Eaton Corporation

Keith E Morgensai

Robert Joseph Kyle

Gregory L Heatwole

Christopher J Babin

Patrick John McMillan

Mark James Shewchuck

Monowar Zahir

Thomas L Sape

Matthew George Fox

Andrew Nathan Edler

Phillip E Konkle

Carl R Binkley

Ralph E Holmquist

Leo M Weeks

Celso L Fratta

Patrick J Mcmillan

Robert J Kyle

An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential.

Electronically triggered locking differential

A coupling device () and method of assembly, the device being of the type including a plenum member () disposed at one axial end of the coupling housing (), the method comprising configuring the plenum member () such that each of the required features () is disposed circumferentially between an adjacent pair of fastener holes (H). Next, the input ring gear (R) is installed about the housing () of the coupling device (), from an axial end opposite said plenum member (), into assembly position adjacent said flange portion (). Each of a plurality (N) of fasteners () is inserted through one of the fastener holes (H) and into initial threaded engagement with the input ring gear (R). Finally, by means of a fastener driver, all of the plurality (N) of fasteners () are driven into full threaded engagement, substantially simultaneously, with the input ring gear (R).

Coupling device and improved method of assembly thereof

An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism () operably associated with a latch member () that cooperates with a flyweight mechanism () to retard differentiating action in the differential gear mechanism. The lockout mechanism () includes a lockout member () positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member () permits the latch member () to move freely between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member () prevents the latch member () from moving into the locking position.

Mechanical locking differential lockout mechanism

A differential gear mechanism () and improved axle shaft () retention arrangement for the axle shaft. The mechanism includes a side gear () defining first internal splines, a coupling () defining second internal splines (S), and a rotor () of a gerotor pump defining third internal splines (S). The axle shaft includes external splines (), an annular groove (), and a collapsible and expandable retention ring () within the groove. The assembly operator aligns the external splines with the third internal splines (S), then with the second internal splines (S), and finally, with the first internal splines (S), before exerting force ('F' in FIG.) on the axle shaft to collapse the retention ring by passing it through the third internal splines (S) until the ring can expand (FIG.). The axle shaft is retained as the retention ring engages an inboard end () of the third internal splines.

Differential gear mechanism and improved axle retention arrangement therefor

An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism () operably associated with a flyweight mechanism () and including a lockout member () positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member () permits a flyweight stop surface () to move from the retracted position to the extended position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member () prevents the flyweight stop surface () from moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

A coupling device () including a housing () defining a clutch cavity () and at least one window () extending through the housing adjacent the clutch cavity. A clutch assembly () is disposed within the clutch cavity and includes a first clutch disc () having ears () to limit rotation relative to the housing. The housing defines a plurality of fluid passages () extending axially from the window to the clutch cavity, the housing defining a plurality of axial recesses (), each of which receives one of the ears of each disc. Each of the fluid passages () is in fluid communication with one of the axial recesses (), and receives fluid as the window passes through a reservoir of fluid (F).

Coupling device and improved clutch lubrication arrangement therefor

A coupling device () of the type including a clutch assembly () actuation of which is responsive to fluid pressure in a clutch piston apply chamber (), and a series of fluid passages () communicating the chamber to a control valve assembly (). A housing () defines a hub portion () surrounded by a plenum member () carrying two high pressure seals (). The housing is formed such that the outer surface () of the hub portion is free of graphite porosity, to improve the life of the seals. Preferably, each of the seals () has a height/width ratio selected to provide the desired radially inward sealing force, but wherein the seals are still able to be assembled within the respective seal cavities ().

Coupling device and improved fluid pressure system therefor

A locking differential of the type including a clutch pack (,) actuated by a cam arrangement (,) to lock the side gears (,) relative to the gear case (,). Lock-up is initiated by retarding rotation of one of the cam members (,), by means of a flyweight mechanism (,). Disposed adjacent the flyweight mechanism is a latch mechanism (,) which comprises an integral, generally U-shaped member including a bottom portion (,) and a pair of upright leg portions (,). The bottom portion defines a pair of integral latch member (,), each of which is disposed to engage one of the flyweights (,) when the latch mechanism is in its operative position. Each of the upright leg portions includes a pair of individual leg portions (,) disposed on opposite sides of the pinion shaft (,), extending past the axis of rotation (A), and engaging a weight (,) disposed in a window (,) on the opposite side of the gear case (,) from the flyweight mechanism.

Growing community of inventors

Marshall, MI, United States of America

Keith E Morgensai