Omni coupling device
The omni-coupling device addresses the need for precise torque control and reverse rotation prevention in motor vehicles by using a rotatable housing, plates, and axial force control, offering enhanced functionality and safety in applications like electric swing doors.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing coupling devices in motor vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for controlling torque transmission and preventing reverse rotation, particularly in applications like electric swing doors, which require precise and adaptable locking systems.
The omni-coupling device incorporates a rotatable input housing, input and output plates, an output shaft, a clutch motor, and a pressure housing that can move axially to exert force on the plates, allowing for controlled engagement and disengagement, and includes sensors for precise torque management.
Enables precise control of torque transmission, prevents reverse rotation, and functions as a clutch or brake, enhancing the functionality and safety of motor vehicle systems like electric swing doors.
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Abstract
Description
Reference to related applications
[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary U.S. application No. 63 / 708,445, filed on October 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical field
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to coupling devices and in particular to coupling devices used in locking systems for motor vehicles. Summary
[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an omni-coupling device is provided with a rotatable input housing configured to rotate about an axis, and an input plate connected to the rotatable input housing to rotate with the rotatable input housing about the axis. The device further comprises an output shaft extending through the rotatable input housing and along the axis, an output plate connected to the output shaft to rotate with the output shaft about the axis, and a motor housing. The output shaft extends through the motor housing.The device further comprises a clutch motor, which is at least partially arranged inside the motor housing, and a pressure housing, which is designed such that it can be moved axially along the axis from a first axial position with respect to the input plate and the output plate to a second axial position with respect to the input plate and the output plate by actuating the clutch motor, in order to exert an axial force on the input plate and the output plate.
[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drive system is provided with a rotatable input housing and a stack of input and output plates arranged within the rotatable input housing. The input plates are connected to the rotatable input housing. The drive system also includes an output shaft connected to the stack of output plates and a pressure housing configured to move axially from a first axial position relative to the stack of input and output plates to a second axial position relative to the stack of input and output plates. The drive system also includes a drive motor connected to the rotatable input housing, wherein the drive motor is not capable of reverse rotation.
[0005] Further aspects of the revelation become clear in light of the detailed description and the accompanying figures. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an omni coupling device according to an example. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the omni coupling device along line 2-2 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows perspective views of a rotatable input housing of the Omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an input plate of the Omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an output plate of the Omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an output shaft of the omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an assembly process for assembling the rotatable input housing, the input plates, the output plates and the output shaft. Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows perspective views of a motor housing for the Omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a motor drive attached to the motor housing. Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B shows perspective views of a guide screw of the omni coupling device. Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows perspective views of a guide nut of the Omni coupling device. Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B shows perspective views of a pressure housing of the Omni coupling device. Fig. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an assembly process for attaching the pressure housing over the output shaft. Fig. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an assembly process for attaching the guide nut and guide screw over the output shaft. Fig. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the omni coupling device used to control an electric swing door on a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the omni coupling device, which further includes a sensor configured to measure an axial position of the pressure housing. Detailed description
[0006] Before examples of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it should be noted that the application of the disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is also applicable to other examples and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.
[0007] Fig. Figures 1-16 show an omni-coupling device 10. The omni-coupling device 10 is a device that can function not only as a coupling, but in some examples also as one or more other components. For example, and as described in more detail below, the omni-coupling device 10 can function as a (1) clutch, and / or (2) a slip clutch, and / or (3) a mechanical brake.
[0008] Referring to Fig. 1-3B the omni coupling device 10 comprises a rotatable input housing 14 designed to rotate about an axis A1 ( Fig. 1) to rotate. In the example shown, and as in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the rotatable input housing 14 is an input worm gear with a first toothed section 18 and a second section 22 extending (e.g., axially) from the first toothed section 18. The first toothed section 18 comprises a series of external teeth 26 configured to engage with, for example, a drive motor to rotate the entire rotatable input housing 14 about the axis A1. The second section 22 comprises a wall defining a cavity 30. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the wall comprises a series of inwardly projecting sections 34 spaced apart circumferentially (e.g., in a crenellated pattern). Other examples of the rotatable inlet housing 14 may have different shapes and sizes than those shown and may, for example, have different types of external teeth 26. In some examples, the rotatable inlet housing 14 may not have external teeth and may instead have other (outwardly or inwardly projecting) structures that engage with a drive motor to drive the rotation of the rotatable inlet housing. Furthermore, in some examples, the rotatable housing 14 may not have inwardly projecting sections 34 arranged in a crenellated pattern as shown, but may instead have other geometries and cross-sections.
