Abstract: An outer member of a rotation transmission device has an opening integral with an inner peripheral portion of the outer member. Engaging elements are disposed between an inner member and the inner peripheral portion. An outer ring is fitted to the inner peripheral portion. A first snap ring is attached to the inner peripheral portion. An inner ring is fitted to an end portion of the inner member at one axial end thereof. A second snap ring is attached to the end portion through the opening. A shaft is connected to the opening so as to be rotatable in unison with and coaxially with the outer member.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch in the form of a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) and a second clutch in the form of an electrically actuated Controllable Mechanical Diode (“CMD”) clutch. The DCC and the CMD clutch each have a pocket plate and share a notch plate. The DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate are supported for rotation in first and second directions about a rotational axis. The pocket plate of the CMD clutch is fixed in position. The DCC includes a translator to move a DCC locking element to a deployed position mechanically coupling the DCC pocket plate and the shared notch plate. The CMD clutch includes first and second actuators configured to move the first and second locking elements of the CMD clutch to a deployed position mechanically coupling the shared notch plate to the pocket plate of the CMD clutch.

Abstract: A dual direction, selectable one-way clutch is provided that can be set to be fully free to rotate in both directions, can be fully locked in both directions, and can provide a one-way clutch option in both directions. The actuator to change the clutch state is an electromechanical and only requires power to change a coupling state of the clutch. The clutch is formed by two sets of gear plates and corresponding engagement pawls that are engageable/disengageable in order to provide for the different locked and one-way clutch states. One or more actuator rings are provided to activate or disengage the pawls.

Abstract: An axle includes: an electromagnet; a transmission disc provided with a first magnetic suction member; a half shaft fitted in the transmission disc, first and second gaps being arranged circumferentially between the transmission disc and the half shaft; and a transmission assembly arranged between the transmission disc and the half shaft, and provided with a second magnetic suction member, a thickness of the transmission assembly being less than the first gap, and greater than or equal to the second gap. When the electromagnet is powered off, the transmission assembly and the half shaft are relatively stationary, and the transmission assembly is located at the first gap. When the electromagnet is powered on, the first magnetic suction member and the second magnetic suction member are attracted by the electromagnet, and the transmission disc rotates synchronously with the transmission assembly and rotates to the second gap relative to the half shaft.

Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly includes an outer race defining first and second strut pockets, an inner race defining ratchet teeth, a passive one-way clutch including at least two passive struts each supported in a corresponding first strut pocket for pivotal movement relative to the ratchet teeth, passive strut springs for normally biasing the passive struts into engagement with the ratchet teeth on the inner race, and a selectable one-way clutch having at least one active strut supported in the second strut pocket for pivotal movement between a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth and a deployed position engaged with the ratchet teeth, and an armature ring fixed for rotation with the outer race and axially moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, in which a strut engagement feature moves the active strut from its non-deployed position to its deployed position.

Abstract: A controllable one-way clutch assembly having an actuator module with a direct action configuration provided between a linearly-moveable actuation component of a power-operated actuator and a pivotably moveable locking element. In particular, the actuator module is equipped with a solenoid having an energizeable coil assembly, a linearly-moveable plunger having a tip portion, a strut moveable in response to energization of the coil assembly from a released position to a locked position due to engagement with the tip portion of the plunger, and a strut biasing arrangement biasing the strut toward its released position. In addition, various strut/actuator interface arrangements are provided between the tip of the plunger of the solenoid actuator and the strut to control movement of the strut between its released and locked positions.

