the operation lever21(and the operation plate22) to a neutral position when no operating force is applied to the operation lever21(when the operating force is released). The return spring23is, for example, a leaf spring having a circular arc shape in which both free end portions23aare brought close to each other. The spring locking piece24aof the spring locking portion24fixed to the housing11and the operation piece portion22dof the operation plate22are arranged between both the free end portions23aof the return spring23.

The second urging member25is provided between the operation plate22and the stopper ring36in the rotation axis direction. The second urging member25is provided at a position farther from the bottom surface11aof the housing11(the input side in the axial direction) than the operation plate22. The second urging member25is formed of a wave washer or the like in which spring steel is formed in a ring shape, and has a wave shape in which a plurality of curved portions are alternately formed along a peripheral direction. The second urging member25applies an urging force against the operation plate22toward the bottom surface11aof the housing11.

FIGS.4A and4Bare views that illustrate a movement of the operation plate22.FIGS.4A and4Bare views taken along an arrow A inFIG.3.FIG.4Ashows a neutral state, andFIG.4Bshows a driving state.

As shown inFIG.4A, in a state in which the operator does not apply an operating force to the operation lever21(neutral state), the pair of free end portions23aof the return spring23abut against the spring locking pieces24aand the operation piece portion22d, and the operation lever21is supported at the neutral position.

As shown inFIG.4B, when the operator rotates the operation lever21to either of the forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis to bring it into the driving state, the operation plate22rotates with respect to the housing11together with the operation lever21. Then, one free end portion23aof the pair of free end portions23amaintains an engaged state with the spring locking piece24afixed to the housing11, and the other free end portion23aengages with the operation piece portion22dof the operation plate22to move away from the one free end portion23a. Therefore, the return spring23is bent and a return force for causing the return spring23to return to the neutral position is applied.

When a rotation amount of the operation lever21reaches a predetermined amount, the regulating piece portion22eof the operation plate22abuts against the free end portion23aabutting against the spring locking piece24a, and further rotation of the operation lever21is regulated.

Referring back toFIGS.2and3, the input side clutch50includes the input side inner ring member51, the input side outer ring member52, a rotation suppressing member53, an operation bracket (an example of an operation member)54, an input side clutch roller (an example of an input side transmission member)55, and an input side roller urging spring56.

The input side inner ring member51is a columnar member extending in the axial direction. The input side inner ring member51includes an insertion hole51athrough which the small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30is inserted at the center of the insertion hole51a. Three protruding portions51bare formed on a surface of the input side inner ring member51on the input side in the axial direction (seeFIG.3). Three wedge cam portions51cthat bulge outward are provided at equal intervals on an outer peripheral edge of the input side inner ring member51.

The operation bracket54is a substantially disk-shaped member. The operation bracket54includes an insertion hole54athrough which the small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30is inserted at the center in the radial direction. In addition, the operation bracket54includes three fitting holes54binto which the protruding portions51bof the input side inner ring member51are fitted. By a fitting structure of the protruding portion51band the fitting hole54b, the separate input side inner ring member51and operation bracket54are connected to each other so as to rotate integrally with each other and so as to be relatively movable in the rotation axis direction.

Three claw portions54care provided on an outer peripheral edge of the operation bracket54. The claw portions54cpenetrate through the window portions11hformed on the bottom surface11aof the housing11and are fitted into the engaging holes22bof the operation plate22. Accordingly, the operation bracket54is configured to be connected to the operation plate22and rotate integrally with the operation plate22. In addition, the input side inner ring member51is fixed to the operation plate22via the operation bracket54.

The rotation suppressing member53is provided between the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54in the rotation axis direction. The rotation suppressing member53is provided on the input side in the axial direction of the input side outer ring member52. The rotation suppressing member53is formed of a wave washer or the like in which spring steel is formed in a ring shape, and has a wave shape in which a plurality of curved portions are alternately formed along the peripheral direction. The rotation suppressing member53is shown between the input side inner ring member51and the operation bracket54inFIG.2, an inner diameter of the rotation suppressing member53is larger than an outer diameter of the input side inner ring member51, and the rotation suppressing member53does not apply an axial force to the input side inner ring member51. The input side inner ring member51is arranged inside the ring-shaped rotation suppressing member53.

