192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Automatic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-02-27
Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Automatic
C029S437000, C192S069100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193038
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to one-way clutches for use in mechanisms such as power transmissions, and to a method for manufacturing the same.
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. Further, 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 inner and outer plates having generally planar clutch faces in closely spaced, juxtaposed relationship. A plurality of recesses or pockets is formed in the face of the inner plate at angularly spaced locations about the axis, and a strut or pawl is disposed in each of the pockets. Corresponding notches are formed in the face of the outer plate and are engageable with the struts when the inner 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 outer plate, thereby allowing freewheeling motion of the inner plate with respect to the outer plate.
A typical method for making such a one-way clutch includes casting the outer plate 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. Furthermore, in such case, a retainer is typically required to maintain the inner plate within a flanged portion of the outer plate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved one-way clutch and a method for manufacturing the clutch efficiently and at reduced cost when compared with known methods.
The one-way clutch according to the invention comprises an outer plate assembly including first and second members secured together and having a common axis. An inner plate is disposed between the outer plate's first and second members and is rotatable relative to the first and second members about the axis thereof. One of the group consisting of the second member and the inner plate has at least one strut recess or pocket, and the other of the group consisting of the second member and the inner plate has at least one recess or notch alignable with the at least one strut pocket. The clutch further comprises a torque-transmitting strut disposed in the at least one strut pocket, the strut being engageable with the at least one notch to effect one-way torque transfer between the inner plate and the outer plate.
In one embodiment of the invention, the second member comprises first and second annular elements having mating surfaces that interlock together.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, each of the first and second members preferably has an axially extending flange portion, and the members are secured together such that the flange portions overlap each other.
The method according to the invention comprises forming an inner plate; forming first and second outer plate members having a common axis; forming at least one strut pocket in one of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; forming at least one notch in the other of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; assembling a strut in the at least one strut pocket; inserting the inner plate between the outer plate members; and securing the outer plate members together to form a unitary outer plate assembly such that the inner plate is rotatably retained within the outer plate assembly and the strut is engageable with the at least one notch to effect one-way torque transfer between the inner plate and the outer plate assembly.
The method may also include forming the second outer plate member as two annular elements having mating surfaces, and interlocking the mating surfaces together.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the method preferably includes stamping the first and second outer plate members from sheet stock material and staking the members together to retain the inner plate therebetween. Advantageously, the inner plate is preferably retained without requiring a separate retaining device such as a weir or snap ring.
While exemplary embodiments of a one-way clutch and exemplary methods for making the same are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
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Pawley Brice A.
Prout Jeffrey J.
Ruth Stephen M.
Scott Gary B.
Bonck Rodney H.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Means Industries Inc.
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