MULTI-MODE CLUTCHES FOR FORWARD/REVERSE PLANETARY GEARSET

摘要

A forward/reverse planetary gearset (412) may be adapted to employ multi-mode clutch modules (426, 430) in lieu of using only traditional friction clutches (326, 330). Such arrangement may reduce parasitic drag as well as achieve reductions in physical size of the gearset housing (408). Use of multi-mode clutch modules (426, 430) may offer either of or both forward and reverse controls of the planetary gearset (412). Thus, in at least one arrangement a multi-mode clutch (426) may provide forward clutch control while a friction clutch (330) provides reverse clutch control. In another arrangement the friction clutch (326) may provide the forward clutch control, while the multi-mode clutch (430) provides the reverse clutch control for the gearset (412). Finally, both forward and reverse controls of the gearset (412) may be provided via multi-mode clutches (426, 430), thus entirely avoiding use of any friction clutches (326, 330) for forward or reverse control functions of the planetary gearset (412).

主权项

1. A planetary gearset system (110) comprising at least a pair of clutches (126, 200) adapted to facilitate forward and reverse directional control, at least one of the clutches being a multi-mode clutch module (200), wherein the clutch module is defined by a plurality of races (220, 222) having elements (230) interposed between the races, the elements adapted to selectively lock the races together.