Patent ID: 7121393
Filing Date: 2006-10-17
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A synchronizer clutch assembly comprising a clutch hub assembly non-rotatably but axially movably mounted on a torque delivery shaft, at least one gear assembly axially spaced from the hub assembly and journally mounted on the shaft so as to be rotatable independent thereof, one of the hub assembly and the at least one gear assembly having a conical friction surface formed thereon, at least one synchronizer ring positioned between the hub assembly and the at least one gear assembly, the or each synchronizer ring being housed within an annular recess formed in the other of the hub assembly and the at least one gear assembly and coupled to the other of the hub assembly and the at least one gear assembly for rotation therewith and having a complementary conical friction surface formed thereon which is engageable with the conical friction surface of the one of the hub assembly and the at least one gear assembly in order create a drive coupling therebetween, characterized in that the or each synchronizer ring is composed of a plurality of separate arcuate segments arranged in a ring, and movable between a first expanded configuration in which the synchronizer ring has a first radius and a second contracted configuration in which the ring has a second radius and having biasing means associated with the or each synchronizer ring which urges said segments into the other of said first and second configurations in which the conical friction surface of the or each ring is disengaged from the friction surface of the one of the hub assembly and the gear assembly, movement of the hub assembly towards the at least one gear assembly urging the segments of the or each synchronizer ring, into one of said first and second configurations so that the conical friction surface of the ring is pressed against the friction surface of the one or the hub assembly and the gear assembly, thereby drivingly coupling the hub assembly to the at least one gear assembly.