Process for Engaging or Disengaging Splined Members
AssigneeCaterpillar Shrewsbury Limited
InventorCraig Wynne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a process for at least one of engaging and disengaging splined members in a vehicle system. The process includes applying an axial reciprocating motion to one splined member and applying an oscillatory motion to another splined member such as a gear. This enables the splined member to be moved at least one of into and out of engagement with the gear.
Claims20
A process for at least one of engaging and disengaging a splined member and at least one engaging gear in a vehicle system, the splined member having a splined surface for engaging a splined surface of the at least one engaging gear, wherein the splined member is movable in an axial direction at least one of into and out of engagement with the at least one engaging gear, the process comprising:
- applying an axial reciprocating motion to the splined member;
- applying an oscillatory motion to the at least one engaging gear;
- and
- moving the splined member at least one of into and out of engagement with the at least one engaging gear.
A two speed final drive for a vehicle comprising:
- a first epicyclic gear set;
- a second epicyclic gear set;
- an input shaft engaged with the first epicyclic gear set;
- a ratio change device comprising at least one splined surface configured to move at least one of into and out of engagement with a splined surface of at least one engaging gear of at least one of the first and second epicyclic gear set during a ratio change process;
- actuation means for applying an axial reciprocating motion to the ratio change device;
- actuation means for applying an oscillatory motion to the at least one engaging gear, said actuation means comprising the input shaft;
- and
- control means for controlling the ratio change process such that the axial reciprocating motion and oscillatory motion are continued until at least one of engagement and disengagement is complete.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.