Clutch assembly

Abstract

A clutch assembly or module having a plurality of one-way clutches, the clutch assembly or module including a first selectable one-way clutch, a second selectable one-way clutch, a third selectable one-way clutch, and a fourth selectable one-way clutch, the first selectable one-way clutch coupling a housing to an output shaft, the second selectable one-way clutch coupling the housing to the output shaft, the second selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the first selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch coupling an input shaft to the output shaft, the fourth selectable one-way clutch coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, the fourth selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the third selectable one-way clutch. Each clutch operates independently of the other clutches to control torque transfer to and from a common or shared notched plate. The assembly or module also controls rotation (including direction of rotation) of the common or shared notched plate. Depending on the position of each one-way clutch, multiple modes of torque transfer and rotation of the common or shared notched plate can be achieved.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 316,990, filed on March 5, 2022. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 111,169, filed on February 17, 2023. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle powertrain or drive system; and more particularly to a drive system using a clutch assembly. Background Art

[0004] Vehicle powertrains or drive systems typically incorporate multiple clutch elements. Existing powertrains are configured with concentric and parallel shaft architectures and include electric motors.

[0005] In the field of automotive technology, motor vehicle powertrains using electric motors and planetary gear trains include controllable or selectable coupling components, such as one - way clutches. These coupling components can be electromagnetically operated and magnetically controlled.

[0006] These one - way clutches typically include a first member, a second member, and at least one locking element (e.g., struts, pawls, etc.). The locking element moves between a deployed position in which the locking element extends from the first member and engages the second member, and a non - deployed position in which the locking element does not extend from the first member. Thereby, the first member and the second member are separated from each other.

[0007] Various types of selectable one - way clutches (including those using selector plates, solenoids, and linear actuators) are known. The above are examples of one - way clutches that can be used in the clutch systems disclosed herein. The above is not exclusive; other selective or one - way clutches can be used and are known. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A clutch assembly includes a housing, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The clutch assembly further includes a first selectable one - way clutch coupling the housing to the output shaft, a second selectable one - way clutch coupling the housing to the output shaft, a third selectable one - way clutch coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, and a fourth selectable one - way clutch coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, the second selectable one - way clutch operating independently of the first selectable one - way clutch, and the fourth selectable one - way clutch operating independently of the third selectable one - way clutch.

[0009] Other applications of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by broken lines, diagrammatic representations, and fragmentary views. In some instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. Further, commonly understood elements that are useful in commercially viable embodiments are generally not depicted in order to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a clutch assembly or module of the present disclosure, with a plurality of parts removed for clarity.

[0013] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional side view of the clutch assembly or module or module, showing the relationship between components.

[0014] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional partial front view; Figure 3B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 3C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 3D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0015] Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional partial front view; Figure 4B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 4C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 4D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the second operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module;

[0016] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional partial front view; FIG. 5B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 5C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 5D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1and Figure 2 the third operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module

[0017] Figure 6A is a schematic partial front view in cross-section; Figure 6B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 6C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 6D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the fourth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module

[0018] Figure 7A is a schematic partial front view in cross-section; Figure 7B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 7C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 7D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of additional locking, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the fifth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module

[0019] Figure 8A is a schematic partial front view in cross-section; Figure 8B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 8C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 8D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the sixth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module

[0020] Figure 9A is a schematic partial front view in cross-section; Figure 9B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 9C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 9D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the seventh operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module

[0021] Figure 10A is a schematic partial front view in cross-section; Figure 10B is a schematic side view with a portion in cross-section; Figure 10C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 10D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2The eighth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0022] Figure 11A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 11B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 11C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 11D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the ninth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0023] Figure 12A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 12B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 12C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; Figure 12D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the tenth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0024] Figure 13A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 13B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 13C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 13D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the eleventh operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0025] Figure 14A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 14B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 14C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 14D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the twelfth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0026] Figure 15A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 15B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 15C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 15D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the thirteenth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module.

[0027] Figure 16A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 16B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 16C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 16D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the fourteenth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module of

[0028] Figure 17A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 17B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 17C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 17D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the fifteenth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module of

[0029] Figure 18A is a schematic partial front view of a cross-section; Figure 18B is a schematic side view with a part in cross-section; Figure 18C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a locking element; and Figure 18D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an additional locking element, illustrating Figure 1 and Figure 2 the sixteenth operating mode or state of the clutch assembly or module of

[0030] FIG. 19A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a clutch assembly or module according to an additional embodiment, with a plurality of parts removed. FIG. 19B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 19A as seen from the right side of the notched plate, with a plurality of parts removed.

[0031] Figure 20A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a clutch assembly or module or module according to another embodiment, with a plurality of parts removed. Figure 20B is Figure 20A a schematic side cross-sectional view of a part of the clutch assembly of

[0032] FIG. 21A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a clutch assembly or module according to another additional embodiment, with a plurality of parts removed. FIG. 21B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a part of the clutch assembly of FIG. 21A as seen from the right side of the notched plate, with a plurality of parts removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses.

[0034] Examples of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and equivalent forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the invention.

[0035] A "clutch", which may be referred to as a coupling or a brake, establishes and cuts off the power flow path from a power source to an output. Clutches and brakes are components for driving or holding a transmission. A clutch connects one element to another, and when it connects or binds an element to a base member, the clutch may be referred to as a brake. A "base member" refers to a stationary or fixed component, such as a transmission case. The term "clutch" also refers to a coupling for connecting and disconnecting the driving and driven parts of a mechanism (e.g., an input shaft on the motor side to an output shaft on the wheel side). The term "brake" also refers to a clutch, where one of these components is drivably connected to a torque delivery element and the other component is anchored and held stationary in a housing or is bound to a base member. The terms "coupling", "clutch", and "brake" may be used interchangeably.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a clutch assembly or module, generally designated 10, is shown as a hub or wheel disconnect coupling 12. The clutch assembly or module 10 transfers power from an input shaft 14 to an output shaft 16 or from the output shaft 16 to the input shaft 14. The clutch assembly or module 10 provides mechanical engagement between mating parts and serves as a releasable torque transfer mechanism. Although shown as a hub or wheel disconnect coupling 12, the clutch assembly or module 10 may be used with other mechanisms.

[0037] The hub or wheel disconnect coupling 12 includes a housing 18, an input shaft 14, and an output shaft 16. The input shaft 14 provides an input to the hub or wheel disconnect coupling 12, for example, from a drive motor, and the output shaft 16 provides an output to a vehicle wheel, for example.

[0038] The clutch assembly or module 10 includes a plurality of one-way clutches. The one-way clutches are capable of overrunning in one or two directions. One type of "one-way" or "overrunning" clutch creates a driving connection (locked state) between a stationary member and a rotating member, preventing the rotating member from rotating in one direction, and one type of "one-way" or "overrunning" clutch overruns (freewheel state), allowing the rotating member to rotate in the opposite direction. When the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a first direction, the one-way clutch mechanically couples the driving member to the driven member; otherwise, the one-way clutch allows the driving member to rotate freely relative to the driven member in a second direction.

