Torque responsive engaging clutch
US5016740A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D43/206
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clutch having an outer ring, an inner shaft mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer ring and the inner shaft and cam members movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. A torque-setting elastic member is provided between the cage and one of the outer ring and the inner shaft so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the other periphery of the inner member, thus bringing the two members into engagement. This input shaft is rotatably mounted in the outer ring by means of two bearings so as to extend through the outer ring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.