Patent classifications
F16D13/20
OUTER HUB WEDGE CLUTCH
A wedge clutch imparts a wedging effect to selectively transfer power through powertrain components. The wedge clutch includes a hub configured to rotate about an axis. The hub has a tapered surface facing the axis. A rotatable member is configured to rotate about the axis and has a groove facing away from the axis. A disk is configured to radially expand and contract about the axis. The disk has an outer surface facing the tapered surface of the hub, and an inner surface facing the groove of the rotatable member. Axial movement of the hub along the axis toward the rotatable member slides the tapered surface of the hub along the outer surface of the disk to move the inner surface of the disk toward the groove of the rotatable member to frictionally engage the hub and the rotatable member and transfer power through the wedge clutch.
OUTER HUB WEDGE CLUTCH
A wedge clutch imparts a wedging effect to selectively transfer power through powertrain components. The wedge clutch includes a hub configured to rotate about an axis. The hub has a tapered surface facing the axis. A rotatable member is configured to rotate about the axis and has a groove facing away from the axis. A disk is configured to radially expand and contract about the axis. The disk has an outer surface facing the tapered surface of the hub, and an inner surface facing the groove of the rotatable member. Axial movement of the hub along the axis toward the rotatable member slides the tapered surface of the hub along the outer surface of the disk to move the inner surface of the disk toward the groove of the rotatable member to frictionally engage the hub and the rotatable member and transfer power through the wedge clutch.