Abstract: An automatic transmission multi-mode clutch module (10, 100) may include either two concentric (30B, 30A) or two axially (130B, 130A) spaced sets of pawls (30B, 130B, 30A, 130A) nested between a pair of inner (20, 120) and outer races (12, 112). A first set of pawls (30B, 130B) is secured to the outer race (12, 112), and may be selectively released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the inner race (20, 120) by an actuator cam ring (16, 116) rotatable between two angular limits. A second set of pawls (30A, 130A) is secured to the inner race (20, 120), and is released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (12, 112) whenever the inner race (20, 120) reaches a threshold rotational speed, at which centrifugal forces acting on the inner set of pawls (30A, 130A) overcome the default spring bias to disengage the pawls (30A, 130A) from the outer race (12, 112).

Abstract: A multi-mode clutch system (10) may include a cam slider (66) operatively associated with an actuator (82). A first cam profile (70) and a second cam profile may both be operatively associated with the cam slider (66). A first pawl (26) may be operatively associated with the first cam profile (70) and a second pawl may be operatively associated with the second cam profile (74) wherein the first cam profile (70) selectively acts on the first pawl (26), the second cam profile (74) selectively acts on the second pawl (30), and the multi-mode clutch system (10) is configured to allow multiple modes of operation between the first and second pawls (26, 30) and an inner race (14) according to different actuator (82) positions.

Abstract: An automatic transmission multi-mode clutch module (10, 100) may include either two concentric (30B, 30A) or two axially (130B, 130A) spaced sets of pawls (30B, 130B, 30A, 130A) nested between a pair of inner (20, 120) and outer races (12, 112). A first set of pawls (30B, 130B) is secured to the outer race (12, 112), and may be selectively released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the inner race (20, 120) by an actuator cam ring (16, 116) rotatable between two angular limits. A second set of pawls (30A, 130A) is secured to the inner race (20, 120), and is released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (12, 112) whenever the inner race (20, 120) reaches a threshold rotational speed, at which centrifugal forces acting on the inner set of pawls (30A, 130A) overcome the default spring bias to disengage the pawls (30A, 130A) from the outer race (12, 112).

Abstract: A clutch for selectively preventing rotation of a rotating component may include a first and second pawls pivotable between engagement and disengagement with the rotating component to selectively prevent or allow rotation of the rotating component in one or both directions. An armature moveable between a first and second armature positions may have a common member pivotally connected thereto and engaging the first and second pawls, with a torque spring biasing the common member to rotate toward the first pawl and away from the second pawl. In an intermediate armature position, the common member may disengage the first pawl from the rotating component while engaging the second pawl to allow rotation in one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction. In embodiments, a clutch may include a cam actuator rotating to selectively control engagement of the pawls with the rotating component and locking in one or both directions.

Abstract: The multi-mode clutch system (10) may include an actuator (14) and a cam output member (22) that is actuated by the actuator (14). The multi-mode clutch system (10) may further include a cam profile (78) on the cam output member (22) and a cam arm (26) being attached to the cam output member (22) wherein the cam arm (26) may be operatively associated with the actuator (14). Furthermore, the multi-mode clutch system (10) may include a pawl (42) and the pawl (42) may be able to rotate according to the position of the cam profile (78). The multi-mode clutch system (10) may be configured to allow multiple modes of operation between the pawl (42) and a driving member (66) according to different actuator (14) positions.

Abstract: An actuator device (22) for a multi-mode clutch module (8) may be configured to interact with a bellcrank (40) to selectively control movements of a plurality of pawls (18) situated between a driving member (16) and a driven member (12) of the multi-mode clutch module (8). The bellcrank (40) may pivot about a pivot point (42) of the driven member (12). The actuator device (22) may engage the bellcrank (40) for moving the actuator ring (20) between a plurality of angular positions and selectively control the plurality of pawls (18) to allow multiple modes of engagement such that the driving member (16) and the driven member (12) are configured to allow multiple modes of operation of the multi-mode clutch module (8).

Abstract: An actuator for a multi-mode clutch module interacts with a bellcrank to selectively block interactions of pawls between inner and outer races of the module. The bellcrank pivots about a pin fixed to the outer race, converting linear motion of a plunger extending from the actuator into clockwise and counterclockwise motions of a cam ring between two angular limits by a torque arm fixed to the cam ring. The one-piece bellcrank includes three levers; one interacting with the plunger, a second containing a slot to engage the torque arm to control pawl movement, and a third having a mass greater than the first and second levers for providing inertial resistance to any uncommanded rotation of the bellcrank under externally induced G-forces. As such, the inner and outer races may be more reliably locked together in at least one clutch operating mode and can freewheel in the same clutch operating mode.

Abstract: A multi-mode clutch system (10) may include a cam slider (66) operatively associated with an actuator (82). A first cam profile (70) and a second cam profile may both be operatively associated with the cam slider (66). A first pawl (26) may be operatively associated with the first cam profile (70) and a second pawl may be operatively associated with the second cam profile (74) wherein the first cam profile (70) selectively acts on the first pawl (26), the second cam profile (74) selectively acts on the second pawl (30), and the multi-mode clutch system (10) is configured to allow multiple modes of operation between the first and second pawls (26, 30) and an inner race (14) according to different actuator (82) positions.

Abstract: The multi-mode clutch system (10) may include an actuator (14) and a first bell crank (42) and a second bell crank (46) that are operatively associated with the actuator (14). Furthermore, the first and second bell cranks (42, 46) may rotate about a first and second pivot point (34, 38) upon a movement of the actuator (14). The multi-mode clutch system (10) may further comprise a first pawl (86) and a second pawl (90) wherein the first bell crank (42) acts on the first pawl (86) and the second bell crank (46) acts on the second pawl (90). Moreover, the multiple modes of operation for engagement and disengagement between the first and second pawls (86, 90) and a driving member (74) according to different actuator (14) positions.

Abstract: A clutch for selectively preventing rotation of a rotating component may include a first and second pawls pivotable between engagement and disengagement with the rotating component to selectively prevent or allow rotation of the rotating component in one or both directions. An armature moveable between a first and second armature positions may have a common member pivotally connected thereto and engaging the first and second pawls, with a torque spring biasing the common member to rotate toward the first pawl and away from the second pawl. In an intermediate armature position, the common member may disengage the first pawl from the rotating component while engaging the second pawl to allow rotation in one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction. In embodiments, a clutch may include a cam actuator rotating to selectively control engagement of the pawls with the rotating component and locking in one or both directions.