Bi-directional overrunning clutch and a system using the same

Abstract

A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (100) driven by a motor (102) having a motor shaft (104) is disclosed. The assembly includes an input shaft (110) defining contact edges (114) and configured to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft. A roller clutch assembly (120), which is engageably coupled to the input shaft, includes a roller cage (124) defining an opening through which the input shaft extends, and rollers (122) wedged in a plurality of gaps (128) defined by the roller cage. The rollers are positionable around the input shaft and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. An output shaft is engageably coupled to the roller clutch assembly and configured to rotate relative to the roller cage. In response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges permit rollers to move toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft.

Description

[0001] BI-DIRECTIONAL OVERRUNNING CLUTCH AND A SYSTEM USING THE SAME

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 449,714, filed March 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention generally relates to bi-directional overrunning roller clutch assemblies and systems that can include bi-directional overrunning roller clutch assemblies.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Overrunning roller clutches typically permit rotation in only one direction. In contrast, a bi-directional overrunning clutch will drive and overrun in forward or reverse directions. The bi-directional overrunning clutch can also be used to transmit torque when needed to a driven shaft. Nevertheless, improvements are desired regarding means of positioning a device, such as a display, screen, or monitor, via electromechanical and / or manual methods.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects of the invention provide for bi-directional overrunning roller clutch assemblies and systems that can include bi-directional overrunning roller clutch assemblies.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly is configured to be driven by a motor having a motor shaft. The bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly has an input shaft configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft. The input shaft has an end portion defining contact edges. A roller clutch assembly is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft. The roller clutch assembly includes a roller cage and rollers. The roller cage defines an opening through which the input shaft extends. Rollers are wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage. Further, the rollers are positionable around the input shaft and movable between an locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps. The assembly also has an output shaft engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly. The output shaft is also configured to rotate about an axis and relative to the roller cage. In response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permit movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed. The system includes a motor having a motor shaft. An input shaft is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft. The input shaft includes an end portion defining contact edges. The system also has a component having a surface. An output shaft has a first end portion engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion coupled directly or indirectly to the surface of the component. The output shaft is configured to rotate about an axis. A roller clutch assembly is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft. The roller clutch assembly comprises a roller cage and rollers. The roller cage defines an opening through which the input shaft extends, and rollers are wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage. The rollers are positionable around the input shaft and movable between a locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps. In response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permit movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

[0014] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view depicting an embodiment of a system in accordance with aspects of the invention; FIG. IB is a rear perspective view depicting the system of FIG. 1A;

[0015] FIG. 1C is a front view depicting the system of FIG. 1A;

[0016] FIG. ID is a rear view depicting the system of FIG. 1A;

[0017] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view depicting an embodiment of a bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 2A, taken along line 2B-2B;

[0019] FIG. 2C is a side view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a side view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 2A, with an exemplary output shaft in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 3A;

[0022] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 3A;

[0023] FIGS. 4A-4B are front perspective views depicting a roller clutch assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 5A is a perspective view depicting an exemplary roller cage of the roller clutch assembly of FIGS. 4A-4B in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 5B is a front view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 5A;

[0026] FIG. 5C is a rear view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 5A;

[0027] FIG. 5D is a side view of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 5A;

[0028] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view depicting an exemplary output shaft in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 6B is a front view of the output shaft of FIG. 6A;

[0030] FIG. 6C is a rear view of the output shaft of FIG. 6A;

[0031] FIG. 6D is a side view of the output shaft of FIG. 6A;

[0032] FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of the output shaft of FIG. 6A;

[0033] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view depicting an exemplary motor in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 7B is a side view of the motor of FIG. 7A;

[0035] FIG. 70 is a rear view of the motor of FIG. 7A;

[0036] FIG. 7D is a front view of the motor of FIG. 7A; FIGS. 8A-8C depict views of an embodiment of panel assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention, showing a latch;

[0037] FIGS. 9A-9B are front and rear perspective views depicting an exemplary output shaft attached to an exemplary bevel gear in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 9C is a side view of the output shaft of FIG. 9A;

[0039] FIG. 9D is a rear view of the motor of FIG. 9A;

[0040] FIG. 9E is a front view of the motor of FIG. 9A; and

[0041] FIGS. 10A-10B depict views of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of FIG. 2A, showing details of internal components.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. Furthermore, one of skill in the art would readily be able to utilize various aspects of the embodiments in different fields of endeavor.

