Compact locking differential
US6319166A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H48/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A locking differential of the type including a clutch pack (31,33) actuated by a cam arrangement (43,45) to lock the side gears (19,21) relative to the gear case (11). Lock-up is initiated by retarding rotation of one of the cam members (45), by means of a flyweight mechanism (51). Disposed adjacent the flyweight mechanism is a latch mechanism (63) which comprises an integral, generally U-shaped member including a bottom portion (65) and a pair of upright leg portions (71,73). The bottom portion defines a pair of integral latch member (67,69), each of which is disposed to engage one of the flyweights (53,55) when the latch mechanism is in its operative position. Each of the upright leg portions includes a pair of individual leg portions (75) disposed on opposite sides of the pinion shaft (15), extending past the axis of rotation (A), and engaging a weight (83) disposed in a window (89) on the opposite side of the gear case (11) from the flyweight mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.