Dana Corporation

David C Kaminski

Dennis W Shea

Richard A Cook

Philip J Weis

James E Smith

William H Graumlich

The present invention provides a speed control system for use in maintaining the rotational speed of an output shaft of a power takeoff unit within a predetermined range. A central control unit receives signals indicative of the speed of the input gear and, in response to the received signals engages and disengages the output shaft of the power takeoff unit. The central control unit also disengages the output shaft if the system's voltage levels drop below a preset minimum.

Power takeoff speed control assembly

An apparatus for positively engaging and releasing a roller clutch actuator in a two-way overrunning roller clutch system 10 includes an actuator ring 54 having a plurality of detents 58 for receiving a radially extending, reciprocably moveable plunger 60. In a preferred form, the roller clutch drive system includes an axle case 38 containing a complimentary pair of drive and driven rotary members. The drive member 46 includes an axially extending bore, and the driven member 48 has one end thereof disposed within the bore. The drive and driven members together define an axially extending annulus 51 which contains a plurality of axially oriented rollers 42 circumferentially contained therein by a cage 50. The cage maintains the rollers in uniformly spaced relationship, and includes a friction ring 52 preferably integral therewith. The actuator ring surrounds the friction ring in constant, resilient, frictional engagement therewith. A transversely extending cam member 70 moves transversely with respect to the plunger, the cam member including a cam surface 66 engageable with the plunger for selectively and reciprocably moving the plunger into and out of engagement with the detents.

Actuator for roller clutch drive system

An electronic control means is utilized in an electrically actuated shift apparatus for a multi-speed axle including an electric power source and an electric motor coupled to actuate means for shifting the axle. Four Darlington pairs are connected in a bridge configuration between the power source and the armature of the motor for bi-directional operation of the motor. A manually actuatable shift lever has magnetic means attached thereto for generating magnetic shift signals to magnetically actuatable switches. The switches are connected in pairs with each pair alternately connecting a capacitor to the power source to charge and then connecting the capacitor to the input to a control Darlington pair which turns on two associated Darlington pairs of the bridge to allow current to flow through the motor for one direction of rotation. In the same manner, the other pair of switches is actuated in the opposite sequence such that the other one of the capacitors is charging while the one capacitor is discharging to operate the motor in the desired shifting mode. The discharging time of each capacitor is selected to fall between the minimum time required to actuate the motor and associated shift mechanism to shift from one speed to the other and the probable burnout time of the motor. In an alternate embodiment, the Darlington pair bridge is replaced by a pair of diode transistor combinations with each transistor alternately being turned on by the associated capacitor. The switch pairs are replaced by a single pole, double throw switch connected between the power supply and the diodes to provide power to the motor and charge the capacitors.

Apparatus for controlling a two-speed axle shift motor

A vehicular lever control apparatus includes two relatively movable levers, a first being constrained to pivotal movement about a first axis and having a multiple position switch affixed thereto. A second lever is pivotally connected to the first lever and moves axially therewith as well as transversely about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Transverse movement of the second lever actuates the switch on the first lever. In a preferred embodiment, the switch is a three-position electric toggle switch for selection of reverse, neutral and forward modes of a transmission. Movement of the second lever about the first axis thus causes like movement of the first lever, which effects changes of gear ratios in a continuously variable speed transmission. The second lever thus acts as a dual function control lever for (1) varying speed ratios when moved about the first axis, and (2) selection of transmission directional modes when moved about the second axis.

Lever control apparatus

Disclosed is an interfacing connector to allow use of a control system with an external signal source which can be either a switched 'hot' or a switched ground. Both such signal sources are found in certain applications, particularly in motor vehicles. The connector consists of a first plug associated with the control system and a second plug associated with the switched signal lead. The first plug includes two sets of three terminals per set, one for use with a switched 'hot' signal and one for use with a switched ground signal. The second plug includes three terminals adapted for connection to either of the two sets of terminals. A relay or other control element is connected to the first plug and associated with the control circuit. Signal input and interconnection means are provided whereby the second plug is operatively connected with the control element upon insertion in the correct one of the sets of terminals on said first plug. The device will not give false signals if an incorrect connection is made. In a preferred mode the plugs are so sized and configured as to prevent the most common types of incorrect connection.

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Sylvania, OH, United States of America

David C Kaminski