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.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an input-side rotating member 2 driven by an engine (driving source) 90, an output-side rotating member 3 for driving an input member, such as a gear part 25 of a rear differential (driving-force distributing mechanism) 97 between wheels, a friction clutch 4 arranged between the input-side rotating member 2 and the output-side rotating member 3, a carrier housing (stationary member) 5 capable of accommodating the rear differential 97 and the friction clutch 4, an oil accommodating space (lubricant accommodating space) S formed in the stationary member 5 and an oil pump 6 driven by the output-side rotating member 3 to supply the friction clutch 4 with oil 600.

Abstract: A one-way clutch for assisting the rotation of a rotary fluid motor includes a ratchet and a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the ratchet. The ratchet includes a plurality of teeth, and the hub includes a pawl for engaging the teeth to rotate the ratchet in a single direction of rotation. A control device including an active material interconnects the pawl and the hub. The active material of the control device contracts in response to a control signal to move the pawl. An actuator including an active material is spirally wound around an outer periphery of the hub. The active material of the actuator contracts to spin the hub and thereby drive the ratchet.

Abstract: In a bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit, a pair of coaxial hubs are relatively unrotatably fitted on respective coaxial output shafts, and are relatively rotatably inserted into a cage holding rollers. A pair of second bearings journal a clutch housing disposed around the cage is diametrically larger than a pair of first bearings journaling the respective hubs, and are disposed between the first bearings in the axial direction of the output shafts. An axial end portion of the cage and the second bearing on the same axial side are distant from the first bearing on the same axial side so as to have a space where a friction mechanism for applying a frictional rotation resistance onto the cage is disposed.

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 rotation transmission device which can quickly change the direction of rotation includes an inner ring having cam surfaces on its outer periphery, an outer ring having a cylindrical surface on its inner periphery, and pairs of circumferentially opposed rollers, the rollers of each pair being disposed between one of the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface to be circumferentially opposed to each other. A roller separation spring is disposed between the rollers of each pair of rollers to bias the rollers away from each other so that the rollers are wedged between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface. The rollers are retained by a roller retainer which can change the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers. By reducing the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers with the roller retainer, the rollers can be disengaged from the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: In a power transmitting device, projections are formed on a surface of a main cam that faces an armature. This structure causes the main cam to contact the armature only at distal surfaces of the projections. The area of the distal surfaces of the projections is in a range where the magnetic flux density generated at the distal surfaces of the projections by the electromagnet is saturated. Therefore, reduction of the responsiveness and controllability of the power transmitting device due to magnetization of the main cam is suppressed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is provided with: a clutch hub which is connected to a shaft member (one of a pair of rotation members); a clutch housing which is connected to a hollow shaft (the other of a pair of rotation members); a rotor which is connected to the clutch housing; a main clutch (clutch member) which is disposed between the clutch hub and the clutch housing; and an electromagnet which operates the main clutch. An end surface of the clutch housing and an end surface of a core of the electromagnet are disposed to be opposed to each other with the rotor interposed therebetween in an axial direction. The end of the rotor in a side of the clutch housing is formed with an extension portion which extends to the clutch housing in the axial direction. An outer periphery of the clutch housing is connected to the extension portion through a connection portion. The connection portion is disposed outside the main clutch in a radial direction.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface.

Abstract: A friction clutch includes an iron inner clutch plate and two iron outer clutch plates. Each clutch plate has a sliding surface that friction-engages with the other clutch plates. A diamond-like carbon film containing silicon, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on the sliding surface of each outer clutch plate through a conventional method such as plasma chemical vapor deposition. The diamond-like carbon film contains 1 wt % to 80 wt % of silicon. A coupling device includes a pilot clutch mechanism that has the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch has an improved resistance to wear, and the coupling device is durable.

Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member and an overrunning coupling and control assembly utilizing same are provided wherein a set of actuators are supported on a control member of the assembly for movement therewith to move or pivot respective struts received within pockets of the coupling member. Apparatus is responsive to a control pressure signal to exert a control force on the control member to cause the control member to move from its first position which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling assembly to its second position which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may be an overrunning clutch assembly.

