Clutch

Abstract: A clutch has a coil spring (10) wound around first and second relatively rotatable members (1, 6) to transmit rotation by contraction, from the second member (6) to the first (1) in at least one direction, a one-way brake (13) acting on the coil spring (10) to prevent it contracting due to rotation of the first memeber (1), in the appropriate direction. There may be a one-way clutch (20) (Fig. 2) between the coilspring (10) and the second member (6). The arrangement may be duplicated in mirror image to provide drive from the second member (6) to the first in either direction of rotation.

Description: The present invention relates generally to a clutch for transmitting torque between an input and an output, and more particularly to a clutch for transmitting torque in one direction but not in the other. As such, a one-way clutch is well known in the art and is utilized for electric power steering in motor vehicles, for example. This clutch is disposed between an electric motor and a steering shaft to connect therebetween for transmitting torque in one particular state, but not in another. A clutch cam is inserted into a large cylindrical portion of the clutch via rollers. By pressing the rollers against the large cylindrical portion by the clutch cam, relative rotation between the large cylindrical portion and the clutch cam is stopped to allow torque to be transmitted. However, in such a clutch, since the compression of the rollers against the clutch cam causes torque to be transmitted, malfunctions tend to occur because the rollers are put between the clutch cam and the large cylindrical portion. Additionally, a one-way clutch is well known in the art which includes two rotatable members, as input and output shafts, mounted for rotation relative to each other and a coil spring wound across the rotatable members. When the coil spring is put around the rotatable members tightly, the rotatable members rotate simultaneously with each other to transmit torque therebetween. When tight winding across the members is not provided, skidding occurs between the rotatable members and torque is not transmitted. In a conventional clutch of this type, when no torque is being transmitted, friction occurs due to contact between the inner peripheral surface of the coil spring and the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating members. As a result, even when the clutch is disengaged, torque due to friction is still present. GB-A-436 284, an which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a free-wheel driving mechanism in which interlaced helical drive springs encircle the end portions of co-axial input and output shafts. At the output end, the ends of the springs are turned outwards and engaged by a sleeve. The sleeve is encircled by a further helical spring, one end of which is secured to a fixed member. If the driving shaft is turned in the driving direction, the helical driving springs tighten and transmit torque from the driving to the driven shaft, while the further helical spring relaxes and allows the sleeve to revolve with the shafts. If the driving shaft is turned backwards, or if the driven shaft overruns the driving shaft in the driving direction, the helical driving springs expand and relax, and no torque is transmitted. If, however, the output shaft is turned backwards, the helical driving springs and the sleeve begin to rotate, and the further helical spring then tightens and locks the sleeve. The helical driving springs then expand, freeing the output shaft and allowing it to rotate backwards without rotating the input shaft. A disadvantage of that type of clutch is that when torque is being transmitted the further helical spring drags on the sleeve, causing waste of power, heating, and wear. It is one object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. It is another object of the invention to provide a clutch which can eliminate torque at an input shaft when the clutch is disengaged. The invention provides a clutch comprising: a first rotatable member; a second rotatable member provided for rotational movement relative to said first rotatable member; engaging means for engaging between said first and second rotatable members, said engaging means including a coil spring wound over said first and second rotatable members, the coil spring being deformed according to rotation of said second rotatable member in one direction so as to be reduced in diameter so as to fasten together said first and second rotatable members to form a connection therebetween; and means for controlling said engaging means so as to allow said first rotatable member to rotate independently of said second rotatable member according to rotation of said first rotatable member, said means including a third rotatable member connected to a part of said coil spring and means allowing said third rotatable member to rotate in a release direction of said coil spring in response to rotation of said first rotatable member in one direction and preventing the third rotatable member from rotating in a winding direction of said coil spring in response to rotation of said first rotatable member in the other direction to allow said first rotatable member to rotate independently of said second rotatable member; characterised in that the said means allowing the third rotatable member to rotate and preventing it from rotating comprises a one-way clutch. Various