JP2016530464A - Overrunning coupling assembly, magnetic system for controlling operating mode of overrunning coupling, and magnetic control assembly having the system - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic system for controlling the operating mode of the overrunning coupling assembly is provided. The system includes a ferromagnetic or magnetic element that is received in the pocket in the uncoupled position and is movable outward from the pocket to the coupled position. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. The armature is connected to the element to move the element between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. The magnetic field sensor is disposed in the adjacent state and in the stationary state in relation to the element to detect the magnetic flux and generate an output signal based on the position of the element. In response to the movement of the element between the coupled and uncoupled positions, a variable magnetic field is generated. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

This application is related to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 941,741 filed on Feb. 19, 2014 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 941,741 filed on Aug. 27, 2013. Claims the benefit of 61 / 870,434. This application is based on International Patent Application No. PCT / Filing dated May 16, 2011, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 421,856, filed December 10, 2010. This is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 13 / 992,785, filed June 10, 2013, 371 of US2011 / 036634.

  A coupling assembly such as a clutch selectively couples power from a first rotatable drive member such as a drive disk or plate to a second independently rotatable driven member such as a driven disk or plate. Therefore, it is used in various applications. In one known type of clutch, commonly referred to as a “one-way” or “overrunning” clutch, the clutch is only driven when the drive member rotates in the first direction relative to the driven member. Is engaged to mechanically couple to the non-drive member. Once engaged in this way, the clutch will release or uncouple the non-driving member from the driving member only when the driving member rotates in the second opposite direction relative to the non-driving member. . Furthermore, the clutch otherwise allows the drive member to freely rotate in the second direction relative to the non-drive member. The “free rotation” of the driving member in the second direction in relation to the driven member is also referred to as an “overrunning” state.

  One type of one-way clutch includes coaxial driven and non-driven plates having a generally planar clutch surface in a side-by-side relationship. A plurality of recesses or pockets are formed at angularly spaced locations around the axis in the plane of the drive plate, and struts or pawls are disposed in each pocket. A plurality of recesses or notches are formed in the plane of the non-drive plate and are engageable with one or more of the struts when the drive plate is rotating in the first direction. When the drive plate rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the column disengages from the notch, thereby allowing the drive plate to rotate freely in relation to the non-drive plate.

  When the drive plate reverses direction from the second direction to the first direction, the drive plate typically rotates in relation to the driven plate until the clutch is engaged. As the amount of relative rotation increases, the likelihood of engagement noise increases.

  Controllable or selectable one-way clutches (i.e., OWC: One-Way Clutch) are an evolution from conventional one-way clutch designs. The selectable OWC adds a second set of locking members in combination with the slide plate. This additional set of locking members and slide plate add multiple functions to the OWC. Depending on the design needs, the controllable OWC has the ability to create a mechanical connection between shafts rotating or stationary in one or both directions. Depending on the design, the OWC also has the ability to overrun in one or both directions. Controllable OWC includes an externally controlled selection or control mechanism. This movement of the selection mechanism may be between two or more positions corresponding to different operating modes.

  US Pat. No. 5,927,455 discloses a bi-directional overrunning pawl clutch, US Pat. No. 6,244,965 discloses a planar overrunning coupling, And US Pat. No. 6,290,044 discloses a selectable one-way clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,258,214 and 7,344,010 disclose overrunning coupling assemblies and U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,605 describes overrunning coupling assemblies. A running radial coupling assembly or clutch is disclosed.

  A properly designed controllable OWC can have nearly zero parasitic loss in the “off” state. It can also be driven by an electromechanical structure and does not have any of the complexity or parasitic losses associated with hydraulic pumps or valves.

  In power shift transmissions, tip-in crank is one of the most difficult challenges due to the lack of a torque converter. Mechanical coupling without fluid coupling between the engine and the power shift transmission input when the driver is tipped in following a coast condition, ie when the accelerator pedal is depressed Due to this, the impact and noise of a gear shift, called the crank, is heard and sensed in the passenger compartment. The tip-in crank is particularly sharp during a parking lot operation in which a vehicle traveling slowly at low speed is then accelerated to be operated in the parking space.