Abstract: A electromagnetic clutch assembly for use in a vehicle is presented. More specifically, the clutch assembly comprises an input member; an output member; a friction clutch pack having a first plurality of clutch plates coupled for rotation with said input member and a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with said first plurality of clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a solenoid coil; an actuator hub having an armature plate; and a cam lever assembly having a first end engaging said actuator hub and a second end engaging said friction clutch pack. When electrical current is applied to the solenoid coil, the armature plate moves the actuator hub, the actuator hub engages the cam lever and causes said cam lever to compress the interleaved first and second plurality of clutch plates, thereby, resulting in the coupling of the input and output members.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

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 method of operating a friction plate clutch includes activating a clutch control mechanism to engage the friction plate clutch, and engaging a holding clutch. The clutch control mechanism is then deactivated, rendering it unable to maintain engagement of the friction plate clutch. The holding clutch is used to retain engagement of the friction plate clutch. One embodiment of the method uses a wedge clutch as the holding clutch, and another embodiment uses a one-way bearing clutch. The clutch control mechanism may be a hydraulic clutch control. A latching clutch assembly includes a friction plate clutch movable between an engaged and a disengaged position. A bearing clutch is operatively coupled to the friction plate clutch and has a locked and a released position. The locked position is configured to oppose movement of the friction plate clutch from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A power divider for motor vehicles includes a housing, a primary shaft and a secondary shaft, wherein a friction clutch having an outer part that is rigidly connected to the primary shaft, and an inner part, derives torque from the primary shaft and delivers the torque to the secondary shaft by means of the inner part and a displacement drive. To ensure a sufficient supply of lubrication oil under all conditions, an oil reservoir, which at least partially surrounds the ramp ring, is fixed in the housing between the coupling and the displacement drive. The base of the oil reservoir comprises at least one opening, which is adjacent to the upper part of the periphery of the ramp ring, and the oil reservoir has at least one guiding device that extends into the centrifugal area of the displacement drive, through which the centrifuged lubrication oil is received in the reservoir.

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 apparatus includes: a first torque-transmitting member having a cylindrical portion and provided with a spline tooth; a second torque-transmitting member positioned inside the cylindrical portion and arranged coaxially rotatably relative to the first torque-transmitting member; a main clutch with a spline tooth; an actuator unit for actuating the main clutch to be engaged; and a controlling device for controlling the actuator unit so as to pressurize the main clutch plate in such a manner that torque is not substantially transmitted between the first torque-transmitting member and the second torque-transmitting member when the engagement of the main clutch is judged to be unnecessary.

Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes a roller clutch unit for selectively engaging an inner member mounted on a rotary shaft with an outer ring through rollers, and an electromagnetic clutch unit for electromagnetically controlling the selective engagement by the rollers. The current until the clutch engages is set so as to correspond to a state in which a maximum current according to the revolving speed is required and is varied according to the revolving speed of the rotary shaft to reduce power consumption and the size of the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings and a two-way clutch therebetween. An electromagnetic clutch is provided to selectively engage and disengage the two-way clutch, and includes an electromagnet having a core to which a flange is secured. The flange is received in a recess formed in a stationary member. A snap ring is engaged in a groove formed in the recess to prevent the flange from coming out of the recess. An elastic member is disposed between the flange and the end wall of the recess. The elastic member presses the flange against the snap ring, thereby axially positioning the electromagnet. The elastic member is free of load resulting from magnetic attraction of the electromagnet when energized. This makes it possible to reduce the spring force of the elastic member and thus its diameter and cost.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.

Abstract: A transaxle for auxiliary wheels of a vehicle having a main drive wheel and left and right auxiliary drive wheels, comprises: a gear to which a rotary force for driving the main drive wheel is distributed; a pair of left and right axles drivingly connected to the respective left and right auxiliary drive wheels; a pair of clutches, wherein one of the clutches is interposed between the gear and the left axle, and the other clutch is interposed between the gear and the right axle; judging means for judging whether or not the main drive wheel slips; and a shift mechanism for engaging and disengaging the pair of clutches based on the judgment of the judging means. The judging means comprises a two-way clutch interposed between the gear and the pair of axles, which is engaged when rotary speed of the gear exceeds rotary speed of at least one of the axles.