[0009] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. The omni-coupling device 10 can comprise at least one entry plate 38 connected to the rotatable entry housing 14 to rotate with the rotatable entry housing 14 about the axis A1. In the illustrated example, the omni-coupling device 10 comprises a plurality of entry plates 38. Each of the entry plates 38 defines a central opening 42 (e.g., a circular opening) and also comprises a series of outwardly projecting sections 46 spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (e.g., in a crenellated pattern, thereby defining a crown plate).Each of the inlet plates 38 is designed to be arranged within the cavity 30 of the rotatable inlet housing 14, such that the outwardly projecting sections 46 are arranged between the inwardly projecting sections 34, and the rotation of the rotatable inlet housing 14 drives the engagement of the inwardly projecting sections 34 against the outwardly projecting sections 46 to rotate the inlet plates 38. In other examples, the inlet plates 38 may have different shapes and sizes than those shown and / or have different arrangements of projecting sections (e.g., projecting outwardly or inwardly) to engage with the rotatable housing 14 and drive a common rotation of the inlet plates 38 and the rotatable inlet housing 14.
[0010] Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The omni-coupling device 10 can comprise at least one output plate 50 and can further comprise at least one output shaft 54 extending along the axis A1 through the rotatable input housing 14. In the example shown, the omni-coupling device 10 comprises a plurality of output plates 50, each connected to a single output shaft 54 to rotate with the output shaft 54 about the axis A1. Each of the output plates 50 is configured to be arranged within the cavity 30 of the rotatable input housing 14. Each of the output plates 50 defines a central opening 58 (e.g., a non-circular opening) that has a size and shape to slide over and / or receive the output shaft 54, such that the rotation of the output shaft 54 about the axis A1 engages with the output plate 50 and the output plate 50 rotates about the axis A1 within the cavity 30.In the example shown, the central opening 58 has a double-D shape to facilitate engagement. Other examples of the output plates 50 may have shapes other than the one shown, or may include other features (e.g., projections or recesses) that engage with the output shaft 54 to facilitate the joint rotation of the output shaft 54 and the output plates 50.
[0011] Referring to Fig. In the example shown, the output shaft 54 comprises a first end 62 and a second, opposite end 66. The output shaft 54 further includes a region 70 (located between the first end 62 and the second end 66) with a non-circular cross-section that corresponds in size and shape to the double-D-shaped central openings 58 of the output plates 50. In some examples, the second end 66 is a toothed end with external teeth used, for example, to drive the rotation or other movement of an external device (such as an electric swing door, another vehicle component, or a non-vehicle component).
[0012] Referring to Fig. 2. The inlet plates 38 and the outlet plates 50 can be stacked in an alternating arrangement within the cavity 30 of the rotatable inlet housing 14. Sections of the inlet plates 38 and the outlet plates 50 can be in physical contact with each other and rest against one another. In some examples, the inlet plates 38 are made of a first material (e.g., a smooth, non-slip material such as plastic materials), and the outlet plates 50 are made of a second, different material (e.g., steel or another metal). Other examples include other types of materials. In some examples, the inlet plates 38 and the outlet plates 50 are all made of the same or a similar material.
[0013] Further referring to Fig. 2. The input plates 38 and the output plates 50 can be arranged (and formed from materials) such that, when the rotatable input housing 14 is rotated, the input plates 38 initially rotate about the axis A1 and then slide relative to the output plates 50. In some examples, the input plates 38 can slide completely relative to the output plates 50, so that the output plates 50 (and the associated output shaft 54) do not rotate when the input plates 38 rotate.