forms of clutch constructed in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a clutch of a first embodiment according to the present invention. Figs. 2 through 19 are cut-away perspective views which show modified forms of a clutch according to the invention. Referring now to the drawings, particularly to Fig. 1, a clutch of a first embodiment according to the invention is shown. This clutch includes a rotatable shaft 1 as a first rotatable member and a rotatable hollow cylinder 6 as a second rotatable member. The first rotatable member 1 includes a small diameter section 3 and a large diameter section 2, which extends radially from the middle portion of section 3. The small diameter section 3 is rotatably supported by a bracket 5 and bearings 4. The second rotatable member 6 is rotatably mounted on one side of the small diameter section 3 via bearings 7. The second rotatable member 6 includes a cylinder 9 and a disc 8 radially extending outwardly at the end of the cylinder. The cylinder 9 has a diameter equal to that of the large diameter section 2 of the first rotatable member 1 and abuts thereto at its end. A coil spring 10 is wound around the large diameter section 2 and the cylinder 9. In the drawing, the coil spring 10 is wound from right to left and the folded end (the left end) 11 thereof is fixedly attached to the rotation control cylinder 12. The rotation control cylinder 12 comprises a one-way clutch 13 disposed on a cylindrical portion 5a of the bracket 5 and a cylindrical holder 14 mounted so as to surround the one-way clutch. As is well known in the art, the one-way clutch is such that power can be transmitted in one direction but not in the other. The rotation control cylinder 12 therefore prevents the end 11 of the coil spring 10 from rotating in the winding direction but allows it to rotate in the release direction. In operation, transmission of torque to the first rotatable member 1 to rotate it in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the rotational direction of the first rotatable member 1 (i.e., in the release direction) by friction created between contacting surfaces of the large diameter section 2 and the coil spring 10. The coil spring is deformed so as to be spread radially outward. As a result of the deformation, the first rotatable member 1 and the second rotatable member 6 may rotate independently of each other. Therefore, no torque is transmitted to the second rotatable member 6 from the first rotatable member. In this instance, the rotation control cylinder 12 is rotatable in the clockwise direction to allow the coil spring to rotate in the release direction. Transmission of torque to the first rotatable member 1 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction urges the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the counterclockwise direction (i.e., the winding direction). The rotation control cylinder 12 however restricts the rotational motion of the coil spring 10 in the counterclockwise direction because the cylindrical portion 5a is fixed by the bracket 5 to prevent the holder 14 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction and so maintains its original position. It will be therefore appreciated that no binding force is created between the two rotatable members 1 and 6 thereby still allowing them to rotate independently of each other. On the other hand, transmission of torque to the second rotatable member 6 to rotate it in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the rotational direction of the second rotatable member 6 (i.e., in the winding direction) by friction created between contacting surfaces of the cylinder 9 and the coil spring 10. The coil spring is deformed so as to be drawn radially inward. As a result of this deformation, the first rotatable member 1 and the second rotatable member 6 are clamped by the coil spring allowing frictional force to be created therebetween, causing the two rotatable members 1 and 6 to rotate integrally to transmit torque from the second rotatable member 6 to the first rotatable member 1. In this instance, since the rotation control cylinder 12 is rotatable in the clockwise direction without limitation, it rotates synchronously with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Transmission of torque to the second rototable member 6 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the counterclockwise direction (i.e., the release direction). Thus, the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6 rotate independently of each other to transmit no power to the first rotatable member 1. Referring to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a modified form of the first embodiment. Construction of this clutch is the same as the clutch shown in Fig. 1 except a one-way clutch 20, which is installed on the cylinder 9, is provided. This one-way clutch 20 comprises rollers 21 and a casing 22 for accommodating the rollers. The casing has an outer diameter equal to that of a large diameter section 2. The one-way clutch, 20 is adapted for allowing the second rotatable member 6 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. A coil spring 10 is provided around the casing 22 and the large diameter section 2 of the first rotatable member 1 similarly to the previous embodiment. In operation, transmission of torque to the first rotatable member 1 to rotate it in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the rotational direction of the first rotatable member 1 (i.e., in the release direction) by friction created between contacting surfaces of the large diameter section 2 and the coil spring 10. The coil spring is deformed so as to be spread radially outward. The one-way clutch 20 rolls so as to allow rotational movement in the clockwise direction of the coil spring. As a result, the first rotatable member 1 and the second rotatable member 6 rotate independently of each other. No torque is therefore transmitted to the second rotatable member 6 from the first rotatable member. In this instance, the rotation control cylinder 12 is rotatable in the clockwise direction to allow the coil spring to rotate in the release direction. Transmission of torque to the first rotatable member 1 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be twisted in the counterclockwise direction (i.e., the winding direction). The rotation control cylinder 12 however restricts the rotational motion in the counterclockwise direction of the coil spring 10. It will be appreciated therefore that no binding force is provided between the first rotatable member 1 and the one-way clutch 20 (or therethrough to the second rotatable member 6), so the first rotatable member 1 and coil spring 10 slidably rotate with each other transmitting no torque to the second rotatable member 6 from the first rotatable member 1. Transmission of torque to the second rotatable member 6 to rotate it in the clockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20 to be locked with the result that the second rotatable member 6 and the one-way clutch 20 rotate coincidently with each other in the clockwise direction. Frictional force is generated between the contacting surfaces of the casing 22 of the one-way clutch 20 and the coil spring 10 to cause the coil spring to be twisted in the rotational direction of the second rotatable member 6 and to be drawn inward radially (i.e., in the winding direction). As a result, the one-way clutch 20 and the first rotatable member 1 are clamped by the coil spring to rotate integrally, thereby transmitting torque to the first rotatable member 1 from the second rotatable member 6. In this instance, since the rotation control cylinder 12 is rotatable in the clockwise direction without limitation, it rotates synchronously with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Transmission of torque to the second rotatable member 6 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20 to roll. Thus, no torque is transmitted to the first rotatable member 1 from the second rotatable member 6. Referring to Fig. 3, a second embodiment of a clutch according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a holder 14 for a rotation control cylinder 12 extends closely to a disc portion 8 of a second rotatable member 6 and an end 11 of a coil spring 10 engages an extended end of the holder. Additionally, the rotation control member 12 may rotate in a direction opposite that of the first embodiment (i.e., the counterclockwise direction), allowed by the rotational direction of a one-way clutch 13. While these two points are different from the above mentioned first embodiment, the other elements of construction are essentially the same. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring to be spread so as to allow the first rotatable member to rotate independently from second rotatable member 6. Therefore, no torque is transmitted to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of a first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring to be deformed so as to be drawn in radially and thus the first rotatable member 1 and a second rotatable member 6 are locked together via the coil spring 10 due to the tight compression of the coil spring 10. The rotation control cylinder 12 can rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The first rotatable member 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in cooperation with the second rotatable member 6 to transmit torque to the second rotatable member 6. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the end 11 of the coil spring 10, connected to the rotational control cylinder, to be prevented from rotating by the rotation control cylinder. Thus, no binding force is provided by the coil spring 10 between the first and second rotatable members 1 and 6 and therefore no torque is provided to the first rotatable member from the second rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the coil spring 10 to be spread in the release direction so as to reduce frictional force between the coil spring and the large diameter section 2 of the first rotatable member 1, allowing the second rotatable member 6 to rotate independently of the first rotatable member 1. Thus, no torque is transmitted to the first rotatable member 1. Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a modified form of the second embodiment. Construction of this clutch is the same as the clutch shown in Fig. 3 except for the provision of a one-way clutch 20 which is installed on the cylinder 9. The one-way clutch 20 is adapted for allowing the second rotatable member 6 to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring to be spread so as to allow the first rototable member 1 to rotate independently of the second rotatable member 6. Therefore, no torque is transmitted to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the coil spring to be deformed so as to be drawn inwardly and thus the first rotatable member 1 and the one-way clutch 20 are fastened by the coil spring 10 and locking of the one-way clutch 10 is encountered causing the one-way clutch to rotate synchronously with the second rotatable member 6. Since the rotation control cylinder 12 can rotate in the counterclockwise direction, it rotates synchronously with the first and second rotatable members 1 and 6. Thus, torque is transmitted to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20 to lock. The one-way clutch 20 and the second rotatable member 6 rotate synchronously. Twisting of the end portion 11 of the coil spring 10 in the winding direction (i.e., in the clockwise direction) is restricted by the rotation control cylinder 12 because another one-way clutch 13 prevents the cylinder 12 from rotating in the clockwise direction. As a result, the one-way clutch 20 (and thus, the second rotatable member 6) and the first rotatable member 1 are not fastened by the coil spring 10. Thus, sliding occurs between the one-way clutch 20 and the coil spring 10 transmitting no torque to the first rotatable member 1 from the second rotatable member 6. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20 to rotate. No torque therefore, is transmitted to the first rotatable member 1 from the second rotatable member 6. Referring to Fig. 5, a clutch of a third embodiment according to the invention is shown. This clutch includes a first rotatable member 1 which has a pair of large diameter sections 2a and 2b each extending radially outward and spaced from each other by a given distance. The first rotatable member 1 is rotatably supported by a bracket 5 via bearings 4. A second rotatable member 6 is arranged between the pair of large diameter sections 2a and 2b for rotation relative to the middle portion 3 of the first rotatable member 1 by a pair of bearings 7. The second rotatable member 6 includes a disc 8 radially extending from the middle thereof and cylinders 9a and 9b formed at both sides of the disc. The cylinders 9a and 9b have diameters equal to those of large diameter sections 2a and 2b so as to be aligned with the pair of large diameter sections 2a and 2b. A first coil spring 10a and a second coil spring 10b are wound around the large diameter section 2a and the cylinder 9a and the large diameter section 2b and the cylinder 9b respectively. Each of the coil springs 10a and 10b is wound in the clockwise direction in the drawing. Folded end 11a of the first coil spring 10a engages a rotation control cylinder 12a and folded end 11b of the second coil spring 10b engages a rotation control cylinder 12b. The rotation control cylinder 12a prevents the coil spring 10a from rotating in the winding direction (i.e., in the clockwise direction), while the rotation control cylinder 12b prevents the coil spring 10b from rotating in the winding direction (i.e., in the counterclockwise direction). Each of the rotation control cylinders 12a and 12b is, similar to the above embodiment, provided with a one-way clutch 13 mounted on a cylinder 5a of a bracket 5 and a holder 14 installed on the periphery of the one-way clutch 13. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be spread, while the first coil spring 10a is prevented from contracting (ie., it may rotate in the winding direction) by the rotation control cylinder 12a. Therefore, binding between the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1 and the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6, encased by the first coil spring 10a does not take place. The first coil spring is deformed so as to be spread. The first rotatable member 1 and the second rotatable member 6 do not rotate together therefore torque is not transmitted to the second rotatable member 6 from the first rotatable member 1. Rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be prevented from reducing in diameter (i.e., rotating in the winding direction). No fastening force caused by the second coil spring 10b is therefore provided for the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1 and the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6 and the first coil spring 10a to be extended in diameter. The first rotatable member 1 rotates independently upon the second rotatable member 6 to provide no torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring to draw inwardly, becoming small in diameter, thereby fastening together the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member and the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1. The first spring 10a, conversely, expands so as to be spread. Thus, the first rotatable member 1, the second rotatable member 6, and the rotation control cylinder 12b synchronously rotate in the clockwise direction to transmit torque to the first rotatable member from the second rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10 to be spread and the first coil spring 10a to be drawn inwardly so as to fasten together the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6 and the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1. The first rotatable member 1, the second rotatable member 6, and the rotation control cylinder 12a therefore rotate synchronously in the counterclockwise direction to transmit torque to the first rotatable member from the second rotatable member 6. Referring to Fig. 6, a modified form of the third embodiment is shown. The construction of the clutch is essentially the same as the clutch shown in Fig. 5 except for the provision of one-way clutches 20a and 20b installed on cylinders 9a and 9b. Each one-way clutch comprises rollers 21 and a casing 22 for accommodating the rollers which have an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the large diameter section of the first rotatable member 1. The one-way clutch 20a is adapted for allowing the second rotatable member to rotate in the clockwise direction, while the one-way clutch 20b is adapted for allowing the second rotatable member 6 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Coil springs 10a and 10b are wound around the casings 22 and the large diameter sections 2a and 2b. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be spread, while the first coil spring 10a is prevented from contracting (i.e., it rotates in the winding direction) by the rotation control cylinder 12a. No binding force created by the first coil spring 10a is therefore provided to the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1 and the one-way clutch 20a. The first rotatable member 1 can rotate independently of the second rotatable member 6 providing no torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be prevented from drawing inwardly (i.e., rotating in the winding direction). No binding force is therefore caused by the second coil spring 10b provided for the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1 and the one-way clutch 20b. The first coil spring 10a is spread, thus extending in diameter, and the first rotatable member 1 rotates independently of the second rotatable member 6 providing no torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20b to be locked so as to rotate with the second rotatable member 6 and the other one-way clutch 20a rolls around the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6. The second coil spring 10b therefore contracts in diameter so that the second coil spring fastens together the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member and the one-way clutch 20b, the second rotatable member rotating thereby with the first rotatable member to transmit torque to the first rotatable member. In this instance, the rotation control cylinder 12b rotates with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20b to roll around the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6 and the one-way clutch 20a to be locked so as to rotate with the second rotatable member 6. Clamping force caused by the first coil spring 10a is provided for the large diameter section 2a and the one-way clutch 20a. The second rotatable member, in turn, rotates with the first rotatable member 1 to transmit torque to the first rotatable member. In this instance, the rotation control cylinder 12a rotates synchronously with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Referring to Fig. 7, a fourth embodiment of a clutch according to the invention is shown. This clutch differs from the clutch of the third embodiment in that holders 14 of rotation control cylinders 12a and 12b extend closely to a disc portion 8 of the second rotatable member 6 and end portions 11a and 11b of coil springs 10a and 10b engage the extended sections thereof. Additionally, in this embodiment, a one-way clutch 13b on the right side allows the rotation control cylinder 12b to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction, while a one-way clutch 13a on the left side allows the rotation control cylinder 12a to rotate only in the clockwise direction. Otherwise, the construction is similar to that of the above mentioned third embodiment. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to spread and the first coil spring 10a to contract so as to fasten together the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1 and the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6. The first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6 and the rotation control cylinder 12a rotate synchronously with each other in the clockwise direction to transmit torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the first rotatable member in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be reduced in diameter so as to fasten the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1 and the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6 and the first coil spring 10a to be spread in diameter. The first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6 and the rotation control cylinder 12b therefore rotate synchronously in the counterclockwise direction to transmit torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be prevented from contracting (ie., rotating in the winding direction) by the rotation control cylinder 12b and the first coil spring 10a to be spread in diameter. No binding force caused by the second coil spring 10b is therefore provided to the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1 or the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6. The second rotatable member 6 rotates independently of the first rotatable member 1 transmitting no torque to the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be spread in diameter and the first coil spring 10a is prevented from contracting in diameter (i.e., rotating in the winding direction) by the rotation control cylinder 12a. No binding force caused by