Abstract: A drive device includes a first one-way coupling including a cam plate, pocket plate and struts, a second one-way coupling including a second cam plate driveably connected to the pocket plate, second pocket plate extending in a partial circular arc and secured to the cam plate, and second struts for opening and closing a drive connection between said second plates, and electromagnets for causing the second struts to close said drive connection.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device is resistant to failure, high practicable, safe and reliable and of a simple structure, and methods for manufacturing and controlling the electromagnetic driving device. The device aims to provide an electromagnetic driving device able to operate and serve the function of driving even if a power supply system of an electromagnetic clutch malfunctions or a sudden power cut occurs, avoiding the series of adverse effects caused by the failure of the electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic driving device includes a driving disc (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602), and also a first driving device (106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606), a second driving device (107; 207; 307; 407; 507; 607) and a first electrical control device (103; 104; 203; 204; 303; 304a; 403; 404; 503; 504; 603; 604).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch can be manufactured with reduced steps and cost. In the electromagnetic clutch, an electromagnetic coil unit 4 for causing a rotor and an armature to magnetically adhere to each other to enable power transmission from a drive source to a driven device includes: a bobbin 42 around which an electromagnetic coil 41 is wound; a power supply connector 43 attached to a connector mounting portion 424 formed in the bobbin 42, to supply external power to the electromagnetic coil 41; and a field core 44 in which a through hole 443a is formed. In the field core 44, a proximal part of the power supply connector 43 and the bobbin 42 are stored in a storage portion in a state where a distal part of the power supply connector 43 is exposed to outside from the through hole 443a, and the storage portion is filled with resin.

Abstract: A one-way coupling includes a cam plate including cams, a pocket plate including pockets, struts, each strut located in one of the pockets, and an electromagnet for engaging one of the struts with one of the cams, including a coil, a core and poles that extend from the coil to said strut, a gap between the poles and the pocket plate exceeding a gap between the poles and said strut.

Abstract: A one-way coupling includes a cam plate including cams, a pocket plate including pockets, struts, each strut located in one of the pockets, and an electromagnet for engaging one of the struts with one of the cams, including a coil, a core and poles that extend from the coil to said strut, a gap between the poles and the pocket plate exceeding a gap between the poles and said strut.

Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle includes a power transmission member driven and rotated by an external power, a driven shaft driven to be rotatable independently from the power transmission member, an impeller, an arm member which includes a pressing portion pressing the power transmission member and which is contactable to the power transmission member for transmitting a rotation of the power transmission member to the driven shaft, a control member controlling the arm member so that the arm member and the power transmission member come in contact with each other or come out of contact from each other and so that a contact state between the arm member and the power transmission member is variable, and a biasing member biasing the arm member toward the power transmission member.

Abstract: An actuating device for applying actuating forces in a friction clutch device for engaging and disengaging a friction clutch assembly of the friction clutch device. The torque transmission device comprises the actuating device for transmission of torque between a drive unit and a transmission which also includes the friction clutch device. A method for installing a torque transmission device of this type. Various aspects relate to setting of a pre-load on a bearing of the actuating device, setting an over-dead-point configuration for a compensation spring associated with at least one rotary member of the actuating device, setting a rotation movement range for the rotary member and/or an axial movement range for an actuating element which can be displaced axially by rotation movement imparted to the rotary member, and producing either a normally engaged or disengaged characteristic in a normally-engaged or normally-disengaged friction clutch assembly with the compensation spring.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes an outer ring having an inner periphery and an inner ring mounted inside the outer ring and having an outer periphery. A control retainer and a rotary retainer are disposed between opposed surfaces of the outer ring and the inner ring, and each of the retainers has a flange and bridges provided at the radially outer side of the respective flange and arranged circumferentially alternately with the bridges of the other retainer thereby defining pockets between the adjacent bridges. The control retainer is axially slidably and rotatably supported and the rotary retainer is axially immovably and rotatably supported. An electromagnetic clutch is mounted on a torque transmission shaft and includes an electromagnet having an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic clutch being configured to axially move the control retainer when the electromagnetic coil is energized and deenergized.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race secured against rotation and fitted with a coil, a second race supported for rotation, a coil carried by one of the races, and struts supported by one of the races, each strut driveably connecting and disconnecting the races in response to a magnetic field induced by current in the coil.

