COUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR COUPLING AND DECOUPLING COUPLING ELEMENTS

Abstract

Coupling arrangement (10), comprising: a first element (14) with a locking structure (20), a second element (16) with a receiving area (22), a locking element (30) mounted in the receiving area (22) of the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) moves between an engaged position in which the locking element transmits torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), and a disengaged position in which the locking element (30) does not transmit torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) comprises a socket (46), and a reciprocating member (42), the reciprocating member (42) being seated in the socket (46) when the locking member (30) is in the disengaged position and being spaced from the socket (46) when the locking member (30) is in the engaged position, wherein the locking structure (20) of the first element (14) comprises at least one notch (20), and wherein the receiving area (22) of the second element (16) comprises at least one pocket (22), wherein the locking element (30) is arranged in the pocket (22).

Description

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a coupling assembly and more particularly to a coupling assembly having a locking element for coupling and uncoupling coupling elements. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A coupling assembly often includes a first and a second member and at least one locking element (e.g., a strut, a pawl, etc.). The locking element moves between an extended position, in which the locking element extends from the first member and engages the second member, and an unextended position, in which the locking element does not extend from the first member, thereby uncoupling the first and second members from each other.

[0003] The locking element is not necessarily rigidly connected to a stationary first element. Consequently, upon the occurrence of a shock load or high acceleration load, also referred to as a "high g-load," the locking element may inadvertently extend, extend out from the first element, and engage the second coupling element. Inadvertent extension of the locking element means that the locking element inadvertently moves from the non-extended position to the extended position. Inadvertent extension of the locking element, i.e., that the locking element inadvertently moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position due to a shock load, can be problematic.

[0004] Various coupling arrangements are known, for example, from CN 112032095 A, DE 10 2017 116 200 A1, DE 697 29 313 T2, DE 1 131 056 A and DE 10 2014 207 804 B3. Summary of the invention

[0005] A coupling assembly includes a first member having a locking structure and a second member having a receiving portion. The assembly includes a locking member supported in the receiving portion of the second member, the locking member moving between an engaged position in which the locking member holds or transmits torque between the first and second members, and a disengaged position in which the locking member does not hold or transmit torque between the first and second members. The locking member includes a socket. The assembly includes a reciprocating member that is located in the socket when the locking member is in the disengaged position and that is spaced from the socket when the locking member is in the engaged position.

[0006] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated, the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Short description of the drawings

[0007] The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a coupling arrangement with a locking arrangement and a rotatable element, Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement of Fig. 1 with the locking arrangement in a disengaged position, Fig. 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement of Fig. 1 with the locking arrangement in an intermediate position after it has moved from the disengaged position towards the engaged position, Fig. 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement of Fig. 1 with the locking arrangement in a coupled position, Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement of Fig. 1 with the locking arrangement in an intermediate position after it has moved from the engaged position towards the disengaged position, Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement of Fig. 1 with the locking arrangement in a disengaged position, Fig. 7 a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the coupling arrangement according to a further embodiment, with the locking arrangement engaged. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0008] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses in any way.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in many and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as an illustrative basis for teaching one skilled in the art the various uses of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a coupling assembly 10 having a locking assembly generally seen at 12. The coupling assembly 10 includes a first member 14 and a second member 16, which are shown in the Fig. 2-7. The locking assembly 12 connects or couples the first and second members 14, 16 together and uncouples the first and second members 14, 16 from each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first member 14 is rotatable, rotating about a rotational axis 18, and the second member 16 is a stationary member. The locking assembly 12 connects or couples the first member 14 to the second member 16. The second member 16 may have a general shape, e.g., a circular shape, like the first member 14. The second member 16 may be a stationary locking plate or other fixed component. As shown in Fig. 1, the locking assembly 12 is typically disposed adjacent a portion of the first member 14, such as a side or side surface 24. The first member 14 and the second member 16 may be rotatably mounted for rotation relative to each other about a pivot axis. The first and second members 14, 16 may be connected or coupled by the locking assembly 12 even if they are both rotatable members that rotate about a pivot axis. The term "couple" means connecting, securing, or linking structures or mechanisms together or to one another.

