Abstract:
A hydraulic actuation system includes a differential unit having a hydraulically-actuated differential, a power steering unit, a hydraulic pump, a reservoir, a controller, an electronically-controlled flow control manifold, and a proportional pressure control solenoid valve. A flow control manifold may control fluid flow to the power steering unit and the differential. The manifold may include a manifold inlet connected to a pump; first manifold outlet connected to a differential; second manifold outlet connected to a reservoir; third manifold outlet connected to a power steering unit; two-way solenoid valve connected to a manifold inlet and controlled by a controller; flow control valve connected to a two-way solenoid valve and a first manifold outlet; and a pressure differential sensing valve connected to a two-way solenoid valve, the manifold inlet, and the third manifold outlet. A proportional pressure control solenoid valve may connect the first manifold outlet and the differential.
Abstract:
A limited slip differential assembly includes a planetary gear assembly, a differential case, a differential gear assembly and a hydraulic clutch assembly. The differential case is coupled for rotation with a portion of the planetary gear assembly. The differential gear assembly is arranged within the differential case and includes a first side gear and a second side gear for coupling with first and second drive wheels of a vehicle, respectively. The hydraulic clutch assembly includes a clutch pack and a clutch actuator. Pressurized hydraulic fluid from a transmission pump is selectively provided to the clutch pack to actuate the clutch pack between an open configuration, in which the side gears rotate independently, and a fully closed configuration, in which the side gears rotate together such that the first and second drive wheels rotate at a same speed.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a limited-slip clutch system and method. In one aspect, the limited-slip clutch actuation system can include a hydraulic pump operated by a variable speed drive wherein the pump can be configured to generate hydraulic flow in a hydraulic circuit including an actuation branch line that actuates a clutch. The circuit may also include a flow regulating valve for regulating a hydraulic fluid flow rate through the hydraulic circuit wherein the flow regulating valve can be configured to prevent the hydraulic fluid flow rate from exceeding a set maximum flow rate regardless of a magnitude of the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit. In operation, the pump speed can be controlled based on a command pressure set point and the measured pressure in the actuation branch line and to minimize operational costs by operating the pump at a transition region of the system pressure-pump speed curve.
Abstract:
A cover for a differential housing is disclosed herein. The cover can include a body, a flange, a fluid reservoir, a first fluid conduit, and second fluid conduit. The body can have an inwardly-facing surface and outwardly-facing surface opposite the inwardly-facing surface. The flange can extend about at least a portion of a perimeter of the body. The fluid reservoir can be defined within the body and have a reservoir outlet and a return port. The first fluid conduit can be defined within the body. The first fluid conduit can be spaced from the fluid reservoir and extend between a first inlet and a first outlet. The second fluid conduit can be defined within the body and extend between the first fluid conduit and the return port of the fluid reservoir.
Abstract:
An electro-hydraulic limited slip differential system for a vehicle includes an axle assembly having an axle housing having an aperture formed therein, and an electro-hydraulic limited slip differential assembly disposed within the axle housing. The limited slip differential assembly includes a differential case, a differential gear assembly disposed in the differential case, a clutch assembly having a clutch pack and a clutch actuator assembly, and a hydraulic fitting disposed at least partially within the aperture. The hydraulic fitting is coupled to a hydraulic port of the clutch actuator assembly.