Patent Abstract:
A oneway clutch device comprises a plurality of rollers interposed between an inner race and an outer race to transmit torque only at the time of relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in one rotational direction, a spring for biasing these rollers toward a direction of engagement, and a retainer having a flange portion to be fitted on the inner race and a plurality of column portions and adapted to retain the rollers and the spring. The spring has a nip portion formed and bent to have a section substantially in a U form for nipping and retaining therebetween one of the column portions of the retainer. There is formed at least one latch means for preventing movement or falling off of the spring.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent applications No. 2001-191619 and No. 2002-118344 which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a oneway clutch device for constituting an automatic transmission, or the like, for a car, and particularly to a technology for facilitating a conveying work, or the like.  
           [0004]    2. Related Background Art  
           [0005]    Generally, an automatic transmission for a car is provided with a planetary gear mechanism of about three to five speed levels, in addition to a torque converter serving as a fluid joint, and effects speed change by properly fixing or releasing the constituent elements (a sun gear, a planetary gear, and the like) of the planetary gear mechanism by the use of frictional engagement means such as a clutch or a brake. As the frictional engagement means to be assembled in the automatic transmission, a wet-type multiple disc in which friction plates and separator plates are alternately disposed is used, except in some band brakes. A pressure oil from a transmission control oil pressure circuit is used for pressure-contact (frictional engagement) between the both plates. Also, there is partially employed, as the frictional engagement means, a member which realizes easier transmission control by incorporating therein a oneway clutch device and freely rotate a gear shaft, or the like, in one rotational direction.  
           [0006]    [0006]FIG. 52 is a principal and longitudinal sectional view for showing a oneway clutch device of a sprag type to be assembled in the frictional engagement means. The oneway clutch device  111  comprises an inner race  5  having an oil path  113  formed to open on the outer peripheral surface thereof, an outer race  9  rotatably supported to be coaxially and relatively with respect to the inner race  5 , a oneway clutch mechanism  115  interposed between the inner race  5  and the outer race  9 , etc. The oneway clutch mechanism  115  is composed of a large number of sprags  117  serving as torque transmission members, a ribbon spring  119  for holding the sprags  117  and, at the same time, for biasing the sprags  117  toward the direction of engagement, an outer retainer  121  for retaining the ribbon spring  119  in an annular form, an inner retainer  123  for restraining an excessive inclination of the sprag  117  in cooperation with the outer retainer  121 , a pair of end bearings  125  for holding the both retainers  121 ,  123  with a predetermined distance therebetween to secure an operation of the sprag  117 , and side plates  127 ,  129  for regulating an axial movement of each of these components.  
           [0007]    A oneway clutch device  111  of this type is normally used in a state in which the inner race  5  is rotated while the outer race  9  is fixed, but is used not in a few cases in a state that the inner race  5  is fixed and the outer race  9  is rotated. In these cases, since it is difficult for lubricating oil to enter between the inner race  5  and the sprag  117  or the end bearing  125 , it is feared that abrasion or scorching will be generated on a slide surface due to a defective lubrication. Also, since the end bearings  125  are the parts requiring high precision, high processing cost thereof turns to be high, which resultantly increases a unit price of the oneway clutch device  111 . Accordingly, it has been discussed to employ a roller type oneway clutch device in which rollers are interposed between the inner race and the outer race as a torque transmission member and cam surfaces are formed on the inner race. The roller type oneway clutch device comprises as its constituent parts a spring for biasing the roller to the direction of engagement, block bearings for forming a predetermined gap between the inner race and the outer race, and a retainer to be fitted on the inner race for retaining the roller, the spring, and the block bearings.  
           [0008]    In the roller type oneway clutch device described above, while the above-described problems can be solved, a drag torque in idling time can be reduced. However, there arises another kind of problems that, during conveyance, the spring may fall off, or the position of the spring may easily deviate. That is, in the roller type oneway clutch device, since serving as an output shaft or an input shaft of the automatic transmission, or the like, the outer race defined as a constituent element does not naturally exist as a sub-assembly prior to the assembling of the automatic transmission, or the like. Accordingly, if any impact is applied during the conveyance of the sub-assemblies, the spring may fall off comparatively easily or the position of the spring may deviate. In this case, a product defined as defective is required to be treated separately, which resultantly deteriorates the working efficiency.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    An object of the present invention is, taking the above circumstances into consideration, to provide a oneway clutch which is contrived to secure retention of a spring by a retainer so as to enhance the efficiency of the assembling work.  
