Abstract: In a power transmission apparatus, an auxiliary clutch plate different in diameter from driving and driven clutch plates located in a clutch housing. When the driving and driven clutch plates are pressed against each other, the auxiliary clutch plate is pressed to enable transmission of a driving force of an engine to a driving wheel. When a pressing force exerted on the driving and driven clutch plates is released, a pressing force exerted on the auxiliary clutch plate is released to cut off transmission of the driving force of the engine to the driving wheel.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack and a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator. The friction pack includes a first plate fixed to the first coupling member and a second plate fixed to the second coupling member. The first translator of the first clutch is movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized. The second translator of the second clutch is movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a power flow path through the first and second coupling members.

Abstract: A hydraulic transformer clutch employs radial hydraulic piston assemblies with integrated electrohydraulic actuation. The hydraulic transformer clutch includes: an output shaft, an output disc affixed to the output shaft for rotation therewith, an input shaft, a rotatable housing affixed to one of the input shaft or the output shaft for rotation therewith, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of working pistons. The hydraulic cylinders are operatively connected to the rotatable housing, and are spaced about the rotatable housing. Each working piston is slidably mounted within a corresponding hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and is positioned to be selectively pushed, when actuated, to create a rigid connection between the input shaft and the output shaft. One or more actuator pistons are pushed by an electromagnet and create pressure that is distributed on working piston surfaces and generates active torque.

Abstract: A locking device comprising: first and second flanges; and first and second flange locking structures. The first and second flange locking structures are used for selectively locking the first flange and the second flange. Each flange locking structure comprises: a synchronising ring and a driving assembly. The synchronising ring is able to slide relative to the corresponding flange; and the drive assembly is capable of selectively pushing the synchronising ring to slide along the axial direction of the corresponding flange from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A washing machine transmission actuator employs a rotating cam for separating a clutch. The cam is rotated by a ring gear communicating with a pinion gear on a motor providing improved minimum torque for a given motor power and thus improved energy efficiency.

Abstract: Active stabilization is provided. In one possible implementation a drilling tool associated with a drill bit includes one or more rotation alteration devices configured to alter a rotational radius of a drill string. The drilling tool also includes at least one active stabilizer rotatively attached to the drilling tool, as well as a variable brake configured to control a rotation of the at least one active stabilizer relative to the drilling tool. In another possible implementation, a drilling tool includes an active stabilizer rotatably coupled to the drilling tool, as well as an actuation system configured to control a torque placed on the active stabilizer through contact with a wall of a borehole.

Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a planetary differential including a differential case. The planet carrier can be disposed within the differential case and rotatable about the output axis relative thereto. The first output member can be coupled to the planet carrier for common rotation about the output axis. The second output member can be coupled to the sun gear for common rotation about the output axis. A clutch basket can be fixedly coupled to the planet carrier and disposed within the differential case. A set of first friction plates can be coupled to the clutch basket for common rotation about the output axis therewith and for axial translation relative to the clutch basket. A set of second friction plates can be coupled to the sun gear for common rotation about the output axis and for axial translation relative to the sun gear.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a coil of wire for producing an electromagnetic field, a locking ring secured against rotation within a case or housing, a gear engageable with the locking ring, and a lever that pivots in response to the electromagnetic field produced by energizing the coil causing the locking ring to engage the gear and hold the gear against rotation.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided with an integrated rotor and brake disc to simplify design of the device and remove liquids from the device when used in a wet environment. The rotor is configured for rotation about a rotating hub and includes a first member defining one pole of the rotor and a second member defining a second pole of the rotor and a braking surface. The second member is coupled to the first member, but axially movable relative to the first member. During clutch engagement, an electromagnetic circuit used to engage the clutch urges the second member into engagement with the first member for rotation. When the clutch is disengaged, the second member disengages from the first member to create a fluid flow path between the members and engages a brake plate to halt rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device is configured for vertical orientation. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The armature and clutch plates move in a first axial direction towards the rotor wall when the conductor is energized and in a second axial direction when the conductor is subsequently deenergized. At least one of the hub and rotor defines means for limiting movement of a corresponding one of the clutch plates in the second axial direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is provided with: a rotor which has a friction plate; a stator which has an electromagnetic coil; and an armature which is attracted to the friction plate by electromagnetic attraction force generated by the conduction of electricity to the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil includes electromagnetic coils. The electromagnetic clutch is also provided with a circuit switching section which is configured in such a manner that, when a switch-on command is outputted, the circuit switching section allows an electric current to flow in parallel into the electromagnetic coils, and then, after the armature is attracted to the friction plate, the circuit switching section switches a circuit for conducting electricity to the electromagnetic coil, from a parallel circuit to a series circuit so that an electric current flows in series into the electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes: a rotor 1 including therein an electromagnetic coil 16; and an armature 2 facing the rotor 1 and caused to be attached to the rotor 1 by a magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 16. By excitation of the electromagnetic coil 16, a magnetic circuit M1 from the rotor 1 back to the rotor 1 through a first armature plate 21, an intermediate layer 22, a second armature plate 23, the intermediate layer 22, and the first armature plate 21 is formed when the rotor 1 and the armature 2 are not in contact, and a magnetic circuit M2 from the rotor 1 back to the rotor 1 through the first armature plate 21, a part 13a between adjacent slits 14 of the rotor 1, and the first armature plate 21 is formed when the rotor 1 and the armature 2 are in contact.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device having a self-contained wet clutch pack and fluid isolated field shell is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The field shell is isolated from the fluid in the chamber. Energization of the conductor urges the armature in a first axial direction towards the radially extending wall of said rotor to couple the rotor to the hub for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device having improved lubrication is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. One or more tubes have an end submerged in the fluid and extend through apertures in the armature. Rotation of said armature draws fluid through the tubes and onto the clutch plates.

