Non-proportional resistance actuation of overrunning clutch

Abstract

A driveline (10) includes a clutch assembly (20) having radially spaced input members (18, 26) and output members (16, 28), torque transmitting members (30) between the input and output members, and a cage (32) holding the torque transmitting members. Rotation of the input member in the first direction relative to the output member engages the clutch assembly, and rotation of the output member in the first direction relative to the input member disengages the clutch assembly. The clutch further includes a resistance assembly (24) including a rotatable member (34) coupled to the cage (32) of the clutch assembly (20) and a fixed member (36). The rotatable member (34) rotates relative to the fixed member in a first direction, but rotation of the rotatable member (34) relative to the fixed member (36) in a second direction is restricted, thereby restricting rotation of the input member of the clutch assembly in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch, in particular, a clutch that allows an input member of the clutch to drive an output member of the clutch in a first direction, the output member overruns the input member in the first direction and freewheels relative to the input member in a second direction, and also prevents the input member from rotating in the second direction. Background Art

[0002] Clutches are used in many applications to selectively engage and disengage a drive device (such as a motor) with a driven device (e.g., one or more wheels) in order to transfer torque from the drive device to the driven device. Conventional clutches exist that enable torque to be transferred in one rotational direction (unidirectional) or in two rotational directions (bidirectional), and further, that allow a normally driven member of a clutch attached to the driven device to overtake a driving member of a clutch attached to the drive device. However, conventional clutches are not able to operate in all the different modes required for certain applications. For example, in a specific application for an electric scooter, a clutch is desired that will allow a driving or input member (motor) of the clutch to drive a driven or output member (wheel) of the clutch in a first forward direction, allowing the wheels to overtake the motor in a forward direction and freely rotate relative to the motor in a second reverse direction, while also preventing the motor from reversing.

[0003] The inventors herein have recognized that the need for a clutch would minimize and / or eliminate one or more of the above-identified disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a clutch, in particular, a clutch that allows an input member of the clutch to drive an output member of the clutch in a first direction, the output member overtakes the input member in the first direction and rotates freely relative to the input member in a second direction, and also prevents the input member from rotating in the second direction.

[0005] A clutch according to one embodiment includes a clutch assembly, the clutch assembly including an input member arranged around a first rotation axis and connected to a driving device, an output member arranged around the first rotation axis and connected to a driven device, and a plurality of torque transfer members arranged between the input member and the output member. Rotation of the input member around the first rotation axis in a first rotation direction relative to the output member causes the plurality of torque transfer members to engage the output member. Rotation of the output member around the first rotation axis in a first rotation direction relative to the input member causes the plurality of torque transfer members to disengage from the output member. The clutch assembly further includes a retaining frame configured to retain the plurality of torque transfer members and configured to rotate with the input member. The clutch further includes a resistance assembly, the resistance assembly including a rotatable member, the rotatable member being arranged around a second rotation axis and connected to a retaining frame of the clutch assembly for rotating with the retaining frame. The resistance assembly further includes a fixed member, the fixed member being fixed to prevent rotation around the second rotation axis. The rotatable member rotates about the second axis relative to the stationary member in a first rotational direction, but the rotatable member is restricted from rotating about the second axis relative to the stationary member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby restricting the input member of the clutch assembly from rotating about the first axis in the second rotational direction.

[0006] A clutch according to another embodiment includes a clutch assembly, the clutch assembly including a first member arranged around a first rotation axis, a second member arranged around the first rotation axis and radially spaced from the first member, and a plurality of torque transmission members arranged between the first member and the second member. The rotation of the first member relative to the second member around the first rotation axis in a first rotation direction causes the plurality of torque transmission members to engage the second member. The rotation of the second member relative to the first member around the first rotation axis in the first rotation direction causes the plurality of torque transmission members to disengage from the second member. The clutch assembly further includes a retainer configured to retain the plurality of torque transmission members and configured to rotate with the first member. The clutch further includes a resistance assembly, the resistance assembly including a rotatable member, the rotatable member being arranged around the second rotation axis and coupled to the retainer of the clutch assembly for rotating with the retainer. The resistance assembly further includes a fixed member, the fixed member being fixed to prevent rotation around the second rotation axis. The rotatable member rotates in the first rotation direction relative to the fixed member around the second axis, but the rotation of the rotatable member in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction relative to the fixed member around the second axis is limited, thereby limiting the rotation of the input member of the clutch assembly in the second rotation direction around the first axis.

