摘要:
An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.
摘要:
A coupling assembly comprises an input shaft driven by a prime mover, at least one output shaft drivingly coupled to the input shaft, a fluid pump selectively driven by the input shaft through an auxiliary clutch, a friction clutch for selectively frictionally coupling the input shaft with the at least one output shaft, and a fluid clutch actuator for operating the friction clutch between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition. The fluid pump selectively communicates with the fluid clutch actuator for setting the friction clutch assembly in the engaged condition. The fluid pump is mounted to the input shaft.
摘要:
An axle disconnect system is provided whereby axles of a tandem or multi-axle vehicle may be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as required and whereby the ring gear and differential gears remain stationary when the axle is disengaged. In multi-axle vehicles, a dual disconnect mechanism is contained in the front and auxiliary rear axles. When only the primary rear axle is necessary to propel the vehicle (e.g., during highway use) the transfer case interrupts torque to the front axle. Similarly, a clutch also interrupts torque transmission to the auxiliary rear axle. In this mode, the dual disconnect mechanism prevents the axle output shafts from back-driving the differential, thereby reducing parasitic losses and wear.
摘要:
A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.
摘要:
An three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.
摘要:
A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.
摘要:
A coupling assembly comprises an input shaft driven by a prime mover, at least one output shaft drivingly coupled to the input shaft, a fluid pump selectively driven by the input shaft through an auxiliary clutch, a friction clutch for selectively frictionally coupling the input shaft with the at least one output shaft, and a fluid clutch actuator for operating the friction clutch between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition. The fluid pump selectively communicates with the fluid clutch actuator for setting the friction clutch assembly in the engaged condition. The fluid pump is mounted to the input shaft.
摘要:
A hydraulic torque-coupling assembly that includes a pressure relief valve with an annular solenoid actuator assembly that moves axially to engage an annular valve actuator ring to selectively close a pressure relief valve disposed on the outer face of a torque-coupling case. The annular solenoid assembly does not include a conventional armature so that the coil portion of the solenoid actuator assembly moves into and out of engagement with the annular valve actuator ring. The valve actuator ring rotates with the torque-coupling case, however, the solenoid assembly does not rotate. The valve actuator ring and solenoid assembly are mounted outside the differential case. A variable amount of electrical current is applied to the solenoid assembly so that the release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly is selectively based on the magnitude of an electric current supplied to the solenoid assembly.