Abstract: A forward and aft torque distribution system and a method of controlling forward and aft torque distribution for a four-wheel vehicle having an electronically controlled clutch to control split of drive torque to be transferred to front and rear wheels are disclosed. A 4WD controller is responsive to mode selection signals from a mode changeover switch and a vehicle speed signal delivered from a vehicle speed sensor, and has control modes involving at least a LOCK mode and an AUTO mode. When the vehicle speed becomes less than a vehicle's halt discriminative vehicle speed indicative of a vehicle's halt state during the LOCK mode, the controller allows the electronically controlled clutch to be released.

Abstract: A control system for variable torque distribution for a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a system for brake control that is possible because of wheel-selective brake intervention wherein a non-variable longitudinal lock with specified torque distribution ratio is provided. If no slip is present, a symmetrical braking intervention is made at the wheels of the axle whose torque transmission percentage will be reduced in comparison to the other axle by changing the torque distribution ratio between the wheels of the rear axle and the wheels of the front axle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has wheels on primary and secondary axles to which power from a motor and transmission is delivered through a transfer case. The transfer case apportions the torque between the primary and secondary axles to best suit the conditions under which the vehicle operates. The torque for the primary axle passes through the transfer case without experiencing slippage. The torque for the secondary axle is extracted at a torque bias coupling which includes a magnetic particle clutch and planetary gear set organized such that two paths exist through the coupling - one a clutch path in which slippage occurs and the other a mechanical path in which no slippage occurs. Most of the extracted torque passes through the mechanical path, but the magnetic particle clutch controls the amount of the torque extracted by the coupling.

Abstract: A tandem axle assembly includes a forward drive axle coupled to a rear drive axle with a connecting driveshaft. An inter-axle differential (LAD) located in a carrier assembly for the forward drive axle takes driving input and splits the input between the forward and rear drive axles. The LAD transfers driving force to a ring and pinion gear assembly in the carrier assembly for the forward drive axle and transfers driving force to a thru-shaft that is operably coupled to drive the rear drive axle via the connecting driveshaft. The pinion gear includes a first portion defining a pinion gear head and a second portion defining a hollow pinion support shaft that extends into the IAD. The pinion support shaft applies a thrust load to an IAD bearing via an IAD gear assembly to permit reverse load sharing. The thru-shaft extends through the hollow pinion support shaft such that the thru-shaft and the pinion gear rotate about a common axis.

Abstract: An automatic axle engagement system utilizes wheel speed sensors, engine control, and braking control to provide optimal engagement of a front drive axle to provide all wheel drive under poor driving conditions. The system includes a transfer case that is coupled to a power source and which has output shafts for front and rear drive axles. The engine provides torque to the transfer case via an input shaft. Wheel sensors generate wheel speed signals that are transmitted to a controller, which determined whether or not there is wheel slip. The controller initiates a shift to drivingly engage the front drive axle if there is wheel slippage by controlling one or both of the output torque or axle braking forces to bring rotational speeds of the input shaft and the rear axle output shaft within a predetermined speed range.

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 ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle has front wheels and rear wheels driven by an engine, and a coupling for changing the distribution ratio of torque to the front wheels and the rear wheels. An ECU determines whether engine braking is being applied based on the vehicle speed V and the throttle opening degree Od. When determining that engine braking is being applied, the ECU temporarily performs the engine braking related control. The ECU controls the engaging force of the coupling such that the distribution ratio of torque to the front wheels and the rear wheels is changed to a more equalized state in the engine braking related control than that before the engine braking related control is started. Accordingly, the fixing force of the front wheels and the rear wheels is temporarily increased without delay when engine braking is applied.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus (3) outputs drive power of a motor, from a speed changing mechanism (5, 7), via a sub-shaft (25), a power distribution apparatus (4) transmits rotation of an input end member (67) linked to the sub-shaft (25), via output shafts (83, 85), to the front-wheel end and the rear-wheel end, and the sub-shaft (25) and the power distribution apparatus (4) are disposed in an axially overlapping relationship.

