ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR COUPLING DEVICE

Abstract

Assembly, comprising: a hub (32), wherein the hub has an axis of rotation (34); a locking element (40) which is rotatably and axially attached to the hub (32); a translation element (46) with a translator (44) attached to its outer circumferential surface (132), wherein the translation element (46) is mounted on the locking element (40), the translation element (46) is rotatably mounted and is axially movable relative to the axis of rotation (34); an indexer (38) mounted on the hub (32), which is rotatable and axially movable relative to the axis of rotation (34); a support (36) which is mounted on the hub (32) and engages with the indexer (38), wherein the support (36) is rotatably mounted and axially movable to perform axial movement without rotation; and a return element (26) that preloads the indexer (38) into a retracted position, wherein the translation element (46) acts against the return element (26) to move the indexer (38) into an extended position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to an actuating mechanism and, more particularly, to an actuating mechanism for use with a clutch device such as a one-way clutch or brake. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] The one-way clutches or brakes disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,597,057 include a strut or clutch element that can be moved to an engaged / locked position. According to US Pat. No. 9,903,699, an actuator or actuating mechanism controls the movement of the strut or clutch element and moves it to the engaged / locked position.

[0003] DE 11 2015 000 903 T5 discloses an actuator with a detent guide comprising a first and a second detent ring. The detent guide and the detent rings include cam assemblies that effect axial movement and rotational movement of a detent ring.

[0004] DE 10 2019 131 387 A1 discloses a method and system for an electromagnetic pulse decoupling system with an electromagnetic coil and a ring with bidirectional cam ramps.

[0005] DE 10 2015 207 435 A1 discloses a separating arrangement with electromagnetic pulses and a corresponding system for selectively connecting rotating components of a vehicle. The system comprises an electromagnetic coil for displacing a clutch ring assembly and a locking ring assembly.

[0006] CN 107776825 A discloses a clutch control mechanism comprising a control rod, a retaining seat, and a mounting seat. The control rod is mounted on a hub shaft and is used to drive a clutch to move axially along the hub shaft; the retaining seat is used to drive the control rod to move axially along the hub shaft; the mounting seat is fixedly connected to the hub shaft; the mounting seat is connected to the clutch by a compressed first elastic component.

[0007] DE 10 2006 009 058 B4 discloses a carrier assembly of a planetary gear set comprising a planetary gear carrier with a pawl ring, a cam ring and a plurality of pawls between the pawl ring and the cam ring. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An assembly or arrangement has a hub. The hub includes a hub with a rotational axis. The assembly may also include a locking member rotatably and axially mounted to the hub, a translating member having an annular translator mounted on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the translating member being journaled on the locking member, the translating member being rotatably mounted and axially movable relative to the rotational axis, and an indexer or indexer journaled on the hub, the indexer being rotatable and axially movable relative to the rotational axis. A carrier journaled on the hub engages the indexer. The carrier is rotatably mounted and axially movable for axial movement without rotation relative to the hub. A return member moves the indexer to a non-extended position, the translating member acting against the return member to move the indexer to the extended position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective, cross-sectional view of an actuating mechanism for use with a clutch device, viewed from the right. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective cross-sectional view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 seen from the left. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic, partially exploded, perspective view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 seen from the left. Fig. Figure 3A is an enlarged view of the locking or stop element of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 3B is an enlarged view of the sliding element or sliding element of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 3C is an enlarged view of the indexer of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic, partially exploded, perspective view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 seen from the right. Fig. Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the locking or stop element of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the sliding element of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 4C is an enlarged view of the indexer of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic, perspective sectional view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic, perspective sectional view with parts removed that illustrate the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 in a non-extended position. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic, perspective sectional view with parts removed showing the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 moving from a non-extended position. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic, perspective sectional view with parts removed showing the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 in an extended position. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic, perspective sectional view with parts removed showing the actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 moving from an extended position. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an actuating mechanism. Fig. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an actuating mechanism. Fig. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an actuating mechanism. Fig. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 14. Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the actuating mechanism for use with a clutch device illustrating the operation of the stator. Fig. 17 is a schematic, exploded partial view of another embodiment of a stator and translator assembly used with the actuating mechanism. Fig. 18 is a schematic partial side view of another embodiment of an actuating mechanism for use with a clutch device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The Fig. 1 to 4 show a first example of an actuating mechanism, generally designated 10, and a clutch device, generally designated 12. An example of the clutch device 12 is a controllable clutch having an annular member, sometimes referred to as a pocket plate 14, which has a recess or pocket 16 in an end or side surface 15 of the pocket plate 14. As used herein, the term "clutch" should be construed to include clutches or brakes in which one plate is drivably connected to a torque-delivering element of a transmission and the other plate is drivably connected to another torque-delivering element or anchored and held stationary to a housing. The terms "clutch," "coupling," and "brake" may be used interchangeably.