[0039] When the relative rotation of two rotating members is in one direction, another type of "one-way" or "overrunning" clutch creates a driving connection (locked state) between the two rotating members, and when its relative rotation is in the opposite direction, another type of "one-way" or "overrunning" clutch overruns (freewheel state), and when the driven member rotates faster than the driving member and their relative rotation is in the same direction, another type of "one-way" or "overrunning" clutch overruns (freewheel state). In other words, the overrunning clutch operates when the driving member or input rotates slower than the driven member. The direction of driving and overrunning in the opposite direction depends on the rotation direction of the driving member.

[0040] The one-way clutch can be a controllable or selectable one-way clutch. The operating mode of the controllable or selectable one-way clutch can be selected or controlled, whereby the selectable one-way clutch can hold torque or freewheel in one or two directions depending on the desired operating mode (e.g., engaged or disengaged). Contrary to a basic one-way clutch, in which the direction of the torque applied to the input member determines the operating mode. The selectable one-way clutch can transfer torque in one direction but not the other, for example, when the output shaft rotates in the opposite direction, transfer torque from the input to the output shaft rather than from the output to the input shaft.

[0041] In the disclosed exemplary example, the hub assembly or wheel disconnect coupling 12 includes a drive or input shaft 14 fixedly connected to a first coupling member (e.g., socket plate 20). The first coupling member is referred to as a socket plate because it includes a receiving area, such as a cavity or socket in the surface or side 24 of the socket plate 20. The first coupling member may include a plurality of sockets 98, 120 that are circumferentially spaced apart. The sockets 98, 120 are sized and shaped to receive and nominally hold torque transfer or locking members, such as struts 42, 44. In one example, the socket plate 20 includes an annular radially extending disk portion 26 that includes the sockets 98, 120 and an axially extending cylindrical portion 28 that supports transducer assemblies 76, 106 for reciprocating, axial movement relative to the annular radially extending disk portion 26. As used herein, radial and axial refer to the longitudinal axis or axis of rotation of the socket plate 20 and the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0042] As Figure 2 shown, the transducer assembly 76 of the linear actuator 74 is fixed to a hub 72 having a cylindrical portion 73. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 73 has a plurality of splines 75. These splines 75 engage a plurality of corresponding splines 27 on the inner circumferential surface of the axially extending cylindrical portion 28 of the socket plate 20. The hub 72 and the transducer assembly 76 rotate with the socket plate 20 and move axially relative to the socket plate. The corresponding splines 75, 27 allow the transducer assembly 74 to slide axially, move back and forth on the axially extending cylindrical portion 28 of the socket plate 20. The transducer assembly 106 of the second linear actuator 104 includes an inner circumferential surface having a plurality of splines 107. These splines 107 engage a plurality of corresponding splines 29 on the outer circumferential surface of the axially extending cylindrical portion 28 of the socket plate 20. The transducer assembly 106 rotates with the socket plate 20 and moves axially relative to the socket plate 20. The corresponding splines 107, 29 allow the transducer assembly 106 to slide axially, move back and forth on the extending cylindrical portion 28 of the socket plate 20. The spline connections connect the corresponding transducer assemblies 76, 106 and the axially extending cylindrical portion 28 of the socket plate 20 in a manner that allows axial movement but prevents relative rotation between the corresponding components.

[0043] The assembly or module 10 also includes a second coupling member, such as a combined or common notched plate 22, that is connected to a driven or output shaft 16. The second coupling member may be referred to as a notched plate because it includes a recess or notch in at least one surface of the second coupling member. The second coupling member may include a plurality of recesses or notches 54, 102, 124 in a plurality of surfaces 56, 96 of the second coupling member. The recesses or notches 54, 102, 124 include at least one load bearing shoulder.

[0044] The clutch assembly or module 10 includes a plurality of one-way clutches and may, for example, have four controllable or selectable one-way clutches.

[0045] The plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36 act on a combined or common notched plate 22 connected to the output shaft 16. The plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36 each operate independently of the others to control torque transfer to / from the combined or common notched plate 22 and to control the rotation (including the direction of rotation) of the combined or common notched plate 22. Depending on the positions of the plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36, multiple modes of torque transfer and rotation can be achieved. The direction of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise) is based on the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 and the corresponding recessed plate 20.

[0046] The clutch assembly or module 10 may be referred to as a multi-mode clutch assembly, system, or module because it has multiple operating modes or states based on the mode or module state of each of the plurality of one-way clutches. The mode or module or state of a one-way clutch can be indicated by x / x nomenclature.

[0047] In one example, these one-way clutches are a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, and a first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and a second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36. A controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) refers to a controllable or selectable one-way clutch that acts between a stationary member and a rotating member, for example, one race is stationary and one is rotatable. A dynamic controllable clutch refers to a controllable or selectable one-way clutch that acts between two rotating members, for example, both races are rotatable.

[0048] The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 connect a stationary member and a rotatable member, and this connection stops or prevents the rotatable member from rotating in one direction and allows the rotatable member to overrun when the rotation is in the opposite direction. With respect to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the x to the left of the slash indicates stopping or preventing rotation in the counterclockwise direction, and the x to the right of the slash indicates stopping or preventing rotation in the clockwise direction. As used herein, the number one (1) to the left of the slash indicates stopping or preventing rotation in the counterclockwise direction. The number zero (0) to the left of the slash indicates allowing rotation in the counterclockwise direction. The same convention, a one (1) indicating stopping or preventing rotation in the clockwise direction or a zero (0) indicating allowing rotation in the clockwise direction, is used to the right of the slash to indicate preventing rotation in the clockwise direction or allowing rotation in the clockwise direction.

[0049] In contrast to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 connect rotatable components. When the relative rotation of the rotatable components is in one direction, the connecting member transmits torque between these rotatable components, and when the relative rotation is in the opposite direction, the connecting member overruns. When the relative rotation of the rotatable components is in one direction, the connecting member further creates a driving connection, and when the driven member rotates faster than the driving member and the relative rotation of the rotatable components is in the same direction, the connecting member overruns. Both the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 have two overrunning states. First, when the relative rotation is in the locked state or the opposite direction of the direction. Second, when the relative rotation is in the locked state or the same direction of the direction and the driving member or the input rotates slower than the driven member. For the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36, the x to the left of the slash indicates torque application in the counterclockwise direction, and the x to the right of the slash indicates torque application in the clockwise direction. As used herein, the number one (1) to the left of the slash indicates torque application in the counterclockwise direction. The number zero (0) to the left of the slash indicates no torque application in the counterclockwise direction. By the same convention, the one (1) indicating torque application in the clockwise direction or the zero (0) indicating no torque application in the clockwise direction is used to the right of the slash to indicate torque application in the clockwise direction or no torque application. The direction of torque application identifies the locked state or direction.

[0050] Preventing or allowing rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22 is caused by engagement or non-engagement of locking elements associated with the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, and torque application is caused by engagement or non-engagement of locking elements associated with the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 with the combined or common notched plate 22. The term locking element refers to a member or element capable of creating a mechanical connection. Engaged or engagement means that there is a mechanical connection between two components. Non-engaged or non-engagement means that there is no mechanical connection between two components. Each of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 includes a locking element that selectively mechanically connects the associated first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 to the combined or common notch 22. In one embodiment, the locking elements of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are pawls or struts 38, 40, and the locking elements of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 are pawls or struts 42, 44.

