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:
Jul. 20, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 03, 2007
Tokujiro Okuno, Kitakyushu, JP;
Hiroyuki Tajima, Kitakyushu, JP;
Kiyotaka Nakamura, Kitakyushu, JP;
Seiko Epson Corporation, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
[Object] To provide a clutch apparatus that can smoothly switch from a clutch engaged state to a clutch non-engaged state, while tooth jump does not occur even with a small-sized clutch apparatus. [Solving Means] A recessed portionis provided in a cam face of a cam. A cam shaftis configured to pivot by a predetermined amount as a cam followeris fitted in the recessed portion, and, when the cam initiates to engage the cam follower, it enters a clutch engaged state. A driven side gearis pivoted by a predetermined amount as the cam follower is fitted in the recessed portion and, thereby, a clutch memberis rotated by a predetermined amount in a direction in which a toothed portionis spaced apart from a drive side gear. In a state where the cam follower is not fitted in the recessed portion, when the clutch memberswitches its clutch state, at least a portion of a swing locus of the toothed portionof the clutch membermaintains a clearance with a gear tooth of the drive side gear