A surface of the rotation suppressing member53on the output side in the axial direction abuts against the input side outer ring member52. Specifically, the surface of the rotation suppressing member53on the output side abuts against an outer peripheral edge portion of the input side outer ring member52. A surface of the rotation suppressing member53on the input side abuts against the operation bracket54. Specifically, a surface of the rotation suppressing member53on the input side abuts against an outer peripheral edge portion54eof the operation bracket54.

The rotation suppressing member53urges the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54in a direction in which they are separated from each other. The rotation suppressing member53presses the input side outer ring member52toward the output side in the axial direction, and presses the operation bracket54to the input side in the axial direction.

The input side outer ring member52includes a bottom portion52b, an outer ring portion52c, and a fixing portion52d. The bottom portion52bis a disk-shaped portion. An insertion hole52athrough which the small-diameter cylindrical portion34of the output shaft member30is inserted is provided at the center of the bottom portion52bin the radial direction. The outer ring portion52cis a cylindrical portion formed so as to extend from an outer edge portion of the bottom portion52bto the input side in the axial direction. The bottom portion52bis provided at an end portion of the outer ring portion52con the output side in the axial direction. The fixing portion52dprotrudes from an outer edge of the insertion hole52atoward the output side in the axial direction. A spline groove is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion52d. The fixing portion52dis spline-coupled to a release bracket64of the output side clutch60to be described later.

The outermost diameter of the operation bracket54is equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the outer ring portion52cof the input side outer ring member52. The rotation suppressing member53is arranged in a region where the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54face each other in the rotation axis direction (seeFIG.3).

FIGS.5A and5Bare views showing the clutch unit100for a vehicle in the neutral state shown inFIG.4A.FIG.5Ais a sectional view taken along a line B-B inFIG.3, showing the output side clutch60in the neutral state.FIG.5Bis a sectional view taken along a line C-C inFIG.3, showing the input side clutch50in the neutral state.

As shown inFIG.5B, a gap is provided between an inner peripheral surface of the input side outer ring member52and an outer peripheral surface of the input side inner ring member51. The inner peripheral surface of the input side outer ring member52is a circumferential surface, and the three wedge cam portions51cthat bulge outward are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the input side inner ring member51. Therefore, in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the input side outer ring member52and the outer peripheral surface of the input side inner ring member51, three portions in which both ends in the radial direction are tapered in a wedge shape are formed. The three protruding pieces11iof the housing11protrude in this gap. When the input side inner ring member51is rotated by the operation lever21, the protruding piece11iregulates a movement of the input side clutch roller55.

The input side clutch50includes six input side clutch rollers55and three input side roller urging springs56. The input side clutch roller55and the input side roller urging spring56are arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the input side inner ring member51and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion52cof the input side outer ring member52.

The input side roller urging spring56is arranged between the wedge cam portions51cof the input side inner ring member51in the radial direction. In addition, a pair of input side clutch rollers55are arranged on each of both sides of the wedge cam portion51cof the input side inner ring member51. The protruding piece11iof the housing11is arranged between the pair of input side clutch rollers55.

Referring back toFIGS.2and3, the output side clutch60includes the output side inner ring member61, the output side outer ring member62, the release bracket (an example of a pressing force transmission portion)64, an output side clutch roller (an example of an output side transmission member)65, and an output side roller urging spring66.

The output side outer ring member62is a substantially cylindrical member. The output side outer ring member62is provided coaxially with a rotation shaft of the output shaft member30, and is rotatable relative to the output side inner ring member61. The output side outer ring member62is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the output side inner ring member61. An inner peripheral surface of an inner hole of the output side outer ring member62rotatably supports the large-diameter cylindrical portion32of the output shaft member30via a cylindrical portion13bof the metal bush13. The flange portion13aof the metal bush13is in sliding contact with the output side inner ring member61to prevent the output side inner ring member61from coming out of the output shaft member30. The cylindrical portion13bof the metal bush13is made of resin. The metal bush13exerts a frictional force on the output shaft member30to suppress a rotational speed of the output shaft member30when the vehicle seat40is lowered.

The output side outer ring member62includes a disk-shaped bottom portion62a, a first cylindrical portion62bextending from the bottom portion62ato the input side in the axial direction, and a second cylindrical portion62cextending from the bottom portion62ato the output side in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion62chas a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion62b.

Two tapered portions62dare provided at an outer peripheral edge of the output side outer ring member62. The output side outer ring member62is fixed to the housing11so as to be unable to rotate, by bending the caulking portion11fprovided in the housing11radially inward and caulking the outer peripheral edge of the output side outer ring member62.