[0051] The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents rotation in the counterclockwise direction. The second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 prevents or stops rotation in the clockwise direction. When referring to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and using nomenclature, the x to the left of the slash refers to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, and the x to the right of the slash refers to the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32. Each of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 has two positions. For the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the number zero (0) to the left of the slash indicates that the strut 38 is not engaged with the combined or common notch plate 22, and the number one (1) indicates that the strut 38 is engaged with the combined or common notch plate 22. Correspondingly, with respect to the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the number zero (0) to the right of the slash indicates that the strut 40 is not engaged with the combined or common notch plate 22, and the number one (1) indicates that the strut 40 is engaged with the combined or common notch plate 22. The use of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 provides a clutch mechanism that operates in four modes: 0 / 0 - both struts 38 and 40 are not engaged; 1 / 1 - both struts 38 and 40 are engaged; 0 / 1 - strut 38 is not engaged and strut 40 is engaged; and 1 / 0 - strut 38 is engaged and strut 40 is not engaged.

[0052] The first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 applies torque in the counterclockwise direction, and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 applies torque in the clockwise direction. When referring to the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 and using nomenclature, the x to the left of the slash refers to the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, and the x to the right of the slash refers to the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36. Each of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (CMD) 36 has two positions. The number zero (0) represents the separation of the struts 42 and 44, and the number one (1) represents the engagement of the struts 42 and 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36. Similarly, the use of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic control clutch (DCC) 36 provides a clutch mechanism that operates in four modes. Depending on the positions of the struts 38, 40, 42, 44 (e.g., extended, engaged or retracted, not engaged), the clutch assembly or module 10 can have sixteen operating modes or states as disclosed herein.

[0053] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D illustrate a clutch assembly or module 10 operating in a first mode, in which the struts 38, 40 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, and the struts 42, 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 are retracted and disengaged.

[0054] The clutch assembly or module 10 includes a plurality of one-way clutches, including a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, a first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, and a second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36. The plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36 act on a combined or common notched plate 22 connected to the output shaft 16. The plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36 operate independently to control the rotation (including the direction of rotation) of the common or shared notched plate 22 and the torque transfer to / from the common notched plate 22. Depending on the engaged or disengaged positions of the plurality of one-way clutches 30, 32, 34, 36, multiple torque transfer modes can be achieved. The notched plate is referred to as the common or shared notched plate 22 because it is shared by the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36.

[0055] The direction of rotation (motor input) of the recessed plate 20 defines the direction of rotation and torque application. The clockwise or counterclockwise rotation and torque transfer direction are based on the direction of rotation of the recessed plate 20. The direction of rotation is the same regardless of whether torque is supplied from the output shaft 16 to the wheel side. When torque is supplied from the wheel, the strut position and engagement are reversed. When used with an electric vehicle in a regenerative mode, the torque supplied from the output shaft 16 (wheel side) acts through the clutch assembly or module 10 to provide input to the motor side. For example, to transfer torque in the counterclockwise direction from the common notched plate 22 to the recessed plate 20, the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch 36 engages the common notched plate 22.

[0056] The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 includes a solenoid 46, a CMD recessed plate 48, and a strut 38. The CMD recessed plate 48 is attached to or forms part of the housing 18, thereby becoming a stationary or fixed member - the base member. The strut 38 is disposed in a recess or pocket 50 in the CMD recessed plate 48. A spring 52 between the strut 38 and the CMD recessed plate 48 acts on the strut 38. The spring force of the spring 52 moves the strut 38 radially inward to an engaged position, where the strut 38 engages a notch 54 in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22. The radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22 includes a plurality of notches 54. Each notch 54 has opposing or opposite shoulder surfaces 58, 60.

[0057] In the engaged position, the strut 38 extends radially inward into the notch 54 and contacts the shoulder surface 58, and binds the combined or common notched plate 22 to the base member - for example, the CMD recessed plate 48, typically a stationary or fixed member connected to the housing 18, thereby stopping or preventing rotation in the counterclockwise direction.

[0058] The plunger 62 of the solenoid 46 acts on the strut 38, overcoming the spring force of the spring 52 and compressing the spring 52, and moving the strut 38 radially outward to a disengaged position. The extended plunger 62 of the solenoid 46 maintains the strut 38 in the disengaged position in the recess or pocket 50. In the disengaged position, the strut 38 does not extend into the notch 54 in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the common notched plate 22. When the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is in the disengaged position, the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates freely in the counterclockwise direction.

[0059] Similar to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 includes a solenoid 64 and a strut 40. The solenoid 64 and the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are connected to the CMD recess plate 48, which is attached to or forms a part of the housing 18, thus becoming a stationary or fixed member - the base member. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is in the recess or pocket 66. Similar to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 includes a spring 68 and a plunger 70, which act on the strut 40 to move the strut 40 and hold it in the engaged position, in which the strut 40 extends radially inward into the notch 54 in the combined or common notch plate 22 and is in the engaged position, in which the strut 40 is in the recess or pocket 66 in the CMD recess plate 48. In the engaged position, the strut 40 extends into the notch 54 in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notch plate 22, contacts the opposing shoulder surfaces 60 of the notch 54 and binds the combined or common notch plate 22 to the base member - e.g., the CMD recess plate 48, typically a stationary or fixed member connected to the housing 18, thus stopping or preventing rotation in the clockwise direction. When the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is in the disengaged position, the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates freely in the clockwise direction.

[0060] When both controllable mechanical diode clutches (CMD) 30, 32 are in the disengaged position, the struts 38, 40 are in the respective recesses or pockets 50, 66, and the combined or common notch plate 22 idles in both directions. When the struts are inactive, i.e., when the struts are disengaged, there is an idling situation. When the struts are engaged, there is an overrunning situation; the struts stop or prevent rotation in one direction while allowing rotation in the opposite direction.

[0061] The first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 includes a recessed plate 20, a converter hub 72, and a linear actuator 74. The linear actuator 74 includes a converter assembly 76. The converter assembly 76 includes a magnet 78 and a stator assembly 80. The stator assembly 80 includes a stator core 82 and a stator coil 84. The first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 includes a strut 42 and a spring plate 86. An actuating spring 88 extends between the spring plate 86 and the strut 42 on one side of the strut pivot arm or axis 90 through an aperture 121 in the annular radially extending disk portion 26 of the recessed plate. A return spring 92 extends between the recessed plate 20 and the strut 42 on the opposite side of the strut pivot axis 90. The actuating spring 88 and the return spring 92 engage the strut 42. A cover plate 94 covers the side 24 of the recessed plate 20. The cover plate 94 has an opening through which the strut 42 extends.

[0062] When the linear actuator 74 moves the converter assembly 76 towards the recessed plate 20, the actuating spring 88 acts on the strut 42, overcoming the force of the return spring 92 and positioning the strut 42 in the engaged position, where the strut 42 extends out of the recess or pocket 98 of the recessed plate 20 and contacts the side or shoulder 100 of the notch 102 in the surface of the combined or common notch plate 22 (e.g., the side 96 of the common notch plate 22). In the engaged position, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 applies or transmits torque in the counterclockwise direction. When the linear actuator 74 moves the converter assembly 76 away from the recessed plate 20, the force of the return spring 92 on the opposite side of the strut pivot axis 90 acts on the strut 42 to reset and hold the strut 42 in the recess or pocket 98 of the DCC recessed plate. The force of the return spring 92 holds the strut 42 in the disengaged position, where the strut 42 is in the recess or pocket 98 in the recessed plate 20 and does not apply or transmit torque.

