Clutch for linking an input shaft with a drive mechanism and methods of coupling control using the same
AssigneeDayco IP Holdings, LLC
InventorPaul T. McCrary
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Drive devices for coupling a drive mechanism to an input shaft and methods of providing coupling control through an electromagnet are described herein. The drive devices include a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnet, an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and a clutch pack that is biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft. The methods include providing such a drive device and activating the electromagnet.
Claims20
A drive device comprising:
- a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft, wherein the clutch assembly comprises:
- an electromagnet,
- an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and
- a clutch pack biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft.
A method of providing coupling control through an electromagnet, the method comprising:
- providing a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft, wherein the clutch assembly includes an electromagnet, an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and a clutch pack biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft;
- and
- activating the electromagnet when the driven member is rotated in a predominant direction thereby linking the input shaft to the driven member for rotation together in the predominant direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.