The output side inner ring member61is a substantially cylindrical member. The output side inner ring member61is provided coaxially with the rotation shaft of the output shaft member30and rotates integrally with the output shaft member30. The output side inner ring member61is a member having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion62bof the output side outer ring member62. A plurality of groove portions are provided on an inner peripheral surface of an inner hole of the output side inner ring member61to form a spline portion61ato which the spline portion33of the output shaft member30is coupled. Six protruding portions61bare formed on a surface of the output side inner ring member61on the input side in the axial direction (seeFIG.3). Six wedge cam portions61cthat bulge outward are formed at equal intervals on an outer peripheral portion of the output side inner ring member61.

The release bracket64is a substantially disk-shaped member and is arranged on the input side in the axial direction of the output side inner ring member61. The release bracket64is connected to the input side outer ring member52and rotates together with the input side outer ring member52. An outer diameter of the release bracket64is formed to be larger than an outer diameter of the output side inner ring member61and smaller than an inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion62bof the output side outer ring member62. The release bracket64is a separated member from the output side inner ring member61, the output side outer ring member62, the input side inner ring member51, and the input side outer ring member52.

The release bracket64is provided so that an outer peripheral edge thereof abuts against the output side clutch rollers65. The release bracket64transmits the force applied from the input side clutch50to the output side clutch roller65. Further, the release bracket64is configured to displace the output side clutch roller65to switch between a locked state in which the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62cannot rotate relative to each other, and a lock release state in which the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62can rotate relative to each other. Details of the locked state and the lock release state will be described later.

A first engaging hole64aincluding a plurality of groove portions on an inner peripheral surface is formed in a central portion of the release bracket64. The first engaging hole64ais spline-coupled to the fixing portion52dof the input side outer ring member52. Accordingly, the release bracket64is rotatable together with the input side outer ring member52.

The release bracket64includes a plurality of second engaging holes64binto which the protruding portions61bof the output side inner ring member61are inserted. Each of the second engaging holes64bis a long hole extending in the peripheral direction. The protruding portion61bis slightly displaceable in the peripheral direction in the second engaging hole64b. That is, the release bracket64and the output side inner ring member61are relatively rotatable within a range in which the protruding portion61bis displaced in the second engaging hole64b. Six protruding pieces64cextending toward the output side in the axial direction are provided on an outer peripheral edge of the release bracket64.

In addition, the release bracket64is configured to transmit a rotational resistance force, which is urged from the rotation suppressing member53to the input side outer ring member52, to the output side clutch roller65.

As shown inFIG.5A, a gap is provided between an inner peripheral surface of the output side outer ring member62and an outer peripheral surface of the output side inner ring member61. The inner peripheral surface of the output side outer ring member62is a circumferential surface, and the six wedge cam portions61cthat bulge outward are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the output side inner ring member61. Therefore, in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the output side outer ring member62and the outer peripheral surface of the output side inner ring member61, six portions in which both ends in the radial direction are tapered in a wedge shape are formed. The six protruding pieces64cof the release bracket64protrude into the gaps between these portions. When the release bracket64is rotated, the protruding piece64cmoves inside the gap.

The output side clutch60includes twelve output side clutch rollers65and six output side roller urging springs66. The output side clutch roller65and the output side roller urging spring66are arranged in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the output side inner ring member61and an inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion62bof the output side outer ring member62. The output side clutch roller65is a member that is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the output side inner ring member61and the inner peripheral surface of the output side outer ring member62and configured to transmit a rotational force between the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62. The output side clutch roller65is provided so that a surface on the input side in the axial direction abuts against the outer peripheral edge portion of the release bracket64.

The output side roller urging spring66is arranged between the wedge cam portions61cof the output side inner ring member61in the radial direction. Further, a pair of output side clutch rollers65are arranged on each of both sides of the wedge cam portion61cof the output side inner ring member61. The protruding piece64cof the release bracket64is arranged between the pair of output side clutch rollers65. The output side clutch rollers65are urged toward the top of the wedge cam portions61cby the output side roller urging spring66.

Next, an operation of the clutch unit100for a vehicle having the above configuration will be described. In the following description, a case where the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise will be described. When the operation lever21is rotated clockwise, a rotation direction is only reverse to that in the following description, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

<Rotation Operation of Operation Lever>

As shown inFIG.4A, in the clutch unit100for a vehicle, in the neutral state, the pair of free end portions23aof the return spring23abut against the spring locking pieces24aand the operation piece portions22d.

