Abstract: In a clutch (6) for locking a differential gear for a vehicle, a movable half (60) of the clutch (6) is pushed indirectly via a sliding sleeve (70) and intermediate members (77) in an engaging direction. Then the sliding sleeve (70), with a locking surface (74), retains the intermediate members (77) firmly in a locking position between a bearing surface (64) of the movable half (60) and an axially stationary retaining surface (4). Flanks (52, 62) of clutch teeth (51, 61) of an axially stationary half (50) and of the movable half (60) form in the axle direction a deflection angle (55). The bearing surface (64) and the retaining surface (4) form a wedge angle (65). The locking surface (74) of the sliding sleeve (70) is inclined in an axial direction forming a small releasing angle (75). To open the clutch (6), the sliding sleeve (70) is pulled away. A torque produces through the deflection angle (55) an axial deflection force which then disengages the clutch (6).

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for a vehicle has an input shaft which is connected to pinion shafts so as to rotate together with the pinion shafts in a transfer casing. Pinion gears, provided on the pinion shafts, mesh with first and second differential side gears provided around the input shaft. A first output shaft is formed as a unitary body with the first differential side gear. Since a clutch mechanism is disposed on one side of and beside the first output shaft, the entire transfer apparatus structure is compact in both axial and radial directions of the input shaft. The second differential side gear is connected to a sprocket, which connected to a second output shaft. In order to transfer rotation of either the input shaft or the second differential side gear to the clutch mechanism, either a differential casing or a portion extending from the sprocket is provided so as to connect with the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A pair of orifices of different orifice sizes is provided between each pressure chamber and an accumulator chamber. A larger one serves as a variable orifice and a smaller one as a fixed orifice. The variable orifice becomes effective when a control circuit is functioning properly for variably controlling an axial position of a valve spool. The fixed orifice becomes effective when the control circuit malfunctions and allows the valve spool to be moved into a predetermined position. In another embodiment, a single orifice cooperates with the valve spool to serve as both a variable orifice and a fixed orifice.

Abstract: A transfer torque control device for a rotational speed responsive type control coupling is provided for providing a desired variation of a transfer torque in response to a variation of a rotational speed differential. The control coupling has orifices for restricting fluid flow therethrough and for thereby producing a transfer torque between first and second axle shafts. The transfer torque control device controls the orifices in such a manner that the openings of the orifices are varied successively in response to variations of the rotational speed differential to obtain the desired torque transfer characteristic.

Abstract: A speed reducer has an input member, an output member provided coaxially with the input member and a cage disposed between opposite surfaces of the input member and the output member. The cage is formed with a plurality of pockets arranged circumferentially at equal intervals. A rolling element is received in each pocket. The output member is formed with recesses arranged circumferentially at equal intervals, the number of which is unequal to the number of the rolling elements. The input member is provided with a contact surface for pressing the rolling elements against the bottoms of the recesses when the input member rotates. In another arrangement, a cylindrical output member is provided around a disk-shaped input member. Disks are rotatably mounted in the input member and having part of their outer periphery protruding from the outer periphery of the input member.

Abstract: Limited slip differential, e.g. for vehicle transmissions, seen in FIG. 1, has a carrier (18) rotating about a first axis in a support casing (12) typically driven by a crown wheel (22) and main drive pinion (24). A pair of output half shafts (14, 16) on said axis have output pinions (28, 30) within the carrier meshing with at least one, and preferably a pair, of planet pinions (32, 34) journalled in the carrier on a second axis normal to first axis to allow differential motion of the output shafts while transmitting drive to both from the rotating carrier in known manner.Controlled shifting of the planet gear(s) relative to the carrier by angular displacement of the second axis in a diametral plane of the first axis from a neutral position to an inhibiting position, e.g. by displacement of a planet gear shaft (36) in slots (38) of the carrier, when the carrier is subjected to drive torque brings formations, e.g.

Abstract: A differential gear has a housing which is rotatably driven and which contains the shafts of differential planet wheels for rotation with the housing. The planet wheels are freely rotatable per se and are associated with meshing side wheels rotatably journalled relative to the housing and rotatably connected with a respective shaft which is rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A restricting device for a differential is provided in a transaxle. A fluid-operated restricting clutch is provided adjacent a differential and disposed between a differential case and a corresponding axle so as to restrict differential operation of the differential. Clutch pressure of each clutch is controlled in accordance with driving conditions of a vehicle.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a case which is rotatably driven by a power source. A cross shaft is mounted within the case for rotation therewith. A pair of pinion gears are rotatably mounted on the ends of the cross shaft. The pinion gears mesh with side gears splined onto respect axle shafts. Thus, when the case is rotated, torque is transmitted through the cross shaft, the pinion gears, and the side gears to the axle shafts. A locking collar is journalled on one of the side gears for axial movement between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking collar is connected to the side gear for rotation therewith. In the unlocked position, the side gear is free to rotate relative to the locking collar. The locking collar is connected to a shifting collar by a plurality of spoke portions which extend through respective slots formed through the case. Bearing means are provided in each of the slots for engaging and guiding the axial movement of the shifting and locking collars.