           [0010]    In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a oneway clutch device which comprises a plurality of rollers interposed between an inner race and an outer race to transmit torque only in a relative rotation of the inner race and the outer race in one rotational direction, a spring for biasing these rollers toward a direction of engagement, and a retainer having a flange portion to be fitted on the inner race and a plurality of column portions, adapted to retain the rollers and the spring, and in which the spring has a nip portion formed and bent to have a section substantially in a U form for nipping and retaining with pressure one of the column portions of the retainer, and there is formed at least one latch means for preventing the spring from moving or falling off.  
           [0011]    According to this invention, if any impact is applied during conveyance of the sub-assemblies, the spring latched by the latch means does not easily fall off.  
           [0012]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a latch protrusion which is formed on the outer diameter side of said column portion for latching said nip portion in order to regulate the movement of the spring in the direction of the outer diameter.  
           [0013]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the spring from falling off in the radial direction.  
           [0014]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a latch portion which is formed to be extended from the tip end of the nip portion so as to be engaged with the column portion of said retainer.  
           [0015]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0016]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a contact portion which is formed to be folded back at the tip end of the nip portion so as to be brought into contact with the flange portion of said retainer.  
           [0017]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0018]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a contacting protrusive piece which is formed to be protruded from the bent portion of the nip portion so as to be engaged with the flange portion of said retainer.  
           [0019]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0020]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a slit which is formed in the column portion so as to receive the bent portion of the nip portion.  
           [0021]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0022]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be comprised of the bent portion which is formed to be extended from the tip end of the nip portion to have a section substantially in an L form and a retaining portion which is formed in the column portion for retaining the bent portion.  
           [0023]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0024]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be comprised of a recessed portion which is formed in the column portion and a fit portion which is formed in the nip portion to be fitted in the recessed portion.  
           [0025]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0026]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means is comprised of a convex portion which is formed in the column portion and an engagement portion which is formed in the nip portion to be engaged with the convex portion.  
           [0027]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0028]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means comprises a through hole which is formed among said plurality of column portions of the retainer and a protrusive portion which is formed to be protruded from the nip portion to be fitted in the through hole.  
           [0029]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0030]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means comprises a through hole which is formed among said plurality of column portions of the retainer and a fit latching portion having a substantially L shape, which is formed to be protruded from the nip portion and fitted in the through hole to be latched.  
           [0031]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent an axial movement of the spring.  
           [0032]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the column portion may have a chamfered portion in the end portion on the outer diameter side thereof, in order to facilitate an assembling work of the spring.  
           [0033]    According to this structure, the spring is guided to the chamfered portion when it is attached to the column portion so as to be easily folded out.  
           [0034]    In the oneway clutch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the spring may have a folded-back portion in the end portion on the inner diameter side, in order to facilitate the assembling work of the spring into the column portion.  
           [0035]    According to this structure, the spring is easily folded out when it is attached to the column portion since the spring starts to contact with the column portion at the folded-back portion.  
           [0036]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a oneway clutch device which comprises a plurality of rollers interposed between an inner race and an outer race to transmit torque only at a time of a relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in a one rotational direction, a spring for biasing these rollers toward a direction of engagement, and a retainer having a flange portion to be fitted on the inner race and a plurality of column portions and adapted to retain the rollers and the spring, and in which the spring has a retaining portion formed and bent to have a section substantially in a Z form for elastically contacting with and retaining one of the column portions of the retainer, a slit through which the bent portion of the nip portion is formed to be fitted in the column portion, and at least one latch means is formed for preventing movement or falling off of the spring.  
           [0037]    According to this invention, if any impact is applied during conveyance of the sub-assemblies, the spring latched by the latch means does not easily fall off.  
           [0038]    In the oneway clutch device according to the second aspect of the present invention, one of said latch means may be a latch protrusion which is formed on the outer diameter side of said column portion for latching said retaining portion in order to regulate the movement of the spring in the direction of the outer diameter.  