Abstract: The invention provides a driving apparatus for use in vehicles of the type wherein both the front and rear wheels are driven. The apparatus effectively prevents the steerable wheels from skidding while transmitting power to the steerable wheels when turning the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a transmission unit 13 for receiving a rotational output from a main HST 50, a steerable wheel drive shaft 6 and a nonsteerable wheel drive shaft 5 for receiving the rotational output from the transmission unit and delivering the output respectively to an axle for driving the steerable wheels and an axle for driving the nonsteerable wheels, and a differential unit for rotating the drive shaft 6 at an increased speed and the drive shaft 5 at a decreased speed.

Abstract: A power distribution control system for a vehicle, in which a front/rear drive-force distribution control unit computes a torque-response-torque, a revolution-difference-response-torque and a yaw-rate feed back torque. When a torque down command by a traction control is not outputted to an engine control unit, and a braking force control is not active, a transfer clutch torque is setted as defined by a predetermined equation.

Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case having an inter-axle differential includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving hub having a splined interconnection which drives an outer bell housing having internal splines which drive a first set of friction clutch plates. A second set of friction clutch plates are interleaved with the first set of clutch plates and are splined to and drive a stub shaft. The stub shaft also freely rotatably receives the chain hub and functions as the secondary output to drive a secondary drive line. A biasing spring engages the clutch plates and compresses them and achieves a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: A power plant for electric earth-moving and agricultural vehicles with four-wheel drive which comprises a supporting chassis, an electric motor drive for driving wheels of the vehicle; the motor drive comprises a gear-type reduction and distribution unit which is installed in a housing which is rigidly coupled to the chassis, at least two electric motors whose body is fixed to the housing, a front longitudinal distribution shaft and a rear longitudinal distribution shaft which protrude from the housing, two differentials which are fitted at the ends of the distribution shafts and from which a front axle and a rear axle respectively protrude for respective pairs of driving wheels, at least one of the axles being provided with steering elements; and an assembly for an oscillating support of the front axle which is fixed, in a downward region, to a front end of the supporting chassis.

Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gearset connected therebetween. The planetary gearset includes a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a carrier coupled for rotation with the input shaft, a ring gear coupled for rotation with the output shaft, and meshed pairs of first and second pinions rotatably supported on the carrier with each first pinion meshed with the first sun gear and each second pinion meshed with the second sun gear and the ring gear. The transfer case further includes a powershift clutch assembly comprised of a first range clutch located between the carrier and the ring gear, a second range clutch located between the first sun gear and a stationary member, and a third range clutch located between the second sun gear and the stationary member.

Abstract: A traction distribution control system for a 4WD vehicle is constructed to calculate a difference gain in accordance with a difference in spinning state between main driving wheels, and determine a control signal for controlling traction distribution to driven wheels by multiplying a control amount by the difference gain.

Abstract: A drive-force distribution controller for a four-wheel-drive vehicle in which drive force produced by an engine is transmitted directly to front or rear wheels and is transmitted to the remaining wheels via a torque distribution clutch, and the engagement force of the torque distribution clutch is controlled in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle. The controller includes a calculation unit for calculating variation per unit time in rotational speed difference between the front wheels and the rear wheels; and a control unit for controlling the engagement force such that the engagement force increases as the variation per unit time in the rotational speed difference increases.

Abstract: An automobile which is designed to be able to drive wheel tires by making use of a double series differential gear device 15 provided with both a first series gear constituted by a first ring gear 22A and a first drive gear 23A and a second series gear constituted by a second ring gear 22B and a second drive gear 23B, thereby, a back-up for an abnormal situation can be prepared and a high reliability is maintained, accordingly, with the use of highly reliable differential gear mechanism, an automobile in which a stable braking force is always obtained without being affected by its environmental conditions is provided.