[0044] Additionally, various forms and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. It will be appreciated that the combination and arrangement of some or all features of any of the embodiments with other embodiments is specifically contemplated herein. Accordingly, this detailed disclosure expressly includes the specific embodiments illustrated herein, combinations and subcombinations of features of the illustrated embodiments, and variations of the illustrated embodiments.

[0045] Various terms are used throughout the disclosure to describe the physical shape or arrangement of features. A number of these terms are used to describe features that conform to a cylindrical or generally cylindrical geometry characterized by a radius and a center axis perpendicular to the radius. Unless a different meaning is specified, the terms are given the following meanings. The terms "longitudinal", "longitudinally", "axial" and "axially" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that is parallel to a center axis. The terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that is perpendicular to the center axis. The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that extends in a radial direction toward the center axis. The terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that extends in a radial direction away from the center axis. In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.

[0046] Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "mounted," "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0047] The terms "display" or "screen" or "monitor" may be used interchangeably. Embodiments of this invention can be used with displays, screens, monitors, and combinations thereof. Generally, embodiments of this invention make it possible to provide a provide a means of electromechanically or manually positioning a device (e.g. a display, screen, monitor, etc.), as well as means of electromechanically or manually adjusting the device, without requiring application of a reverse driving torque to the motor shaft. For example, embodiments of this invention permits a user to position or move the device electromechanically or manually, by providing a bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly that permits rotation or motion of the output shaft in both forward and reverse directions, but prevents mechanical overrides via the output shaft reverse or back driving the input shaft connected to the motor shaft (e.g. manually adjusting drop down screens in cars from back driving motor). In contrast to conventional one-way roller clutches, this bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly permits the output shaft to decouple from the input shaft, thereby advantageously reducing the number of components, simplifying overall design, and reducing costs related to maintenance or breakages.

[0048] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1D depict an embodiment of a system incorporating an exemplary bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly, in accordance with aspects of the invention. As a general overview, system 1000 may include a screen 1010 and a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 configured to be driven by a motor 102 having a motor shaft 104. Generally, one or more components of bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 are affixed by way of well-known means, including welding, adhesives, riveting, or other fastening or affixing means. Yet, in a further embodiment, the one or more components of bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 are combined to form one or more integral structures. One or more components of the system 1000 comprising a screen assembly, may be supported by a base 1020. In one non-limiting example, the base 1020 is configured to provide support to at least the screen 1010. Correspondingly, the base 1020 may be configured to affix to the back of a car seat, a plane seat, a door, a wall, or any other structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 1020 extends between a first end 1020a and a second end 1020b. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D2, base 1020 generally has a rectangular geometry with regular borders, but one skilled in the art would appreciate from the description herein that base 1020 may have a geometry based on the size and shape of one or more components of the system 1000 comprising said screen assembly. As shown on FIG. 1C, positioned on the first end 1020a is a motor housing 1030 configured to enclose the motor 102. In an exemplary embodiment, spaced apart from the motor housing 1030 is a first mounting surface 1040, which extends upwardly from the first end 1020a of the base 1020, as illustrated in at least FIG. 1C. On the second end 1020b of the base 1020 is a second mounting surface 1050, which extends upwardly from the second end 1020b of the base 1020 and is spaced apart from the first mounting surface 1040 and / or motor housing 1030. In an exemplary embodiment, the second mounting surfaces 1040 defines an opening through which a support shaft 1060 extends. As best shown in FIG. ID, support shaft 1060 is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to a surface 1010a (e.g. rear surface) of the screen 1010. In a non-limiting example, the support shaft 1060 is coupled to indirectly to the screen 1010a via a mounting plate 1070 and known attachment mechanisms (e.g. screws of fasteners) are used to couple the mounting plate 1070 and shaft 1060 to the screen 1010.

[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 10A-10B, one or more components of the bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly 100 (discussed below) is coupled to the first mounting surface 1040. In general, the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 includes an input shaft 110, a roller clutch assembly 120, and an output shaft 130. Details of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 is discussed further below.