Abstract: Drive devices for coupling a drive mechanism to an input shaft and methods of providing coupling control through an electromagnet are described herein. The drive devices include a driven member operatively coupled to a clutch assembly engageable with an input shaft. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnet, an actuator activated by the electromagnet, and a clutch pack that is biased into increased frictional engagement by the actuator to transfer the torque from the driven member to the input shaft. The methods include providing such a drive device and activating the electromagnet.

Abstract: A electromagnetic clutch assembly for use in a vehicle is presented. More specifically, the clutch assembly comprises an input member; an output member; a friction clutch pack having a first plurality of clutch plates coupled for rotation with said input member and a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with said first plurality of clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a solenoid coil; an actuator hub having an armature plate; and a cam lever assembly having a first end engaging said actuator hub and a second end engaging said friction clutch pack. When electrical current is applied to the solenoid coil, the armature plate moves the actuator hub, the actuator hub engages the cam lever and causes said cam lever to compress the interleaved first and second plurality of clutch plates, thereby, resulting in the coupling of the input and output members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for a double clutch with two friction clutches that are actuatable by means of a respective lever system. The actuating device comprises two actuator units for converting a rotary movement carried out by a respective electric motor about an axis of rotation into a linear movement to actuate a friction clutch. To simplify and improve actuating devices of this general type, a respective planetary rolling contact transmission is arranged coaxially with a rotor of the electric motor and driven by the latter. The planetary rolling contact transmission converts the rotary movement into the linear movement using an exclusively mechanical actuating device. The actuator units are arranged to be parallel with respect to their axes of rotation and are received in a common housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an axle (10) for a vehicle having a housing (12), an input shaft (14) coupled to a differential on a first end, extending through the length of the housing (12), and an output gear (16) having a first tooth profile located inside the housing (12) splined to the input shaft (14). Also included is a drive gear (18) having a second tooth profile coupled to a differential housing, at least one planetary gear (20) having a single tooth profile mounted on a carrier (22), in mesh with the first tooth profile of the output gear (16) and the second tooth profile of the drive gear (18), a carrier ring (26), and an actuatable clutch pack (32) coupled to the carrier ring (26) and the housing (12). When the actuatable clutch pack (32) is actuated, the carrier (22) is slowed down, and the speeds of the planetary gear (20) and the output gear (16) are increased, increasing the speed of the input shaft (14).

Abstract: A novel magnetic friction clutch is disclosed which is capable of relatively high torque transfer for friction discs of a given diameter, compared to prior art magnetic clutches. A friction coating with good magnetic permeability, such as Ferrous Aluminide or the like, is applied to inner and outer annular regions of the three friction discs and increases the frictional coefficient of the discs with little reduction in the clamping force developed through the clutch.

