Transmission having selectable power transfer shaft
US9016150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H61/0009
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle powertrain includes a transaxle configured to drive front wheels and a power take-off unit configured to drive rear wheels through a driveshaft. The power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch such that the power flow path to the rear wheels can be disconnected to reduce fuel consumption and reconnected when needed for traction enhancement. Although the disconnect clutch is physically located within the power take-off unit, it is actuated by fluid from the transaxle valve body. The disconnect clutch actuator includes a piston that slides within a chamber in a housing and a solenoid controlled valve that fluidly connects the chamber either to a pressure source or to the transaxle sump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.