Abstract: An internal gear pump (100) comprises: a rotor/torque ring comprising an internally lobed (140) rotor (130) and a torque ring (120) extending beyond at least a first end (134) of the rotor; an externally lobed (160) idler (150) encircled by the rotor; a hollow shaft (190) supporting the idler; a pressure relief element (200) positioned to shift between a first condition and a second condition; and a spring (210) biasing the pressure relief element toward the first condition from the second condition. The torque ring has at least one pressure relief port (240A, 240B) positioned so that: in the first condition, the pressure relief element blocks a path from an interior volume (235) of the pump to the pressure relief port; and in the second condition, relative to the first condition the pressure relief element does not block the path.

Abstract: An internal gear pump (100) comprises: a rotor/torque ring comprising an internally lobed (140) rotor (130) and a torque ring (120) extending beyond at least a first end (134) of the rotor; an externally lobed (160) idler (150) encircled by the rotor; a hollow shaft (190) supporting the idler; a pressure relief element (200) positioned to shift between a first condition and a second condition; and a spring (210) biasing the pressure relief element toward the first condition from the second condition. The torque ring has at least one pressure relief port (240A, 240B) positioned so that: in the first condition, the pressure relief element blocks a path from an interior volume (235) of the pump to the pressure relief port; and in the second condition, relative to the first condition the pressure relief element does not block the path.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control coordinated actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline component that includes an input member, at least one output member and a preloaded clutch that is disposed between the input member and the at least one output member. The preloaded clutch limits drive torque transmitted form the input member to each output member. The driveline component is selected from a group consisting of transfer cases, propshafts, viscous couplings and differentials. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control coordinated actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control coordinated actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A method of actuating a clutch in a power transmission device having a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes compressing a spring, releasing the spring to pressurize a fluid, supplying the pressurized fluid to a piston, and applying a force from the piston to the clutch to transfer torque between the first and second rotary members.

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 a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.

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 a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a first piston biasedly engaged by a spring, slidably positioned within a housing and operable to supply pressurized fluid to a second piston. Supply of pressurized fluid to the second piston provides the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism operable to transferring drive torque from the input member to the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a first piston. The first piston is slidably positioned within the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is in communication with a second piston to provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

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 a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.

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 a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to a pump. The pump supplies pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The pressurized fluid within the accumulator is selectively supplied to a piston to provide a clutch engagement force.

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 a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.

Abstract: A two-speed full-time transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, a planetary gearset, an interaxle differential, and first and second clutch mechanisms. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear integral with the input shaft, an annulus gear, and pinion gears rotatably mounted on a carrier and which are meshed with the sun and annulus gears. The interaxle differential has an input driven by the carrier, a first output driving the first output shaft and a second output driving a transfer mechanism coupled to the second output shaft. The first clutch mechanism is a fluid-actuated bi-directional overrunning clutch operable for selectively braking the annulus gear. The second clutch mechanism is a fluid-released bi-directional overrunning clutch for selectively releasing the input shaft from coupled engagement with the carrier.

Abstract: A two-speed full-time transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, a planetary gearset, an interaxle differential, and first and second clutch mechanisms. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear integral with the input shaft, an annulus gear, and pinion gears rotatably mounted on a carrier and which are meshed with the sun and annulus gears. The interaxle differential has an input driven by the carrier, a first output driving the first output shaft and a second output driving a transfer mechanism coupled to the second output shaft. The first clutch mechanism is a fluid-actuated bi-directional overrunning clutch operable for selectively braking the annulus gear. The second clutch mechanism is a fluid-released bi-directional overrunning clutch for selectively releasing the input shaft from coupled engagement with the carrier.