Variably controlled torque coupling device for on-demand all-wheel drive drivetrains
US6725989B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2500/70418
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydraulically actuated torque-coupling device is provided for selectively actuating a secondary drive axle of an All-Wheel Drive motor vehicle when wheel slippage occurs with a primary axle. The torque-coupling device comprises a housing, an input shaft and an output shaft both rotatably supported within the housing, a selectively engageable friction clutch assembly for operatively coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, and hydraulic clutch actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic pump located within the housing 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 for selectively 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.