A clutch release bearing for a motor vehicle includes a thrust element having an axial axis, a guide element in the form of a tubular bushing that supports the thrust element, and a self-aligning sleeve including an annular body and a plurality of radial ribs each having a free end. The plurality of ribs extend towards the guide element from the annular body. The free ends of at least a first set of the plurality of radial ribs radially contact the cylindrical external surface of the bushing, and the bushing includes at least one opening in a cylindrical external surface of the bushing that is configured to receive one of the plurality of radial ribs.

A failsafe multimode clutch assembly positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling having a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly uses pressurized lubricating oil to shift the bypass assembly between the engaged position and a disengaged position. A lock assembly enables and disables actuation of the bypass assembly. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit enables a unidirectional torque transfer mode of the clutch assembly. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.

A failsafe multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having input and output races. The freewheeling unit has a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly must be energized to shift the bypass assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.

A failsafe multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having input and output races. The freewheeling unit has a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly must be energized to shift the bypass assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.

A multimode clutch assembly is positioned in a powertrain of a rotorcraft. The clutch assembly includes a freewheeling unit having a driving mode in which torque applied to the input race is transferred to the output race and an overrunning mode in which torque applied to the output race is not transferred to the input race. A bypass assembly has an engaged position that couples the input and output races of the freewheeling unit. An actuator assembly shifts the bypass assembly between engaged and disengaged positions. An engagement status sensor is configured to determine the engagement status of the bypass assembly. In the disengaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is enabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for unidirectional torque transfer. In the engaged position, the overrunning mode of the freewheeling unit is disabled such that the clutch assembly is configured for bidirectional torque transfer.

Power transmission systems including clutch arrangement and control systems are adapted to be used in numerous different operational environments. Such power transmission systems may include clutch arrangements that provide more effective power transmission capabilities, reduced vibration, greater durability and longer life. Control arrangements are provided to more effectively control and monitor clutch operation in ways that provide for greater system flexibility and drive options. Structures that minimize vibrations may be included in a clutch housing as well as in clutch and separator discs of a disc pack.

A coupling for an AWD vehicle comprises a disc package with alternate discs, which are connected for rotation with, but are axially movable in relation to an ingoing and an outgoing axle, respectively, of the coupling, and a hydraulic piston for pressing the disc package together under the action of hydraulic pressure, hereby establishing a connect mode, in which the ingoing axle is connected to the outgoing axle. A coupling slack adjuster is provided for mechanically establishing a rest position for the hydraulic piston in a disconnect mode, in which a predetermined slack in the disc package is established, irrespective of the wear of the discs.

A housing of a solenoid valve unit for controlling a central clutch actuator of a utility vehicle is configured for installation in a transmission housing, preferably in a clutch case, and for accommodating at least one solenoid valve. The housing has an elongate housing shape that is curved along its longitudinal direction to enable installation in tight spaces.

A clutch release bearing for a motor vehicle includes a thrust element having an axial axis, a guide element supporting said thrust element, and a self-aligning sleeve including an annular body and a plurality of radial ribs extending towards the guide element from the body with a free end of each of the ribs radially contacting the guide element. The guide element includes angular retaining members for limiting angular movement of at least one radial rib of the plurality of radial ribs, which members may be integrally formed with the guide element or formed as separate elements attached to the guide element.

A hybrid module for a drive train of a motor vehicle comprises a housing, a disconnect clutch, and a hydraulic actuating unit cooperating with the disconnect clutch and received on the housing. The module includes an electric motor, wherein a rotor of the electric motor is rotationally coupled to a clutch component of the disconnect clutch. The actuating unit has a piston element, which is received such that it is displaceable relative to the housing and which, via an actuating bearing, is connected to a pressure element such that it is fixed against displacement in an axial direction of the disconnect clutch yet rotatable relative to the pressure element. The pressure element is configured for engagement and disengagement of the disconnect clutch, and the actuating bearing is formed as an axial needle bearing.