[0050] The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 (FIG. 3A) is configured to be driven by the motor 102 having the motor shaft 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the input shaft has an end portion 112 defining contact edges 114 (FIG. 10B). The contact edges 114 are designed to facilitate rolling or movement of the roller 122 while contacting the contact edges 114. Preferably, contact edges 114 may have a shape and size so as to interact with rollers 122 (discussed below) by pushing against or facilitating movement of the rollers 122 toward an inner surface 132 of the output shaft 130, thereby facilitating rotation of output shaft 130. Although FIG. 10B illustrates end portion 112 as having a generally square geometry, such that contact edges 114 are shown as forming sharp (right angle) corners, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that the illustrated shape and size of the contact edges 114 are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 3A- 3C, the input shaft 110 is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft 104. Additionally, the input shaft 110 is configured to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft 104 when the motor 102 is activated. Input shaft 110 has a longitudinal axis. The input shaft 110 may be designed as a hollow cylinder, to reduce the weight and cost of materials, or as solid cylinder, to increase strength and durability of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100. Various dimensions of the input shaft 110, including non-uniform widths, lengths, cross- sectional shapes and circumferences, will be understood by one of skill in the art from the description herein.

[0052] A roller clutch assembly 120 is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft 110. Generally, the roller clutch assembly 120 may be configured to improve the sensation that a user feels such as when a system 1000 comprising the screen assembly, having bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 does not immediately, evenly, and / or smoothly lock upon rotation in the forward or reverse direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller clutch assembly 120 includes a roller cage 124 and one or more rollers 122. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A- 4B and 5A-5D, in an exemplary embodiment, the roller cage 124 includes a body 144 which generally forms a hollow and cylindrical geometry. Following this general geometry, a plurality of cage legs 142 extend away from the body 144, with gaps formed therebetween. In one embodiment, the cage legs 124 extend from the body 144 as separate components. Alternatively, the cage legs 124 form an integral part of the body 144. Roller cage 124 includes feet portion 146 (FIG. 5A) of the cage legs 124 are designed to secure the output shaft 130 to the roller clutch assembly 120 (FIG. 3C). Although FIGS. 5A-5C depict cage 124 having four cage legs 142, various modifications to the cage legs 142 may be readily implemented by one of skill in the art without deviating from the present invention.

[0053] The cage legs 142 form a plurality of gaps 128 therebetween, in which rollers 122 are wedged when the roller clutch assembly 120 is assembled. The dimensions of the one or more rollers 122 and / or the gaps 128 defined by the cage 124 are such that the one or more rollers 122 are moveable against inner surface 132 of the output shaft 130. Additionally or optionally, the rollers 122 may be free to rotate in a first position (e.g. forward position) and in a second position (e.g. reverse position) within the gaps 128. Further additionally or optionally, the size and shape of the cage legs 142 may bias the rollers 122 toward a locked position (discussed below), whereby the rollers 120 are wedged and / or inhibited from rolling or movement. Although FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate four rollers 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, each positionable within a different gap 128 defined by cage 124, one of skill in the art would readily understand that more or less than four rollers 122 may be utilized without deviating from the teachings herein. In one embodiment, the rollers 122 are cylinders. In another embodiment, the rollers 122 are spheres. Further non-limiting examples of rollers 122 include balls, tapered rollers, rolling elements, and the like. Preferably, the circumference of the one or more rollers 122 are substantially the same. It should be understood that various modifications to the rollers 122 would be readily understood by one of skill and do not deviate from the present invention.

[0054] The roller cage 124 also defines an opening 126 through which the input shaft 110 extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the rollers 122 are positionable around the input shaft 110 when the input shaft 100 extends through opening 126. Additionally or optionally, the rollers 122 are movable between a locked position in which the rollers 122 are not wedged in the plurality of gaps 128 and an unlocked position in which the rollers 122 are wedged in the plurality of gaps 128.

[0055] Turning now to FIGs. 6A-6E, an exemplary embodiment of the output shaft 130 is disclosed. Generally, an output shaft 130 is configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly 120. As discussed above, the shaft 130, or a portion thereof, may be secured by the first mounting surface 1040 (FIG. 1C) at one end and by another mounting surface, such as mounting plate 170, at another end. Output shaft 130 has a longitudinal axis. The output shaft 130 may be designed as having a hollow generally cylindrical shape, to reduce the weight and cost of materials, or as solid generally cylindrical shape, to increase strength and durability of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the output shaft may have a second end portion comprising a rod section 130a and a first end portion comprising a cylindrical section 130b integrally formed with the rod section 130a, with the rod section 130a configured to be coupled to the mounting plate 170 and the cylindrical section 130b defining the inner surface 132 and an engagement section 134 (discussed below), which is configured to be coupled to at least the roller clutch assembly 120. Cylindrical section 130b also defines an opening 136 configured to enclose one or more components of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100, including but not limited to the roller clutch assembly 120. Various dimensions of the output shaft 130, including non-uniform widths, lengths, cross-sectional shapes and circumferences, will be understood by one of skill in the art from the description herein.

