Center differential for four-wheel drive vehicle
US4890510A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H48/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A center differential for a four-wheel drive vehicle comprises three members, i.e.: an input member rotatably connected for rotations to the output shaft of a transmission; a first output member for transmitting rotation of the input member to a rear wheel output shaft; and a second output member for transmitting rotation of the input member to a front wheel output shaft. Frictional engaging elements are interposed between any two of those three members, and a applying force transforming device for generating a force to engage the frictional engaging elements on the basis of a tangential force which is generated relatively between any of the three members are also provided. Thus, when tangential force generated as a torque is transmitted among the three members, an axial force is generated as a component of the tangential force to increase the engaging force of the frictional engaging elements so that a differential lock is established to automatically adjust the torque distribution ratio between the rear and front wheels to a proper value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.