Patent ID: 6905009
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A bi-directional clutch assembly comprising: an inner race, an outer race, and an engagement mechanism disposed between said inner race and said outer race, said engagement mechanism operable to move between a disengaged position wherein said inner and outer races may freely rotate relative to one another and an engaged position wherein said inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween; at least one actuator assembly operatively connected to said engagement mechanism and responsive to a first momentary control force to selectively move said engagement mechanism to said engaged position and to hold said engagement mechanism in said engaged position after said first control force has been terminated, said actuator further responsive to a sequentially applied second momentary control force to move said engagement mechanism to said disengaged position and to hold said engagement mechanism in said disengaged position after said second control force has been terminated and pending the selective application of a sequentially applied first control force; said engagement mechanism further including at least one disc operatively connected to said actuator assembly, said actuator assembly further including a latching assembly operatively connected to said disc, said latching assembly including an actuating piston that is responsive to the application of said first and second control forces to move said actuating piston between latched and return positions, a return piston assembly that moves in response to movement of said actuating piston and generates a force acting in the direction opposite to the first and second control forces, and a lever disposed between and movable with said actuating piston and said return piston assembly, said lever operatively interconnected with said disc such that movement of said actuating piston and said return piston assembly moves said disc and said engagement mechanism between said disengaged and engaged positions.