Abstract: A mechanical arrangement of multiple gears with an auxiliary control input for producing variable output from a constant input. The arrangement of multiple gears wherein the control input is a releasing input that determines a relative variable output from a constant source. Combined arrangements of multiple gears will derive a constant output from a variable source by a constant control input regardless of variations of input source.

Abstract: A full time four wheel drive system has a housing in the vicinity of an engine and a transmission, a central differential gear assembly and a viscous coupling assembly containing a front differential gear assembly. The central differential gear, front wheel differential gear, and viscous coupling assemblies are disposed in parallel relationship within the housing for uniformly distributing the load of axle and drive shafts according to the road conditions. The system has a simple structure and economically uses the space in the engine compartment.

Abstract: According to the invention, an output element of a differential is made in two parts (14a, 14b), one (14b) of these two parts being axially mobile under the effect of a torque transmitted through this output element. This axial displacement is used to act either on a friction clutch or preferably on a coupling of the viscocoupler type in order to modify its characteristics.Application particularly to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A power delivering apparatus employs a viscous coupling for limiting differential action performed by a front differential of an engine-powered vehicle. In the power delivering apparatus, since at least one of rotary members of the viscous coupling is directly supported by a stationary support member of the body of the vehicle, it is possible to support the viscous coupling of the power delivering apparatus in a firmer manner than in the prior art, thereby permitting the power delivering apparatus to remarkably reduce both of vibration and noise.

Abstract: Spring retainer plates for a slip limiting differential are disclosed. Each retainer plate is paired with a similar retainer plate and is adapted to exert a preload on the side gear clutching mechanism of the differential by coil springs interposed between the plates. Each retainer plate has a transverse wall which is generally parallel to the axis of the pinion shaft and has parallel side walls. Each parallel side wall has a generally circular aperture through which the pinion shaft passes. By providing a complete circle of metal around the pinion shaft, plate deformation or breakage is minimized.

Abstract: A power transmitting device of a bevel gear differential provided coaxially with axles. The differential has a differential case, a pair of pinions rotatably supported in the differential case, a pair of side gears meshed with the pinions and secured to respective axles of the vehicle, and a final reduction gear secured to the differential case. A fluid-operated clutch controls the differential operation of the limited slip differential. The clutch has an outer drum integral with the differential case, an inner drum connected to one of the side gears, a plurality of outer disks secured to the outer drum, a plurality of inner disks secured to the inner drum, a piston slidably mounted in a piston chamber and operated by oil supplied to the piston chamber for engaging the outer drum with the inner drum, the outer disks and inner disks being disposed alternately with each other. Sealing members separate oil supplied to the piston chamber from oil for lubricating the final reduction gear.

Abstract: To realize a small-sized differential gear provided with both differential limiting and locking functions simultaneously without markedly modifying the conventional differential case, the differential gear comprises a differential mechanism having a differential case, pinion shafts, pinion gears, two side gears, etc.; two frictional multiplate clutches disposed between the two side gears and two inner side wall surfaces of the differential case, respectively for limiting differential function; a lock clutch disposed within the differential case for generating two opposite direction thrust forces to engage said limit multiplate clutches into engagement and further locking the differential function; and actuator for actuating the lock clutch from outside of the differential case.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission coupling apparatus for transmitting a driving force to a front wheel driving shaft and a rear wheel driving shaft of a four-wheel drive vehicle, which is provided with a pump to generate hydraulic pressure corresponding to a rotation speed difference between both driving shafts, a reserving part for reserving hydraulic fluid, a fluid room disposed in the circulation passage of hydraulic fluid, and a piston located in the fluid room and sliding while subjected to the hydraulic pressure in the reserving part at one side thereof. When the volume of hydraulic fluid varies with the variation in fluid temperature, the piston slides and, as a result, the internal volume of the fluid room varies so as to absorb the volume variation of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A limited slip differential is disclosed which includes a first rotary element, a second rotary element, and a hydraulic unit including a plurality of reciprocal pistons in slidable engagement with an internal cam surface of the first rotary element. The hydraulic unit includes an accumulator and a fluid passage in fluid communication with the accumulator and each of pressure chambers defined by the pistons. A variable flow restrictor is provided between the accumulator and each of the pressure chambers to automatically regulate a differential slip limiting torque in response to variation of rotational speed differential between driving wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a limited slip differential of the general type wherein when one of the driving wheels begins to slip or loses traction driving power is transmitted to the wheel retaining traction. The unique features of this invention involve utilizing engine input torque as the force for progressively actuating a clutch to couple differential elements to direct power to a driving wheel having traction; constantly sensing the differences between the engine input torque and the resistive torques of the driving wheels; and limiting the resistive torque of the driving wheels which can act in opposition to the clutch-applying force of the engine input torque to the differential.