Abstract: “An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second propshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive transmission is provided which combines a continuously variable transmission unit and a transfer case into a common assembly. The four-wheel drive transmission includes a continuously variable transmission unit, a continuously variable range unit and a torque transfer unit. Variable speed control of a first worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of an epicyclic gearset associated with the continuously variable transmission unit to provide continuous ratio control between an input shaft and an intermediate shaft. Likewise, variable speed control of a second worm/worm gear transmission drives a component of a differential associated with the continuously variable range unit to provide continuous ratio control between the intermediate shaft and a first output shaft. Finally, the torque transfer unit controls the selective/automatic transfer of drive torque from one of the intermediate shaft and the first output shaft to a second output shaft to provide front-wheel drive.

Abstract: The transmission unit, especially designed for a motor vehicle, possesses a housing with an input drive shaft with at least one output drive shaft and with an arrangement for the variation of the gear ratio whereby, within the housing a starting element is provided, which is connected to a stepless transmission which, in turn, is in connection with power split apparatus that possesses a first output drive shaft for the rear axle drive and a second output drive shaft, which is connected with a differential for a front axle drive.

Abstract: A powertrain incorporating an engine, a planetary gear assembly and front and rear final drive assemblies has a plurality of planetary gear sets and torque transmitting mechanisms enclosed within a rotatable housing which transfers power from an output differential mechanism in the planetary gear assembly to a transfer drive mechanism disposed between the transmission input and the transmission gearing. The rotatable housing surrounds a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms including at least two stationary torque transmitting mechanisms which are secured partially or operatively with a grounding member extending longitudinally within said transmission and being connected with a stationary housing disposed in said transmission housing intermediate said torque transmitting mechanisms and said torque converter.

Abstract: A differential drive that includes a rotatably driven differential housing supported in a housing. The differential drive further includes a differential gear set arranged and supported in the differential housing. The differential drive also includes a torque distribution device adjacent to a differential gear set. The torque distribution device connects a differential side shaft gear with one side shaft. The torque distribution device is arranged to control the torque between a front axle and a rear axle of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of progressive engagement of all-wheel drive for a mobile vehicle. A set of vehicle parameters is sensed, and an all-wheel drive lock value is determined based on the sensed set of vehicle parameters. Vehicle subsystem control activation is determined, and the all-wheel drive lock value is adjusted based on the vehicle subsystem control activation determination. An all-wheel drive controller is engaged based on the adjusted all-wheel drive lock value.

Abstract: A method for implementing a differential lock function for a vehicle. The vehicle is an all-wheel drive vehicle, and the differential lock function produces an interaxle lock acting between the front axle and the rear axle of the all-wheel drive vehicle. In response to incipient slippage of at least one driven wheel, the method implements the function of a differential lock, using actions carried out independently of the driver, on at least one arrangement for controlling the wheel torque. In this context, at least one setpoint value for a wheel torque to be set is selected for carrying out the actions executed independently of the driver.

Abstract: In driving force controlling apparatus and method for a four-wheel drive vehicle, a command is outputted to a front-and-rear wheel driving force distribution control system to reduce a clutch engagement force of a clutch such as a frictional clutch when a subtraction value of a detected value of a clutch transmission torque from that of a clutch input torque (Tinp−Tr) is smaller than a predetermined value (&dgr;) and detected wheel velocities of both of left and right road wheels of the vehicle are substantially equal to each other (Vw1±&agr;=Vw2 and Vw3±&agr;=Vw4).

Abstract: A three-speed transfer case for providing a direct drive connection between the input shaft and the output shafts, a low-range drive connection and an ultra low-range drive connection. The ability to choose between the distinct speed ratio drive connections permits the vehicle operator to best match the road conditions or off-road terrain to the tractive requirements of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A drive-force distribution controller for a four-wheel-drive vehicle having a torque distribution unit configured to distribute an output torque transmitted from a prime motor to a first set of wheels to a second set of wheels. The drive-force distribution controller includes a first judging device for judging which of the first set is an inner wheel with respect to a turning of the vehicle, a second judging device for judging whether the turning of the vehicle is a tight turn, a third judging device for judging whether the inner wheel is slipping, a fourth judging device for judging whether an outer wheel of the first set of wheels is slipping, and a controlling device for controlling the torque distribution unit.

