公开(公告)号：US06729207B2

公开(公告)日：2004-05-04

申请号：US10101188

申请日：2002-03-20

Applicant: Timothy Bernard Allmandinger ,  Sean Karl Hoefer ,  Gregory James Maser ,  Edward Eugene Stuart ,  Earl James Irwin ,  Parvinder Singh Nanua

Inventor： Timothy Bernard Allmandinger ,  Sean Karl Hoefer ,  Gregory James Maser ,  Edward Eugene Stuart ,  Earl James Irwin ,  Parvinder Singh Nanua

IPC: F16H5702

CPC classification number: F16H57/037 ,  B60B35/16 ,  B60B2310/202 ,  B60B2310/206 ,  B60B2310/208 ,  B60B2310/302 ,  B60B2310/305 ,  B60B2360/10 ,  B60B2360/102 ,  B60B2380/14 ,  B60B2900/113 ,  B60K17/16 ,  F16H57/03 ,  F16H2057/02043 ,  F16H2057/02052 ,  F16H2057/0235 ,  Y10T74/2188

Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central section and two opposite arm sections axially outwardly extending from the central section, a differential assembly secured to the flat central section of the support beam member, and two opposite axle shaft members outwardly extending from the differential assembly and rotatably supported by the arm sections in a spaced relationship with respect to the central section of the support beam member. The differential assembly includes a differential carrier frame member fastened to the central section of the support beam member, and provided for rotatably supporting a differential case and a drive pinion. The differential assembly is enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central section of the support beam member. The rear cover incorporates two throughholes provided with self-centering seals.

Abstract translation: 一种用于机动车辆的刚性驱动桥组件，包括支撑梁构件，该支撑梁构件具有基本平坦的扩大的中心区段和两个相对的臂部分，其从中心部分轴向向外延伸，固定到支撑梁构件的平坦中心部分的差速组件， 以及从差速器组件向外延伸并且相对于支撑梁构件的中心部分以相互间隔的关系由臂部分可旋转地支撑的两个相对的轴轴构件。 差速器组件包括固定到支撑梁构件的中心部分的差速器载体框架构件，并且设置用于可旋转地支撑差速器壳体和驱动小齿轮。 差速器组件被封闭到由后盖和固定到支撑梁构件的中心部分的相对表面的前盖形成的壳体中。 后盖包含两个带有自定心密封件的通孔。

公开(公告)号：US06511395B1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-28

申请号：US09818609

申请日：2001-03-28

Applicant: Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Earl James Irwin

IPC: F16H4830

CPC classification number: G01P3/488 ,  F16H48/00

Abstract: A speed-sensing system for a differential assembly, wherein a tone ring positioned on the ring gear flange is eliminated and the speed-sensing equipment is specially placed in the form of a thrust washer and/or slinger with a tone sensing ring disposed between the yoke and the inner race of the pinion shaft to avoid bending distortions of the ring gear under various dynamic load conditions.

Abstract translation: 用于差速器组件的速度感测系统，其中消除了位于环形齿轮法兰上的音圈并且速度感测设备被特别地设置成止推垫圈和/或抛油环的形式，其中设置有位于 轭和小齿轮轴的内圈，以避免在各种动态负载条件下齿圈的弯曲变形。

公开(公告)号：US06497027B1

公开(公告)日：2002-12-24

申请号：US09667766

申请日：2000-09-22

Applicant: Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Earl James Irwin

IPC: F16H4800

CPC classification number: F16H48/08 ,  F16H2048/082 ,  F16H2048/382 ,  F16H2048/387 ,  F16H2048/423 ,  Y10T29/49764 ,  Y10T29/49771

