Wedge clutch with slotted carrier
US10876581B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2023/123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wedge clutch includes first and second races supported for rotation about a common axis. The first race defines a cam surface and circumferentially arranged pockets recessed into the cam surface. A wedge element is formed of circumferentially arranged wedges each having an ear disposed in one of the pockets. Resilient members are disposed in the pockets and act between the ears to bias the wedge element to a contracted position in which the wedge elements collectively contract towards the axis and the clutch is engaged. A cage is axial movable towards the wedge element to engage with the ears to compress the resilient members and move the wedge element to an expanded position in which the wedge elements collectively expand away from the axis and the clutch is disengaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.