SYNCHRO-LOCK CLUTCH - COMBINATION FRICTION AND MECHANICAL LOCKING CLUTCH

摘要

A composite clutch (20, 120, 220) used to transmit an operational range of torques from a driving member to a driven member includes a friction clutch assembly (34, 134, 234) and a dog clutch assembly (36, 136, 236). The friction clutch assembly (34, 134, 234) includes a number of first friction clutch members (38) coupled to the driving member and a number of second friction clutch members (42) coupled to the driven member. The number of first friction clutch members (38) and the number of second friction clutch members (42) are selected to transmit torque across a first portion (84) of the operational range of torques. An actuator assembly (60, 160, 260) is operatively coupled to the friction clutch assembly (34, 134, 234) and the dog clutch assembly (36, 136, 236). The composite clutch (20, 120, 220) may be operated in friction clutch and dog modes to provide improved controllability in lower torque operation.