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World's First “Ultra-Compact One-Way Clutch” Announced
NTN has developed the world's first “ultra-compact one-way clutch”.
The roller-type clutch has an external diameter of only 6 mm. This small
diameter is ideally suited for use in the hinges of the PC display screens
of notebook PCs as they become smaller, thinner, and lighter (hinge
section: Figure 1). Sales for PCs and other small mobile products
are expected to expand in the future.
1.Background to Development
Currently, the hinge section of notebook PCs use torque limiters to securely
position the screen when it is opened. Combining a one-way clutch in the
hinge allows the outer ring to rotate freely in one direction. This type
of torque limiter has been studied with the thought of improving performance
so that the screen can be opened with just one hand. However, the existing
one-way clutches must be mounted onto the shaft and the thin hinge section
limits the size reduction that is possible.
2. Summary of the new product
The “ultra-compact one-way clutch”, newly developed by NTN
(Figure 3), uses a completely new structure that incorporates
the one-way clutch function into the shaft. NTN has succeeded in reducing
down the one-way clutch to the same thickness as the shaft itself. The
external diameter is half that of conventional one-way clutches that must
be mounted onto the shaft. This new development makes it possible to reduce
the thickness of the hinge section.
3. Features of the new product
1) Ultra-compact:
World's first one-way clutch with an external diameter of only 6
mm. The external diameter is only half that of previous one-way clutches
(NTN comparison).
2) High lock function reliability
The roller clutch structure, utilizing a mechanical wedge
effect results in a lock function that is highly reliable.
3) Easy assembly
A projection can be formed on the external diameter of the
ultra-compact one-way clutch for reliable assembly with no chance of
slip in use.
4) Shaft and clutch functions combined in one piece
4. Application: Small mobile products equipped with fold-over type display
screens
5. On Sale: Planned for May 2002
6. Number of patents: 2
7.To inquire: Industrial Sales Planning and Marketing Department
Note 1: One-way clutch
A product that transmits rotational force to the inner ring when the
outer ring turns in one direction but does not transmit rotational force
when the outer ring turns in the reverse direction.
Note 2: Torque limiter
A product that controls the maximum torque that can be transmitted.
Figure 1: The hinge section of notebook PCs |
Figure 2: Usual one-way clutch |
Figure 3: Ultra-compact one-way clutch |
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