US3915031A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dual mode drive differential mechanism
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1974-10-24
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-10-24
Abstract
Abstract A differential mechanism suitable for such purposes as coupling the engine of the vehicle to opposite drive wheels utilizes a hydrodynamic fluid coupling and a planetary gear arrangement to provide two different modes of differential action for use at different vehicle speeds. In a first mode for use at low speeds, a mechanical differential action is modified by torque regeneration through the fluid coupling to limit slip of one wheel relative to the other with the slip limiting effect being proportional to the difference of rotational speed of the two wheels. In the second or high speed mode of operation, brought about by discharging the fluid coupling, a purely mechanical differential action is realized.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin E Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:29
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H47/00; F16H47/06; F16H47/08; F16H47/085; F16H48/00; F16H48/12; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19005; Y10T74/19023; Y10T74/19037
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
Differential mechanism for transmitting drive from an input element to first and second output elements comprising: a planetary gearset having first and second sun gears and first and second ring gears and having a planet carrier supporting at least one first planet gear in engagement with said first sun gear and said first ring gear and supporting at least one second planet gear in engagement with said second sun gear and said second ring gear, said first and second planet gears being engaged with each other, means for coupling said planet carrier to said input element for rotation therewith, means for coupling said first output element to said first ring gear for rotation therewith, means for coupling said second output element to said second ring gear for rotation therewith, and a fluid drive means having an impeller member coupled to one of said sun gears and having a runner member coupled to the other thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
Differential mechanism for transmitting drive from an input element to first and second output elements comprising: a planetary gearset having first and second sun gears and first and second ring gears and having a planet carrier supporting at least one first planet gear in engagement with said first sun gear and said first ring gear and supporting at least one second planet gear in engagement with said second sun gear and said second ring gear, said first and second planet gears being engaged with each other, means for coupling said planet carrier to said input element for rotation therewith, means for coupling said first output element to said first ring gear for rotation therewith, means for coupling said second output element to said second ring gear for rotation therewith, and a fluid drive means having an impeller member coupled to one of said sun gears and having a runner member coupled to the other thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Differential mechanisms as defined in claim 1 further comprising control means for selectively filling said fluid drive means with fluid and for selectively emptying fluid therefrom to selectively couple and decouple said sun gears.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 2 wherein said control means comprises a source of fluid and a valve connected between said fluid source and said fluid drive means, said valve having an open position at which a flow of fluid is continuously supplied to said fluid drive means and having another position at which said flow is stopped, said fluid drive means having a drain passage in a radially outward region thereof whereby said fluid drive means is emptied when said flow is stopped by said valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluid drive means and said gears and ring gears and said planet carrier are disposed for rotation about a single axis of rotation, further comprising first and second rotatable sleeve means extending coaxially from said first and second sun gears respectively and being coupled to separate ones of said members of said fluid drive means for rotation therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said first and second output elements are disposed for rotation about said axis and wherein said means coupling said first output element to said first ring gear comprises a first output sLeeve means extending coaxially therebetween, and wherein said means coupling said second output element to said second ring gear comprises a second output sleeve means extending coaxially therebetween and in coaxial relationship to said first output sleeve means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said first and second ring gears are spaced apart along said axis and wherein said first planet gear extends from said first ring gear towards said second ring gear and said second planet gear extends from said second ring gear towards said first ring gear and overlaps said first planet gear, said planet gears being engaged with each other at the overlapping portions thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said input element is a shaft extending along said axis of rotation and said output elements are gears disposed in coaxial relationship therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
Differential mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said input element is a bevel gear disposed coaxially with respect to said planet carrier and said output elements are shafts extending in opposite directions along said axis of rotation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |