ACTIVE TORQUE COUPLING WITH HYDRAULICALLY-ACTUATED BALL RAMPCLUTCH ASSEMBLY

摘要

A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator, and a thrust mechanism. The hydrauli c pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and selectively delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers and return chambers defined between coaxially aligned fir st and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressur e delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the thrust mechanis m. The thrust mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. An electrohydraulic control system regulates the fluid pressure delivered to th e actuation and return chambers.