[0007] The clutch according to the present teachings represents an improvement over conventional clutches. Specifically, the clutch enables a combination of operating modes in which a driving or input member of the clutch is capable of driving a driven or output member of the clutch in a first direction, the driven or output member can overtake the driving or input member in the first direction and is free to rotate relative to the driving or input member in a second direction, and the driving or input member is prevented from rotating in the second direction.

[0008] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system incorporating a clutch according to the present teachings.

[0010] Figure 2-Figure 3 is a perspective view of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present teachings.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2-Figure 3 A perspective view of a clutch with a portion of the clutch removed.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 2-Figure 4 The clutch along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 2-Figure 5 The clutch along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the different views, Figure 1The power generation and transmission system 10 is illustrated. The system 10 includes a drive device 12 for generating power for driving a driven device 14. The drive device 12 may include a conventional motor, which includes, for example, an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or a pneumatic motor. The device 12 may further include a conventional gearbox or a reducer (which may be combined with the motor to form a conventional gear motor) to control the output speed and torque transmitted to the driven device 14. The device 12 may output a rotational torque through an output member 16 (such as a shaft) or another rotating body (such as a gear, a pulley, or a sprocket). For example, the drive device 14 may include, for example, one or more wheels for a transport vehicle (such as a scooter or a bicycle). It should be understood that the form of the device 14 will depend on the application, and the device 14 may include any of a variety of devices configured to receive an input torque. The device 14 may input a rotational torque through an input member 18 (such as a shaft) or another rotating body (such as a gear, a pulley, or a sprocket). Although the devices 12, 14 are labeled herein as "driving" and "driven" devices according to their primary operating modes, it should be understood that the direction of torque transfer through the system 10 can be reversed under certain operating conditions, such that the driven device 14 generates and outputs torque through the member 18, and the driving device 12 inputs torque through the member 16. The system 10 may further include a clutch 20 according to the teachings disclosed herein. The clutch 20 selectively couples the devices 12, 14 to transfer torque between the devices 12, 14. In particular, the clutch 20 receives torque from the output member 16 of the device 12 and selectively transfers the torque to the input member 18 of the device 14. As described above, the clutch 20 can similarly receive torque from the input member 18 of the device 14 and selectively transfer torque to the output member 16 of the device 12 under certain conditions. It should be understood that the output member 16 can be formed in the device 12 or the clutch 20, and similarly, the input member 18 can be formed in the device 14 or the clutch 20.

[0015] Reference now Figure 2-Figure 5 The clutch 20 includes a clutch assembly 22 and a resistance assembly 24. The clutch assembly 22 is configured to selectively transmit torque between the driving device 12 and the driven device 14. Figure 4-Figure 5 , the clutch assembly 22 includes an input member 26, an output member 28, a plurality of torque transfer members 30, and a cage 32. The resistance assembly 24 provides different levels of resistance to the cage 32 of the clutch assembly 22 in order to brake the elements of the clutch assembly 22 and implement certain operating modes of the clutch 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 24 includes a rotatable member 34, a fixed member 36, a device such as a ground frame 38 for preventing the fixed member 36 from rotating, and a device such as a torque transfer member 40 for transmitting braking torque from the fixed member 36 to the rotatable member 34.

[0016] The input member 26 receives torque from the device 12 via the member 16 and selectively transmits the torque to the output member 28 via the torque transfer member 30. The member 26 is disposed about the rotation axis 42 and may be centered about the rotation axis 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the input member 26 is disposed radially inwardly of the output member 28. However, it should be understood that the relative positions of the input member 26 and the output member 28 may be reversed such that the input member 26 is disposed radially outwardly of the output member 28. Figure 6 , the input member 26 is annular in shape and may define a circular hole 44 configured to receive the member 16. The radially inner surface of the member 26 may further define a keyway 46 that communicates with the hole 44 and is configured to receive a key for coupling the input member 26 to the member 16 for rotation with the member 16 about the axis 42. However, it should be understood that the member 26 may be coupled to the member 16 in a variety of ways. The input member 26 defines a plurality of ramps 48 or cam surfaces on a radially outer surface. Each torque transmitting member 30 moves along a corresponding ramp 48 on the input member 26 between an engaged position proximate one end of the ramp 48 and a disengaged position proximate the other end of the ramp 48, in which the member 30 is wedged between the members 26, 28 of the clutch assembly 22 and engages with each member 26, 28, and in which the member 30 is disengaged from the output member 28. Reference Figure 5 The diameter of the member 26 may vary along the axial length of the member 26 and may define a shoulder 50 on either axial end of each ramp 48 that is configured to limit movement of the member 30 relative to the member 26 along the axis 42 .