[0014] Referring to Fig. 7. The assembly of the omni-coupling device 10 can first comprise extending the first end 62 of the output shaft 54 through the first toothed section 18 of the rotatable input housing 14. The stack of alternating input plates 38 and output plates 50 can then be guided downwards over the second end 66 of the output shaft 54 until the double-D-shaped central openings 58 extend over the section 70 of the output shaft 54 and the outwardly projecting sections 46 of the input plates 38 are positioned between the inwardly projecting sections 34 of the rotatable input housing 14.
[0015] Referring to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. 9 The omni-coupling device 10 can comprise a motor housing 74. In the illustrated example, the motor housing 74 comprises a central cavity 78 which has a size and shape to accommodate the output shaft 54 such that the output shaft 54 extends axially along the axis A1 through the motor housing 74. In the illustrated example, the motor housing 74 also comprises a secondary cavity 82 which has a size and shape to accommodate a clutch motor 86 ( Fig. 9) to be included. The clutch motor 86 is arranged at least partially within the motor housing 74 and can be, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows, for example, that the motor housing 74 can be attached via fastening elements (e.g., screws, bolts, or other fasteners). The central cavity 78 can be open towards the secondary cavity 82.
[0016] Further referring to Fig. In the example shown, the clutch motor 86 comprises a clutch drive 90 (e.g., a worm drive) that extends through the secondary cavity 82 and into the central cavity 78, so that the clutch drive 90 is exposed within the central cavity 78. Other examples of the omni-clutch device 10 may include various other shapes, sizes, and types of motor housing 74 than those shown, and may similarly include other types and numbers of cavities and other types of clutch drives 90 than a worm drive.
[0017] Referring to Fig. 2, Fig. 10A and Fig. In the example shown, the omni-coupling device 10 can include a guide screw 94 connected to the coupling drive 90 and configured to be rotatably driven about the axis A1 by the coupling drive 90. The guide screw 94 includes a central opening 86. The coupling drive 90 comprises a first row of external teeth 98, and the guide screw 94 comprises a second row of external teeth 102 configured to engage with and be driven by the first row of external teeth 98. As shown in the Fig. 10A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, the guide screw 94 also includes a series of external threads 106.
[0018] Referring to Fig. 2, Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B The omni-coupling device 10 can comprise a guide nut 110 which is connected to the guide screw 94 and configured to be moved by the guide screw 94. In the example shown, the guide nut 110 comprises a central opening 112 and a series of internal threads 114 ( Fig. 11A), which have a size and shape to engage in the external threads 106 of the guide screw 94, such that when the clutch drive 90 rotates the guide screw 94, the guide nut 110 is forced to displace axially along the axis A1 (i.e., away from the guide screw 94 and the motor housing 74). In some examples, and as in Fig. 11A and Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, the guide nut 110 can have one or more flanges 116 that project outwards and can be received in channels in the motor housing 74 (or otherwise come into contact with one or more structures inside the motor housing 74) to restrain or prevent rotation of the guide nut 110.
[0019] Referring to Fig. 2, Fig. 12A and Fig. In Figure 12B, the omni-coupling device 10 can comprise a pressure housing 118 designed to be moved axially along the axis A1 by actuating the clutch drive 90. In the example shown, the pressure housing 118 has a central opening 120. In some examples, the pressure housing 118 is rotatably connected to the output shaft 54. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12B, the pressure housing 118 can, for example, define a double-D circumference and / or a double-D shape 121 that forms part of the central opening 120 and has a size and shape such that it fits over the output shaft 54 (e.g., the area 70 of the output shaft 54). In some examples, the pressure housing 118 can abut one end of the guide nut 110 and / or be otherwise connected to the guide nut 110, such that when the guide screw 94 moves, the guide nut 110 pushes the pressure housing 118 axially toward the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50. The pressure housing 118 can therefore be moved from a first axial position with respect to the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50 to a second axial position with respect to the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50.For example, the first axial position can be a position in which the pressure housing 118 is spaced apart from the stack of inlet plates 38 and outlet plates 50 (and not in physical contact with it), or a position in which the pressure housing 118 merely rests on the stack of inlet plates 38 and outlet plates 50 (without pressing against the inlet plates 38 or outlet plates 50). Conversely, the second axial position can be a position in which the pressure housing 118 is in physical contact with the stack of inlet plates 38 and outlet plates 50 and presses against it with force. When the pressure housing 118 presses against the stack of inlet plates 38 and outlet plates 50, the coefficient of friction between the inlet plates 38 and the outlet plates 50 can increase.Accordingly, pressing the pressure housing 118 against the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50 can cause the input plates 38 to engage frictionally with the output plates 50, thus causing the output plates 50 (and the output shaft 54 attached to them) to rotate with the input plates 38 (e.g., with limited slip still occurring or with complete rotation and no slip). In this way, the omni-coupling device 10 can function as a clutch, with the clutch drive 90 acting as an actuator to control whether the clutch is disengaged (i.e., when the pressure housing 118 is spaced away from the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50), partially engaged (i.e., when the pressure housing 118 presses against the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50 to force at least partial rotation of the output plates 50), and fully engaged (i.e.,when the pressure housing 118 presses with sufficient force against the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50, so that the output plates 50 are fully locked to the input plates 38 and rotate fully with the input plates 38).
