Patent ID: 9732806
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: F16D

Claim:
1. A fluid actuated, over-center clutch for a power take off unit that defines an engaged state for transmitting power through the power takeoff unit and a disengaged state for not transmitting power through the power takeoff unit, over-center clutch for a power take off unit comprising: a stationary and hollow cylinder assembly with a movable piston in contact with a thrust bearing; a sliding sleeve in contact with the thrust bearing configured to push and pull the sliding sleeve along the cylinder; a shaft passing through the central axis of the hollow portion of the cylinder assembly; and a housing containing the cylinder assembly and the shaft; and wherein the sliding sleeve is selectively actuated such that a pressure is applied to the cylinder only during at least one of engagement and disengagement for changing between the engaged and disengaged states of the power takeoff unit, and the pressure is not applied when the sliding sleeve is not in motion and the power takeoff unit is in either one of the engaged and disengaged states.