Two-way over-running clutch assembly
US5927456A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2003/22326
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clutch assembly having driving and driven members with concentric cylindrical surfaces and which are independently rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of recesses are formed in the cylindrical surface of the driving member. The recesses include ramp surfaces which extend to the cylindrical surface. Roller elements are positioned in each of the recesses and a retainer, which is also independently rotatable about the axis, circumferentially interconnects the roller elements together. The retainer causes the rollers to move substantially in unison with one another and a biasing member individually biases each roller element into its respective recesses. During relative acceleration of the driving member relative to the driven member, the roller elements move along and up the ramp surfaces to a position where they become wedged between the driving and driven members. When wedged, torque can be transferred through the clutch assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.