Patent · US Expired

Left/right drive torque adjusting apparatus for vehicle and left/right drive torque adjusting method for vehicle

US5456641A · kind A · utility

80Cited by
8References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 15, 1993
Grant dateOct 10, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 15, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H2048/366
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Between an input shaft and each of left-wheel and right-wheel axles, a speed change mechanism and a multi-plate clutch mechanism are interposed so that a rotational speed of the axle is changed (for example, increased) by a speed change mechanism and is transmitted to a hollow axle. The multi-plate clutch mechanism is interposed between the hollow axle and a differential case. By coupling the multi-plate clutch mechanism, drive torque is fed from one of the differential case and the hollow axle, said one member rotating at a higher speed, to the other member rotating at a lower speed. When the ratio .alpha. of a rotational speed of the left wheel to that of the right wheel becomes greater than the predetermined value .alpha..sub.0 and transfer of torque in a desired direction is no longer feasible. The multi-plate clutch mechanisms are hence made free. The multi-plate clutch mechanisms are controlled by a control unit.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.