Fully-locking torque-proportioning differential
AssigneeTractech Inc.
InventorPaul J. Valente
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fully-locking torque-responsive differential includes an annular coupling device arranged concentrically between an axially-extending hub portion on one side gear and the wall surface of the carrier bore in which the side gear is rotatably mounted. An axially-displaceable trigger pin is operable externally of the differential housing in which the carrier is rotatably mounted between first and second positions in which the coupling device is unlocked and locked, respectively. The trigger pin may be operated either automatically or manually by the vehicle operator, use being made of an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or cable-operated linear shifting member that extends through a sealed opening contained in the differential housing.
Claims18
A torque-proportioning fully-locking differential, comprising:
- (a) a stationary hollow differential housing;
- (b) a cylindrical carrier rotatably mounted within said housing for rotation about a given axis, said carrier having end portions containing aligned first bores collinear with said given axis;
- (c) a pair of annular side gears rotatably mounted within said bores, respectively, said side gears being adapted for splined connection with the ends of a pair of aligned output shafts that extend through corresponding openings contained in said housing, respectively;
- (d) pairs of helical pinion gears rotatably mounted within corresponding second bores contained in said carrier for transmitting torque from said carrier to said side gears, respectively;
- (e) coupling means operable between disengaged and engaged conditions to lock a first one of said side gears to said carrier;
- and
- (f) operating means arranged externally of said housing for operating said coupling means between said disengaged and engaged conditions, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.