[0017] The output member 28 transfers the torque received from the input member 26 through the torque transfer member 30 to the device 14 through the member 18. The output member 28 can be coupled to the member 18 in various ways known in the art, depending on the configuration of the member 18. The output member 28 is disposed about the axis 42 and can be centered about the axis 42. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the output member 28 is disposed radially outward of the input member 26. However, it should be understood that the relative positions of the input member 26 and the output member 28 can be reversed, such that the output member 28 is disposed radially inward of the input member 26. The output member 28 is annular in shape and can define a circular aperture that is configured to receive the input member 26, the torque transfer member 30, and the retainer 32. The radially inner surface 52 of the member 28 opposes the ramp 48 on the input member 26 and defines an engagement surface for the torque transfer member 30 during engagement of the clutch assembly 22.

[0018] The torque transfer members 30 transfer torque from the input member 26 to the output member 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the members 30 include rollers. However, it should be understood that the members 30 may take any of a variety of forms conventional in the art, including, for example, detents or wedges. The members 30 are supported by the retainer 32 and may be equally spaced circumferentially between the members 26, 28 about the axis 42. In the illustrated embodiment, each member 30 moves along a corresponding ramp 48 on the input member 26 between an engaged position near one end of the ramp 48 and a disengaged position near the other end of the ramp 48, in which the member 30 is wedged between and engaged with the ramp 48 of the member 26 and the surface 52 of the member 28, and in which the member 30 is disengaged from the surface 52 of the output member 28.

[0019] The cage 32 is provided to maintain the relative circumferential position and spacing of the torque transmitting members 30. According to one aspect of the clutch disclosed herein, the cage 32 is also provided to switch the members 30 between an engaged position and a disengaged position under certain operating conditions of the clutch 20 to allow the output member 28 to rotate freely relative to the input member 26. Figure 5 , the cross-section of the cage 32 is generally Z-shaped. In particular, the cage 32 includes a pair of generally axially extending portions 54, 56 and a generally radially extending portion 58 extending between the portions 54, 56. The portion 54 extends between the input and output members 26, 28 of the clutch assembly 22 and is configured to locate and space the torque transmitting member 30. Figure 6 , portion 54 engages a pair of spaced circumferential segments of each roller 30. Due to the configuration of the input member 26, the torque transfer member 30, and the retainer 32, the retainer 32 is configured to rotate with the input member 30 about the axis 42, but is displaceable relative to the input member 26 in a circumferential direction about the axis 42 to move the torque transfer member 30 between an engaged position and a disengaged position within the clutch assembly 22. Referring again to Figure 5 , a portion 56 of the retainer 32 extends at least partially through the resistance assembly 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion 56 is disposed radially inward of the rotatable member 34. According to one aspect of the clutch 20 disclosed herein, the retainer 32 is coupled to the rotatable member 34 such that the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22 and the rotatable member 34 of the resistance assembly 24 are configured to rotate together with each other. The retainer 32 can be coupled to the rotatable member 34 in a variety of ways conventional in the art, including by fasteners (e.g., welding or adhesives) or by complementary shapes (including crimps, splines, keys and keyways, or interlocking lugs). A portion 58 of the retainer 32 extends between and connects the portions 54, 56. The portions 56, 58 together define a shoulder that is configured to receive and support the resistance assembly 24.

[0020] The rotatable member 34 of the resistance assembly 24 is provided to transmit a braking torque to the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22 through the retainer 32 and the torque transfer member 30 to prevent the input member 26 from rotating in one rotational direction about the axis 42. The rotatable member 34 is disposed about the rotation axis 60 and may be centered about the rotation axis 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 60 coincides with the axis 42. The rotatable member 34 is annular in shape. The inner diameter of the member 34 may be sized to engage the portion 56 of the retainer 32, and the member 34 may be supported on the portion 56 of the retainer 32. The radially outer surface of the member 34 may define an inner race 62 for a bearing 64 disposed between the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36. Another portion of the radially outer surface of the member 34 axially spaced from the race 62 may define an engagement surface 66 for the torque transfer member 40 during engagement of the resistance assembly 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 66 is disposed closer to the clutch assembly 24 than the race 62 , but it is understood that the relative positions of the race 62 and the surface 66 (and thus the bearing 64 and member 40 ) may be reversed.