           [0039]    According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the spring from falling off in the radial direction. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0040]    [0040]FIG. 1 is a front view of a oneway clutch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4A is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 3;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion  4 B in FIG. 4A;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 5 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 6 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 7 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 7;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 7;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 10 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 7;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 11 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 12 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow G in FIG. 11;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 11;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 14 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 15 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow J in FIG. 14;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 14;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 17 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 18 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 17;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line MM in FIG. 17;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 20 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 21 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 20;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line O-O in FIG. 20;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 23 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 24 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 23;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line Q-Q in FIG. 23;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 26 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 27 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 26;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line S-S in FIG. 26;  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 29 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 30 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow T in FIG. 29;  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line U-U in FIG. 29;  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 32 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 33 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow V in FIG. 32;  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along line W-W in FIG. 32;  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 35 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 36 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 35;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 35;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 38 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 39 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow A 1  in FIG. 38;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 40 is a sectional view taken along line B 1 -B 1  in FIG. 38;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 41 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 42 is a sectional view taken along line C 1 -C 1  in FIG. 41;  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 43 is a sectional view taken along line D 1 -D 1  in FIG. 41;  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 44 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line E 1 -E 1  in FIG. 44;  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 46 is a sectional view taken along line F 1 -F 1  in FIG. 44;  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 47 is a principal enlarged view of the oneway clutch device according to the sixteenth embodiment;  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 48 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 49 is a sectional view taken along line G 1 -G 1  in FIG. 48;  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 50 is a sectional view taken along line H 1 -H 1  in FIG. 48;  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 51 is a principal plan view of an accordion spring according to the seventeenth embodiment; and  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 52 is a principal longitudinal sectional view for showing a conventional oneway clutch device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0093]    Several embodiments of a oneway clutch device according to the present invention will be fully described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a oneway clutch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of a portion indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 3. The oneway clutch device of the present embodiment is built in an automatic transmission of a car which, however, has no relation with the gist of the invention. Consequently, description of the automatic transmission will be omitted.  
         [0094]    As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the oneway clutch device  1  comprises an annular inner race  5  which has a spline  3  on the inner peripheral surface thereof, a cylindrical outer race  9  which is disposed coaxially and relatively rotatably with respect to the inner race  5 , a large number of rollers  11  interposed between the inner race  5  and the outer race  9  to serve as torque transmission members, and the like. On the outer peripheral surface of the inner race  5 , there are formed a plurality of cam surfaces  13  formed along the circumferential direction and a plurality of bearing retaining grooves  15  formed along the axial direction. Each of the rollers  11  is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer race  9  and the cam surface  13 , and is biased by an accordion spring  17  inside the cam surface  13  toward the direction of engagement.  
         [0095]    A block bearing  19  which is formed of oil-impregnated sintered alloy is fitted in and retained by each of the bearing retaining grooves  15 , and the distance between the inner race  5  and the outer race  9  is maintained by the block bearing  19 . Referring to FIG. 1 through FIGS. 4A and 4B, a retainer  21  prepared by injection-molding of synthetic resin such as nylon or polypropylene, is disposed to retain the rollers  11 , the accordion spring  17 , and the block bearings  19  between the inner race  5  and the outer race  9 .  
         [0096]    The retainer  21  comprises first and second flange portions  33 ,  35 , a large number of connection units  36  for connecting both the flange portions  33 ,  35  to each other, and a large number of column portions including first and second column portions  37 ,  39  formed to be protruded from these connection units  36  radially outwardly.  
         [0097]    As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first column portion  37  is formed to have a comparatively long length in the axial direction, and is nipped in a nip portion  41  which is formed in the end portion on the fixed side of the accordion spring  17  and is bent to have a substantially U-shaped section. The second column portion  39  is formed to have a comparatively short length in the axial direction and to be bent at the tip end thereof so as to retain the block bearing  19 . In the drawings, a roller pressing portion  43  is formed on the free end of the accordion spring  17 .  
         [0098]    In case of the first embodiment, a latch protrusion  45  is formed at the tip end of the first column portion  37  to be protruded toward the roller  11  side. An end portion on the outer diameter side of the nip portion  41  is latched by the latch protrusion  45 . On the other hand, in the accordion spring  17 , the tip end of the nip portion  41  is formed in a latch portion  47  which is bent to have a substantially L-shaped section, and the latch portion  47  is engaged with a side surface of the second column portion  39 .  