Abstract: A one-way clutch for assisting the rotation of a rotary fluid motor includes a ratchet and a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the ratchet. The ratchet includes a plurality of teeth, and the hub includes a pawl for engaging the teeth to rotate the ratchet in a single direction of rotation. A control device including an active material interconnects the pawl and the hub. The active material of the control device contracts in response to a control signal to move the pawl. An actuator including an active material is spirally wound around an outer periphery of the hub. The active material of the actuator contracts to spin the hub and thereby drive the ratchet.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a housing having an end wall with a shaft hole. An input shaft is inserted through the shaft hole, and an inner ring is mounted around the end of the input shaft inside the housing. A two-way clutch is provided between the inner ring and an outer ring disposed around the inner ring, and an electromagnetic clutch is provided adjacently, controlling engagement and disengagement of the two-way clutch. A first bearing mounted between radially facing surfaces of the housing and the outer ring is an open bearing, provided with a labyrinth on its end near the side of the open end of the housing. A second, single-sealed bearing is provided between facing surfaces of the inner ring and the outer ring, supporting these rings rotatably relative to each other. Lubricating grease with the same quality is used for the second bearing and the two-way clutch.

Abstract: When grooves 44, 45A and 45B of an armature 42 and a rotor 43 are formed by laser beam machining, a metal oxide layer 100 is formed on wall surfaces defining the grooves 44, 45A and 45B. The metal oxide layer 100 is brought into sliding contact with a first contact surface A1 to a fourth contact surface A4 in a process in which an electromagnetic clutch is used, so that a part of the metal oxide layer 100 is ground and peeled off, whereby particles made of a metal oxide are produced. The particles enter the contact surface between the armature 42 and the rotor 43, which increases the frictional force therebetween to thereby prevent slippage. As a result, the torque transmission capability of the electromagnetic clutch M is enhanced, and the increase in the torque of a scroll compressor is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a selective freewheeling mechanism for developing an electromechanical vehicle brake (service brake) into a parking brake. The freewheeling mechanism according to the invention has an outer ring and a locking element cage which are configured as an electric motor with a rotor and a stator. The rotor and stator can be swiveled in relation to each other when a coil is supplied with current. Due to a symmetric design, the freewheeling mechanism is advantageously insensitive to acceleration forces.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch and reverse-locking device comprising a stop bolt (1), an internal clutch stem (2), a clutch control member (3), a clutch casing (4) and a stopper (5). The internal clutch stem (2) is inserted into the clutch casing (4) and they move independently of each other. The internal clutch stem (2) has a slot (21) to house and guide the stop bolt (1). The clutch control member (3) is installed in the internal clutch stem (2) and has an edge (42) set against the groove (11) of the stop bolt (1). The stopper (5) is fitted in the internal clutch stem (2) and protrudes partially outward therefrom. The protruding or non-protruding position of the stop bolt (1) in the internal clutch stem (2) correlates or disconnects the joint movement of the clutch casing (4) and the internal clutch stem (2), activating or deactivating the clutch operation of the clutch device.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle capable of executing a steer-by-wire (SBW) mode of steering road wheels by a steering mechanism mechanically disconnected with a steering device. The steering apparatus includes a clutch which is composed of a shaft that rotates together with the steering device, an internal gear ring which has a rotation center coinciding with that of the shaft and transmits its rotation to the steering mechanism, an external gear ring partially intermeshed with the internal gear ring, lock members which transmit/disconnect the rotation of the shaft to the external gear, and a lock operating member for displacing the lock members to lock/unlock positions.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device which can quickly change the direction of rotation includes an inner ring having cam surfaces on its outer periphery, an outer ring having a cylindrical surface on its inner periphery, and pairs of circumferentially opposed rollers, the rollers of each pair being disposed between one of the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface to be circumferentially opposed to each other. A roller separation spring is disposed between the rollers of each pair of rollers to bias the rollers away from each other so that the rollers are wedged between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface. The rollers are retained by a roller retainer which can change the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers. By reducing the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers with the roller retainer, the rollers can be disengaged from the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

