Patent ID: 6920968
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A coupling device comprising: a first rotary member; a second rotary member, which is rotatable relative to the first rotary member; a plurality of housing chambers defined between the first rotary member and the second rotary member, wherein the housing chambers include a first housing chamber, which is charged with lubricant oil, and a second housing chamber, which is not charged with lubricant oil, and wherein the second housing chamber is sealed from the first housing chamber; a first clutch housed in the second housing chamber, wherein the first clutch includes a first iron clutch plate and a second iron clutch plate, which friction-engage with each other, wherein the first clutch plate has a first sliding surface that contacts the second clutch plate, wherein the second clutch plate has a second sliding surface that contacts the first clutch plate, and wherein a thin carbon film in a diamond form is formed on at least one of the first and second sliding surfaces; a second clutch housed in the first housing chamber, wherein the first and second clutches cooperate to transmit torque between the first rotary member and the second rotary member; and an electromagnetic actuator, which actuates the first clutch such that the clutch plates friction-engage with each other.