[0012] A "clutch," which can also be called a coupling or brake, establishes and breaks power flow paths from a power source to an output side. A clutch connects one element to another and can also be called a brake if it anchors or tethers an element to the ground. "Ground" refers to a stationary or fixed element, such as a gearbox housing. The term "brake" also refers to a coupling when one of the elements is drivingly connected to a torque-delivering element and the other element is anchored and held stationary to a housing or anchored to the ground. The terms "coupling," "clutch," and "brake" can be used synonymously.The term "transmission", as it refers to the term "torque", means transmitting or causing torque to be transmitted from one structure or mechanism to another structure or mechanism, including transmitting or causing torque to be transmitted to a stationary member or to the ground, for example from the first member 14 to the second member 16.

[0013] Both the first or rotatable element 14 and the second or stationary element 16 have a side or side surface 24, 26. The sides or side surfaces 24, 26 face each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first or rotatable member 14 may be a notch plate. The side surface 24 of the first or rotatable member 14 includes angularly spaced locking structures or features, such as notches 20. The second or stationary member 16 may be a pocket plate. The second or stationary member 16 has a receiving area, such as a cavity or pocket 22, extending toward the side surface 26 of the second or stationary member 16.

[0015] The Fig. 2-6 show a cam-actuated locking assembly 28 received within the receiving area or pocket 22 of the second or stationary member 16. The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 includes a locking member 30. The locking member 30 moves linearly between a non-extended or disengaged position and an extended or engaged position. In the extended or engaged position, the cam-actuated locking assembly 28 connects the first or rotatable member 14 to the second or stationary member 16 to prevent rotation of the first or rotatable member 14 and provides a torque transmission path between the first or rotatable and second or stationary members 14, 16.In this case, the locking element 30 of the cam-actuated locking assembly 28 engages a locking structure or notch 20 of the first or rotatable member 14 to couple the first or rotatable member 14 to the second or stationary member 16, the locking element holding or transmitting torque between the first and second members 14, 16.

[0016] Conversely, in the non-extended or disengaged position, the cam-actuated locking assembly 28 decouples the first or rotatable member 14 from the second or stationary member 16, allowing the first or rotatable member 14 to move independently of the second or stationary member 16 without a torque transmission path existing between the first or rotatable member 14 and the second or stationary member 16. In this case, the locking member 30 of the cam-actuated locking assembly 28 is spaced from and does not engage a locking structure or notch 20 of the first or rotatable member 14, and the first and second members 14, 16 are decoupled, with the locking member 30 neither holding nor transmitting torque between the first and second members 14, 16.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows the locking element 30 in the disengaged position, Fig. Figure 3 shows the locking element 30 in an intermediate position after it has moved from the disengaged position towards the engaged position, and Fig. 4 shows the locking element 30 in the engaged position.

[0018] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 includes a spring 32. The spring 32 may be a compression spring disposed within a round hole 34 located at an inner end or inner surface 36 of the pocket 22. The spring 32 extends between the locking element 30 and the pocket 22 of the second or stationary member 16. The spring 32 urges the locking element 30 out of the pocket 22, past the side surface 26 of the second or stationary member 16, and toward the engaged position.

[0019] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 includes an actuator subassembly 38 having an actuator, such as a solenoid or motor 40. The actuator subassembly 38 may include a reciprocating member, such as a plunger 42, movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Actuating the solenoid or motor 40 in a first manner causes the plunger 42 to move to the retracted position, and actuating the solenoid or motor 40 in a second or opposite manner causes the plunger 42 to move to the extended position.

[0020] The plunger 42 cooperates with the locking element 30 to hold the locking element 30 in the disengaged position, as shown in Fig. 2. The plunger 42 holds the locking element 30 in the disengaged position and prevents the locking element 30 from being moved into the engaged position by the force of the spring 32. If a shock load occurs while the locking element 30 is in the disengaged position, the locking element 30 remains stationary and cannot engage, since the plunger 42 cooperates with the locking element 30 to hold the locking element 30 in the disengaged position. Consequently, the locking element 30 will not inadvertently engage when shock loads occur.