[0011] A drive member or biasing element, shown here as a spring 20, biases outwardly a locking member, shown here as a strut or strut 18, which is pivotally mounted in the recess or pocket 16 in the pocket plate. The biasing element or spring 20 extends through an opening 22 in the pocket plate 14. One end of the biasing element or spring 20 abuts one end of the strut 18, and the opposite end abuts a spring plate 24. The actuating mechanism 10 controls the movement of the strut 18. The actuating mechanism 10 moves the spring plate 24 and the biasing element or spring 20 linearly toward the pocket plate 14 from a clutch "off" position to a clutch "on" position, with the strut 18 in the Fig. 1, the clutch moves outward past the recess or pocket 16. The clutch "off" position and the clutch "on" position may also be referred to as the non-extended position, clutch "off," and the extended position, clutch "on." For example, the strut 18, located within the pocket plate 14, moves between a non-extended position—the strut 18 located within the pocket 16—and an extended position—the strut 18 extending outward from the pocket 16 and beyond or past the end or side surface 15 of the pocket plate 14.

[0012] A return element, shown as a spring 26, extends between a bore 28 in the pocket plate 14 and the spring plate 24. The return element or spring 26 biases the pocket plate 14 and the spring plate 24 apart by moving the spring plate 24 away from the pocket plate 14.

[0013] The coupling device 12 may include a cover or selection plate 30 adjacent to the end or side surface 15 of the pocket plate 14.

[0014] Instead of the drive or biasing element being a coil spring 20, the spring plate 24 may be connected to other types of strut actuators, such as pins, that move the struts 18 linearly out of the recess or pocket 16 and past the end or side surface 15 of the pocket plate 14.

[0015] An example of the actuating mechanism 10 includes an elongated, cylindrical hub 32 extending along a longitudinal axis 34 and rotating about that axis, a spring plate support 36, an indexer 38, a locking or stop member 40, a stator 42, a translator 44, and a translator 46. Depending on the relative positions of the indexer 38 and the locking or stop member 40, the actuating mechanism 10 moves between an initial or retracted position and a subsequent or extended position. The return member or spring 26 serves to bias or urge the actuating mechanism 10 toward the initial or retracted position.

[0016] The hub 32 includes a plurality of elongated splines 48 extending longitudinally along an outer peripheral surface 50 of the hub 32. The splines 48 are a plurality of radially extending projections 48a, external splines, separated by grooves 48b, internal splines, formed longitudinally around the outer peripheral surface 50 of the hub 32. The splines 48 fit into corresponding grooves, internal splines, and projections, external splines, in a mating member.

[0017] The spring plate carrier 36 includes a cylindrical body 52 and a radially outwardly extending flange 54. The cylindrical body 52 of the spring plate carrier 36 includes radially inwardly extending keyways 56. The keyways 56 fit into the grooves 48b of the keyways 48 on the outer peripheral surface 50 of the hub 32. The cylindrical body 52 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface 50 of the hub 32 and slides longitudinally. The corresponding toothings 48, 56 prevent relative rotation between the spring plate carrier 36 and the hub 32. The splined connection between the spring plate carrier 36 and the hub 32 enables axial reciprocating movement of the spring plate carrier 36 along the hub 32 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34. The radially outwardly extending flange 54 of the spring plate carrier 36 engages the spring plate 24, whereby a longitudinal movement of the spring plate carrier 36 moves the spring plate 24 accordingly.In an alternative embodiment, the spring plate 24 and the carrier 36 may be an integral or unitary element.

[0018] The indexer 38 includes a cylindrical body 58 having an inner circumferential surface 60 and an outer circumferential surface 62. The cylindrical body 58 of the indexer 38 is positioned over the cylindrical body 52 of the spring plate carrier 36; more specifically, the inner circumferential surface 60 of the cylindrical body 58 of the indexer 38 is adjacent to an outer circumferential surface 64 of the cylindrical body 52 of the spring plate carrier 36. One end 66 of the indexer 38 engages the radially outwardly extending flange 54 of the spring plate carrier 36. The opposite end 68 of the indexer 38 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending first or outer cam elements 70 arranged in a sawtooth configuration circumferentially around the opposite end 68, each outer cam element 70 having a cam surface or ramp 72 and a cam translation surface 74.The first or outer cam elements 70 engage the outer peripheral surface 62 of the indexer 38. The indexer 38 moves through incremental positions and cooperates with other components of the actuating mechanism 10 to place the actuating mechanism in either an "on" or "off" position.

[0019] The inner peripheral surface 60 of the indexer 38 includes a plurality of serrations 76 consisting of longitudinally extending grooves / guides 78 and projections or fingers 80. The projections or fingers 80 extend to the end 68 of the indexer 38. The projections or fingers 80 form second or inner, longitudinally extending cam elements 82 arranged circumferentially about the opposite end 68. The second cam elements 82 abut the inner peripheral surface 60 of the indexer 38. Each finger 80 has a cam surface or ramp 84 that extends at the same angle and in common with the cam surface or ramp 72 of the outer cam elements 70.The groove or guide 78 terminates the cam surface or ramp 84 of the projection or finger 80 before the cam surface or ramp 84 reaches the apex 86 of a first or outer cam member 70, the apex being the intersection of the cam surface or ramp 72 and the cam displacement surface 74.