Abstract: A torque transmission coupling includes a rotating shaft and a drive pinion shaft for carrying out input and output transmission of a torque. A torque control part is arranged between the rotating shaft and the drive pinion shaft for controlling torque transmission between the rotating shaft and the drive pinion shaft on the basis of a frictional engagement caused by an electromagnetic force of an electromagnet. At least a portion of the torque control part is arranged in an outer periphery of a taper roller bearing rotatably supporting the drive pinion shaft, thereby allowing a shortening of an entire length of the torque transmission coupling.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings, a two-way clutch mounted between the outer and inner rings, and an electromagnetic clutch mounted adjacent to the two-way clutch. The electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor guide pressed onto the outer ring at its open end and a rotor pressed into the rotor guide. The rotor guide is made of a magnetic material having the same or substantially the same coefficient of linear expansion as the material of the rotor. Thus, even when the rotor guide and the rotor are heated and expanded, the interference between the rotor and the rotor guide remains substantially constant. Therefore, the rotor and the rotor guide can be reliably coupled together with a simple structure and at a low cost.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively causing axial compression of friction elements in a clutch is disclosed. The actuator comprises a pair of beveled wedge washers and a bearing race supported between the washers. The race supports conical bearing rollers in a generally radial orientation. An actuator plate is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing race and includes bearing ramp surfaces that are operable to move the conical bearing rollers radially inwardly thereby forcing the washers to move apart axially and to thereby cause compression of and torque transfer through the friction elements. A clutch including the actuator is well suited for inclusion in a transfer case.

Abstract: The present invention provides clutch systems for the control of the transmission of torque to the front (or rear) wheels of a vehicle (e.g., an ATV), thus being operable to change the vehicle from a two-wheel, rear-drive (or front-drive) vehicle to a four wheel drive vehicle by engaging the clutch systems thereof. The clutch system is contained within an extended portion of a housing that also contains a differential system, thus eliminating the need for fastening a separate clutch system housing to the differential housing. The clutch system is actuated by energizing a coil which in turn causes tab members of an actuation disk to disengage from notches formed on an inner race, allowing the actuation of a roller clutch system. When the coil is de-energized, the actuation disk engages the inner race and prevents inadvertent or undesired actuation of the clutch system.

Abstract: In a power transmitting device, projections are formed on a surface of a main cam that faces an armature. This structure causes the main cam to contact the armature only at distal surfaces of the projections. The area of the distal surfaces of the projections is in a range where the magnetic flux density generated at the distal surfaces of the projections by the electromagnet is saturated. Therefore, reduction of the responsiveness and controllability of the power transmitting device due to magnetization of the main cam is suppressed.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism and a control system are disclosed for adaptively controlling the transfer of drive torque between first and second rotary members in a power transmission device of the type used in motor vehicle driveline applications. The torque transfer mechanism includes a main clutch assembly operably disposed between the first and second rotary members, a pilot clutch assembly and a clutch operator assembly. The clutch operator assembly includes a rotary cam driven by an electric motor and a pivotal mode fork.

Abstract: A power transmission unit with a hydraulic coupling dependent on a rotational-speed difference, in which, when a rotationalspeed difference occurs between the input member (1) and the output member (6), a hydrostatic displacement machine (20) produces in a pressure space (34) a pressure that acts on a piston (27) acting on a friction clutch (31), has a housing (4). To compensate for the centrifugal force acting on the working fluid in the pressure space (34), at least one centrifugalforce element (11, 12, 13) is provided in the housing, exerting on the piston (27) a force counter to the pressure produced by the centrifugal force in the pressure chamber (34).

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch system for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The electrohydraulic clutch system can include an actuator with first and second components with a plurality of actuation chambers that are employed to control the position of the second component relative to the first component. Relatively high pressure fluid may be directed through or around one or more bypassed portions of the actuation chambers when relatively low compressive clutch engagement forces are to be exerted on the friction clutch. The bypassed portions of the actuation chambers may be sequentially or progressively operated based on a position of the second component relative to the first component to increase an amount of force that is applied by actuator.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention includes a clutch device including a first friction clutch disposed between an input member and an output member, a second friction clutch adapted to go into a power cut-off state upon exertion thereon of a clutch releasing force, and a torque cam mechanism disposed between the first and second friction clutches. In an embodiment, the invention can decrease the number of clutch parts, simplify the clutch structure, and make the clutch device compact. First and second friction clutches can be constructed with a clutch outer common to both, and a torque cam mechanism is disposed within the clutch outer and between the first and second friction clutches.

Abstract: Transmission device comprising a first rotary member mounted coaxially on a second rotary member. The first rotary member can rotate in one direction independently from the second rotary member, and in the opposite direction is constrained to the second rotary member in order to rotate solidly therewith. The device can assume a first and a second condition of use, wherein the first rotary member rotates in the two directions independently from the second rotary member, and a third condition of use wherein clamping means, integrally associated with the first rotary member, move from a position of non-interference to a constraint position wherein they constrain the second rotary member in order to make the first rotary member and the second rotary member rotationally solid.

Abstract: A selectively operable one-way torque-transmitting mechanism has a friction actuator, which is operable to adjust the position of torque-transmitting members between the inner and outer race of the selectable one-way torque-transmitting mechanism. In an unactuated position of the friction actuator, the torque-transmitting members will permit rotation in one direction and prevent rotation in the opposite direction. In the actuated position, the torque-transmitting directional functions are reversed.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to shorten an entire length, a torque transmission coupling is provided with a rotating shaft (11) and a drive pinion shaft (17) for carrying out input and output transmission of a torque, and a torque control means (125) arranged between the rotating shaft (11) and the drive pinion shaft (17) and controlling a torque transmission between the rotating shaft (11) and the drive pinion shaft (17) on the basis of a frictional engagement caused by an electromagnetic force of an electromagnet (133), and at least a part of the torque control means (125) is arranged in an outer periphery of a taper roller bearing (117) rotatably supporting the drive pinion shaft (17).

Abstract: A friction coupling assembly for a gear drive unit. The friction clutch assembly comprises an input member and at least one output member, a friction clutch for selectively coupling the input member with the at least one output member and an actuator assembly for selectively engaging the friction clutch. The actuator assembly includes a fluid pump operatively connected to the input member or the at least one output member through an auxiliary clutch, a fluid pressure accumulator in fluid communication with the fluid pump for storing a pressurized fluid generated by the fluid pump, and a fluid clutch actuator in fluid communication with the pressure accumulator for loading the friction clutch.

Abstract: A power drive assembly (110) for controlling movement of a closure panel (102, 105) of a vehicle includes a closure panel (102, 105) that moves relative to the vehicle between open and closed positions, and a latch (108, 115) for cinching the closure panel (102, 105) to the vehicle. The drive assembly (110) includes an actuator (134), a first torque output (136) coupled to effect movement of the closure panel (102, 105), a second torque output (138) coupled to the latch (115), and a clutch assembly (114, 150) coupled between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138) for selectively transferring torque between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic coupling designed to strengthen the magnetic force exerted from an electromagnetic coil in the direction in which a pilot clutch is operated. In the electromagnetic coupling with the pilot clutch for activating a main clutch wherein clutch plates are thrust with a retaining ring moved by magnetic force produced by an electromagnetic coil in the pilot clutch, the electromagnetic coil in the pilot clutch is surrounded with ferromagnetic material over at least two of its three facial sides other than its magnetic force exerting facial side, namely over at least its rear and outer facial sides and the ferromagnetic material is covered with nonmagnetic material.

Abstract: An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.