  In order to achieve good shift quality and eliminate chip-in-crank, the power shift transmission should utilize a different control scheme than that of conventional automatic transmissions. The control system requires corrective steps to avoid undesired impacts, as long as it is necessary to address the inherent operating characteristics of the power shift transmission and does not interfere with driver expectations and power shift transmission performance requirements. It is necessary to include. There is a need to eliminate the impact and noise of shifts associated with tip-in cranks in power shift transmissions.

  For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means that one of the plates is drivably connected to the torque supply element of the transmission and the other plate is connected to another torque supply element. It should be construed to include a clutch or brake that is drivably connected or moored in relation to the transmission housing and held stationary. The terms “coupled”, “clutch”, and “brake” may be used interchangeably.

  The pocket plate may be provided with a recess or a pocket arranged to have an angle around the axis of the one-way clutch. The pocket is formed in the planar surface of the pocket plate. Each pocket receives a torque transmitting strut, and one end of the strut engages a mooring point in the pocket of the pocket plate. The opposite edge of the post, which may be referred to as the active edge in the following, is movable from a position in the packet to a position where the active edge extends outwardly from the planar surface of the pocket plate. . The struts may be biased away from the pocket plate by individual springs.

  The notch plate may be formed to have a plurality of recesses or notches disposed approximately on the pocket plate radius of the pocket plate. The notch is formed in the planar surface of the notch plate.

  Another example of an overrunning planar clutch is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,597,057.

  Some US patents related to the present invention are US Pat. Nos. 5,052,534, 5,070,978, 5,449,057, 5,678,668. Specification, 5,806,643 specification, 5,871,071 specification, 5,918,715 specification, 5,964,331 specification, 5,979,627 No. 6,065,576, No. 6,116,394, No. 6,125,980, No. 6,129,190, No. 6,186,299 No. 6,193,038, No. 6,386,349, No. 6,481,551, No. 6,505,721, No. 6,571,926 No. 6,814,201, No. 7,153,228 Specification includes Pat No. 7,275,628, Pat. No. 8,051,959, Pat. No. 8,196,724, and No. 8,286,772 Pat.

  Still other relevant US patents include US Pat. Nos. 4,200,002, 5,954,174, and 7,025,188.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,577 discloses an acoustically damped one-way clutch that includes a plastic / steel pair strut for damping the engaging crank. The plastic support is slightly longer than the steel support. This pattern can be doubled for dual engagement. This scheme has had some success. However, the damping function stops when the plastic part is exposed to high temperature oil for a predetermined period of time.

  Metal Injection Molding (MIM) was measured to obtain a “feedstock” that has the ability for fine powder metal to be processed by plastic processing equipment through a process called injection molding. A metalworking process mixed with an amount of binder metal. The molding process allows the molding of large, complex parts in a single operation. End products are generally component items used in a variety of industries and applications. MIM feedstock flow characteristics are defined by a scientific field called rheology. Current equipment capabilities require processing to remain limited to products that can be molded using a typical volume of 100 grams or less per “shot” into the mold. Rheology is cost effective for small, complex and high volume production products where this “shot” is distributed in multiple cavities, which would otherwise be very expensive to manufacture by alternative or conventional methods. It does not allow it to be excellent. Various metals that have the capability of mounting in the MIM feedstock are referred to as powder metallurgy, and they contain the same alloy components found in industry standards for common and specialized metal applications. Subsequent conditioning operations are performed on the molded shape, where the binder material is removed and the metal particles are fused to the desired state for the metal alloy.

  Other U.S. Patents related to at least one embodiment of the present invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,491,440, 8,491,439, 8,272,488, No. 8,187,141, No. 8,079,453, No. 8,007,396, No. 7,942,781, No. 7,690,492, No. No. 7,661,518, No. 7,455,157, No. 7,455,156, No. 7,451,862, No. 7,448,481, 7,383,930, 7,223,198, 7,100,756, and 6,290,044, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0062151. No. 2012/01526 No. 3, No. 2012/0149518, No. 2012/0152687, No. 2012/0145505, No. 2011/0233026, No. 2010/0105515, No. 2010/0230226 Specification, 2009/0233755, 2009/0062058, 2008/0110715, 2008/0188338, 2008/0185253, 2006/0185957 And 2006/0021838.

