A clutch includes an inner race, an outer race defining an inner cam surface having lobes and valleys, and a plurality of wedge segments configured to selectively couple the inner and outer races. The wedge segments are circumferentially arranged around the inner race with each segment disposed between adjacent ones of the lobes and valleys. Each segment is circumferentially movable towards the adjacent lobe to increase friction with the inner race and towards the adjacent valley to decrease friction with the inner race. A cage is configured to drive the circumferential movement of the wedge segments. Rotation of the cage relative to the outer race in a first direction permits overrunning of the inner race in a second direction that is opposite the first direction while a second set of the segments locks the inner race from rotating in the first direction relative to the outer race.

A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch part to control transmission and interruption of rotational torque input through lever operation, and a brake-side clutch part to transmit the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch part to an output side, and interrupt rotational torque reversely input from the output side. The brake-side clutch part includes a cover constrained in rotation, an output shaft to output the rotation, an inner ring to receive the rotational torque input from the lever-side clutch part, and a cylindrical roller to control interruption of the rotational torque from the output shaft and transmission of the rotational torque from the inner ring through engagement and disengagement between an outer ring and the output shaft. The inner ring includes a slide gear which meshes with the cover during interruption of the rotational torque and is released from the meshing state during transmission of the rotational torque.

A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch part to control transmission and interruption of rotational torque input through lever operation, and a brake-side clutch part to transmit the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch part to an output side, and interrupt rotational torque reversely input from the output side. The brake-side clutch part includes a cover constrained in rotation, an output shaft to output the rotation, an inner ring to receive the rotational torque input from the lever-side clutch part, and a cylindrical roller to control interruption of the rotational torque from the output shaft and transmission of the rotational torque from the inner ring through engagement and disengagement between an outer ring and the output shaft. The inner ring includes a slide gear which meshes with the cover during interruption of the rotational torque and is released from the meshing state during transmission of the rotational torque.

A wedge clutch includes an inner race and an outer race circumscribing the inner race. A wedge element is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and actuatable to couple and decouple the inner and outer races. An actuator is operably coupled with the wedge element and is configured to actuate the wedge element to decouple the inner and outer races.

A clutch assembly for a hoist may comprise a first epicyclic gear train and a first set of friction disks rotationally coupled to the first epicyclic gear train. A second set of friction disks may be in operable communication with the first set of friction disks. Torque may be transferred between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks by means of a friction coupling between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks. A pinion may be rotationally coupled to the second set of friction disks. A splined portion of the pinion may form an output of the clutch assembly.

A clutch assembly for a hoist may comprise a first epicyclic gear train and a first set of friction disks rotationally coupled to the first epicyclic gear train. A second set of friction disks may be in operable communication with the first set of friction disks. Torque may be transferred between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks by means of a friction coupling between the first set of friction disks and the second set of friction disks. A pinion may be rotationally coupled to the second set of friction disks. A splined portion of the pinion may form an output of the clutch assembly.

A torque converter assembly includes an input plate connectable to a powerplant, a torque converter, and a disconnect clutch external to the torque converter and configured to selectively couple the input plate to the torque converter. The torque converter includes a cover having an outer surface and at least one fluid hole extending through the cover. The disconnect clutch is actuated by pressurized fluid via the fluid hole.

A torque converter assembly includes an input plate connectable to a powerplant, a torque converter, and a disconnect clutch external to the torque converter and configured to selectively couple the input plate to the torque converter. The torque converter includes a cover having an outer surface and at least one fluid hole extending through the cover. The disconnect clutch is actuated by pressurized fluid via the fluid hole.

A wedge clutch includes a drawn outer cup that axially contains the inner components of the clutch. In particular embodiments disclosed herein, a wedge clutch includes an inner race such as a hub, an outer race such as a carrier, and a plurality of wedge segments radially therebetween. The wedge segments are arranged and moveable about a central axis, and can move into and out of a wedging engagement between the inner race and outer race to transfer torque therebetween. A unitary, single drawn cup is flanged to axially contact and border the outer race and the wedge segments. This contains the outer race and the wedge segments axially, to improve operation of the clutch and create a unitized wedge clutch.

A wedge clutch includes a drawn outer cup that axially contains the inner components of the clutch. In particular embodiments disclosed herein, a wedge clutch includes an inner race such as a hub, an outer race such as a carrier, and a plurality of wedge segments radially therebetween. The wedge segments are arranged and moveable about a central axis, and can move into and out of a wedging engagement between the inner race and outer race to transfer torque therebetween. A unitary, single drawn cup is flanged to axially contact and border the outer race and the wedge segments. This contains the outer race and the wedge segments axially, to improve operation of the clutch and create a unitized wedge clutch.