A wedge clutch selectively locks an outer race to an inner race to transfer torque therebetween. The inner race includes a first plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in a first direction about an axis. The inner race includes a second plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in an opposite second direction about the axis. At least two wedge plates are provided, each having a plurality of segments with a tapered inner surface disposed on a respective one of the first or second plurality of tapered surfaces of the inner race. The tapered inner surfaces of the wedge plates are tapered in opposite directions. An electromagnetic actuator is provided for each of the wedge plates. Electrically energizing one of the actuators constricts that respective wedge plate, unwedging the wedge plate from between the inner race and outer race and to no longer inhibit relative rotation therebetween.

A wedge clutch selectively locks an outer race to an inner race to transfer torque therebetween. The inner race includes a first plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in a first direction about an axis. The inner race includes a second plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in an opposite second direction about the axis. At least two wedge plates are provided, each having a plurality of segments with a tapered inner surface disposed on a respective one of the first or second plurality of tapered surfaces of the inner race. The tapered inner surfaces of the wedge plates are tapered in opposite directions. An electromagnetic actuator is provided for each of the wedge plates. Electrically energizing one of the actuators constricts that respective wedge plate, unwedging the wedge plate from between the inner race and outer race and to no longer inhibit relative rotation therebetween.

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 clutch, including: an inner race including a pocket; an outer race; and a pawl including a portion disposed in the pocket and pivotable within the pocket. In a locked mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch: the pawl contacts the outer race; and the pawl, the inner race, and the outer race are non-rotatably connected. In a one-way mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch: the pawl contacts the outer race; and relative rotation of the inner race around the axis of rotation and with respect to the outer race is enabled only in a first circumferential direction. In a freewheel mode of the switchable ratcheting clutch: the pawl is free of contact with the outer race; and the inner race is rotatable around the axis of rotation and with respect to the outer race in the first circumferential direction and in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.

A clutch, including: inner and outer races; a wedge plate; an electromagnetic actuator including a coil and an attenuating circuit. The coil is arranged to be energized by a power source to switch the wedge clutch between: a locked mode in which the inner and races are locked in a circumferential direction and a free-wheel mode in which the inner race is rotatable with respect to the outer race in the circumferential direction. The attenuating circuit includes a capacitor parallel with the coil and a switch wired to the capacitor. During the free-wheel mode: the switch is arranged to connect the capacitor to an electrical ground; and the electrical power source is arranged to energize the coil and charge the capacitor with a voltage. Following initiation of the locked mode: the switch isolates the capacitor from the electrical ground; and the capacitor discharges the voltage through the coil.

A synchronizer for a transmission to be used aboard a motor vehicle, includes: a primary shaft; a bell-shaped member assembled on the primary shaft having inside a friction cylindrical surface; a supporting element, revolvingly mounted on the primary shaft and housed within the bell-shaped member; a shoe having a friction profile located within an outer edge of the supporting element and faced towards the friction cylindrical surface of the bell-shaped member, jointed to the supporting element by a pair of arms in an articulated quadrilateral linkage configuration; and means for translating the shoe by rotating said arms both in clockwise and counter clockwise direction, by causing a projection of the shoe above the outer edge of the supporting element, interference of an end of the shoe with said friction cylindrical surface of the bell-shaped member, thereby causing a jamming thereof.

A synchronizer for a transmission to be used aboard a motor vehicle, includes: a primary shaft; a bell-shaped member assembled on the primary shaft having inside a friction cylindrical surface; a supporting element, revolvingly mounted on the primary shaft and housed within the bell-shaped member; a shoe having a friction profile located within an outer edge of the supporting element and faced towards the friction cylindrical surface of the bell-shaped member, jointed to the supporting element by a pair of arms in an articulated quadrilateral linkage configuration; and means for translating the shoe by rotating said arms both in clockwise and counter clockwise direction, by causing a projection of the shoe above the outer edge of the supporting element, interference of an end of the shoe with said friction cylindrical surface of the bell-shaped member, thereby causing a jamming thereof.

A wedge clutch includes an inner race and an outer race. The outer race defines an inner cam surface. A chain of wedges encircles the inner race and are configured to couple the races when the clutch is engaged. The wedges have outer surfaces that match with sections of the inner cam surface such that the wedges have an outer radial position when in first rotational position relative to the cam surface and have an inner radial position when in a second rotational position to frictionally engage the inner race.

A wedge clutch includes an inner race and an outer race. The outer race defines an inner cam surface. A chain of wedges encircles the inner race and are configured to couple the races when the clutch is engaged. The wedges have outer surfaces that match with sections of the inner cam surface such that the wedges have an outer radial position when in first rotational position relative to the cam surface and have an inner radial position when in a second rotational position to frictionally engage the inner race.

A wedge clutch, including: outer and inner races; a wedge plate radially between the inner and outer races; and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil; a first coil core piece including a first end disposed within the coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate; and a second coil core piece including a first end disposed within the first coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate. In a locked mode of the clutch, the inner race and outer races and the wedge plate are non-rotatably connected for rotation of the inner race in a circumferential direction. In a free-wheel mode of the clutch, the inner race is rotatable, with respect to the outer race, in the circumferential direction. To transition from the locked mode to the free-wheel mode, the electromagnetic actuator is arranged to be energized to radially contract the wedge plate.