[0021] When the engagement of the plunger 42 with the locking element 30 is cancelled, it will no longer hold the locking element 30 in the disengaged position. When the locking element 30 is no longer held in the disengaged position, as in Fig. 3, the locking element 30 is moved by the force of the spring 32 in the direction of the arrow 50 into the Fig. 4 shown engaged position.

[0022] The locking element 30, which may be a locking nose, has a cam surface or a cam profile 44, as well as a box-like catch area, a pan or receptacle 46 with a wall or shoulder 48. An interaction of the tappet 42 with the locking element 30 leads to an interaction between the tappet 42, the cam profile 44 and the pan or receptacle 46. When the locking element 30 is in the Fig. 2, the plunger 42 is in the extended position and extends into the socket or receptacle 46. Inadvertent engagement of the locking element 30, in which the locking element 30 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, is prevented because the plunger 42 extends into the socket or receptacle 46 of the locking element 30.

[0023] Upon activation of the solenoid or the motor 40, the locking element 30 is moved in the direction of the arrow 50 from the disengaged position to the engaged position, as successively in the Fig. 2 - 3. Upon activation of the solenoid or motor 40, the plunger 42 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. Fig. 3 shows that when the plunger 42 is retracted, the plunger 42 is withdrawn from the cup or receptacle 46 of the locking element 30. As the plunger 42 is retracted, it moves toward the motor 40, in the direction of arrow 54. The plunger 42 exits the cup or receptacle 46, moves past the wall or shoulder 48, with the end 42a of the plunger sweeping along the cam profile 44, while the force of the spring 32 acting on the locking element 30 moves the locking element 30 outward in the direction of arrow 50 until the locking element 30 extends out of the pocket 22 and beyond the side surface 26 of the second or stationary element 16, that is, from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Fig. 4 shows the locking element 30 in the engaged position, with the locking element 30 extending from the pocket 22 of the second or stationary element 16 and engaging a locking structure or notch 20 of the first or rotatable element 14. The engagement of the locking element 30 with the locking structure or notch 20 couples the first or rotatable element 14 to the second or stationary element 16.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows the locking element 30 in the intermediate position after it has moved in the direction of arrow 52 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and Fig. 6 shows the locking element 30 in the disengaged position.

[0025] Upon activation of the solenoid or motor 40, the plunger 42 is moved in the direction of arrow 56 from the retracted position to the extended position, and accordingly the locking element 30 is moved from the engaged position as shown in Fig. 4, moved to the disengaged position as shown in Fig. 6. As the plunger 42 moves in the direction of arrow 56 from the retracted position to the extended position, the plunger 42 engages the cam profile 44 of the locking member 30. As the plunger 42 moves to the extended position, the engagement of the plunger 42 with the cam profile 44, based on the geometry of the cam profile 44, causes the locking member 30 to move linearly out of the locking structure or notch 20 of the first or rotatable member 14, in which it was previously engaged, in the direction of arrow 52 back to the disengaged position. Fig. 6, with the disengaged position, shows that through the interaction of the plunger 42 with the cam profile 44, the end 42a of the plunger 42 is ultimately inserted into the socket or receptacle 46 of the locking member 30. With the insertion of the end 42a of the plunger 42 into the socket or receptacle 46, the locking member 30 is secured in the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the locking member 30 does not extend out from or beyond the side surface 26 of the second or stationary member 16, nor does the locking member 30 engage any locking structure or notch 20 of the first or rotatable member 14, thereby uncoupling the first and second members 14 and 16 from each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first member 14 may be a notch plate and the second member may be a pocket plate. The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 is received in a receiving area or pocket 22 of the second member 16.

[0027] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 includes a locking member 30. The locking member 30 moves linearly between an extended position, i.e., an engaged position, coupling position, or "ON" position, in which the locking member 30 extends out from or beyond the side surface 26 of the second member 16 and engages a locking structure or notch 20 of the first member 14, thereby coupling the first and second members 14, 16 together, and an unextended position, i.e., a disengaged position, uncoupling position, or "OFF" position, in which the locking member 30 does not extend out from or beyond a side surface 26 of the second member 16 and does not engage any locking structure or notches of the first member 14, thereby uncoupleing the first and second members 14, 16 from each other.