As shown inFIG.4B, when the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise by a rotation angle α from the neutral position, one free end portion23aof the pair of free end portions23amaintains the engaged state with the spring locking piece24a, and the other free end portion23aengages with the operation piece portion22dof the operation plate22to move away from the one free end portion23a.

When the regulating piece portion22eof the operation plate22abuts against the free end portion23aabutting against the spring locking piece24a, the rotation of the operation lever21is regulated. The state in which the rotation of the operation lever21is regulated is the maximum operation state of the operation lever21. That is, the operation lever21is rotatable within a range in which the rotation angle from the neutral state to the maximum operation state becomes the maximum operation angle αmax. In addition, when the operation lever21is rotated, the return spring23is bent and the return force for casing the return spring23to return to the neutral position is applied.

Next, an operation from the neutral state to the maximum operation state will be described.

FIG.5Ashows the output side clutch60in the neutral state. As shown inFIG.5A, in the neutral state, in the output side clutch60, the output side clutch roller65is urged toward the top of the wedge cam portion61cby the output side roller urging spring66. Thus, the output side clutch roller65bites into a wedge-shaped gap between the wedge cam portion61cof the output side inner ring member61and the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion62bof the output side outer ring member62.

More specifically, a gap where a first output side clutch roller65ais positioned has a wedge shape that tapers counterclockwise. The first output side clutch roller65ais urged counterclockwise by the output side roller urging spring66. Therefore, the first output side clutch roller65abites into the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62in the counterclockwise direction. A gap where a second output side clutch roller65bis positioned has a wedge shape that tapers clockwise. The second output side clutch roller65bis urged clockwise by the output side roller urging spring66. Therefore, the second output side clutch roller65bbites into the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62in the clockwise direction.

The output side outer ring member62is not movable with respect to the housing11. Further, the first output side clutch roller65aand the second output side clutch roller65bbite into both the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62in the counterclockwise direction and in the clockwise direction, respectively. Therefore, the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62cannot rotate. As a result, the output shaft member30spline-coupled to the output side inner ring member61cannot rotate.

As described above, in the neutral state, since the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62are in a locked state in which the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62cannot rotate, the output shaft member30does not rotate even when the rotational force is applied from the vehicle seat40side to the output shaft member30. As a result, the vehicle seat40is fixed in a state in which a height thereof is maintained.

FIG.5Bshows the input side clutch50in the neutral state. As shown inFIG.5B, in the neutral state, in the input side clutch50, the input side clutch roller55is in contact with the input side roller urging spring56, and the input side clutch roller55is urged toward the top of the wedge cam portion51cby the input side roller urging spring56. Therefore, in the neutral state, the input side clutch roller55bites into the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52. Accordingly, when the operation lever21is rotated, the input side outer ring member52can rotate together with the input side inner ring member51via the input side clutch roller55.

<Initial Stage of Rotation>

FIGS.6A and6Bare views showing a state in which the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise by a small angle α1from the neutral position.FIG.6Ashows the output side clutch60, andFIG.6Bshows the input side clutch50.

As shown inFIG.6B, when the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise by the angle α1from the neutral position, the rotation is transmitted to the input side inner ring member51via the operation plate22and the operation bracket54. Then, the input side inner ring member51is rotated together with the operation lever21by the angle α1, and the input side outer ring member52is rotated together with the input side inner ring member51via the input side clutch roller55.

The input side outer ring member52of the input side clutch50is spline-coupled to the release bracket64. Therefore, when the input side outer ring member52is rotated, as shown inFIG.6A, the release bracket64also rotates by an angle (31together with the input side outer ring member52.

In the state shown inFIG.6A, an inner peripheral surface of the second engaging hole64bof the release bracket64is not in contact with the protruding portion61bof the output side inner ring member61. Therefore, the rotation from the input side outer ring member52is not transmitted to the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62, and the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62do not rotate.

FIGS.7A and7Bare views showing a state in which the operation lever21is further rotated counterclockwise from the state ofFIGS.6A and6B.FIG.7Ashows the output side clutch60, andFIG.7Bshows the input side clutch50.

As shown inFIG.7B, when the operation lever21is further rotated counterclockwise, the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52are rotated so that the rotational angles of the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52become α2(α2>α1).

