FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to a clutch system for transmitting torque. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a one-way clutch system for transmitting torque from a motor to an engine flywheel.
BACKGROUND
Clutch systems are used for transmitting power or motion from a first element, generally known as a driving element, to a second element, generally known as a driven element, wherein the first element and the second element are functionally coupled to each other. There is a need for a clutch system that transmits comparatively more torque from a first driving element to a second driven element as compared to conventional clutch systems. Further, there is a need for a clutch system that eliminates transmission of torque from the second driven element to the first driving element. Furthermore, there is a need for a clutch system that is in positive engagement with a first element and a second element, thereby enabling transmission of comparatively more torque as compared to conventional one-way clutch systems. Still further, there is a need for a clutch system that has comparatively longer service life than conventional one-way clutch systems. Further, there is a need for a one-way clutch system that is reliable.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the one-way clutch system of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch system that transmits torque from a first, driving element, particularly, a start-up motor to a second, driven element, particularly a fly-wheel connected to an engine for facilitating initial starting of the engine and once the engine is started the clutch system disrupts transmission of torque from the fly-wheel to the start-up motor.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch system that transmits comparatively more torque from a first driving element to a second driven element as compared to conventional one-way clutch systems.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch system that eliminates transmission of torque from the second driven element to the first, driving element.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch system that is in positive engagement with a first driving element and a second driven element, thereby enabling transmission of comparatively more torque as compared to conventional one-way clutch systems.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a clutch system that has comparatively longer service life than conventional one-way clutch systems.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a one-way clutch system that is reliable.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a one-way clutch system for transmitting torque from a motor to an engine flywheel.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a one-way clutch system is disclosed, the one-way clutch system comprises:
? a shaft having a first operative end and a second operative end, the first operative end rotatably coupled to a drive;
? a retainer disc disposed on the shaft, the retainer disc having a plurality of apertures configured thereon;
? a backing disc disposed on the shaft adjacent to the retainer disc configuring a cavity between the retainer disc and the backing disc;
? a plurality of compression springs received in the cavity;
? a plurality of wedges having:
o a first operative end received in one of the plurality of apertures and urged axially outwardly through the plurality of apertures by the corresponding compression spring; and
o a second operative end having a flange extending outwardly therefrom, the flange comprising a first sub-profile and a second sub-profile;
? a bearing element disposed
o adjacent to the retainer disc; and
o between the shaft and a gear disc for reducing friction therebetween, the gear disc functionally coupled to a flywheel to selectively drive torque from the shaft;
? a plurality of grooves configured on a first operative end of the gear disc;
? a plurality of friction-reducing elements:
o received and secured in the plurality of grooves; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with the flange;
wherein the drive, on actuation, rotates the shaft thereby rotating the retainer disc, the backing disc and the wedges;
the first sub-profile of the flange that is configured on the second operative end of the wedges is adapted to engage with the friction-reducing elements thereby enabling rotation of the gear disc at the same rotational speed as that of the retainer disc, the gear disc adapted to transfer a torque to an engine via the flywheel; and
when the engine is in operation, the drive is stopped thereby stopping rotations of the shaft, the retainer disc, the backing disc and the wedges;
the gear disc rotates at the same rotational speed as that of the flywheel;
the second sub-profile of the flange configured on the second operative end of the wedges is adapted to facilitate sliding of the friction-reducing elements over the second operative end of the wedges thereby preventing rotation of the retainer disc and the backing disc and thereby disconnecting the drive from the flywheel.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a one-way clutch system is disclosed, the one-way clutch system comprises:
? a shaft having a first operative end and a second operative end, the first operative end rotatably coupled to a drive;
? a retainer disc disposed on the shaft, the retainer disc having a plurality of radial cavities configured on the outer surface thereof;
? a backing disc disposed on the shaft adjacent to the retainer disc;
? a plurality of compression springs received in the plurality of radial cavities and held therein by the backing disc;
? a holding disc disposed concentrically over the retainer disc configuring an annular space between the holding disc and the retainer disc;
? a plurality of wedges having:
o a first operative end received in one of the plurality of radial cavities and urged radially outwardly through the plurality of radial cavities by the corresponding compression spring; and
