Abstract: An electrical actuator (1) especially for operating a valve (2) has at least one electric motor (3), a drive shaft (4) driven by the electric motor (3) and a gear shaft (5) rotatable by the drive shaft (4), which gear shaft is connected to a valve member (6) in a motion-transferring manner. Between the drive shaft (4) and the gear shaft (5), a return stop device (7) especially acting both ways in rotational direction is formed. This return stop device (7) has a pot-shaped outer part (8) and a hub part (9) rotatably supported therein. The hub part (9) is connected to the gear shaft (5) in a torque-proof manner and within at least one free space (10) between the hub part (9) and the outer part (8) a wedging member is arranged. This is only movement into free rolling position by the drive shaft (4) under a rotation of the drive shaft (4).

Abstract: A clutch device is comprised of: an end wall rotatable about an axis; an extended wall elongated as a unitary body from a first face of the end wall along the axis to define a circular slot; a clutch including a clutch member movable along the axis and capable of resting on a second face of the end wall; and a solenoid configured to drive the clutch member along the axis, the solenoid including a core conducting a magnetic flux, the core including a fitting portion slidably fitting in the circular slot, an abutment portion projecting radially outward from the fitting portion to abut along the axis on the extended wall, and a back portion projecting outward along the axis from the circular slot and retracting radially inward from the contact portion.

Abstract: A coolant pump includes a rotatable rotor shaft, a pulley wheel which co-rotates with and is supported by the rotor shaft, a pump wheel rotatably supported at the rotor shaft, and an electrically switched wedge-coupled wet friction clutch. The wedge-coupled wet friction clutch comprises a clutch support fixed to the rotor shaft, a clutch ring arranged at a proximal side of the pump wheel, a clutch disk comprising a ferromagnetic element, a static electromagnet which axially pulls the clutch disk to the clutch support into a disengaged position when the static electromagnet is energized, and a wedge coupling mechanism. The wedge coupling mechanism comprises a wedge element and a counter-wedge element which are configured to generate an axial wedge force which axially pushes the clutch disk into an engaged position against the clutch ring when the static electromagnet is not energized and the rotor shaft rotates.

Abstract: A power transfer case transfers drive torque from the input member to the output member. The power transfer case includes a lubrication system, a hydraulically actuated friction clutch assembly, and a hydraulically actuated range shift assembly. An on-demand electric lube pump can supply a fluid under pressure. An accumulator is selectively supplied with fluid under pressure from the on-demand lube pump. A first valve selectively directs fluid under pressure from the on-demand lube pump to the lubrication system when in the first position and to the accumulator when in a second position. A second valve selectively directs fluid under pressure from the accumulator to the range shift assembly when in a first position, to the friction clutch assembly when in a second position, and isolates the accumulator from the range shift assembly and the friction clutch assembly when in a third position.

Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, including a housing cylinder having a cap end and an attachment end including a first attachment surface, with gear teeth being disposed around an inner circumference forming at least one ring gear. The housing cylinder encloses a planetary gear set including at least one sun gear and at least one set of planet gears. An output interface includes an interface body having an annular attachment lip including a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface contacts, and is connected, as by welding, to the second attachment surface, whereby rotational power may be transmitted from the planetary gear set to the output interface via the gear teeth and the contact between the attachment surfaces.

Abstract: A limited slip differential assembly for a vehicle has a differential assembly drivingly engaged with a prime mover of the vehicle. The assembly has a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case. A torque coupling unit is provided for selectively restricting rotation between one of the output shafts and the differential case. The torque coupling unit has a friction clutch assembly disposed about one of the output shafts. The friction clutch assembly has a first portion drivingly engaged with one of the output shafts and a second portion drivingly engaged with the differential case. A ball and ramp assembly is disposed adjacent the friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device includes a driving disc, and also a first driving device, a second driving device and a first electrical control device. When the first electrical control device is energized, the first electrical control device drives the first driving device such that the second driving device is disengaged from the driving disc. When the first electrical control device is de-energized, the first electrical control device drives the first driving device such that the second driving device is engaged with the driving disc. The device aims to provide an electromagnetic driving device able to operate and serve the function of driving even if a power supply system of an electromagnetic clutch malfunctions or a sudden power cut occurs, avoiding the series of adverse effects caused by the failure of the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: A brake mechanism of a robot using a multi-output differential gear, capable of selectively blocking or applying driving force as needed, the brake mechanism including, a differential gear unit receiving driving force and generating at least three outputs differentiated from the driving force while being linked with the driving force, a driving unit transferring the driving force to the differential gear unit and moving in a direction away from or approaching the differential gear unit to thereby be detachably provided in the differential gear unit, and a rescuing unit controlling a spaced distance between the driving unit and the differential gear unit to attach and detach the driving unit to and from the differential gear unit.

