Abstract: There is disclosed a motor vehicle having a set of front wheels, a set of rear wheels, an engine, and a transmission driven by the engine and having a transmission output shaft. The motor vehicle further has a transfer including a variable torque trasmitting (VTT) clutch for varying a distribution of torque between the set of front wheels and the set of rear wheels depending upon degree of engagement thereof. A clutch activating pressure is generated and transmitted to the VTT clutch under the control of a mode selector valve.

Abstract: An integrated wheel end for a vehicle is disclosed. The integrated wheel end has a hub rotatably mounted to a bearing pack. The integrated wheel end is secured to the vehicle by fastening the bearing pack to a knuckle of the vehicle. The integral hub has a spindle portion for receiving an end portion of a drive axle, a clutch housing for receiving a locking clutch mechanism and a flange for the mounting of a brake rotor and a vehicle supporting wheel. A locking hub clutch is mounted in the clutch housing and is selectively operated to provide unity of rotation between the axle and the hub or to provide independent rotation of the axle and the hub. The clutch housing is suited for installing different clutch mechanisms including manually operated and pressure operated either by negative or positive pressure. The integrated wheel end has a sealed defined cavity and an air circuit for the introduction or withdrawal of air to operated the pressure operated clutch mechanisms.

Abstract: A control system for engaging, disengaging and re-engaging a front wheel drive in an agricultural vehicle includes a control circuit configured to receive signals representative of vehicle operating parameters and to generate control signals corresponding to the desired state (i.e. engaged or disengaged) of a front wheel drive engagement circuit. Sensors are associated with the rear wheels, rear service brakes, implement positioning circuit, the vehicle body and the front axle to provide parameter signals related to wheel speed, braking, implement position and vehicle speed. Control logic executed by the control circuit in a continuously cycled routine determines the desired state of the engagement circuit based upon all operating parameters. The control circuit applies an appropriate control signal to the engagement circuit causing engagement or disengagement in accordance with the desired state.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a driving member and a driven member rotatably mounted one inside the other. A plurality of engaging elements are mounted between the driving member and the driven member so as to engage with the driving member and the driven member when the driving member and the driven member rotate relative to each other in either direction. A cage is mounted between the driving member and the driven member for keeping the engaging elements apart from one another by a predetermined distance. A turning force imparting mechanism is coupled to the cage for moving the engaging elements to an engageable position by turning the cage in one direction relative to the driving member, and a locking mechanism is provided between the cage and the driven member for detachably coupling the cage to the driven member and remote-controlled through a cable connected to the locking mechanism and extending out of the rotation transmission device.

Abstract: Either the front wheels or the rear wheels of a front wheel- and rear wheel-drive vehicle are driven by an engine and the other thereof are driven by an electric motor. A .mu. detecting circuit detects a coefficient of friction on a road surface. A control circuit controls to operate the electric motor such that, when the vehicle is started in a condition in which a detected coefficient of friction is below a predetermined value, an output torque of the electric motor becomes a predetermined set value corresponding to the detected coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A system for selecting either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive in a vehicle which includes an actuator mounted on the differential housing of the vehicle drive system for engaging and disengaging the externally splined ends of opposing shafts in response to a signal switched from a power source in the vehicle cab. The actuator converts the rotary output of a DC motor to linear output of a carrier-mounted lead screw and drive nut which is transferred to a plunger which moves an internally splined ring between the opposing splined shaft ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power transfer device such as a vehicle transfer case having, shaft speed sensors, a two speed (high-low) drive assembly, an electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated shift operator and a microprocessor comprising the steps of sensing the speeds of the transfer case input shaft and output shaft, calculating the rate of change (.DELTA.S/.DELTA.t) of the speed of the input shaft, predicting, based upon such rate of change, a time when the input shaft and the output shaft will be synchronized and commencing movement of such shift operator at a time prior to such synchronization in order to effect engagement of such clutch into high gear at substantially the instant of synchronization.

Abstract: An improved geartrain includes a transmission unit operatively attached to a longitudinally placed engine. The transmission unit incorporates a multi-speed transmission and a lockable planetary differential and further includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and connecting drive and driven gears. Two alternative torque paths are provided to a quill shaft from the output shaft. One of these paths is a high-range path and the other of these is a low-range path. The two torque paths are directed through a synchronizer clutch between low-range and high-range. One end of the quill shaft is connected to the low-high synchronizer clutch and the other end is connected to the lockable differential. The differential end of the quill shaft is connected to the pinion carrier of the differential. The torque delivered by the quill shaft is split by the differential when in its unlocked mode with a portion going to the rear wheels and a portion going to the front wheels.

