Multimode clutch arrangements
A clutch for selectively preventing rotation of a rotating component may include a first and second pawls pivotable between engagement and disengagement with the rotating component to selectively prevent or allow rotation of the rotating component in one or both directions. An armature moveable between a first and second armature positions may have a common member pivotally connected thereto and engaging the first and second pawls, with a torque spring biasing the common member to rotate toward the first pawl and away from the second pawl. In an intermediate armature position, the common member may disengage the first pawl from the rotating component while engaging the second pawl to allow rotation in one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction. In embodiments, a clutch may include a cam actuator rotating to selectively control engagement of the pawls with the rotating component and locking in one or both directions.
1. A clutch for selectively preventing rotation of a rotating component, the clutch comprising:
a first pawl that is pivotable about a first pawl pivot between engagement with the rotating component to prevent rotation of the rotating component in a first direction and disengagement with the rotating component to allow rotation of the rotating component in the first direction;
a second pawl that is pivotable about a second pawl pivot between engagement with the rotating component to prevent rotation of the rotating component in a second direction and disengagement from the rotating component to allow rotation of the rotating component in the second direction;
an armature that is moveable between a first armature position and a second armature position;
a common member pivotally connected to the armature and engaging the first pawl and the second pawl to move the first pawl and the second pawl between engagement with and disengagement from the rotating component; and
a torque spring biasing the common member to rotate toward the first pawl and away from the second pawl,
wherein, when the armature is in the first armature position, the common member engages the first pawl and the second pawl to disengage the first pawl and the second pawl from the rotating component and allow rotation of the rotating component in the first direction and the second direction,
wherein, when the armature is in the second armature position, the common member engages the first pawl and the second pawl to cause the first pawl and the second pawl to engage the rotating component and prevent rotation of the rotating component in the first direction and the second direction, and
wherein, when the armature is in an intermediate armature position between the first armature position and the second armature position, the common member engages the first pawl to disengage the first pawl from the rotating component and allow the rotating component to rotate in the first direction, and engages the second pawl to cause the second pawl to engage the rotating component and prevent rotation of the rotating component in the second direction.
2. The clutch according to claim 1 , comprising an armature return spring biasing the armature toward the first armature position.
3. The clutch according to claim 1 , comprising an actuator coupled to the armature and actuatable to move the armature from the first armature position to the second armature position.
4. The clutch according to claim 3 , wherein the actuator is actuatable to maintain the armature at the intermediate armature position.
5. The clutch according to claim 1 , comprising a pawl spring connected to the armature and biasing the first pawl and the second pawl toward engagement with the rotating component.
6. The clutch according to claim 1 , comprising a pawl spring connected to a clutch housing of the clutch and biasing the first pawl and the second pawl toward engagement with the rotating component.
7. The clutch according to claim 1 , wherein the common member comprises a bottom surface having a first distal end engaging the first pawl and a second distal end engaging the second pawl.
8. The clutch according to claim 1 , wherein the armature comprises a pivot arm extending outwardly from the armature and the common member is pivotally mounted on the pivot arm for rotation of the common member relative to the armature.
9. The clutch according to claim 8 , wherein the torque spring comprises a coil portion wrapped around the pivot arm, a first spring arm engaging the armature, and a second spring arm engaging the common member.
10. The clutch according to claim 1 , wherein the armature comprises an upper pivot arm extending outwardly from the armature, a lower pivot arm extending outwardly from the armature and axially spaced apart from the upper pivot arm along the armature, and wherein the common member is pivotally mounted on the armature between the upper pivot arm and the lower pivot arm.
11. The clutch according to claim 1 , wherein the torque spring is mounted to the armature and the common member.
12. The clutch according to claim 11 , wherein the torque spring comprises a coil portion, a first spring arm engaging the armature, and a second spring arm engaging the common member.