One-way drive device with reduced engagement impact

A one way drive device, comprising:

• a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction;
• a second, driven member rotatable about said axis in at least a driven direction;
• and
• a coupling arrangement including
• at least one strut cooperating with said first and second members such that said first member is able to drive said second member in said driven direction by causing said strut to initially engage and remain engaged between said first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member, and
• a cushioning element that cushions the initial engagement of said strut between said first and second members.

A one way drive device comprising:

• a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction, said first member including a generally planar first face normal to the axis, said first face including a first recess defining a first shoulder;
• a second, driven member rotatable about the axis in at least a driven direction and including a generally planar second face positioned in close proximity to and in confronting relationship with the first face, said second face including a second recess defining a second shoulder;
• and
• a coupling arrangement including
• at least one strut having a first end surface for engagement with said first shoulder and a second end face for engagement with said second shoulder such that said first member is able to drive said second member in said driven direction by causing said strut to initially engage and remain engaged between said first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member, and
• a cushioning member for cushioning the initial engagement of the strut between the first and second members.

A one way drive device, comprising:

• a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction;
• a second, driven member rotatable about said axis in at least a driven direction;
• and
• a coupling arrangement including
• at least one strut cooperating with said first and second members such that a given load is transferable from said first member to said second member via the strut and, consequently, said first member is able to drive said second member in said driven direction by causing said strut to initially engage and remain engaged between said first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member, and
• a cushioning member for cushioning the initial engagement of said strut between the first and second members such that said given load is gradually transferred from said first member to said second member through the strut between said initial engagement and the time the first member drives the second member.

A method for operating a one-way drive device, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction;
• providing a second, driven member rotatable about said axis in at least a driven direction;
• driving said second member in said driven direction using said first member by causing a strut to initially engage and remain engaged between said first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member;
• and
• cushioning the initial engagement of said strut between the first and second members.