[0063] The second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is similar to and operates similarly to the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34. The second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 includes a separate linear actuator 104 that has a transducer assembly 106 including a magnet 108 and a stator assembly 110. The stator assembly 110 includes a stator core 112 and a stator coil 114. The transducer assembly 106 contacts a spring plate 116. The spring plate 116 engages an actuating spring 118 that extends through an aperture 119 in an annular radially extending disk portion 26 of the recess plate 20 and contacts a strut 44 in a recess or pocket 120 in the DCC recess plate. Similar to the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34, the actuating spring 118 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 acts on the strut 44, overcoming the force of a return spring 128 and positioning the strut 44 in an engaged position where the strut 44 contacts a side or shoulder 122 of a notch 124 in a side 96 of a common notch plate 22. In the engaged position, the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 applies or transmits torque in a clockwise direction. When the linear actuator 104 moves the transducer assembly 106 away from the recess plate 20, the force of the return spring on the opposite side of the pivot axis 126 acts on the strut 44 to reset and hold the strut 44 in a non-engaged position where the strut 44 is in the recess or pocket 120 in the recess plate 20 and does not apply or transmit torque.

[0064] When both dynamic controllable clutches (DCCs) 34, 36 are in non-engaged positions, the struts 42, 44 are in their respective recesses or pockets 98, 120 and the combined or common notch plate 22 idles in both directions. When the struts are inactive, i.e., when the struts are disengaged, there is an idling condition. When the struts are engaged, there is an overrunning condition; the struts stop or prevent rotation in one direction while allowing rotation in the opposite direction.

[0065] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shown are a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 operating in a 0 / 0 mode. The struts 38, 40 are both in non-engaged positions; both are in their respective recesses 50, 66 and are spaced from a notch 54 in a radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notch plate 22. Since the struts 38, 40 of the controllable mechanical diode clutches (CMDs) 30, 32 are not engaging the combined or common notch plate 22, the combined or common notch plate 22 is not constrained to the base member and thus the combined or common notch plate 22 idles or rotates in both a counterclockwise direction (CCW) and a clockwise direction (CW) relative to the CMD recess plate 48.

[0066] Figure 3A, Figure 3C and Figure 3D illustrates a first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and a second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 operating in a 0 / 0 mode. The struts 42, 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 are both in unengaged positions; both are in their respective recesses 98, 120 and are spaced apart from corresponding notches 102, 124 in the side 96 of the combined or common notch plate 22. Since the struts 42, 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 do not engage the combined or common notch plate 22, no torque is applied in either the counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW) direction, and the combined or common notch plate 22 idles or rotates relative to the recess plate 20 in both the counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) directions.

[0067] Because both the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 operate in a 0 / 0 mode and both the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 operate in a 0 / 0 mode, the combined or common notch plate 22 of the clutch assembly or module rotates freely in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions without restraint to the base member and without applied torque.

[0068] Figure 3A - Figure 3D Illustrates a first mode of a clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: controllable mechanical diode (CMD) 0 / 0 and dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 0 / 0. In this mode, the struts 38, 40 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are unengaged, where the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates freely relative to the CMD recess plate 48 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions (arrows 130, 132). The struts 42, 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch 36 are unengaged. The recess plate 20 does not transfer torque in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction because the recess plate 20 does not engage the combined or common notch plate 22 and correspondingly does not transfer torque to the combined or common notch plate 22 in either direction. The combined or common notch plate 22 rotates freely relative to the recess plate 20 in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions.

[0069] In the first mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notch plate 22 is not constrained to the base member, the CMD notch plate 48, in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction; it does not stop or prevent the combined or common notch plate 22 from rotating in either direction, and the notch plate 20 does not transmit torque in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notch plate 22. The combined or common notch plate 22 is freewheeling in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions; it is free to rotate in both directions.

[0070] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D A first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are shown operating in a 1 / 1 mode. In the 1 / 1 mode, the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are both in an engaged position. The struts 38, 40 extend from their respective recesses or pockets 50, 66, each of which engages a notch 54 in a radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notch plate 22. As shown, when the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) engages the first shoulder 58 of the notch 54 in the combined or common notch plate 22, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) stops counterclockwise rotation (arrow 130) of the combined or common notch plate 22. When the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) engages the second shoulder 60 of the notch 54 in the combined or shared notch plate 22, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) stops the clockwise rotation (arrow 132) of the combined or shared notch plate 22. Because both struts 38, 40 engage the combined or shared notch plate 22, they stop the combined or shared notch plate 22 from rotating in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions, and the combined or shared notch plate 22 remains stationary or locked in position; the combined or shared notch plate 22 does not rotate in either the counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW) directions relative to the CMD notch plate 48.

[0071] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4DShows a first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and a second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 operating in a 1 / 1 mode. In the 1 / 1 mode, both struts 42, 44 are in their engaged positions. Struts 42, 44 extend from their respective recesses 98, 120 in the recess plate 20 and each engage a notch 102, 124 in the side 96 of a combined or common notch plate 22. When the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 engages the side or shoulder 100 of the notch 102 in the combined or common notch plate 22, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 transmits torque in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130). When the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 engages the side or shoulder 122 of the notch 124 in the combined or common notch plate 22, the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 transmits torque in the clockwise direction (arrow 132). Since the two struts 42, 44 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 engage the combined or common notch plate 22, they transmit torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions, where the recess plate 20 is connected to the combined or common notch plate 22 and rotates with the combined or common notch plate. Since the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 operate in the 1 / 1 mode, they stop the rotation of the combined or common notch plate 22 and remain stationary, and correspondingly, the recess plate 20 and the input shaft 14 also remain stationary.

[0072] Figure 4A - Figure 4D Illustrates a second mode of a clutch assembly or module configured as follows: a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1 and a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 1. In this mode, both the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 are engaged. The strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 are engaged, where the recess plate 20 transmits torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to the combined or common notch plate 22, and the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates with the recess plate 20. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notch plate 22, and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notch plate 22.

[0073] In a second mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member, the CMD recess plate 48, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thereby stopping or preventing clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recess plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers clockwise and counterclockwise torque from the recess plate 20 to the base member, the CMD recess plate 48, thereby stopping or preventing counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0074] Figures 5A, 5B, Figure 5C and Figure 5D illustrate a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 operating in a 0 / 1 mode. The strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is in an unengaged position, represented by a zero (0) to the left of the diagonal line. The strut 38 is in the recess 50 and is spaced from the notch 54 in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22. Since the strut 38 does not engage the combined or common notched plate 22, the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates in either direction relative to the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the CMD recess plate 48, i.e., it idles.