Abstract: A drive device is provided with a housing 11 and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 accommodated in the housing. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 is provided with an armature 41 rotatably supported in the housing 11, a rotor 42 arranged to face the armature 41 and rotatably supported in the housing 11, and a coil 46. An annular magnet 44 is fixed on the outer circumference surface of the rotor 42. A sensor 15 arranged inside the housing 11 detects a polarity change of the magnet 44 in association with rotation of the rotor 42. The magnet 44 is provided with an annular wall portion 44b extending toward the armature 41 beyond a surface on which the armature 41 is in contact with the rotor 42 with respect to the axial direction. The annular wall portion 44b is spaced radially outward from the armature 41. The annular wall portion 44b prevents abrasion powder produced on actuation of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 from being scattered.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input pinion and an output pinion associated with a rotatable locking member that has a surface inclined with respect to an axis of rotation of the locking member. The surface cooperates with an engagement member, and the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surface forms a recess to receive the engagement member, and in the second position, the surface forms a projection to force the engagement member into abutment with the input pinion to establish a driveable connection between the input pinion and the output pinion.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes a roller clutch unit for selectively engaging an inner member mounted on a rotary shaft with an outer ring through rollers, and an electromagnetic clutch unit for electromagnetically controlling the selective engagement by the rollers. The current until the clutch engages is set so as to correspond to a state in which a maximum current according to the revolving speed is required and is varied according to the revolving speed of the rotary shaft to reduce power consumption and the size of the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings and a two-way clutch therebetween. An electromagnetic clutch is provided to selectively engage and disengage the two-way clutch, and includes an electromagnet having a core to which a flange is secured. The flange is received in a recess formed in a stationary member. A snap ring is engaged in a groove formed in the recess to prevent the flange from coming out of the recess. An elastic member is disposed between the flange and the end wall of the recess. The elastic member presses the flange against the snap ring, thereby axially positioning the electromagnet. The elastic member is free of load resulting from magnetic attraction of the electromagnet when energized. This makes it possible to reduce the spring force of the elastic member and thus its diameter and cost.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gear-clutch assembly (1) is disclosed. The device comprises a gear (10) having grooves (10c) that open inwardly toward the axis and extend axially. A hub (12) is located within the gear (10) where it is capable of rotating within the gear (10). The hub (12) has grooves (12k) that open outwardly away from the axis and extend axially. Keys (17) are located within the grooves (12k) of the hub (12) and are capable of moving radially toward and away from the axis, the arrangement being such that when the keys (17) are permitted to move away from the axis, at least one will enter one of the grooves (10c) in the gear (10) to couple the gear (10) and huh (12) so that they will rotate in unison. The device also comprises an actuator assembly (3) for effecting radial displacement of the keys (17).

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings, a two-way clutch mounted between the outer and inner rings, and an electromagnetic clutch mounted adjacent to the two-way clutch. The electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor guide pressed onto the outer ring at its open end and a rotor pressed into the rotor guide. The rotor guide is made of a magnetic material having the same or substantially the same coefficient of linear expansion as the material of the rotor. Thus, even when the rotor guide and the rotor are heated and expanded, the interference between the rotor and the rotor guide remains substantially constant. Therefore, the rotor and the rotor guide can be reliably coupled together with a simple structure and at a low cost.

