Patent ID: 7389864
Filing Date: 2008-06-24
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A one-way clutch, comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring disposed within said outer ring to define an annular space between the outer ring and the inner ring; engagement members disposed in said annular space; a clutch spring formed of a plate spring member which is disposed in said annular space and has pocket openings disposed circumferentially at regular intervals, the pocket openings being defined by base portions of said clutch spring extending in a circumferential direction of said one-way clutch on first and second opposing sides of said pocket openings, and column portions which extend in an axial direction of said one-way clutch and third and fourth opposing sides of said pocket openings; said engagement members being disposed in said pocket openings; said clutch spring being formed to have tongues that extend respectively into said pocket openings from said column portions of said clutch spring, said clutch spring being formed such that after formation and prior to introduction of said engagement members into said pocket openings, said tongues extend inclined relative to said base portions so as to define a formed angle in the range of 20° to 30° relative to the base portions when no pressure is applied to the tongues; said engagement members are disposed in said pocket openings so as to apply pressure to said tongues to deflect said tongues beyond said formed angle thereby producing a bias on said engagement members to move said engagement member toward engagement with said inner ring and outer ring, wherein each of said tongues is deflected by said engagement member in a range of 5° to 15° beyond said formed angle.