[0028] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 further includes a spring 32. The spring 32 is disposed between the locking member 30 and an inner end or inner surface 36 of the pocket 22 of the second member 16. The spring 32 urges or pushes the locking member 30 toward the engaged position.

[0029] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 also includes an actuator, for example, a plunger 42. The plunger 42 cooperates with the locking member 30 to secure the locking member 30 in the disengaged position, thereby preventing the locking member 30 from being moved to the engaged position by the force of the spring 32, and ceases to cooperate with the locking member 30 to unlock the locking member 30 from the disengaged position, thereby allowing the locking member 30 to be moved to the engaged position by the force of the spring 32.

[0030] Therefore, if a shock load occurs while the locking element 30 is in the disengaged position, the locking element 30 will remain stationary and unable to engage. The locking element 30 will remain stationary and unable to engage because the plunger 42 cooperates with the locking element 30 to maintain the locking element 30 in the disengaged position. Consequently, the locking element 30 will not inadvertently extend when shock loads occur.

[0031] The plunger 42 moves between an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position, the plunger 42 cooperates with the locking element 30 to secure the locking element 30 in the disengaged position. In the retracted position, the cooperation of the plunger 42 with the locking element 30 ends, whereby the locking element 30 is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position by the force of the spring 32.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cam-actuated locking assembly 28 includes an actuator subassembly 38, an actuator, for example, a solenoid or motor 40, and the plunger 42. In the present example, the solenoid or motor 40 moves the plunger 42 between the extended and retracted positions. The plunger 42 may also be moved by other actuators or movement mechanisms, such as electric motors, pneumatics, or hydraulics. According to one example, energizing the solenoid or motor 40 in a first manner causes the plunger 42 to be moved to the retracted position, and energizing the solenoid or motor 40 in an opposite, second manner causes the plunger 42 to be moved to the extended position.

[0033] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28 may also include a spring assembly or other force-transmitting mechanism configured to apply a force that moves or urges the plunger 42 toward the extended or retracted position. In these embodiments, the movement mechanism may move the plunger 42 toward only one of the positions, while a spring assembly or other force-transmitting mechanism moves or urges the plunger 42 toward the other position. In these embodiments, the movement mechanism may move the plunger 42 in only one direction.

[0034] The locking element 30, which may be a locking lug, a pin, or arm, comprises a cam profile 44 and a box-like socket or receptacle 46. Cooperation of the plunger 42 with the locking element 30 causes the interaction of an end 42a of the plunger 42 with the cam profile 44 and the socket or receptacle 46, particularly when the locking element 30 is in the disengaged position. The plunger 42 may have a rectangular or cylindrical end that extends into the socket or receptacle 46 in its extended position. Coupling of the locking element 30, ie movement of the locking element 30 from its disengaged position to the engaged position under acceleration loads / vibrations, for example under a shock load, is prevented because the extended plunger 42 remains in the pan or receptacle 46 of the locking element 30.

[0035] To move the locking member 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the movement mechanism, such as the solenoid or motor 40, is activated to move the plunger 42 from the extended position to the retracted position. The plunger 42 is thereby retracted and exits the socket or receptacle 46 of the locking member 30. Once the plunger 42 has exited the socket or receptacle 46, the force of the spring 32 acting on the locking member 30 causes the locking member 30 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. In the engaged position, the locking member 30 extends out from or beyond the side surface 26 of the second member 16 and engages a locking structure or notch 20 of the first member 14.

[0036] To move the locking element 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the moving mechanism, e.g., the solenoid or motor 40, moves the plunger 42 from the retracted position to the extended position. As the plunger 42 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the plunger 42 engages the cam profile 44. Based on the geometry of the cam profile 44, as the plunger 42 moves to the extended position, the engagement of the plunger 42 with the cam profile 44 causes the locking element 30 to move from the locking structure or notch 20 of the first element 14, in which it was previously engaged, back to the disengaged position.When the locking element 30 is in the disengaged position, the interaction of the plunger 42 with the cam profile 44 will ultimately insert the plunger 42 into the socket or receptacle 46 of the locking element 30. Due to the plunger 42 being inserted into the socket or receptacle 46, the locking element 30 is secured in the disengaged position.

