TORQUE TRANSFER MECHANISM WITH SEALED BALL-RAMP CLUTCH OPERATOR UNIT

摘要

A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. Clutch actuator assembly includes a clutch apply operator for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force applied to the clutch assembly. The clutch operator includes a first and second cam plate that are spaced form in one another to define a cavity therebetween. A sealing element extends between the first and second cam plates to seal the cavity between the first and second cam plates for retaining fluids in the cavity.

主权项

1. A power transmission apparatus comprising:
a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a power source; a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device; a torque transfer mechanism operable for transferring drive torque from said input member to said output member, said torque transfer mechanism including a clutch assembly operably disposed between said input member and said output member, and a clutch actuator assembly for applying a clutch engagement force to said clutch assembly, said clutch actuator assembly including an electric motor driving a geared drive unit for controlling said clutch engagement force that is applied to said clutch assembly by a clutch apply operator, said clutch apply operator including a first cam plate and a second cam plate driven by said geared drive unit, said second cam plate being axially spaced from said first cam plate to define a cavity between said first and second cam plates, said first cam plate defining a plurality of first cam recesses and said second cam plate defining a plurality of second cam recesses, said clutch apply operator further including a plurality of rollers each disposed between one of said first earn recesses and one of said second cam recesses within said cavity, at least one of said first and second cam recesses being tapered for causing axial movement of said second cam plate relative to said first cam plate during rotation of said second cam plate; and a sealing arrangement extending between said first and second cam plates to seal said cavity between said first and second cam plates for retaining a lubricant in said cavity.