Abstract: The present invention provides an active clutch mechanism and a hopping robot equipped with the same, the active clutch mechanism comprising: a sun gear; a planetary gear; and a winding gear. When the sun gear rotates in one direction, the planetary gear revolves around the sun gear in the one direction to come into contact with the winding gear, and then rotates the winding gear to wind a wire so as to store energy in an energy storage unit connected to the winding gear. When the sun gear rotates in a direction opposite to the one direction, the planetary gear revolves around the sun gear in the direction different from the one direction to become spaced from the winding gear, so as to discharge the energy stored in the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A novel fan blade support device is disclosed. The device may be installed on ceiling fan blades to provide support to the blade to prevent sagging and drooping. In another embodiment, the support device may be integrally installed into fan blades to prevent sagging and drooping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual clutch for a dual clutch transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive shaft to at least one drive shaft, which comprises a first clutch, a second clutch, and an electrical actuating device. The actuating device comprises a coupling slide, wherein a first slide of the coupling slide acts on the first clutch, and a second slide of the coupling slide acts on the second clutch, and the two slides are movable in such a way that by displacing the slides a recoupling process is controlled.

Abstract: An actuator for driving a release mechanism of a clutch includes a motor, an output member, a ball screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw mechanism and a power transmission mechanism. The output member is coupled to the release mechanism, and is movable in an actuation direction of the release mechanism. The ball screw mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the motor in one direction into movement of the output member in a first axial direction. The trapezoidal screw mechanism has a self-lock function against a reverse driving force from the release mechanism, and is configured to convert rotation of the motor in the other direction into movement of the output member in a second axial direction. The power transmission mechanism is configured to selectively transmit rotation of the motor to the ball screw mechanism or the trapezoidal screw mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member. A clutch has an engaged state in which torque is transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. The clutch has a disengaged state in which torque is not transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. A clutch actuator includes a motor-generator that has a rotor rotatably drivable by one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, and has a stator powerable to rotatably drive the rotor relative to said one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. A controller is operatively connected to the stator and is configured to control the motor-generator to function as a generator to provide torque on the rotor. The motor-generator provides electrical power to a vehicle component.

Abstract: A mining machine including a frame, a motor, a drive shaft having a first end and a distal end, a driven component coupled to the drive shaft at the distal end, and a connector assembly between the motor and the drive shaft. The connector assembly including a connection mechanism operable to drivingly connect the motor and the drive shaft, and an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the connection mechanism between a connected condition, in which the connection mechanism drivingly connects the motor and the drive shaft, and a disconnected condition, in which the driving connection between the motor and the drive shaft is disengaged, the adjustment mechanism including an actuator pivotable about an axis between a connected position corresponding to the connected condition of the adjustment mechanism and a disconnected position corresponding to the disconnected condition of the adjustment mechanism, the actuator being axially fixed relative to the frame.

Abstract: A power transmitting component having a actuator with a lead screw, which is driven by a motor and a transmission, a pusher assembly driven by the lead screw, and first and second clutch forks. Translation of the pusher coordinates movement of the first and second clutch forks along respective axes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuation mechanism having a valve, a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the valve, wherein one of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between a primary set of wheels and a secondary set of wheels, and another of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between each of the secondary set of wheels. The present invention also includes a drive shaft driven by a source of power, which is also connected to the secondary set of wheels, and a pressure supply device in fluid communication with the valve, wherein the valve directs fluid to the plurality of couplings, and when the valve directs fluid to the one of the plurality of couplings operable to distribute power between the primary set and secondary set of wheels, the drive shaft will transfer power to the secondary set of wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disconnector-type clutch for a rear wheel-driving device in a 4-wheel driving electric vehicle, which can eliminate a loss in the driving force due to a slip of friction plates disposed in a multiple disc clutch by transmitting power to rear wheels using the disconnector-type clutch, instead of the multiple disc clutch in 4-wheel driving, and can prevent a loss in the energy by preventing a differential from unnecessarily rotating when rear wheels are drawn by a driving force of front wheels in 2-wheel driving in which a rear-wheel driving motor is not driven by installing the disconnector-type clutch at a rear end of the differential.