Abstract: In a driving force transfer apparatus for a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle with a fail safe structure, a high-speed gear range shift position and a low-speed gear range shift position in a high-speed and low-speed gear range position switching mechanism in a sub transmission are determined without special position sensors. In a case where the special position sensors are installed in the transfer apparatus, a shift position sensor diagnosis operation is effected so that a failure in either of a high-speed gear range position or low-speed gear range position sensor can easily be detected. If the failure in either of the position sensor occurs, a hydraulic (oil) pressure supply for providing a clutch pressure for a frictional clutch is made effective. Furthermore, a failure of either of revolution speed sensor detecting a first output axle revolution speed or detecting a second output axle revolution speed can also be detected. The first output axle is connected to mainly driven road wheels.

Abstract: A lubrication structure for a transfer mechanism distributing a driving force received from a transmission gear to two output shafts and outputting the driving force therefrom, wherein the lubrication structure comprises a slide tube section for a sliding yoke provided in a propeller shaft, the slide tube section externally mounted on a shaft section of the output shaft in a state where it can move in the axial direction but cannot relatively rotate; a lubricating oil hole provided in an extended section of a transfer case covering the slide shaft section; a lubricating oil groove provided in an internal surface of the extended section and communicating with the lubricating oil hole, the lubricating oil groove oriented in the axial direction of the extended section; a seal mechanism sealing between the slide tube section on the internal surface of the extended section at the outer end thereof; and a bushing provided between the extended section and the slide tube section so that the bushing covers the lubrica

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: Tandem rear axle assembly for motor vehicles, especially trucks. The tandem rear axle assembly herein does not employ an inter-axle differential. Instead, torque is transmitted from a motor drive shaft to a longitudinally extending through shaft, which may drive a differential for a rearward rear axle. A forward rear axle is selectively engaged or disengaged, as driving conditions require, by a disk-type friction clutch or clutch pack. The clutch pack may be actuated by an actuator assembly which includes sensors for determining the rotational speeds of the two rear axles, and a computer controlled unit or signal generator for generating an output signal when the difference in rotational exceeds a predetermined limit. The output signal actuates, for example, by air pressure, a piston which compresses the clutch pack so as to engage the clutch and thereby transmit torque to both the forward and rearward rear axles simultaneously. The clutch may be manually actuated if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-speed gear reduction unit and a shift mechanism for establishing two distinct speed ratio drive connections between an input member and an output member. More specifically, the shift mechanism includes a clutch apparatus for stopping relative rotation between the input and output members prior to shifting the gear reduction unit from its neutral operating state into either of its high-range or low-range operating states. Thus, the present invention is adapted for use in the transfer case of a four-wheel drive vehicle for shifting between four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved power transfer system for use in four-wheel drive vehicles having a transfer case equipped with a torque transfer arrangement that is operable for automatically controlling the drive torque delivered to the front and rear drivelines of the vehicle and establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: An adaptive torque control and distribution system for a motor vehicle having a transfer case, primary driveline and drive wheels and secondary driveline and drive wheels for operation in extreme off road conditions such as sand. The transfer case includes a modulating clutch and a lockup clutch disposed in parallel between its primary (rear) output and secondary (front) output. The system detects abnormally high magnitude and rapidly repeating wheel spin transients which are characteristic of operation in sand or similar highly randomly variable tractive conditions and overrides the on demand torque distribution program for a predetermined time interval. During this predetermined time interval, the transfer case lockup clutch is activated thereby coupling the primary and secondary drivelines and achieving a fifty-fifty torque split therebetween while the modulating clutch is inactive.