[0020] The indexer 38 rotates around the hub 32 and the spring plate carrier 36 and slides axially relative to both. As shown in the Fig. 5-9, the indexer 38 rotates circumferentially in the direction of arrow 152. The indexer 38 also moves back and forth axially, in the direction of arrows 150, 160, along the longitudinal axis 34 of the hub 32 of the actuating mechanism 10.

[0021] The translation element 46 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending first or outer cam elements 94 arranged circumferentially around an end 95 of the translation element 46 in a sawtooth configuration, each cam element 94 having a cam surface or ramp 96 and a cam translation surface 98. The first or outer cam elements 94 abut the outer peripheral surface 132 of the translation element 46.

[0022] An inner peripheral surface 134 of the displacement member 46 includes a plurality of keyways 88 consisting of longitudinally extending grooves or guides 90 and projections or fingers 92. The projections or fingers 92 extend longitudinally from the end 95 of the displacement member 46. The ends of the projections or fingers 92 form second or inner cam elements 136 adjacent to the first or outer cam elements 94. The second or inner cam elements 136 include cam surfaces or ramps 138 and cam displacement surfaces 140. Similar to the respective cam surfaces or ramps 72, 84 of the outer and inner cam elements 70, 82, the respective cam surfaces or ramps 138 of the inner cam elements 136 of the displacement element 46 extend at the same angle and in common with the cam surfaces or ramps 96 of the first or outer cam elements 94.

[0023] While the respective cam surfaces or ramps of the two sets of outer cam elements 70, 82 and 94, 136 may have the same angle and be common or identical, they may also have different angles and be located at different circumferential positions, e.g., at a certain distance from each other.

[0024] The first or outer elements 94 and the corresponding cam surfaces or ramps 96 and cam displacement surfaces 98 of the displacement element 46 cooperate and cooperate with the corresponding or complementary first or outer cam elements 70 and the corresponding cam surfaces or ramps 72 and cam displacement surfaces 74 of the indexer 38. While the second or inner cam elements 136 and the corresponding cam surfaces or ramps 138 and cam displacement surfaces 140 of the displacement element 46 cooperate and cooperate with the corresponding or complementary second or inner cam elements 82 and the corresponding cam surfaces or ramps 84 and cam displacement surfaces 85 of the indexer 38.

[0025] The locking or stop element 40 is attached to the hub 32. As in Fig. 1, one longitudinal end 100 of the locking or stop member 40 engages a shoulder 102 on the hub 32. The opposite longitudinal end 104 of the locking or stop member 40 is held stationary on the hub 32 by a snap ring 106 in a circumferential groove 108 in the hub 32. An inner circumferential surface 110 of the locking or stop member 40 includes a toothing 112 that engages the toothing 48 of the hub 32 to prevent rotation of the locking or stop member 40 with respect to the hub 32. An outer circumferential surface 114 of the locking or stop member 40 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending keyways 116 consisting of longitudinally extending grooves or guides 118 and projections or fingers 120. The end 104 adjacent to the snap ring 106 has an annular portion 122 which forms an end wall or surface 124 of the grooves or guides 118.

[0026] The locking or stop member 40 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending cam members 126 circumferentially disposed at the ends of the projections or fingers 120 near the end 100 of the locking or stop member 40 that contacts the shoulder 102 of the hub 32. Each cam member 126 of the locking or stop member 40 includes a cam surface or ramp 128 and a cam displacement surface 130. The cam members 126 have a sawtooth configuration.

[0027] The cam surface or ramp 128 is complementary to and has the same angle as the cam surface or ramp 84 of the second cam 82 of the indexer 38. The cam displacement surface 130 is complementary to and has the same angle as the cam displacement surface 85 of the indexer 38.

[0028] The grooves or guides 118 on the outer peripheral surface 114 of the locking or stop element 40 have the same circumferential width as the circumferential width of each longitudinally extending projection or finger 80 of the indexer or indexer 38. As in Fig. 4, the longitudinally extending projections or fingers 80 of the indexer 38 slide axially in the grooves or guides 118 of the locking or stop element 40.

[0029] In addition to cooperating with the inner cam elements 136 of the sliding element 46, the second or inner cam elements 82 of the indexer 38 also cooperating with the cam elements 126 of the locking or stop element 40.

