Eaton Corporation

Phillip E Konkle

Thomas H Tinholt

Edward J Goscenski, Jr

Robert Joseph Kyle

Keith E Morgensai

Ralph E Holmquist

Carl R Binkley

Leo M Weeks

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 differential assembly 10 includes a first casing member 50 and a second casing member 52 disposed contiguous to the first casing member. The first and second casings 50, 52 are rotatable about an axis of rotation 87. The first and second casing members define a chamber 20 in which is located a pair of side gears 32, 34 each of which is connectable to an output shaft 26, 28, a pinion shaft 40, and a pair of pinion gears 36, 38 supported on the pinion shaft 40. The first casing member 50 includes a first opening 86 which is substantially radially disposed relative to the axis of rotation and the second casing member 52 includes a second opening 80 which is substantially radially disposed relative to the axis of rotation. The first and second openings 86, 80 are aligned in a radial direction and a radially extending fastener means 40 extends through the aligned first and second openings 86, 80 to secure the first casing member 50 to the second casing member 52 to prevent relative movement of the first and second casing members in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and to prevent rotation of casing 50 with respect to casing 52.

Differential case fastener

A differential gear mechanism of the limited slip type is provided, and includes a mechanism for locking up the differential gear set, and a mechanism for actuating the lockup mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a flyweight mechanism (71) and a latch mechanism (111). The latch mechanism includes a latch member (115) defining a pair of latch surfaces (125 and 127). The latch mechanism further includes a frame member (113) and a weighted member (117) which is oppositely disposed from the latch member about the axis of rotation of the differential gear set. The weighted member is operable to move the latch mechanism, in opposition to the biasing force of a spring (123), along a straight, generally diametrally-oriented path, in response to increasing rotational speed of the differential gear mechanism. Such movement causes movement of the latch member from an operative position (FIGS. 4 and 5) to an inoperative position (FIG. 8), in which the latch member is incapable of engaging either of the flyweights to prevent rotation of the flyweight mechanism. The position and mode of operation of the weighted member is effective to reduce missed engagements of the actuating mechanism.

Latch mechanism for locking differential

A centering abutment to readily locate the clutch member relative to the side member of the housing of a viscous fluid drive. The side member has an opening for a bearing in which is located an input shaft. Lands and grooves are located on the side and clutch members. When substantial radial clearance exists between the housing and clutch member, problems are encountered in assembling the members. Assembly time is greatly reduced by providing the centering abutment on one of the members for alignment with a trough in the other member. The length of the abutment is greater than the length of the lands on the member and preferably has an angled outer portion for quick alignment.

Centering abutment for viscous fluid drive

A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including a valve member actuated by a valve shaft extending through the cover, the position of the valve and valve shaft being controlled by a temperature responsive bimetal coil. The coil has a first end attached to the valve shaft and a second end received within a clip member to prevent circumferential movement of the second end of the coil. The clip member includes wing portions which are generally parallel to the adjacent surface of the cover. After the clip and the bimetal coil are assembled, the coil is permitted to achieve its neutral position in both the radial and circumferential direction, and subsequently, each of the wing portions is attached to the adjacent portion of the cover without causing substantial radial or circumferential movement of the second end of the coil. As a result, the coil is able to withstand extreme vibration conditions, but is not subject to the high hysteresis which normally occurs with a rigid mounting of the coil.

Growing community of inventors

Albion, MI, United States of America

Phillip E Konkle