Method for controlling a bi-directional clutch

A method of controlling the actuation of a bi-directional clutch (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, said method including the steps of:

• initiating a reverse function control routine (114) within an electronic control unit;
• sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged;
• sensing whether the relative speed between the inner and outer races (12 and 18) of the bi-directional clutch (10) is zero when the reverse engagement members (24B) are disengaged;
• engaging the reverse engagement members (24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10) when the inner and outer races (12 and 18) are stationary relative to one another;
• sensing whether the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged;
• sensing whether the relative speed between the inner and outer races (12 and 18) of the bi-directional clutch (10) is zero when the forward engagement members (24A) are disengaged;
• and
• engaging the forward engagement members (24A) when the inner and outer races (12 and 18) are stationary relative to one another.

A method of controlling the actuation of a bi-directional clutch (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, said method including the steps of:

• initiating a manually selected first gear function control routine (118) within an electronic control unit;
• sensing the commanded gear ratio within the transmission;
• determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio;
• sensing whether forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged;
• engaging the forward engagement members (24A) when they are found to be disengaged;
• signaling the electronic control unit to complete the shift to first gear when the forward engagement members (24A) are engaged;
• sensing whether the relative speed between the inner and outer races (12 and 18) of the bi-directional clutch (10) is zero;
• sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged;
• and
• engaging the reverse engagement members (24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10) when they are found to be disengaged.

A method of controlling the actuation of a bi-directional four-mode clutch (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, the method includes the steps of:

• initiating a drive function control routine (112) within an electronic control unit;
• sensing the commanded gear within the transmission;
• determining whether a first gear function (132) should be initiated based on the commanded gear;
• initiating the first gear function (132) when first gear is commanded thereby engaging the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) and conditionally disengaging the reverse engagement members (24B) when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value;
• determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear;
• initiating the second gear function (150) when second gear is commanded thereby disengaging the forward and reverse engagement members (24A and 24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10);
• and
• disengaging the forward engagement members (24A) and the reverse engagement members (24B) of the bi-directional clutch (10) when neither the first gear function (132) nor the second gear function (150) are initiated.