Patent ID: 6327935
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: B60K,F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A twin clutch axle comprising, in combination,an input member,a gear set driven by said input member and having an output defining an axis of rotation,a pair of multiple disc clutch assemblies each driven by said output of said gear set and having an output member disposed for rotation about said axis of rotation including a pair of spaced-apart stops and adapted to drive a rear axle, said clutch assemblies each disposed on said output member between said spaced-apart stops and having a first plurality of clutch discs disposed for rotation with said output of said gear set, a second plurality of clutch discs interleaved with said first plurality of clutch discs and disposed for rotation with said output member and a clutch operator for compressing said first and said second pluralities of clutch discs,said clutch operator including a stationary electromagnetic coil, a band of magnetic flux directing material disposed adjacent said coil and a force generating cam assembly for converting rotary motion into axial force for adjustably compressing said pluralities of clutch discs.2.The twin clutch axle of claim 1 further including a motor vehicle having a primary drive line disposed in a forward portion and a secondary drive line disposed in a rearward portion and wherein said twin clutch axle is disposed in said secondary drive line.