Patent ID: 6832674
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
A bi-directional clutch assembly comprising:an inner race, an outer race and an engagement mechanism supported therebetween, said engagement mechanism including a first set of pawls and a second set of pawls operatively supported between said inner and outer races; at least one actuating cam disposed adjacent said inner and outer races and including a flat disc portion having plurality of disengagement portions spaced about the outer periphery of said flat disc portion and a plurality of engagement portions, said engagement and disengagement portions cooperating with said first and second pawls to selectively disengage said first and second pawls to provide freewheeling relative rotation between said inner and outer races; to selectively actuate at least one pawl of said first set of pawls so that torque is translated in a first rotational direction but allowing freewheeling relative rotation between said inner and outer races in a second rotational direction that is opposite to said first rotational direction; to selectively actuate at least one pawl of said second set of pawls so that torque is translated in said second rotational direction opposite to said first rotational direction but allowing freewheeling relative rotation in said first rotational direction; and to selectively actuate at least one pawl of said first and second sets of pawls so that torque is translated between said inner and outer races in both of said first and second rotational directions.