  As used herein, the term “sensor” is used to describe a circuit or assembly that includes sensing elements and other components. Specifically, the term “magnetic field sensor” as used herein is used to describe a circuit or assembly that includes a magnetic field sensing element and an electronic circuit coupled to the magnetic field sensing element. Yes.

  As used herein, the term “magnetic field sensing element” is used to describe various electronic elements that can sense a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element may be a Hall effect element, a magnetoresistive element, or a magnetic transistor without limitation. As is known, there are different types of Hall effect elements such as, for example, planar Hall elements, vertical Hall elements, and circular vertical Hall (CVH) elements. As is also known, for example, giant magnetoresistance (GMC) element, anisotropic magnetoresistance element (AMR), tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element, indium There are different types of magnetoresistive elements such as InSb) sensors, and magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs).

  As is known, some of the magnetic field sensing elements described above tend to have an axis of maximum sensitivity parallel to the substrate that supports the magnetic field sensing element, and the magnetic field sensing elements described above. Others tend to have an axis of maximum sensitivity perpendicular to the substrate supporting the magnetic field sensing element. In particular, planar Hall elements tend to have an axis of sensitivity perpendicular to the substrate, and magnetoresistive elements and vertical Hall elements (including circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing elements) are , Tend to have an axis of sensitivity parallel to the substrate.

  Magnetic field sensors, without limitation, angle sensors that detect the angle of the direction of the magnetic field, current sensors that detect the magnetic field generated by the current carried by the current carrying conductor, and the proximity of ferromagnetic objects. It is used in a variety of applications including magnetic switches, for example, rotational detectors that detect passing ferromagnetic articles such as the magnetic domain of a ring magnet, and magnetic field sensors that detect the magnetic field density of the magnetic field.

  Modern automobiles utilize engine transmission systems with different sized gears to transmit the power generated by the vehicle engine to the vehicle wheels based on the speed at which the vehicle moves. Engine transmission systems typically include a clutch mechanism that can engage and disengage these gears. The clutch mechanism may be manually operated by the driver of the vehicle or may be automatically operated by the vehicle itself based on the speed desired by the driver to operate the vehicle.

  In automatic transmission vehicles, a need arises for the vehicle to detect the position of the clutch for a smooth and effective shift between the gears in the transmission and for overall effective transmission control. Thus, an automatic transmission vehicle may use a clutch position sensing component that senses the linear position of the clutch to facilitate gear shifting and transmission control.

  Current clutch position sensing components utilize magnetic sensors. One advantage of using a magnetic sensor is that the sensor does not need to be in physical contact with the object to be detected, thereby avoiding mechanical wear between the sensor and the object. . However, the actual linear clutch measurement accuracy is due to the required gap or tolerance existing between the sensor and the object, and when the sensor is not in physical contact with the object to be detected. It may be damaged. Furthermore, current sensing systems that address this problem use relatively expensive coils and integrated circuits that are specific to a particular application.

  U.S. Pat. No. 8,324,890 discloses two holes located at the opposite end of a flux concentrator external to the transmission casing to sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet mounted on the clutch piston. A transmission clutch position sensor including a sensor is disclosed. In order to reduce the sensitivity to magnet-sensor gap tolerance, the ratio of the voltage of one Hall sensor to the sum of the voltages from both Hall sensors is correlated to the piston and thus to the clutch position. So that it is used.

  It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide an overrunning coupling assembly, a magnetic control system that controls the mode of operation of the overrunning coupling, and a magnetic control assembly having the system.