Abstract: A running power transmission mechanism includes a main-transmission device and a steering-wheel speed change device. The steering-wheel speed change device in turn includes a non-stepwise speed change unit and a planetary differential unit. Drive power from the main-transmission device is inputted into a first element of the planetary differential unit, and output of the non-stepwise speed change unit is inputted into a second element of the planetary differential unit, while steering-wheel drive power is taken off from a third element of the planetary differential unit. Also, the speed of the output of the non-stepwise speed change unit is changed according to the steering angle of the steering wheels.

Abstract: A power distribution control apparatus determines a command value that corresponds to the driving state of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle includes a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, and a coupling device that changes the power distribution to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The control apparatus detects the differential rotation speed between the average rotation speed of the front wheels and the average rotation speed of the rear wheels. The control apparatus estimates the exothermic energy generated in the coupling device based on the product of the differential rotation speed and the command value. The control apparatus determines an optimum drive mode for the four-wheel drive vehicle based on the estimated exothermic energy and for selecting map data corresponding to the determined drive mode. The control apparatus determines the command value that corresponds to the driving state by using the map data.

Abstract: In a twin shaft type transmission having an input shaft and a counter shaft, a planetary gear type center differential coaxially provided with the counter shaft comprises a hollow center differential input shaft connected coaxially with the counter shaft, a first sun gear mounted on the center differential input shaft, a second sun gear provided coaxially with the first sun gear for outputting power to a rear drive shaft, a first pinion meshing with the first sun gear, a second pinion formed integrally with the first pinion and meshing with the second sun gear, a carrier rotatably holding the first and second pinions for outputting power to a front drive shaft, and a hub secured to the inside of the carrier and extending through a space between the first and second sun gears to the inside of the center differential input shaft and connected with the front drive shaft.

Abstract: A control system or apparatus (10) is provided which is deployed within a four-wheel drive vehicle (12) and which is adapted to automatically control the activation and deactivation (i.e., locking and unlocking) of hub locks (44) according to a certain control strategy. Hub locks (44) are effective to operatively connect and disconnect the front wheels (14) of vehicle (12) to the front axle assembly (16), thereby allowing torque from the front driveshaft (22) of the vehicle to be transferred to the front wheels (14) when the vehicle (12) operates in a four-wheel drive mode. Control system (10) is effective to detect system faults and malfunctions and to selectively alter the hub locks control strategy in response to such a detection, thereby substantially preventing the undesired locking/unlocking of the hub locks (44) resulting in possible ratcheting, binding or damage to the hub locks (44).

Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first proshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second proshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.

Abstract: A working vehicle 1 includes front wheels Wf steered by a steering wheel 8, and rear wheels Wr driven through a transmission system T incorporating static hydraulic pressure type continuously variable transmissions. A speed change operating device M for controlling speed change of the transmission system T accelerates or decelerates right and left rear wheels Wr at same rotating speed by operation of a change lever 10, and also generates a difference in rotating speed between the right and left rear wheels Wr by operation of the steering wheel 8. The steering characteristic on the basis of operation of the steering wheel 8 varies depending on the vehicle speed set by the change lever 10, so that an appropriate steering characteristic may be obtained if the vehicle speed is changed.

