Split axle drive mechanism
US4341281A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/35
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A split axle drive mechanism for a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle comprises an automotive type differential which has an input to the differential case and a pair of outputs from the respective side gears. One output is directly connected to its associated side gear so that the associated side gear is always drive connected to one selectively driven vehicle wheel. The other output includes a clutch which is disengaged in the two wheel drive mode (selected at the transfer case) so that the other selectively driven vehicle wheel does not back drive the other side gear. This reduces wear and power consumption in the two wheel drive mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.