o a second operative end having a flange extending outwardly into the annular space, the flange comprising a first sub-profile and a second sub-profile; and
? a plurality of friction-reducing elements
o received and secured in a plurality of grooves configured on inner surface of the holding disc and disposed in the annular space; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with the second operative end of the plurality of wedges;
wherein the drive on actuation rotates the shaft thereby rotating the retainer disc and the backing disc, the wedges rotates with the retainer disc, the first sub-profile of the flange adapted to engage the friction-reducing element and force friction-reducing elements to move thereby rotating the holding disc, the holding disc adapted to transmit a torque to an engine via a flywheel; and
when the engine is in operation, the drive is stopped thereby stopping rotations of the shaft, the retainer disc and the backing disc, whereas the holding disc rotates at same rotational speed as that of the flywheel, the second sub-profile of the flange is adapted to facilitate sliding of the friction-reducing elements over the second operative end of the plurality of wedges thereby preventing rotation of the retainer disc and backing disc and thereby disconnecting the drive from the flywheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The one-way clutch system of the present disclosure will now be explained in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a one-way clutch system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the one-way clutch system transmits torque from a first driving element to a second driven element and freewheels in reverse direction;
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a one-way clutch system that transmits torque from a first driving element to a second driven element and freewheels in reverse direction, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic representation of the wedge of the one-way clutch system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2; and
FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of the wedge of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A one-way clutch system for transmitting torque from a first driving element, particularly, a motor to a second driven element, particularly an engine of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments, which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The present disclosure relates to a one-way clutch system that transmits comparatively more torque and from a first driving element to a second driven element. Further, the one-way clutch system eliminates transmission of torque and speed from the second driven element to the first driving element. The one-way clutch system is in positive engagement with a first driving element and a second driven element thereby enabling comparatively more transmission of torque and speed. The one-way clutch system, as disclosed, has comparatively long life.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a one-way clutch system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the one-way clutch system transmits torque from a first driving element to a second driven element and freewheels in reverse direction. FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic representation of the wedge of the one-way clutch system of FIG. 1, whereas FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of the wedge of FIG. 3A.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the one-way clutch system 100 comprises:
? a shaft 101 having a first operative end 101a and a second operative end 101b, wherein the first operative end 101a of the shaft 101 is rotatably coupled to a drive (not shown in the figure);
? a retainer disc 102 disposed on the shaft 101 near the first operative end 101a of the shaft 101, the retainer disc 102 having a plurality of apertures 102a configured thereon;
? a backing disc 103 disposed on the shaft 101 adjacent to the retainer disc 102 configuring a cavity 104 between the retainer disc 102 and the backing disc 103;
? a plurality of compression springs 105 received in the cavity 104;
? a plurality of wedges 106 having:
o a first operative end 106a received in one of the plurality of apertures 102a and urged axially outwardly through the plurality of apertures 102a by the corresponding compression spring 105; and
o a second operative end 106b having a flange 107 extending outwardly therefrom, the flange 107 comprising a first sub-profile 107a and a second sub-profile 107b;
? a bearing element 108 disposed:
o adjacent to the retainer disc 102; and
o between the shaft 101 and a gear disc 109 for reducing friction therebetween, the gear disc 109 functionally coupled to a flywheel (not shown in the figure) to selectively drive torque from the shaft 101;
? a plurality of grooves 110 configured on a first operative end 109a of the gear disc 109;
? a plurality of friction-reducing element 111:
o received and secured in the plurality of grooves 110; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with the flange 107.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in an operative configuration of the one-way clutch system 100, when the drive is actuated, the shaft 101, which is rotatably coupled to the drive rotates along with the shaft 101 thereby rotating the retainer disc 102, the backing disc 103 and the wedges 106. The wedges 106 rotates the gear disc 109 via the friction-reducing elements 111 at the same rotational speed as that of the retainer disc 102, wherein the first sub-profile 107a of the flange 107 is adapted to engage the friction-reducing elements 111 over the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 thereby rotating the gear disc 109 and the flywheel that is functionally coupled to the gear disc 109. The flywheel is further adapted to transfer the torque to an engine.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when the engine is operative, the drive is stopped thereby stopping the rotation of the shaft 101, the retainer disc 102, the backing disc 103 and the wedges 106. The gear disc 109 keeps on rotating at same rotational speed as that of the flywheel.
