Patent ID: 6382382
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A rotary, pressure-actuated clutch assembly for a multiple-ratio power transmission mechanism comprising a torque input shaft;gearing defining torque flow paths from the torque input shaft to a driven element; a first rotary clutch member defining an annular clutch-apply pressure cylinder, a clutch-apply piston in the clutch-apply pressure cylinder defining an apply pressure chamber; a second rotary clutch member in the clutch-apply piston; the second rotary clutch member and the clutch-apply piston defining a clutch-release pressure chamber; a clutch return spring between the second rotary clutch member and the clutch-apply piston urging the clutch-apply piston to a clutch released position; the clutch release pressure chamber and the clutch apply pressure chamber each having a dimensional centrifugal balance coefficient expressed as: (R02âˆ’Ri2)*[(R02+Ri2)Ã·4âˆ’(ri2Ã·2)]where:R0=piston outside diameter Ri=piston inside diameter ri=radius at which oil starts to rotate; the balance coefficient for the release pressure chamber being approximately equal to the balance coefficient for the apply pressure.