An apparatus of drivetrain power transmission comprising multiple independently controlled torque sources, utilizing an input mechanism configured to receive an input to control the torque sources, a gear train mechanically linking the torque sources with a clutching mechanism the torque sources, operated via a computerized controller configured to actuate the torque sources to achieve desired power characteristics is disclosed herein. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

An electric actuator (32) for a clutch arrangement (26, 28, 52) of a motor vehicle (10) has an electric drive unit (40) for providing mechanical driving force, an electric control unit (38) that is connected to the electric drive unit (40) to control the drive unit (40), and a cooling element (42) that is connected thermally to electric components of the drive unit (40) and/or the control unit (38). The cooling element (42) is assigned a coolant line (44), through which a coolant can be conducted to dissipate heat from the electric components.

A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle having a clutch assembly, in particular for distributing torque to a primary axle and a secondary axle of the vehicle and/or for distributing torque between two wheels of one axle of the vehicle, comprises at least the following steps: a) determining temperature data at least from an electronic control unit which is assigned to the clutch assembly, or from an actuation unit of the clutch assembly; b) evaluating the temperature data determined in step a); and c) reducing an effective value of a control current at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit by pulsing the control current if the evaluation in step b) reveals that a temperature at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit exceeds a threshold value.

A controllable one-way clutch has a first annular ring with a central axis of rotation and an outer periphery with at least one tooth. A second annular ring is arranged concentrically with the first annular ring and has a second periphery. A pivotal member is connected to the second annular ring and may be pivoted to an engaged position, when the pivotal member is engaged with the tooth of the first annular ring, from a disengaged position. The pivotal member is in the disengaged position when it is not engaged with the tooth. A sensor fixed to either the first or second annular ring detects the presence of the tooth as the first annular ring rotates. A controller is programmed to prevent the pivotal member from engaging the first ring in response to the sensor indicating the rotational speed of the first annular ring exceeds a threshold.

A generator system for connection to a vehicle axle. The generator system includes: an electrically-actuated clutch having an engaged position and a disengaged position; a generator and a processor. The generator includes: a rotor configured to be selectively connected, via the clutch, to the vehicle axle; and a stator. In the engaged position, the rotor is connected to the vehicle axle via the clutch such that torque from the vehicle axle is transmitted to the rotor. In the disengaged position, torque from the vehicle axle is not transmitted to the rotor. The processor is configured to control the clutch to actuate between the engaged and disengaged positions, and the processor is configured to monitor an electrical output of the generator, wherein the processor is configured to command the clutch to move to the disengaged position if the electrical output moves outside a predetermined range.

The invention relates to a hybrid module including a clutch that includes a clutch actuator, also including an electric machine, an internal combustion engine end and a transmission end. The hybrid module is designed as a pre-assembled insertable module to be inserted into a transmission housing, and an actuator electronics module is already pre-mounted on the hybrid module. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a hybrid module, characterized in that the following step is carried out:pre-assembling the hybrid module as an insertable module, an actuator electronics module being pre-mounted on the hybrid module.

A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle having a clutch assembly, in particular for distributing torque to a primary axle and a secondary axle of the vehicle and/or for distributing torque between two wheels of one axle of the vehicle, comprises at least the following steps:

a) determining temperature data at least from an electronic control unit which is assigned to the clutch assembly, or from an actuation unit of the clutch assembly;
b) evaluating the temperature data determined in step a); and
c) reducing an effective value of a control current at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit by pulsing the control current if the evaluation in step b) reveals that a temperature at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit exceeds a threshold value.