Wedge clutch with wedge chain

US10670083B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Brian Lee · York, US
• Carsten Ohr · Charlotte, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 24, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 2, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2023/123
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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.