Then, as shown inFIG.7A, the release bracket64that rotates together with the input side outer ring member52is rotated to an angle (32. When a rotation angle of the release bracket64reaches (32(output side lock release angle), the protruding piece64cof the release bracket64abuts against an output side clutch roller65cadjacent to the protruding piece64cin the counterclockwise direction, and presses the output side clutch roller65cin a counterclockwise rotation direction. Then, the biting of the output side clutch roller65cinto the wedge cam portion61cand the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion62bis released. As a result, the output side outer ring member62and the output side inner ring member61are in a state in which they can rotate counterclockwise.

FIGS.8A and8Bare views showing a state in which the operation lever21is further rotated counterclockwise from the state ofFIGS.7A and7B.FIG.8Ashows the output side clutch60, andFIG.8Bshows the input side clutch50.

As shown inFIG.8B, when the operation lever21is further rotated counterclockwise, the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52are rotated so that the rotational angles of the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52become α3(α3>α2).

Then, as shown inFIG.8A, the release bracket64is rotated counterclockwise to an angle β3(β3>β2). When the rotation angle of the release bracket64reaches (33, the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging hole64bof the release bracket64abuts against the protruding portion61bof the output side inner ring member61. Accordingly, the rotation of the release bracket64can be transmitted to the output side inner ring member61. Further, as described by referringFIGS.7A and7B, the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62are already rotatable counterclockwise. Therefore, when the operation lever21is further rotated counterclockwise from the state shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the output side inner ring member61and the output side outer ring member62rotate counterclockwise, and the output shaft member30spline-coupled to the output side inner ring member61rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the height of the seating seat40aof the vehicle seat40is displaced.

FIGS.9A and9Bare views showing a state in which the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum operation angle αmax.FIG.9Ashows the output side clutch60, andFIG.9Bshows the input side clutch50.

When the operation lever21is rotated to reached to the maximum operation angle αmax, the clutch unit100for a vehicle is in the maximum rotational state. In this state, the regulating piece portion22eof the operation plate22abuts against the free end portion23aabutting against the spring locking piece24a, and the rotation of the operation lever21is regulated (seeFIG.4B).

In the maximum rotational state, as shown inFIG.9B, the rotation angle α of the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52in the counterclockwise direction is also the maximum rotation angle αmax. As shown inFIG.9A, the rotation angle of the release bracket64in the counterclockwise direction becomes the maximum rotation angle βmax. Then, a rotation angle γ of the output side inner ring member61rotated together with the release bracket64in the counterclockwise direction is the maximum rotation angle γmax.

When one rotation operation by the operation lever21is completed and the rotational force applied to the operation lever21by the operator is released, the return force of the bent return spring23causes the operation lever21to rotate clockwise toward an initial neutral position. Then, in the input side clutch50, the operation lever21is rotated clockwise, whereby the input side inner ring member51is rotated clockwise via the operation plate22and the operation bracket54.

When the rotation angle of the input side inner ring member51is larger than the rotation angle α1shown inFIG.6B(the state shown inFIGS.7A to9B), the protruding piece11iof the housing11abuts against the input side clutch roller55aadjacent to the protruding piece11iof the housing11in the clockwise direction, and presses the input side clutch roller55ain the clockwise direction. As a result, the biting of the input side clutch roller55ainto the wedge cam portion51cand the outer ring portion52cis released. When the input side inner ring member51attempts to rotate clockwise from this state, the input side clutch roller55acannot transmit the clockwise rotation of the input side inner ring member51to the input side outer ring member52.

Therefore, in a state in which the rotation angle of the input side inner ring member51is larger than the rotation angle α1shown inFIG.6B(the state shown inFIGS.7A to9B), the input side inner ring member51idles with respect to the input side outer ring member52, only the input side inner ring member51rotates clockwise, and the input side outer ring member52does not rotate. Accordingly, when the operation lever21is returned to the neutral position, only the input side inner ring member51is returned to the neutral position (seeFIG.5B) together with the operation lever21, and in the output side clutch60, the release bracket64is not rotated. As a result, the output shaft member30is in a state in which a rotational phase is maintained (seeFIG.9A).

As described above, in the clutch unit100for a vehicle described above, during a driving operation in which the operation lever21is driven from the neutral position, the input side inner ring member51rotates with the rotation of the operation lever21, and the input side outer ring member52is rotated via the input side clutch roller55, thereby the input side clutch50transmits the rotation of the operation lever21to the output side clutch60. Further, during a return operation to return to the neutral position after operating the operation lever21, the operation lever21is returned to the neutral position while holding a rotational position of the output shaft member30. The output side clutch60regulates the rotation of the output shaft member30due to a force input on the output shaft member30from the vehicle seat40side.