[0037] The cam-actuated locking assembly 28, which may also be referred to as a cam-actuated single strut insert (SSI), cam-lock SSI, or cam-actuated single locking element, represents a locking element actuation assembly with aspects for preventing inadvertent engagement of the locking element. The cam profile 44 and the socket or receptacle 46 of the locking element 30 and the plunger 42 of the actuator subassembly 38 cooperate to prevent inadvertent engagement of the locking element 30.

[0038] In one example, the first member 14 is rotatable and the second member 16 is stationary. In this case, when the locking member 30 is in the engaged position and the first and second members 14, 16 are coupled together, rotational movement of the first member 14 is prevented because the second member 16 is anchored or stationary. In contrast, when the locking member 30 is in the disengaged position and the first and second members 14, 16 are uncoupled, the first member 14 can rotate independently of the second or stationary member 16.

[0039] In another embodiment, the first and second elements 14, 16 are rotatable. In this case, when the locking element 30 is in the engaged position and the first and second elements 14, 16 are coupled together, the first and second elements 14, 16 can rotate together as a unit. In contrast, when the locking element 30 is in the disengaged position and the first and second elements 14, 16 are uncoupled from each other, each of the first and second elements 14, 16 can rotate independently of the other element.

[0040] Fig.7 shows a further embodiment in which the locking member 30 has a tapered or inclined end or surface 60. The tapered or inclined end or surface 60 of the locking member 30 provides an overrunning function when the locking member 30 engages a correspondingly inclined or sloped surface 62 of the locking structure or notch 20 of the rotatable member 14. As shown, the locking member 30 prevents rotation of the rotatable member 14 in a first direction, represented by arrow 64, e.g., clockwise, while allowing rotation of the rotatable member 14 in an opposite, second direction, represented by arrow 66, e.g., counterclockwise.On the other hand, if the end portion of the locking element 30 is not beveled, the locking element 30 prevents relative movement between the first and second elements 14, 16 in both the first and second directions shown by the arrows 64, 66.

[0041] In some embodiments, the device may include a first member having a locking structure and a second member having a receiving portion. The device may include a locking member supported in the receiving portion of the second member, the locking member moving between an engaged position in which the locking member holds or transmits torque between the first and second members, and a disengaged position in which the locking member does not hold or transmit torque between the first and second members. The locking member includes a socket. Furthermore, the device may include a reciprocating member located in the socket when the locking member is in the disengaged position.

[0042] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the terms used in the description are terms of description rather than limitation. It is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the inventive spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the features of various realized embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments according to the present invention.