[0020] Referring to Fig. 13. The assembly of the omni-coupling device 10 can include extending the pressure housing 118 over the second end 66 of the output shaft 54 and sliding the pressure housing 118 towards the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in some examples a spacer 122 (e.g. a spring) can also be arranged between the pressure housing 118 and the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50.
[0021] Referring to Fig. Once the pressure housing 118 is assembled, the combined guide screw 94 and guide nut 110 can extend over the second end 66 of the output shaft 54, and, for example, a retaining ring 128 can be used to secure the components in place. Referring to Fig. 2 In some examples, at least one bearing 126 may also be installed, which may be located partially or completely inside the motor housing 74 and / or inside the guide screw 94. A further spacer 130 (e.g., a spring) may, for example, be located between one of the bearings 126 and the guide screw 94.
[0022] While the example shown involves the use of a clutch motor 86 with a clutch drive 90 in the form of a worm drive, together with a guide screw 94, a guide nut 110, and a pressure housing 118, other examples may include other components or combinations of components to achieve a similar clutch operation. For example, the omni clutch device 10 may not include a separate pressure housing 118. Instead, the guide nut 110 itself may function as the pressure housing 118, or the pressure housing 118 may be integral with the guide nut 110 as a single part. In other examples, the clutch drive 90 may be any other type of drive (e.g., magnetic, mechanical, or otherwise) that causes an axial movement of a component (e.g., the pressure housing 118 or another component) toward or away from the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50 to act as a clutch.
[0023] Referring to Fig. 15 and as described above, the Omni coupling device 10 can be used in a variety of different configurations, including a vehicle environment. Fig. Figure 15 schematically shows a drive system 134 (e.g., a motor vehicle assembly) into which the omni-coupling device 10 for controlling a torque output 138 (e.g., for the movement of an electrically operated swing door in a vehicle) is integrated. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, in some examples a separate drive motor 142 is connected to the rotatable input housing 14 to generate a rotary motion of the rotatable input housing 14. The drive motor 142 can be any type of motor (e.g., an electric motor). The second end 66 of the output shaft 54 is connected to the torque output 138. The torque output 138 can be any type of torque output (e.g., for automotive applications or others). In some examples, the torque output 138 includes a gearbox and / or one or more output connections. The drive system 134 and / or the omni-coupling device 10 can further include one or more housings containing one or more of the components described herein.
[0024] Referring to Fig. In some examples, the omni-coupling device 10 includes at least one sensor. In the example shown, the omni-coupling device 10 includes a first sensor 154 (e.g., a Hall-effect sensor or another type of sensor). The first sensor 154 is configured to measure one or more of the following: (1) the position of the pressure housing 118; (2) the axial force exerted on (transmitted to) the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50; (3) the torque output by the omni-coupling device 10; and / or (4) the position of a component connected to the omni-coupling device 10 (e.g., the electric swing door). In the example shown, a first magnet 158 is connected to the lead nut 110, and an electronic control unit 162 is connected to the first sensor 154 (e.g., wirelessly).The electronic control unit 162 can be located, for example, on the motor housing 74 or on another component of the omni-coupling device 10, or it can be located remotely. In some examples, the first sensor 154 detects the position of the first magnet 158 and sends a signal to the electronic control unit 162 (e.g., regarding an axial position of the guide nut 110 and / or the pressure housing 118). The electronic control unit 162 can control the operation of the clutch motor 86, as described in the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the electronic control unit 162 (e.g., wirelessly) can be connected to the clutch motor 86. Accordingly, the electronic control unit 162 can send a signal to the clutch motor 86 to change the position of the pressure housing 118 (e.g., to increase or decrease the force exerted on the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50, and thereby increase or decrease the resulting torque output by the output shaft 54), based on feedback from the first sensor 154.
