Patent ID: 9151345
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. An actuator adapted for use with a multi-mode clutch module having a pair of annular races defined by an inner race and an outer race, a plurality of pawls circumferentially positioned between the inner and outer races, and an actuator ring adapted to selectively control movements of the pawls for locking and unlocking the races together; the actuator comprising: a housing; a spool sleeve axially fixed to the housing, the spool sleeve defining an axis, and including a helical slot; an axially extending piston supported for reciprocal movement within the housing; an axially translatable elongated plunger having a first end secured to the piston, the plunger being adapted for rotation within the housing; a pin fixed to and radially extending from a second end of the plunger through the helical slot, the pin having a free end; a spool header mounted to and adapted to rotate about the spool sleeve, the spool header including an interior axially extending channel adapted to receive the free end of the pin during relative movements between the spool header and the pin; an actuator lever affixed to the spool header, the lever being adapted to rotate with the spool header between at least two angular positions; wherein when the pin, extending radially through the slot of the spool sleeve and having its free end engaging the interior channel of the spool header, is actuated via reciprocal movement of the plunger, the pin rotates the spool header, moving the lever between angular positions, in turn moving the actuator ring to selectively block the pawls, so that the inner and outer races may freewheel relative to one another in at least one modular clutch operating mode.