[0030] The stator 42 generates a magnetic field that acts on the translator 44, in this example a steel ring. The electric current applied to the stator 42 generates a magnetic field that acts on the translator 44 and moves it. Since the translator 44 is attached to the translation element 46 fixed to the outer peripheral surface 132, movement of the translator 44 caused by the stator 42 results in movement of the combination of translator 44 and translation element 46. The projections or fingers 92 on the inner peripheral surface 132 of the displacement element 46 engage the grooves or guides 118 of the locking or stop element 40. The displacement element 46 and the translator 44 move axially along the locking or stop element 40 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34, but do not rotate about the locking or stop element 40.The translational or sliding movement of the translation element 46 on the locking or stop element 40 is similar to that of a plunger moving back and forth in a reciprocating motion.

[0031] As the displacement member 46 moves longitudinally in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34, the cam surfaces or ramps 96 and cam displacement surfaces 98 of the cam elements 94 of the displacement member 46 cooperate with the corresponding cam surfaces or ramps 72 and cam displacement surfaces 74 of the outer cam elements 70 of the indexer 38 to both axially move and rotate the indexer 38.

[0032] The actuating mechanism 10 moves the clutch assembly 12 between an "off" and an "on" position. In the "on" position, the actuating mechanism 10 extends and moves the combination of spring retainer 36 and spring plate 24 closer to the pocket plate 14, with the springs 20 acting on the spring legs 18. In the "off" position, the actuating mechanism 10 retracts and moves to the home position so that the combination of spring retainer 36 and spring plate 24 can be spaced further from the pocket plate 14. The "on" and "off" positions of the clutch assembly 12 can be determined by the position or relative engagement of the indexer 38 and the locking or stop member 40.

[0033] The Fig. 5-6 show the actuating mechanism 10 in a retracted position in which the clutch device 12 is in the “off” position, with the stator 42 and the translator 44 shown in the Fig. have been removed. The retracted position occurs when the cam surface or ramp 84 and the projection or finger 80 of the indexer 38 are positioned in the grooves or tracks 118 of the locking or stop member 40, with the projections or fingers 120 and the corresponding cam members 126 of the locking or stop member 40 positioned in the grooves or tracks 78 of the indexer 38, with the cam surface or ramp 84 of the projection or finger 80 contacting the cam surface or ramp 138 of the projection or finger 92 of the slide member 46.The force applied by the return members or springs 26 maintains the engagement between the cam surface or ramp 84 of the projection or finger 80 of the indexer 38 and the cam surface or ramp 138 of the projection or finger 92 of the slidable member 46, with the end 142 of the projection or finger 92 of the slidable member 46 contacting and resting on the end wall or surface 124 of the groove or guide 118 of the locking or stop member 40.

[0034] The cam surface or ramp 72 of the first or outer cam member 70 of the indexer 38 contacts the cam surface or ramp 96 of an adjacent first or outer cam member 94 of the slider member 46. The respective cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96 are shown contacting each other approximately at the center of the respective cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96. Because the stator 42 is not engaged, the first or outer cam members 94 of the slider member 46 do not exert any force on the indexer 38. Depending on tolerances or design, a slight gap or space may exist between the respective cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96 when the stator 42 is de-energized. When the stator 42 is de-energized, the displaceable element 46, particularly the projection or finger 92, transfers the load from the spring plate carrier 36 via the indexer 38 to the locking or stop element 40.When the stator 42 is actuated, the displacement member 46 exerts a force on the indexer 38 to move the indexer 38 axially in the direction of arrow 150 toward the pocket plate 14 so that it can rotate due to the interaction with the displacement member 46 and the locking or stop member 40 and place the clutch device 12 in one of the "on" or "off" positions.

[0035] By actuating the stator 42, the combination of translation element 46 and translator 44 is pulled towards the stator 42 by means of electromagnetism. By pulling the combination of translation element 46 and translator 44 towards the stator 42, the combination of translation element 46 and translator or translator 44 is moved axially in the direction of arrow 150. The engagement configuration between the first or outer cam elements 70 of the indexer 38 and the first or outer cam elements 94 of the displacement element 46 remains, as in Fig. 5, until the projections or fingers 80 and the corresponding second or inner cam members 82, including the cam surfaces or ramps 84, which are pushed axially in the direction of arrow 150 by the projections or fingers 92 of the sliding member 46, pass the grooves or guides 118 between adjacent projections or fingers 120 of the locking or stop member 40.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows that once the projections or fingers 80 of the indexer 38 clear the grooves or guides 118 of the locking or stop element 40, the force exerted by the return element or spring 26 acts via the spring plate carrier 36 on the indexer 38 and correspondingly on the adjacent cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96 of the indexer 38 and the displacement element 46. The force acting via the cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96 of the first or outer cam element 70 of the indexer 38 and the adjacent first or outer cam element 94 of the displacement element 46 rotates the indexer 38 in the direction shown by arrow 152. When the indexer 38 moves to the position in Fig. 7 rotates, the cam surface or ramp 72 of the first or outer cam member 70 of the indexer 38 slides along the corresponding cam surface or ramp 96 of the first or outer cam member 94 of the translator 46 until the cam translator surfaces 74, 98 of the outer cam members 70, 94 mesh or contact each other. The meshing of the cam translator surfaces 74, 98 stops the rotation, i.e., movement in the direction of arrow 152, of the indexer 38. The amount or degree of rotation is determined by the circumferential gap or space 154 between the apex 156 of the first or outer cam member 70 of the indexer 38 and the apex 158 of the first or outer cam member 94 of the translator 46. The indexer 38 rotates due to the axial force exerted by the stator 42 on the translator 44 and the translation element 46 acting against the return element or spring 26 and on the cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96.The cam surfaces or ramps 84, 138 of the second or inner cam elements 82, 136 form complementary ramp surfaces upon which the cam elements 82, 136 slide. Fig. 7 shows how the rotation of the indexer 38 is stopped when the projection or finger 80 and the corresponding cam surface or ramp 84 of the second or inner cam member 82 are positioned slightly over or above the cam surface or ramp 138 of the projection or finger 92 of the second or inner cam member 136 of the slide member 46.