[0075] However, the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is in an engaged position. The strut 40 extends from the recess 66, and the strut 40 extends radially inwardly into the notch 54 in the outer radial surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22 and contacts the shoulder surface 60 of the notch 54. When the strut 40 contacts the shoulder surface 60, the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 engages the combined or common notched plate 22 and stops or prevents rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction (arrow 132).

[0076] Since the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are one-way clutches, each overruns in the direction opposite to the direction in which rotation is stopped or prevented. For example, when engaged, the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stops or prevents rotation in the clockwise direction (arrow 132) and overruns in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130), or allows rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130).

[0077] In the 0 / 1 mode, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stop rotating in the clockwise direction (arrow 132), while allowing the combined or common notched plate 22 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130).

[0078] Figure 5A- Figure 5D Illustrates the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 operating in the 0 / 1 mode. The strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is in the disengaged position, represented by a zero (0) to the left of the diagonal line. The strut 42 is located in the recess 98 and is spaced from the notch 102 in the side 96 of the combined or common notched plate 22. Since the strut 42 does not engage the combined or common notched plate 22, the combined or common notched plate 22 idles, i.e., rotates, in either direction relative to the first dynamic controllable clutch 34 and the recess plate 20.

[0079] However, the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 extends from the recess 120 and contacts the side or shoulder 122 of the notch 124 in the side 96 of the combined or common notched plate 22. When the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 contacts the side or shoulder 122 of the notch 124, the strut 40 engages the combined or common notched plate 22 and transmits torque in the clockwise direction (arrow 132).

[0080] In the 0 / 1 mode, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 transmit torque in the clockwise direction (arrow 132), and the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130), and when the rotational speed of the driven member (combined or common notched plate 22) in the clockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed of the driving member (recess plate 20) in the clockwise direction, the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns in the clockwise direction.

[0081] In this configuration, the clutch assembly or module 10 transmits torque in the clockwise direction while stopping rotation in the clockwise direction and overrunning in the counterclockwise direction.

[0082] Figure 5A- Figure 5DThe third mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows is illustrated: a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 0 / 1 and a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 0 / 1. In this mode, the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is engaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is not engaged with the combined or common notched plate 22. The second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns in the counterclockwise direction. The strut 42 of the first dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is not engaged and the strut 44 of the second dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the clockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω 22 of the driven member (combined or common notched plate 22) is faster than the rotational speed ω 20 of the driving member (recessed plate 20) in the clockwise direction

[0083] In the third mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise direction, thus stopping or preventing the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48. The combined or common notched plate 22 overruns the second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 in the counterclockwise direction, and based on the relative speed (ω 20 > ω 22 ) the recessed plate 20 overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction. Either case requires a torque difference or a change in the direction of torque. For example, if the torque in the counterclockwise direction from the combined or common notched plate 22 exceeds the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, then when the speed ω 22 of the combined or common notched plate 22 is greater than zero (ω 22 > 0), the combined or common notched plate 22 will overrun the CMD and rotate counterclockwise. If the torque direction changes, for example, the recessed plate 20 now rotates counterclockwise, the notched plate 22 can also rotate counterclockwise. In this case, as long as the recessed plate 20 rotates faster than the combined or common notched plate 22 (ω 20 > ω 22 ), the recessed plate 20 will overrun the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0084] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6D illustrate a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 operating in a 1 / 0 mode. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is in an unengaged position, represented by a zero (0) to the right of the diagonal line. The strut 40 is in the recess 50 and is spaced from the notch 54 in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notch plate 22. Since the strut 40 does not engage the combined or common notch plate 22, the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates in either direction relative to the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the CMD recess plate 48.

[0085] However, the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is in an engaged position. The strut 38 extends from the recess 50, and the strut 38 extends radially inwardly into the notch 54 in the outer radial surface 56 of the combined or common notch plate 22 and contacts the shoulder surface 58 of the notch 54. When the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch 30 engages the combined or common notch plate 22, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch 30 stops or prevents the combined or common notch plate 22 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130).

[0086] Since the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are one-way clutches, they each overrun in the direction opposite to the direction in which rotation is stopped or prevented. For example, upon engagement, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops rotation in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130) and overruns in the clockwise direction (arrow 132), or allows the combined or common notch plate 22 to rotate in the clockwise direction (arrow 132).

[0087] In the 1 / 0 mode, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stop rotation in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130) while overrunning in the clockwise direction (arrow 132), thereby allowing the combined or common notch plate 22 to rotate in the clockwise direction (arrow 132).

[0088] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6DShows a first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and a second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 operating in a 1 / 0 mode. The strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is in an unengaged position, represented by the zero (0) to the right of the slant line. The strut 44 is in the recess 120 and is spaced apart from the notch 124 in the side 96 of the combined or common notch plate 22. Since the strut 44 does not engage the combined or common notch plate 22, the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates in either direction relative to the first dynamic controllable clutch 34 and the recess plate 20.

[0089] However, the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 extends from the recess 98 and engages the side or shoulder 100 of the notch 102 in the side 96 of the combined or common notch plate 22. When the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 engages the combined or common notch plate 22, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 transmits torque in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130).

[0090] In the 1 / 0 mode, the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 transmit torque in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 130). The combined or common notch plate 22 overruns in the clockwise direction (arrow 132), and when the rotational speed of the driven member (the combined or common notch plate 22) in the counterclockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed of the driving member (the recess plate 20) in the counterclockwise direction, the combined or common notch plate 22 overruns in the counterclockwise direction.

[0091] In this configuration, the clutch assembly or module 10 stops rotating in the counterclockwise direction while transmitting torque in the counterclockwise direction and overruns in the clockwise direction.

[0092] Figure 6A - Figure 6DIllustrated is a fourth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 0 and a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 0. In this mode, the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is disengaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is engaged with the combined or common notched plate 22. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns in the clockwise direction. The strut 42 of the first dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is disengaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω of the driven member (common notched plate 22) in the counterclockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed ω of the driving member (recessed plate 20) in the counterclockwise direction 20 the recessed plate 20 overruns in the counterclockwise direction.

[0093] In the fourth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby stopping or preventing the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48. The recessed plate 20 overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise direction based on the relative speed (ω 20 > ω 22 ). Either case requires a torque difference or a directional torque change. For example, if the torque from the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction exceeds the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, then when the speed ω of the combined or common notched plate 22 22 is greater than zero (ω 22 > 0), the combined or common notched plate 22 will overrun the CMD recessed plate 48 and rotate clockwise. If the torque direction changes, for example, the recessed plate 20 now rotates clockwise, then the combined or common notched plate 22 can also rotate clockwise. In this case, as long as the recessed plate 20 rotates faster than the combined or common notched plate 22 (ω 20 > ω 22 ), the recessed plate 20 will overrun the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction.

[0094] Figure 7A 、Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7D illustrate the fifth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 0 / 1 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 0 / 0. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is disengaged, and the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transmits torque in the clockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω of the driven member (the combined or common notched plate 22) in the clockwise direction 22 is faster than the rotational speed ω of the driving member (the recessed plate 20) in the clockwise direction 20 , the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction. The struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are disengaged, where the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates freely relative to the CMD recessed plate 48 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions.