Abstract: Ball screws are described that may be incorporated into other devices such as a pulley assembly or a differential device. The ball screws include a threaded shaft defining a central longitudinal axis with a threaded nut threadedly coupled thereto to define at least one track in between them. Each track forms a continuous loop around an infield protrusion and is filled with a plurality of rolling elements filling. Each rolling element has the same radius from the central longitudinal axis such that the nut can rotate at higher speeds without the rolling elements locking up as a result of centripetal force.

Abstract: A clutch actuator unit is provided that includes a housing having a mounting space and a penetration aperture for receiving an operating rod. A slide pad and slider are disposed along an inner side surface of the mounting space, and are configured to move back and forth within the housing. An operating rod that is connected to the slider through the penetration aperture is moved back and forth, along with the slider and slide pad, through the aperture via a drive portion. A stopper is also integrally formed along the front surface of the slide pad to limit the movement of the slider accordingly. In doing so, the disclosed actuator is able to dynamically locate certain stroke positions and provide an improved shifting operation.

Abstract: A stationary shaft supports a fluid-tight rotatable drum which receives an elongated flexible restraining member. The shaft has a threaded portion which receives an actuating nut connected to rotate with the drum through a detent mechanism. Spaced compression springs extend axially between the nut and a stack of interfitting annular brake disks and brake plates, with the disks splined to the shaft and the plates rotatable with the drum. The stack is immersed in an oil-shear cooling fluid that contacts the drum, and the nut and springs are effective to compress the stack with increasing force in response to rotation of the drum for progressively increasing the resistance torque on the drum as the restraining member is pulled from the drum. The detent mechanism limits the compression force on the stack and the tension force on the restraining member while the drum continues to rotate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is clutch actuator unit that includes a housing that includes a mounting space and a penetration aperture for receiving an operating rode. A slide pad and slider are disposed along an inner side surface of the mounting space, and are configured to move back and forth within the housing. An operating rod that is connected to the slider through the penetration aperture is moved back and forth, along with the slider and slid pad, through the aperture via a drive portion. A stopper is also integrally formed along the front surface of the slide pad to limit the movement of the slider accordingly. In doing so, the disclosed actuator is able to dynamically locate certain stroke positions and provide an improved shifting operation.

Abstract: A clutch driving device includes a pair of first and second roller wing arms horizontally moving to both sides by moving body moving forward/backward on an axial center line of an actuator and a roller inclined cam surface defining a move path of a pivot is formed such that first and second roller wing arms horizontally move to both sides from the axial center line of actuator, on the surface of a lever generating a stroke at a release bearing. Therefore, the lever can be lifted above a clutch engagement gap where a sufficient stroke is generated at the release bearing engaging a clutch, such that it is possible to achieve sufficient performance even if the output of actuator is reduced by the amount of energy consumption which is relative reduced.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train has a control device, an electric actuator and a drive circuit for the actuator. The drive circuit receives at least one nominal signal relating to an actuator from the control device and converts it into a drive signal for the actuator. The control device is checked for faults by means of a monitoring device. The drive circuit and/or a power stage which is arranged between the drive circuit and the motor receives a reset signal when such a fault occurs. Further, the control device is configured to check the function of the drive circuit and to generate a reset signal for the drive circuit and/or for the power stage if a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A clutch device is configured to switch between a first clutch and a second clutch. The clutch device includes a fixed sleeve having a first male thread. The fixed sleeve is coaxially arranged around an exterior of a second input shaft. A first slider has a first internal female thread and a second external male thread. The first slider is arranged externally around the fixed sleeve. The second slider has a second internal female thread. The second slider is arranged around the exterior of the first slider to rotate and move in an axial direction. A first release bearing member is interposed between a member on the first clutch side and the second slider. A second release bearing member is interposed between a member on the side of the second clutch and the first slider. A first motor rotates the first slider. A second motor rotates the second slider.

Abstract: An actuating device for applying actuating forces in a friction clutch device for engaging and disengaging a friction clutch assembly of the friction clutch device. The torque transmission device comprises the actuating device for transmission of torque between a drive unit and a transmission which also includes the friction clutch device. A method for installing a torque transmission device of this type. Various aspects relate to setting of a pre-load on a bearing of the actuating device, setting an over-dead-point configuration for a compensation spring associated with at least one rotary member of the actuating device, setting a rotation movement range for the rotary member and/or an axial movement range for an actuating element which can be displaced axially by rotation movement imparted to the rotary member, and producing either a normally engaged or disengaged characteristic in a normally-engaged or normally-disengaged friction clutch assembly with the compensation spring.