Abstract: To realize a small-sized differential gear provided with both differential limiting and locking functions simultaneously without markedly modifying the conventional differential case, the differential gear comprises a differential mechanism having a differential case, pinion shafts, pinion gears, two side gears, etc.; two frictional multiplate clutches disposed between the two side gears and two inner side wall surfaces of the differential case, respectively for limiting differential function; a lock clutch disposed within the differential case for generating two opposite direction thrust forces to engage said limit multiplate clutches into engagement and further locking the differential function; and actuator for actuating the lock clutch from outside of the differential case.

Abstract: A modulating limited slip differential is disclosed of the type including a gear case (11), an actuating mechanism (51) being operable to apply a force to a clutch pack (41) to retard rotation between a side gear (25) and the gear case. The actuating mechanism includes an outer actuating plate (55) which normally rotates at the same speed as the gear case. The differential includes an electromagnetic actuator (81) which is operable to cause rotation of the outer actuating plate relative to the gear case, resulting in ramping of a plurality of cam balls (79) and axial movement of an inner actuating plate (53) to load the clutch pack. The cam balls are disposed in openings (69) in an end wall (67) of the gear case, the openings being circular, and just slightly oversized, relative to the cam balls to maximize the amount of metal in the end wall, and therefor, the torque transmitting capacity of the gear case.

Abstract: A differential unit comprises a differential carrier (12) supported in a housing (11) for rotation; output elements (16, 17) differentially rotatable relative to the carrier and connected to respective output shafts; differential gears connecting the output elements; and a friction assembly comprising respective plates (22, 24) rotationally fast with elements of the differential, the friction assembly being axially loadable to restrict the differential rotation of the output elements. An actuating mechanism for loading the friction assembly comprises abutment and actuating rings angularly and axially movable relative to one another, with cam surfaces provided by circumferentially extending variable depth grooves in the rings with balls therebetween engaging the grooves. In order to avoid unintentional restriction of the differential action, the grooves and balls are arranged so that no frictional self-inhibition of relative movement between the abutment and actuating rings can occur.

Abstract: A self-locking differential gear includes a gear carrier on which two crown wheels are journalled and a clutch disposed between each crown wheel and the gear carrier to selectively render a corresponding axle shaft rotatable with the gear carrier. Each crown wheel is comprised of a ring wheel rotatable with an axle shaft and a ring gear in meshing engagement with the plant gears. A clutch operating device includes first and second engagement members shiftable angularly relative to each other and being respectively rotatable with the ring gear and the corresponding axle shaft. The engagement members are operative to engage a corresponding clutch when shifted angularly with respect to each other in at least one of the two directions of rotation of the corresponding axle shaft, thereby providing for an effective locking of the differential gear even on the occurrence of a significant difference in the torque being transferred from each axle shaft.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a drive assembly (8) comprising a differential (16). The differential (16) comprises a driving carrier (18) and two driven output gears (19) connected to joints (11) to driveshafts (12). The assembly (8) also comprises a coupling (48) by which one of the gears (19) may be connected directly to the carrier (18). The joint (11) associated with said gear (19) is positioned outside the differential (16) directly adjacent thereto and extends coaxially around an outer part (26) of the joint (11). An inner part of the coupling (48) is connected to the outer part of the joint (11) and an outer part (31) of the coupling is connectable to the carrier (18). The coupling (48) may be a viscous coupling.