Abstract: A locking hub system in a vehicle is provided. The locking hub system includes an inner drive gear assembly including a drive gear having a drive gear interior splined surface configured to attach to a vehicle axle and a bearing housing rotationally coupled to the drive gear having a bearing housing exterior splined surface configured to mate with a wheel attachment interface and a clutch ring assembly including a pin ring having a plurality of cantilevered pins extending from a support ring, partially enclosing a clutch ring, and unsupported at one end, the clutch ring including a clutch ring splined interior surface slidably moveable to mate with an drive gear splined exterior surface of the drive gear in an engaged configuration and slidably moveable to decouple from the drive gear splined exterior surface in a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle having a multiple drive axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly including a forward interaxle differential, a forward interaxle differential input shaft and a forward interaxle differential output shaft. An intermediate drive shaft is connected to the forward interaxle differential output shaft. A rear axle assembly includes a rear differential and a rear differential input shaft. A rear clutch arrangement is provided between the intermediate drive shaft and the rear differential input shaft and is movable between a first position in which the rear clutch arrangement rotationally locks the intermediate drive shaft and the rear differential input shaft and a second position in which the intermediate drive shaft and the rear differential input shaft are rotationally disconnected. The rear axle assembly of the vehicle can be raised and lowered relative to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a dog clutch configured to selectively couple a carrier to an axle shaft in response to magnetic forces generated by electrical current in a coil. A method of operating the differential is adapted to avoid failed engagement attempts that could potentially damage the dog clutch. If a driver commands engagement of the locking feature while a differential speed, a controller waits to command engagement of the dog clutch until the differential speed decreases below a threshold. The controller measures or infers a temperature of the differential fluid and adjusts the threshold to higher values when the temperature is cold.

Abstract: A driveline component that includes an input member, a differential case, a differential gearset housed in the differential case, a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The second clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The first clutch has a first engagement time and that is less than a second engagement time of the second clutch.

Abstract: A coupling member for a connector component that includes an inner sleeve configured to surround a shell and that sleeve is rotatable with respect to the shell in a tightening direction to mate with the mating component and a release direction opposite the tightening direction. The inner sleeve has an interface portion and an engagement member. A spring member is wrapped around the shell adjacent the inner sleeve. The spring member has a first tab end that engages the engagement member. When the inner sleeve is rotated with respect to the shell in the tightening direction, the inner sleeve pushes the first tab of the spring member, thereby loosening the spring member around the shell allowing the inner sleeve to rotate in the tightening direction to engage the mating connector component. The first tab end of the spring member prevents the inner sleeve from rotating in the release direction.

Abstract: A clutch having a pre-clutch and a main clutch, where the pre-clutch can be brought to an engaged or a disengaged state by a tensioning means, the pre-clutch being connected to the main clutch by means of an operative connection in such a way that the disengaged position and the engaged position are transmitted to the main clutch, and where the tensioning means is supported on a clutch basket of the main clutch.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a cam that has two cam members disposed facing each other and produces thrust in an axis direction; an attracting member that creates friction force by attracting the cam members into contact with the attracting member by magnetic attraction force; an attracted member that is attached to one cam member of the two so as to rotate integrally together with the one cam member and be relatively movable in the axis direction, and that is attracted by the attracting member into contact with the attracting member so that the friction force is produced; a first return spring that exerts elastic force on the attracted member so as to move the attracted member away from the attracting member against the magnetic attractive force; and a second return spring that exerts elastic force on the one cam member.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor system including a prime mover, a compressor, and an unloader device that couples the compressor to the prime mover. The unloading device includes a centrifugal clutch and an electric clutch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member or pulley and a rotatable output member or shaft. A hub cover is coupled to the pulley and includes an inner facing surface located proximal an outer friction pad or clutch plate which is fixed for rotation with the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the output member and is biased toward a position of engaging the clutch plate and the hub cover for transferring a torque from the pulley to the output shaft. A self-energizing actuator converts rotary motion of the input member or pulley to linear movement of the armature plate to further engage the clutch. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate.

