Clutch Assembly Having an Electromagnetic Friction Clutch and a Dynamic Controllable Clutch

Abstract

A clutch assembly includes a first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack and a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator. The friction pack includes a first plate fixed to the first coupling member and a second plate fixed to the second coupling member. The first translator of the first clutch is movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized. The second translator of the second clutch is movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a power flow path through the first and second coupling members.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly comprising: a first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack; a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator; the friction pack including a first plate fixed to the first coupling member and a second plate fixed to the second coupling member; the first translator of the first clutch being movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized; and the second translator of the second clutch being movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a power flow path through the first and second coupling members.

2. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the second translator of the second clutch is to be moved to the extended position upon the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members being synchronized.

3. The clutch assembly of claim 2 wherein: the first translator of the first clutch is further movable to an unactuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are disengaged with one another; and the first translator of the first clutch is to be moved to the unactuated position upon the second translator being moved to the extended position.

4. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the second translator of the second clutch is further movable to a retracted position in which the locking element does not engage the first and second coupling members with one another whereby the power flow path is absent; and the second translator of the second clutch is to be moved to the retracted position while the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members are not synchronized.

5. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: a second power flow path extends through the friction pack while the plates of the friction pack are engaged, the second power flow path being for carrying dynamic torque while the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members are being synchronized.

6. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the power flow path is for carrying steady-state torque between the first and second coupling members after the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members have been synchronized.

7. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the first coupling member is a pocket plate and the second coupling member is a notch plate.

8. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the first translator of the first clutch is electromagnetically operable to move to the actuated position; and the second translator of the second clutch is electromagnetically operable to move to the extended position.

9. The clutch assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a first stator operable with the first translator of the first clutch for enabling the first translator to move between the actuated position and an unactuated position; and a second stator operable with the second translator of the second clutch for enabling the second translator to move between the extended position and a retracted position.

10. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein: the first clutch is an electromagnetic friction clutch (EFC); and the second clutch is a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC).

11. A system comprising: first and second power flow components; a clutch assembly including first and second clutches; the first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack, the friction pack including a first plate fixed to the first power flow component and a second plate fixed to the second power flow component; a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator, the first coupling member being fixed to the second power flow component and the second coupling member being fixed to the first power flow component; the first translator of the first clutch being movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing a first power flow path through the first power flow component, the friction pack, and the second power flow component and angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized; and the second translator of the second clutch being movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a second power flow path through the second power flow component, the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the first power flow component.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein: the second translator of the second clutch is to be moved to the extended position upon the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members being synchronized.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein: the first translator of the first clutch is further movable to an unactuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are disengaged with one another whereby the first power flow path is absent; and the first translator of the first clutch is to be moved to the unactuated position upon the second translator being moved to the extended position.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein: the second translator of the second clutch is further movable to a retracted position in which the locking element does not engage the first and second coupling members with one another whereby the second power flow path is absent; and the second translator of the second clutch is to be moved to the retracted position while the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members are not synchronized.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein: the first power flow path is for carrying dynamic torque between the first and second power flow components while the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members are being synchronized.

16. The system of claim 11 wherein: the second power flow path is for carrying steady-state torque between the first and second power flow components after the angular velocities of the first and second coupling members have been synchronized.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein: the first coupling member is a pocket plate and the second coupling member is a notch plate.

18. The system of claim 11 wherein: the first translator of the first clutch is electromagnetically operable to move to the actuated position; and the second translator of the second clutch is electromagnetically operable to move to the extended position.

19. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a first stator operable with the first translator of the first clutch for enabling the first translator to move between the actuated position and an unactuated position; and a second stator operable with the second translator of the second clutch for enabling the second translator to move between the extended position and a retracted position.