Abstract: A device is provided for mechanically disengaging an automatically engaged clutch device. The clutch device has a hydraulic or electrical disengaging mechanism. The hydraulic disengaging mechanism has a disengaging lever that can be moved via a hydraulic disengaging cylinder and has a central disengaging bearing. The central disengaging bearing relieves a contact disk mechanically prestressed with a contact pressure upon activation of the hydraulic disengaging cylinder, and releases a clutch disk. An electrical disengaging mechanism works with clutch lamellae, which are released when a solenoid element is excited, and mechanically block a clutch disk with the solenoid element de-energized. An electrically operated hydraulic pump with electrically operated hydraulic valve or an electrically actuated solenoid element with electrically actuated coupling lamellae can automatically disengage an automatically engaged clutch device via the disengaging mechanism during automatic switching processes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a supporting member supporting an electromagnetic coil around which a wire is wound, a moving member positioned facing the supporting member so as to move forward and backward, and an actuating force transmitting member transmitting moving force of the moving member to a member to be actuated as an actuating force. The moving member is moved towards the supporting member by magnetic force generated by applying an electric current to the electromagnetic coil to apply the actuating force to the member to be actuated via the actuating force transmitting member. The electromagnetic coil includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils provided at the supporting member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a worm wheel driven by a drive motor, an armature rotated in operative association with the worm wheel, a rotor rotatable about a same axis as the armature, an electromagnetic coil configured to cause the rotor to generate a magnetic force for causing the rotor and the armature to be moved and pulled into contact with each other along the rotational axis by the magnetic force, and an elastic member interposed between the rotor and the armature, one side of the elastic member being fixed to one of the rotor and the armature, the other side of the elastic member being in slidable contact with the other of the rotor and the armature, the elastic member urging the rotor and the armature in directions away from each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is provided with: a clutch hub which is connected to a shaft member (one of a pair of rotation members); a clutch housing which is connected to a hollow shaft (the other of a pair of rotation members); a rotor which is connected to the clutch housing; a main clutch (clutch member) which is disposed between the clutch hub and the clutch housing; and an electromagnet which operates the main clutch. An end surface of the clutch housing and an end surface of a core of the electromagnet are disposed to be opposed to each other with the rotor interposed therebetween in an axial direction. The end of the rotor in a side of the clutch housing is formed with an extension portion which extends to the clutch housing in the axial direction. An outer periphery of the clutch housing is connected to the extension portion through a connection portion. The connection portion is disposed outside the main clutch in a radial direction.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic clutch apparatus for forming a magnetic path in a circulating shape by an electromagnet at a pilot clutch alternately arranged with a main outer plate and a main inner plate and capable of controlling to transmit a torque between a clutch housing and a cam plate by being engaged in an axial direction and at a surrounding of a nonmagnetic portion continuously formed in the axial direction of a middle portion in a diameter direction of the pilot clutch to carry out an engaging, the nonmagnetic portion is formed by through holes in a circular arc shape having bridge portions for maintaining a shape in a diameter direction of the pilot clutch therebetween in a peripheral direction, and the bridge portion is divided in the diameter direction of the pilot clutch and a nonmagnetic member is interposed between divisions thereof.

Abstract: A friction clutch includes an iron inner clutch plate and two iron outer clutch plates. Each clutch plate has a sliding surface that friction-engages with the other clutch plates. A diamond-like carbon film containing silicon, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on the sliding surface of each outer clutch plate through a conventional method such as plasma chemical vapor deposition. The diamond-like carbon film contains 1 wt % to 80 wt % of silicon. A coupling device includes a pilot clutch mechanism that has the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch has an improved resistance to wear, and the coupling device is durable.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting device is comprised of a first rotary member, a second rotary member securely fit around the first rotary member, a third rotary member rotatably supported in the first and second rotary members for being engaged with a shaft, an anti-rotated solenoid slidably fit in a solenoid housing hollow defined by the second rotary member, and a friction clutch driven by the solenoid for transmitting torque between the first rotary member and the third rotary member.

Abstract: A drive force transmission device has an outer clutch plate and an inner clutch plate, which are rotatable relative to each other about a common rotational axis. The inner and outer clutch plates become frictionally engaged with each other with lubricant oil provided in between. The outer and inner clutch plates each have a sliding surface. The sliding surfaces face each other. A diamond-like carbon film is formed on the sliding surface of the outer clutch plate. Fine grooves are formed in the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate. The proportion of the sliding area to the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate at the initial stage of use is 55 to 90%.

Abstract: A disconnect (128) is provided for use between an engine (126) and differential (130). The differential disconnect (128) provides for a lock out of the disconnect (128) so as to prevent self energizing. The differential may also include a bottom-out feature to limit the amount of torque that may be transferred through the disconnect. In addition, the disconnect (128) may include a design to contain axial forces on the input shaft (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the power transfer capabilities of two, shifting elements, by way of which output torque of a transmission of a vehicle can be conducted in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to driving wheels of a drivable vehicle axle with the inherent degrees of apportionment as conducted in relationship to the power transfer capability of the shifting elements. Each shifting element has an electric motor; a transmission operationally connected with the electric motor; and placed between the shifting element and the transmission apparatus, a drive converter apparatus, by way of which rotationally directed drive of the electric motors is respectively transformed into a translational activation motion for the control of the shifting elements. The drive converter apparatuses respectively possess a first drive element and a second drive element of which one drive element, converse to the other drive element, is of translational movement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch 1 is disclosed having first and second relative rotary members 3, 5, an electromagnet 11 having a coil 7 and a yoke 9, a rotor 13 placed in close proximity to the electromagnet 11 and permeating magnetic field lines through the yoke 9, a friction clutch 15 operative to transfer drive torque between the first and second relative rotary members 3, 5, and an armature 17 permeating magnetic field lines coming from the rotor 13 for controlling coupling the friction clutch. The rotor 13 includes first and second magnetic members 21, 23 for forming at least one magnetic flux loop 19 and the first and second magnetic members 21, 23 are made of materials different from each other.