Abstract: A driving force-transmitting device 10 has a housing 11 and 12, an inner shaft 18, a main clutch 22, a pilot clutch 24 and a cam mechanism 23 including a first and second cam members 26 and 25. Plural main outer and inner clutch disks 20 and 21 of the main clutch 22 are respectively spline-engaged with the housing 11 and the inner shaft 18. Plural pilot outer and inner clutch disks 32 and 33 of the pilot clutch 24 are respectively spline-engaged with the housing 11 and the first cam member 26 of the cam mechanism 23. The second cam member 25 of the cam mechanism 23 is arranged to constantly contact one of the main inner clutch disks 21 and is not spline-engaged with spline grooves of the inner shaft 18.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus T of a four wheel drive vehicle is provided with a multiple disc clutch C engaged in accordance with a difference between rotational speeds of a front wheel Wf and a rear wheel Wr and a gear ratio of a second gear mechanism 5 for transmitting rotation of the rear wheel Wr to an output shaft 9 of the multiple disc clutch C is set to be larger than a gear ratio of a first gear mechanism 4 for transmitting rotation of the front wheel Wf to an input shaft 8 of the multiple disc clutch C.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for a vehicle includes a clutch assembly which includes a two-way clutch and an electromagnetic clutch. The two-way clutch includes three rows of rollers retained by a retainer and disposed between a clutch inner member, which is actually a stem of a constant-velocity joint mounted on the outboard end of a drive axle, and a clutch outer member, which is actually a hub ring of a hub bearing supporting a vehicle wheel. Simply by energizing and deenergizing the electromagnet of the electromagnetic clutch, the two-way clutch can be engaged and disengaged. Since the rollers are arranged in three rows, it is possible to increase the contact area between the rollers and the clutch inner and outer members and thus the maximum torque that can be transmitted through the rollers without the need to increase the number of rollers in each row or their length or diameter.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes an input member, an outer ring mounted around the input member, a two-way clutch and an electromagnetic clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging the two-way clutch, both clutches being mounted between the input member and the outer ring. The electromagnetic clutch includes an armature coupled to a retainer of the two-way clutch so as to be non-rotatable and axially movable relative to the retainer. By energizing its electromagnet, the armature is pulled toward the electromagnet until it is pressed against a rotor fixed to the outer ring. The input member is formed with an oil supply passage. Oil is supplied through the oil supply passage and an oil passage defined between the outer periphery of the input member and the inner periphery of the rotor into a space between the two clutches. The oil passage has a restricted, narrow portion to limit the amount of oil supplied into the above space.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus with a reaction force converted by a boosting mechanism used as a fastening force for an electromagnetic clutch has a solenoid (4); an electromagnetic clutch including a rotor (5) for transmitting the magnetic flux of the solenoid (4); an armature (8) attracted onto the rotor (5) by the magnetic flux, and a return spring (13) urging the armature (8) in a direction away from the rotor (5) to create a clearance “t” therebetween. A boosting mechanism converts a torque of the input member (housing) (2) to an axial thrusting force when the armature of the electromagnetic clutch is attracted onto the rotor. A main clutch connects the input member (2) and the output member (shaft) (3) via the thrusting force generated by the boosting mechanism. This transmits the torque of the input member (2) to the output member (3).

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes an actuator having a first segment fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second segment having a screw thread formed thereon which is rotatably and slidably disposed within a chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil is disposed in proximity to the chamber and is selectively energized for varying the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid so as to induce axial movement of the actuator for engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed as mounted in a coupling 1, exposed in the vicinity of a stationary member 14, with a dust cover 15 being mounted to a cylindrical member 19 for preventing foreign material from entering a gap between the coupling 1 and the stationary member 14, and a seal member 17 is disposed at a position opposed to the dust cover on the stationary member 14, with a seal portion 123 of the seal 17 being held in sliding contact with the dust cover 15.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a two-way clutch prevented from engaging while the inner member is rotating unengaged with the outer member. The clutch includes an outer member, a cam ring mounted in the outer member, rollers each mounted between a cylindrical surface of the outer member and a cam surface of the cam ring, and a roller retainer. The device further comprises a rotor mounted between the solenoid and retainer so as to be nonrotatable relative to the outer ring, an armature nonrotatable relative to the retainer and axially movable, a spring axially biasing the armature away from the rotor, and an engaging plate nonrotatable relative to the inner member and axially immovable. The armature and engaging plate engage together when the armature rotates in one direction by a predetermined angle relative to the engaging plate. A high-strength clutch outer ring is mounted in the outer ring.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch including a drive shaft, an output hub, a shoulder, a hub, a wrap spring, a bushing, and a control ring. The drive shaft is configured to rotate about an axis. The output hub is mounted over the drive shaft and is configured with a first groove. The shoulder is fixed to the drive shaft and configured to rotate therewith. The hub is fixed to the drive shaft and is configured to rotate therewith. The wrap spring is helically wrapped about the drive shaft and over the hub. The wrap spring also includes a first wrap end and a second wrap end. The first wrap end is press fit into the first groove. The bushing is mounted over the drive shaft and the bushing has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled between the drive shaft and the second wrap end. The control ring is mounted over the drive shaft and fixed to the second portion of the bushing thereby defining a second groove. The second wrap end is press fit into the second groove.