Axially Oriented Linear Actuator Including Single Stator Coil, and Clutch Assembly Having the Actuator

Abstract

An axially oriented, two-position linear actuator includes a fixed stator having a single stator coil and a linear movable translator. The linear actuator is oriented axially in that the stator and the translator are axially offset from one another and the translator is axially movable between first and second end positions toward and away from the stator. For the translator to move between the end positions, the stator coil attracts or repels the translator depending on the polarity of the electrical current of the stator coil. The linear actuator may be part of a clutch assembly, such as a dynamically controllable clutch, for use in controlling coupling members of the clutch assembly.

Claims

1. A linear actuator for use in controlling coupling members of a clutch assembly, comprising: a stator having a stator coil; a translator axially offset from the stator; and the translator being movable, depending on polarity of electrical current of the stator coil, along an axial direction between a first position adjacent the stator and a second position away from the stator.

2. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the stator coil is a single stator coil and the stator has no other stator coils.

3. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the stator further includes a stator core; the translator includes a permanent magnet; and after the translator has been moved into the first position adjacent the stator, the translator magnetically latches in the first position adjacent the stator by a magnetic loop extending through the stator core and the permanent magnet.

4. The linear actuator of claim 3 wherein: the stator further includes a stator latching plate; and after the translator has been moved into the second position away from the stator, the translator magnetically latches in the second position away from the stator by a magnetic loop extending through the stator latching plate and the permanent magnet.

5. The linear actuator of claim 3 wherein: the permanent magnet includes a plurality of segmented permanent magnets.

6. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the stator encapsulates the translator.

7. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the stator further includes (i) a stator core having the stator coil, (ii) a stator latching plate, and (iii) a stator connector connecting the stator core and the stator latching plate.

8. The linear actuator of claim 7 wherein: the stator core and the stator latching plate are both ferromagnetic and the stator connector is non-magnetic.

9. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the translator includes radially outer and inner, ferromagnetic, translator rings and a permanent magnet radially extending therebetween.

10. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the stator has an annular form.

11. The linear actuator of claim 1 wherein: the translator has an annular form.

12. A clutch assembly comprising: first and second coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a rotational axis; a locking element; and a linear actuator having a stator and a translator that are oriented axially relative to one another, the translator being axially movable relative to the stator to a first position away from the stator to cause the locking element to move to a deployed position in which the locking element mechanically couples the coupling members together to prevent relative rotation of the coupling members in at least one direction about the rotational axis.

13. The clutch assembly of claim 12 wherein: the translator is further axially movable relative to the stator to a second position adjacent the stator to cause the locking element to move to a non-deployed position in which the coupling members are not mechanically coupled together by the locking element whereby the coupling members may rotate relative to one another in the at least one direction about the rotational axis.

14. The clutch assembly of claim 13 wherein: the stator has a single stator coil and no other stator coils; and the translator is axially movable relative to the stator between the first and second positions depending on polarity of electrical current of the single stator coil.

15. The clutch assembly of claim 13 wherein: the stator and the translator each have an annular form.

16. The clutch assembly of claim 13 wherein: the first coupling member is a pocket plate and the second coupling member is a notch plate.

17. A system comprising: a clutch assembly including (i) first and second coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a rotational axis, (ii) a locking element, and (iii) a linear actuator having a stator and a translator that are oriented axially relative to one another, the translator being axially movable relative to the stator to a first position away from the stator to cause the locking element to move to a deployed position in which the locking element mechanically couples the coupling members together to prevent relative rotation of the coupling members in at least one direction about the rotational axis; and first and second power flow components fixedly connected to the first and second coupling members, respectively, whereby torque flow between the power flow components via the coupling members is enabled when the locking element mechanically couples the coupling members together to prevent relative rotation of the coupling members in the at least one direction about the rotational axis.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein: the translator is further axially movable relative to the stator to a second position adjacent the stator to cause the locking element to move to a non-deployed position in which the coupling members are not mechanically coupled together by the locking element whereby the coupling members may rotate relative to one another in the at least one direction about the rotational axis and torque flow between the power flow components is disabled.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein: the stator has a single stator coil and no other stator coils; and the translator is axially movable relative to the stator between the first and second positions depending on polarity of electrical current of the stator coil.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein: the first coupling member is a pocket plate and the second coupling member is a notch plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a dynamic controllable clutch (“DCC”) in accordance with the prior art;

