Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Composite
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-12-25
Loney, Donald J. (Department: 1772)
Stock material or miscellaneous articles
Composite
C428S133000, C428S137000, C428S174000, C192S03000R, C192S04100R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06333112
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to one-way clutches for use in mechanisms such as power transmissions, wherein the one-way clutch includes at least one laminated plate.
BACKGROUND ART
Clutches are used in a wide variety of applications to selectively couple power from a first rotatable driving member, such as a driving disk or plate, to a second, independently rotatable driven member, such as a driven disk or plate. In one known variety of clutches, commonly referred to as “one-way” or “overrunning” clutches, the clutch engages to mechanically couple the driving member to the driven member only when the driving member rotates in a first direction relative to the driven member. Once so engaged, the clutch will release or decouple the driven member from the driving member only when the driving member rotates in a second, opposite direction relative to the driven member. Furthermore, the clutch otherwise permits the driving member to freely rotate in the second direction relative to the driven member. Such “freewheeling” of the driving member in the second direction relative to the driven member is also known as the “overrunning” condition.
One type of one-way clutch includes coaxial first and second plates having generally planar clutch faces in closely spaced, juxtaposed relationship. A plurality of recesses or pockets is formed in the face of the first plate at angularly spaced locations about the axis, and a pawl or strut is disposed in each of the pockets. Corresponding notches are formed in the face of the second plate and are engageable with the struts when the first plate is rotating in a driving direction. When the direction of relative rotation of the plates is reversed, the struts disengage the notches in the second plate, thereby allowing freewheeling motion of the first plate with respect to the second plate. Alternatively, the first plate may be provided with the notches, and the second plate may be provided with the pockets.
Each of the first and second plates is typically cast as a single piece from materials such as aluminum and powdered metal. The casting process, however, is relatively expensive and adds significantly to the overall cost of the clutch.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a low cost clutch plate for use with a one-way clutch, wherein the clutch plate includes a plurality of stacked laminas that are secured together to prevent relative laminar movement.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a clutch plate having improved strength as compared with prior art clutch plates.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a one way clutch including at least one plate having a plurality of stacked laminas, wherein the laminas are secured together to prevent relative laminar movement.
In accordance with the invention, a clutch plate adapted for use with a one-way clutch having a torque-load-transmitting member comprises a plurality of stacked laminas. At least two of the laminas cooperate to define a load-bearing surface. The load-bearing surface is cooperable with the torque-load-transmitting member to effect one-way torque-load transfer between the torque-load-transmitting member and the plate. Furthermore, the laminas are secured together to prevent relative movement of any one of the laminas with respect to another of the laminas when the torque-load is transmitted between the torque-load-transmitting member and the plate.
In one embodiment, a plurality of projections and complementary recesses are formed in several of the lamina such that, when stacked, the projections and recesses of adjacent lamina are placed in an interference fit to inhibit relative laminar movement. Furthermore, the plate includes at least one engaging member, such as a pin, disposed within the plurality of stacked laminas and engageable with at least two laminas to further inhibit relative laminar movement.
A one-way clutch according to the invention comprises a first plate having a first load-bearing surface, and a second plate including a plurality of stacked laminas. At least two of the laminas cooperates to define a load-bearing surface. The clutch further includes a torque-load-transmitting member that cooperates with the load-bearing surfaces to effect one-way torque-load transfer between the plates. Additionally, the laminas are secured together to prevent relative movement of any one of the laminas with respect to another of the laminas when the torque-load is transmitted between the plates.
In one embodiment, the torque-load-transmitting member is a strut, and the first plate has a pocket for carrying the strut. The pocket has a pocket engaging surface engageable with the strut and cooperable with the first load-bearing surface to effect torque-load transfer therebetween. The second plate has a notch alignable with the pocket. The notch includes a notch engaging surface engageable with the strut and cooperable with the second load-bearing surface to effect torque-load transfer therebetween.
In another embodiment, the torque-load-transmitting member is a strut, and the first plate has a notch. The notch includes a notch engaging surface engageable with the strut and cooperable with the first load-bearing surface to effect torque-load transfer therebetween. The second plate has a pocket alignable with the notch for carrying the strut. The pocket further includes a pocket engaging surface engageable with the strut and cooperable with the second load-bearing surface to effect torque-load transfer therebetween.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art after review of the best mode for carrying out the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Adams William T
Field Robert H.
Willett Mark A.
Brooks & Kushman PC
Loney Donald J.
Means Industries Inc.
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