Electronically controlled hydraulic actuator for limited slip differential assembly
US6733411B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/346
- 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 assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging the differential case and the output shaft, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively frictionally loading the clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve controlled by a solenoid actuator for selectively engaging the friction clutch assembly. In order to provide the solenoid actuator with an electrical power and/or control signals in a contactless manner, the differential assembly is further provided with a transformer assembly including a primary transformer unit non-rotatably mounted to the axle housing and connected to a source of electrical energy, and a rotatable secondary transformer unit secured to an outer peripheral surface of the differential case.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.