         [0099]    In the first embodiment, as having such a structure, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the latch portion  47 . Thereby, there arises no fall-off of the accordion spring  17  during the conveyance of the sub-assemblies, and no movement, or the like, of the accordion spring  17  at the time of driving.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 5 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The entire structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the latch portion  47  is formed to be bent in the direction opposite to that of the first embodiment, and is engaged with the side surface of the first column portion  37 . However, like in the first embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the latch portion  47 .  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 6 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The entire structure of the third embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the third embodiment, a contact portion  51  is formed to be extended from the tip end of the nip portion as if being turned back thereat, and this contact portion  51  is brought into contact with the inner surface of the first flange portion  33  of the retainer  21 . Thereby, like in the first embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the contact portion  51 .  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 7 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 7. The entire structure of the fourth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the fourth embodiment, a contact protrusive piece  53  is formed to be extended from a bent portion of the nip portion  41  as if being cut up thereat, and this contact protrusive piece  53  is brought into contact with the inner surface of the second flange portion  35  of the retainer  21 . Thereby, like in the third embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the contact protrusive piece  53 .  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 11 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow G in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 11. The entire structure of the fifth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the first column portion  37  is formed to be extended up to the second flange portion  35  and, at the same time, a slit  55  is formed in a part of the first column portion  37 . The bent portion of the nip portion  41  is fitted in this slip  55 . Thereby, like in the other embodiments, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the fitting with the slit  55 .  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 14 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow J in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 14. The entire structure of the sixth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the sixth embodiment, while the according spring  17  is provided with a bent portion  61  which is formed to extend from the nip portion  41  to have a substantially L-shaped section, the first flange portion  33  is provided with a retaining portion  63  to latch this bent portion  61 . Thereby, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45 , like in the first embodiment, and at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the bent portion  61  and the retaining portion  63 .  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 17 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line MM in FIG. 17. The entire structure of the seventh embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the seventh embodiment, while a recessed portion  65  is formed on a surface of the first column portion  37  on the block bearing  19  side, the according spring  17  is provided with a fit portion  67  which is formed to be fitted in this recessed portion  65 . Thereby, like in the first embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the recessed portion  65  and the fit portion  67 . In the seventh embodiment, a bent position  69  of the fit portion  67  is formed slantingly.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 20 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line O-O in FIG. 20. The structure and the operation of the eighth embodiment are also substantially the same as those of the seventh embodiment described above, except that the shape of the fit portion  67  of the accordion spring  17  is partially different. More specifically, in the eighth embodiment, the bent position  69  of the fit portion  67  is formed to have a right angle so that it is more difficult for the accordion spring  17  to move in the axial direction.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 23 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 23, and FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line Q-Q in FIG. 23. The structure and the operation of the ninth embodiment are also substantially the same as those of the seventh embodiment described above, except that the shape of the fit portion  67  of the accordion spring  17  is partially different. More specifically, in the ninth embodiment, while a half  69   a  on the outer diameter side of the bent position  69  of the fit portion  67  is formed slantingly, the other half  69   b  on the inner diameter side is brought into contact with the inner surface of the recessed portion  65  as if being cut up, so that it becomes more difficult for the accordion spring  17  to move in the axial direction.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 26 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 26, and FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line S-S in FIG. 26. The structure and the operation of the tenth embodiment also are substantially the same as those of the seventh embodiment described above, except that the recessed portion  65  is formed on the surface on the side of the roller  11  of the first column portion  37  while the fit portion  67  of the accordion spring  17  is formed at a position corresponding thereto. Note that, in the tenth embodiment, two bent positions  69  of the fit portion  67  are formed slantingly. In addition, a folded-back portion  70  is formed at the tip end of the nip portion  41  so that the accordion spring  17  is easily assembled into the first column portion  37 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 29 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 30 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow T in FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line U-U in FIG. 29. The structure and the operation of the eleventh embodiment are also substantially the same as those of the tenth embodiment described above, except that the shape of the fit portion  67  of the accordion spring  17  is partially different. More specifically, in the eleventh embodiment, the bent position  69  of the fit portion  67  is formed to have a right angle so that it is more difficult for the accordion spring  17  to move in the axial direction.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 32 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 33 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow V in FIG. 32, and FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along line W-W in FIG. 32. The entire structure of the twelfth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the twelfth embodiment, while a convex portion  71  is formed on a surface of the first column portion  37  on the block bearing  19  side, the accordion spring  17  is provided with an engagement portion  73  which is formed to be engaged with this convex portion  71 . Thereby, like in the first embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the convex portion  71  and the engagement portion  73 .  