Patent ID: 6098771
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A clutch rotatable about a longitudinal major axis, the clutch comprising:at least one longitudinally fixed member;at least one clutch plate movable along the longitudinal axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the at least longitudinally fixed member, wherein the at least one clutch plate is independently rotatable when in the disengaged position;a housing forming a chamber disposed at least partially about the at least one clutch plate;a movable piston configured to move the at least one clutch plate along the longitudinal axis, the piston having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the chamber;a fluid supply configured to supply pressurized fluid to the first end of the piston to move the piston;a passage extending through the piston from the first end to the second end; anda valve member located proximate the passage, wherein the valve member is movable between a first position in which the passage is open and a second position in which the passage is at least partially occluded, wherein the piston includes an opening extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the valve member is disposed within the opening and wherein the clutch further includes a first retention surface adjacent to the passage on a first side of the valve member, and a second retention surface adjacent to the passage on a second side of the valve member, wherein the valve member is captured between the first and second retention surfaces in the opening, wherein the valve member engages the first retention surface in the first position, wherein the valve member engages the second retention surface in the second position, wherein the valve member is biased towards the first position and wherein the valve member is moved against the bias to the second position by fluid pressure from the fluid supply.