Abstract: In a drive unit for a hybrid motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a dynamoelectric machine to be connected to a transmission of the motor vehicle, wherein the drive unit comprises an input shaft connected to the internal combustion engine, an output shaft connected to the dynamoelectric machine for rotation therewith and a clutch for connecting the input shaft to the output shaft, the clutch includes centrifugal actuators for causing engagement of the clutch upon rotation at a speed in excess of a threshold value, springs counteracting the centrifugal actuators for causing the release of the clutch at a speed below the threshold value, and an electromagnetic actuators for causing engagement of the clutch at a speed below the threshold value to permit startup operation of the internal combustion engine by the dynamoelectric machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides clutch systems for the control of the transmission of torque to the front (or rear) wheels of a vehicle (e.g., an ATV), thus being operable to change the vehicle from a two-wheel, rear-drive (or front-drive) vehicle to a four wheel drive vehicle by engaging the clutch systems thereof. The clutch system is contained within an extended portion of a housing that also contains a differential system, thus eliminating the need for fastening a separate clutch system housing to the differential housing. The clutch system is actuated by energizing a coil which in turn causes tab members of an actuation disk to disengage from notches formed on an inner race, allowing the actuation of a roller clutch system. When the coil is de-energized, the actuation disk engages the inner race and prevents inadvertent or undesired actuation of the clutch system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch selectively transferring engine power for a manual transmission includes a stator fixedly connected to an engine crankshaft via a flywheel, having an electromagnet and a lining drum, a clutch rotor for transmitting the engine power to a transmission power shaft by means of the magnetic force of the stator, a lining selectively contacting or releasing the lining drum of the stator, and a lining arm being rotated so that an end portion thereof presses the lining to the lining drum for physical contact between the lining and the lining drum.

Abstract: A transmission for driving one or more powered devices from a single drive motor. The transmission includes at least one output drive shaft, and at least one gear. Each gear is in constant driving engagement with at least one other gear, and one gear is engaged with the motor. Each of the output shafts is adapted to be coupled to at least one of the devices and at least one of the gears. The transmission also includes a plurality of clutches. Each of the clutches is uniquely associated with one of the output drive shafts and one of the gears, and each of the clutches selectively couples a gear to a corresponding output drive shaft. The transmission may include a control system for activating the motor and the clutches at desired time intervals.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated unit for controlling a radial connection. The unit has a first device which is optionally coupleable with a second device. The second device includes a magnet and/or electromagnet. The unit also has radially movable switching elements that are supported about the circumference of one of the devices, which additionally has contoured and/or frictional surfaces, which mate with respective contoured and/or frictional surfaces of the other one of the devices, thus effectuate engagement of the first and second devices. When the unit is designed with a closed current system the switching elements are biased to disengage when current is applied to the magnet and with an open current system the switching elements are biased to engage, against the force of a spring, when current is applied to the magnet.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input pinion and an output pinion associated with a rotatable locking member that has a surface inclined with respect to an axis of rotation of the locking member. The surface cooperates with an engagement member, and the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surface forms a recess to receive the engagement member, and in the second position, the surface forms a projection to force the engagement member into abutment with the input pinion to establish a driveable connection between the input pinion and the output pinion.

Abstract: An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.

Abstract: An automotive transmission is equipped with a variety of gears that may be combined to yield one or more output speeds as compared to an input speed. One or more electromechanical actuators is used to engage or disengage a particular desired mix of gears. The electromechanical actuator engages one mix of gears or another to set the desired ratio of input speed to output speed. The transmission may be used to provide a straight-through, an underdrive speed range, or an overdrive speed range in an automotive transmission.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a two-way clutch prevented from engaging while the inner member is rotating unengaged with the outer member. The clutch includes an outer member, a cam ring mounted in the outer member, rollers each mounted between a cylindrical surface of the outer member and a cam surface of the cam ring, and a roller retainer. The device further comprises a rotor mounted between the solenoid and retainer so as to be nonrotatable relative to the outer ring, an armature nonrotatable relative to the retainer and axially movable, a spring axially biasing the armature away from the rotor, and an engaging plate nonrotatable relative to the inner member and axially immovable. The armature and engaging plate engage together when the armature rotates in one direction by a predetermined angle relative to the engaging plate. A high-strength clutch outer ring is mounted in the outer ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides various clutch/gear assemblies that can be driven by a single motor. The clutch/gear assemblies comprise a smart material which changes shape when supplied with energy, e.g., current or heat. The smart material achieves one of a first or a second shape when supplied with energy, and achieves the other shape when it is not supplied with energy. When the smart material achieves a first shape it causes a clutch surface of the clutch/gear to engage and be driven by a shaft coupled to the motor and when the smart material achieves a second shape it allows the clutch surface to disengage from the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. The viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way and second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way, as well as controllable connecting means to allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part, and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided in which the two-way clutch is prevented from engaging while the inner member is rotating not engaged with the outer member. The two-way roller clutch includes an outer member, a cam ring mounted in the outer member, a plurality of rollers each mounted between the cylindrical surface of the outer member and one of the cam surfaces on the cam ring, and a retainer for retaining the rollers. The device further comprises a rotor mounted between the solenoid and the retainer so as to be nonrotatable relative to the outer ring, an armature mounted so as to be nonrotatable relative to the retainer and axially movable, and a spring for axially biasing the armature away from the rotor, and an engaging plate mounted so as to be nonrotatable relative to the inner member and axially immovable.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided which is used to selectively transmit power. The aim is to stabilize the frictional torque when the rotor of an electromagnet absorbs an armature. A retainer is mounted between an inner member and an outer member, and is formed with a plurality of pockets, and engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. An armature is mounted so as to be nonrotatable but axially movable relative to the retainer, and a rotor is mounted to the inner member or the outer member so as to axially oppose the armature. An electromagnet attracts the armature to the rotor, thereby changing the phase of the retainer to bring the engaging elements into engagement with the outer periphery of the inner member and the inner periphery of the outer member, and thereby transmitting a turning torque between the inner member and the outer member. When the armature is attracted to the rotor, the large-diameter portion of the armature is attracted to the rotor.

