Dana Corporation

Ted J Kaufman

Kraig J Schlosser

David G Moses

Edward Eugene Stuart

Mark L Beakas

Keith A Babcock

A tandem rear axle assembly for vehicles including trucks comprises an interaxle differential and a differential lockout mechanism which includes a friction clutch or clutch pack comprising a multiplicity of parallel annular clutch disks arranged in interleaved first and second sets. The clutch pack may be concentric with an input shaft which transmits torque from a vehicle drive shaft to the interaxle differential. The first set of clutch disks may rotate with the input shaft. The second set of clutch disks is in driving engagement with an output gear of the interaxle differential, which drives a pinion shaft to transmit torque to a forward rear axle of the vehicle. The clutch is disengaged under normal driving conditions. The rear axle assembly further includes a clutch actuator assembly comprising first and second sensors for sensing the respective rotational speeds of the rearward rear axle and the forward rear axle, and a computer-control circuit which generates an output signal when the difference exceeds a predetermined maximum. The output signal actuates, for example, by means of air pressure, a piston which compresses the clutch pack so as to engage the clutch and thereby lock out the interaxle differential. When the interaxle differential is locked out, the forward rear axle and the rearward rear axle are driven at the same rotational speed. The clutch may be manually actuated if desired. In either case, smoother and more efficient automatic operation results from use of a friction disk-type clutch or clutch pack.

Tandem forward rear axle lockout

A gear mesh configuration which eliminates independent means for retaining a gear in rotational contact with another. As illustrated by the mesh formed between the cooperating teeth of a side gear and pinion mate in a vehicle differential assembly, the mesh is formed axially and radially inward of the side gear as compared to conventional gear combinations. In this manner, an area is formed in the side gear which is outward of the teeth and which extends around the rear portion of a pinion to retain it in its desired position upon the supporting shaft. Because the gear mesh is now substantially sealed, this configuration also serves to create a limited-slip effect.

Side gear retention of pinion mates

A mounting assembly for securing an axle housing to the suspension system of a vehicle frame includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket which partially enclose an axle housing. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are clamped together and have engageable contacting surfaces to provide vertical and torque support for the axle housing walls. Rubber couplings are disposed between the axle housing and the brackets to prevent wearing of the metal surfaces.

Axle housing attachment assembly

A structure for positively retaining a journal portion of a spindle in a tube portion of a vehicle axle housing includes a transverse aperture formed through the tube portion near the outer end thereof. The aperture extends partially into the interior of the tube portion and is defined by a radius of curvature. A generally hollow cylindrical spindle is connected to the end of the tube portion. The spindle includes a journal portion which is telescopically received within the hollow tube portion. An annular groove is formed in the outer surface of the journal portion of the spindle near the inner end thereof. The groove is defined by a radius of curvature which is substantially larger than the radius of curvature defining the transverse aperture. When the spindle is inserted within the tube portion, the groove is aligned with the transverse aperture. A threaded fastener is disposed within the transverse aperture. The threaded fastener has a radius of curvature which is slightly smaller than the radius of curvature of the transverse aperture. The threaded fastener prevents the removal of the journal portion from the tube portion, thereby positively retaining the spindle within the axle housing.

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Ossian, IN, United States of America

Ted J Kaufman