192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Plural clutch-assemblage
Reexamination Certificate
2002-09-13
2004-02-10
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Plural clutch-assemblage
C192S050000, C074S650000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06688444
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power switching apparatus which is preferable for switching a two-wheel drive state and a four-wheel drive state, in a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
In power switching apparatuses for a vehicle, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-80385 (JP-A), there are structures having the following features. A differential transmits rotation of a drive shaft to a wheel pair. A first rotary member corresponds to an output member of the differential in a side of one wheel, and a second rotary member is arranged to be relatively rotatable to the first rotary member and which integrally rotates with one wheel. A third rotary member integrally rotates with a case of the differential rotating in correspondence to the rotation of the drive shaft. A dog clutch can be switched among a first position at which a connection between the first rotary member and the second rotary member is cancelled, a second position at which the first rotary member and the second rotary member are connected, and a third position at which the first rotary member, the second rotary member and the third member are connected.
In the prior art, a two-wheel drive state in which rear wheels are only driven may be established, during which time the dog clutch is at the first position. A differential free state (a four-wheel drive state capable of absorbing rotation difference between right and left front wheels during a vehicle turning operation) in which four wheels are driven is established when the dog clutch is at the second position. A differential lock state (a direct-connection four-wheel drive state capable of integrally rotating the right and left front wheels so as to improve a traveling characteristics) in which four wheels are driven may be established when the dog clutch is at the third position.
In the conventional power switching apparatus, the differential mechanism for switching the two-wheel drive state, the four-wheel drive differential free state and the four-wheel drive differential lock state involves installation of a bevel gear. Therefore, the structure becomes complex and large in size.
Further, since the switching operation is executed by using the dog clutch, it is necessary to align phases for engagement and disengagement of a sleeve and a spline which constitute the dog clutch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to stably and easily switch between a complete two-wheel drive state and a complete four-wheel drive state based on a compact and simple structure. In this case, the complete two-wheel drive state means a state in which only two front wheels or only two rear wheels are driven. The complete four-wheel drive state means a state in which the two front wheels and the two rear wheels are driven, and the right and left wheels are driven based on the integral rotation.
According to the present invention, there is disclosed a power switching apparatus for switching a power transmitting state from a drive member to right and left two driven members, comprising the following structure.
A circumferential connection surface is provided in a drive member. Circumferential connection surfaces are provided in both of the driven members. The circumferential connection surface of the drive member and the circumferential connection surfaces of the driven members are coaxially arranged inside and outside.
An annular space forms a wedge-like gap in a peripheral direction between the circumferential connection surface of the drive member and the circumferential connection surfaces of both of the driven members in a repeated manner.
Cages are respectively corresponding to both of the driven members, the cages being received in the annular space.
A plurality of rolling elements are held at a plurality of positions in a peripheral direction of each of the cages.
An energizing member brings each of the rolling elements into contact with the circumferential connection surfaces in the drive means and one of the driven members, and energizes each of the rolling elements in a direction in which the rolling elements are not in contact with the circumferential connection surfaces in the drive member and another of the driven members.
A switching means moves each of the cages in an axial direction, brings an end surface of each of the cages into frictional contact with the drive member and another of the driven member so as to rotate together therewith, and wedge connects the circumferential connection surface of the drive member and each of the circumferential connection surfaces in both of the driven members according to an interposition of the rolling elements.
A spacer which is coaxially arranged with the driven members is provided between both of the driven members, and both of the cages are supported by an outer periphery of the spacer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3283611 (1966-11-01), Weismann et al.
patent: 3581597 (1971-06-01), Reiersgaard
patent: 3700082 (1972-10-01), Schwab
patent: 3732750 (1973-05-01), Posh
patent: 3935753 (1976-02-01), Williams
patent: 4597467 (1986-07-01), Stockton
patent: 5971123 (1999-10-01), Ochab et al.
patent: 2000-326748 (2000-11-01), None
patent: 2001-80385 (2001-03-01), None
Lorence Richard M.
Orum & Roth
Showa Corporation
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