Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Plural power paths to and/or from gearing
Patent
1982-08-13
1985-08-20
Braun, Leslie A.
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Plural power paths to and/or from gearing
74713, 74714, F16H 144
Patent
active
045356513
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a torque proportioning differential for a wheeled vehicle or the like, and particularly to a differential that will deliver a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total torque to the slower output member.
BACKGROUND ART
While conventional differentials deliver half of the input torque to each wheel, the well known Detroit No SPIN differential has the characteristic of allowing one of its output members to freewheel and the other to receive and to deliver all of the input torque. This is undesirable from the standpoint that every member of the drive train between the differential output members and the ground-engaging wheels must be designed to withstand 100% of the total torque. Moreover, there is considerable resistance to steering during a turn. The Detroit No SPIN differential acts like a pair of overrunning clutches, but differs from other overrunning clutches in that the direction of overrunning reverses when the device is driven in the opposite direction.
Some differentials employ energy dissipation devices for delivering more than 50% and less than 100% of the total torque to the non-slipping wheel or to the slower inside wheel during a turn to overcome the aforementioned problems. However, these devices by their very nature lack durability because of internal damage caused by dissipated energy in the form of frictionally generated heat.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the invention a torque proportioning differential includes a driven carrier rotatable about an axis, first and second output members extending along the axis, first and second radially outer gears, first and second radially inner gears, gear means rotatably connected to the carrier for crossconnecting the outer and inner gears, and disengageable coupling means for delivering more than 50% and less than 100% of the total torque to the first output member when the second output member exhibits a relative speed increase, with the coupling means being connected to the output members and at least one of each of the outer and inner gears.
In another aspect of the invention a differential is provided having a driven carrier, left and right output members, left and right ring gears, left and right sun gears, left and right compound planet gear sets cross connected between the ring gears and the sun gears, and left and right sleeve coupling means for connecting the respective ring gear and sun gear to the respective output member and being disengageable for delivering more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member.
In a still further aspect of the invention a differential is provided having a driven carrier, left and right output members, left and right outer bevel gears, left and right inner bevel gears, a plurality of sets of interconnected outer and inner pinion gears cross connecting the outer and inner bevel gears, and left and right coupling means for connecting the respective outer and inner bevel gear to the respective output member and being disengageable for delivering more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member.
Two embodiments of the torque proportioning differential of the present invention are disclosed, with each continually assuring the positive transmission of driving torque to both of the output members or axle shafts in either direction of rotation of the driven carrier, and without internal power dissipation of the type associated with friction clutches, internal pumps or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic sectionalized view of one embodiment of a torque proportioning differential constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 only showing the coupling at the right side of the torque proportioning differential disengaged in response to a speed increase of the ri
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Braun Leslie A.
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Diehl Dwight G.
Lanchantin, Jr. Charles E.
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