Ntn Corporation

Ntn Automotive Center

Njn Corporation

Thomas W Houtman

Russell E Monahan

Randall K King

Shiro Goto

Jonathan Mark Adler

Robert W Frayer, Jr

Mark D Solvie

Thomas E Vesbit

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.

Mechanical clutch unit

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.

Electronic locking clutch having a non-magnetic sleeve

A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.

Two-way roller clutch with torque limiting feature

An over-running cluch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface and in which a mechanism adds compliance to the system in order to lessen the abruptness of lock-on in the system.

Complaint one way over-running clutch pulley

An over-running clutch pulley in which an input hub and output hub are compliantly coupled to soften the transition between the unlocked and locked state of the over-running clutch pulley.

Compression spring complaint one-way over-running clutch pulley

A flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.

One-way over-running flex coupling

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Thomas W Houtman