[0037] Switching off the stator 42 cancels the axial force exerted by the translator 44 on the displacement element 46. Fig. 6 shows that moving the translator 44 and the translation member 46 in the direction shown by arrow 160 disengages the indexer 38 and the translation member 46, separating the outer cams 70, 94. The force provided by the return member or spring 26 translates the cam surface or ramp 84 of the second or inner cam 82 of the indexer 38 along the angled cam surface or ramp 128 of the cam member 126, thereby rotating the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 152. The translational size, axial amount, or degree of the circumferential gap or clearance 154 between the indexer 38 and the translation member 46 is shown for illustrative purposes only and may vary. The respective cam translation surfaces 74, 85 are angled or inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 34.As the indexer 38 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow 152, the angled or inclined cam displacement surface 74 acts on the corresponding angled or inclined cam displacement surface 98 to assist and enable movement of the displacement element 46 in the direction of arrow 160, away from the indexer 38.

[0038] The return member or spring 26 also moves the indexer 38 axially in the direction shown by arrow 160, with the cam surface or ramp 84 of the projection or finger 80 engaging a corresponding angled cam surface or ramp 128 of the cam member 126 of the locking or stop member 40. The engagement of the cam surface or ramp 84 and the corresponding angled cam surface or ramp 128 rotates the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 152. Again, the indexer 38 rotates in the direction of arrow 152 due to the axial force exerted by the return member or spring 26 and the angled cam surfaces or ramps 84, 128. By a sliding or relative movement between the adjacent cam surfaces or ramps 84, 128, the indexer 38 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 34 in the direction of the arrow 152. As in Fig. 8, the projection or finger 80 of the indexer 38 now rests in the shallow notch 144 between adjacent cam surfaces or ramps 128 and cam displacement surfaces 130, thereby placing the clutch in the "on" position.

[0039] To move the clutch from the "on" position to the "off" position, the stator 42 must be re-energized. After the stator 42 is energized, the combination of translator 44 and translation or transmission element 46 moves axially in the direction of arrow 150. The cam surfaces or ramps 72, 96 re-engage. The translation element 46 acts against the return element or spring 26, moving the indexer 38 axially and lifting the corresponding projections or fingers 80 of the indexer 38 out of the notch 144 formed between adjacent cam surfaces or ramps 128.Once the projections or fingers 80 are lifted out of the notch 144, the indexer 38 rotates in the direction of arrow 152 until the camming surface 85 of the second or inner cam member 82 of the shifting member 46 engages the camming surface 140 of the second or inner cam member 136 of the shifting member 46, with the respective sides of the adjacent projections or fingers 80, 92 engaging one another; see . Fig. 9. Furthermore, the respective cam displacement surfaces 74, 98 engage with each other. The cam surface or ramp 84 is arranged above the cam surface or ramp 128 adjacent to the groove or guide 118 in the locking or stop element 40. Fig. shows the indexer 38 rotating approximately 3-5° to align the adjacent cam surfaces or ramps 84, 128. When the stator 42 is de-energized, the return element or spring 26 moves the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 160, with the cam surface or ramp 84 sliding on the cam surface or ramp 128 and rotating the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 152. The rotation causes the inclined or angled cam displacement surface 74 to slide upward and over the corresponding inclined or angled cam displacement surface 98. The rotation of the indexer 38 continues until the projections or fingers 80 of the indexer 38 enter and slide into the grooves or guides 118 - arranging the projections or fingers 80 in the grooves / guides 118 brings the actuating mechanism 10 and accordingly the clutch into the "off" position, as in Fig. 6 shown.

[0040] The rotation or extent of rotation of the indexer 38 is determined by the angle of the cam surfaces 72, 74, 84, 85, 96, 98, 138, 140, 128, and 130. Continued rotation of the indexer 38 continues the extension / retraction cycle by repeating the same steps.

[0041] The above disclosure includes the use of a plurality of different cams and indexers that rotate about a longitudinal axis of a clutch shaft.

