Cam clutch

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12104656-B2
Application number	US-202217977235-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 31, 2022
Priority date	Nov 1, 2021
Publication date	Oct 1, 2024
Grant date	Oct 1, 2024

Abstract

The present invention aims at providing a cam clutch that realizes a reduction in production cost, improves productivity and assemblability, and increases the degree of design freedom. The cam clutch includes: an inner race and an outer race that are coaxial and rotatable relative to each other; a plurality of cams circumferentially arranged between the inner race and the outer race; and positioning members that keep each two adjacent cams at fixed positions relative to each other. The positioning members are configured to link each two adjacent cams such as to be tiltable independently of each other.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A cam clutch comprising:
an inner race and an outer race that are coaxial and rotatable relative to each other;
a plurality of cams circumferentially arranged between the inner race and the outer race; and
positioning members that keep each two adjacent cams at fixed positions relative to each other,
the positioning members being configured to link each two adjacent cams to be tiltable independently of each other,
wherein the cams each include a plurality of cam plates having an identical outer contour and arranged in parallel along a direction of a tilt axis around which the cams tilt, and a link pin extending along the direction of the tilt axis and connecting the plurality of cam plates together,
the positioning members being loosely fitted on each of the link pins of each two adjacent cams.

2. The cam clutch according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cam plates are connected together by the link pin at two circumferentially spaced apart locations.

3. The cam clutch according to claim 1 , further comprising an annular spring biasing the plurality of cams in a direction in which the cams wedge against the inner race and the outer race,
the positioning members being configured to make contact with the annular spring and to receive a biasing force from the annular spring.

Assignees

• Tsubakimoto Chain Co

Inventors

• HANAWA Yuto

Classifications

• F16D2023/123

  Clutch actuation by cams, ramps or ball-screw mechanisms · CPC title

• F16D2041/0605

  Spring details · CPC title

• F16D23/12 Primary

  Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such (specific for combined clutches F16D21/00; mechanisms specific for synchronisation F16D23/02) · CPC title

• F16D41/07 Primary

  between two cylindrical surfaces · CPC title

• F16D41/076 Primary

  the wedging coupling members being non-releasably joined to form a single annular piece, e.g. either the members being integral projections from the piece, or the piece being an elastic ring cast round the radial centres of the members · CPC title