Abstract: A method for controlling an axle shaft endplay in a differential assembly is disclosed. The desired axle shaft endplay is determined by a differential manufacturer based on the specific operating conditions of the differential assembly. In accordance with the endplay controlling method of the present invention, first the differential is partially assembled by mounting side gears and a differential pinion shaft carrying pinions in a differential case. Then, the manufacturer determines a thickness of an axle shaft-retaining ring that would provide the desired endplay. The manufacturer is provided with an endplay controlling kit of a plurality of the retaining rings of assorted thickness. The appropriate retaining ring is selected from the kit having the thickness as determined in the previous step. Next, axle shafts are inserted into the differential case through the side gears, and the selected retaining ring is mounted to the axle shafts. After this step, the assembly of the differential is completed.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于控制差速器组件中的轴轴端头的方法。 所需的轴轴端接由差分制造商根据差速器组件的具体操作条件确定。 根据本发明的端接控制方法，首先通过将侧齿轮和差动齿轮轴安装在差速器壳体中的差动齿轮轴部分组装。 然后，制造商确定将提供期望的终点的车轴保持环的厚度。 制造商设置有多个厚度不等的保持环的端面控制套件。 从具有如前一步骤确定的厚度的试剂盒中选择适当的保持环。 接下来，车轴通过侧齿轮插入差速器壳体中，并且所选择的保持环安装到车轴。 在此步骤之后，差速器的组装完成。

公开(公告)号：US06293891B1

公开(公告)日：2001-09-25

申请号：US09471155

申请日：1999-12-23

Applicant: Earl James Irwin ,  David J. Young

Inventor： Earl James Irwin ,  David J. Young

IPC: F16H4822

CPC classification number: F16H48/22 ,  F16H48/08 ,  F16H2048/382

Abstract: A limited slip differential assembly comprising a differential case and two side gears rotatably supported within the differential case. Each of the side gears provided with a pre-loaded clutch pack mounted on a hub portion of the side gear. In one embodiment, a lock ring is permanently pressed on the hub portion of the side gear adjacent a collar and the clutch pack for retaining the clutch pack in a predetermined pre-loaded condition. In a second embodiment, an adjustment collar is threaded onto the side gear and a thrust washer having a selected thickness maintains the pre-load condition. In both embodiment, a side gear/clutch pack assembly may be pre-assembled as a pre-loaded self-contained module before the various components of the differential assembly are assembled in the differential case.

Abstract translation: 一种限滑差速器组件，包括差速器壳体和可旋转地支撑在差速器壳体内的两个侧齿轮。 每个侧齿轮设置有安装在侧齿轮的轮毂部分上的预加载离合器组件。 在一个实施例中，锁环被永久地压在与轴环相邻的侧齿轮的轮毂部分上，并且离合器组件用于将离合器组件保持在预定的预加载状态。 在第二实施例中，将调节套环拧到侧齿轮上，并且具有选定厚度的止推垫圈维持预加载状态。 在两个实施例中，在差速器组件的各个部件组装在差速器壳体中之前，可以将侧齿轮/离合器组件预组装为预加载的独立模块。

公开(公告)号：US07229376B1

公开(公告)日：2007-06-12

申请号：US10995204

申请日：2004-11-24

Applicant: Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Earl James Irwin

IPC: F16H57/04

CPC classification number: F16H57/0483 ,  F16H48/08 ,  F16H57/0423 ,  F16H2048/405

Abstract: A lubrication system of an axle assembly comprising a differential carrier rotatably supporting a differential case therewithin, an axle tube extending outwardly from the differential carrier, a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the differential case within the differential carrier, and an annular drain-back baffle formed with a drain-back hole passing through the drain-back baffle and defining an oil delivery passage between the differential carrier and the axle tube. The drain-back baffle is selectively positioned within the axle assembly to provide changeable oil flow characteristics of the axle assembly. A method is provided for controlling flow of lubricant between a differential gear and an axle tube by selectively adjusting the position of the drain-back channel in order to provide the desired lubricant flow path.

Abstract translation: 一种轴组件的润滑系统，其包括可旋转地支撑其中的差速器壳体的差速器托架，从所述差速器载体向外延伸的轴管，用于将所述差速器壳体可旋转地支撑在所述差速器载体内的轴承组件和形成的环形排水回流挡板 排水回流孔穿过排水回流挡板并在差速器载体和轴管之间限定出油输送通道。 排水后挡板选择性地定位在轴组件内，以提供轴组件的可变油流特性。 提供了一种方法，用于通过选择性地调节排水回流通道的位置来控制润滑剂在差速齿轮和轴管之间的流动，以便提供所需的润滑剂流动路径。

