Ball ramp clutch having force amplifying configuration
US6691845B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2300/0214
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A preferred embodiment compound ball ramp clutch assembly for motor vehicle drive line components includes a force amplifying assembly having two ball ramp operators arranged in tandem. The clutch assembly includes a first ball ramp operator having opposed cam plates with load transferring balls, an electromagnetic coil, a rotor and an armature. When energized, the coil creates drag which causes separation of the plates of the first ball ramp operator which compresses a primary (pilot) clutch pack disposed in mechanical parallel with the cam plates and load transferring balls of a second ball ramp operator. A speed difference and drag across the second ball ramp operator compresses a secondary (main) clutch pack. Significantly increased torque carrying capacity is exhibited by such a compound or a tandem ball ramp clutch assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.