Cone friction clutch
AssigneeVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.
InventorXiaohong N. Duan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cone clutch mechanism that is controlled by an electronic control unit is disclosed. The cone clutch mechanism features simplicity of construction and a control system to engage or disengage shaft power on the vehicle according to vehicle stability and traction control requirements. The mechanism may be used to selectively transfer the power to desired shafts or wheels.
Claims22
A cone friction clutch for engaging a shaft, the clutch comprising:
- a carrier having a tapered bore and an external gear defined thereon;
- a tapered piston rotating with the shaft within the bore;
- means for moving the tapered piston into contact with the carrier;
- and
- means for controlling movement of the piston,
- wherein the means for controlling movement causes the means for moving to move the tapered piston into contact with the carrier, and power is transmitted between the carrier and the shaft.
A clutch for engaging a shaft, the clutch comprising:
- a carrier having a first tapered bore and an external gear defined thereon;
- a first tapered piston within the bore for rotating with the shaft;
- a first mechanism for moving the tapered piston, the mechanism selected from the group consisting of a ball and ramp mechanism, a hydraulic pump, and a solenoid;
- and
- a controller for controlling movement of the tapered piston, wherein the controller controls movement of the mechanism and the piston into contact with the carrier, and power is transmitted between the carrier and the shaft.
A limited slip differential for an automobile having a rear differential and two half-axles, the limited slip differential comprising:
- a carrier having a tapered bore and an external gear defined thereon for interfacing with a drive shaft, the carrier in geared contact through a set of differential gears with a first and a second half-axle;
- a tapered piston for rotating with the first half-axle within the bore;
- a mechanism for moving the tapered piston, the mechanism selected from the group consisting of a ball and ramp mechanism, a hydraulic pump, and a solenoid;
- and
- a controller for controlling movement of the tapered piston, wherein the controller controls movement of the piston into contact with the carrier, and power is transmitted between the first half-axle and the carrier.
A coupling for use in a power transmission having an auxiliary driving shaft, the coupling comprising:
- a carrier having a tapered bore and an external gear defined thereon;
- a tapered piston within the bore for rotating with the auxiliary driving shaft;
- a mechanism for moving the tapered piston, the mechanism selected from the group consisting of a ball and ramp mechanism, a hydraulic pump, and a solenoid;
- and
- a controller for controlling movement of the tapered piston, wherein the controller controls movement of the mechanism and the piston into contact with the carrier, and power is transmitted from the carrier to the auxiliary driving shaft.
A method for engaging a shaft, the method comprising:
- providing a cone-friction clutch with a tapered piston for engaging the shaft;
- controlling movement and pushing force of the tapered piston through an electronic controller;
- and
- moving the tapered piston into engagement with the shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.