Abstract: A gearbox arrangement (1), which is arranged in a drive train of a multi-axle land vehicle (2), in particular a commercial vehicle, or a similar means of transportation, wherein at least one of said axles is driven, wherein at least one planetary drive (8) is associated with each of the axle halves (5) of a driven axle. The gearbox arrangement comprises at least one sensor device (7) for detecting a steering manipulation on the vehicle (2) and a control device (6).

Abstract: A number of variations may include a transfer case comprising: a clutch pack, wherein the clutch pack includes a first plurality of clutch plates rotatably coupled with an output member, a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with the first plurality of clutch plates and rotatably coupled with an input member, and an apply plate; a solenoid operably associated with the friction clutch pack, wherein the solenoid includes a coil and an armature; at least one lever mechanism, wherein a first end of the at least one lever mechanism is stationary and a second end is attached to and moves with the armature; and wherein when the solenoid is deenergized there is an air gap between the armature and the coil and when the solenoid is energized the armature moves toward the coil causing the first end of the lever component to engage the clutch pack.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes an outer ring having an inner cylindrical surface, and an inner ring having outer cam surfaces. A pair of rollers and an elastic member biasing the rollers away from each other are mounted between the cylindrical surface and each adjacent pair of the cam surfaces. The rollers and the elastic members are retained by a control retainer and a rotary retainer each having a flange and crossbars extending from the flange and circumferentially alternating with the crossbars of the other retainer. The respective opposed pairs of rollers are pushed by the respective crossbars to a disengaged position when the retainers rotate relative to each other. The crossbars of the retainers are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring and the flanges are provided outside the outer ring to minimize the axial length of the outer ring.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, a crankshaft rotationally supported on the engine structure, a crankshaft isolator assembly and a belt. The crankshaft isolator assembly includes a hub fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, a crankshaft isolator pulley coupled to the hub, and a mechanical clutch. The mechanical clutch is engaged with the hub and the crankshaft isolator pulley. The mechanical clutch fixes the hub for rotation with the crankshaft isolator pulley during a first operating condition and allows relative rotation between the hub and the crankshaft isolator pulley during a second operating condition. The belt is engaged with the crankshaft isolator pulley and an accessory drive system.

Abstract: A clutch device (102) having an actuating device (204), especially for a drive train (100) of a motor vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine (104), an electrical machine (108) with a stator (118) and a rotor (120), and a transmission device (110). The clutch device (102, 202) can be arranged in the drive train (100) between the internal combustion engine (104) on the one side and the electrical machine (108) and the transmission device (110) on the other side. The clutch device (102, 202) and the actuating device (204) are integrated into the rotor (120) of the electrical machine (108) and the actuating device (204) includes an electrical eddy-current brake (244) with a brake stator (246, 302) and a brake rotor (248), the brake rotor (246, 302) having at least one electromagnet (250, 306) with a coil and a core, the coil and the core being arranged concentrically in relation to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle differential unit (DU), including: a torsional damper assembly having a plurality of independently sprung damper assemblies positioned with respect to the DU, each damper assembly configured to reduce noise or vibration generated by the DU in a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a first cam mechanism that converts rotational force from a housing into first cam thrust force used as clutch force of a main clutch when the first cam mechanism is actuated through clutch action of a pilot clutch; and a second cam mechanism that is actuated prior to conversion of the rotational force into the first cam thrust force by the first cam mechanism, and that generates second cam thrust force for reducing an interval between clutch plates of the main clutch. The second cam mechanism includes an input cam member that rotates upon receiving rotational force used as actuating force of the input cam member from a cam actuating driving source, and an output cam member that generates the second cam thrust force between the output cam member and the input cam member and outputs the second cam thrust force.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a housing having an inner peripheral spline portion; an inner shaft having an outer peripheral spline portion; a main clutch including first outer and inner clutch plates respectively engaged with the inner and outer peripheral spline portions; a cam mechanism generating pressing force for pressing the main clutch by relatively rotating a pair of cam members; and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism including an armature engaged with the inner peripheral spline portion and applying rotation force to the cam mechanism for relatively rotating the cam members through energization of an electromagnetic coil. An end face facing the armature is formed in the inner peripheral spline portion between a first region engaged with the first outer clutch plate and a second region engaged with the armature. Movement of the armature toward the first region is regulated by contact of the armature with the end face.

Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to recognize the drivers and/or passengers within the automobile. Based on the recognition, the vehicle may change a configuration of the automobile to match predetermined preferences for the driver and/or passenger.

Abstract: A flanged coupling member is provided with a shaft portion to which a drive force is input, and a flange portion formed in one end of the shaft portion. The flanged coupling member is coupled to a front housing member with a bolt in which a shaft portion thereof is coaxially arranged in a front housing member and a flange portion contacts an outer surface in an axial direction of a bottom portion of the front housing member. The flange portion is provided with a tubular engagement portion that extends in an axial direction from an outer peripheral edge thereof. The engagement portion is arranged on an outer circumference of the front housing member on the basis of the fastening, and the engagement portion and the front housing member are engaged via a spline. The flanged coupling member is fastened to the front housing member at the shaft portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal force combined with sliding damping type clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) is installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal force cutting off sliding damping type torque-actuated clutch capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, and a centrifugal force cutting type centrifugal clutch (2006) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuated by initial limit-torque sliding damping capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or releasing with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, and a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the output end (102).

Abstract: A clutch assembly having a driver, an output member, a clutch spring, an armature and an actuator. The clutch spring includes a plurality of coils that are configured to be drivingly engaged with the driver. The clutch spring further includes first and second ends. The first end is configured to drivingly engage the output member to facilitate the transmission of rotary power from the driver, through the clutch spring and into the output member. The second end is engaged to the armature. The actuator is selectively operable for rotating the armature relative to the driver in a rotational direction opposite a predetermined rotational direction in which the driver is driven to thereby initiate at least partial disengagement of the coils of the clutch spring from the driver.

Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor.

Abstract: A clutch including a pre-clutch and a main clutch, where the pre-clutch can be brought into an engaged or disengaged state by a disc spring, where the pre-clutch is connected via an effective connection to the main clutch, such that in the disengaged position and engaged position are transmitted to the main clutch, where the pre-clutch is arranged between the main clutch and a connection area for an actuating element of the disc spring, that the disc spring is effectively connected to an outer area by means of a clutch hub of the pre-clutch, that the disc spring is effectively connected in a middle area to a disc of the counter-disc of the pre-clutch, and that the disc spring has a contact area for the actuating element in an inner area.

Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch device, for example, a booster clutch device, including a first clutch element and a second clutch element, where a torsion spring device is provided coupling the first clutch element to the second clutch element, the torsion spring device having a multi-stage spring characteristic.

Abstract: A wet clutch including a main clutch, a clutch basket, which is actively connected to a crankshaft, forming an intake part and having a plurality of discs mounted therein so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, a clutch hub which is connected to a transmission input shaft, forming an output part and having counter-discs that are layered in an alternating manner with the plurality of discs, where the counter-discs are mounted so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, and a pilot clutch, actuated by means of a lever element, where the pilot clutch is upstream from the main clutch and the pilot clutch and the main clutch are connected to each other by means of a ramp device which is provided, in the circumferential direction, with ramps that are active at least in the direction of traction of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes an outer ring having an inner periphery and an inner ring mounted inside the outer ring and having an outer periphery. A control retainer and a rotary retainer are disposed between opposed surfaces of the outer ring and the inner ring, and each of the retainers has a flange and bridges provided at the radially outer side of the respective flange and arranged circumferentially alternately with the bridges of the other retainer thereby defining pockets between the adjacent bridges. The control retainer is axially slidably and rotatably supported and the rotary retainer is axially immovably and rotatably supported. An electromagnetic clutch is mounted on a torque transmission shaft and includes an electromagnet having an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic clutch being configured to axially move the control retainer when the electromagnetic coil is energized and deenergized.

Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting device is comprised of a first rotary member, a second rotary member securely fit around the first rotary member, a third rotary member rotatably supported in the first and second rotary members for being engaged with a shaft, an anti-rotated solenoid slidably fit in a solenoid housing hollow defined by the second rotary member, and a friction clutch driven by the solenoid for transmitting torque between the first rotary member and the third rotary member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology of improving mechanism that drives a pilot clutch for operating a main clutch, in a power transmission system for a vehicle changing power transmission state by electric control in which an input shaft and an output shaft coaxially disposed in a main housing is configured such that power is connected/disconnected by the main clutch.