[0040] FIG. 1B is a perspective view, partially broken away and in cross section, of the DCC with a linear actuator of the DCC being in an “off” position whereby the DCC is in a free wheel mode;

[0041] FIG. 1C is a perspective view, partially broken away and in cross section, of the DCC with the linear actuator being in an “on” position whereby the DCC is in a lock mode;

[0042] FIG. 1D is a side view, partially broken away and in cross section, of the DCC with a translator of the linear actuator being magnetically latched in the “off” position, wherein FIGS. 1B and 1D pertain to the same condition of the DCC;

[0043] FIG. 1E is a side view, partially broken away and in cross section, of the DCC with the translator of the linear actuator being magnetically latched in the “on” position, wherein FIGS. 1C and 1E pertain to the same condition of the DCC;

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view, partially broken away and in cross section, of an axially oriented linear actuator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a quarter model, cross-sectional view of the axially oriented linear actuator;

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the translator of the axially oriented linear actuator;

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view depicting the magnetization of segmented permanent magnets of the translator;

[0048] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the axially oriented linear actuator in which the translator is being controlled to laterally move from left-to-right (i.e., the inventive linear actuator switching from the “on” position to the “off” position) (herein, the left-most position is considered to be the “on” position and the right-most position is considered to be the “off” position; of course, depending on functions, required forces, and structure of the clutch assembly, the roles could be reversed with the left-most position being the “off” position and the right-most position being the “on” position);

[0049] FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the axially oriented linear actuator in which the translator is in the right-most position and is magnetically latched (i.e., the linear actuator is magnetically latched in the “off” position);

[0050] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the axially oriented linear actuator in which the translator is being controlled to laterally move from right to left (i.e., the linear actuator switching from the “off” position to the “on” position);

[0051] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the axially oriented linear actuator in which the translator is in the left-most position and is magnetically latched (i.e., the linear actuator is magnetically latched in the “on” position);

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a quarter model, cross-sectional view depicting an alternative stator core design/modification of the axially oriented linear actuator;

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the translator of the axially oriented linear actuator pursuant to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the translator of the axially oriented linear actuator shown in FIG. 9; and

[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a DCC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a linear actuator 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. As will be described, in these embodiments, linear actuator 100 is an axially oriented, two-position electromagnetic linear actuator having a single stator coil. Linear actuator 100 can be used for controlling or operating the coupling members of any clutch assembly which requires a two-position linear actuator, such as DCC 12.

[0058] Linear actuator 100 has a fixed stator 110 and a linear movable translator 112. Stator 110 and translator 112 each have an annular form. Stator 110 and translator 112 are axially offset from one another along an axial direction. Translator 112 is at least partially encapsulated by stator 110 as best shown in FIG. 2. Translator 112 is linearly movable relative to stator 110 at least between a first position adjacent to the stator and a second position away from the stator.

[0059] Stator 110 includes an induction or stator coil 101, a stator coil encapsulation 102, a stator core 103, a stator connector 104, and a latching plate 105. In these embodiments, stator coil 101 is a single stator coil and stator 110 has no other stator coils. Stator coil 101 may be comprised of copper. Stator coil encapsulation 102 encapsulates stator coil 101 and may be an over-mold and/or may be comprised of epoxy. Stator core 103 is comprised of ferromagnetic material. Stator connector 104 may be non-magnetic or comprised of ferromagnetic material. Latching plate 105 is comprised of ferromagnetic material. Any of the ferromagnetic material may be ferromagnetic steel. In certain embodiments, stator core 103 and latching plate 105 are comprised of ferromagnetic steel.