Abstract: Drive for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprising a transversely mounted in-line engine (1) and an automatic gearbox (8) placed parallel to the engine on one side thereof. The automatic gearbox has two output front wheel drive shafts (19,20) directed in opposite directions, and which are coupled to a differential (14-18) on the output side of the gearbox. One (19) of said drive shafts extends through the gearbox to its input side. Via a chain transmission (30) the differential gear carrier (14) drives an angle gear unit (36), which has an output shaft (39) connected to a propeller shaft (40) for the rear wheel differential (46).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a live spindle wheel end assembly wherein the spindle also functions as the inner race for the wheel bearings and wherein the spindle includes an outwardly extending barrel extension capable of receiving a manual or an automatic hub lock mechanism to selectively couple the spindle to a drive axle that may be provided in four-wheel drive applications so that the spindle may receive torque from the drive axle.

Abstract: In a driving force transfer apparatus for a part-time four-wheel driving vechicle, a dog clutch structure is provided at both sides of first and second output axles, the first output axle being connected toward driven road wheels such as rear road wheels and the second output axle being connected toward non-driven road wheels such as front wheels. The dog clutch structure serves to connect the first output axle to the second output axle so that the four road wheels are forced into a four-wheel drive state during a low-speed gear range position switched through a sub transmission mechanism lever. In a first embodiment, a play in each tooth space structure constituting the dog clutch structure is provided so as to make a smooth mesh of the clutch structure, thus an operating force applied to a lever of the sub transmission mechanism can be lowered.

Abstract: An improved electric shift transfer case system (10) and electronic control circuit (16) therefor utilizes a microprocessor (73), interface circuit (72), and motor drive circuit (70) to control energization of a direct current electric shift motor (58) that is used to switch between drive modes in the transfer case (14) of a full or part-time four wheel drive vehicle. The motor drive circuit (70) includes four switching elements, such as transistors (74-77). The first and second switching elements connect respective first and second ones of the two motor terminals (58a,58b) to a supply voltage and the third and fourth switching elements connect the first and second motor terminals (58a,58b), respectively, to ground. The switching elements (74-77) each have a conductive state and non-conductive state selectable by a command input that is coupled to and controlled by data outputs of the microprocessor (73).

