CLUTCH AND DRIVE DEVICE HAVING THE CLUTCH

摘要

A clutch comprises a driving rotor (11; 52; 83; 202; 302) coupled to a driving source (2) such as a motor, and a driven rotor (12; 53; 85; 204; 303) directly engaged with the driving rotor. Both rotors are accommodated in a housing (13; 51; 82; 201; 301). A lock member (14; 54; 86; 119; 205; 304) comprised of rollers or balls is located between the driven rotor and the housing. When the driven rotor itself is rotated, the lock member is held between the driven rotor and the housing to block the rotation of the driven rotor relative to the housing. When the driving source rotates the driving rotor, the lock member is released from the held state to allow the driving rotor to rotate the driven rotor relative to the housing. Such a clutch can block the transmission of the rotation from the driven rotor to the driving rotor without fail, and can reduce the strength required to both rotors.