Differential locking control system
US6820712B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2200/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle has a lockable differential. The lockable differential generally comprises an actuator and a locking mechanism. The vehicle also has a motor. The actuator, the motor or both are controlled according to a control routine that reduces wear on the components by reducing the likelihood that a locked differential will be requested when locking is not very practical. In one arrangement, actuation only occurs below a preset threshold speed and can occur through a specified range defined between the preset threshold and a second threshold. In another arrangement, the motor speed is controlled when actuation is desired such that motor speed is reduced to a lockable speed range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.