Abstract: The outer member (23) of a constant velocity joint is supported inside of a tubular housing (5) and is rotatable and slidable in the axial direction through the slide sleeve (8) and ball bearing (9) inside of the tubular housing. Between the axle hub (2) and the outer member (23), mutually engageable engaging portions (26) are provided which enable the sliding engaging and disengaging. A selector device makes the outer member displace against force of a spring to change over the engaging and disengaging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case is arranged to normally deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a clutch assembly having both a disc pack clutch and cone clutch disposed in mechanical parallel between the main transfer case shaft and secondary output shaft. The disc pack clutch includes a plurality of interleaved discs and an electromagnetic operator which effects compression of the clutch pack to transfer torque from the main transfer case shaft to a chain drive sprocket, through a chain, to the secondary output shaft. The cone clutch is disposed adjacent the disc pack and is also actuated by the electromagnetic operator. One of the cone clutch elements is driven by the main transfer case shaft and the other cone clutch element provides power to the drive chain and, in turn, to the secondary output shaft. Preferably, the other cone clutch element is integrally formed with the chain drive sprocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a clutch in a split-axle mechanism of a vehicle for instantaneously engaging four-wheel drive. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a cable operatively connected to a control switch within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and an actuator, adjacent to the split axle mechanism. Activation of the switch causes instantaneous movement of the cable which, in turn, instantaneously causes the actuator to engage or disengage the clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the split axles rotate together. When the clutch is disengaged, the split axles rotate independently. In another embodiment a locking device is used to lock the actuator in position. The actuator can be locked to engage or disengage the clutch for enabling or disabling four-wheel drive.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle adapted to provide two- to four-wheel drive on-demand in the high range or four-wheel drive in the low range. The transfer case includes an input shaft coupled to the sun gear of a planetary gear set, a main drive shaft, a first output and a second output. Provided in fixed association with the main drive shaft is a viscous fluid coupling chamber, and associated with the chamber is a drive sprocket. A range clutch sleeve and locking clutch assembly is slidably disposed on the main drive shaft between the planetary gear set and the rotary member for selectively providing two- to four-wheel on-demand high range power, neutral, and four-wheel drive low range power. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surround the aft end of the main drive shaft for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A hub lock for a vehicle having a hub lock housing assembly that is pre-assembled and then assembled as a unit to the vehicle's axle, spindle and wheel hub. The sub-assembly arrangement is provided by splitting the functions of the vehicle's drive gear mounted on the end of the vehicle's axle. An inner drive gear member (also referred to as a sleeve or spacer) is mounted to the axle end to secure the axle on the spindle. An outer drive gear that slidably fits onto the inner drive gear provides the direct connection to the clutch ring of the hub lock. The inner drive gear is pre-assembled to the axle and the outer drive gear enables the hub lock housing assembly to be pre-assembled and as a unit to slidingly mount onto the vehicle. A dial used to manually retract the clutch ring into engagement against spring resistance is provided with a spring assist that is spring loaded when the dial is rotated to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a clutch assembly having a disc pack clutch, a cone clutch and a lockup hub or collar. All three clutch components are disposed in mechanical parallel between the primary transfer case shaft and the secondary output. The disc pack clutch includes a plurality of interleaved discs and an electromagnetic operator which effects compression of the disc pack to transfer torque from the primary transfer case output shaft to a chain drive sprocket, through a chain, to a secondary output shaft. The cone clutch is disposed adjacent the disc pack and is also actuated by the electromagnetic operator. The cone clutch includes a conical drive member driven by the primary transfer case output shaft. A conical driven member provides torque to the drive chain and, in turn, to the secondary output shaft. Preferably, the driven cone member is integrally formed with the chain drive sprocket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case includes an inter-axle differential for normally delivering drive torque to all four wheels so as to establish a full-time drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for controlling speed differentiation across the inter-axle differential and selectively varying the distribution ratio of the drive torque transmitted to the front and rear wheels. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: In a vehicle transmission comprising a hydrostatic transmission (13) and a rear-wheel drive assembly (20) including a two-stage speed change mechanism (28), a front-wheel drive assemly (22) having a front-wheel drive shaft (24) is disposed at a front side of the output shaft (17) and includes a clutch (55; 155; 255) such that when the change mechanism is shifted to its high-speed position the clutch is disengaged so as to provide a non-drive mode for front wheels. A selective drive mode is preferably provided by a one-way clutch (56) which is operable to connect the drive shaft to the output shaft only when forward directional rotation speed of the output shaft is larger than that of the drive shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the front-wheel drive assembly is shiftable at a low-speed position of the change mechanism between a constant drive mode and the selective drive mode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a four-wheel drive system for a vehicle having front and rear drive wheels driven by an engine and transmission assembly, and including a transfer case having a torque input shaft for receiving output torque from the vehicle engine and transmission assembly. A transfer gear assembly of the transfer case provides low and high speed power paths, and a shift mechanism is provided to shift between the low and high speed power paths. The system further includes an engine control module for controlling the engine fuel system and shifting of the transmission assembly between a plurality of vehicle gear ratios. A transfer case control module controls the shift mechanism for shifting between the low and high speed power paths.

Abstract: A transfer case for a part-time four wheel drive vehicle includes a planetary gear speed reduction assembly driven by the transfer case input shaft for providing high and low speed range outputs. The planetary gear assembly is disposed between and is selectively engaged by primary and secondary clutch collars, the primary clutch driving the rear (primary) output shaft in either the high or low speed ranges. The secondary clutch drives the front (secondary) output shaft through a chain drive in the low range. The clutch collars are controlled by a single (common) clutch operator. An electromagnetic clutch assembly driven by the input shaft selectively drives the front output shaft chain drive. The electromagnetic clutch functions both as a synchronizer and torque delivery device. The transfer case may be combined with a control which facilitates direct selection of vehicle drive mode.

Abstract: A running control structure for a lawn tractor switchable between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. The control structure includes a first driving device for driving a first pair of wheels, a second driving device for driving a second pair of wheels, and a clutch mechanism for switching the second driving device between a driving state and a non-driving state. The clutch mechanism has a controller for operating a clutch, and a spring for biasing the controller to a position corresponding to the non-driving state of the second driving device.

Abstract: A driving power transfer apparatus for four-wheel drive automotive vehicles, has a primary output shaft for providing driving power for a rear propeller shaft and a secondary hollow output shaft for providing driving power for a front propeller shaft, and a drive power transfer, such as a fluid coupling, mounted on the secondary output shaft, for variably transmitting the driving power to the secondary output shaft from the primary output shaft. The secondary shaft is connected to a front propeller shaft via a splined sliding yoke.