Abstract: Changeover clutch discs for a direct coupling clutch and a change-speed clutch, respectively, are disposed in two stages in a radial direction across a movable element which can move in axial directions of an input shaft. A carrier and the movable element are brought into meshing engagement with each other such that the movable element does not rotate relative to the carrier. The changeover clutch discs mesh with clutch discs which are disposed on the input shaft and a casing, respectively. A coned disc spring and an electromagnetic actuator are disposed such that operating directions of the spring and the actuator are opposed to each other. The coned disc spring keeps the direct coupling clutch in a normally engaged condition with its biasing force, and the electromagnetic actuator brings a change-speed clutch into engagement after it has released the engagement of the direct coupling clutch by virtue of its thrust.

Abstract: The present invention provides a integral subassembly for the power train of an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The subassembly includes a final drive unit coupled to a transmission output. The final drive unit itself includes a torque multiplier and an output adapted to provide power to the front wheels of the vehicle. Also included in the subassembly is a front differential coupled to the final drive's output. The front differential includes a left front wheel output and a right front wheel output. A power transfer unit in the subassembly is also coupled to the transmission output and provided with a non-parallel gear set and a rear driveline output, the latter being adapted to provide power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output independently of the final drive unit. Finally, a housing commonly encloses the final drive unit, front differential and power transfer unit allowing them to be integrally provided as a subassembly.

Abstract: A first power train (T1) for driving a pair of front drive wheels (Wf1, Wf2) comprises a transmission (5) connected to an engine (3) and a front drive train (Df1) including a front final reduction gear (9) connected to the transmission and a front differential gear (15) connected between the front final reduction gear and the front drive wheels, and a second power train (T2) for driving a pair of rear drive wheels (Wr1, Wr2) comprises a rear transfer train (Tr1) branched from the front drive train between the front final reduction gear and the front differential gear and a rear drive train (Dr) connected to the rear drive wheels.

Abstract: The four-wheel drive system for vehicles has a center differential mechanism that divides the rotational driving force from the engine E between the front and rear wheels, and a front wheel side axle differential mechanism that divides this divided rotational driving force between the left and right front wheels. The center differential mechanism is constructed from a single pinion type first planetary gear device which has a first carrier 13 that receives the rotational driving force from the engine E, a first sun gear 11, and a first ring gear 14 that is connected to the rear wheel side, and the axle differential mechanism is constructed from a double pinion type second planetary gear device which has a second ring gear 24 that is connected to the first sun gear 11, a second sun gear 21 that is connected to the right front wheel, and a second carrier 23 that is connected to the left front wheel. The first and second planetary gear devices are disposed adjacent to each other in a coaxial configuration.

Abstract: A full-time all-wheel drive system for a motor vehicle equipped with a transversely mounted engine and transaxle includes a power take-off unit. The power take-off unit includes an interaxle differential which drives a first power path connected to the front wheels and a second power path connected to the rear wheels. The first power path includes a planetary final drive unit which drives a double planetary front differential unit that is interconnected to a pair of front axleshafts. The second power path includes a helical gearset and a bevel gearset which deliver power to a rear propshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit for controlling the driving stability of a vehicle where the input quantities determining the course of track are input in a vehicle model circuit which determines at least on nominal value for a control quantity subject to parameters memorised in the vehicle reference model on the basis of a vehicle reference model reproducing the characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting the output torque or the output speed of an internal combustion engine in order to protect the differentials. The crux and advantage of the present invention lies in calculating and monitoring the rpm differences or the rpm differences in the transverse direction of any vehicle (front-wheel-, rear-wheel-, and four-wheel-drive) as well as the difference in the Cardan speeds that exists in the longitudinal direction in four-wheel drive vehicles. When a specifiable limiting value is exceeded, an automatic reduction in the drive torque or an automatic limiting of the engine speed to a manageable level takes place. This protective function for the differentials cannot be switched off and is available even in the passively activated drive-torque AMR control system. It can only be realized by software using already existing sensors and actuator devices. The application outlay is minimal.

