OVERRUNNING ISOLATING DECOUPLER PULLEYS

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved overrunning pulleys that overcome one or more of the deficiencies in the prior art as discussed herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide pulleys that are “springy” in the torque direction, yet have a lower effective spring constant (e.g., are less stiff) over a greater angular range. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys use a low cost and simple torque transfer geometry. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys afford significant overrun. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are radially small in an overall envelope, for example, in order to allow an alternator to reach its highest possible rotational speed, and thus output, during engine idle. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are more durable, as they offer the aforementioned dynamics in both directions (torque and counter-torque).

主权项

1. An overrunning, isolating decoupler pulley, comprising:
a shaft; a pulley body disposed about the shaft, the pulley body and shaft rotatable with respect to each other in a first direction by at least a first angular displacement and in an opposing second direction by at least a second angular displacement; one or more engagement features that engage upon sufficient rotation between the pulley body and the shaft, wherein the one or more engagement features, when engaged, prevent further rotation between the pulley body and the shaft in a given direction; a movable element disposed between the pulley body and the shaft, wherein the movable element is movable with respect to each of the pulley body and the shaft and is movable within a range sufficient to provide either or both of the first angular displacement and the second angular displacement between the pulley body and the shaft; and a resilient member disposed between either or both of the movable element and the pulley body or the movable element and the shaft.