[0095] In the fifth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, since the combined or common notched plate 22 is not bound to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it does not stop or prevent the combined or common notched plate 22 from rotating in either direction. The recessed plate 20 transmits torque in the clockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22. The combined or common notched plate 22 transmits the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction based on the relative speed (ω 20 > ω 22 ). The recessed plate 20 overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction based on torque and direction changes; for example, if the recessed plate 20 rotates counterclockwise, the combined or common notched plate 22 can also rotate counterclockwise. In this case, as long as the recessed plate 20 rotates faster than the combined or common notched plate 22 (ω 20 > ω 22 ), the recessed plate 20 will override the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0096] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Figure 8DIllustrates the sixth mode of a clutch assembly or module configured as follows: a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 0 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 0 / 0. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged, and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is not engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω of the driven member (combined or common notched plate 22) in the counterclockwise direction 22 is faster than the rotational speed ω of the driving member (recessed plate 20) in the counterclockwise direction 20 , the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the counterclockwise direction. The struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are not engaged, where the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates freely relative to the CMD recessed plate 48 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions.

[0097] In the sixth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is not bound to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it does not stop or prevent the combined or common notched plate 22 from rotating in either direction, and the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, and based on the relative speed (e.g., when the speed of the combined or common notched plate 22 is greater than the speed of the recessed plate 20 (ω 22 > ω 20 )) the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction based on torque and direction changes; for example, if the recessed plate 20 now rotates clockwise, the combined or common notched plate 22 can also rotate clockwise. In this case, as long as the recessed plate 20 rotates at a faster speed relative to the combined or common notched plate 22 (ω 20 > ω 22 ), the recessed plate 20 will override the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction.

[0098] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C and Figure 9DThe seventh mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 is illustrated as follows: Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 0 / 0. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, wherein the pocket plate 20 transmits torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to the combined or common pocket plate 22, and the combined or common pocket plate 22 rotates with the pocket plate 20. The strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are not engaged, wherein the combined or common pocket plate 22 is free to rotate in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions relative to the CMD pocket plate 8.

[0099] In the seventh mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notch plate 22 is not bound to the base member, the CMD notch plate 48, in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it does not stop or prevent the combined or common notch plate 22 from rotating in either direction, and the notch plate 20 transmits torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to the combined or common notch plate 22. The combined or common notch plate 22 transmits torque in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0100] Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C and Figure 10D The eighth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 is illustrated as follows: Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 0 / 0 and Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 0 / 1. In this mode, both the strut 38 of the first power controllable clutch 34 and the strut 40 of the second power controllable clutch 36 are disengaged. Because the pocket plate 20 does not engage the combined or common notch plate 22 and accordingly does not transmit torque to the combined or common notch plate 22 in either direction, the combined or common notch plate 22 is free to rotate in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions relative to the pocket plate 20. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is engaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is disengaged from the combined or common notch plate 22. The second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 stops or prevents clockwise rotation of the combined or common notch plate 22, and the combined or common notch plate 22 overruns in the counterclockwise direction.

[0101] In the eighth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise direction, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 does not transmit torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 is stopped or prevented from rotating in the clockwise direction, and when ω 22 is greater than zero (ω 22 > 0), the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the CMD recessed plate 48 in the counterclockwise direction. Since both struts 42, 44 of the recessed plate 20 are disengaged, the recessed plate 20 idles relative to the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0102] Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C and Figure 11D illustrate the ninth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 in the following configuration: a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 0 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 0 / 1. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is disengaged, where the recessed plate 20 transmits torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω of the driven member (the combined or common notched plate 22) in the counterclockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed ω of the driving member (the recessed plate 20) in the counterclockwise direction 20 , the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the counterclockwise direction. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is engaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is disengaged from the combined or common notched plate 22. The second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides in the counterclockwise direction.

[0103] In the ninth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise direction, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 transmits torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22. The combined or common notched plate 22 transmits the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20. The recessed plate 20 overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and the combined or common notched plate 22 is based on the relative speed (ω 22 > ω 20) overtakes the recess plate 20 in the counterclockwise direction, and the combined or common recess plate 22 is stopped or prevented from rotating clockwise.

[0104] Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 12C and Figure 12D The tenth mode of the clutch assembly or module is illustrated as follows: Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 0 / 1. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, wherein the pocket plate 20 transmits torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to the combined or common pocket plate 22, and the combined or common pocket plate 22 rotates with the pocket plate 20. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is engaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 is not engaged with the combined or common pocket plate 22. The second controllable mechanical diode clutch 32 stops or prevents clockwise rotation of the combined or common pocket plate 22, and the combined or common pocket plate 22 overruns in the counterclockwise direction.

[0105] In the tenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notch plate 22 is constrained in the clockwise direction to the base member, the CMD pocket plate 48, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notch plate 22, and the pocket plate 20 transmits torque to the combined or common notch plate 22 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The combined or common notch plate 22 transmits counterclockwise torque from the pocket plate 20 and transmits counterclockwise torque from the pocket plate 20 to the base member (CMD pocket plate 48). When the counterclockwise torque applied by the combined or common notch plate 22 exceeds any clockwise torque applied by the pocket plate 20, the combined or common notch plate 22 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. When the torque in the counterclockwise direction from the combined or common notch plate 22 exceeds the clockwise torque from the pocket plate 20, the combined or common notch plate 22 will overtake the CMD pocket plate 48 and rotate counterclockwise.

[0106] Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 13C ,and Figure 13DIllustrates the eleventh mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 0 / 0 and Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 1 / 0. In this mode, both the struts 42 of the first Dynamic Controllable Clutch 34 and the struts 44 of the second Dynamic Controllable Clutch 36 are disengaged, where the recessed plate 20 does not engage the combined or common notched plate 22 and accordingly does not transmit torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in either direction, and the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates freely relative to the recessed plate 20 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The strut 40 of the second Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 32 is disengaged, and the strut 38 of the first Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 30 engages the combined or common notched plate 22. The first Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns in the clockwise direction.

[0107] In the eleventh mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the counterclockwise direction, thus stopping or preventing the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 does not transmit torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 is stopped or prevented from rotating in the counterclockwise direction, and when ω 22 is greater than zero (ω 22 > 0) in the clockwise direction, the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns the CMD recessed plate 48 in the clockwise direction. Since both struts 42, 44 of the recessed plate 20 are not engaged, the recessed plate 20 idles relative to the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0108] Figure 14A 、 Figure 14B 、 Figure 14C and Figure 14D Illustrates the twelfth mode of the clutch assembly or module configured as follows: Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 0 / 1 and Controllable Mechanical Diode Clutch (CMD) 1 / 0. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 34 is disengaged, and the strut 44 of the second Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transmits torque in the clockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω 22 of the driven member (the combined or common notched plate 22) is faster than the rotational speed ω 20When, the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is disengaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 engages with the combined or common notched plate 22. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides in the clockwise direction.

[0109] In the twelfth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is bound to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby stopping or preventing the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, the recessed plate 20 overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction based on the relative speed (ω 22 >ω 20 ), and the combined or common notched plate 22 is stopped or prevented from rotating counterclockwise.

[0110] Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 15C 、and Figure 15D Illustrates the thirteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 0. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates with the recessed plate 20. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 is disengaged, and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 engages with the combined or common notched plate 22. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides in the clockwise direction.