Abstract: A clutch type driving mechanism used in a hybrid powered vehicle is disclosed to include an axle housing mounted at a motor shaft of a motor, a sliding sleeve having a female thread meshed with a male thread of the axle housing, an axle bearing mounted in the sliding sleeve, an input shaft rotatably and slidably supported in the axle bearing with its one end normally kept apart from the axle housing and its other end provided with a gear, and an output shaft meshed with the gear of the input shaft. When the motor is started, the axle housing is driven by the motor shaft to rotate the sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is moved along the axle housing toward the motor due to the effects of inertia, causing friction engagement between the input shaft and the axle housing so that the axle housing can drive the input shaft to transfer rotational motion to the output shaft.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes at least one clutch arranged on a rotating shaft in order to couple the rotating shaft selectively with a drive element of the drive train, and at least one activation device to activate the clutch. The activation device is adapted to bring an engagement segment selectively into engagement with a threaded segment rotating with the shaft in order to cause a relative movement of the engagement segment and the threaded segment along the axis of the rotating shaft and thus activate the clutch in the axial direction.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling at least two freewheels independent of an associated shaft of a gear mechanism comprises at least one shifting device that comprises an actuation device and a shifting device. The shifting device can be axially displaced with the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft.

Abstract: An electromotive brake system may include a caliper housing, a first and second friction pads, a brake disk disposed in between, a pressurizing member connected to the second friction pad, a push rod with a push rod groove, an operating disk inserted in the push rod groove, first and second springs, a rotating ramp adapted to convert the rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement of a non-rotating ramp by a ball disposed between the rotating ramp and the non-rotating ramp. The electromotive brake system may further include first and second catching portions, a plurality of teeth and corresponding engaging protrusion of the teeth. The plurality of teeth and the protrusion may have slanted or curved surfaces.

Abstract: Various pulley assemblies are described that include a pulley body, a hub defining an axis of rotation disposed within a bore of the pulley body, and an actuator and a clutch mechanism disposed about the hub. The actuator axially expands when the pulley body rotates in a predominant direction, and the clutch mechanism is activated thereby into an engaged position. In this engaged position, the clutch mechanism links the pulley body to the hub for simultaneous rotation in the predominant direction. Then, when the pulley body rotates in a non-dominant direction or experiences a deceleration, the pulley assembly enters an overrun position where the clutch mechanism disengages and allows the hub to rotate at speeds greater than the pulley body. Additionally, a reverse configuration is described where the actuator axially expands when the hub rotates and the clutch mechanism, when engaged, links the hub to the pulley body.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus for a clutch that operates the clutch of a transmission according to operation of a motor, may include the motor including a stator and a rotator, wherein the rotator has a drive shaft and a rotator core receiving the drive shaft therein, a lead screw engaged to the drive shaft of the motor and movable in a length direction thereof according to the operation of the drive shaft in the motor, a rod disposed apart from the lead screw, a slider connecting the lead screw with the rod, and a guide rail disposed to contact with the slider and guiding a linear motion of the slider.

Abstract: An electromotive actuator for deflecting a motor vehicle part includes a rotatable component and a non-rotatable component. The rotatable component can be driven by an electric motor in such a way that it can be moved linearly relative to the non-rotatable component between a first position and a second position. In order to create a compact adjustment device, the two components of the actuator are configured respectively as a threaded spindle and a threaded nut, whereby the rotatable component (threaded spindle or threaded nut) is non-rotatably connected to the rotor of the electric motor and can act directly or indirectly on the vehicle part that is to be deflected.

Abstract: An overrunning torque transmitting device that employs a plurality of cone clutches and an overload mechanism for limiting the torque transmitted through the device in a predetermined rotational direction. A method for transmitting torque is also provided.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor of a generator is used to excite a electromagnet stator to generate electric power for the generator and to control a disengagement mechanism whereby the generator can disengage from an accessory, such as a gear box drive shaft, when the generator is not working properly. The permanent magnet is affixed to an outer ball screw which normally rotates with an inner ball screw that is operatively engaged to the accessory. An increased load to the electromagnet stator slows or stops rotation of the permanent magnet rotor and outer ball screw, causing the inner ball screw to move axially from the outer ball screw and away from an accessory and toward a re-settable lock.

Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A clutch actuator is configured to change operational force applied to a clutch in cases that a worm wheel is rotated by a motor. The clutch actuator may include a motor provided with a rotatable worm shaft, a screw thread formed along an exterior circumference of the worm shaft, a worm wheel provided with a worm gear engaging the screw thread, and a cam recess, an operation rod mounted to the worm wheel, the operation rod configured to engage or release a clutch, and/or a rotatable operation unit disposed within the cam recess, and configured to apply elastic force to the worm wheel. Methods of using the clutch actuator are also described.

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: A brake application device for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, which comprises a wear adjuster that is configured as a brake actuator with a screw drive, having a threaded spindle and a nut that can be screwed onto said spindle as the screw parts. At least one of the screw parts is electrically actuated for wear adjustment.

Abstract: The torque transmission apparatus is simple, small and light and has a clutch unit to receive thrust and transmit torque between rotary members, a differential screw mechanism to convert rotational force into the thrust applied to the clutch unit, and an electric motor to produce the rotational force. The differential screw mechanism has a driving screw and driven screws. The driving screw is rotatably and axially movably supported on a rotary drive shaft of the electric motor. The driven screws mesh with the driving screw and are rotatably and axially immovably supported. The meshing driving screw and driven screws are rotated to axially move the driving screw and apply engaging force to the clutch unit.

Abstract: A clutch system of a vehicle includes a clutch pedal, a first cable connected to the clutch pedal such that the first cable pivotally interacts with the clutch pedal, a rod connected to the first cable to rotatably interact with the first cable, a guide secured to a fixed element of a vehicle such that the rod moves therethrough, and a fork pivotally interacts with the rod and thus has a simple scheme manufacturing process and costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A module with an axle assembly, which has a housing, a differential, an input shaft, a pair of shafts and a pair of wheel hubs, and an auxiliary drive unit that includes an electric motor and an overrunning clutch. The differential and the input shaft are disposed in the housing for rotation therein. The differential includes a case and a ring gear that is coupled to the case. The input shaft has a pinion that is meshingly engaged to the ring gear. Each shaft couples the differential to one of the wheel hubs. The overrunning clutch includes an input portion, which is coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor, and an output portion, which is coupled to the input shaft. The output portion is de-coupled from the input portion when a rotational speed of the input portion is not greater than a rotational speed of the output portion.

Abstract: An actuating device (18) or a clutch (16) of a motor vehicle (2) comprising one electric motor (34), one gearing (36, 40, 42, 44) which converts rotational motion of the electric motor (34) into a translatory motion and one accumulator (52). The converter gearing comprises one recirculating ball spindle (44). The accumulator (52) is at least partly situated within the recirculating ball spindle (44), and at least parts (58, 60) of a displacement sensor (56) are situated within the recirculating ball spindle (44).

Abstract: A clutch actuator is provided for operating a clutch between a drive motor and a gearbox on a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, including a linearly operating pin, acting on a release mechanism which is coaxial to a mid-axis of the clutch. The pin is arranged in a plane essentially perpendicular to the mid-axis of the clutch and coupled eccentrically to a rotating body of a gear mechanism, converting the rotating movement thereof into a linear movement of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus wherein an electric motor, an engine or another prime mover rotates an axially fixed first part relative to a coaxial axially movable non-rotatable second part. The structure which serves to move the second part axially in response to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first part includes a follower borne by the first part and a helical spring having end convolutions affixed to the first part. The follower extends between two intermediate convolutions of the helical spring. If the apparatus is utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle, the axially movable part can serve to engage or disengage or change the extent of engagement of the friction clutch between the output element of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission.

Abstract: A ball screw in a continuously variable speed transmission has an axially immovable pulley half (2) and axially movable pulley half (3) both mounted on a rotary shaft (4). The axially movable pulley half (3) is moved by a ball screw (20) so as to infinitely vary the belt wrapping radius and thus the transmission speed. A nut (22), forming one part of the ball screw (20), is immovably secured in both axial and rotational directions. A screw shaft (21), forming the other part of the ball screw (20), is movable in both axial and rotational directions. The screw shaft 21 is connected to the axially movable pulley half (3). The axially movable pulley half (3) is axially moved by rotating the screw shaft (21).