[0060] Translator 112 includes radially outer and inner translator rings 106, segmented permanent magnets 107, and magnet encapsulation 108. Translator rings 106 are comprised of ferromagnetic material such as ferromagnetic steel. Magnet encapsulation 108 encapsulates permanent magnets 107 and is non-magnetic.

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and as described, stator 110 is comprised of stator core 103, stator coil 101, stator coil encapsulation 102, stator connector 104, and latching plate 105. Stator connector 104 can be made of magnetic or non-magnetic material. The use of non-magnetic material (aluminum, stainless-steel, etc.) in this region improves performance of linear actuator 100, but to simplify the assembly process a magnetic material (steel) can also be used here if application allows for lower actuation forces. When both stator core 103 and stator connector 104 are made of the same material such as steel, stator connector 104 can be part of stator core 103 as one part.

[0062] As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and as described, translator 112 is composed of translator rings 106, segmented permanent magnets 107, and non-magnetic material 108 to secure and fix the permanent magnets to the translator assembly. Translator 112 moves to either of two ends by magnetic attraction or repulsion forces when current flows through stator coil 101. This attraction or repulsion depends on the actuation current polarity. Once translator motion is completed to either end, translator 112 is secured in place by a magnetic latching force on either end.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, with continual reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, translator 112 will be described in further detail. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of translator 112. Therein, it is best shown that translator 112 has the form of an annular ring. As further shown in FIG. 4, translator 112 is comprised of translator rings 106 which are connected to each other as one-part, segmented permanent magnets 107 (nine segments are shown in FIG. 4), and non-magnetic encapsulation material 108 (only one of the three transparent segments are shown in FIG. 4 so the corresponding permanent magnets 107 can be seen). Permanent magnets 107 are held in place by any non-magnetic material capable of securing the permanent magnets in place (over-mold, epoxy, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.).

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view depicting the magnetization of permanent magnets 107. As indicated therein, permanent magnets 107 are magnetized radially outwards as shown by the arrows. Of course, permanent magnets 107 could alternatively be magnetized radially inwards. In this alternative case, the attraction and repulsion actions will be opposite from what is described herein for the case of permanent magnets 107 being magnetized radially outwards.

[0065] Translator 112 is linearly movable between the first position to be adjacent stator 110 and the second position to be away from stator 110 depending on the polarity of electrical current of stator coil 101. More particularly, translator 112 is laterally movable, along an axial direction relative to coupling members of a clutch assembly (not shown) to which linear actuator 100 operates, between an “off” position of linear actuator 100 and an “on” position of linear actuator 100. For instance, for linear actuator 100 operating pocket plate 13 and notch plate 16 of DCC 12, the DCC is in a free wheel mode when linear actuator 100 is in the “off” position and the DCC is in a lock mode when linear actuator 100 is in the “on” position.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation of linear actuator 100 switching from the “on” position to the “off” position will be described. In FIG. 6A, translator 112 is being controlled to laterally move from left to right. The actuation events include electrical current flowing through single stator coil 101 (into the page in FIG. 6A as indicated by symbol 120). A magnetic loop 122 is generated in the direction of the magnetization of permanent magnets 107. Magnetic loop 122 attracts translator 112 towards stator coil 101. Consequently, translator 112 moves from left to right toward stator coil 101 as indicated by arrow 124.

[0067] Once the motion from left to right is complete, translator 112 is in the right end position adjacent to stator coil 101 as shown in FIG. 6B. The actuation current is turned off and translator 112 is latched in the right end position and held in place by the force generated by magnetic loop 122. As such, linear actuator 100 is magnetically latched in the “off” position.

[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operation of linear actuator 100 switching from the “off” position to the “on” position will be described. In FIG. 7A, translator 112 is being controlled to laterally move from right to left. The actuation events include electrical current flowing through single stator coil 101 (out of the page in FIG. 7A as indicated by symbol 130). A magnetic loop 132 is generated opposite the direction of the magnetization of permanent magnets 107. Magnetic loop 132 repels translator 112 away from stator coil 101. Consequently, translator 112 moves from right to left away from stator coil 101 as indicated by arrow 134.

