Roller-Type Bi-directional One-Way Clutch Mechanism and Compliant Cage therefor

摘要

A bi-directional one-way clutch mechanism with a compliant cage member. The clutch mechanism has a plurality of roller members positioned between inner and outer race members. A compliant cage member is also positioned between the race members and acts to hold the roller members in place and also to reduce the magnitude of loads applied to the roller members when the clutch mechanism is engaged. The roller members are positioned in windows in the cage members and integral spring-like leaf segments are positioned in each of the windows on either side of the roller members. One or two spring-like members, together with one or more recesses between each of the windows and roller members provide resiliency for the cage mechanism. The compliant cage device reduces the magnitude of the loads applied to the clutch mechanism and prevent fatigue fracture and premature failure of the cage device. In an alternate embodiment, a one-piece injection molded compliant cage mechanism is utilized with separate metal spring members for biasing the roller members.