Abstract: A transfer case (1) with controllable clutch (5) for a motor vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle with part-time four-wheel drive, for distributing a driving torque coming in via a drive shaft (2) to at least two output shafts (3, 4). Hereby the output shaft (4) can be connected to the drive shaft (2) via the clutch (5), and the clutch (5) can be actuated via an electric motor (9) and a drive converter device (10) that is arranged between the electric motor (9) and the clutch (5) for converting a rotatory motion of the electric motor (9) into a translatory actuating motion for the clutch (5). The electric motor (9) is hereby designed as an induction motor.

Abstract: A distributor gear (1) with an adjustable coupling device (5) for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle with a shiftable all-wheel drive is described for the distribution of an incoming drive torque via a drive shaft (2) to at least two output shafts (3, 4). It is moreover provided that an output shaft (4) can be connected via the coupling device (5) with the drive shaft (2) and that the coupling device (5) can be actuated via an electric motor (9) and a drive converter device (10) located between the electric motor (9) and the coupling device (5) for the conversion of rotary movement of the electric motor (9) into a translatory actuation movement for the coupling device (5). The electric motor (9) is incorporated into a gear (7).

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 a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor/brake unit, a torque/force conversion mechanism, and a force amplification mechanism. The motor/brake unit can be operated in either of a motor mode or a brake mode to cause bi-directional linear movement of an output member of the torque/force conversion mechanism. The thrust force generated by the torque/force conversion mechanism is increased by the force amplification mechanism with the resultant clutch engagement force applied to the clutch assembly. The dual mode feature of the electric motor/brake unit significantly reduces the power requirements.

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 apparatus which can effect relative movements between first and second parts that are rotatable relative to each other between several positions utilizes a helix having a stack of convolutions and being non-rotatably associated with one of the parts, a follower (such as a pin or an eccentric or an annulus of rolling elements) which is arranged to extend between at least two convolutions of the helix and is affixed to the other part, an electric or fluid-operated or other suitable motor which serves to rotate at least one of the parts relative to the other part, a further part (such as the release bearing for a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle) which is movable axially with and relative to the first part, and a coupling device serving to separably connect the further part to the first part except in at least one selected position of the second part relative to the first part. Such arrangement facilitates convenient separation of the clutch from the means for operating the release bearing.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes an actuator having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of balls. The inner sleeve is supported for rotation relative to the first rotary member and each of the inner and outer sleeves includes a spiral groove aligned with the other. The balls are positioned within the spiral grooves between the inner and outer sleeves. An electric motor selectively rotates one of the inner and outer sleeves so as to induce axial movement of the other of the inner and outer sleeves to engage the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch actuator unit comprises a housing (8, 9), a screw mechanism and an actuator head which at one end engages the screw mechanism (1, 2) and at the other end has an actuating end (18), which actuator head (16) can be displaced in axial direction by the screw mechanism upon driving the screw mechanism. The actuating end (18) of the actuator head (16) is displaceable in transverse direction with respect to the screw mechanism as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts which are intended for rotating in the prolongation of one another with respect to a casing. A dog clutch ensures that the two shafts are coupled.

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 actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the 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 a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor/brake unit and a torque/force conversion mechanism. The motor/brake unit can be operated in either of a motor mode or a brake mode to cause bi-directional linear movement of an output member of the torque/force conversion mechanism. The thrust force generated by the torque/force conversion mechanism is applied to the clutch assembly. The dual mode feature of the electric motor/brake unit significantly reduces the power requirements.

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 a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor/brake unit, a torque/force conversion mechanism, and a force amplification mechanism. The motor/brake unit can be operated in either of a motor mode or a brake mode to cause bi-directional linear movement of an output member of the torque/force conversion mechanism. The thrust force generated by the torque/force conversion mechanism is increased by the force amplification mechanism with the resultant clutch engagement force applied to the clutch assembly. The dual mode feature of the electric motor/brake unit significantly reduces the power requirements.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes an actuator having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of balls. The inner sleeve is supported for rotation relative to the first rotary member and each of the inner and outer sleeves includes a spiral groove aligned with the other. The balls are positioned within the spiral grooves between the inner and outer sleeves. An electric motor selectively rotates one of the inner and outer sleeves so as to induce axial movement of the other of the inner and outer sleeves to engage the clutch.