Multi-disk device having forced lubrication on demand

摘要

A friction device includes a clutch pack (20) operable to connect and disconnect drive (12) and driven (14) members for transferring and interrupting torque therebetween. A piston (42) is supported in the clutch housing and defines a first expandable chamber (44). The piston is responsive to the pressure of fluid in the expandable chamber to move between disengaged and engaged positions thereby actuating the clutch pack. An outer ring (60) is slidably supported within the housing to form a second expandable chamber (65). The outer ring includes at least one orifice (62) extending therethrough. The piston closes the orifice in the outer ring when the drive and driven members are disconnected and has a second position where the orifice is open. A second source (67) of lubricant pressure separate from the piston actuating fluid flows into the second expandable chamber thence through the orifice and from the outer diameter of the clutch pack between the adjacent plates and disks to the inner diameter of the clutch pack for cooling the pack.