  In realizing the above and other objectives of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic system is provided for controlling the mode of operation of an overrunning coupling assembly. The assembly includes a coupling member having a first coupling surface and a coupling subassembly having a second coupling surface having a pocket defining a load bearing shoulder. The coupling surfaces are in opposing states that are closely spaced from each other. At least one of the coupling member and the coupling subassembly is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis. The system can be received in the pocket in an uncoupled position and can move outwardly from the pocket to a coupled position characterized by the abutting engagement of the element with the load bearing shoulder. Includes magnetic elements. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. The electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil. The reciprocating armature is configured concentrically in relation to at least one excitation coil and is movable in the axial direction when current is supplied to the at least one excitation coil. The armature is connected to the element to move the element between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. A magnetic field sensor is disposed in an adjacent state and in a stationary state in relation to the element to detect the magnetic flux and generate an output signal based on the position of the element. In response to the movement of the element between the coupled and uncoupled positions, a variable magnetic field is generated.

  The sensor may include a magnetic field sensing element.

  The sensor may be reverse biased, in which case the element is a ferromagnetic element.

  The element may be a locking element that controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly.

  The locking element may be an injection molded strut.

  The system may further include a return biasing member to bias the armature to a return position corresponding to the unbonded position of the element.

  The coupling surfaces may be oriented to face each other in the axial direction.

  The pocket may have a T shape.

  The element may include at least one protruding leg portion that provides a mounting location for the leading end of the armature.

  Each leg portion may have an aperture, in which case the system uses a pivot pin received within each aperture to allow rotational movement of the element in response to armature reciprocation. Further, the leading end of the armature may be connected to the element via a pivot pin.

  Each aperture may be an elongated aperture for receiving a pivot pin to allow both rotational and parallel movement of the element in response to armature reciprocation.

  The coupling assembly may be a clutch assembly and the coupling surface may be a clutch surface.

  Furthermore, an overrunning coupling and magnetic control assembly is provided in carrying out the above objects and other objects of at least one embodiment of the present invention. The assembly includes a coupling member having a first coupling surface and a coupling subassembly having a second coupling surface having a pocket defining a load bearing shoulder. The coupling surfaces are in opposing states that are closely spaced from each other. At least one of the coupling member and the coupling subassembly is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis. A ferromagnetic or magnetic element is received in the pocket in the uncoupled position and outwardly from the pocket to the coupled position characterized by the abutting engagement of the element with the load bearing shoulder Can exercise. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. The electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil. The reciprocating armature is configured concentrically in relation to at least one excitation coil and is movable in the axial direction when current is supplied to the at least one excitation coil. The armature is connected to the element to move the element between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. A magnetic field sensor is disposed in an adjacent state and in a stationary state in relation to an element that detects magnetic flux to generate an output signal based on the position of the element. In response to the movement of the element between the coupled and uncoupled positions, a variable magnetic field is generated.

  The sensor may include a magnetic field sensing element.

  The sensor may be reverse biased, in which case the element is a ferromagnetic element.

  The element may be a locking element such as an injection molded strut.

  The assembly may further include a return biasing member to bias the armature to a return position corresponding to the uncoupled position of the element.

  The coupling surfaces may be oriented to face each other in the axial direction.

  The pocket may have a T shape.

  The element may include at least one protruding leg portion that provides a mounting location for the leading end of the armature.

  Each leg portion may have an aperture. The assembly may further include pivot pins received within the respective apertures to allow rotational movement of the elements in response to armature reciprocation. The leading end of the armature may be connected to the element via a pivot pin.

  Each aperture may be an elongated aperture for receiving a pivot pin to allow both rotational and parallel movement of the element in response to armature reciprocation.

  The coupling member may be a clutch member, and the coupling surface may be a clutch surface.

  Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to represent every possible form of the 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 invention. I want to be. Furthermore, further embodiments of the invention may be formed by combining features of embodiments for various implementations.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic control system of at least one embodiment of the present invention observed from the bottom of the system. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the system observed from the top of the system. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway view of an overrunning coupling and magnetic control assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention utilizing the system.

  As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, but the disclosed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the invention that may be implemented in various and alternative forms. It should be understood that this is just what you did. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations, but are representative of the teachings to those of ordinary skill in the art for various uses of the present invention. Interpret only as a basis.