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 35 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 36 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 35, and FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 35. The entire structure of the thirteenth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except that enhancement of the workability in assembling of the accordion spring  17  is contrived. More specifically, in the thirteenth embodiment, while a portion  81  on the side of the block bearing  19  on the outer diameter side of the first column portion  37  is chamfered, a folded-back portion  83  is formed on the inner diameter side of the accordion spring  17 . Thereby, when the accordion spring  17  is assembled in the first column portion  37 , the nip portion  41  is easily folded out so that the manufacturing efficiency is largely enhanced.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 38 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 39 is a view of a portion indicated by the arrow A 1  in FIG.  38 , and FIG. 40 is a sectional view taken along line B 1 -B 1  in FIG. 38. The entire structure of the fourteenth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except that enhancement of the workability in assembling of the accordion spring  17  is contrived. More specifically, in the fourteenth embodiment, while a portion  81  on the side of the block bearing  19  on the outer diameter side of the first column portion  37  is chamfered, a folded-back portion  85  is formed in the latch portion  47  of the accordion spring  17 . Thereby, when the accordion spring  17  is assembled in the first column portion  37 , while the nip portion  41  is easily folded out, the latch portion  47  is also easily elastically deformed, so that the manufacturing efficiency is largely enhanced.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 41 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 42 is a sectional view taken along line Cl-Cl in FIG. 41, and FIG. 43 is a sectional view taken along line D 1 -D 1  in FIG. 41. The entire structure of the fifteenth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the axial direction. More specifically, in the fifteenth embodiment, while a latch portion  91  is formed in the vicinity of the end portion on the fixed side of the accordion spring  17  to be protruded toward the inner diameter side, the connection unit  36  is provided with a through hole  93  for receiving this latch portion  91 . Thereby, like in the first embodiment, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch protrusion  45  and, at the same time, from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the latch portion  91  and the through hole  93 .  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 44 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line El-El in FIG. 44, and FIG. 46 is a sectional view taken along line F 1 -F 1  in FIG. 44. The entire structure of the sixteenth embodiment is also the same as that of the fifteenth embodiment described above, except for a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the direction of the outer diameter. More specifically, in the sixteenth embodiment, no latch protrusion is provided for preventing the movement of the accordion spring  17  in the outer diameter direction, and a folded-back portion  95  is formed at the tip end of the latch portion  91 . Thereby, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the latch portion  91  and the through hole  93 , like in the fifteenth embodiment, but is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the engagement between the folded-back portion  95  and the connection unit  36 .  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 47 is a principal enlarged view of the oneway clutch device according to the seventeenth embodiment. The entire structure of the seventeenth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except for the shape of the accordion spring  17  and a method of latching the accordion spring  17  in the direction of the outer diameter and in the axial direction. More specifically, in the seventeenth embodiment, the end portion on the fixed side of the accordion spring  17  is formed to be extended on the outer diameter side as if going around the first column portion  37 . In addition, in the connection unit  36 , a through hole  99  is formed between the first column portion  37  and the second column portion  39  in such a manner that the latch portion  97  of the accordion spring  17  passes through this through hole  99 . Thereby, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the engagement between the latch portion  97  and the second column portion  39  and is prevented from moving in the axial direction by the engagement between the latch portion  97  and the through hole  93 .  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 48 is a principal enlarged view of a oneway clutch device according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 49 is a sectional view taken along line G 1 -G 1  in FIG. 48, and FIG. 50 is a sectional view taken along line H 1 -H 1  in FIG. 48. The entire structure of the eighteenth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except that a retaining portion  101  which is bent substantially in a Z form is formed in the end portion on the fixed side of the accordion spring  17 . In addition, like in the fifth embodiment, the first column portion  37  is formed to be extended to the second flange portion  35  and, at the same time, a slit  55  is formed in a part thereof. The bent portion of the retaining portion  101  is fitted in this slit  55 . Thereby, like the other embodiments, the accordion spring  17  is prevented from moving in the direction of the outer diameter by the latch portion  45  and, at the same time, prevented from moving in the axial direction by the fit between the retaining portion  101  and the slit  55 . Note that the retaining portion  101  is bent at an acute angle in a free state, as shown in FIG. 51, and is brought into elastic contact with the first column portion  37  with a predetermined elastic contacting force in the assembled state in FIG. 48.  
         [0117]    The description of the specific embodiments of the present invention is as seen above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Though in each of the foregoing embodiments the present invention is applied to what employs the accordion spring as a spring for biasing the rollers, it may be applied also to what employs other kinds of springs such as a coil spring. It is also possible to properly change the entire structure of the oneway clutch device and the specific form, etc., of each constituent part, as well as a specific method of latching a spring, within the scope and the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0118]    According to the oneway clutch device of the present invention, a fall-off, or the like, of the spring hardly occurs during the conveyance, or the like, of the sub-assemblies. As a result, a smooth assembling work can be realized.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5