Eaton Corporation

Leo M Weeks

Robert Joseph Kyle

Keith E Morgensai

Edward J Bojas

Phillip E Konkle

Ralph E Holmquist

Carl R Binkley

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.

Compact locking differential

A viscous coupling (11) is disclosed of the type used as a by-pass element in a torque converter assembly (T) including a torque converter housing (H) and an output shaft (S). The coupling includes a body member (13), a cover member (15), and an annular clutch assembly (19). The clutch assembly includes a pair of clutch plates (53 and 57), riveted to a mounting portion (37), and the coupling housing includes a housing plate (59), disposed between the clutch plates. The housing plate (59) has an outer portion (61) which is fixed between the body and cover members, by means of tabs (65) engaging the body member (13) and tabs (69) engaging the cover member (15). Preferably, the tabs (65) are received in recesses (67) to prevent relative rotation of the housing plate (59) and body member (13). Also disclosed is an assembly and fluid fill method which eliminates the need for fill holes and plugs or balls being pressed into the fill holes. The disclosed coupling requires substantially less machining than prior art viscous couplings, and therefore, has substantially reduced manufacturing cost.

Reduced cost viscous coupling by-pass element for a torque converter

Growing community of inventors

Olivet, MI, United States of America

Leo M Weeks