Solenoid actuated variable pressure relief valve assembly for limited slip differential assembly
US6692396B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7928
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing, opposite output shafts drivingly connected to the differential case, a friction clutch pack for controlling the differential action, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively fictionally loading the clutch pack. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve assembly to selectively control the friction clutch pack. The variable pressure relief valve assembly includes a valve closure member, a valve seat complementary to the valve closure member, and an electro-magnetic actuator for engaging the valve closure member and urging thereof against the valve seat with an axial force determined by a magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electro-magnetic actuator so as to selectively vary a release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly based on the magnitude of the electric current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.