Wheel differential shift mechanism
US6540634B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2200/2071
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wheel differential having an improved differential lock assembly is provided. The differential includes a differential housing and a differential cage rotatably supported on the differential housing by a set of bearings. The differential also includes a clutch assembly having a first member fixed to the differential cage and a second member configured to receive an axle half shaft extending from the differential cage for rotation with the axle half shaft. Finally, the differential includes an improved differential lock assembly that selectively shifts the first and second clutch members into engagement to prevent relative rotation between the differential cage and axle half shaft. The lock assembly includes a shift chamber that is supported on an outer race member of the set of bearings. The shift chamber may be formed within a bearing cap that is coupled to the differential housing and disposed about at least a portion of the bearing set. The lock assembly further includes a piston disposed within the shift chamber and a pushrod coupled to the piston. A shift arm is also coupled to the pushrod and is configured to engage the second member of the clutch assembly. The piston may b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.