Bi-directional one-way clutch
US6739440B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/26
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A radial, bi-directional overrunning clutch is provided that supplies on-demand power to, for example, the front wheels of a vehicle, while allowing the front wheels to overspeed the rear wheels. The clutch comprises a driving member having a plurality of radially-outwardly-biased pawls, a reversing ring, a driven member having a plurality of notches, and a housing having a plurality of pawls. The pawls on the driving member engage outwardly concentric notches on the driven member, and are activated and deactivated by inner reversing cams of the reversing ring. The pawls in the housing engage notches in the outer surface of the reversing ring, which causes the reversing ring to move between a first position and second position relative to the driving member. The engagement of the housing pawls with the reversing ring notches is regulated by the driving member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.