US 6,659,249 B2 · Dual disconnect drive assembly

Abstract

A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A dual disconnect drive axle assembly for an automotive vehicle, said assembly comprises:

first and second coaxially aligned output shafts driven by first and second side gears of a differential assembly;
first and second universal joints adapted to respectively transmit torque from said first and second output shafts;
wherein said first and second output shafts are axially slidable to thereby disconnect said first and second output shafts from said first and second universal joints.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/084,487Filed 28 Feb 2002 · continuation in part

Priority

13 Sep 2001

Published

US 2003/0047402 A113 Mar 2003

Granted

9 Dec 2003

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

B60K 17/34
Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles: for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles
B60K 23/08
Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for: for changing number of driven…
F16D 1/02
Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements: for connecting two abutting shafts or the like
B60K
Arrangement or mounting of propulsion units or of transmissions in vehicles

Dual disconnect drive assembly

Life of this patent

Dual disconnect drive assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20