Patent ID: 6129189
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: F02B,F16D,F16H

Abstract:
A spiral type one-way clutch capable of operating in either over-running or lock-up modes, said clutch having a central axis and comprising:(a) an outer containment member encircling said central axis and having a circular, inwardly facing, bearing surface to serve as part of a journal bearing;(b) a radially split slipper positioned within said containment member and having:(i) an outwardly facing, cylindrical, slipper surface that bears against said inwardly facing bearing surface to serve as the other part of said journal bearing; and(ii) an inwardly facing slipper spiral surface, said slipper spiral surface terminating at one end with an inwardly extending radial surface to provide a first spiral end face; and(c) an inner body having an outer body spiral surface in the shape of a segment of the same spiral as that defining said slipper spiral surface, said body spiral surface terminating at one end with an outwardly extending radial surface to provide a second spiral end face;said body and slipper being assembled to form a spiral channel, delimited by said slipper and body spiral surfaces and by said first and second spiral end faces and containing a complement of rollers with parallel axes that occupy the width of said channel, and further comprising:(d) a single resilient means contained within said channel;(e) said rollers and resilient means collectively filling the channel from said first spiral end face to said second spiral end face when the clutch is operating in over-running mode to thereby:(i) limit the relative rotational displacement between said slipper and body, and(ii) provide means for maintaining the alignment of the axes of said rollers parallel to the central axis of the clutch; and(f) said spiral surfaces being in the shape of segments of the same spiral with origin on said central axis;whereby frictional resistance arises within said journal bearing when said clutch is operating in over-running mode to precipitate engagement of said clutch when switched to lock-up mode.