Patent ID: 6257386
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A power cut/connect device comprising:a first input member coupled to a power shaft and having an outer surface;an output member coaxially mounted around said first input member and having an inner surface and an outer surface;one of the outer surface of said first input member and the inner surface of said output member being formed with a first cylindrical surface and the other being formed with a plurality of first cam surfaces opposite the first cylindrical surface to define wedge spaces therebetween;a first retainer mounted between the first cylindrical surface and the first cam surfaces and formed with a plurality of pockets;first engaging elements each received in each of said pockets of said first retainer and capable of interlocking said first input member and said output member together by engaging said first cylindrical surface and said first cam surfaces when said first input member and said output member rotate relative to each other;said first cylindrical surface, said first cam surfaces, said first retainer, and said first engaging elements forming a first two-way clutch;a second input member coaxially mounted around said output member and having an inner surface;one of the outer surface of said output member and the inner surface of said second input member being formed with a second cylindrical surface and the other being formed with a plurality of second cam surfaces opposite the second cylindrical surface to define wedge spaces therebetween;a second retainer mounted between the second cylindrical surface and the second cam surfaces and formed with a plurality of pockets;second engaging elements each received in each of said pockets of said second retainer and capable of interlocking said output member and said second input member together by engaging said second cylindrical surface and said second cam surfaces when said second input member and said output member rotate relative to each other;said second cylindrical surface, said second cam surfaces, said second retainer, and said second engaging elements forming a second two-way clutch;said second two-way clutch being disposed radially outwardly of said first two-way clutch;said output member functioning both as an outer member of said first two-way clutch and as an input member of said second two-way clutch;a control means for individually controlling said first and second retainers to selectively engage and disengage said first and second two-way clutches.