Electrically controlled automatic locker differential
AssigneeEaton Intelligent Power Limited
InventorsHongbin WANG, Andrew N. EDLER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A electric locker differential assembly includes a first and second side gear. A pinion gear set is disposed between the first side gear and the second side gears. An engagement shaft includes flyweights disposed on the engagement shaft which are moveable between retracted and extended positions to lock and unlock the differential assembly. A lockout shaft includes a pawl disposed thereon. An electrical adjustment mechanism includes an actuator operably connected with an adjustment nut or rod. An electrical adjustment biasing spring includes a first leg retained by the adjustment nut and a second leg connected with the pawl wherein movement of the adjustment nut by the actuator varies a biasing force applied to the pawl.
Claims18
An electric locker differential assembly comprising:
- a first and second side gear;
- a pinion gear set between the first side gear and the second side gear;
- an engagement mechanism configured to have at least a portion of the engagement mechanism moveable from a retracted position to an extended position to lock and unlock the differential assembly;
- an electrical adjustment mechanism configured to engage and at least partially control movement of the engagement mechanism,
- wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an actuator operably connected an adjustment biasing spring having a first leg retained by the adjustment mechanism and a second leg connected with the engagement mechanism wherein a biasing force of the adjustment biasing spring is varied.
(canceled)
A differential assembly comprising:
- a first and second side gear;
- a pinion gear set between the first side gear and the second side gear;
- an engagement shaft including flyweights disposed on the engagement shaft and moveable between retracted and extended positions to lock and unlock the differential assembly;
- a lockout shaft including a pawl disposed thereon;
- an adjustment mechanism including an actuator operably connected with an adjustment nut;
- an adjustment biasing spring including a first leg retained by the adjustment nut and a second leg connected with the pawl wherein movement of the adjustment nut by the actuator varies a biasing force applied to the pawl.
(canceled)
A differential assembly comprising:
- a first and second side gear;
- a pinion gear set between the first side gear and the second side gear;
- an engagement shaft including flyweights disposed on the engagement shaft and moveable between retracted and extended positions to lock and unlock the differential assembly;
- a lockout shaft including a pawl disposed thereon;
- an adjustment mechanism including an actuator operably connected with an adjustment nut;
- an adjustment biasing spring including a first leg retained by the adjustment nut and a second leg connected with the pawl wherein movement of the adjustment nut by the actuator varies a preload applied to the pawl.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.