  Referring first to FIG. 3, a planar controllable coupling assembly, indicated generally at 11, is shown. The assembly 11 includes a first coupling member, indicated generally at 10, a notch plate or member indicated generally at 12, an electromechanical device indicated generally at 15, including. The coupling assembly 11 may be a ratchet type one-way clutch assembly. The second member 12 is in close proximity to the outer coupling surface 14 of the housing portion 13 of the device 15 when the members 10 and 12 are assembled and held together by a lock or snap ring 18. 2 coupling surfaces 16 are included. At least one of the members 10 and 12 is mounted for rotation about a common axis of rotation.

  The outer coupling surface 14 of the housing part 13 has a single T-shaped recess or pocket 22 as best shown in FIG. The recess 22 defines a load bearing first shoulder 24. The second coupling surface 16 of the notch plate 12 has a plurality of recesses or notches (not shown but well known in the art). Each notch of the notches defines a load bearing second shoulder.

  1-3, the electromechanical device 15 is disposed between the housing portions 13 and the coupling surfaces 14 and 16 of the member 12, respectively, when the members 10 and 12 are assembled and held together. It may include lock struts or elements generally included in 26 that are disposed.

  Element 26 may have a ferromagnetic locking element or strut that is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position (the very thin line in FIG. 3) is between the load bearing shoulder (not shown) of the member 12 and the shoulder 24 of the pocket 22 formed in the end wall 28 of the housing part 13. Is characterized by the abutting engagement of the locking element 26 at. The second position (solid line in FIG. 3) is characterized by the non-abutting engagement of the locking element 26 between the load bearing shoulder of at least one of the member 12 and the end wall 28.

  The electromechanical device 15 includes a housing portion 13 having a closed axial end that includes an end wall 28. End wall 28 has an outer coupling surface 14 having a single pocket 22 defining a load bearing shoulder 24 in communication with an inner surface 29 of end wall 28. The housing portion 13 may be a metal powder (such as aluminum) injection molded (MIM) portion.

  The device 15 also includes an electromagnetic source, indicated generally at 31, that includes at least one excitation coil 33 that is at least partially surrounded by the skirt of the housing portion 13.

  Element or strut 26 is shown as being received within pocket 22 in its retracted uncoupled position of FIG. The strut 26 extends from the pocket 22 to an extended coupling position characterized by the abutment engagement of the strut 26 between the load bearing shoulder and shoulder 24 of the notch plate 12 (very thin line in FIG. 3). Until you can exercise outward.

  The device 15 also includes a reciprocating armature, indicated generally at 35, concentrically configured in relation to at least one excitation coil 33, and supplies current to the at least one excitation coil 33. It is possible to move in the axial direction. A coil 33 is wound around the tube between the plates 43 and 47. The plate 43 is in contact with the surface 29 in a pressure contact state. The armature 35 extends through a hole 46 formed through the plate 43 and is connected to the element 26 at its leading end 37 to move the element 26 between its coupled and uncoupled positions. Yes. The armature 35 extends through an aperture 38 formed through the tube 45. The opposite end 36 of the armature 35 abuts the lower surface of the tube 45 in pressure contact with the armature 35 to limit the movement of the armature 35 toward the plate 12 in the aperture 38, but the armature 35 is limited to the lower surface of the tube 45. 1 and has a lock ring 30 (FIG. 1) that allows it to extend below.

  The element 26 is pivotally connected to the leading end 37 of the armature 35, in which case the armature 35 pivots the element 26 within the pocket 22 in response to the reciprocating movement of the armature 35. To exercise.

  The device 15 is also preferably adapted to return the armature 35 and the tube 45 to their respective home positions when the element 26 is returned to its uncoupled position by stopping the energy supply to the coil 33. It also includes a return spring 41 that extends between the plate 43 and a shoulder in the outer surface of the tube 45. The apparatus also includes a spring 34 that biases the armature 35 to move the element 26 toward its coupled position. In other words, the spring 41, which is a biasing member, is such that the biasing member or spring 34 biases the armature 35 and the connected element 26 to their combined position and resists any forces in the opposite direction. In the meantime, the armature 35 is biased through the tube 45 to a return position corresponding to its unbonded position of the element 26.