Abstract: A magnetic friction clutch has two clutch parts, supported so that they can rotate relative to each other around an axis of rotation. A first clutch part has at least two clamping jaws which are movable somewhat toward and away from each other. A second clutch part, situated between the clamping jaws, is of disk-shaped design. The clamping jaws are pressable against the second clutch part by the magnetic force of a variable magnetic flux which is carried in the clutch parts in a soft magnetic material, in order to form a frictionally engaged connection between the clutch parts. The second clutch part has a plurality of soft magnetic ring zones permeated by the magnetic flux, which extend in the circumferential direction and are separated from each other in the radial direction by slots running in the circumferential direction. Ring zones adjacent to each other in the radial direction are connected with each other by bridging links.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction clutch has at least two clutch parts that are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other and movable toward and away from each other and that touch each other with a contact force in the position of use. The clutch parts are located in a magnetic circuit, which is guided in the clutch parts in a soft magnetic material in sheet form. Positioned in the magnetic circuit is an electromagnet having a soft magnetic core and a coil. The magnetic circuit has air gaps between the soft magnetic core and at least one of the clutch parts. The flux density in the magnetic circuit, and thus the contact force, is modifiable via the current applied to the coil. The magnetic flux changes at least ten flux crossover points one after the other in the direction of flow between the clutch parts. The cross section of the magnetic flux in at least one air gap is at least five times greater than the smallest flux cross section in the soft magnetic material.

Abstract: An electro-slip clutch may include a friction stack for receiving input rotation from an input shaft and a surrounding hub and for attaching to an output member. A bearing surface may be provided adjacent the friction stack and a solenoid may further be provided. The solenoid may include a plunger in a first position pressing against the bearing surface with a first degree of force and in a second position different than the first position relative to the bearing surface. Thus, torque transmitted through the friction stack is adjustable by the solenoid. A method of operating a clutch mechanism may include providing a solenoid adjacent a friction stack and providing a first current level to the solenoid, the first current level energizing a coil of the solenoid and pushing a plunger within the solenoid towards the friction stack with a first degree of force.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: The spindle device 1 is provided with: a housing 10 formed with a support hole 10a; a spindle 12 which is supported to rotate freely about an axis within the support hole 10a of the housing 10 and of which distal end is attached with a tool T; a drive motor 20 for rotating the spindle 12 about the axis, the drive motor 20 being configured by a rotor 22 arranged to rotate freely on an outer circumferential surface of the spindle 12 and a stator 23 fixedly provided on an inner circumferential surface of the support hole 10a of the housing 10; an electromagnetic clutch 30 for transmitting intermittently a drive force of the drive motor 20 to the spindle 12; and a controlling device 40 for controlling an operation of the drive motor 20 and that of the electromagnetic clutch 30.

Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the pack clearance of a clutch pack to be adjusted during the manufacturing process to the proper amount, even if there are variations in friction disc thickness and steel disc thickness. The present invention is an electromagnetic clutch having an adjustable pack clearance arrangement, comprising an output shaft, a pressure plate, and a clutch pack actuated by the pressure plate. The pressure plate and the clutch pack are splined to the output shaft. There is also a clutch housing splined to the clutch pack, which also receives force from the clutch pack when the pressure plate is applied. The pressure plate defines a pack clearance for the clutch pack, and the pack clearance is adjustable by a pack clearance adjusting arrangement.

