Inter-axle differential having a friction-type biasing clutch and wheel slip sensing control means therefor
US5016724A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K23/0808
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A four-wheel drive vehicle comprises an engine and a power transmission system, including a shiftable change gear transmission having a power input shaft and a differential having front and rear output shafts and a biasing clutch, for driving the front and rear vehicle wheels. The differential, with biasing clutch disengaged, allows for differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels. Increased speed of one output shaft as may be caused by its' associated wheels slipping, results in decreased speed of the other output shaft. Conversely, decreased speed of one output shaft as may be caused by its' associated wheels being bogged down by mud, sand or deep snow, results in increased speed of the other output shaft. The degree of differential action may be determined from the known input shaft speed, the gear ratio engaged and an output shaft speed. A control system, which includes a microprocessor, employs sensors to directly sense the speed differences between the power input shaft of the transmission and only one of the output shafts of the differential and effects temporary biasing clutch engagement in the event of excessive slippage for a predetermined interval of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.