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A multi-mode clutch module includes first and second races, and a plurality of race engagement mechanisms situated between the races. The module incorporates an actuator sleeve having an axially acting actuator cam finger. The cam finger is configured with variable radial thicknesses to provide a pl

A multi-mode clutch module includes first and second races, and a plurality of race engagement mechanisms situated between the races. The module incorporates an actuator sleeve having an axially acting actuator cam finger. The cam finger is configured with variable radial thicknesses to provide a plurality of predetermined fixed positions for contacting the race engagement mechanisms to cause the engagement mechanisms to selectively interact with the races. The actuator sleeve is thus adapted to control axial movement of the actuator cam finger between at least two axially spaced positions in one embodiment. In other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the actuator cam finger may be adapted to move axially among any number of predetermined positions to operatively permit or prevent transmittal of torque between the first and second races, irrespective of the relative rotational direction of the races.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An actuator for switching a multi-mode clutch module between modes, the module having an axis of rotation, an inner race and an outer race, each race extending circumferentially about the axis, and at least one engagement mechanism situated between the races; the actuator comprising: an actuator

1. An actuator for switching a multi-mode clutch module between modes, the module having an axis of rotation, an inner race and an outer race, each race extending circumferentially about the axis, and at least one engagement mechanism situated between the races; the actuator comprising: an actuator sleeve configured for rotation with one of the races of the clutch module;a cam finger depending from the sleeve,the cam finger configured to be axially moveable between a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, wherein the inner race includes a pair of side plates non-rotatably fixed together and including at least one aperture, and wherein the cam finger is configured to extend and move axially through the at least one aperture via axial movement of the actuator sleeve to cause interaction of the engagement mechanisms to selectively control torque between the races. 2. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator sleeve is configured to rotate with the inner race. 3. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the cam finger defines an interior diameter of the actuator sleeve, and has a variable radial thickness along its axial dimension. 4. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator sleeve is axially moveable with respect to both the inner race and the outer race. 5. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the pair of side plates further comprises a pair of aligned second apertures configured to support the engagement mechanism for pivotal movement thereof between the side plates. 6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement mechanism includes a pawl rotatably contained between the pair of side plates, and wherein interaction between the cam finger and the pawl causes an angular shift of the pawl to selectively cause engagement and disengagement of the inner race and the outer race. 7. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the cam finger interacts with a heel portion of the pawl and the cam finger includes at least two thicknesses such that when the cam finger moves axially inward and outward with respect to the pawl a thicker portion of the cam finger interacts with the heel of the pawl. 8. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the at least one engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pairs of opposed pawls and the cam finger includes a width wide enough to simultaneously interact with a forward pawl and a reverse pawl of two adjacent pairs of opposed pawls of the plurality of pairs of opposed pawls. 9. An actuator for switching a multi-mode clutch module between modes, the module having an axis of rotation, an inner race and an outer race, each race extending circumferentially about the axis, and at least one engagement mechanism situated between the races; the actuator comprising: an actuator sleeve configured for rotation with the outer race of the clutch module;a cam finger depending from the sleeve,the cam finger configured to be axially moveable between a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, wherein the outer race includes a pair of side plates non-rotatably fixed together and including at least one aperture, and wherein the cam finger is configured to extend and move axially through the aperture via axial movement of the actuator sleeve to cause interaction of the engagement mechanisms to selectively control torque between the races. 10. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the cam finger defines an outer diameter of the actuator sleeve, and has a variable radial thickness along its axial dimension. 11. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the actuator sleeve is axially moveable with respect to both the inner race and the outer race. 12. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the pair of side plates further comprises a pair of aligned second apertures configured to support the engagement mechanism for pivotal movement thereof between the side plates. 13. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the at least one engagement mechanism includes a pawl rotatably contained between the pair of side plates, and wherein interaction between the cam finger and the pawl causes an angular shift of the pawl to selectively cause engagement and disengagement of the inner race and the outer race. 14. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the cam finger interacts with a heel portion of the pawl and the cam finger includes at least two thicknesses such that when the cam finger moves axially inward and outward with respect to the pawl a thicker portion of the cam finger interacts with the heel of the pawl. 15. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the at least one engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pairs of opposed pawls and the cam finger includes a width wide enough to simultaneously interact with a forward pawl and a reverse pawl of two adjacent pairs of opposed pawls of the plurality of pairs of opposed pawls. 16. A multi-mode clutch module having an axis of rotation, the clutch module including first and second races extending circumferentially about the axis, and at least one engagement mechanism situated between the races, the clutch module including an actuator for switching the clutch module between modes; the actuator comprising: an actuator sleeve configured for rotation with one of the races of the clutch module;a cam finger depending from the sleeve,the cam finger configured to be axially moveable between a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, wherein one of the races includes a pair of side plates being non-rotatably fixed together and at least one of the side plates has an aperture to accommodate axial movement of the cam finger there through to cause interaction of the engagement mechanisms to selectively control torque between the races. 17. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 16, wherein the cam finger is configured to accommodate a plurality of predetermined fixed positions for causing selective interaction of the engagement mechanisms with the other of the races as a function of axial position of the actuator sleeve. 18. The multi-mode clutch module of claim 16, wherein the cam finger is configured to selectively prevent torque transfer between the races, and to allow the first and second races to freewheel relative to one another in at least one direction in at least one modular clutch operating mode, and wherein the cam finger is configured to provide torque transfer between the first and second races in the at least one direction in at least a second modular clutch operating mode. 19. The actuator of claim 16, wherein the at least one engagement mechanism includes a pawl rotatably contained between the pair of side plates, and wherein the cam finger interaction with the pawl causes an angular shift of the pawl to selectively cause engagement and disengagement of the inner race and the outer race. 20. The actuator of claim 19, wherein the cam finger interacts with a heel portion of the pawl and the cam finger includes at least two thicknesses such that when the cam finger moves axially inward and outward with respect to the pawl a thicker portion of the cam finger interacts with the heel of the pawl.