Vehicle transaxle and locking differential and brake assembly therefor
US4722243A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/14
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transaxle assembly (T) is disclosed for transmitting drive torque from an engine (E) to a pair of drive wheels (W). The assembly (T) includes an open differential (11) including a pair of output shafts (25) which transmit drive torque to right and left axle shafts (31) and (33). Disposed between the axle shafts is a locking differential and parking brake mechanism (35) including an engagement mechanism (39) and an actuation mechanism (41). When a manual selector lever (37) is in its N mode, the engagement mechanism (39) is not actuated and normal differentiation can occur between the axle shafts (31) and (33). The actuation mechanism (41) can be actuated by the lever (37) to either a locking differential or L mode (FIG. 5) or a braking or B mode (FIG. 6). In the L mode, the axle shafts (31) and (33) are fixed relative to each other but are free to rotate relative to the vehicle frame (F). In the B mode, the axle shafts (31) and (33) are fixed relative to each other and are also fixed relative to the frame (F).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.