Patent ID: 6988604
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. An electrically actuated clutch for a secondary vehicle driveline comprising, in combination: an input member adapted to be driven by a transmission; an output member adapted to drive a differential; 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 said clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a ball ramp actuator disposed adjacent said friction clutch pack and having a first member defining a first plurality of ramped recesses, a second member defining a second plurality of ramped recesses facing said first plurality of ramped recesses and a plurality of load transferring members cooperatively disposed in said pluralities of ramped recesses; at least one return member extending axially through an arcuate slot in one of said members and an aperture in another of said members and a compression spring disposed about said return member for providing a disengaging force to said ball ramp actuator; and an electric actuator for rotating one of said members relative to another of said members.