Electronic differential lock assembly
US8622868B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/426
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic differential lock assembly includes a shift collar that is movable in response to an electronic signal from an unlocked position where axle shaft speed differentiation under predetermined conditions is permitted to a locked position where a pair of axle shafts is fixed for rotation together. Speed differentiation is provided by a differential that includes a differential gear assembly supported within a differential case. A coil surrounds the shift collar and is selectively energized to move the shift collar from the unlocked position to the locked position. The shift collar is splined to one of the axle shafts and is selectively splined to the differential case to lock the axle shafts together. The electronic differential lock assembly includes a return spring that automatically disengages the shift collar from the differential case once the coil is no longer energized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.