Patent ID: 7267213
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A one-way clutch comprising: an inner ring having a first cylindrical surface on an outer periphery thereof, said first cylindrical surface having a first center of curvature; an outer ring having a second cylindrical surface on an inner periphery thereof so as to radially oppose said first cylindrical surface, said second cylindrical surface having a second center of curvature that is offset from said first center of curvature, said first and second cylindrical surfaces defining a wedge-shaped space therebetween; a unitary ring-shaped wedge member disposed in said wedge-shaped space and having a third cylindrical surface on an inner periphery thereof so as to radially oppose said first cylindrical surface, said third cylindrical surface having a third center of curvature, and having a fourth cylindrical surface on an outer periphery thereof so as to radially oppose said second cylindrical surface, said fourth cylindrical surface having a fourth center of curvature that is radially offset from said third center of curvature, whereby said wedge member has a circumferentially changing radial width; and a resilient member biasing said wedge member in only one direction to bring said third and fourth cylindrical surfaces into wedging engagement with said first and second cylindrical surfaces, respectively, said resilient member being coupled to said wedge member and one of said inner and outer rings such that said wedge member is biased by said resilient member to rotate in one direction relative to said one of said inner and outer rings, wherein said inner ring, said outer ring, said wedge member and said resilient member are arranged such that said outer ring is unlimitedly rotatable relative to said inner ring when said third and fourth cylindrical surfaces are not in wedging engagement with said first and second cylindrical surfaces, respectively.