  The housing part 13 and / or the plate 47 preferably has holes to allow oil circulation within the housing part 13. Preferably, the at least one coil 33, the housing part 13, the tube 45 and the armature 35 have a small solenoid. The locking element 26 may be a metal powder (such as aluminum) injection molded (ie, MIM) support post.

  The housing portion 13 has at least one perforated mounting flange 49 for mounting the device 15 to the coupling member 10 (corresponding aperture not shown) of the coupling assembly 11.

  Element 26 includes at least one and preferably two protruding leg portions 51 that provide a mounting location for leading end 37 of armature 35. Each leg portion 51 has an aperture 53. The device 15 further includes a pivot pin 55 received within each aperture 53 to allow rotational movement of the element 26 in response to the reciprocation of the armature 35, in this case the leading end of the armature 35. The part 37 is connected to the element 26 via the rotation pin 55.

  Preferably, each aperture 53 is an elongated aperture that receives a pivot pin 55 to allow both rotational and parallel movement of the element 26 in response to reciprocation of the armature 35. Each lock post 26 may have any suitable rigid material, such as a ferrous material (ie, steel).

  1, 2, and 3 illustrate a magnetic field sensor or device indicated generally by 100. The apparatus 100 may be a Hall effect sensor that detects the position of the column 26. The struts 26 may carry or support rare earth automotive grade magnets or pellets (not shown) that may be embedded in holes formed in the outer surface of the struts 26. In that case, the column 26 is a non-ferrous column such as an aluminum column. Alternatively and preferably, the struts 26 are ferromagnetic struts.

  The device 100 typically has three wires 108 (input, output, and ground) and provides an industry standard push-pull voltage output based on the position of the post 26 in the pocket 22. The device 100 accurately detects the position of the column 26 with a single output (ie, voltage output). Device 100 is preferably mounted adjacent to and below pocket 22 and wire 108 passes through aperture 109 formed in plate 43 and through the side wall or skirt of housing portion 13. It extends through the formed aperture 110. The wire 108 is coupled to a solenoid controller (FIG. 3), and the solenoid controller is coupled to a main controller and a coil drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to the coil 33 in response to a control signal from the solenoid controller. ing. The device 100 may be held in place by a fastener or by an adhesive so that the upper surface of the device 100 is in close proximity to the lower surface of the column 26 at the uncoupled position of the column 26.

  The sensor 100 is typically reverse biased when the struts 26 are ferromagnetic, and usually on a circuit board 114 on which other electronic circuits or components are mounted, as is well known in the art. Including a Hall sensor or sensing element mounted at. The sensor 100 is preferably reverse biased in that it includes a rare earth magnet 112 that generates a magnetic flux or field that changes as the post 26 moves. Sensor 100 may include a reverse-biased Hall effect device available from Allegro Microsystems.

  In other words, the device 100 is preferably a reverse-biased device, in which case the device moves as the strut 26 moves back and forth between its uncoupled positions. Includes rare earth pellets or magnets whose magnetic field changes. The variable magnetic field is detected by the magnetic sensing element of the device 100.

  The output signal from the device 100 is a feedback signal received by the solenoid controller, and the solenoid controller provides a control signal to the circuit and this circuit controls the flow of current to the coil 73. Provide drive control signals. By providing feedback, the resulting closed loop control system has improved sensitivity, accuracy, and repeatability.

  The electromechanical device 15 of the exemplary clutch assembly 11 may be carried by a drive member of the clutch assembly 11 or a non-drive member of the assembly 11. Further, the exemplary clutch assembly strut 26 is the assembly is a planar coupling assembly as shown herein or a rocker coupling assembly (not shown). Depending on the, it may have any suitable configuration. Also, each strut or rocker (within the radial coupling assembly) may have an intermediate portion that is narrower than the respective end portion of the strut or rocker.

  Although detailed embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein as appropriate, the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be implemented in various and alternative forms. I want you to understand. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and 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 construed as limitations, but as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to make various use of the present invention. Should be interpreted only.