[0056] In one embodiment, output shaft 130 has the engagement section 134 (FIG. 3C) within inner surface 132 of the shaft 130 that engages one or more components of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100, including but not limited to roller 122 in the locked position, the roller cage 124, the input shaft 110, and a combination thereof. Specifically, the engagement section 134 of the output shaft 130 has a complementary configuration to one or more components of the bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly 100, including but not limited to roller 122 in the locked position, the roller cage 124, the input shaft 110, and a combination thereof, in order to facilitate mating or movement of one or more components of bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly 100 relative to one another.

[0057] The functionality of the aforementioned features will now be discussed in more detail below. Embodiments of the present invention enable a user to position or move a device (e.g. screen, monitor, display, or the like) electromechanically or manually, by providing a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 that permits rotation or motion of the output shaft 130 in both forward and reverse directions, but prevents mechanical overrides via the output shaft 130 reverse or back driving the input shaft 110 connected to the motor shaft 104 (e.g. manually adjusting drop down screens in cars from back driving motor).

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, when the motor 102 is activated and motor shaft 104 rotates, input shaft 110 moves in response to motion of the motor shaft 104. Movement of the contact edges 114 of the input shaft 110 thus permits movement of the rollers 122 toward the locked position in which the rollers 122 restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft 130. Conversely, non-movement of the contact edges 114 of the end portion of the input shaft 110 permit movement of the rollers 122 toward the unlocked position in which the rollers 122 permit rotation of the output shaft 130 in forward or reverse directions. Additionally or optionally, the output shaft 130 is configured to rotate about an axis that is parallel to its longitudinal axis and relative to the roller cage 124. The output shaft 130 is configured to be decoupled from the input shaft 110, such as when the rollers 122 are in the unlocked position in which the rollers 122 are not urged by the contact edges 114 of the input shaft 110 to move against the inner surface 132 of output shaft 130. In this free-movement configuration, the output shaft 130 may continuously rotate around and relative to roller cage 124 with minimal to no hindrance from the rollers 122 in the locked position in which the one or more rollers 122 are wedged in the plurality of gaps 128. More specifically, in one embodiment, as the output shaft 130 rotates in the neutral or free-movement direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), the output shaft does not provide a mechanical override by driving the input shaft 110 to move. However, in the same embodiment, as the input shaft 110 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction (e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise), the rollers 110 move toward the locked position in which the one or more rollers 122 bear against the inner surface 132 of the output shaft 130, thereby restricting or resisting the output shaft 130 from rotation. Thus, movement of the device (e.g. screen) in a forward or reverse direction may be facilitated electromechanically and a mechanical or manual override is provided, which operates independently of the input shaft 110 connected to motor 102.

[0059] Assemblies and / or systems employing embodiments of the present invention include systems comprising roller clutch assemblies, adjustable hinge assemblies, and screen assemblies with a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and an adjustable hinge. Such assemblies and / or systems may further include infinite angular adjustability. Additionally, assemblies, such as panel assemblies 2000, employing embodiments of the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly, such as bidirectional overrunning clutch assembly 200, which has similar details and functions as bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100, may also be equipped with a latching mechanism, such as electronic lock 2100, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. In this embodiment, the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly 100 provides a manual or mechanical override for the electronic lock 2100.

[0060] FIGS. 8A-8C depict views of an embodiment of panel assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention. In this embodiment, a panel 2300 (e.g. a movable door or panel) is provided. In a non-limiting example, panel 2300 is movable relative to a frame (not shown), and together the panel 2300 and the frame form an enclosure having an interior. The panel 2300 also provides an opening through which an actuator 2700 is engageably coupled to one or more operational components of electronic lock 2100. A motor housing, such as motor housing 1030 as described above is positionable on a surface (e.g. rear surface) of panel 2300. Spaced apart from motor housing 1030 is a mounting surface 2040, the details of which is similar to that of the first mounting surface 1040 described above.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, the output shaft 2130 is similar to output shaft 130 described above, except that output shaft 2130 is connected to a bevel gear 2500. The bevel gear 2500 defines a gear tooth surface configured to engage with directly or indirectly with a lock gear set 2600. Gear set 2600 comprises a first lock gear 2610 and a second lock gear 2620 spaced apart from the first gear 2610, thereby forming a gap therebetween. Each of the first lock and second lock gears 2610, 2620 include respective gear teeth configured to engage with -lithe bevel gear 2500. Engageably coupled to the second lock gear 2320, which is a disposed a distance father from panel 2300 compared to the first lock gear 2610, is a cam lever 2400. Cam lever 2400 is rotatable between a latching position in which access to an interior is prevented and an unlatching position in which access to the interior is permitted.

