Mclaren Automotive Group, Inc.

Brian D Macy

Jeffrey Lowell

Joseph Treiber

A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain includes a housing and a pair of rotary members projecting therefrom. The hydraulic coupling also includes a hydraulic circuit defining a low-pressure portion wherein the hydraulic fluid is at a first, lower pressure and a high-pressure portion wherein the hydraulic fluid is in a second, elevated pressure relative to the first pressure. A hydraulic pump is operatively supported within the housing and located within the path of the hydraulic circuit between the low pressure and high-pressure portions. The hydraulic pump is operable to pump hydraulic fluid from the low-pressure portion to the high-pressure portion of the hydraulic circuit. In addition, a clutch is supported within the housing and located within the high-pressure portion of the hydraulic circuit. The clutch is actuable by hydraulic fluid that is pumped by the hydraulic pump at the second, elevated pressure to couple the pair of rotary members together. Furthermore, the hydraulic coupling of the present invention includes a control valve that is operable in response to a signal from a controller to selectively control the actuation of the clutch independent of the fluid pressure in the high-pressure portion of the hydraulic circuit.

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Santa Ynez, CA, United States of America

Brian D Macy