Transmission and variable radially expanding spring clutch assembly
US8984977B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2033 |
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 cylindrical outer surface in which longitudinal grooves are formed. Rolling members are disposed in the longitudinal grooves. A gear member having lobes the lobes is disposed between the rolling members and over the shaft member. A clutch spring that at least partially encircles the rolling members and the lobes is also disposed. The clutch spring includes a reduced torque condition that at least defines the clutch spring stretching to accommodate the rolling members leaving the longitudinal grooves and moving to the outer cylindrical surface such that the clutch spring forms a generally elliptical shape in the reduced torque condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.