Patent ID: 7987958
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
1. A one-way clutch, comprising: a first race circumferentially disposed about an axis for said clutch, and with a first circumferential surface, wherein for at least a portion of the first race a single first piece of material forms the first circumferential surface and one of an inner or outer circumference for the one-way clutch; a second race circumferentially disposed about said axis and with a second circumferential surface radially opposite said first circumferential surface, wherein for at least a portion of the second race a single second piece of material forms the second circumferential surface and the other of the inner or outer circumference for the one-way clutch; and, at least one wedge element separate from said first and second races and disposed radially between said first and second races, wherein said first race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device and is arranged to rotate independently of said second race for rotation, with respect to said first race, in a first rotational direction, wherein a circumference for one of said first or second circumferential surfaces is at a uniform radial distance from an axis for said clutch, wherein a circumference for an other of said first or second circumferential surfaces includes at least one radial protrusion, wherein for rotation of said first race with respect to said second race in a second rotational direction, opposite said first rotational direction, said at least one wedge element is arranged to contact said at least one protrusion and said one of said first or second circumferential surfaces to rotationally lock said first and second races, and wherein for said rotational locking, a circumferential dimension of a portion of said at least one wedge element in contact with said second race is greater than an axial dimension for said portion.