Abstract: In a power transmitting system for distributing a torque to left and right driving wheels in a front engine and front drive vehicle, a transmission is connected to one end of an engine which is horizontally disposed at a front portion of a vehicle body, and a planetary gear type differential is disposed in a space provided in the rear of the transmission. A first clutch and a second clutch are disposed laterally side by side in a space provided in the rear of the engine for controlling the torque transmitted to left and right front wheels by increasing and transmitting the rotation of a ring gear, which is an input member of the differential, to a left axle or a right axle. Thus, the pair of left and right clutches, added to the differential, can be rationally disposed by effective utilization of the spaces.

Abstract: A differential action control device of a vehicle includes an inter-axle differential disposed between axles for making a differential action between the axles, an inter-wheel differential disposed between wheels for making a differential action between the wheels, and a parameter setting device for detecting a vehicle running condition and setting a predetermined parameter based on the vehicle running condition detected. The device further includes target yaw rate setting device for setting a target yaw rate of the vehicle based on the parameter, a yaw rate detecting device for detecting an actual yaw rate of the vehicle while running, and a differential control device for controlling a differential action of the inter-axle and inter-wheel differentials based on a deviation between the actual and target yaw rate of the vehicle. The steering characteristic of the vehicle can be changed to get a desirable characteristic by making the differential action control.

Abstract: A free wheel mechanism for alternately engaging and disengaging a coupler (102) that driveably connects and release an axle shaft (92) to an intermediate shaft (78), which is driven by one output of a axial differential mechanism (30). A vacuum motor (116) moves an actuating shaft (118) substantially parallel to the axle shaft between engaged and disengaged positions of the actuator. A lever (124), connected to the actuating shaft for axial displacement, is pinned to a pivot shaft (126) supported rotatably on the differential housing. A shift fork (144), fixed to the pivot shaft for rotation with the pivot shaft, includes arms (146, 148) that extend radially and engage the sliding coupler (102), which is supported on spline teeth (94) at the end of the intermediate shaft for sliding engagement with spline teeth (98) formed on the outer surface of a connecting hub (96) fixed to the axle shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for converting a four wheel drive motor vehicle having a non-freewheeling rear axle assembly to a vehicle having rear axle freewheeling capability. The rear axle shafts of the vehicle are replaced with other axle shafts having splined inner and outer shaft ends. The rear hubs are replaced with freewheeling replacement hubs and locking hubs are installed over the splined outer shaft ends of the replacement shafts and adjacent to the freewheeling replacement hubs.

Abstract: A device for switching on a drive train in a motor vehicle has a power divider for several drive trains, one of which is permanently coupled with a drive unit and the other of which can be connected to the drive unit. The device also has an input shaft (2, 42, 82, 142) and an output shaft (4, 44, 84, 144) which can be connected to the input shaft (2, 42, 82, 142) through a switchable coupling (10, 50, 90, 150) in the form of an axially actuated friction clutch. The friction clutch is actuated by two rings (28, 30; 68, 70; 108, 110; 168, 170) which are coaxial with the clutch disks and which can be rotated relative to each other through 180.degree.. One ring is an axially supported support ring (28, 68, 108, 168) and the other ring is a pressure ring (30, 70, 110, 170) which slides axially on one of the shafts. The rings bear against each other on paths which can be varied axially around the periphery.

Abstract: In a vehicle including a torque distributing device for distributing the torque of an engine to left and right driving wheels, a feed-forward control system determines a lateral distribution torque T.sub.1 from an engine torque T.sub.E, a number Ne of revolutions of the engine, a vehicle speed V and a steering angle .theta., and a feed-back control system determines a feed-back torque T.sub.F from a target yaw rate Y determined from the vehicle speed V and the steering angle .theta. and an actual yaw rate Yaw. A final distribution torque T is determined by adding the lateral distribution torque T.sub.1 and the feed-back torque T.sub.D at a predetermined ratio, and an actuator is driven to distribute the engine torque to the left and right driving wheels on the basis of the final distribution torque T.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is adapted for use in conjunction with automatic disconnect-type drivelines and is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case is arranged to normally deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A drive for selectively driving a wheel hub which includes a motor with a hollow output shaft driving a planetary gear train with a sun wheel on the hollow output shaft. An output element is fixed to a portion of the wheel hub and a multi-plate clutch or brake selectively connects and disconnects the wheel hub and the hollow output shaft. An axially movable rod operates the clutch or brake and pressurized hydraulic fluid and a spring shift the rod axially to connect and disconnect the clutch or brake to control rotation of the wheel hub by the motor.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an electric car which has a plurality of motors arranged in a drive mechanism case which, in turn rotatably supports a shaft at two points. This shaft transmits the rotation generated by the motors to drive shafts for rotation of the wheels to run the car. The motors are composed of stators having armature cores and coils, and rotors. The stators are fixed in the drive mechanism case and the rotors are supported by the shaft. Since this shaft is rotatably supported at two points by the drive mechanism case, accurate centering of the rotor is maintained.

