Borgwarner Inc.

Brett John Lee

Christopher E Blair

Christopher Spangler

Mitsuru Ishihara

Joel M Maguire

Calahan B Campton

James Ronald Papania

Brett Peglowski

Robert F Keller

Keith Martin

Roy Keith Martin

In an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, torque carrying connections are provided between the powertrain and all four wheels. A multimode clutch module or clutches are provided to selectively disconnect two of the wheels from the powertrain during operating conditions where disconnection improves the performance and efficiency of the AWD vehicle. The multimode clutch module may be installed at various locations of the AWD vehicle, such as within a front or rear differential, between a half axle and a differential or between a half axle and a corresponding wheel, or within a transfer case or power transfer unit.

Rotating multimode clutch module for all wheel drive system

A forward/reverse planetary gearset () may be adapted to employ multi-mode clutch modules () in lieu of using only traditional friction clutches (). Such arrangement may reduce parasitic drag as well as achieve reductions in physical size of the gearset housing (). Use of multi-mode clutch modules () may offer either of or both forward and reverse controls of the planetary gearset (). Thus, in at least one arrangement a multi-mode clutch () may provide forward clutch control while a friction clutch () provides reverse clutch control. In another arrangement the friction clutch () may provide the forward clutch control, while the multi-mode clutch () provides the reverse clutch control for the gearset (). Finally, both forward and reverse controls of the gearset () may be provided via multi-mode clutches (), thus entirely avoiding use of any friction clutches () for forward or reverse control functions of the planetary gearset ().

Multi-mode clutches for forward/reverse planetary gearset

A multi-mode clutch module includes first and second races, and a plurality of race engagement mechanisms situated between the races. The module incorporates an actuator sleeve having an axially acting actuator cam finger. The cam finger is configured with variable radial thicknesses to provide a plurality of predetermined fixed positions for contacting the race engagement mechanisms to cause the engagement mechanisms to selectively interact with the races. The actuator sleeve is thus adapted to control axial movement of the actuator cam finger between at least two axially spaced positions in one embodiment. In other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the actuator cam finger may be adapted to move axially among any number of predetermined positions to operatively permit or prevent transmittal of torque between the first and second races, irrespective of the relative rotational direction of the races.

Axially acting actuator for multi-mode clutch module

A transmission clutch module includes first and second races, and a plurality of race engagement mechanisms situated between the races. The module incorporates an integrated hydraulic actuator having an actuator cam ring that includes cam ramps configured for moving the race engagement mechanisms between positions adapted to selectively interact with the races. As such, the actuator, designed to be contained entirely within a generally circumferential envelope of the clutch module, may control rotation of the actuator cam ring between at least two spaced angular positions in at least one embodiment. In various other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the actuator cam ring may be adapted to rotate among any number of pre-determined positions to operatively permit or prevent the transmittal of torque between the first and second races.

Integrated actuator for multi-mode clutch module

In a parallel hybrid vehicle having and internal combustion engine and an electric motor operatively connected to a transmission shaft, a multimode mechanical clutch selectively couples an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to the transmission shaft. The multimode clutch has a two-way unlocked mode where the output shaft and transmission shaft can rotate independently in either direction, and a one-way locked, one-way unlocked mode where the shafts are locked to rotate together in one direction and unlocked for independent rotation in the opposite direction. The clutch may also have a two-way locked mode where the shafts rotate together in both directions. Pawls may be provided to engage and disengage as needed to execute the modes of the multimode clutch actuator.

Growing community of inventors

Southfield, MI, United States of America

Brett John Lee