Further, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sub-profile 107b configured on the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 is adapted to facilitate sliding of the friction-reducing elements 111 over the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 thereby preventing rotation of the retainer disc 102 and the backing disc 103. This in-effect disconnects the drive from the flywheel.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the retainer disc 102, the backing disc 103, the compression springs 105, the wedges 106 and the friction-reducing elements 111 are received in a cover 112 that isolates these components.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the friction-reducing elements 111 are disposed and/or attached to the gear disc 109 with another disc by screw or welding.
Thus, the one-way clutch system of this embodiment transmits torque from a first driving element (that is shaft powered by the drive) to a second driven element (which is the flywheel and the engine).
Further, the bearing element or the bush 108 facilitates the freewheeling of the gear disc 109 and prevent the rotation of the shaft 101, the retainer disc 102 and the backing disc 103.
Still further, the first sub-profile 107a that is configured on the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 facilitates the engagement of the friction-reducing elements 111 in one direction of rotation of the gear disc 109 so that the gear disc 109 is rotated by the transmission of the torque from the shaft 101. On the other hand the second sub-profile 107b that is configured on the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 is such that the second sub-profile 107b facilitates the sliding of the friction-reducing elements 111 over the second operative end 106b of the wedge 106 and permits the freewheeling of the gear disc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a one-way clutch system 200 that transmits torque from a first driving element to a second driven element and freewheels in reverse direction, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 2 along with FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the one-way clutch system 200 comprises:
? a shaft 201 having a first operative end and a second operative end (not shown in the figure), the first operative end is rotatably coupled to a drive (not shown in the figure);
? a retainer disc 202 disposed on the shaft 201 and a plurality of radial cavities 202a configured on an outer surface 202b of the retainer disc 202;
? a backing disc 203 disposed on the shaft 201 adjacent to the retainer disc 202;
? a plurality of compression springs 204 received in the plurality of radial cavities 202a and held therein by the backing disc 203;
? a holding disc 205 disposed concentrically over the retainer disc 202 configuring an annular space 206 between the holding disc 205 and the retainer disc 202;
? a plurality of wedges 106 having:
o a first operative end 106a received in one of the plurality of radial cavities 202a and urged radially outwardly through the plurality of radial cavities 202a by the corresponding compression spring 204; and
o a second operative end 106b having a flange 107 extending outwardly into the annular space 206, the flange 107 comprising a first sub-profile 107a and a second sub-profile 107b; and
? a plurality of friction-reducing elements 209
o received and secured in a plurality of grooves G configured on an inner surface 205a of the holding disc 205 and disposed in the annular space 206; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with the flange 107 of the plurality of wedges 106.
In accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive on actuation rotates the shaft 201 thereby rotating the retainer disc 202 and the backing disc 203, the wedges 106 rotates with the retainer disc 202. The first sub-profile 107a of the flange 107 is adapted to engage the friction-reducing elements 209 and force the friction reducing elements 209 to move thereby rotating the holding disc 205. The holding disc 205 is adapted to transmit the torque to an engine via a flywheel. Thus, provision of the first sub-profile 107a facilitates the transmission of the torque from the shaft 201 to the engine via the holding disc and the flywheel.
