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US 8,944,952 B2Granted
Differential assembly having a clutch collar actuator mechanism
AssigneeArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
InventorsBrian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin, Todd R. Ekonen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A differential assembly having a clutch collar actuator mechanism. The clutch collar actuator mechanism includes an actuator and a fork that may pivot about a pivot axis to actuate a clutch collar.
Claims20
A differential assembly comprising:
- first and second output shafts;
- a differential unit that controls rotation of the first output shaft with respect to the second output shaft;
- a clutch collar moveably disposed on the second output shaft;
- and
- a clutch collar actuator mechanism that includes:
- an actuator that moves between a retracted position and an extended position;
- a fork that is configured to pivot about a pivot axis to actuate the clutch collar;
- and
- a bias linkage that is pivotally connected to the actuator and pivotally connected to the fork along a second pivot member axis that is spaced apart from the pivot axis.
6 more elements
A differential assembly comprising:
- first and second output shafts;
- a differential unit that controls rotation of the first output shaft with respect to the second output shaft, wherein the differential includes a case that has a case gear;
- a clutch collar that is moveably disposed on the second output shaft and that has a gear portion;
- and
- a clutch collar actuator mechanism that includes:
- an actuator that moves between a retracted position and an extended position;
- a fork that is configured to pivot about a pivot axis and actuate the clutch collar;
- and
- a bias linkage that connects the actuator to the fork;
- wherein the bias linkage stores potential energy when the actuator moves from the extended position to the retracted position and the fork is inhibited from pivoting about the pivot axis.
7 more elements
A differential assembly comprising:
- a differential having a case;
- first and second output shafts disposed proximate the differential;
- a clutch collar moveably disposed on the second output shaft;
- and
- a clutch collar actuator mechanism that includes:
- an actuator that moves between a retracted position and an extended position;
- and
- a fork that operatively connects the actuator to the clutch collar, wherein the fork is configured to pivot about a pivot axis with respect to the actuator;
- wherein the actuator pivots the fork about the pivot axis when the actuator moves between the retracted and extended positions such that a pulling force exerted by the actuator when the actuator moves from the extended position to the retracted position pivots the fork to engage the clutch collar to the case.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.