20. The system of claim 11 wherein: the first clutch is an electromagnetic friction clutch (EFC); and the second clutch is a dynamic controllable clutch (DCC).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a one-half model of a clutch assembly having an electromagnetic friction clutch (“EFC”) and a dynamic controllable clutch (“DCC”) in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a one-quarter model of the clutch assembly;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of the clutch assembly and identifies rotatable and stationary components of the EFC and the DCC;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of the clutch assembly and identifies speed synchronization events and a power flow path during speed synchronization operation of the EFC; and

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of the clutch assembly and identifies engagement events and a power flow path during engagement operation of the DCC.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, cross-sectional views of a one-half model and a one-quarter model, respectively, of a clutch assembly 10 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention are shown. Clutch assembly 10 includes an electromagnetic friction clutch (“EFC”) 12 and a dynamic controllable clutch (“DCC”) 14.

[0031] Clutch assembly 10 is for use in a system having an input/output power flow component 20 and an output/input power flow component 22. For instance, power flow component 20 is an input power flow component in the form of a drive shaft and power flow component 22 is an output power flow component in the form of a driven shaft.

[0032] As will be explained, clutch assembly 10 is operable to connect power flow components 20 and 22 together whereby torque flow between the power flow components is enabled. More generally, clutch assembly 10 provides an electromagnetic actuation system for drive modules (e.g., power flow components 20 and 22) which require speed synchronization. Clutch assembly 10 consists of EFC 12 in conjunction with DCC 14. EFC 12, in conjunction with a set of spring-loaded, wet friction plates, is used for speed differential synchronization and to transfer the transient dynamic torque during the synchronization event. DCC 14, having a secondary linear electromagnetic actuator, is utilized to carry the steady-state torque once the system is fully synchronized. Clutch assembly 10 thus provides a dynamically controlled coupling assembly with electromagnetic synchronization system. That is, clutch assembly 10 provides a DCC with electromagnetic synchronization mechanism.

[0033] As both EFC 12 and DCC 14 are electromagnetically actuated, clutch assembly 10 is a fully electromagnetic actuation clutching system. Clutch assembly 10 is thus all electromagnetic and does not depend on a hydraulic actuator. Such an all-electric system that does not depend on hydraulic actuation can be smaller, lighter, cleaner, and faster in response time. Clutch assembly 10 also has the following advantages: engageable at high differential speeds using EFC 12; capable of delivering high static torque using 14 DCC; controllable and can thus provide a linear response for dynamic torque using electric current modulation; and does not require a continuous supply of electric power to stay engaged for torque delivery since the steady-state engagement can be made possible by a magnetic or mechanical latching mechanism.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 2, as indicated above, EFC 12 is an electromagnetic clutch which uses a friction surface to engage input and output members of the clutch and is derived based on the conversion of a hydraulically actuated, multi-plate, wet friction clutch into an electromagnetic actuation. EFC 12 includes a friction pack 24, a translator having a translator piston 26 and a translator plate 28, and a stator having a stator core 30 and a stator coil 32. Friction pack 24 includes friction plates which are connected to translator piston 26. The EFC stator is fixed in position and the EFC translator is movable relative thereto. The friction plates of friction pack 24 become compressed when the EFC translator (more particularly, translator piston 26) is moved toward the EFC stator.

[0035] DCC 14 includes a first coupling member in the form of a pocket plate 34 and a second coupling member in the form of a notch plate 36. Pocket plate 34 and notch plate 36 are supported for relative rotation to one another in first and second directions about a rotational axis. DCC 14 further includes one or more locking elements 38 (one shown). Locking element 38 is a radial locking element as shown in the drawings. Locking element 38 may be a strut. Locking element 38 is movable between (i) an engaged position in which the locking element extends out from a pocket of pocket plate 34 and engages a notch of notch plate 36 and (ii) a disengaged position in which the locking element does not extend from pocket plate 34 and does not engage notch plate 36. In the engaged position, the locking element mechanically couples pocket plate 34 and notch plate 36 together thereby preventing relative rotation of the pocket plate and the notch plate in at least one direction about the rotational axis.

