Spring clutch assembly with reduced radial bearing forces
AssigneeGeneral Clutch Corporation
InventorEdward T. Rude
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spring clutch assembly with reduced radial bearing forces is described. The clutch includes a shaft, at least first and second helically wound axially mounted springs for making frictional contact with the shaft, and engaging means corresponding to each of the first and second springs for selectively applying a tightening force to one end of each of the springs in order to prevent rotation with respect to the shaft. Each of the engaging means is radially and symmetrically disposed along the shaft for eliminating radial bearing force induced by the spring ends.
Claims30
A spring clutch for lowering and raising a window shade comprising:
- a shaft;
- at least first and second helically wound axially mounted springs having first and second ends for making frictional contact with the shaft;
- first engaging means corresponding to each of said at least first and second springs for selectively applying a tightening force to one of said ends of each of said springs for inhibiting rotation thereof with respect to said shaft;
- second engaging means for selectively applying a loosening force to the other of said ends of each of said springs for promoting rotation thereof with respect to said shaft;
- wherein each of said first engaging means is radially and symmetrically disposed about said shaft for substantially eliminating radial bearing forces.
A spring clutch for lowering and raising a window shade comprising:
- a shaft;
- at least first and second helically wound axially mounted springs for making frictional contact with the shaft and having first and second ends;
- first engaging means corresponding to each of said at least first and second springs for selectively applying a tightening force to one of said ends of each of said springs for inhibiting rotation thereof with respect to said shaft;
- second engaging means for selectively applying a loosening force to the other of said ends of each of said springs for promoting rotation thereof with respect to said shaft;
- wherein each of said first engaging means is radially and substantially symmetrically disposed about said shaft for substantially eliminating radial bearing forces;
- wherein said at least first and second springs are mounted in order to reduce the component of torque perpendicular to the axis of the shaft when selectively applying said tightening and loosening forces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.