Abstract: A driveline assembly includes first and second axle half-shafts having first and second side gears mounted thereon, an axle housing, a differential case rotatably mounted within the axle housing, a least two spider gears rotatably mounted within the differential case, and a clutch assembly coupled to the differential housing and one of the axle half-shafts and including an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.

Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.

Abstract: A disconnect device is provided in which input and output elements 2 and 4 axially overlap and are drivingly interconnected by balls 14 which extend from a recess the radially innermost element into a channel in the radially outermost element. The balls are held in position by a keeper 16 which is axially movable to release the balls and disconnect the drive.

Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.

Abstract: A small displacement, preferably bidirectional motor (20) is provided which includes a chassis (22), main actuator assembly (24), and forward and rearward clutch assemblies (26,28), as well as an output (106-110) coupled to an external load (222) to be translated. The main actuator assembly (24) includes a plurality of primary magnetostrictive actuators (50-54). The clutch assemblies (26,28) each have a secondary magnetostrictive actuator (88,148), a ramp (90, 150) interengageable with a roller cage (136, 196), and are designed as passively-engaged, actively-disengaged, one-way clutches which are unloaded before disengagement thereof in order to prevent undue clutch wear. Forward translation of the output (106-110) is obtained by inchworm-type incremental motion, whereas rearward translation occurs by an initial forward motion followed by a greater rearward motion to achieve a net rearward displacement.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided which is used to selectively transmit a power. The aim is to stabilize the frictional torque when the rotor of an electromagnet absorbs an armature. A retainer is mounted between the inner member and the outer member and formed with a plurality of pockets and engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. An armature is mounted so as to be nonrotatable but axially movable relative to the retainer and a rotor is mounted to the inner member or the outer member so as to axially oppose to the armature. An electromagnet attracts the armature to the rotor, thereby changing the phase of the retainer to bring the engaging elements into engagement with the outer periphery of the inner member and the inner periphery of the outer member, and transmitting a turning torque between the inner member and the outer member. When the armature is attracted to the rotor, the large-diameter portion of the armature is attracted to the rotor.

Abstract: The magnetic attraction force of an electromagnetic coil in an electromagnetic clutch is increased in a limited installation space, thereby improving reliability of operation. The dimensions of a field core housing the electromagnetic coil is coil and a rotor are optimized to increase the magnetic attraction force. The thicknesses of cylindrical portions on the inner-diameter side of the field core and the rotor have larger thicknesses than that of cylindrical portions on its outer-diameter side so that the sectional areas of both cylindrical portions will be equal to each other. Also, a rotation transmission device provided with an electromagnetic clutch is proposed which can prevent deterioration of sealing property and damage to the bearing and avoid cost increase.