[0042] This allows for an actuating mechanism that requires no energy in its current state and can be operated in one direction, whether going from "on" to "off" or from "off" to "on." This works well in situations where the parts rotate centrifugally neutral.

[0043] The Fig. 10-15 show alternative examples of a mechanism for moving the translation element 46. Instead of a stator 42, for example, a double-sided shift fork, as generally shown in Fig. 170 ( Fig. 10-11), a one-sided shift fork, as generally shown in Fig. 190 ( Fig. 12-13) and a pneumatic piston as generally shown in Fig. 210 ( Fig. 14-15), move the displaceable element 46. The above examples are illustrative and do not represent a limitation on the mechanisms that move the displacement element 46.

[0044] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show that the double-sided shift fork 170 includes a C-shaped portion 172 with two radially inwardly extending flanges 174, 176 forming a notch 178. A radially outwardly extending flange 180 on the movable member 46 lies within the notch 178. The double-sided shift fork 170 also includes a connecting portion 182 having an opening or bore 184 sized to receive a member (not shown) that reciprocates the shift fork 170 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34. The double-sided shift fork 170 moves the slidable member 46 between the respective "on" and "off" positions.When the slide member 46 is moved rearward toward the end 104 of the locking or stop member 40 in the direction of arrow 160, the slide member 46 is pulled rearward and the respective cam members 70, 94 of the indexer 38 and the slide member 46 are disengaged, causing the return member or spring 26 to move the indexer 38 rearward in the direction of arrow 160. The cam surface or ramp 72 slides on the cam surface or ramp 96 and rotates the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 152. As shown, the inwardly extending flange 176 acts on the flange 180 of the translator 44, which is connected to the translator member 46, to pull the translator member rearward.

[0045] The Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show a similar design to that shown in the Fig. 10 through 11, except that the shift fork is a single-sided shift fork 190. The shift fork 190 includes a single, inwardly extending flange member 192 on a C-shaped portion 194. As shown, the flange member 192 is located on one side of the flange 200 of the translator 44 that is connected to the translation member 46, on the side closest to the end 104 of the latch or stop member 40. The double-sided shift fork 190 also includes a connecting portion 196 having an opening or bore 198 sized to receive a member (not shown) that reciprocates the shift fork 190 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34. In this embodiment, the single-sided shift fork 190 operates like the embodiment with the stator 42.The shift fork 190 pushes the translator 44 and the translation element 46 axially in the direction of the arrow 150, while the return element or the spring 26 moves the translation element 46 axially in the direction of the arrow 160.

[0046] In the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, a piston 210 is shown, which is used to move the translator 44 and the translation element 46. The piston 210 includes a housing 212 and a piston 214. The piston 214 is connected to the translator 44. A pair of sealing elements, shown as O-rings 216, in grooves 218, form a seal between the housing 212 and the piston 214. The fluid flowing through the opening 220 acts on the piston 214, which moves the translator 44 and the translation element 46. As with the embodiment with the stator 42, the piston 210 moves the translation element 46 axially in the direction of arrow 150, while the return element or spring 26 moves the translation element 46 axially in the direction of arrow 160.

[0047] The aforementioned mechanisms can be used individually or in combination. For example, the actuation mechanism may include a stator 42 and other mechanisms to move the displaceable element 46 back and forth. Furthermore, a multi-position linear actuator may control the movement of the displaceable element 46 in both directions.

[0048] Fig. Figure 16 shows the stator 42 and the translator 44 of the actuating mechanism 10. The stator 42 is stationary and is attached to a stationary element, such as a gear housing (not shown). The stator 42 has a housing 220 and an electromagnetically inductive coil 222 disposed between adjacent ferromagnetic fingers 224. The electromagnetically inductive coil 222 generates a magnetic flux when energized.

[0049] The translator 44, coupled to the translation element 46, is rotatably and axially movably mounted on the hub 32. The translator 44 is radially spaced from the stator 42, with a radial gap 226 and an axial gap 228 between the stator 42 and the translator 44. The gaps 226, 228 are sized so that the translator 44 is spaced from the stator 42 and does not contact it. Both gaps 226, 228 are sized to accommodate tolerance differences between the respective stator and translator while maintaining a distance between them. In one example, the gap is on the order of a few millimeters. The smaller the gap, the less current is required to move the translator 44 and the corresponding translation element 46.

[0050] The magnetic flux lines 230 flow along closed paths, with the majority of the lines extending in a circular path across the radial gap 226 between the stator 42 and the translator 44. The flow of the flux lines generated by the stator 42 results in a net force on the translator 44. The magnetic flux lines traverse the gap 226, 228, where the electromagnetically inductive coil 222 and the coil current drive the translator 44 in the direction of arrow 150.

[0051] The electromagnetic source or electromagnetic inductive coil 222 generates an electronically switched magnetic field across the radial and axial gap 226, 228, which acts on the translator 44 and causes a translational movement of the translator 44 and the corresponding translation element 46 relative to the stator 42 along the longitudinal axis 34 in the direction of the arrow 150.