Abstract: An automatic axle engagement system utilizes wheel speed sensors, engine control, and braking control to provide optimal engagement of a front drive axle to provide all wheel drive under poor driving conditions. The system includes a transfer case that is coupled to a power source and which has output shafts for front and rear drive axles. The engine provides torque to the transfer case via an input shaft. Wheel sensors generate wheel speed signals that are transmitted to a controller, which determined whether or not there is wheel slip. The controller initiates a shift to drivingly engage the front drive axle if there is wheel slippage by controlling one or both of the output torque or axle braking forces to bring rotational speeds of the input shaft and the rear axle output shaft within a predetermined speed range.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the speed of a vehicle. The actual speed of the vehicle is determined and a desired speed and/or limit speed is pregiven. Furthermore, an engine drag torque controller and/or a drive slip controller are provided. The deviation between desired and/or limit and actual speed is supplied to at least one of these controllers. In the active speed control operation, at least one of these controllers influences an output quantity of the drive unit in dependence upon the speed deviation. In the active road speed limit operation, the drive slip controller influences an output quantity of the drive unit in dependence upon the speed deviation.

Abstract: A device for changing the speeds of the front and rear wheels in a four-wheel-drive vehicle including a continuously variable speed-changing mechanism for the front wheels, which changes the input rotational speed and outputs it to the front wheel drive shafts, and a continuously variable speed-changing mechanism for the rear wheels, which changes the input rotational speed and outputs it to the rear wheel drive shafts. The device for changing the speeds of the front wheels and the rear wheels comprises a detector means for detecting the operation conditions of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle, and a controller for variably controlling the speeds of the continuously variable speed-changing mechanisms based on the operation conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle case assembly is provided with a speed sensitive torque coupling mechanism used to transmit torque from the ring gear to a planetary differential assembly. The differential assembly provides torque transfer proportional to the speed difference between the ring gear sub-assembly and a planetary gear set sub-assembly, wherein the invention splits a differential case assembly into two primary pieces and a speed sensitive mechanism is installed between each piece. The mechanism is entirely contained inside an axle differential case assembly. An optional limited slip device may be provided for the differential gears. The torque transmission coupling assembly eliminates the need for a center differential in the transfer case, i.e. an interaxle differential, thereby reducing the driveline complexity and cost without requiring a separate torque coupling in the transfer case or in-line with the driveline.

Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gearset connected therebetween. The planetary gearset includes a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a carrier coupled for rotation with the input shaft, a ring gear coupled for rotation with the output shaft, and meshed pairs of first and second pinions rotatably supported on the carrier with each first pinion meshed with the first sun gear and each second pinion meshed with the second sun gear and the ring gear. The transfer case further includes a powershift clutch assembly comprised of a first range clutch located between the carrier and the ring gear, a second range clutch located between the first sun gear and a stationary member, and a third range clutch located between the second sun gear and the stationary member.

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 ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle drive force control system reduces front-wheel drive force and rear-wheel drive force during unstable running of a vehicle. The front-wheel drive force is reduced with an increase in the running instability, and the front-wheel and rear-wheel drive forces are controlled during low-speed vehicle turning while traction control is effected for at least one of the front wheels. The result is that the front-wheel drive force can be reduced with a decrease in friction coefficient &mgr; of a road surface, while the rear-wheel drive force can be reduced with an increase in turning angle of the vehicle and does not exceed the front-wheel drive force.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline for a multi-axle vehicle includes a through drive axle unit; which is a close-coupled assembly comprising a torque transfer mechanism with an associated differential unit and an axle differential unit. An output shaft of the through drive unit is on substantially the same axis an input pinion to the axle differential unit.

Abstract: A transmission structure of a gearbox of an electrically actuated car includes two front wheels, two rear wheels, and two gearboxes, wherein one gearbox is mounted between the two front wheels, and the other gearbox is mounted between the rear wheels. The transmission structure also includes a motor mounted between the two gearboxes. The motor has a power shaft having two distal ends each connected to a differential gear of each of the two gearboxes by means of a coupler, so as to form a four-wheel transmission mechanism.