Abstract: A part time four wheel drive vehicle has an axle disconnect in its auxiliary drive axle. The axle disconnect has a clutch sleeve non-rotatably and translatably mounted on an inner axle shaft so that the clutch sleeve translates between a first position where clutch teeth of the clutch sleeve engage clutch teeth of an outer axle shaft and a second position where the clutch teeth disengage. The clutch sleeve includes an integral annular piston that is part of a coaxial motor that shifts the clutch sleeve from one position to the other in conjunction with a return spring. The vacuum motor communicates with an external vacuum source and the axle disconnect includes a float valve for sealing a vacuum port of the vacuum motor to protect the external vacuum source against contamination if the vacuum motor is filled with lubricant in the axle housing leaking into the vacuum motor housing.

Abstract: The present invention provided a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer system includes a part-time transfer case having an input member rotatably driven by the vehicle's engine, first and second output members operable to rotatively drive respective front and rear axle assemblies, and an intermediate shaft through which power is selectively transferred from the input member to one or both of the first and second output members. In operation, driven rotation of the intermediate shaft causes power to be constantly delivered to the first output member and the front axle assembly for establishing a two-wheel drive mode of operation. Moreover, selective actuation of a mode shift arrangement functions to interconnect the second output member to the intermediate shaft for also delivering power to the rear axle assembly for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: An integrated wheel end for a vehicle is disclosed. The integrated wheel end has a hub rotatably mounted to a bearing pack. The integrated wheel end is secured to the vehicle by fastening the bearing pack to a knuckle of the vehicle. The integral hub has a spindle portion for receiving an end portion of a drive axle, a clutch housing for receiving a locking clutch mechanism and a flange for the mounting of a brake rotor and a vehicle supporting wheel. A locking hub clutch is mounted in the clutch housing and is selectively operated to provide unity of rotation between the axle and the hub or to provide independent rotation of the axle and the hub. The clutch housing is suited for installing different clutch mechanisms including manually operated and pressure operated either by negative or positive pressure. The integrated wheel end has a sealed defined cavity and an air circuit for the introduction or withdrawal of air to operated the pressure operated clutch mechanisms.

Abstract: A driving torque distribution control system for a four wheel drive vehicle includes a torque distributing clutch provided in a drive path for the front wheels, and a controller for controlling a driving torque transmitted to the front wheels through the clutch, in accordance with a corrected front and rear wheel speed difference which is a difference resulting from subtraction of a dead band from a sensed actual front and rear wheel speed difference. In order to improve the controllability near the cornering limits of the vehicle without deteriorating the driving ability in a low lateral acceleration cornering operation, the controller sets the dead band so that the dead band increases as the lateral acceleration of the vehicle increases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer mechanism incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer mechanism is arranged to deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is further equipped with a linear actuator mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The linear actuator mechanism is preferably mounted directly to the transfer mechanism to substantially minimize the packaging requirements associated with the on-demand power transfer system while concomitantly enhancing in-service reliability and allowing pre-assembly of the transfer mechanism prior to final installation into the vehicle driveline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in conventional two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into either of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive modes. The system includes a transfer mechanism having a first and second output members coupled to first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The transfer mechanism has a transfer clutch that is operable for transferring drive torque from the first output member to the second output member to establish the part-time four-wheel drive and on-demand modes. A coupling mechanism is provided for mechanically coupling the first and second output members under certain conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer mechanism incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer mechanism is arranged to deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing a four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is further equipped with a rotary actuator mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The rotary actuator mechanism is preferably mounted directly to the transfer mechanism to substantially minimize the packaging requirements associated with the on-demand power transfer system while concomitantly enhancing in-service reliability and allowing pre-assembly of the transfer mechanism prior to final installation into the vehicle driveline.