The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 21, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 05, 1999
Nouhad Bachnak, Frankfurt, DE;
Mannesmann VDO AG, Frankfurt, DE;
Abstract
Known free-wheel clutches are directionally operated clutches, which permit a shaft (12) and a hub (16) to carry each other along in one relative direction of rotation, for example by means of frictional connection. From time to time it is desired, on the one hand, to permit free-wheeling in both directions and, on the other hand, for example when a secondary drive is engaged, to obtain a frictional connection optionally in one relative direction of rotation. This is achieved in that, in the rest position, the clamping elements (28) have a frictional connection to the hub (16), and, with a contact face (36) interact with a fixed element (18). Only when the hub (16) begins a rotational movement is it possible for the clamping elements (28) to jam in a first locked position or a second locked position which acts in the opposite direction. The free-wheel clutch (10) can be used, for example, for coupling an electric servomotor to a steering column of a motor vehicle.