A rotary clutch uses a wrap spring clutch. An actuator generates a drag force to control the wrap spring clutch to engage or disengage the clutch. The actuator includes an electromagnet, a two-component armature and an axial return spring. The two-component armature includes first and second components threadingly connected one another for relative axial translation as they rotate relative to one another, and an angular position biasing member connecting them. The second component translates axially under magnetic force from the electromagnet, and when stopped by the electromagnet the first armature component translates axially due to their threaded connection. Due to the previous axial movement of the floating component the translation of the first armature component occurs in conditions where the air gap and reluctance of a magnetic circuit is reduced compared to the prior art, and thus the overall strength of the applied magnetic field can be comparatively reduced.

A coupling for connecting an input shaft to an output shaft through a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly. A portion of the input shaft is located within an internal cavity of the output shaft. The bi-directional roller clutch assembly selectively connects and disconnects the input and output shafts from one another. A drive plate is disposed about and attached to a portion of the input shaft so as to rotate in combination therewith. The drive plate is rotationally connected to a clutch housing of the clutch assembly such that rotation of the input shaft produces corresponding rotation of the clutch housing. A torsion spring is positioned within a spring retainer and engaged with at least one of either the spring retainer or the clutch housing. An engagement control assembly controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch assembly and a coil housing mounted in the cover and a coil mounted in the coil housing, the coil is connected to a switch for controlling the supply of current to the coil. The coil having an active state for generating magnetic flux when power is sent to the coil, and an inactive state when no power is sent to the coil and no magnetic flux is generated. At least one armature plate is disposed about the output shaft and positioned near the coil.

A coupling for connecting an input shaft to an output shaft through a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly. A portion of the input shaft is located within an internal cavity of the output shaft. The bi-directional roller clutch assembly selectively connects and disconnects the input and output shafts from one another. A drive plate is disposed about and attached to a portion of the input shaft so as to rotate in combination therewith. The drive plate is rotationally connected to a clutch housing of the clutch assembly such that rotation of the input shaft produces corresponding rotation of the clutch housing. A torsion spring is positioned within a spring retainer and engaged with at least one of either the spring retainer or the clutch housing. An engagement control assembly controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch assembly and a coil housing mounted in the cover and a coil mounted in the coil housing, the coil is connected to a switch for controlling the supply of current to the coil. The coil having an active state for generating magnetic flux when power is sent to the coil, and an inactive state when no power is sent to the coil and no magnetic flux is generated. At least one armature plate is disposed about the output shaft and positioned near the coil.

In an aspect, an automotive air conditioning assembly comprising a scroll compressor and a wrap spring clutch. The wrap spring clutch enables the use of a comparatively smaller pulley (a diameter of at most 85 mm) which comparatively increases the compressor speed and hence cooling capacity at a given engine speed. The clutch requires low power (e.g. less than 5 Watts) for continuous operation.

A rotary clutch uses a wrap spring clutch. An actuator generates a drag force to control the wrap spring clutch to engage or disengage the clutch. The actuator includes an electromagnet, a two-component armature and an axial return spring. The two-component armature includes first and second components threadingly connected one another for relative axial translation as they rotate relative to one another, and an angular position biasing member connecting them. The second component translates axially under magnetic force from the electromagnet, and when stopped by the electromagnet the first armature component translates axially due to their threaded connection. Due to the previous axial movement of the floating component the translation of the first armature component occurs in conditions where the air gap and reluctance of a magnetic circuit is reduced compared to the prior art, and thus the overall strength of the applied magnetic field can be comparatively reduced.

A rotary clutch uses a wrap spring clutch. An actuator generates a drag force to control the wrap spring clutch to engage or disengage the clutch. The actuator includes an electromagnet, a two-component armature and an axial return spring. The two-component armature includes first and second components threadingly connected one another for relative axial translation as they rotate relative to one another, and an angular position biasing member connecting them. The second component translates axially under magnetic force from the electromagnet, and when stopped by the electromagnet the first armature component translates axially due to their threaded connection. Due to the previous axial movement of the floating component the translation of the first armature component occurs in conditions where the air gap and reluctance of a magnetic circuit is reduced compared to the prior art, and thus the overall strength of the applied magnetic field can be comparatively reduced.

In an aspect, a clutched device is provided, and includes an input member, an output member, a one-way clutch that can operatively connect the input member to the output member, and a motor including a stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected for rotation with a portion of the one-way clutch. The stator is operable to apply a first magnetic driving force to cause movement of the portion of the one-way clutch in a first rotational direction to increase a force of engagement between the input and output members. The stator is operable to apply a second magnetic driving force to cause movement of the portion of the one-way clutch to disengage the input and output members from each other.

In an aspect, a clutched device is provided, and includes an input member, an output member, a one-way clutch that can operatively connect the input member to the output member, and a motor including a stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected for rotation with a portion of the one-way clutch. The stator is operable to apply a first magnetic driving force to cause movement of the portion of the one-way clutch in a first rotational direction to increase a force of engagement between the input and output members. The stator is operable to apply a second magnetic driving force to cause movement of the portion of the one-way clutch to disengage the input and output members from each other.

The present disclosure describes a wrap spring torque nipple that includes a first helical spring, a second helical spring, and a middle portion connected to and between the first helical spring and the second helical spring. The first helical spring and the second helical spring have different rotational helix orientations, and the first helical spring is configured to receive an input shaft and the second helical spring is configured to receive an output shaft, wherein the wrap spring transfers rotational power up to a defined torsional value from the input shaft to the output shaft.

The present disclosure describes a wrap spring torque nipple that includes a first helical spring, a second helical spring, and a middle portion connected to and between the first helical spring and the second helical spring. The first helical spring and the second helical spring have different rotational helix orientations, and the first helical spring is configured to receive an input shaft and the second helical spring is configured to receive an output shaft, wherein the wrap spring transfers rotational power up to a defined torsional value from the input shaft to the output shaft.