[0052] The stator 42 represents a pulse actuator in which the excitation of the electromagnetically inductive coil 222, i.e., the supply of an electric current, generates the magnetic field and moves the translator 44. If the electromagnetically inductive coil 222 is deactivated, i.e., the electric current is removed, the magnetic field is eliminated and the return spring 26 can act on the indexer 38 and the corresponding translator hub 46, moving them rearward in the direction of arrow 160.

[0053] The stator 42 operates as a pulse actuator, wherein the electric current supplied to the electromagnetic inductive coil 222 can be supplied in the form of a pulse, the duration and strength of which is such that the translator 44, the translatory hub 46 and the indexer 38 are moved to a position in which the fingers 80 of the indexer 38 release the grooves 118 of the locking or stop element 40, as in Fig. 7. As soon as the fingers 80 are free, the electrical current to the electromagnetic inductive coil 222 is switched off, whereby the return springs 26 act on the indexer 38 and move both the indexer and the displacement hub 46 in the direction of arrow 160.

[0054] The stator 42 and the translator 44 cooperate to pull the translatory hub 46 to the right in the direction of arrow 150 to both mechanically lock and mechanically unlock the actuating mechanism 10 and to place the clutch device 12 in an extended and an unextended position.

[0055] Fig. Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuating mechanism 10 with a different stator and translator arrangement. Instead of the translator being an annular element as in the first example, the translator 44 is a radial ring 162 attached to the translatory element 46 and extending radially outward therefrom.

[0056] Fig.18 shows another example of an actuating mechanism 10 in which the camming surface 164 of the indexer 38 and the camming surface 166 of the translation element 46 extend axially and parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 of the hub 32. Because the camming surfaces 164, 166 are not angled but extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 of the hub 32, engagement of the respective camming surfaces 164, 166 prevents rotation of the indexer 38. In this example, an actuator is required to exert a force that pulls the displaceable element 46 rearward or backward in the direction of arrow 160 to decouple the displaceable element 46 and the indexer 38. For example, the double-sided shift fork 170 would operate to push and pull both the translator 44 and the translation element 46.

[0057] The actuating mechanism 10 has a two-position latch, a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. In the first, retracted position, the second or inner set of cam elements 82 of the indexer 38 are located in grooves or tracks 118 of the locking or stop element 40. In one example, the second or inner set of cam elements 82 engages a second or inner set of cam elements 136 of the translation element 46. In the second position, the second or inner set of cam elements 82 engages the cam elements 126 of the locking or stop element 40. In the first and second positions, the locking or stop element 40 provides positive support, meaning the force exerted on the indexer 38 in the direction of arrow 160 is assisted by the locking or stop element 40.The latch or stop member 40 forms a fixed, hard stop or lock that limits the axial movement of the indexer 38.