[0043] The description of the invention is merely exemplary. Variants that do not deviate from the essence of the invention are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Such variants are not to be considered a departure from the inventive concept and the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Coupling arrangement (10) comprising: a first element (14) with a locking structure (20), a second element (16) with a receiving area (22), a locking element (30) mounted in the receiving area (22) of the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) moves between an engaged position in which the locking element transmits torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), and a disengaged position in which the locking element (30) does not transmit torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) comprises a socket (46), and a reciprocating member (42), the reciprocating member (42) being seated in the socket (46) when the locking member (30) is in the disengaged position and being spaced from the socket (46) when the locking member (30) is in the engaged position, wherein the locking structure (20) of the first element (14) comprises at least one notch (20), and wherein the receiving area (22) of the second element (16) comprises at least one pocket (22), wherein the locking element (30) is arranged in the pocket (22). [2] Coupling arrangement according to claim 1, comprising a spring (32) acting on the locking element (30) to urge the locking element towards the engaged position. [3] Coupling arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (30) has a cam profile (44). [4] A clutch assembly according to claim 3, wherein the reciprocating member (42) comprises a plunger that moves between a retracted position and an extended position, one end (42a) of the plunger abutting the cam profile (44), movement of the plunger (42) moving the locking member (30). [5] A clutch assembly according to claim 4, wherein when the plunger (42) is in the extended position, the end of the plunger is seated in the socket (46). [6] A clutch assembly according to claim 4 or 5, comprising an actuator (40) for moving the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. [7] Coupling arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, with a spring (32) acting on the locking element (30) to urge the locking element towards the engaged position, wherein the reciprocating member comprises a plunger (42) which moves between a retracted position and an extended position, the plunger abutting a cam profile (44) of the locking member (30), movement of the plunger (42) moving the locking member (30), and wherein the plunger (42) is moved between the retracted position and the extended position by an actuator (40). [8] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking element (30) has an inclined surface (60), the inclined surface (60) being arranged in the locking structure (20) when the locking element (30) is in the engaged position. [9] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking element (30) has an inclined surface (60), and the notch (20) has a complementary inclined surface (62), wherein the respective inclined surfaces (60, 62) are arranged adjacent when the locking element (3) is arranged in the locking structure (20). [10] Coupling arrangement (10), comprising: a first element (14), a second element (16), a cam-operated locking arrangement (28) received in a receiving area (22) of the second element (16) and comprising a locking element (30) movable between an engaged position in which the locking element (30) extends out of the second element (16) and engages a locking structure (20) of the first element (14), and a disengaged position in which the locking element (30) does not extend out of the second element (16) and does not engage the locking structure (20) of the first element (14), a plunger (42) movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a spring (32) arranged to bias the locking element (30) toward the engaged position, wherein the plunger (42) in the extended position engages the locking element (30) to lock the locking element (30) in the disengaged position, whereby the locking element (30) remains in the disengaged position when a shock load occurs on the coupling assembly (10), wherein the locking element (30) has a cam profile (44) and a catch area (46) separate from the cam profile (44), and wherein the plunger is spaced from the catch area when the locking element (30) is in the engaged position, the locking element (30) has an inclined surface (60), and the locking structure (20) has a complementary inclined surface (62), the respective inclined surfaces (60, 62) being arranged adjacent to one another when the locking element (3) is in the engaged position. [11] Coupling arrangement according to claim 10, wherein: the plunger (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position, to move out of the locking element (30) and to unlock the locking element (30) in the disengaged position, whereby the preload of the spring (32) causes the locking element (30) to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. [12] Coupling arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: the plunger (42) is moved from the retracted position to the extended position and cooperates with the locking element (30) while the plunger (42) moves to the extended position to cause the locking element (30) to be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position. [13] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: the cam profile (44) and the catch area (46) are arranged adjacent to each other. [14] Coupling arrangement according to claim 13, wherein: the plunger (42) is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, to be pulled out of the catch area (46) of the locking element (30), to unlock the locking element in the disengaged position, whereby the preload of the spring (32) causes the locking element (30) to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. [15] Coupling arrangement according to claim 14, wherein: the plunger (42) moves from the retracted position to the extended position and cooperates with the cam profile (44) of the locking element (30) as the plunger (42) moves to the extended position, and wherein the cooperation of the plunger (42) with the cam profile (44) as the plunger moves to the extended position causes the locking element (30) to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position. [16] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 15, wherein: the cam-actuated locking assembly (28) further comprises an actuator (40) that moves the plunger (42) between the retracted position and the extended position, and wherein the actuator (40) comprises a solenoid. [17] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 16, wherein: the first element (14) is a pocket plate, and wherein the second element (16) is a notch plate. [18] Coupling arrangement (10), comprising: a first element (14) with a locking structure (20), a second element (16) with a receiving area (22), a locking element (30) mounted in the receiving area (22) of the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) moves between an engaged position in which the locking element transmits torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), and a disengaged position in which the locking element (30) does not transmit torque between the first (14) and the second element (16), wherein the locking element (30) comprises a cam profile (44) and a receptacle (46) separate from the cam profile (44), and a reciprocating member (42), the reciprocating member (42) abutting the cam profile (44) when the locking member (30) is in the engaged position and abutting the receptacle (46) when the locking member (30) is in the disengaged position. [19] A coupling assembly according to claim 18, wherein the locking member (30) has an inclined surface (60), the inclined surface (60) being disposed in the locking structure (20) when the locking member (30) is in the engaged position. [20] Coupling arrangement according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the locking element (30) has an inclined surface (60), and the locking structure (20) has a complementary inclined surface (62), the respective inclined surfaces (60, 62) being arranged adjacent when the locking element (3) is arranged in the locking structure (20).

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