Here, the co-rotation of the input side outer ring member52will be described with reference toFIGS.10A,10B,11A and11B.FIGS.10A,10B,11A and11Bshow a state of returning to the neutral position in a clutch unit for a vehicle that operates as described above and does not include the rotation suppressing member53.FIGS.10A and10Bshow a state of starting to return from the maximum rotational state (FIGS.9A and9B), andFIGS.11A and11Bshow a state in which the operation lever21has returned to the neutral state.

As described above, when the operation lever21returns to the neutral position after the counterclockwise rotation operation by the operation lever21, in the input side clutch50, the operation lever21is rotated clockwise, and the input side inner ring member51is rotated clockwise via the operation plate22and the operation bracket54.FIGS.10A and10Bshow a state immediately after the operation lever21is released from the maximum rotation state, and show a state in which the rotation angle of the input side inner ring member51is α4slightly smaller than the maximum rotation angle αmax.

At this time, as shown inFIG.10B, in the input side clutch50, the input side clutch roller55apositioned in the clockwise direction relative to the protruding piece11iof the housing11is in a state where the biting into the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52is released. However, the input side clutch roller55bpositioned in the counterclockwise direction relative to the protruding piece11iof the housing11is pressed by the input side roller urging spring56and remains in a state of being bitten into the input side inner ring member51and the input side outer ring member52.

As described above, in the state in which the input side clutch roller55bis pressed by the input side roller urging spring56, a frictional force acts between the input side clutch roller55band the input side inner ring member51and between the input side clutch roller55band the input side outer ring member52. This frictional force continues to act until the input side roller urging spring56returns to a natural length thereof and the input side clutch roller55bis no longer pressed by the input side roller urging spring56. As a result, it is desired to rotate only the input side inner ring member51without rotating the input side outer ring member52during the return operation of the operation lever21, the rotation in the clockwise direction of the input side inner ring member51is transmitted to the input side outer ring member52via the input side clutch roller55b.

Then, the unintended clockwise rotation (co-rotation) of the input side outer ring member52is transmitted to the release bracket64spline-coupled thereto. As a result, as shown inFIG.10A, the rotation angle of the release bracket64in the counterclockwise direction is (34slightly smaller than the maximum rotation angle βmax. With the unintended rotation of the input side outer ring member52, a minute gap G is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging hole64band the protruding portion61bfrom the state in which the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging hole64bof the release bracket64abuts against the protruding portion61bof the output side inner ring member61.

Thereafter, even when the operation lever21is returned to the neutral position and the input side inner ring member51is returned to the neutral position as shown inFIG.11B, the release bracket64remains displaced clockwise by an amount of the gap G as shown inFIG.11A.

As a result, when the operation lever21is rotated counterclockwise again in order to rotate the output shaft member30counterclockwise again from the state ofFIGS.11A and11B, a timing at which the rotation of the release bracket64is transmitted to the output side inner ring member61is delayed by the amount of the gap G formed between the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging hole64band the protruding portion61b, and responsiveness is impaired.

Therefore, in the clutch unit100for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2and3, the rotation suppressing member53is provided between the input side outer ring member52of the input side clutch50and the operation bracket54. The rotation suppressing member53applies a rotational resistance force greater than a force for co-rotating the input side outer ring member52between the input side outer ring member52and the housing11that does not rotate during the return operation of the operation lever21so as to suppress the co-rotation of the input side outer ring member52by the input side inner ring member51during the return operation of the operation lever21to the neutral position. In the present embodiment, the rotation suppressing member53urges the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54in a direction away from each other in the rotation axis direction.

The rotation suppressing member53urges the input side outer ring member52toward the output side in the axial direction. On the other hand, the rotation suppressing member53urges the operation bracket54toward the input side in the axial direction. Therefore, the input side outer ring member52is less likely to receive an axial force from the operation bracket54to the output side. That is, the input side outer ring member52is easily maintained in a posture by the rotation suppressing member53regardless of a rotational movement of the operation bracket54.

The input side outer ring member52is pressed against the release bracket64by the rotation suppressing member53, and a frictional force acts between the input side outer ring member52and the release bracket64to prevent a relative rotation between them. Therefore, the input side outer ring member52is made difficult to rotate due to the rotation of the input side inner ring member51or the operation bracket54.

