Wrap Spring Clutch Coupling With Quick Release Feature

Abstract

A rotational coupling is provided. The coupling includes first and second hubs disposed about an axis of rotation. The coupling further includes a wrap spring engaging the first hub and disposed radially outwardly of the second hub. The wrap spring is configured to couple the first and second hubs together for rotation during rotation of the first hub in a first rotational direction. The coupling further includes means, disposed radially between the second hub and the wrap spring, for urging the wrap spring away from the second hub. The urging means may include one or more shoes and means, such as springs, for biasing the shoes radially outwardly from the second hub. By urging the wrap spring away from the second hub, quick and complete release of the wrap spring occurs even where the difference in rotational speed between the hubs during clutch disengagement is low.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.