公开(公告)号：US07121972B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-17

申请号：US10695958

申请日：2003-10-30

Applicant: Timothy Bernard Allmandinger ,  Sean Karl Hoefer ,  Gregory James Maser ,  Parvinder Singh Nanua ,  Edward Eugene Stuart ,  Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Timothy Bernard Allmandinger ,  Sean Karl Hoefer ,  Gregory James Maser ,  Parvinder Singh Nanua ,  Edward Eugene Stuart ,  Earl James Irwin

IPC: F16H48/06

CPC classification number: B60K17/165

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a support beam member, a differential assembly module secured to the support beam member and a cover member fastened to the support beam member to cover at least a portion the differential assembly module. The cover member includes two spaced access openings with adjustable sealing flange devices for sealing an interior cavity within the cover member between the access openings and corresponding axle shaft members. The sealing flange device is positionally adjustable relative to the cover member. A method for adjusting position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member comprises the steps of securing the cover member to the axle support member, mounting the sealing flange device to the cover member, adjusting the position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member and securing the sealing flange device to the cover member.

Abstract translation: 用于机动车辆的驱动轴组件包括支撑梁构件，固定到支撑梁构件的差速器组件模块和固定到支撑梁构件以覆盖差速器组件模块的至少一部分的盖构件。 盖构件包括具有可调节密封法兰装置的两个间隔开的进入开口，用于密封盖构件内的入口开口和对应的轴轴构件之间的内部空腔。 密封凸缘装置相对于盖构件位置可调。 用于调节密封凸缘装置相对于盖构件的位置的方法包括以下步骤：将盖构件固定到轴支撑构件，将密封凸缘装置安装到盖构件上，调节密封凸缘装置相对于盖构件的位置 盖构件并将密封凸缘装置固定到盖构件。

公开(公告)号：US06588776B1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-08

申请号：US09880865

申请日：2001-06-15

Applicant: Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Earl James Irwin

IPC: B60G702

CPC classification number: B60G7/008 ,  B60G2200/144 ,  B60G2200/464 ,  B60G2204/148 ,  B60G2204/4232 ,  B60G2204/44 ,  B60G2204/61 ,  B62D17/00

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A pin member is horizontally movably disposed within a slot formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. A ball joint forging is adjustably secured to the lower arm. The pin member extends between the lower arm and a ball joint forging to facilitate selective adjustment therebetween. A pair of set screws are secured to the lower arm to engage opposite sides of the pin member to selectively move the pin member within the slot. By simply rotating the set screws, the pin member is horizontally adjusted to selectively move the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions.

Abstract translation: 用于可转向轮组件的可调安装组件。 销构件水平移动地设置在形成在轭组件的下臂中的槽内。 球头锻造可调节地固定到下臂。 销构件在下臂和球窝接头锻造之间延伸以便于它们之间的选择性调节。 一对固定螺钉固定到下臂以接合销构件的相对侧，以选择性地将销构件移动到槽内。 通过简单地旋转固定螺钉，销构件被水平地调节以选择性地在水平方向上移动球窝接头锻造以调节车轮组件的脚轮。 水平槽形成在下臂中以与形成在球窝接头中的楔形孔对准锻造，以允许锻模在一定范围的水平位置上被螺栓连接到下臂。

公开(公告)号：US06478709B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-12

申请号：US09618052

申请日：2000-07-17

Applicant: Earl James Irwin ,  David Joseph Young

Inventor： Earl James Irwin ,  David Joseph Young

IPC: F16H4806

CPC classification number: F16H48/08 ,  F16H57/023 ,  F16H2048/082 ,  F16H2048/387 ,  F16H2048/423 ,  Y10T74/19585 ,  Y10T74/19693

Abstract: In a differential/mechanism for transmitting power from a drive shaft to the axle shafts of a motor vehicle, an axle shaft end play adjuster is threadingly disposed at the end of the axle shaft adjacent the differential pinion shaft. The end play adjuster limits the range of axially inward movement of the axle shaft. A axle shaft end play adjuster assembly includes a shaft supported for rotation about a longitudinal axis having a threaded portion located near an axial end of the shaft to support a washer and a threader adjustment member threadingly engaging the end of the axle shaft adjacent the differential pinion shaft. The adjustment members threaded onto the interior axial end of the axle shaft may respectively engage the associated side gear through a splined interface.