[0025] In some examples, and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, a spring 166 can also be provided between the guide nut 110 and the pressure housing 118. A cup housing 170 can receive and hold one end of the spring 166. The spring 166 can establish a relationship between the position of the guide nut 110 and the axial force exerted on the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50, and the combination of the first sensor 154 and the first magnet 158 can make this position readable for the electronic control unit 162. Other examples can include other types and arrangements of sensors.
[0026] Further referring to Fig. In the illustrated example, the omni-coupling device 10 includes a second sensor 174 (e.g., a Hall-effect sensor or another type of sensor). The second sensor 174 is configured to measure one or more of the following: (1) the position of the pressure housing 118; (2) the axial force exerted on the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50; (3) the torque output by the omni-coupling device 10; and / or (4) the position of a component connected to the omni-coupling device 10 (e.g., the electric swing door). In the illustrated example, a second magnet 178 (e.g., a magnetic ring) is connected to the pressure housing 118. The electronic control unit 162 (or a separate electronic control unit other than the electronic control unit 162) may be connected to the second sensor 174 (e.g., wirelessly).In some examples, the second sensor 174 detects the position and / or rotational position of the second magnet 178 and sends a signal to the electronic control unit 162 (e.g., regarding an axial position or rotational position of the pressure housing 118 and / or the output shaft 54). The electronic control unit 162 can control the operation of the clutch motor 86, as described in the... Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the electronic control unit 162 (e.g., wirelessly) can be connected to the clutch motor 86. Accordingly, the electronic control unit 162 can send a signal to the clutch motor 86 to change the position of the pressure housing 118 (e.g., to increase or decrease the force exerted on the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50, and thereby increase or decrease the resulting torque output by the output shaft 54), based on feedback from the second sensor 174.
[0027] In some examples, the omni-coupling device 10 includes only the first sensor 154 and / or the first magnet 158 and does not include the second sensor 174 and / or the second magnet 178. In other examples, the omni-coupling device 10 includes only the second sensor 174 and / or the second magnet 178 and does not include the first sensor 154 and / or the first magnet 158. In still other examples, the omni-coupling device 10 includes no sensors and / or magnets, or includes more than two sensors and / or magnets, or includes sensor arrangements other than those shown.
[0028] Referring to Fig.As described above, the omni-coupling device 10 can, in some examples, function not only as a coupling but also as one or more other components. For instance, the omni-coupling device 10 can initially function as a coupling, as described above. However, the omni-coupling device 10 can also function as a slip clutch, allowing the input plates 38 to slip relative to the output plates 50 under certain conditions. For example, if the omni-coupling device 10 is used to control the movement of an electrically driven swing door, and the pressure housing 118 is pressed down onto the stack of input plates 38 and output plates 50, the pressure or force may not be sufficient for the output plates 50 to fully engage with the input plates 38 and rotate with them.Accordingly, some slippage can occur when the output plates 50 attempt to rotate with the input plates 38. Furthermore, if the component connected to the output shaft 54 (e.g., the electric swing door) encounters resistance (i.e., a torque or force opposing the rotation of the output shaft 54), the output plates 50 may begin to slip relative to the input plates 38. The omni-coupling device 10 can also act as a mechanical brake. For example, the drive motor 142 associated with the rotatable input housing 14 may not be reverse-driven. Therefore, if the input plates 38 are fully pressed against and engaged with the output plates 50, and the drive motor 142 is deactivated, the output shaft 54 may be inhibited or prevented from reversing its direction, and the omni-coupling device 10 can act as a mechanical brake.However, if a sufficient torque or force is applied to the output shaft 54 (e.g., if a torque applied to the output shaft 54 exceeds a specified torque value), the full engagement of the input plates 38 and the output plates 50 can be overcome, and the input plates 38 can then begin to rotate and slide relative to the output plates 50.
