Patent ID: 6206163
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A friction device having a drive member and a driven member which are rotatable about a common axis and which define a clutch housing therebetween; a clutch pack interposed between said drive and driven members and operable to connect and disconnect said drive and driven members for transferring and interrupting torque there between; a piston assembly supported in said clutch housing and defining a first expandable chamber between said piston assembly and said clutch housing; a first source of pressurized fluid in communication with said first expandable chamber, said piston assembly being responsive to the pressure of fluid in said expandable chamber to move between disengaged and engaged positions thereby actuating said clutch pack to connect and disconnect said drive and driven members; characterized by:control module supported in said piston; a second source of pressurized lubricant; said control module including a control element having a surface thereon directly exposed to pressure in said expandable chamber and responsive to the pressure in said expandable chamber for controlling flow from said second source of pressurized fluid into said module; and outlets in said control module for directing the second source of pressurized fluid to said clutch pack when actuated by said piston.