Abstract:
A transfer case for vehicles comprises: a first output shaft; a second output shaft; a clutch assembly disposed at the second output shaft, the clutch assembly including inner and outer drum members, one of the inner and outer drum members rotatable in association with rotation of the first output shaft and the other one of the inner and outer drum members coupled with the second output shaft, the clutch assembly further including a plurality of frictional clutch plates, the frictional clutch plates formed of at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the inner drum member and at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the outer drum member; an actuator shaft rotatably coupled with an actuator; and a clutch actuator means coupled with the actuator for applying axial force to the frictional clutch plates to transmit a drive torque of the first output shaft to the second output shaft.
Abstract:
A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes an actuator having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of balls. The inner sleeve is supported for rotation relative to the first rotary member and each of the inner and outer sleeves includes a spiral groove aligned with the other. The balls are positioned within the spiral grooves between the inner and outer sleeves. An electric motor selectively rotates one of the inner and outer sleeves so as to induce axial movement of the other of the inner and outer sleeves to engage the clutch.
Abstract:
A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable with the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
Abstract:
A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor/brake unit and a torque/force conversion mechanism. The motor/brake unit can be operated in either of a motor mode or a brake mode to cause bi-directional linear movement of an output member of the torque/force conversion mechanism. The thrust force generated by the torque/force conversion mechanism is applied to the clutch assembly. The dual mode feature of the electric motor/brake unit significantly reduces the power requirements.
Abstract:
A transfer clutch includes a magnetorheological actuator which controls operation of a ball screw operator for controlling the magnitude of clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between an input member and an output member. The magnetorheological actuator includes an electromagnetic coil, and a rotor having a first segment retained in a sealed chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. The ball screw operator includes a threaded screw mounted on the output member and which is splined to a second segment of the rotor, a threaded nut, a plurality of balls retained between the aligned threads of the screw and nut, and a drag spring providing a predetermined drag force between the screw and the output member. The multi-plate clutch assembly includes a drum driven by the input member, a hub driving the output member, and a clutch pack operably disposed between the drum and hub.
Abstract:
A hybrid transfer case includes a mainshaft, front and rear output shafts, an electric motor/generator connected to the mainshaft, and an input clutch for selectively coupling the transmission to the mainshaft. The transfer case further includes a planetary gearset having a sun gear driven by the mainshaft, a ring gear, and planet gears supported from a carrier. A direct clutch is operable to selectively couple the rear output shaft for rotation with the input shaft. A low brake is operable to selectively brake rotation of the ring gear. A transfer clutch controls the amount of drive torque delivered through a transfer assembly to the front output shaft. A hybrid control system is provided for controlling actuation of the various clutch and brake assemblies and the electric motor/generator to establish various drive modes.
Abstract:
A transfer case is provided and includes a first output shaft driven by a powertrain and operably interconnected with a first pair of wheels, a second output shaft selectively driven by the first output shaft and operably interconnected with a second pair of wheels and a transfer gear assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft for transferring drive torque from the first output shaft to the second output shaft. The transfer gear assembly includes a first transfer gear in selective drive connection with the first output shaft, a second transfer gear in meshed engagement with the first transfer gear, a third transfer gear in drive connection with the second transfer gear and the second output shaft. A clutch pack is operably disposed between the first output shaft and the first transfer gear for selectively establishing drive connection therebetween.
Abstract:
An electric drive axle for use in hybrid vehicles has an electric motor driving a compact gearbox. The gearbox includes a planetary reduction unit and a differential assembly. The planetary reduction unit has compound planet gears supported from a planet carrier which mesh with a fixed ring gear and a sun gear driven by the electric motor. The planet carrier drives the differential which transfer motive power to a pair of output shafts adapted for connection to one set of wheels. When used with a conventional engine-based powertrain for the other set of wheels, the electric drive axle establishes a four-wheel drive powertrain for the hybrid vehicle. The electric motor and gearbox are mounted in a common housing assembly to provide a compact drive axle assembly.
Abstract:
A hybrid transfer case includes a mainshaft, front and rear output shafts, an electric motor/generator connected to the mainshaft, and an input clutch for selectively coupling the transmission to the mainshaft. The transfer case further includes a planetary gearset having a sun gear driven by the mainshaft, a ring gear, and planet gears supported from a carrier. A direct clutch is operable to selectively coupled the rear output shaft for rotation with the input shaft. A low brake is operable to selectively brake rotation of the ring gear. A transfer clutch controls the amount of drive torque delivered through a transfer assembly to the front output shaft. A hybrid control system is provided for controlling actuation of the various clutch and brake assemblies and the electric motor/generator to establish various drive modes.
Abstract:
An automated twin-clutch multi-speed transmission is disclosed for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transmission includes a first engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a first input shaft, a first motor/generator connected to the first input shaft, a second engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a second input shaft, a second motor/generator connected to the second input shaft, a mainshaft, and a geartrain for selectively establishing a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratio drive connections between the input shafts and the mainshaft. The transmission further includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging constant-mesh gearsets associated with the geartrain, and a transmission controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the first and second engine clutches, the first and second motor-generators, and the power-operated dog clutches to permit non-power interrupted (“powershift”) sequential gear changes automatically without input from the vehicle operator. An interaxle differential transfers drive torque from the mainshaft to the front and rear drivelines to establish a full-time four-wheel drive mode.