Bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly for transfer cases and the like
US5992592A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D41/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An active multi-mode overrunning clutch assembly includes concentric inner and outer members and a plurality of opposed pairs of clutch pawls operably disposed between the members. The clutch pawls are biased radially outwardly and include recessed portions and raised lands which cooperate with an axially translatable circumferential control sleeve. The control sleeve can be translated to select various combinations of active (engaged) or inactive (retracted) pawls to effect four distinct operational modes: fully engaged, i.e., locked in both directions, drive and overrunning in a first direction, drive and overrunning in the reverse direction and fully disengaged, i.e., released or inactive. The active multi-mode overrunning clutch assembly finds particular application in transfer cases of four wheel drive vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.