In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention when the engine is in operation, the drive is stopped thereby stopping rotations of the shaft 201, the retainer disc 202 and the backing disc 203, whereas the holding disc 205 rotates at same rotational speed as that of the flywheel. The second sub-profile 107b configured on the flange 107 is adapted to facilitate sliding of the friction-reducing elements 209 over the second operative end 106b of the plurality of wedges 106 thereby preventing rotation of the retainer disc 202 and the backing disc 203 and thereby disconnecting the drive from the flywheel.
Further, the first sub-profile 107a that is configured on the second operative end 106b of the wedges 106 or that is configured on the flange 107 (flange 107 is part of the wedges 106) facilitates the engagement of the friction-reducing elements 209 in one direction of rotation of the holding disc 205 so that the holding disc 205 is rotated by the transmission of the torque from the shaft 201. On the other hand the second sub-profile 107b that is configured on the second operative end of the wedges or that is configured on the flange 107 (flange 107 is part of the wedges 106) such that the second sub-profile 107b facilitates the sliding of the friction-reducing elements 209 over the second operative end of the wedge or the flange thereby permitting the freewheeling of the holding disc 205.
The wedge 106 of the one-way clutch system 100/200 is depicted in greater details in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with the first operative end 106a and the second operative end 106b, wherein the flange 107 extends outwardly from the second operative end 106b. The flange 107 is provided with the first sub-profile 107a that is essentially a straight line orthogonal to the second operative end 106b of the wedge 106. The second sub-profile 107b configured on the flange 107 is essentially a slanting line making an angle with the second operative end 106b of the wedge 106. The first and the second sub-profiles are connected so as to configure a continuous surface (that is the flange 107) over which the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) either engage or slide as the case may be.
Further, it is to be noted that the first and second sub-profiles (either of the groove or the flange) can have any other shape or configuration that facilitates:
? engagement of the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) in one direction of rotation so as to rotate the gear disc or the holding disc coupled to the friction-reducing elements (111, 209); and
? sliding or slipping of the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) in a reverse direction of rotation so as to permit freewheeling of the gear disc or the holding disc that are coupled to the friction-reducing elements (111, 209).
Still further, the surface of the groove/flange or that of the first and second sub-profile that configures the groove/flange is smooth and can be lubricated with a suitable lubricant to reduce friction thereof with the friction-reducing elements (111, 209).
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) can have a circular cross-section as exemplarily depicted in FIG. 2.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) can have a cross-section chosen from a group consisting of circular, semi-circular, oval, elliptical, or any other surface that facilities engagement of the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) with the wedges and sliding of the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) over the flange or the second operative end thereof.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) are one of rolling elements. In accordance with the present disclosure, the friction-reducing elements (111, 209) are balls or rolling rods.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the surface of the flange 107 and the groove 110 is a low-friction producing surface so that the friction between the rolling elements or the rolling elements is reduced to minimum.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the inner surface 205a of the holding disc 205 and the outer surface 202b of the retainer disc 202 and that of the flanges 107 is a low-friction producing surface so that the friction between the rolling elements or the rolling elements is reduced to minimum.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the drive is one of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The one-way clutch system in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
? a clutch system that transmits torque from a first driving element, particularly, a start-up motor to a second driven element, particularly a fly-wheel connected to an engine for facilitating initial starting of the engine and once engine is started the one-way clutch system disengage transmission of torque from the fly-wheel to the start-up motor;
? a clutch system that transmits comparatively more torque from a first driving element to a second driven element as compared to conventional clutch systems;
? a clutch system that eliminates transmission of torque from the second driven element to the first driving element;
? a clutch system that is in positive engagement with a first driving element and a second driven element thereby enabling transmission of comparatively more torque and speed as compared to conventional clutch systems;
