Vehicle differential including pump with variable-engagement clutch
US7549941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2200/2071
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A valve operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulically-actuated clutches selectively and variably provides fluid pressure from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulically-actuated clutches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.