Passive fully locking mechanical inter-axle differential assembly
US11662007B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2023/123
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power divider unit including an input shaft, a drive gear disposed around the input shaft, an inter-axle differential assembly coupled to the input shaft, an output side gear coupled to the input shaft, and a locking system for the power divider unit. The locking system is configured to passively lock the inter-axle differential assembly. The locking system includes a ramped first clutch member in selective engagement with the drive gear, a mating second clutch member configured to engage the first clutch member, a clutch pinion, and a slip clutch assembly. The second clutch member and the first clutch member rotate at different speeds, the clutch pinion rotates and causes the slip clutch assembly and second clutch member to rotate at a speed of the input shaft, causing the first clutch member to mate with the first clutch member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.