Power driven flexible shaft clutch assembly
US4184576A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D41/20
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Clutch assembly which couples rotary motion from an output shaft of a high speed power source to a flexible shaft when the output shaft rotates in the desired direction. Power driven flexible shafts which are subjected to torque loads should desirably be rotated in one direction only. Thus, a flexible shaft having its outermost layer of wire coiled in one direction should be rotated in that direction which tightens up the coiled wire in that layer, and not rotated in the other direction. The clutch consists of a 3-component assembly comprising a cylindrical split spring clip, an input bearing or member, and an output bearing or member. The split spring clip interconnects the input member, which usually receives one end of the power driven flexible shaft; and the output member, which is connected to and rotates the spindle of a suitable handpiece tool. The split spring clip is provided with a tongue and a lip which respectively engage a slot, and a detent or sloping face, provided on the input member to cause the split spring clip to rotate therewith in accordance with the high speed output shaft to which the input member is connected. The lip also engages a detent or sloping surfac…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.