ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR FOR A BI-DIRECTIONAL CLUTCH

• Main Author: SHARP, JEFFRY, D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 10.02.2016
• Subjects: BLASTING; BRAKES; CLUTCHES; COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A bi-directional clutch is provided having inner and outer members disposed about a rotational axis. One or more pawls are coupled to one of the members and configured for rotation about separate rotational axes. One end of each pawl moves between first and second engagement positions with corresponding engagement surfaces formed in the other member and a position of disengagement with the other member permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer members. A pair of magnets are disposed at the opposite end of each pawl with each magnet in the pair defining a pole adjacent the end of the pawl and the poles having opposite polarity. An electromagnetic actuator selectively generates electromagnetic fields of different polarities to urge the pawls away from the position of disengagement to one of the engagement positions to cause rotation of the other member in either rotational direction.