[0062] In operation, and similar to the embodiments discussed above, activation of motor 102 rotates the motor shaft 104. In response to motion of motor shaft 104, input shaft 110 engageably coupled to the motor shaft 104 also rotates, thereby urging the rollers 122 to move toward the locked position in which the rollers 122 are not wedged in plurality of gaps 128 and rollers 122 move against the inner surface 132 of the output shaft 130. Conversely, when the motor 102 stops (or is stationary) or alternatively, when the motor 102 rotates in an opposite rotational direction, nonmovement of the contact edges 114 of the end portion of the input shaft 110 permit movement of the rollers 122 toward the unlocked position in which the rollers 122 permit rotation of the output shaft 130 in forward or reverse directions. In response to motion of the rollers 122 toward the unlocked position, the output shaft 130 is permitted to rotate, thereby rotating bevel gear 2500, which is engageably coupled to the output shaft 130. In an exemplary embodiment, first lock gear 2610 and second lock gear 2620 are each configured to rotate about an axis 'A' (FIG. 8B). Additionally, lock gear set 2600 is configured to also rotate about axis 'A' in response to motion of bevel gear 2500 connected to output shaft 130. Likewise, cam lever 2400 is rotatable about axis 'A' in response to motion of lock gear set 2600. In contrast, bevel gear 2500 and output shaft 130 are configured to rotate about an axis 'B' (FIG. 8B), which is perpendicular to axis 'A'.

[0063] As can be appreciated by the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 8B-8C, the gap between first lock gear 2610 and second lock gear 2620 permits rotation of cam lever 2400 between the locking and unlocking positions, without requiring motion or rotation of an actuator 2700 in response to activation of motor 102 and resulting movements of one or more components of the panel assembly 2000.

[0064] However, in the same embodiment, a mechanical or manual override of the electronic lock 2100 (e.g. in case of loss of power or electromechanical failure, etc.) permits the user to rotate cam lever 2400 between the locking and unlocking positions, independently of the input shaft 110 and motor 102. In operation, actuation of actuator 2700 would in turn cause lock gear set 2600 to rotate in response to motion of actuator 2700, thereby rotating cam lever 2400 that is engageably coupled directly or indirectly to second lock gear 2620. Thus, the actuator 2700 is able to freely rotate the cam lever 2400 between the locking and unlocking positions, upon actuation by the user. Since the rollers 122 are in the unlocked position (e.g. when motor 102 is deactivated), the output shaft 130 is decoupled from the input shaft 110 and motor 102, which permits output shaft 130 to be in the free-movement configuration (i.e. permitted to continuously rotate around and relative to roller cage 124 with minimal to no hindrance from the rollers 122 in the locked position in which the one or more rollers 122 are wedged in the plurality of gaps 128). Thus, input shaft 110 does not rotate in response to motion of output shaft 130, which may be caused by manual rotation of actuator 2700 and / or electromechanical rotation of output shaft 130.

[0065] Although actuator 2700 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C as a dial, the actuator 2700 may be designed as a push button, a lever, a switch, a latch release, a knob, an electronic mechanism, or any other mechanical or electro-mechanical system that affects the cam lever 2400.

[0066] This invention includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects:

[0067] 1. A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly configured to be driven by a motor having a motor shaft, the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly comprising : an input shaft configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft, the input shaft having an end portion defining contact edges; a roller clutch assembly configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft, the roller clutch assembly including : a roller cage defining an opening into which the end portion of the input shaft extends, and rollers wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage, the rollers being positionable around the input shaft and movable between a locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps; and an output shaft engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly, the output shaft configured to rotate about an axis and relative to the roller cage; wherein in response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction. 2. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 1, wherein in response to deactivation of the motor, the rollers move toward the unlocked position, thereby disengaging the output shaft from the roller clutch assembly.

[0068] 3. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 2, wherein in the unlocked position, the rollers do not prevent rotation of the output shaft relative to the roller cage.

[0069] 4. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 1, wherein in the locked position, the rollers push against an interior surface of the output shaft.

[0070] 5. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 1, wherein the input shaft is not configured to be driven by rotation of the output shaft.

[0071] 6. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 1, further comprising a bevel gear attached to the output shaft.

[0072] 7. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 6, wherein the bevel gear is engageably coupled directly or indirectly to a latch.

