One-way clutch assembly having integrated damping

Abstract

A clutch assembly (10) having an inner race (12), an outer race (14), and an engagement mechanism (16) disposed between the inner and outer races. The engagement mechanism (16) is operable to move between a disengaged position wherein the inner and outer races may freely rotate in one direction relative to one another and an engaged position wherein in the inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween in the opposite rotational direction. The inner race (12) and outer race (14) may be defined by a plurality of plates (18, 12) and layers of elastomer (20, 24) that are disposed between adjacent plates in laminated fashion. The inner race and/or outer race may further include at least one bearing surface through which a force may be translated. The bearing surface is defined by a plurality of plates (70, 76) that are offset relative to an adjacent plate by a predetermined distance. The elastomeric layer (20, 24) allows movement of the offset plate (70, 76) in the direction of a force acting on the bearing surface such that the offset plates (70, 76) and the elastomeric layers (20, 24) act to absorb energy and dampen noise and vibration when the bearing surface is subjected to a force.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.