the first coil spring 10a is therefore provided to the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1 or the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6. The second rotatable member 6 rotates independently of the first rotatable member 1 transmitting no torque to the first rototable member. Referring to Fig. 8, a modified form of the above described fourth embodiment is shown. This clutch includes one-way clutches 20a and 20b which are disposed between cylinders 9a and 9b of the second rotatable member 6 and first and second coil springs 10a and 10b respectively. The one-way clutch 20a allows the second rotatable member 6 to rotate only in the clockwise direction, while the other one-way clutch 20b allows the second rotatable member to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction. In operation, rotation of the first rotatable member 1 in the clockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to spread in diameter and the first coil spring 10a to be contract in diameter so as to fasten together the large diameter section 2a of the first rotatable member 1 and the one-way clutch 20a. The one-way clutch 20a is locked to rotate synchronously with the second rotatable member 6, while the one-way clutch 20b rolls around the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6. The first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6 rotate synchronously with each other to transmit torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. The rotation control cylinder 12a also rotates with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Rotation of the first rotatable member in the counterclockwise direction causes the second coil spring 10b to be reduced in diameter so as to fasten together the large diameter section 2b of the first rotatable member 1 and one-way clutch 20b, the first coil spring 10a is spread in diameter. The one-way clutch 20b is, in turn, locked to rotate with the second rotatable member 6. The first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6 therefore rotate synchronously to transmit torque to the second rotatable member from the first rotatable member. The rotation control cylinder 12a also rotates with the first and the second rotatable members 1 and 6. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the clockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20a to roll around the cylinder 9a of the second rotatable member 6 and the other one-way clutch 20b to be locked to rotate with the second rotatable member 6. As a result of these rotations, the second coil spring is urged in the winding direction (i.e., in the clockwise direction). That rotation of the end 11b in the winding direction is however limited by the rotation control cylinder 12b to cause skidding to occur between the one-way clutch 20b and the coil spring 10b. The second rotatable member 6 therefore rotates independently of the first rotatable member 1 transmitting no torque to the first rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member 6 in the counterclockwise direction causes the one-way clutch 20a to lock, rotating with the second rotatable member 6 and the other one-way clutch 20b to roll around the cylinder 9b of the second rotatable member 6. The first coil spring is urged in the winding direction (i.e., in the counterclockwise direction). Rotational movement of the end 11a is however restricted by the rotaion control cylinder 12a to cause skidding to occur between the one-way clutch 20a and the coil spring 10a. The second rotatable member 6 therefore rotates independently of the first rotatable member 1 transmitting no torque to the first rotatable member. As described above, in a clutch which includes a one-way clutch disposed between one rotatable member and a coil spring, while no torque is being transmitted, frictional resistance occurring between contacting surfaces of the coil spring and the rotatable members is reduced by the rotating one-way clutch. Torque of the rotating first or the second rotatable members can be reduced when no torque is transmitted therebetween. This results in reduced wear on the contact surfaces and improved durability of the clutch. Referring to Figs. 9 to 17, modified forms of Figs. 1 to 8 are shown. In these embodiments, the rotation control cylinders 12, 12a, and 12b shown in Figs. 1 to 8 are replaced by holders 14 which surround the outer peripheries of coil springs 10, 10a, and 10b for relative movement thereto and one-way clutches 13a and 13b which are mounted on the holders. Each of one-way clutches 13a and 13b is inserted into a housing formed in a cylindrical cavity 5a of a bracket 5. Each holder includes a flange 14a for positioning the axis of the one-way clutch. While the modified forms shown in Figs. 9 to 17 differ from the previously mentioned embodiments in the construction of the rotation control cylinder, they operate similarly to the embodiments in Figs. 1 to 8 respectively. As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, by extending brackets so as to cover coil springs, admission of foreign substances into contacting areas of the first and second rotatable members 1 and 6 can be avoided. According to the above-mentioned embodiments malfunctions, disadvantageous to the mechanism, which occur in the prior art will not occur in clutches according to the present invention. This results in greatly improved reliability of the clutches.