[0021] The fixed member 36 transmits braking torque to the rotatable member 34 (and ultimately to the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22) to limit or inhibit rotation of the rotatable member 34 (and the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22) in one rotational direction about the axis 60. The fixed member 36 can be disposed about the shaft 60 and can be centered about the shaft 60. The fixed member 36 is fixed by the ground frame 38 to prevent rotation about the axis 60. The member 36 is annular in construction. The radial inner surface of the member 36 can define an outer race 68 for the bearing 64. Another portion of the radial outer surface axially spaced from the race 68 can define an engagement surface 70 for the torque transfer member 40 during engagement of the resistance assembly 24. Again, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface 70 is disposed closer to the clutch assembly 24 than the race 68, but it should be understood that the relative positions of the race 68 and the surface 70 (and thus the bearing 64 and the member 40) can be reversed. The outer diameter of the member 36 is sized to be received within the ground frame 38.

[0022] The ground frame 38 provides a means for inhibiting rotation of the fixed member 36. Figure 4 The ground frame 38 includes a generally circular body 71 and an arm 72 that projects radially outward from the body 71. The arm 72 is configured to be attached to a rotationally fixed structure. The body 71 is configured to be coupled to the fixed member 36 of the resistance assembly 24. Referring again to Figure 5, the body 71 can be configured to surround the fixed member 36 and have an inner diameter that is sized to receive the fixed member 36 and engage the fixed member 36 in an interference fit. The inner diameter of the body 71 can be varied to define a shoulder adjacent to one axial end of the body 71, which is configured to engage the fixed member 36 of the resistance assembly 24 and is opposite to the shoulder formed in the retaining frame 32 and engages the rotatable member 34 of the resistance assembly 24. It should be understood that the mechanical force applied to the fixed member 36 to prevent rotation and the configuration of the grounding frame 38 are merely exemplary. The member 36 can be fixed to prevent rotation in various ways. For example, as opposed to the mechanical force, an electromagnetic force can be used to maintain the position of the fixed member 36. As opposed to the specific structure of the grounding frame 38, a variety of different structures can be formed to connect the member 36 to the fixed structure and inhibit the rotation of the fixed member 36 in other ways.

[0023] The torque transfer member 40 transfers the braking torque from the fixed member 36 to the rotatable member 34. The member 40 may include a wedge. However, it should be understood that the member 40 may take any of a variety of forms conventional in the art, including, for example, a pawl. The member 40 may be supported by a retainer (not shown) and biased to a predetermined position by a spring (not shown) in a conventional manner. The member 40 may be equidistantly spaced circumferentially between the members 34 and 36 around the axis 60. When the rotatable member 34 rotates in one rotational direction around the axis 60, the member 40 is in a disengaged position, wherein the member 40 is disengaged from one or both of the surfaces 66, 70 in the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36, and torque is not transmitted between the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36. As the rotatable member 34 rotates in an opposite rotational direction about the axis 60, the member 40 moves (e.g., due to centrifugal force) from the disengaged position to the engaged position, in which the member 40 is wedged between and engages with the surfaces 66, 70 in the rotatable member 34 and the stationary member 36, such that braking torque is transferred from the stationary member 36 to the rotatable member 34.

[0024] While a specific embodiment of the resistance assembly 24 in the form of a friction clutch has been described above, it should be understood that the resistance assembly 24 can be formed in a variety of different ways that allow a rotatable member (such as member 34) to rotate in one rotational direction (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) about axis 60 relative to fixed member 36 and restrict the rotatable member 34 from rotating in an opposite rotational direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) about axis 60 relative to fixed member 36. By changing the type of torque transmitting member between the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36, the resistance assembly 42 can be formed as, for example, a different type of clutch. Alternatively, the resistance assembly 24 can be formed as a braking system (e.g., rotatable (rotor) and fixed (stator) discs selectively engaged by mechanical, fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) or electromagnetic forces).

