WEDGE CLUTCH WITH CENTRIFUGAL RETENTION

摘要

A wedge clutch, including: an inner race including first and second sides facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively and a radially outermost surface sloping radially inward from the second side to the first side; an outer race located radially outward of the inner race; a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including third and fourth sides facing in the first and second axial directions, respectively, a radially innermost surface sloping radially inward from the fourth side to the third side, and a first plurality of retention features; and an axially displaceable retention ring including a second plurality of retention features. In a free-wheel mode the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other and the second plurality of retention features is engaged with the first plurality of retention features to block radially outward expansion of the wedge plate.

主权项

1. A wedge clutch, comprising:
an inner race including:
first and second sides facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively; and,a radially outermost surface sloping radially inward from the second side to the first side; an outer race located radially outward of the inner race; a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including:
third and fourth sides facing in the first and second axial directions, respectively;a radially innermost surface sloping radially inward from the fourth side to the third side; and,a first plurality of retention features; and, an axially displaceable retention ring including a second plurality of retention features, wherein:
in a locked mode, the inner race, the wedge plate and the outer race are non-rotatably connected;in a free-wheel mode:
the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other; and,the second plurality of retention features is engaged with the first plurality of retention features to block radially outward expansion of the wedge plate.