Transmission and variable radially expanding spring clutch assembly
US8347750B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19358
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a continuous cylindrical surface portion longitudinally disposed next to a cylindrical outer surface portion interrupted by longitudinal grooves. A first gear assembly has a first clutch spring that holds a first set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a first output gear. A second gear assembly has a second clutch spring that holds a second set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a second output gear. The first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are configured to move longitudinally along the shaft member to a position where at least one of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly is engaged for rotation with the shaft member when a value of torque at the shaft member is below a torque threshold value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.