Abstract: A transfer differential gear lock controller in accordance with the present invention interlocks a switching operation of a transmission device between a low speed range and to a high speed range with a differential gear lock operation, controls a center differential gear lock mechanism to a lock state by detecting the operation state of the transmission device in the low speed range and makes it possible for a driver to complete his operation with only one shift operation to the low speed range. The controller makes it also possible to select between the lock state and free state for the center differential gear lock mechanism in response to the detection of the operation state of the transmission device in the high speed range through the driver's operation.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for limiting differential rotation between a differential casing and axles via a frictional connection includes a pinion shaft rotating integrally with the differential casing and a pinion gear attached rotatively to the pinion shaft. A side gear engages with the pinion gear and is mounted loosely with respect to the axles. A first cam portion formed on the side gear engages with a second cam portion formed on a driving member which is spline-engaged with one of the axles, supporting the side gear and supported by and centered on the differential casing. A frictionally connecting clutch is disposed between the driving member and the differential casing.

Abstract: A modulating limited slip differential is disclosed of the type including a gear case (11; 111; 211) an actuating mechanism (51, 151; 251) being operable to apply a force to a clutch pack (41; 141; 241) to retard rotation between a side gear (25; 125; 225) and the gear case. The actuating mechanism includes an outer actuating plate (55; 155; 255) which normally rotates at the same speed as the gear case. The differential includes an electromagnetic actuator (81; 181; 281) which is operable to cause rotation of the outer actuating plate relative to the gear case resulting in ramping of a plurality of cam balls (79; 179; 279) and axial movement of an inner actuating plate (53; 153; 253) to load the clutch pack.

Abstract: To restrict and further promote differential rotation between first and second output shafts, the power transmission apparatus for differentially transmitting a rotative power supplied to an input shaft to two output shafts comprises a differential gear mechanism coupled between the two output shafts; a multiplying mechanism associated with the differential gear mechanism, for detecting and multiplying a differential rotation; a motor coupled to the multiplying gear mechanism, for restricting or promoting the differential rotation by driving the multiplying gear mechanism in either direction; and a controller for controlling rotative direction and torque of the motor by adjusting supply voltage polarity and motor current magnitude. The multiplying mechanism is a strange gear mechanism or a planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is disclosed of the type including a clutch pack (35) operable to limit differentiating action of a pair of side gears (23,25) relative to a differential case (11). The clutch pack (35) is engaged by a cam means (41) including a pair of cam members (23,43) having engaging cam surfaces (45,47). Initiation of engagement of the clutch pack (35) may occur in response to an external signal (83) by means of a pair of actuation members (53) which engage one of the cam members (43). The actuation members include terminal portions (57) which extend to the exterior of the gear case and engage a cam surface (77;101) of an actuating cam member (71;91). The actuating cam member has an outer peripheral retarding surface (79) which may be engaged by a plunger (85;113) of an electromagnetic actuator (81;107) in response to the external signal (83).

Abstract: A driving torque transmitting device which has a differential case to which driving torque of an engine is transmitted. Within the differential case, a pair of side gears meshed with pinion gears are disposed around right and left axle shafts so as to be axially slidable thereon. Two annular pistons are disposed between the side gears and end walls of the differential case in contact with the side gears so as to be rotatable with and axially slidable on the differential case to form two annular closed actuating chambers with the end walls of the differential case. Within the closed actuating chambers are disposed two blade plates so as to rotate respectively with the two axle shafts whereby the actuating chambers are divided into two spaces. These two spaces are charged with high-viscosity oil.

