A power take-off clutch assembly having a rotatable input member configured to receive a torque input, a rotatable output member coaxially located with the rotatable input member, a synchronizing clutch configured to selectively synchronize the rotation speed of the output member with the rotation speed of the input member, and a locking clutch configured to selectively lock the rotation of the output member with the rotation of the input member. A single actuatable member selectively sequentially actuate the synchronizing clutch to match the rotational speed of the output member with the rotational speed of the input member and then the locking clutch to lock the rotation of the second member to the first member.

A power take-off clutch assembly having a rotatable input member configured to receive a torque input, a rotatable output member coaxially located with the rotatable input member, a synchronizing clutch configured to selectively synchronize the rotation speed of the output member with the rotation speed of the input member, and a locking clutch configured to selectively lock the rotation of the output member with the rotation of the input member. A single actuatable member selectively sequentially actuate the synchronizing clutch to match the rotational speed of the output member with the rotational speed of the input member and then the locking clutch to lock the rotation of the second member to the first member.

A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a slide member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator for moving the slide member in the axial direction. The actuator is located outside the differential case. The slide member includes a first meshable portion and an engaging portion engaging with a pinion shaft of the differential mechanism. The differential case has a second meshable portion to mesh with the first meshable portion and a wall portion having multiple insertion holes for transmitting a moving force of the actuator to the slide member. The slide member is located between the second meshable portion and the wall portion.

A clutch assembly having a first clutch member, a second clutch member axially slidable in a first axial direction to engage the first clutch member and in a second axial direction to disengage from the first clutch member, a spring biasing the second clutch member in one of the axial directions, a piston actuatable to move the second clutch member in the other of the axial directions, thereby overcoming a biasing force of the spring, and a latching device to selectively lock the piston in at least one of the first axial direction and second axial direction. The latching device includes a selectively retractable locking pin. The piston has an external surface defining a slot to receive the locking pin, thereby locking the piston in the first position or the second position. A method of operating the clutch assembly is provided.

Disclosed are a common control apparatus for parking and a clutch, an operating method thereof, and a vehicle. The common control apparatus for parking and a clutch comprises a parking mechanism, a clutch mechanism, and a motor; the parking mechanism comprises a positioning plate, a rotating drum connected to the positioning plate, a cam groove formed on the rotating drum, an elastic positioner, and positioning grooves; the positioning plate rotates under the driving of the motor; the elastic positioner interacts with the positioning grooves; the rotating drum can rotate to positions corresponding to parking lock, parking disengagement, clutch engagement, and clutch disengagement; the clutch mechanism comprises a clutch shifting fork assembly and a shifting fork driving cam; the cam groove comprises a straight groove and an engagement rotation groove; and when the shifting fork driving cam is located in the engagement rotation groove, the engagement rotation groove is engaged with the shifting fork driving cam to drive the clutch shifting fork assembly to move axially. The present invention simultaneously controls the disengagement and engagement of the parking mechanism and the clutch by means of one motor, and the apparatus has the advantages of simple structure, easy manufacturing, low cost, and high efficiency.

A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a dog clutch that selectively interrupts transmission of a drive force to a propeller shaft, first and second multi-plate clutches that selectively interrupt transmission of the drive force from the propeller shaft to left and right rear wheels, first and second pistons that press the first and second multi-plate clutches, and a hydraulic circuit that supplies hydraulic oil to first and second cylinder chambers. During a transition to a four-wheel drive mode, torque transmitted through the first multi-plate clutch increases the speed of rotation of the propeller shaft so as to engage the dog clutch, and the second multi-plate clutch is kept from transmitting torque to the propeller shaft.

A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a dog clutch that selectively interrupts transmission of a drive force to a propeller shaft, first and second multi-plate clutches that selectively interrupt transmission of the drive force from the propeller shaft to left and right rear wheels, first and second pistons that press the first and second multi-plate clutches, and a hydraulic circuit that supplies hydraulic oil to first and second cylinder chambers. During a transition to a four-wheel drive mode, torque transmitted through the first multi-plate clutch increases the speed of rotation of the propeller shaft so as to engage the dog clutch, and the second multi-plate clutch is kept from transmitting torque to the propeller shaft.

A device (10) for uncoupling a vehicle's wheel shaft drive, which device is intended to be placed close to a drive shaft (11) in order to uncouple/couple a driven unit to which the drive shaft (11) is coupled. The device (10) comprises includes at least one bearing (12) fitted around the end (13) of the drive shaft (11). A carrier (14) coupled to the unit or to the drive shaft, has an inner cavity large enough to surround the drive shaft's end (13) and the bearing (12) and is fastened in the bearing (12) so as to be freely rotatable relative to the drive shaft (11). A coupling ring (15) is coupled rotationally to the drive shaft (11) and is movable axially relative to the drive shaft (11). A coupling fork (17) at least partly surrounds the coupling ring (15) and is movable axially relative to the drive shaft (11). An activating device which acts upon the coupling fork (17) to move the latter in axial directions along the drive shaft (11). Coupling the drive shaft (11) to the unit involves the coupling fork (17) and the coupling ring (15) being moved axially towards the carrier (14) by the activating device (20) so that the drive shaft (11) becomes rotationally coupled with the carrier (14) and the unit via the coupling ring (15).

A cylindrical ring gear has first external teeth and a support portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical ring gear. An output shaft extends through the cylindrical ring gear and is supported to rotate concentrically with the cylindrical ring gear. A disconnect mechanism is configured to connect or disconnect an inner periphery of the cylindrical ring gear to an outer periphery of the output shaft based on a moved position of the movable engagement member. An actuator is disposed such that the first external teeth are located between the support portion and the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the movable engagement member between a connection position and a disconnection position. The cylindrical ring gear is coupled to the output shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable in the connection position. Relative rotation between the cylindrical ring gear and the output shaft is allowed in the disconnection position.

A cylindrical ring gear has first external teeth and a support portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical ring gear. An output shaft extends through the cylindrical ring gear and is supported to rotate concentrically with the cylindrical ring gear. A disconnect mechanism is configured to connect or disconnect an inner periphery of the cylindrical ring gear to an outer periphery of the output shaft based on a moved position of the movable engagement member. An actuator is disposed such that the first external teeth are located between the support portion and the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the movable engagement member between a connection position and a disconnection position. The cylindrical ring gear is coupled to the output shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable in the connection position. Relative rotation between the cylindrical ring gear and the output shaft is allowed in the disconnection position.