Inter-axle differential lock shift mechanism

A clutch for an inter-axle differential, comprising:

• a clutch member disposed about an input shaft, said clutch member configured to selectively engage a side gear driven by a plurality of differential gears;
• a spring biasing said clutch member away from said side gear;
• a carrier disposed within a housing of said inter-axle differential and supporting a bearing disposed between said carrier and said input shaft;
• and,
• a piston disposed within a chamber in said carrier, said piston configured for selective engagement with said clutch member to urge said clutch member into engagement with said side gear
• wherein said carrier defines a groove on a radially outer surface and a bore in fluid communication with said groove and said chamber.

A clutch for an inter-axle differential, comprising:

• a clutch member disposed about an input shaft, said clutch member configured to selectively engage a side gear driven by a plurality of differential gears;
• a spring biasing said clutch member away from said side gear;
• a carrier disposed within a housing of said inter-axle differential and supporting a bearing disposed between said carrier and said input shaft;
• and,
• a plurality of pistons disposed within a corresponding plurality of chambers in said carrier, said pistons configured for selective engagement with said clutch member to urge said clutch member into engagement with said side gear.

A clutch for an inter-axle differential, comprising:

• a clutch member disposed about an input shaft, said clutch member configured to selectively engage a side gear driven by a plurality of differential gears;
• means for biasing said clutch member away from said side gear;
• a carrier disposed within a housing of said inter-axle differential and supporting a bearing disposed between said carrier and said input shaft;
• and,
• a piston disposed within a chamber in said carrier, said piston configured for selective engagement with said clutch member to urge said clutch member into engagement with said side gear
• wherein said clutch member comprises a clutch gear having a plurality of teeth configured for engagement with a corresponding plurality of teeth of said side gear.

A clutch member disposed about an input shaft, said clutch member configured to selectively engage a side gear driven by a plurality of differential gears;

• means for biasing said clutch member away from said side gear;
• a carrier disposed within a housing of said inter-axle differential and supporting a bearing disposed between said carrier and said input shaft;
• and,
• a piston disposed within a chamber in said carrier, said piston configured for selective engagement with said clutch member to urge said clutch member into engagement with said side gear
• wherein said carrier defines a groove on a radially outer surface and a bore in fluid communication with said groove and said chamber.