Abstract: A differential gear and control system for motor vehicles having a single driven axle and at least one undriven axle comprises a differential gear and a differential lock, which is adapted to be controlled in dependence on the speed of travel of the vehicle. In order to increase the traction when the vehicle is started whereas the handling of the vehicle should not adversely be affected by a locking of the differential gear, the differential lock is adapted to be controlled so that it exerts on the differential gear a restraining torque which decreases as the speed of travel of the vehicle increases from zero to a predetermined speed of travel.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a differential case, a pair of side gears formed of spiral bevel gears and disposed in the differential case, a plurality of pinions formed of spiral bevel gears meshing with the side gears, supported by shaft portions of a spider and disposed in the differential case and a frictional force generator by which a differential motion generated between shafts respectively coupled with the side gears is limited. The limited slip differential further includes a member for preventing the spider from wear resulting from such constitution of side gears and pinions that the tooth surfaces on which each of the pinions meshes with the pair of side gears constitute a concave with respect to the tooth of the side gear on one side and a convex with respect to the tooth of the side gear on the other side.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a pair of laterally spaced road wheels of a motor vehicle includes a first torque transmitting device for transmitting a drive torque from a power source to the road wheels, the first torque transmitting device including a differential for distributing the drive torque to the road wheels, and a second torque transmitting device for transmitting the drive torque from the power source to the road wheels in bypassing relation to the differential, the second torque transmitting means including clutches for varying amounts of torque to be transmitted to the road wheels. A control circuit controls the clutches to vary the amounts of torque dependent on an operating condition of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a differential limiting force of a limited slip differential of a vehicle includes a section for sensing a turning radius of the vehicle, a section for sensing centripetal acceleration of the vehicle, and a controller section. The controller section increases an engagement force of a differential limiting clutch of the limited slip differential in accordance with the turning radius and the centripetal acceleration.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle having two bogies movably joined at their inner ends and pivotally mounted on each side of the vehicle and two main wheels mounted on the ends of one of the bogies and a third wheel mounted on the other end of the other bogie. The outer ends of the bogies extend beyond the vehicle body and have auxiliary wheels mounted on such outer ends on the opposite sides of the bogies from the main wheels. A gear drive is provided for driving each of the auxiliary wheels at the same peripheral speed as the main wheels. The vehicle can also have a limited travel differential for permitting limited relative rotational motion between wheels on opposite sides of the differential but supplying a positive drive thereto at the end of such limited travel. The vehicle can also have a torsion bar drive or a limited travel torsion bar drive between the various bogie-mounted wheels to thereby permit relative rotational movement therebetween while still providing positive drives thereto.

Abstract: A method of and system for controlling a torque distribution over four wheels of four-wheel drive vehicle when the vehicle is making a turn. When an outer wheel revolution speed is higher than an inner wheel revolution speed, a differential action limiting force is decreased or weakened and a torque distribution ratio, viz., a ratio of a portion of torque distributed toward the front wheels (secondary driving wheels) to the remaining portion of torque distributed toward the rear wheels (primary driving wheels), is decreased. When the inner wheel revolution speed is higher than the outer wheel revolution speed, the differential acting limiting force is increased or strengthened and the torque distribution ratio is increased.

Abstract: An active torque distribution controller for the wheels of a motor vehicle detects a longitudinal acceleration and a side acceleration to which the vehicle is subject. Based on these longitudinal and side accelerations, a running mode which the vehicle is involved in is detected, and a torque distribution ratio of a portion of torque delivered to the front wheels to the remaining portion to the rear wheels and a differential limiting force are varied in response to a predetermined control schedule for the running mode detected.

Abstract: A limited slip differential is disclosed which includes a first rotary element, a second rotary element, and hydraulic means including a plurality of reciprocal pistons in slidable engagement with internal cam surface means of the first rotary element. The hydraulic means include an accumulator and fluid passage means in fluid communication with the accumulator and each of pressure chambers defined by the pistons. A pressure relief valve is provided in the accumulator chamber to prevent excessive increase in hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic means.

Abstract: A differential gear unit for the drive axles of motor vehicles has a positive differential lock comprising a jaw clutch plate which is connected non-rotatably but movable axially with the differential case and which works in conjunction with a jaw clutch counterplate which is mounted non-rotatably and axially immobile on a differential gear drive shaft. The jaw clutch plate also serves as an armature for an electromagnet shaped as a ring magnet, which can be switched on and off manually. The jaw clutch plate is released from the jaw clutch counterplate by the preloaded spring means when the ring magnet is switched off. The electric circuit for controlling the ring magnet includes an electronic control unit developed as a velocity sensor which allows switching on of the ring magnet only below a predetermined velocity limit of the vehicle. Above this velocity limit the ring magnet switches off automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an externally controlled lockable differential drive with the load application on its friction assembly being effected via a selectively actuatable rotary drive via a pressure ring. For this purpose, there is provided an actuating ring which is drivable by an electric motor via a pinion and which effects an axial adjustment of the pressure ring. The pressure ring itself cannot be rotatable relative to the housing. End faces of the pressure ring and the actuating ring which face each other are provided with control curves or profiles, which together with interplaced rolling elements, as necessary, displace the pressure ring upon rotation of the actuating ring, and can feature a nonlinear rate of change of the axial component acting on the pressure ring as a function of the angle of rotation of the actuating ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential mounted between two drive wheels of a vehicle, the differential having a lock-out mechanism for disabling the differential and forcing the drive wheels to rotate at the same speed.

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a bevel gear differential having side gears and planet gears carried by a planet gear support which is capable of limited rotation relative to the carrier. When the side gears carry unequal torques the support tends to rotate and moves a pressure ring axially due to complementary cam surfaces on the support and the ring and this engages a friction clutch which connects a viscous shear coupling between the side gears.