Modular clutching mechanism

A system, comprising:

• a lock apparatus, comprising:
• a housing assembly;
• and
• a manual actuator mounted for rotation relative to the housing assembly;
• and
• a self-contained modular clutch assembly, comprising:
• a casing configured for mounting in the housing assembly;
• a first hub rotatably mounted in the casing and configured for connection with the manual actuator;
• a second hub rotatably mounted in the casing and configured for connection with a retraction member;
• a clutch lug movably mounted in the casing and operable to selectively rotationally couple the first hub and the second hub;
• and
• an electrically-actuated drive assembly operable to drive the clutch lug between a disengaged position and an engaged position to selectively rotationally couple the first hub and the second hub, the drive assembly including an electrical connector that is accessible from outside the casing;
• and
• wherein the self-contained modular clutch assembly is operable to be installed to the lock apparatus without opening the casing.

A method, comprising:

• providing a self-contained modular clutch assembly comprising:
• a casing;
• a first hub rotatably mounted in the casing;
• a second hub rotatably mounted in the casing;
• a clutch lug movably mounted in the casing and operable to selectively rotationally couple the first hub and the second hub;
• and
• an electrically-actuated drive assembly operable to drive a clutch lug between an engaged position and a disengaged position to selectively rotationally couple the first hub and the second hub, the drive assembly including a first electrical connector that is accessible from outside the casing;
• and
• installing the self-contained modular clutch assembly to a lock apparatus comprising a housing assembly, a manual actuator mounted for rotation relative to the housing assembly, and a second electrical connector, wherein the installing comprises:
• engaging the first hub with the manual actuator;
• seating the self-contained modular clutch assembly in the housing assembly;
• and
• engaging the first electrical connector with the second electrical connector;
• and
• wherein the installing is performed without opening the casing.

A self-contained modular clutch assembly configured for use with a lock apparatus, the self-contained modular clutch assembly comprising:

• a casing configured for mounting in a housing assembly of the lock apparatus;
• a first hub rotatably mounted in the casing and configured for connection with a manual actuator of the lock apparatus;
• a second hub rotatably mounted in the casing and configured for connection with a retraction member;
• a clutch lug having an engaged position in which the clutch lug couples the first hub and the second hub for joint rotation, and a disengaged position in which the first hub and the second hub are rotatable relative to one another;
• and
• an electrically-actuated drive assembly operable to drive the clutch lug between the engaged position and the disengaged position, the drive assembly including an electrical connector that is accessible from outside the casing;
• and
• wherein the self-contained modular clutch assembly is operable to be installed to the lock apparatus without opening the casing.