[0111] In the thirteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby stopping or preventing the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 and transfers the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48. When the clockwise torque applied by the combined or common notched plate 22 exceeds any counterclockwise torque applied by the recessed plate 20, the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates in the clockwise direction. When the torque in the clockwise direction from the combined or common notched plate 22 exceeds the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20, the combined or common notched plate 22 will override the CMD recessed plate 48 and rotate clockwise.

[0112] Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B 、 Figure 16C 、and Figure 16D The fourteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module configured as follows is illustrated: the dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 0 / 0 and the controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. In this mode, both the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch 34 and the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch 36 are disengaged, where, since the recessed plate 20 does not engage the combined or common notched plate 22 and accordingly does not transfer torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in either direction, the combined or common notched plate 22 rotates freely relative to the recessed plate 20 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The strut 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the strut 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 are engaged. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0113] In the fourteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the recessed plate 20 does not transfer torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22. The recessed plate 20 idles relative to the combined or common notched plate 22 based on the relative speed (e.g., when the speed of the recessed plate 20 is greater than the speed of the combined or common notched plate 22 (ω 20 >ω 22 ). Since the combined or common notched plate 22 is constrained to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48, the relative speed of the recessed plate 20 will always be greater than the relative speed of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0114] Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B 、 Figure 17C and Figure 17D illustrate the fifteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module configured as follows: a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 0 / 1 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is disengaged, and the strut 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is engaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque to the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, overruns the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω 22 of the driven member (the combined or common notched plate 22) in the clockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed ω 20 of the driving member (the recessed plate 20) in the clockwise direction, the combined or common notched plate 22 overruns the recessed plate 20 in the clockwise direction. The struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 are engaged, where the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0115] In the fifteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is restrained in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22. The recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the clockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the clockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48, which stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22. The recessed plate 20 overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0116] Figure 18A 、 Figure 18B 、 Figure 18C 、and Figure 18D Figure 10 illustrates the sixteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module configured as follows: a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 0 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. In this mode, the strut 42 of the first power controllable clutch (DCC) 34 is engaged and the strut 44 of the second power controllable clutch (DCC) 36 is disengaged, where the recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22, overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction, and when the rotational speed ω 22 of the driven member (the combined or common notched plate 22) in the counterclockwise direction is faster than the rotational speed ω 20 of the driving member (the recessed plate 20) in the counterclockwise direction, the combined or common notched plate 22 overrides the recessed plate 20 in the counterclockwise direction. The struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 are engaged. Wherein, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 stops or prevents the counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22, and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0117] In the sixteenth mode of the clutch assembly or module 10, the combined or common notched plate 22 is restrained in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48, thereby stopping or preventing the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22. The recessed plate 20 transfers torque in the counterclockwise direction to the combined or common notched plate 22. The combined or common notched plate 22 transfers the counterclockwise torque from the recessed plate 20 to the base member - the CMD recessed plate 48, which stops or prevents the clockwise rotation of the combined or common notched plate 22. The recessed plate 20 overrides the combined or common notched plate 22 in the clockwise direction.

[0118] Figures 19A and 19B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the clutch assembly or module 10. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are adjacent to the side 134 of the combined or common notched plate 22. The struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 engage the notches 136 in the side 134 of the combined or common notched plate 22, rather than engaging notches in the radially outer circumferential surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22. The struts 42 of the first dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the struts 44 of the second dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 36 engage the opposite side 96 of the combined or common notched plate 22. Although shown on opposite sides 134, 96 of the combined or common notched plate 22, the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 and the first dynamic control clutch (DCC) 34 and the second dynamic control clutch (DCC) 36 can be on the same side of the combined or common notched plate 22. The dynamic controllable clutches (DCC) 34, 36 and the controllable mechanical diode clutches (CMD) 30, 32 are all planar; they engage the respective sides 96, 134 of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0119] Figures 19A and 19B illustrate the mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: dynamic controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. Figure 19B shows the struts 38, 40 in the recess 135, where the solenoids 46, 64 and the CMD recess plate 48 are removed for ease of illustration. This is an example of the mode of the clutch assembly or module 10. The clutch assembly or module 10 illustrated in Figures 19A and 19B, similar to the previously disclosed examples, also has up to sixteen operating modes.

[0120] Figure 20A and Figure 20BShows another alternative embodiment of the clutch assembly or module 10. The first dynamically controllable clutch 34 and the second dynamically controllable clutch 36 act on the inner radial surface 140 of the combined or common notched plate 22. The struts 42 of the first dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the struts 44 of the second dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 36 extend radially outward and engage the notches 142 in the inner radial surface 140. The first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 engage the notches 54 in the outer radial surface 56 of the combined or common notched plate 22. As shown, the dynamically controllable clutches (DCC) 34, 36 and the controllable mechanical diode clutches (CMD) 30, 32 are all radial, and the corresponding struts 38, 40, 42, 44 extend radially and engage the radially outer circumferential surface 56 or the radially inner circumferential surface 140 of the combined or common notched plate 22. Each converter assembly 76, 106 includes a rod or plunger having a conical cam 144. The corresponding converter assemblies 76, 106 are circumferentially spaced from each other around the cylindrical portion 28 and move independently of each other. The conical cam 144 of the converter assembly 76 contacts the strut 42, and the conical cam 144 of the converter assembly 106 contacts the strut 44. The surface of the conical cam 144 contacts the strut, and the axial movement of the cam 144 against the springs 88, 118 pushes the strut to the disengaged position.

[0121] Figure 20A and Figure 20B Illustrates the mode of the clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. This is merely an example of the mode of the clutch assembly or module 10. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The illustrated clutch assembly or module 10, similar to the previously disclosed examples, also has up to sixteen operating modes.

[0122] Figures 21A and 21B illustrate another alternative embodiment of the clutch assembly or module 10, wherein a first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and a second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 are adjacent to a side 134 of a combined or common notched plate 22. The struts 38 of the first controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 30 and the struts 40 of the second controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 32 extend longitudinally and engage notches 136 in the side 134 of the combined or common notched plate 22. A first dynamically controllable clutch 34 and a second dynamically controllable clutch 36 act on an inner radial circumferential surface 140 of the combined or common notched plate 22. The struts 42 of the first dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 34 and the struts 44 of the second dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 36 extend radially outward and engage notches 142 in the inner radial circumferential surface 140 of the combined or common notched plate 22.

[0123] Figures 21A and 21B illustrate the modes of a clutch assembly or module 10 configured as follows: a dynamically controllable clutch (DCC) 1 / 1 and a controllable mechanical diode clutch (CMD) 1 / 1. This is merely an example of the modes of the clutch assembly or module 10. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The illustrated clutch assembly or module 10, similar to the previously disclosed examples, also has up to sixteen operating modes.

[0124] While the above describes examples or exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. The words used in this specification are descriptive words rather than restrictive words. It should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of different embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments of the invention.

