Dual-mode two-way clutch

Abstract

A novel dual-mode two-way clutch is provided which is capable of locking two relatively rotatable members from being rotated in any one of first and second directions opposite to each other, but which when an external force is applied, the clutch is in position to allow the rotatable members to rotate relative to each other in any one of the first and second directions. This dual-mode two-way clutch includes generally V-shaped cam faces 6 defined in an outer peripheral surface of an inner race 1 and a circumferentially extending raceway 2a defined in an inner peripheral surface of an outer race 2. A plurality of rolling elements 3 are interposed between the cam faces 6 and the raceway 2a in frictional engagement therewith for locking the relative rotation of the inner and outer races 1 and 2. When each of the rolling elements 3 is held in the corresponding cam face 6 at a location intermediate thereof, gaps are formed between the rolling elements 3 and the outer race 2 or cam faces 6 in a radial direction. The rolling elements 3 are retained in respective pockets defined in a retainer 4. Engagement projections 9 and retainer fixing grooves 7 which are loosely engageable with each other are formed in the retainer 4 and the inner race 1, respectively. When the retainer 4 is urged towards the inner race 1 by the application of an external force F, the projections 9 and the grooves 7 are tightly engaged with each other to lock the retainer 4 to the inner race 1 so as to cause the rolling elements 3 to be positioned at a location intermediate of the respective cam faces 6.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.