[0036] For clutch assembly 10 being in use with the system having power flow components 22 and 24, pocket plate 34 is fixedly connected to power flow component 22 and notch plate 36 is fixedly connected to power flow component 20. Consequently, in the locked direction of rotation of DCC 14, torque can be transmitted between power flow components 20 and 24 via clutch assembly 10.

[0037] DCC 14 further includes an actuator having a stator 40 and a translator 42. DCC stator 40 is fixed in position. DCC translator 42 is fixedly connected to pocket plate 34 to rotate therewith. DCC translator 42 is linearly movable between (i) an extended position in which a plunger of the DCC translator actuates locking element 38 into the engaged position and (ii) a retracted position in which the plunger of the DCC translator allows locking element 38 to move to the disengaged position.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, with continual reference to FIG. 2, the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of clutch assembly 10 with the rotatable and stationary components of EFC 12 and DCC 14 being categorized is shown. In FIG. 3, the components of EFC 12 and DCC 14 and power flow components 20 and 22 are categorized in arrangements with the label “A”, “B”, or “C”. The system can be said to include the three arrangements A, B, and C which rotate relative to one another. Clutch assembly 10 includes first and second bearings 46 and 48 which facilitate motion of the components categorized as arrangements A, B, and C.

[0039] The components categorized as arrangements A, B, and C are shaded in FIG. 3 based on their angular velocities relative to each other. The components categorized as arrangement A remain stationary or grounded, such as by being fixed to a case or housing of the system. The components categorized as arrangement B are rotatable and will always rotate with the same angular velocity. The components categorized as arrangement C are also rotatable and will also always rotate with the same angular velocity. The components categorized as arrangements B and C will rotate with the same angular velocity when synchronized. That is, when the system is fully synchronized to speed differential of zero, the components of the system labeled with “B” and “C” will rotate with the same angular velocity. Likewise, until the system is fully synchronized, the components labeled with “B” may, and likely always will, rotate with a different angular velocity than the angular velocity of the components labeled with “C”.

[0040] With comparison between FIGS. 2 and 3, arrangement A includes the EFC stator having EFC stator core 30 and EFC stator coil 32 and includes DCC stator 40. Accordingly, the stators of EFC 12 and DCC 14 are fixed in position. Arrangement B includes the EFC translator having EFC translator piston 26 and EFC translator plate 28 and includes DCC notch plate 36 and power flow component 20. Accordingly, power flow component 20, EFC translator plate/piston, and DCC notch plate 36 always rotate with the same angular velocity. Arrangement C includes DCC pocket plate 34, DCC locking element 38, DCC translator 42, and power flow component 22. Accordingly, DCC pocket plate 34, DCC locking element 38, DCC translator 42, and power flow component 22 always rotate with the same angular velocity. As indicated, when the system is fully synchronized to speed differential of zero, power flow component 20, EFC translator plate/piston, and DCC notch plate 36 and DCC pocket plate 34, DCC locking element 38, DCC translator 42, and power flow component 22 will rotate with the same angular velocity.

[0041] As described above, EFC friction pack 24 includes friction plates which are compressed when EFC translator piston 26 is moved towards the EFC stator. The friction plates are part of arrangement B. EFC friction pack 24 further includes pressure plates. The pressure plates are on power flow component 22 and therefore are part of arrangement C. EFC friction pack 24 thus comprises a combination of friction plates and pressure plates that slide axially through inner splines on arrangement B and outer splines on arrangement C. As shown in FIG. 3, the friction plates are part of arrangement B (i.e., they slide on splines on arrangement B) and the pressure plates are part of arrangement C (i.e., they slide on splines on arrangement C). Once the plates are compressed, the friction between the plates carries torque. Separator springs can be placed between the plates.

[0042] As discussed with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the components of arrangement B are all connected such that they will always rotate with the same angular velocity as each other. Likewise, the components of arrangement C are also interconnected such that they will always rotate with the same angular velocity as each other.