[0073] 8. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 7, wherein the latch comprises a cam lever rotatable between a latching position and an unlatching position.

[0074] 9. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of aspect 8, further comprising an actuator positionable to urge the latch between the unlocking position and the locking position.

[0075] 10. A system including a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly, the system comprising: a motor having a motor shaft; an input shaft configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft, the input shaft having an end portion defining contact edges; a component having a surface; a roller clutch assembly configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft, the roller clutch assembly including : a roller cage defining an opening into which the end portion of the input shaft extends, and rollers wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage, the rollers being positionable around the input shaft and movable between an locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps; and an output shaft having an end portion engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly, and an opposite end portion coupled directly or indirectly to the surface of the component, the output shaft being configured to rotate about an axis; and wherein in response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permit movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

[0076] 11. The system of aspect 10, wherein the component is a hinge, a panel, a screen, a latch, or a combination thereof.

[0077] 12. The system of aspect 11, further comprising a base configured to provide support to at least the screen.

[0078] 13. The system of aspect 12, wherein the base extends between a first end and a second end, and a motor housing configured to enclose the motor is positioned on the first end of the base.

[0079] 14. The system of aspect 13, wherein the base includes a first mounting surface extending from the first end of the base and spaced from the motor housing.

[0080] 15. The system of aspect 14, wherein the roller clutch assembly is coupled to the first mounting surface.

[0081] 16. The system of aspect 14, wherein the base includes a second mounting surface extending from the second end of the base and spaced apart from the first mounting surface.

[0082] 17. The system of aspect 16, wherein the second mounting surfaces defines an opening through which a support shaft extends, the support shaft configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the surface of the component.

[0083] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is Claimed :

1. A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly configured to be driven by a motor having a motor shaft, the bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly comprising : an input shaft configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft, the input shaft having an end portion defining contact edges; a roller clutch assembly configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft, the roller clutch assembly including : a roller cage defining an opening into which the end portion of the input shaft extends, and rollers wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage, the rollers being positionable around the input shaft and movable between a locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps; and an output shaft engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly, the output shaft configured to rotate about an axis and relative to the roller cage; wherein in response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

2. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein in response to deactivation of the motor, the rollers move toward the unlocked position, thereby disengaging the output shaft from the roller clutch assembly.

3. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 2, wherein in the unlocked position, the rollers do not prevent rotation of the output shaft relative to the roller cage.

4. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein in the locked position, the rollers push against an interior surface of the output shaft.

5. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the input shaft is not configured to be driven by rotation of the output shaft.

6. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bevel gear attached to the output shaft.

7. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 6, wherein the bevel gear is engageably coupled directly or indirectly to a latch.

8. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein the latch comprises a cam lever rotatable between a latching position and an unlatching position.

9. The bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly of claim 8, further comprising an actuator positionable to urge the latch between the unlocking position and the locking position.

10. A system including a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly, the system comprising: a motor having a motor shaft; an input shaft configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the motor shaft and to rotate in response to motion of the motor shaft, the input shaft having an end portion defining contact edges; a component having a surface; a roller clutch assembly configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the input shaft, the roller clutch assembly including : a roller cage defining an opening into which the end portion of the input shaft extends, and rollers wedged in a plurality of gaps defined by the roller cage, the rollers being positionable around the input shaft and movable between an locked position in which the rollers are not wedged in the plurality of gaps and an unlocked position in which the rollers are wedged in the plurality of gaps; and an output shaft having an end portion engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the roller clutch assembly, and an opposite end portion coupled directly or indirectly to the surface of the component, the output shaft being configured to rotate about an axis; and wherein in response to motion of the motor shaft, movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permits movement of the rollers toward the locked position in which the rollers restrict or resist rotation of the output shaft, and wherein non-movement of the contact edges of the end portion of the input shaft permit movement of the rollers toward the unlocked position in which the rollers permit rotation of the output shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the component is a hinge, a panel, a screen, a latch, or a combination thereof.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a base configured to provide support to at least the screen.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the base extends between a first end and a second end, and a motor housing configured to enclose the motor is positioned on the first end of the base.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the base includes a first mounting surface extending from the first end of the base and spaced from the motor housing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the roller clutch assembly is coupled to the first mounting surface.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the base includes a second mounting surface extending from the second end of the base and spaced apart from the first mounting surface.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second mounting surfaces defines an opening through which a support shaft extends, the support shaft configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the surface of the component.

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