Patent ID: 6962227
Filing Date: 2005-11-08
Classification: B60K,B60W,F16H

Abstract:
1. A motor vehicle, comprising: a powertrain operable for generating drive torque; a primary driveline for transmitting drive torque from said powertrain to first and second primary wheels; a secondary driveline for selectively transmitting drive torque from said powertrain to first and second secondary wheels, said secondary driveline including an input shaft driven by said powertrain, a first axleshaft driving said first secondary wheel, a second axleshaft driving said second secondary wheel, and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling said input shaft to one or both of said first and second axleshafts, said drive mechanism including a transfer shaft driven by said input shaft and first and second drive units operably disposed between said transfer shaft and said first and second axleshafts, said first drive unit including a first planetary gearset and first and second mode clutches, said first planetary gearset including a first carrier driven by said transfer shaft, a first sun gear, a first ring gear driving said first axleshaft, and a set of first planet gears meshed with said first sun gear and said first ring gear and which are rotatably supported from said first carrier, said first mode clutch is operable to selectively brake rotation of said first sun gear and said second mode clutch is operable to selectively couple said first sun gear for rotation with said first carrier, said second drive unit including a second planetary gearset and third and fourth mode clutches, said second planetary gearset including a second carrier driven by said transfer shaft, a second sun gear, a second ring gear driving said second axleshaft, and a set of second planet gears meshed with said second sun gear and said second ring gear and which are rotatably supported from said second carrier, said third mode clutch is operable to selectively brake rotation of said second sun gear and said fourth mode clutch is operable to selectively couple said second sun gear for rotation with said second carrier; and a control system for controlling actuation of said mode clutches.