Claims

[1] Assembly comprising: a hub (32), the hub having an axis of rotation (34); a locking element (40) rotatably and axially mounted to the hub (32); a translation element (46) having a translator (44) mounted on its outer peripheral surface (132), wherein the translation element (46) is mounted on the locking element (40), the translation element (46) is rotatably mounted and is axially movable relative to the rotation axis (34); an indexer (38) mounted on the hub (32) which is rotatable and axially movable relative to the axis of rotation (34); a carrier (36) mounted on the hub (32) and engaged with the indexer (38), the carrier (36) being rotatably mounted and axially movable to perform axial movement without rotation; and a return element (26) biasing the indexer (38) into a retracted position, wherein the translation element (46) acts against the return element (26) to move the indexer (38) into an extended position. [2] Assembly according to claim 1, comprising: a drive element (20), wherein the drive element is formed between the carrier (36) and a locking element (18). [3] An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the drive element (20) comprises a spring. [4] Assembly according to claim 1, comprising: a coupling element (14) having a surface (15) and a pocket (16) connected or communicating with the surface (15); a locking element (18) arranged in the pocket (16); wherein the locking element (18) extends out of the pocket (16) and over the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in a deployed or extended position; and the locking element (18) remains in the pocket (16) and under the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in a non-extended position. [5] Assembly according to claim 4, comprising: a spring (20) connected to the carrier (36) and the locking element (18). [6] An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the return element (26) comprises a spring arranged between the coupling element (14) and the carrier (36). [7] Assembly according to claim 1, comprising: a stator (42) having at least one electromagnetic source (222) for generating a magnetic field (230) across a radial gap (226), the magnetic field (230) acting on the translator (44) for translational movement relative to the stator (42) along the axis of rotation. [8] An assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the locking element (40) has a plurality of grooves (118) and projections (120) on an outer peripheral surface (114); and the indexer (38) has a plurality of grooves (18) and projections (80) on an inner peripheral surface (60), wherein the projections (120) of the locking element (40) extend into the grooves (18) of the indexer (38) when the assembly is in the retracted position. [9] An assembly according to claim 8, wherein: the projections (120) of the locking element (40) have a cam surface (128); and the projections (80) of the indexer (38) have a cam surface (84), wherein the cam surfaces (128) of the locking element (40) and the cam surface (84) of the indexer (38) engage with each other when the assembly is in the retracted position. [10] An assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the indexer (38) has an end (68), the end having a first cam surface (72) and a second cam surface (84), the first cam surface (72) and the second cam surface (84) being concentric. [11] An assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the displaceable element (46) has an end (95) with a cam surface (96); and wherein the cam surface (96) of the displacement element (46) engages or interacts with the first cam surface (72) of the indexer (38). [12] An assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the locking element (40) has a cam surface (128); and the cam surface (128) of the locking element (40) engages or interacts with the second cam surface (84) of the indexer (38). [13] An assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the return element (26) does not act on the translation element (46) when the indexer (38) is in the retracted and extended positions. [14] Assembly comprising: a hub (32), the hub having a shaft; a first member (40) fixed to the hub (32) and secured against rotational and axial movement with respect to the hub (32), the first member (40) having a side surface (160) extending between an inner and an outer peripheral surface (110, 114) of the first member (40), the side surface (160) of the first member having a cam surface (128); a second member (46) rotatably mounted and axially movable with respect to the first member (40), the second member (46) having a side surface (95) extending between an inner and an outer peripheral surface (132, 134) of the second member (46), the side surface (95) of the second member (46) having a cam surface (96); a third member (38) rotatable and axially movable with respect to the shaft, the third member (38) having a side surface (68) extending between an inner peripheral surface (60) and an outer peripheral surface (62), the side surface (68) of the third member (38) having a first cam surface (72) and a second cam surface (84), the second cam surface (84) of the third member (38) being radially inward of the first cam surface (72) of the third member (38), the third member (38) having a groove (78) in the inner peripheral surface (60) of the third member (38); and the cam surface (128) of the first member (40) lies in the groove (78) of the third member (38) when the assembly is in a retracted position, and the cam surface (128) of the first member (40) contacts the second cam surface (84) of the third member (38) when the assembly is in an extended position. [15] An assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the second cam surface (84) of the third element (38) is located in a groove (118) of the first element (40) when the assembly is moved to the retracted position. [16] An assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the third element (38) engages or interacts with a drive element (36); and the drive element (36) engages or interacts with a locking element (18). [17] An assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the third element (38) is carried or supported by the first element (40) in both the retracted and extended positions. [18] An assembly according to claim 14, comprising: an annular element (14) having a surface (15) and a pocket (16) communicating with or in communication with the surface (15); a locking element (18) arranged in the pocket (16); and wherein the locking element (18) protrudes from the pocket (16) and above the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in an extended position, and the locking element (18) remains within the pocket (16) and below the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in a non-extended position. [19] Assembly comprising: a first member (40) having a cylindrically shaped body, a cam surface (128) extending transversely to a rotational axis of the first member (40), and an end (104) opposite the cam surface (128), the first member (40) having a plurality of projections (116) and grooves (118) on an outer peripheral surface (114) of the first member (40); a second member (46) having a cylindrically shaped body, a cam surface (96) extending transversely to a rotational axis of the second member (46), and a plurality of projections (92) and grooves (90) on an inner peripheral surface (134) of the second member (46), wherein the projections (120) and grooves (118) on the inner peripheral surface (134) of the second member (46) are complementary to the projections (120) and grooves (118) on the outer peripheral surface (114) of the first member (40), wherein the engagement or interaction of the projections (120) and grooves (118) on the outer peripheral surface (114) of the first member (40) with the projections (92) and grooves (90) on the inner peripheral surface (134) of the second member (46) causes axial movement enables and prevents rotational movement between the first member (40) and the second member (46); wherein the cam surface (96) of the second member (46) is radially spaced from and concentric with the cam surface (128) of the first member (40); a third member (38) having a cylindrically shaped body, a cam surface extending transversely to a rotational axis of the third member (38), and a plurality of projections (80) and grooves (78) on an inner peripheral surface (60) of the third member (38), the cam surface of the third member (38) comprising a first cam surface (72) and a second cam surface (84), the first and second cam surfaces (72, 84) being concentric; and the first cam surface (72) of the third element (38) engages or interacts with the cam surface (96) of the second element (46) and the second cam surface (84) of the third element (38) engages or interacts with the cam surface (128) of the first element (40). [20] An assembly according to claim 19, comprising: an annular element (14) having a surface (15) and a pocket (16) communicating with the surface (15); a locking element (18) arranged in the pocket (16); a carrier (36) engaging or interacting with the third element (38), the carrier (36) being rotatably mounted and axially movable to perform axial movement without rotation; and a drive element (24), wherein the drive element (24) is located between the carrier (36) and a locking element (18), wherein the locking element (18) extends out of the pocket (15) and above the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in an extended position, and the locking element (18) remains within the pocket (16) and below the surface (15) when the locking element (18) is in a non-extended position.

Images