? a clutch system that has comparatively long service life than conventional clutch systems; and
? a clutch system that is reliable.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention, as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS:
1. A clutch system comprising:
? a shaft having a first operative end and a second operative end, said first operative end rotatably coupled to a drive;
? a retainer disc disposed on said shaft, said retainer disc having a plurality of apertures configured thereon;
? a backing disc disposed on said shaft adjacent to said retainer disc configuring a cavity between said retainer disc and said backing disc;
? a plurality of compression springs received in said cavity;
? a plurality of wedges having:
o a first operative end received in one of said plurality of apertures and urged axially outwardly through said plurality of apertures by the corresponding compression spring; and
o a second operative end having a flange extending therefrom, said flange comprising a first sub-profile and a second sub-profile;
? a bearing element disposed
o adjacent to said retainer disc; and
o between said shaft and a gear disc for reducing friction therebetween, said gear disc functionally coupled to a flywheel to selectively drive torque from said shaft;
? a plurality of grooves configured on a first operative end of said gear disc;
? a plurality of friction-reducing elements:
o received and secured in said plurality of grooves; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with said flange;
? said drive, on actuation, rotates said shaft thereby rotating said retainer disc, said backing disc and said wedges;
said first sub-profile of said flange configured on said second operative end of said wedges adapted to engage with said friction-reducing elements thereby enabling rotation of said gear disc at the same rotational speed as that of said retainer disc, said gear disc adapted to transfer a torque to an engine via said flywheel; and
when said engine is in operation, said drive is stopped thereby stopping rotations of said shaft, said retainer disc, said backing disc and said wedges;
said gear disc rotates at same rotational speed of said flywheel;
said second sub-profile of said flange configured on said second operative end of said wedges is adapted to facilitate sliding of said friction-reducing elements over said second operative end of said wedges thereby preventing rotation of said retainer disc and backing disc and thereby disconnecting said drive from said flywheel.
2. The one-way clutch system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly of said retainer disc, said backing disc, said compression springs, said wedges and said friction-reducing elements are received in a cover.

3. The one-way clutch system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grooves are disposed on said gear disc by one of a screw and a welding.

4. A clutch system comprising:
? a shaft having a first operative end and a second operative end, said first operative end rotatably coupled to a drive;
? a retainer disc disposed on said shaft, said retainer disc having a plurality of radial cavities configured on an outer surface thereof;
? a backing disc disposed on said shaft adjacent to said retainer disc;
? a plurality of compression springs received in said plurality of radial cavities and held therein by said backing disc;
? a holding disc disposed concentrically over said retainer disc configuring an annular space between said holding disc and said retainer disc;
? a plurality of wedges having:
o a first operative end received in one of said plurality of radial cavities and urged radially outwardly through said plurality of radial cavities by the corresponding compression spring; and
o a second operative end having a flange extending outwardly into said annular space, said flange comprising a first sub-profile and a second sub-profile; and
? a plurality of friction-reducing elements
o received and secured in a plurality of grooves configured on inner surface of said holding disc and disposed in said annular space; and
o selectively engageable and slidable with said second operative end of said plurality of wedges;
said drive on actuation rotates said shaft thereby rotating said retainer disc and said backing disc, said wedges rotates with said retainer disc, said first sub-profile of said flange adapted to engage said friction-reducing element and force said friction-reducing element to move thereby rotating said holding disc, said holding adapted to transmit torque to an engine via a flywheel; and
when said engine is in operation, said drive is stopped thereby stopping rotations of said shaft, said retainer disc and said backing disc, whereas said holding disc rotates at same rotational speed as that of said flywheel; said second sub-profile of said flange adapted to facilitate sliding of said friction-reducing elements over said second operative end of said plurality of wedges thereby preventing rotation of said retainer disc and said backing disc and thereby disconnecting said drive from said flywheel.
5. The one-way clutch system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said friction-reducing elements are rolling elements.

6. The one-way clutch system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said drive is one of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
7. The one-way clutch system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said bearing element is a bush.