Claims (24)

A magnetic system for controlling an operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly comprising: a coupling member having a first coupling surface; and a coupling subassembly having a second coupling surface having a pocket defining a load bearing shoulder. Wherein the coupling surfaces are in close proximity to and spaced apart from each other and at least one of the coupling member and the coupling subassembly is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis;
Ferromagnetic that is received in the pocket in an uncoupled position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupled position characterized by the abutment engagement of the element with the load bearing shoulder Or a magnetic element that controls the mode of operation of the coupling assembly;
An electromagnetic source comprising at least one excitation coil;
A reciprocating armature configured concentrically in relation to the at least one excitation coil and capable of axial movement when current is supplied to the at least one excitation coil, An armature connected to the element to move the element between coupling positions;
A magnetic field sensor disposed in an adjacent state and a stationary state in relation to the element to detect a magnetic flux and generate an output signal based on the position of the element, A magnetic field sensor that is responsive to the movement of the element in between to generate a variable magnetic field;
The system characterized by having.   The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic field sensing element.   The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is reverse biased and the element is a ferromagnetic element.   The system of claim 1, wherein the element is a locking element that controls an operating mode of the coupling assembly.   5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking element is an injection molded strut.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a return biasing member to bias the armature to a return position corresponding to the uncoupled position of the element.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling surfaces are oriented so as to face each other in the axial direction.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the pocket has a T-shape.   The system of claim 1, wherein the element includes at least one protruding leg portion that provides a mounting location for the leading end of the armature.   10. The system of claim 9, wherein each leg portion has an aperture, the system being received within each aperture to allow rotational movement of the element in response to reciprocation of the armature. A system further comprising a pivot pin and wherein the leading end of the armature is connected to the element via the pivot pin.   11. The system of claim 10, wherein each aperture is an elongated aperture for receiving the pivot pin to allow both rotational and parallel movement of the element in response to reciprocation of the armature. Feature system.   The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling assembly is a clutch assembly and the coupling surface is a clutch surface. In overrunning coupling and magnetic control assembly,
A coupling sub-assembly having a coupling member having a first coupling surface and a second coupling surface having a pocket defining a load bearing shoulder, wherein the coupling surfaces are in close proximity to and spaced apart from each other. And at least one of the coupling subassemblies, wherein the coupling member and the coupling subassembly are mounted for rotation about a rotational axis;
Ferromagnetic or magnetic that is received in the pocket in an uncoupled position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupled position characterized by the abutting engagement of the element having the load bearing shoulder An element for controlling an operating mode of the coupling assembly;
An electromagnetic source comprising at least one excitation coil;
A reciprocating armature configured concentrically in relation to the at least one excitation coil and capable of moving in an axial direction when a current is supplied to the at least one excitation coil, comprising: An armature coupled to the element to move the element between the uncoupled positions;
A magnetic field sensor disposed in an adjacent state and a stationary state in relation to the element to detect a magnetic flux and generate an output signal based on the position of the element, the magnetic field sensor being in the coupled position and the uncoupled position. A magnetic field sensor that is responsive to the movement of the element in between to generate a variable magnetic field;
An assembly comprising:   14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic field sensing element.   14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the sensor is reverse biased and the element is a ferromagnetic element.   14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the element is a locking element.   17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the locking element is an injection molded post.   14. The assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a return biasing member for biasing the armature to a return position corresponding to the uncoupled position of the element.   14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the coupling surfaces are oriented so as to face each other in the axial direction.   14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the pocket has a T-shape.   14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the element includes at least one protruding leg portion that provides a mounting location for the leading end of the armature.   24. The assembly of claim 21, wherein each leg portion has an aperture, the assembly being received within each aperture to allow rotational movement of the element in response to reciprocation of the armature. The assembly further comprising a pivot pin, and wherein the leading end of the armature is connected to the element via the pivot pin.   23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein each aperture is an elongated aperture for receiving the pivot pin to allow both rotational and parallel movement of the element in response to reciprocation of the armature. An assembly characterized by.   14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the coupling member is a clutch member, and the coupling surface is a clutch surface.

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