Abstract: An actuating device has an electric motor actuator, at least one output shaft coupled to at least one positioning element and a braking to stop device coupled with the electric motor actuator on the input side and with the output shaft on the output side or includes the output shaft. The braking to stop device has a brake body coupled with the output shaft and is arranged such that it is axially displaceable. The braking to stop device is constructed such that it makes it possible to convert a rotational motion on the input side into the axial lifting motion of the braking body for the displacement thereof from a braking position or positioning the braking body in a braking position. The braking to stop device is also constructed in such a way that it transmits the rotational motion on the input side to the braking body.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed which can be used in multiple applications, and which provides both linear and rotary outputs. The device comprises a motor driven rotor having clutch plates on both sides thereof. One clutch plate includes a gear driven output, and the other clutch plate drives a linear rack for the linear output. An electromagnet controls the engagement of the first and second clutches.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: 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 an actuator having a first segment fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second segment having a screw thread formed thereon which is rotatably and slidably disposed within a chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil is disposed in proximity to the chamber and is selectively energized for varying the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid so as to induce axial movement of the actuator for engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a first magnetic member with a large-diameter cylindrical portion made of a magnetic metal and a second magnetic member with a small-diameter cylindrical portion made of a magnetic metal and contained in the large-diameter cylindrical portion are joined to an annular member of a non-magnetic material interposed between the large and small-diameter cylindrical portions to constitute a magnetic path forming member. The outer and inner circumferential edges of the annular member are welded to the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the small-diameter cylindrical portion, with the front end surface of the annular member receding a second predetermined distance (L2) from the front end surfaces of the large and small-diameter cylindrical portions. Then, the front end surfaces of the large and small-diameter cylindrical portions are cut until the receded distance of the front end surface of the annular member becomes a first predetermined distance (L1).

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed as mounted in a coupling 1, exposed in the vicinity of a stationary member 14, with a dust cover 15 being mounted to a cylindrical member 19 for preventing foreign material from entering a gap between the coupling 1 and the stationary member 14, and a seal member 17 is disposed at a position opposed to the dust cover on the stationary member 14, with a seal portion 123 of the seal 17 being held in sliding contact with the dust cover 15.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic friction clutch for arrangement within a drive train connecting a drive motor and a vehicle door. The vehicle door is reliably held in any intermediate position when a clutch is disconnected. To preserve the ability to carry out a manual emergency actuation of the vehicle door, a compression spring is provided acting upon an armature disk of the clutch in the axial direction in such a way that, with the clutch in the disconnected state, the armature disk is pressed against the frictional lining of a rotor part with a force which is sufficient to ensure that the vehicle door remains reliably in position. During a subsequent manual actuation of the vehicle door, the frictional connection between armature disk and frictional lining can be overcome.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch 1 is disclosed having a magnetic flux loop 31 formed, in magnetic flux loop forming members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 involving an electromagnet 5 and an armature 13, by the electromagnet 5 to allow the armature 13 to be operatively shifted to couple and uncouple a clutch 11, and a proximate member, close proximate to the members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, includes magnetic flux leakage minimizing sections 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 that minimize magnetic fluxes leaked from the armature 13 to the proximate member.

Abstract: 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 an actuator having a first cam fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second cam having a rotor which is rotatably disposed within a chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil is disposed in proximity to the chamber and is selectively energized for varying the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid so as to induce axial movement of the first cam for engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch especially adapted for use in motor vehicle power trains includes a multiple plate friction clutch pack acted upon (compressed) by a ball ramp operator. The ball ramp operator includes two adjacent plates having opposed pairs of arcuate ramped recesses which receive a load transferring member such as a ball or roller bearing. Relative rotation of the plates is achieved through a worm gear drive from a bi-directional electric motor. Such relative rotation causes separation of the plates and compression of the friction clutch pack which transfers torque from the input to the output of the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: 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 an actuator having a first segment fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second segment having a screw thread formed thereon which is rotatably and slidably disposed within a chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil is disposed in proximity to the chamber and is selectively energized for varying the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid so as to induce axial movement of the actuator for engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: A friction clutch has a plurality of iron inner clutch plates and a plurality of iron outer clutch plates. Both the clutch plates have sliding surfaces which are friction-engaged each other. A thin carbon film in a diamond form, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on each of the sliding surfaces of the outer clutch plates by a known method such as the Chemical Vapor Deposition method. A known nitride treatment or quenching and tempering treatment is applied to the sliding surfaces of the inner clutch plates. A coupling device has a pilot clutch mechanism with the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch is resistant to wear and the coupling device is excellent in durability.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting apparatus includes a clutch mechanism for bringing a pilot clutch to a frictionally engaged condition, and a cam mechanism for bringing a main clutch for transmitting driving force to a frictionally engaged condition during operation of the clutch mechanism. The cam mechanism includes a pilot cam member, a main cam member, a stopper member, and a biasing means for biasing the stopper member in a rotational direction for respectively engaging the pilot cam member and the main cam member to the stopper member. A position of the pilot cam member, the main cam member, and the stopper member is determined depending on a relationship between a biasing force to the stopper member by the biasing means and a torque to the pilot cam member.