Solenoid valve controlled all-wheel drive hydraulic coupling assembly
US6699151B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/204
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydraulic coupling assembly is provided for an auxiliary drive axle of an all wheel drive motor vehicle. The hydraulic coupling assembly comprises a rotatable casing, first and second output shafts axially outwardly extending from said casing, at least one hydraulically operated, selectively engageable friction clutch assembly for operatively coupling the casing to at least one of the output shafts, and at least one hydraulic clutch actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic pump located within the casing and adapted to generate a hydraulic pressure to frictionally load the friction clutch assembly, and a variable pressure relief valve assembly fluidly communicating with the hydraulic pump to selectively control the hydraulic pressure generated by the pump. The variable pressure relief valve assembly includes an electro-magnetic actuator selectively for varying a release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly based on a magnitude of an electric current applied thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.