Patent ID: 6129190
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A one-way overrunning clutch assembly comprising:a first clutch member including an annular body portion having a cylindrical inner periphery and an outer periphery defined by an annular rim portion projecting axially from a first side thereof, said rim portion having an inner cylindrical surface including an integrally-formed, radially-inwardly-opening groove that extends only circumferentially therein;a second clutch member including an annular body portion having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner peripheral surface, the cylindrical outer surface of the body portion of said second clutch member being telescopingly received in the inner cylindrical surface of the rim portion of said first clutch member such that said first and second clutch members have a common central axis;the first and second clutch members having inner surfaces disposed in spaced opposing relation to one another, each inner surface having a plurality of recesses formed therein to define strut abutment shoulders at spaced intervals thereabout;a rigid strut having a body portion pivotally supported for movement between a driving position, wherein said strut projects into and engages an abutment shoulder in the inner surface of each of said clutch members to interlock said clutch members for rotation together in one direction, and an overrunning position, wherein said strut is out of contact with the abutment shoulders of the inner surface of at least one of said clutch members to permit free relative rotation between said first and second clutch members in the opposite direction; andan annular retainer positioned within the inner cylindrical surface of the rim portion of said first clutch member, said retainer having an annular body portion and an outer peripheral edge portion, the annular body portion of said retainer having a first surface overlying at least a portion of the body portion of said second clutch member, and the outer peripheral edge portion of said retainer permanently engaging and forming a fluid-tight seal with the cylindrical inner surface of the rim portion of said first clutch member, the outer peripheral edge portion of said retainer being radially expanded into the groove of the rim portion of said first clutch member.