Abstract: A wet clutch including a main clutch, a clutch basket, which is actively connected to a crankshaft, forming an intake part and having a plurality of discs mounted therein so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, a clutch hub which is connected to a transmission input shaft, forming an output part and having counter-discs that are layered in an alternating manner with the plurality of discs, where the counter-discs are mounted so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, and a pilot clutch, actuated by means of a lever element, where the pilot clutch is upstream from the main clutch and the pilot clutch and the main clutch are connected to each other by means of a ramp device which is provided, in the circumferential direction, with ramps that are active at least in the direction of traction of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a housing having an end wall with a shaft hole. An input shaft is inserted through the shaft hole, and an inner ring is mounted around the end of the input shaft inside the housing. A two-way clutch is provided between the inner ring and an outer ring disposed around the inner ring, and an electromagnetic clutch is provided adjacently, controlling engagement and disengagement of the two-way clutch. A first bearing mounted between radially facing surfaces of the housing and the outer ring is an open bearing, provided with a labyrinth on its end near the side of the open end of the housing. A second, single-sealed bearing is provided between facing surfaces of the inner ring and the outer ring, supporting these rings rotatably relative to each other. Lubricating grease with the same quality is used for the second bearing and the two-way clutch.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting devices is able to engage a main clutch with a small amount of hydraulic pressure. The driving force transmitting device includes an input shaft and an output shaft, and a main clutch. The device is formed of a primary clutch that intermittently transmits the driving force transmitted from the input shaft, a hydraulic pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, a piston that presses the primary clutch with the hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump, and a cam mechanism that presses the main clutch with a press-contact force which is amplified to be larger than the press-contact force of the piston by utilizing the driving force from the input shaft through the primary clutch, so as to engage the main clutch.

Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus includes first and second torque transmission members 3, 5, a frictional clutch 7 for transmitting a torque between the torque transmission members 3, 5, a stationary housing 11 accommodating a coupling 9, a spatial part for enclosing oil in the stationary housing 11 and an opening 15 formed in a part of the coupling 9 so that the oil in the stationary housing 11 is introduced into the coupling 9.

Abstract: A cam mechanism is provided with a forward rotation plate and a reverse rotation plate. The respective plates are urged by the respective coil springs in the directions opposite to each other. When the number of rotations of the front wheels becomes great relative to the number of rotations of the rear wheels, the forward rotation plate rotates. Thus, a main cam which is urged by the respective coil springs toward the neutral position rotates together with the forward rotation plate when the forward rotation plate rotates. When the number of rotations of the rear wheels becomes great relative to the number of rotations of the front wheels, the reverse rotation plate rotates. Thus, the main cam which is urged by the respective coil springs toward the neutral position rotates together with the reverse rotation plate when the reverse rotation plate rotates.

Abstract: A friction plate (131) rotates in association with rotation of a pressure plate (77). A first pressing plate (132) presses the friction plate (131) to the right to move the pressure plate (77) to the right. A second pressing plate (133) receives a torque of the pressure plate (77) via the friction plate (131). A slide shaft (231) rotates together with the second pressing plate (133). The operation assist mechanism (220) gives a rightward force to the pressure plate (77), by the slide shaft (231) moving to the right upon receiving the torque from the second pressing plate (133). Balls (135) transmit a portion of the rightward force of the short push rod (43a) to the slide shaft (231) without use of the friction plate (131).

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch having first and second outer rings positioned on opposite sides of a center ring having conically shaped friction surfaces. The outer rings each include a plurality of conically shaped friction surfaces selectively engageable with the center ring friction surfaces. A clutch actuator includes a roller clutch having a first set of cam surfaces adapted to be fixed for rotation with a rotary input member, a slipper having a second set of cam surfaces, a plurality of rollers positioned between opposing pairs of the cam surfaces, a first wedge slide and a second wedge slide. Each wedge slide is radially outwardly moveable by radial expansion of the slipper and includes a tapered surface for driving one of the first and second outer rings into engagement with the center ring to transfer torque between the input and output members.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for an engine includes a pressure plate that presses a friction plate into a clutch plate is provided. The clutch may include a plurality of roller weights that move on respective cam surfaces in a radially outward direction relative to the pressure plate in accordance with the magnitude of a centrifugal force generated by rotation of a drive side rotating body. The pressure plate presses the friction plate into the clutch plate with a force corresponding to the amount of movement. An elastic member is operatively coupled to the pressure plate to cause the friction and clutch plates to stay in pressed contact even when the engine is in a stopped state.