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A transmission clutch module includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of race engaging pawls adapted to selectively secure the races together in either a locked position or an unlocked position. The clutch module includes 5 an actuator cam configured to be moved between two angularly s

A transmission clutch module includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of race engaging pawls adapted to selectively secure the races together in either a locked position or an unlocked position. The clutch module includes 5 an actuator cam configured to be moved between two angularly spaced positions to control the pawls. The inner race is comprised of two axially spaced inner race plates axially secured together by rivets for retaining, and accommodating angular limited movements of the pawls. The pawls are circumferentially disposed about the inner race plates, and are radially outwardly biased by springs 10 to engage the outer race, unless blocked by the actuator cam. The pawls are weighted at one end, so that at a threshold speed of the inner race, they can overcome spring resistance to disengage from both the actuator cam and the outer race.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A multi-mode clutch module, comprising: an inner race comprising pair of inner race plates defining an axis, the plates extending radially about the axis and being axially spaced apart, each plate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced pawl apertures;an outer race radially disposed abo

1. A multi-mode clutch module, comprising: an inner race comprising pair of inner race plates defining an axis, the plates extending radially about the axis and being axially spaced apart, each plate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced pawl apertures;an outer race radially disposed about the same axis, and extending circumferentially about the axis and between the inner race plates, the outer race including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly depending cogs within an inner periphery thereof, each pair of cogs defining a notch therebetween;at least one actuator cam situated orthogonally to the axis, and adapted for limited angular movement about the axis between two selectable positions;opposed pairs of pawls supported within the plurality of circumferentially disposed pawl apertures, the pawls being angularly movable within the spaced pair of inner races;wherein in a first selectable actuator cam position, rotation of the inner races in one rotational direction causes a first of the pairs of opposed pawls to be urged into a notch of the outer race, and to engage a cog thereof, and to thereby lock the inner and outer races together, while rotation of the inner races in an opposite rotational direction causes the second of the pairs of opposed pawls to permit freewheeling of the inner race relative to the outer race;wherein in the second selectable actuator cam position, rotation of the inner race in either rotational direction causes the pawls to lock the inner race to the outer race; andwherein at a specific rotational speed, each pawl of each of the opposed pairs of pawls are adapted to centrifugally disengage from any contact with the actuator cam and with the outer race to reduce parasitic drag within the clutch module. 2. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer races comprise circular rings. 3. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein the outer race is positioned circumferentially about and between the pair of inner race plates. 4. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein each pawl comprises a toe end and a heel end, and wherein the heel end contains more mass than the toe end. 5. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein each pair of opposed pawls is urged outwardly by an arm of a single spring structure. 6. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 5, wherein the mass of each of the pairs of opposed pawls centrifugally overcomes the force of its associated spring arm at a threshold rotational speed of the inner race. 7. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 5, wherein the mass of the heel end of each of the pairs of opposed pawls overcomes the force of its associated spring arm at a threshold rotational speed of the inner race. 8. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein the actuator cam comprises a circular ring disposed between the outer race and one of the inner race plates. 9. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 1, wherein the inner race plates are secured rigidly together by a plurality of axially extending rivets adapted to hold the pawl apertures for each pawl in axial alignment. 10. A clutch module, comprising: an inner race comprising a pair of plates that define an axis, each plate having circumferentially disposed, symmetrically aligned apertures;an outer race situated intermediately of the plates, and axially aligned with the inner race;a plurality of engagement mechanisms disposed radially between the inner and outer races, each engagement mechanism including a locked position, wherein the engagement mechanism locks the inner race and outer race together, and an unlocked position that permits at least the inner race to freewheel relative to the outer race; andan actuator cam plate having two angularly spaced positions, including a first position wherein some of engagement mechanisms are set to freewheel in a non-driving direction, and a second position wherein the entire plurality of engagement mechanisms are locked in a driving as well as non-driving direction;wherein all of the engagement mechanisms become centrifugally disengaged from both the actuator and the outer race at a specific rotational speed of the inner race. 11. The clutch module of claim 10, wherein the inner and outer races comprise circular rings. 12. The clutch assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer race is positioned circumferentially about and between the pair of inner race plates. 13. The clutch module of claim 10, wherein each pawl comprises a toe end and a heel end, and wherein the heel end contains more mass than the toe end. 14. The clutch module of claim 10, wherein each pair of opposed pawls is urged outwardly by an arm of a single spring structure. 15. The clutch module of claim 14, wherein each of the pairs of opposed pawls centrifugally overcomes the force of its associated spring arm at a threshold rotational speed of the inner race.