[0025] The clutch 20 has several different operating modes. In one operating mode, the clutch 20 is configured to transfer torque from the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22 to the output member 28 of the clutch assembly 22 to cause the output member 28 to rotate in a first rotational direction. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the input member 26 relative to the output member 28 in a clockwise direction causes the torque transmitting member 30 to move along the ramp 48 from the disengaged position to the engaged position, in which the member 30 is wedged between the input member 26 and the output member 28 and engages corresponding surfaces of the input member 26 and the output member 28 (the ramp 48 and the surface 72). Referring again to Figure 5 In this manner, torque is transferred from the input member 26 to the output member 28, causing the output member 28 to also rotate in a clockwise direction about the axis 42. The cage 32 rotates in a clockwise direction with the input member 26, causing a corresponding rotation of the rotatable member 48 in a clockwise direction about the axis 60. The resistance assembly 24 is configured to allow the rotatable member 34 to rotate in a clockwise direction. Thus, the torque transfer member 40 is in a disengaged position, wherein the member 40 does not engage at least one of the rotatable member 34 and the stationary member 36, and the rotatable member 34 is able to rotate relative to the stationary member 36. The mass of the rotatable member 34 applies a relatively low resistance to the cage 32.

[0026] In another operating mode, the clutch 20 is configured to operate as an overrunning clutch in one rotational direction. As described above, when the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22 rotates in a clockwise direction relative to the output member 28 of the clutch assembly 22, the clutch assembly 22 engages and drives the output member 28 in the same direction and at the same speed as the input member 26. However, if a greater torque is applied to the output member 28, causing the output member to rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the input member 26 about the axis 42 at a greater speed, the torque transfer member 30 will move along the ramp 48 on the input member 26 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, in which the member 30 is no longer wedged between the input member 26 and the output member 28 and is no longer engaging the surface 52 of the output member 28. Therefore, when the output member 28 rotates in a clockwise direction at a greater speed than the input member 26, the output member 28 is able to overtake the input member 26.

[0027] In another mode of operation, the clutch 20 is configured to disengage the clutch assembly 22 when the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22 is driven in the clockwise direction by the drive device 12, but the output member is driven in the counterclockwise direction by the driven device 14 having a greater torque, thereby allowing the output member 28 to rotate freely in the counterclockwise direction relative to the input member 26. The relative rotation of the input and output members 26, 28 (where the input member 26 rotates in the clockwise direction and the output member 28 rotates in the counterclockwise direction) initially causes engagement of the clutch assembly 22, as described above. However, when a greater torque than the input member 26 is applied to the output member 28, the torque applied to the input member 26 in the clockwise direction will be overcome, and the torque transfer member 30, the cage 32 and the input member 26 will be driven in the counterclockwise direction about the axis 42. The rotation of the cage 32 in the counterclockwise direction causes the rotatable member 34 of the resistance assembly 24 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the axis 60. Rotation of the rotatable member 34 relative to the fixed member 36 of the resistance assembly 24 in a counterclockwise direction causes the torque transfer member 40 of the resistance assembly 24 to move from a disengaged position to an engaged position in which the member 40 is wedged between the surfaces 66, 70 of the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36. Since the fixed member 36 is fixed against rotation by the ground frame 38, braking torque is applied to the rotatable member 34 through the torque transfer member 40, and further rotation of the rotatable member 34 is inhibited. Because the retainer 32 is coupled to the rotatable member 34, further rotation of the retainer 32 about the axis 42 is also inhibited. The retainer body 32 applies a force to the torque transfer member 30 in the clutch assembly 22, causing the member 30 to move along the ramp 48 from the engaged position between the input member and the output member 26, 28 to the disengaged position. After the clutch assembly 22 is disengaged, the output member 28 can rotate or freely rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the input member 26 about the axis 42. Continued application of torque to input member 26 in the clockwise direction will cause input member 26 to rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby recovering and disengaging resistance assembly 24 with corresponding rotation of torque transfer member 30 , cage 32 , and rotatable member 34 of resistance assembly 24 .