[0029] Even though the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are alterations and modifications within the scope and concept of one or more independent aspects of the described disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] US 63 / 708,445
[0001]
Claims
[1] Omni coupling device comprising: a rotatable entrance housing designed to rotate about an axis; an input plate connected to the rotatable input housing to rotate around the axis with the rotatable input housing; an output shaft extending through the rotatable input housing and along the axis; an output plate that is connected to the output shaft in order to rotate around the axis with the output shaft; a motor housing, wherein the output shaft extends through the motor housing; a clutch motor that is at least partially located inside the engine housing; and a pressure housing designed to be movable axially along the axis from a first axial position with respect to the input plate and the output plate to a second axial position with respect to the input plate and the output plate by actuating the clutch motor, in order to exert an axial force on the input plate and the output plate. [2] Omni coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable input housing is an input worm gear, wherein the coupling motor is a first motor and wherein the input worm gear is configured to be rotatably driven by a second, separate drive motor. [3] Omni coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input plate is a crown plate and wherein the output plate has a double-D shaped opening designed to engage with the output shaft. [4] Omni coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input plate is one of a plurality of input plates and wherein the output plate is one of a plurality of output plates, wherein the input plates and the output plates form a stack of alternating input plates and output plates within the rotatable input housing. [5] Omni coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the input plates are formed from a first material and wherein the output plates are formed from a second, different material. [6] Omni-coupling device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the input plates are designed to rotate and slide relative to the majority of the output plates when the pressure housing is in the first axial position, and wherein the input plates are designed to engage frictionally with the output plates when the pressure housing is in the second axial position. [7] Omni coupling device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the output plates are designed to rotate with the input plates when the pressure housing is in the second axial position. [8] Omni coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupling motor comprises a worm drive. [9] Omni-coupling device according to claim 8, further comprising a guide screw connected to the worm drive, wherein the guide screw is designed to be rotated about the axis by the worm drive. [10] Omni-coupling device according to claim 9, further comprising a guide nut connected to the guide screw, wherein the guide nut is designed to be moved axially along the axis by rotating the guide screw. [11] Omni coupling device according to claim 10, wherein the guide nut is arranged between the pressure housing and the guide screw and wherein the guide nut is designed to press axially against the pressure housing and to move the pressure housing axially. [12] Omni coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a sensor configured to measure an axial position of the pressure housing. [13] Omni-coupling device according to claim 12, further comprising an electronic control unit connected to the clutch motor to control the operation of the clutch motor, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal regarding the axial position of the pressure housing to the electronic control unit. [14] Omni-coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the omni-coupling device is (1) a clutch; (2) a slip clutch; and (3) a mechanical brake. [15] Motor vehicle assembly comprising: the omni coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 14; a drive motor connected to the rotatable input housing and configured to rotate the rotatable input housing; and a vehicle component that is connected to one end of the output shaft. [16] Motor vehicle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the drive motor is not capable of reverse driving. [17] Motor vehicle assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the vehicle component is an electric swing door. [18] Drive system, comprising: a rotatable input housing; a stack of inlet plates and outlet plates arranged within the rotatable inlet housing, the inlet plates being connected to the rotatable inlet housing; an output shaft connected to the output plates; a pressure housing designed to be moved axially from a first axial position with respect to the stack of input and output plates to a second axial position with respect to the stack of input and output plates, and a drive motor connected to the rotatable input housing, wherein the drive motor cannot be driven in reverse. [19] Drive system according to claim 18, wherein the drive motor is a first motor, wherein the drive system further comprises a second clutch motor connected to the pressure housing to move the pressure housing between the first axial position and the second axial position. [20] Drive system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, when the drive motor is deactivated and a torque applied to the output shaft exceeds a specified torque value, the output plates are designed to slide relative to the input plates.
Citation Information
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