[0043] The components of the arrangements B and C, however, will not always rotate with the same angular velocity. However, when the system is fully synchronized to speed differential of zero, components of the arrangement B and arrangement C will rotate with the same, or virtually the same, angular velocity. The synchronization process is described with respect to FIG. 4.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, with continual reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of clutch assembly 10 with speed synchronization events and a power flow path during speed synchronization operation of EFC 12 being identified is shown. Initially, the arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the direction of the motion of the EFC and DCC translators (i.e., the direction of the motion of EFC translator plate and piston 28 and 26 and the direction of motion of DCC translator 42) during the speed synchronization operation.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the speed synchronization operation begins with DCC translator 42 being positioned by DCC stator 40 in the retracted position. Electrical current is then provided through EFC stator coil 32 which generates a magnetic loop 50 (indicated in FIG. 4 by the broken line with arrow heads) through EFC stator core 30 and EFC translator plate 28. Magnetic loop 50 creates an attraction force between EFC stator core 30 and EFC translator plate 28 which thereby pulls EFC translator piston 6 toward EFC stator core 30. EFC translator piston 6 being moved along with EFC translator plate 28 towards EFC stator core 30 causes the friction plates of EFC friction pack 24 to be compressed. The compressed friction plates of EFC friction pack 24 engage the pressure plates of the EFC friction pack whereby these plates carry torque. Consequently, a power flow path 52 (indicated in FIG. 4 by the broken line with relatively large line segments) is formed through power flow component 22, EFC friction pack 24, and power flow component 20. Power flow path 52 synchronizes the angular velocities of DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36.

[0046] As described, during the speed synchronization operation, EFC translator piston 26 exerts force on EFC friction pack 24 thereby compressing the plates of the EFC friction pack together. EFC friction pack 24 carries the dynamic torque between power flow components 20 and 22 during the speed synchronization operation.

[0047] At the end stage of the speed synchronization operation, the angular velocities of DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 are synchronized. That is, DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 are rotating with the same angular velocity. DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 can therefore be engaged with one another to thereby enable torque to be transmitted between power flow components 20 and 24 via the engaged DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, with continual reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the cross-sectional view of the one-quarter model of clutch assembly 10 with DCC engagement events and a power flow path during engagement operation of DCC 14 is shown. Initially, the arrows in FIG. 5 indicate the direction of the motion of the EFC and DCC translators (i.e., the direction of the motion of EFC translator plate and piston 28 and 26 and the direction of motion of DCC translator 42) during the engagement operation.

[0049] As noted, at the end of the synchronization operation, the angular velocities of DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 are synchronized. As shown in FIG. 5, the engagement operation then begins with DCC translator 42 being positioned by DCC stator 40 in the extended position. Consequently, with DCC translator 42 being in its extended position, the plunger of DCC translator 42 actuates DCC locking element 38 into its engaged position in which the DCC locking element 38 couples DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 together. The electrical current through EFC stator coil 32 is turned off and magnetic loop 50 attracting EFC translator plate 28 towards EFC stator core 30 thereby disappears. EFC translator piston 26, with EFC translator plate 28 attached thereto, is pulled back away from EFC stator core by the separator springs (not shown) separating the friction and pressure plates of EFC friction pack 24 thereby disengaging EFC friction pack 24 (that is, disengaging the friction plates and the pressure plates). EFC friction pack 24 is thereby uncompressed by the separator springs and does not carry torque. As a result of (i) DCC pocket plate 34 and DCC notch plate 36 being engaged and (ii) EFC friction pack 24 being uncompressed, a power flow path 54 (indicated in FIG. 5 by the broken line with relatively large line segments) is formed through power flow component 22, DCC pocket plate 34, DCC locking element 38, DCC notch plate 36, and power flow component 20. Power flow path 54 carries the steady-state torque of the system.

[0050] As described, clutch assembly 10 is an electromagnetic actuation clutch assembly which can be used for any system which requires two stage clutching with temporary speed synchronization and long-term steady-state torque delivery with no hydraulic pressure or constant electric power required. In other embodiments, clutch assembly 10 may be designed to combine the two independent actuators (i.e., the EFC and the DCC) into a single actuator, thereby resulting in a single, three-position actuator.

[0051] 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.