[0028] In another operating mode, the clutch 20 is configured to operate as a brake and freewheeling clutch when the input member 26 is driven in the opposite rotational direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment). Figure 6When the input member 26 is driven by the drive device 12 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis 42, the torque transmitting member 30 moves along the ramp 48 from the engaged position to the disengaged position if the clutch assembly 24 is engaged, or remains in the disengaged position if the clutch assembly 22 is already disengaged. In the engaged position, the member 30 is wedged between the ramp 48 of the input member 26 and the surface 52 of the output member 28, and in the disengaged position, the member 30 does not engage the surface 52 of the output member 28. Figure 5 Once the member 30 is in the disengaged position, the cage 32 and rotatable member 34 of the resistance assembly 24 are driven in a counterclockwise direction by rotation of the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22. The rotation of the rotatable member 34 in the counterclockwise direction relative to the fixed member 36 of the resistance assembly 24 causes the torque transfer member 40 of the resistance assembly 24 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position in which the member 40 becomes wedged between the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36 and engages corresponding surfaces 66, 70 in the rotatable member 34 and the fixed member 36. Because the fixed member 36 is fixed against rotation by its attachment to the grounded frame 38, a braking torque is applied to the rotatable member 34 and further rotation of the rotatable member 34 is inhibited. Because the retainer 32 is coupled to the rotatable member 34, the rotatable member 34 applies a relatively heavy resistance to the retainer 32, thereby inhibiting further rotation of the retainer 32 and the torque transfer member 30 of the clutch assembly 22 about the axis 42, and thus inhibiting further rotation of the input member 26 in the counterclockwise direction about the axis 42. Therefore, the clutch 20 brakes the rotation of the input member 26 in the counterclockwise direction, and depending on the coupling between the drive device 12 and the input member 26, the clutch 20 may also brake the rotation of the drive device 12. Because the clutch assembly 22 is disengaged, the output member 28 can rotate (freewheel) in either rotational direction relative to the input member 26. The input member 26, the retainer 32, and the rotatable member 30 will remain stationary unless and until the torque drives the input member 26 in the counterclockwise direction to exceed the friction force that maintains the connection between (i) the rotatable member 34 and the torque transfer member 40 of the resistance assembly 24, (ii) the torque transfer member 40 and the fixed member 36, or (iii) the fixed member 36 and the ground frame 38. Thus, one or more elements of the resistance assembly 24 may be configured to establish a predetermined amount of torque that, when applied to the input member 26 of the clutch assembly 22, will allow the input member 26 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. For example, an interference fit between the stationary member 36 and the ground frame 38 may be configured to establish the predetermined amount of torque, thereby allowing the stationary member 36 and other elements of the resistance assembly 24 to rotate when the predetermined torque is applied and avoiding potential damage to the resistance assembly 24.

[0029] The clutch 20 according to the teachings of the present invention represents an improvement over conventional clutches. Specifically, the clutch 20 enables a combination of multiple operating modes in which a driving or input member 26 of the clutch 20 is capable of driving a driven or output member 28 of the clutch 20 in a first direction, the driven or output member 28 can overtake the driving or input member 26 in the first direction, and is free to rotate relative to the driving or input member 26 in a second direction, and the driving or input member 26 is prevented from rotating in the second direction.

[0030] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to one or more specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A clutch, comprising: A clutch assembly, the clutch assembly comprising: an input member disposed about a first rotational axis and coupled to a drive device; an output member disposed about the first rotational axis and coupled to a driven device; a plurality of torque transfer members disposed between the input member and the output member, rotation of the input member relative to the output member about the first rotational axis in a first rotational direction causing the plurality of torque transfer members to engage the output member, and rotation of the output member relative to the input member about the first rotational axis in the first rotational direction causing the plurality of torque transfer members to disengage from the output member; and, a retainer configured to retain the plurality of torque transmitting members and configured for rotation with the input member; and, A resistance component, the resistance component comprising: a rotatable member disposed about a second axis of rotation and coupled to the cage of the clutch assembly for rotation therewith; and, a fixing member fixed to prevent rotation about the second rotation axis; wherein the rotatable member rotates about the second axis relative to the fixed member in the first rotation direction, but the rotatable member is restricted from rotating about the second axis relative to the fixed member in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, thereby restricting the input member of the clutch assembly from rotating about the first axis in the second rotation direction.

2. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The second rotation axis coincides with the first rotation axis.

3. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The input member is disposed radially inward of the output member.

4. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The input member is disposed radially outward of the output member.

5. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of torque transmitting members of the clutch assembly include rollers, and the input member defines a plurality of ramps facing the output member and traveling with the rollers.

6. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer includes a first axially extending portion, a second axially extending portion, and a radially extending portion, wherein the first axially extending portion extends between the input member and the output member of the clutch assembly, the second axially extending portion is connected to the rotatable member of the resistance assembly, and the radially extending portion extends between the first axially extending portion and the second axially extending portion.

7. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The cage engages a first radial surface of the rotatable member that is opposite a second radial surface of the rotatable member that faces the stationary member. 8 . The clutch of claim 1 , further comprising a ground frame engaging the stationary member with an interference fit.

9. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The resistance assembly further includes a plurality of torque transfer members, which are arranged between the rotatable member and the fixed member, and the rotation of the rotatable member relative to the fixed member around the second rotation axis in the first rotation direction causes the plurality of torque transfer members of the resistance assembly to disengage from at least one of the rotatable member and the fixed member, and the rotation of the rotatable member around the second rotation axis in the second rotation direction relative to the fixed member causes the plurality of torque transfer members of the resistance assembly to engage with both the rotatable member and the fixed member.

10. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein: During rotation of the input member relative to the output member in the first rotation direction at a second torque less than the first torque, rotation of the output member relative to the input member about the first rotation axis in the second rotation direction at the first torque causes the output member to disengage from the plurality of torque transmitting members, thereby allowing rotation of the input member about the first rotation axis in the first rotation direction and rotation of the output member about the first rotation axis in the second rotation direction.

11. A clutch comprising: A clutch assembly, the clutch assembly comprising: a first member disposed about a first rotation axis; a second member disposed about the first axis of rotation and radially spaced from the first member; a plurality of torque transfer members disposed between the first member and the second member, wherein rotation of the first member relative to the second member about the first rotation axis in a first rotational direction causes the plurality of torque transfer members to engage with the second member, and rotation of the second member relative to the first member about the first rotation axis in the first rotational direction causes the plurality of torque transfer members to disengage from the second member; and, a retainer configured to retain the plurality of torque transmitting members and configured to rotate together with the first member; and, A resistance component, the resistance component comprising: a rotatable member disposed about a second axis of rotation and coupled to the cage of the clutch assembly for rotation therewith; and, a fixing member fixed to prevent rotation about the second rotation axis; wherein the rotatable member rotates about the second axis relative to the fixed member in the first rotation direction, but the rotatable member is restricted from rotating about the second axis relative to the fixed member in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, thereby restricting the input member of the clutch assembly from rotating about the first axis in the second rotation direction.

12. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The second rotation axis coincides with the first rotation axis.

13. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The first member is disposed radially inward of the second member.

14. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The first member is disposed radially outward of the second member.

15. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of torque transmitting members of the first clutch assembly include rollers, and the first member defines a plurality of ramps facing the second member and traveling with the rollers.

16. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The retainer includes a first axially extending portion, a second axially extending portion, and a radially extending portion, wherein the first axially extending portion extends between the first member and the second member of the clutch assembly, the second axially extending portion is connected to the rotatable member of the resistance assembly, and the radially extending portion extends between the first axially extending portion and the second axially extending portion.

17. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The cage engages a first radial surface of the rotatable member that is opposite a second radial surface of the rotatable member that faces the stationary member.

18. The clutch of claim 11 further comprising a ground frame engaging the stationary member with an interference fit.

19. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: The resistance assembly further includes a plurality of torque transfer members, which are arranged between the rotatable member and the fixed member, and the rotation of the rotatable member relative to the fixed member around the second rotation axis in the first rotation direction causes the plurality of torque transfer members of the resistance assembly to disengage from at least one of the rotatable member and the fixed member, and the rotation of the rotatable member around the second rotation axis in the second rotation direction relative to the fixed member causes the plurality of torque transfer members of the resistance assembly to engage with both the rotatable member and the fixed member.

20. The clutch according to claim 11, wherein: During rotation of the first member relative to the second member in the first rotation direction at a second torque less than the first torque, rotation of the second member relative to the first member around the first rotation axis in the second rotation direction at the first torque causes disengagement of the second member from the plurality of torque transmitting members, thereby allowing rotation of the first member around the first rotation axis in the first rotation direction and rotation of the second member around the first rotation axis in the second rotation direction.

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