In this way, the rotation suppressing member53can apply a rotational resistance force larger than a force for co-rotating between the input side outer ring member and the operation bracket54, and can suppress the co-rotation.

Further, since the rotation suppressing member53presses the operation bracket54against the bottom surface11aof the housing11, the operation bracket54does not easily rattle when the operation lever21is rotated.

Therefore, according to the clutch unit100for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress rattling of the operation lever21without increasing the number of components, and to suppress the co-rotation of the input side outer ring member52or the input side inner ring member51.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, the clutch unit100for a vehicle includes the operation bracket54that is connected to the operation lever21and rotates integrally with the operation lever21. The input side outer ring member52, the rotation suppressing member53(first urging member), the operation bracket54, the bottom surface11aof the housing11, and the operation plate22are arranged in this order in the rotation axis direction. The second urging member25that presses the operation plate22toward the bottom surface11aof the housing11is provided at a position farther from the bottom surface11aof the housing11than the operation plate22in the rotation axis direction.

The force applied to the operation bracket54pushed by the rotation suppressing member53and pressed against the bottom surface11aof the housing11is reduced by the second urging member25. As a result, the frictional force generated between the operation bracket54and the bottom surface11aof the housing11is reduced, and the operation of the clutch unit100for a vehicle can be made light.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the rotation suppressing member53is arranged in a region where the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54face each other in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, an engagement allowance between the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54can be increased, and an urging force of the rotation suppressing member53can be efficiently input to the input side outer ring member52. In addition, since the rotation suppressing member53is positioned between the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54, the rotation suppressing member53easily presses the input side outer ring member52and the operation bracket54in a direction in which the input side outer ring member52is separated from the operation bracket54in the axial direction.

The release bracket64is spline-coupled to the input side outer ring member52and is provided so that the outer peripheral edge portion thereof abuts against the output side clutch roller65. Therefore, the release bracket64can apply the urging force, which is urged to the output side in an output shaft direction from the rotation suppressing member53to the input side outer ring member52, to the output side clutch roller65. Accordingly, the output side clutch roller65can be pressed to the output side in the axial direction without increasing the number of components, and the output side clutch roller65is unlikely to vibrate and an abnormal noise is unlikely to occur even when a vibration is applied to the clutch unit100for a vehicle. Therefore, according to the clutch unit100for a vehicle of the present embodiment, the rattling of the operation lever21is suppressed, and the rattling of the output side clutch roller65is also suppressed.

The outer diameter of the release bracket (pressing force transmission portion)64is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the output side inner ring member61and smaller than the inner diameter of the output side outer ring member62. Therefore, since the output side outer ring member62and the release bracket64do not slide in contact with each other in the radial direction, the clutch unit100for a vehicle can be operated with ease.

In the embodiment described above, an example in which a wave washer is used as the rotation suppressing member53has been described, but the present invention is not limited to thereto. For example, a compression spring capable of suppressing co-rotation and suppressing the rattling of the operation lever21may be used.

In the embodiment described above, a configuration in which the input side inner ring member51(one member) rotates together with the operation lever21has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the input side outer ring member rotates together with the operation lever21may be adopted. In this case, the rotation suppressing member53is provided between the input side inner ring member and the operation bracket54in order to suppress the co-rotation of the input side inner ring member (the other member) by the input side outer ring member (one member).

FIG.12is an exploded perspective view of a clutch unit200for a vehicle according to a modification of the present invention.FIG.13is a sectional view along the axial direction of the clutch unit200for a vehicle according to the modification of the present invention. The reference numerals indicating constituent members of the clutch unit200for a vehicle according to the modification are indicated by the reference numerals indicating the respective constituent members of the clutch unit100for a vehicle according to the above-described embodiment plus100.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, also in the clutch unit200for a vehicle according to the present modification, a rotation suppressing member153is provided between an input side outer ring member152and an operation bracket154in the rotation axis direction, and the input side outer ring member152and the operation bracket154are separated from each other by an urging force of the rotation suppressing member153.

Also in the case of the clutch unit200for a vehicle according to the present modification, similarly to the clutch unit100for a vehicle, by providing the rotation suppressing member153, rattling of an operation lever121can be suppressed without increasing the number of components while suppressing co-rotation between an input side inner ring member151and the input side outer ring member152when the operation lever121returns to a neutral position. Similarly to the embodiment described above, the rotation suppressing member153presses the input side outer ring member152to the output side in the axial direction. As a result, the input side outer ring member152is pressed against a release bracket164to generate a rotational resistance force that suppresses the co-rotation.