[0125] The description of the invention is essentially exemplary; thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly, comprising: A housing; A rotatable input shaft fixed to a recessed plate; A rotatable output shaft fixed to a notched plate; A first selectable one-way clutch that couples the housing to the output shaft; A second selectable one-way clutch that couples the housing to the output shaft, the second selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the first selectable one-way clutch; A third selectable one-way clutch that couples the input shaft to the output shaft, the third selectable one-way clutch including a stator, a converter, and a locking element, wherein the converter rotates with the recessed plate and moves axially relative to the recessed plate and influences the movement of the locking element; A fourth selectable one-way clutch that couples the input shaft to the output shaft, the fourth selectable one-way clutch including a stator, a converter, and a locking element, wherein the converter rotates with the recessed plate and moves axially relative to the recessed plate and influences the movement of the locking element, the fourth selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the third selectable one-way clutch; And The first selectable one-way clutch includes a solenoid, a plunger, and a locking element, wherein the plunger influences the movement of the locking element, and the second selectable one-way clutch includes a solenoid, a plunger, and a locking element, wherein the plunger influences the movement of the locking element.

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The output shaft has a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction; The first selectable one-way clutch couples the housing to the output shaft in the first rotational direction; And The second selectable one-way clutch couples the housing to the output shaft in the second rotational direction.

3. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The output shaft has a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction; The third selectable one-way clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft in the first rotational direction; And The fourth selectable one-way clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft in the second rotational direction.

4. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The output shaft has a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction; The first selectable one-way clutch couples the housing to the output shaft in the first rotational direction; The second selectable one-way clutch couples the housing to the output shaft in the second rotational direction; The third selectable one-way clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft in the first rotational direction; And The fourth selectable one-way clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft in the second rotational direction.

5. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, comprising: The notched plate is a common notched plate, wherein a locking element of each of the first selectable one-way clutch, the second selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch, and the fourth selectable one-way clutch selectively engages the common notched plate.

6. A clutch assembly comprising: A housing; An input shaft; An output shaft; A first selectable one-way clutch that couples the housing to the output shaft; A second selectable one-way clutch that couples the housing to the output shaft, the second selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the first selectable one-way clutch; A third selectable one-way clutch that couples the input shaft to the output shaft; And A fourth selectable one-way clutch that couples the input shaft to the output shaft, the fourth selectable one-way clutch operating independently of the third selectable one-way clutch; The first selectable one-way clutch has a locking element; The second selectable one-way clutch has a locking element; The third selectable one-way clutch has a locking element; The fourth selectable one-way clutch has a locking element; And The locking elements of the first selectable one-way clutch, the second selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch, and the fourth selectable one-way clutch engage a common notched plate.

7. The clutch assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The locking element of the first selectable one-way clutch selectively engages a notch in the radially outer circumferential surface of the common notched plate; And The locking element of the second selectable one-way clutch selectively engages a notch in the radially outer circumferential surface of the common notched plate.

8. The clutch assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Each notch in the radially outer circumferential surface of the common notched plate includes a first shoulder and a second shoulder, the locking element of the first selectable one-way clutch engages the first shoulder, and the locking element of the second selectable one-way clutch engages the second shoulder.

9. The clutch assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The locking element of the third selectable one-way clutch selectively engages a notch in the axial side surface of the common notched plate; And The locking element of the fourth selectable one-way clutch selectively engages a notch in the axial side surface of the common notched plate.

10. A multi-mode clutch system comprising: An input shaft; An output shaft; A housing; A first coupling member connected to the input shaft; A second coupling member connected to the output shaft; A first selectable one-way clutch that acts between the housing and the second coupling member, wherein the first selectable one-way clutch stops rotation of the second coupling member in a first direction and allows rotation of the second coupling member in a second direction; A second selectable one-way clutch that acts between the housing and the second coupling member, wherein the second selectable one-way clutch stops rotation of the second coupling member in the second direction and allows rotation of the second coupling member in the first direction; A third selectable one-way clutch that is arranged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, the third selectable one-way clutch couples the first coupling member and the second coupling member in a first rotational direction and allows overrunning between the first coupling member and the second coupling member in a second rotational direction; and A fourth selectable one-way clutch that is arranged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, the fourth selectable one-way clutch couples the first coupling member and the second coupling member in the second rotational direction and allows overrunning between the first coupling member and the second coupling member in the first rotational direction; and Each of the first selectable one-way clutch, the second selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch, and the fourth selectable one-way clutch has its own independent actuation mechanism, wherein each independent actuation mechanism controls engagement or disengagement of its corresponding selectable one-way clutch, and wherein each of the first selectable one-way clutch, the second selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch, and the fourth selectable one-way clutch acts on the second coupling member.

11. The multimode clutch system according to claim 10, wherein: The second coupling member includes a plurality of notches in a plurality of surfaces.

12. The multimode clutch system according to claim 10, comprising: The second coupling member has an axially facing side surface and a radially outer circumferential surface; The axially facing side surface has a plurality of notches, and the radially outer circumferential surface has a plurality of notches; The first selectable one-way clutch includes a strut that selectively engages a notch in the radially outer circumferential surface of the second coupling member; The second selectable one-way clutch includes a strut that selectively engages a notch in the radially outer circumferential surface of the second coupling member; The third selectable one-way clutch includes a strut that selectively engages a notch in the axially facing side surface of the second coupling member; and The fourth selectable one-way clutch includes a strut that selectively engages a notch in the axially facing side surface of the second coupling member.

13. The multimode clutch system according to claim 12, comprising: The first coupling member includes an axially facing surface having a plurality of recesses in the axially facing surface; and The second coupling member includes a radially extending surface and an axially facing surface, the radially extending surface having a plurality of notches in the radially extending surface, and the axially facing surface having a plurality of notches.

14. The multimode clutch system according to claim 10, wherein, The first selectable one-way clutch, the second selectable one-way clutch, the third selectable one-way clutch, and the fourth selectable one-way clutch operate to provide up to 16 operating modes.

15. A multi-mode clutch module, comprising: a housing; an input shaft; an output shaft; a first coupling member connected to and rotating with the input shaft; a first locking element and a second locking element located on the first coupling member; a third locking element and a fourth locking element located on the housing; a second coupling member connected to the output shaft; the first locking element, the second locking element, the third locking element, and the fourth locking element each independently engage the second coupling member, wherein the output shaft is selectively coupled to and decoupled from the housing and the input shaft; a first actuator acting only on the first locking element; a second actuator acting only on the second locking element; a third actuator acting only on the third locking element; and a fourth actuator acting only on the fourth locking element; the second coupling member includes a single notched plate having a plurality of notches; and each of the first locking element, the second locking element, the third locking element, and the fourth locking element independently engages a notch in the notched plate.

16. The multi-mode clutch module according to claim 15, comprising: The first locking element couples the input shaft to the output shaft such that the output shaft rotates with the input shaft in a first rotational direction; The second locking element couples the input shaft to the output shaft such that the output shaft rotates with the input shaft in a second rotational direction; The third locking element couples the output shaft to the housing such that the third locking element stops rotation of the output shaft in the first rotational direction; and The fourth locking element couples the output shaft to the housing such that the fourth locking element stops rotation of the output shaft in the second rotational direction.

17. The multi-mode clutch module according to claim 15 includes up to sixteen operating modes.

Images