Abstract translation: 在用于将动力从驱动轴传递到机动车辆的车轴的差速器/机构中，车轴端部调节器螺纹地设置在邻近差速器小齿轮轴的车轴的端部处。 端部调节器限制车轴轴向向内运动的范围。 车轴端调节器组件包括轴，所述轴被支撑用于围绕纵向轴线旋转，所述轴具有位于所述轴的轴向端附近的螺纹部分，以支撑垫圈和穿线器调节构件，所述穿线器调节构件与所述车轴的邻近所述差速器小齿轮的端部螺纹接合 轴。 螺纹连接到车轴的内轴向端的调节件可以分别通过花键接口与相关联的侧齿轮啮合。

公开(公告)号：US06402655B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-11

申请号：US09608143

申请日：2000-06-30

Applicant: Earl James Irwin ,  David Joseph Young

Inventor： Earl James Irwin ,  David Joseph Young

IPC: F16H4806

CPC classification number: F16H48/22 ,  F16H48/08 ,  F16H2048/382

Abstract: A differential assembly having a limited slip device with a mechanism to adjust the preload of a clutch pack. The differential assembly includes a differential case with pinion and side gears disposed therein. The clutch pack is disposed between at least one of the side gears and the differential case to retard relative rotation there between. An adjustment collar is disposed between the clutch pack and the differential case to adjust the preload of the clutch pack. Elongated slots are formed through the differential case to provide external access to spanner slots formed in the adjustment collar. A tool may be inserted through the elongated slots to engage the spanner slots and selectively rotate the adjustment collar to adjust the preload.

Abstract translation: 一种具有限制滑动装置的差速组件，其具有用于调节离合器组件的预载荷的机构。 差速器组件包括其中设置有小齿轮和侧齿轮的差速器壳体。 离合器组件设置在至少一个侧齿轮和差速器壳体之间以阻止其间的相对旋转。 调节轴环设置在离合器组件和差速器壳体之间以调节离合器组件的预载荷。 细长的狭缝通过差速器壳体形成，以提供形成在调节套环中的扳手槽的外部通路。 可以通过细长的槽插入工具以接合扳手槽并选择性地旋转调节环以调节预载。

公开(公告)号：US06398686B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-04

申请号：US09643232

申请日：2000-08-22

Applicant: Earl James Irwin

Inventor： Earl James Irwin

IPC: F16H4830

CPC classification number: F16H48/22 ,  F16H48/295 ,  F16H48/30 ,  F16H48/34 ,  F16H2048/204 ,  F16H2048/343 ,  F16H2048/346

Abstract: A novel arrangement of an electronically controlled limited slip differential assembly including a friction clutch assembly provided within a differential case for selectively restricting differential action. The friction clutch assembly is contained between a separation plate fixed to the differential case and axially spaced from a side gear, and a thrust collar splined to one of axle shafts and movable in axial direction in order to actuate the friction clutch assembly. The friction clutch assembly includes alternating inner friction plates splined to the thrust collar, and outer friction plates non-rotatably coupled to the differential case. The friction clutch assembly is actuated by a selectively controllable actuator including an electrical motor, a reduction gearing and a ball-and-ramp actuator adapted to axially displace the thrust collar in response to rotation of the electrical motor. The differential assembly provides both limited slip and open differential capabilities.

Abstract translation: 电子控制限滑差速器组件的新颖布置，其包括设置在差速器壳体内的用于选择性地限制差动作用的摩擦离合器组件。 摩擦离合器组件包含在固定到差速器壳体上的分离板和与侧齿轮轴向间隔开的分离板之间，以及花键连接到车轴之一并可在轴向方向上移动以便致动摩擦离合器组件的止推轴环。 摩擦离合器组件包括花键连接到止推环的交替的内摩擦板和不可旋转地联接到差速器壳体的外摩擦板。 摩擦离合器组件由包括电动马达，减速齿轮和球 - 斜坡致动器的可选择性控制的致动器致动，该致动器适于响应于电动马达的旋转轴向地移动止推环。 差速器组件提供有限滑差和开路差动功能。