In addition, the release bracket164presses an output side clutch roller165to the output side in the axial direction. As a result, an axial movement of the output side clutch roller165is regulated, and generation of an abnormal noise caused by an axial vibration of the output side clutch roller165is suppressed.

In the present modification, a spring locking piece124ais provided on a fixing flange111cof a housing111. The spring locking piece124aextends to the input side in the axial direction along a tubular portion111bof the housing111. The spring locking piece124ais arranged between both free end portions123aof a return spring123.

In the present modification, the operation bracket154includes three convex portions154dprotruding toward the input side inner ring member151. The input side inner ring member151includes three concave portions151dinto which the convex portions154dof the operation bracket154are inserted. By these fitting structure of the convex portions154dand the concave portions151d, the operation bracket154and the input side inner ring member151are connected so as to rotate integrally with each other and so as to be relatively movable in the rotation axis direction.

The operation bracket154includes three enlarged diameter portions154e. The enlarged diameter portion154ehas an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the rotation suppressing member153. The rotation suppressing member153abuts against at least the enlarged diameter portion154eto apply an axial force.

In the present modification, the input side outer ring member152includes a plurality of protrusions152ahaving diameters equal to each other. The release bracket164includes hole portions164a. The input side outer ring member152and the release bracket164are engaged by an engagement structure of the protrusion152aand the hole portion164a. Accordingly, the release bracket164is rotatable together with the input side outer ring member152.

In the present modification, a fixing member167is provided on a side of the output side clutch roller165opposite to the release bracket (pressing force transmission portion)164in the rotation axis direction. The fixing member167is a substantially plate-shaped member. The fixing member167is provided coaxially with a rotation shaft of an output shaft member130and is rotatable relative to the output shaft member130. An inner peripheral surface of an inner hole of the fixing member167rotatably supports a large-diameter cylindrical portion132of the output shaft member130via a cylindrical portion113bof a metal bush113.

The fixing member167is provided with a cylindrical portion167aextending toward the output side in the axial direction at a center portion thereof, and is provided with three fixing bolt insertion holes167bin an outer edge portion thereof. The fixing member167is fixed to the seat frame40ctogether with the housing111by screwing bolts (not shown) inserted into the fixing bolt insertion holes167band fixing bolt insertion holes111dof the housing111into screw holes of the seat frame40c.

According to the present modification, the fixing member167is provided on the side of the output side clutch roller165opposite to the release bracket (pressing force transmission portion)164in the rotation axis direction. By urging the output side clutch roller165from the release bracket164in the rotation axis direction, the fixing member167is pressed against the output side clutch roller165. Therefore, the output side clutch roller165is sandwiched between the release bracket164and the fixing member167, and the force in the rotation axis direction by the rotation suppressing member153acts on the output side clutch roller165. Therefore, even when a vibration is applied to the clutch unit200for a vehicle, the output side clutch roller165is unlikely to vibrate and an abnormal noise is unlikely to occur.

The rotation suppressing member153may be provided between the release bracket164and the input side outer ring member152. When the rotation suppressing member153urges the output side clutch roller165to the fixing member167via the release bracket164, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the output side clutch roller165in the rotational axis direction.

The release bracket164and the input side outer ring member152may be integrally formed.

The present application is based on a Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-104580 filed May 31, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the clutch unit for a vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the rattling of the operation lever without increasing the number of components while suppressing the co-rotation between the input side inner ring member and the input side outer ring member when the operation lever returns to the neutral position.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11housing11abottom surface21operation lever22operation plate25second urging member30output shaft member50input side clutch51input side inner ring member52input side outer ring member53rotation suppressing member54operation bracket (operation member)55input side clutch roller (input side transmission member)56input side roller urging spring60output side clutch61output side inner ring member62output side outer ring member64release bracket (pressing force transmission portion)65output side clutch roller (output side transmission member)66output side roller urging spring100clutch unit for a vehicle111housing111abottom surface121operation lever122operation plate130output shaft member150input side clutch151input side inner ring member152input side outer ring member153rotation suppressing member154operation bracket (operation member)155input side clutch roller (input side transmission member)156input side roller urging spring160output side clutch161output side inner ring member162output side outer ring member164release bracket (pressing force transmission portion)165output side clutch roller (output side transmission member)167fixing member200clutch unit for a vehicle