Actuator for operating a multi-directional clutch
AssigneeSchaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
InventorBRIAN LEE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuator for operating a multi-mode overrunning multi-directional clutch. The actuator includes an axially displaceable shaft portion, a brake portion connected to the shaft portion and having a resilient segment for displacing a brake piston to engage the clutch. A locking portion is connected to the shaft portion for displacing an actuator pin to lock the clutch. In an example embodiment, the clutch is a three-mode overrunning bi-directional clutch. In some example embodiments, the resilient segment is radially flexible. In some example embodiments, the brake portion includes a tubular section with a plurality of circumferentially-offset axial slots, and the resilient segment is circumferentially disposed between corresponding axial slots.
Claims18
An actuator for operating a multi-mode overrunning multi-directional clutch, the actuator comprising:
- an axially displaceable shaft portion;
- a brake portion connected to the shaft portion and including at least one resilient segment for displacing a brake piston to engage the clutch;
- and,
- a locking portion connected to the shaft portion for displacing an actuator pin to lock the clutch.
A multi-mode overrunning multi-directional clutch comprising:
- a split tubular slipper ring including a surface having a plurality of recesses formed therein;
- a hub concentric with the slipper ring and including a surface having a plurality of recesses formed therein;
- a plurality of rollers disposed radially between the slipper ring and the hub in the of slipper ring and hub recesses;
- a plurality of radially displaceable pistons for transmitting an applied radial force to the slipper ring;
- and,
- an actuator shaft including a brake portion for applying the radial force to the pistons for being transmitted to the slipper ring.
A method of operating a slipper clutch comprising:
- axially displacing a shaft to a first position;
- radially displacing a brake piston towards a slipper ring of the slipper clutch with a portion of the shaft to apply a radial force to the slipper ring to engage the clutch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.