[0069] Once the motion from right to left is complete, translator 112 is in the left end position adjacent to stator latching plate 105 as shown in FIG. 7B. The actuation current is turned off and translator 112 is latched in the left end position and held in place by the force generated by magnetic loop 132. As such, linear actuator 100 is magnetically latched in the “on” position.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative stator core design/modification of linear actuator 100. The stator core can be modified by reducing one of the magnetic poles resulting the geometry modification as shown in FIG. 8 in the area circled by circle line 140. This modification changes the performance of linear actuator 100 resulting in lower actuation forces but simplifies the manufacturing process. Therefore, it can be considered for applications where lower forces are allowed.

[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, translator 112 according to an alternative design is shown. This alternative design of translator 112 can help reduce the permanent magnet material therefore reducing the overall cost. Reducing brittle permanent magnet material and implementing the changes to translator rings 106, as shown in FIG. 10, can increase the translator assembly structural integrity and make the assembly less sensitive to stresses due to centrifugal forces at high angular velocities.

[0072] The changes in this alternative design include reducing the size of permanent magnet segments 107 radially to thereby reduce the permanent magnet materials and implementing the changes to translator rings 106 as shown in FIG. 10. In sum, basically replacing some of the permanent magnet materials with steel as shown.

[0073] In other embodiments, the coil and magnet arrangements described herein are reversed with the stator and the translator. That is, the coil arrangement, described herein as being arranged as part of the stator, is instead arranged as part of the translator; and the magnet arrangement, described herein as being arranged as part of the translator, is instead arranged as part of the stator.

[0074] Linear actuator 100 may be a part of a clutch assembly having first and second coupling members (e.g., pocket plate and notch plate) supported for rotation relative to one another in first and second directions about a rotational axis. Linear actuator 100 is a part of the clutch assembly for controlling the coupling members. Particularly, translator 112 is axially movable relative to stator 110 to a first position away from the stator to cause a locking element of the clutch assembly to move to a deployed position in which the locking element mechanically couples the coupling members together to prevent relative rotation of the coupling members in at least one direction about the rotational axis. Conversely, translator 112 is axially movable relative to stator 110 to a second position adjacent the stator to cause the locking element to move to a non-deployed position in which the coupling members are not mechanically coupled together by the locking element whereby the coupling members may rotate relative to one another in the first and second directions about the rotational axis.

[0075] The clutch assembly may be a part of a system further having first and second power flow components fixedly connected to the first and second coupling members, respectively. In this case, torque flow between the power flow components via the coupling members is enabled when the locking element mechanically couples the coupling members together to prevent relative rotation of the coupling members in at least one direction about the rotational axis.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 11, with continual reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, an exploded view of a DCC 212 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DCC 212 differs from DCC 12 shown in FIG. 1 in that DCC 212 includes linear actuator 100 in place of prior art linear actuator 14. DCC 212 otherwise has the same components of DCC 12, and these components are designated in FIG. 11 with the same reference numerals set forth in FIG. 1A.

[0077] Translator 112 of linear actuator 100 is fixedly connected to and rotates with pocket plate 13. Particularly, translator 112 is fixedly connected by the inner diameter of translator rings 106 to an outer circumferential surface of pocket plate 13. As described, translator 112 is linearly movable between axial “on” and “off” positions relative to pocket plate 13. Translator 112 being in the “on” position causes plungers 30 to contact the under face or surface of their locking elements 26 causing the locking elements to engage into notch plate 16. Translator 112 being in the “off” position causes plungers 30 to lose contact with their locking elements 26 thereby enabling the locking elements to disengage from notch plate 16.

[0078] DCC 212 is an example of a clutch assembly in which linear actuator 100 may be used for controlling or operating the coupling members of the clutch assembly. As indicated, linear actuator 100 can be used for controlling or operating the coupling members of any type of clutch assembly that requires a two-position linear actuator. Further, the connection of translator 112 of linear actuator 100 to pocket plate 13 from the inner diameter of translator 112 is an example of how translator 112 may be connected to clutch assembly components. Of course, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, there are many ways in which translator 112 can be connected to clutch assembly components.

[0079] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.