Claims: A clutch comprising: a first rotatable member (1); a second rotatable member (6) provided for rotational movement relative to said first rotatable member; engaging means for engaging between said first and second rotatable members, said engaging means including a coil spring (10) wound over said first and second rotatable members, the coil spring being deformed according to rotation of said second rotatable member in one direction so as to be reduced in diameter so as to fasten together said first and second rotatable members to form a connection therebetween; and means (12) for controlling said engaging means so as to allow said first rotatable member to rotate independently of said second rotatable member according to rotation of said first rotatable member, said means (12) including a third rotatable member (14) connected to a part of said coil spring and means (13) allowing said third rotatable member to rotate in a release direction of said coil spring in response to rotation of said first rotatable member in one direction and preventing the third rotatable member from rotating in a winding direction of said coil spring in response to rotation of said first rotatable member in the other direction to allow said first rotatable member to rotate independently of said second rotatable member; characterised in that the said means allowing the third rotatable member to rotate and preventing it from rotating comprises a one-way clutch. A clutch as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second one-way clutch which is disposed between said coil spring and said second rotatable member, said one-way clutch rotating said coil spring in dependence on the rotation of said second rotatable member to engage between said first and second rotatable members so that said first rotatable member rotates synchronously with the rotation of said second rotatable member in one direction, and said second one-way clutch allowing said second rotatable member to rotate independently of said coil spring when said second rotatable member rotates in the other direction. A clutch as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the third rotatable member includes a cylindrical member connected to the said part of the coil spring and the one-way clutch allows the cylindrical member to rotate in the release direction of the coil spring and prevents the cylindrical member from rotating in the winding direction. A clutch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the first rotatable member includes a shaft and first and second radially extending discs located on the said shaft with a given gap between them; the second rotatable member includes a hollow cylinder disposed between the said first and second discs so as to surround the shaft; the engaging means includes a first coil spring wound around the said first disc and the said hollow cylinder to engage therebetween according to rotation of the second rotatable member in one direction and a second coil spring wound around the second disc and the hollow cylinder to engage there-between acording to rotation of the second rotatable member in the other direction; and the controlling means allows one of the said first and second coil springs to be spread and prevents the other of the said first and second coil springs from being reduced in diameter by the rotation of the first rotatable member. A clutch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controlling means includes a first rotatable assembly including a third rotatable member connected to a part of the said first coil spring and a first one-way clutch and a second rotatable assembly including a fourth rotatable member connected to a part of the said second coil spring and a second one-way clutch, the said first rotatable assembly allowing the said first coil spring to rotate in the release direction thereof and the said second rotatable assembly preventing said second coil spring from rotating in the winding direction thereof according to the rotation of said first rotatable member in one direction, the said first rotatable assembly preventing the said first coil spring from rotating in the winding direction and the said second rotatable assembly allowing the said second coil spring to rotate in the release direction thereof according to the rotation of the first rotatable member in the other direction. A clutch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engaging means includes a third one-way clutch disposed between the said first coil spring and the said second rotatable member and a fourth one-way clutch disposed between the said second coil spring and the said second rotatable member, the said third one-way clutch allowing the said second rotatable member to rotate independently of the said first coil spring while the said fourth one-way clutch rotates the said second coil spring to cause the said first rotatable member to rotate synchronously with the said second rotatable member according to rotation of the said second rotatable member in said one direction, the said fourth one-way clutch allowing the said second rotatable member to rotate independently of the said second coil spring and the said third one-way clutch rotating the said first coil spring to cause the said first rotatable member to rotate synchronously with the said second rotatable member according to rotation of the said second rotatable member in the other direction.

Inventors: IO SHINICHI, IO, SHINICHI
Applicants: ATSUGI UNISIA CORP, UNISIA JECS CORPORATION
Application year: 1989
Main classification: F16D41
IPC codes: F16D41, F16D43