US4535651A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Torque proportioning differential
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
•
Filing: 1982-08-13
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Granted: 1985-08-20
•
Expires: 2002-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A torque proportioning differential (10/110) is disclosed for a wheeled vehicle or the like which has a driven carrier (18/112), first and second output members (68,72/138,140), first and second radially outer gears (44,48/122,124), first and second radially inner gears (56,58/126,128), a gear mechanism (26,28/116,118) rotatably mounted on the carrier for cross connecting the outer and inner gears, and first and second coupling devices (78,80/130,134,142,144) for delivering more than 50% and less than 100% of the input torque to the slower output member, with the coupling devices being connected to the output members and at least one of each of the outer and inner gears. Positive drive of each output member is achieved in each direction of rotation of the carrier without a significant degree of energy dissipation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert O. Chambers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:26
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H48/00; F16H48/20; F16H48/24; F16H48/06; F16H48/08; F16H48/10; F16H48/36; F16H2048/106; F16H2048/368; F16H48/38; F16H48/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
In a torque proportioning differential (10/110) having a driven carrier (18/112) rotatable about a central axis (16/114) and first and second output members (68,72/138,140) extending along the axis (16/114), the improvement comprising: first and second radially outer gears (44,48/122,124); first and second radially inner gears (56,58/126,128); gear means (26,28/116,118) for cross connecting the outer and inner gears (44,48,56,58/122,124,126,128), the gear means (26,28/116,118) being rotatably connected to the carrier (18/112); and disengageable coupling means (78,80/130,134,142,144) for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total torque to the first output member (68/138) in response to a relative speed increase of the second output member (72/140) with the remaining torque being delivered thereto, the coupling means (78,80/130,134,142,144) being connected to the output members (68,72/138,140) and at least one of each of the outer gears (44,48/122,124) and the inner gears (56,58/126,128).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
In a torque proportioning differential (10/110) having a driven carrier (18/112) rotatable about a central axis (16/114) and first and second output members (68,72/138,140) extending along the axis (16/114), the improvement comprising: first and second radially outer gears (44,48/122,124); first and second radially inner gears (56,58/126,128); gear means (26,28/116,118) for cross connecting the outer and inner gears (44,48,56,58/122,124,126,128), the gear means (26,28/116,118) being rotatably connected to the carrier (18/112); and disengageable coupling means (78,80/130,134,142,144) for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total torque to the first output member (68/138) in response to a relative speed increase of the second output member (72/140) with the remaining torque being delivered thereto, the coupling means (78,80/130,134,142,144) being connected to the output members (68,72/138,140) and at least one of each of the outer gears (44,48/122,124) and the inner gears (56,58/126,128).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the outer gears (44,48) have a first plurality of gear teeth (46) and the inner gears (56,58) have a second plurality of gear teeth (60) and the preselected ratio of torque division is the ratio of the first plurality to the second plurality.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the outer gears (44,48) are ring gears, the inner gears (56,58) are sun gears, and the gear means (26,28) includes first and second pluralities of interconnected planet gears (30,34).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The differential (10) of claim 3 wherein the first plurality of planet gears (30) connects the first outer gear (44) and the second inner gear (58) and the second plurality of planet gears (34) connects the second outer gear (48) and the first inner gear (56).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The differential (10) of claim 3 wherein each of the planet gears (30,34) is similar and has a central sleeve portion (40) separating outer gear teeth portions (38).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the coupling means (78,80) includes first and second coupling sleeves (86), each sleeve (86) being connected to an individual one of the outer gears (44,48), the inner gears (56,58), and the output members (68,72).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The differential (10) of claim 6 wherein each sleeve (86) has tooth means (92) for releasable coupling with one of the outer gears (44,48).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The differential (10) of claim 7 wherein the tooth means (92) includes a plurality of straight teeth arranged parallel to the axis (16).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The differential (10) of claim 6 wherein each sleeve (86) has tooth means (90) for axially slidingly connecting the respective inner gear (56,58) thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The differential (10) of claim 9 wherein the tooth means (90) includes a plurality of two-way, helical coupling teeth.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The differential (10) of claim 6 wherein each sleeve (86) has tooth means (88) for axially slidingly connecting the respective output member (68,72) thereto.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The differential (10) of claim 11 wherein the tooth means (88) includes a plurality of two-way, helical coupling teeth.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the coupling means (78,80) includes first and second sleeves (86), each sleeve (86) having first, second and third coupling teeth (88,90,92) defined thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The differential (10) of claim 13 wherein the first coupling teeth (88) are double helical teeth.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The differential (10) of claim 13 wherein the second coupling teeth (90) are double helical teeth.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The differential (10) of claim 13 wherein the third coupling teeth (92) are straight teeth.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the coupling means (78,80) includes first and second sleeves (86), each axially movable between a first position of engagement with its respectively associated radially outer gear (44,48) and a second position of disengagement therewith.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The differential (10) of claim 17 including drag means (94) for applying a light rotational retarding force between the sleeves (86) and the carrier (18).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The differential (10) of claim 1 wherein the first and second radially outer gears (122,124) are bevel gears.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The differential (110) of claim 19 wherein the first and second radially inner gears (126,128) are bevel gears.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The differential (110) of claim 20 wherein the gear means (116,118) includes a plurality of sets of interconnected radially outer and inner pinion gears.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
74 words
The differential (110) of claim 21 wherein the coupling means (142,144) includes first and second cam ring means (148) individually connected to the respective output member (138,140), first and second outer coupling elements (130) individually connected to the respective cam ring means (148) and to the outer bevel gears (122,124), and first and second inner coupling elements (134) individually connected to the respective cam ring means (148) and to the inner bevel gears (126,128).
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
57 words
The differential (110) of claim 22 wherein the coupling means (142,144) includes outer blocker means (146) for blocking the respective one of the outer coupling elements (130) from reengagement as long as overrunning continues, and inner blocker means (150) for blocking the respective one of the inner coupling elements (134) from reengagement as long as overrunning continues.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The differential (110) of claim 1 wherein the disengageable coupling means (130,134,142,144) includes first and second axially movable outer coupling elements (130) individually connected between the respective outer gear (122,124) and the respective output member (138,140).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The differential (110) of claim 24 wherein the disengageable coupling means (130,134,142,144) includes first and second axially movable inner coupling elements (134) individually connected between the respective inner gear (126,128) and the respective output member (138,140).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
The differential (110) of claim 25 wherein each of the coupling elements (130,134) has a plurality of dovetail shaped teeth (152,156), each of the output members (138,140) has a plurality of dovetail shaped teeth (154) adapted to engage the teeth (152,156) of the coupling elements (130,134) with a preselected degree of angular backlash.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
The differential (110) of claim 26 wherein each of the outer gears (122,124) and inner gears (126,128) is a bevel gear, and the gear means (116,118) include a plurality of interconnected radially outer and inner pinion gear sets.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The differential (110) of claim 27 wherein the coupling means (130,134,142,144) includes first and second cam rings (170) individually coupled through a first connection means (178,180) to one of the outer coupling elements (130) and to one of the inner coupling elements (134).
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The differential (110) of claim 28 wherein the first connection means (178,180) includes a plurality of tapered teeth on each of the cam rings (170) and the coupling elements (130,134).
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
41 words
The differential (110) of claim 29 wherein each of the cam rings (170) is coupled to a respective one of the output members (138,140) through a lug (176) and a notch (172) construction with a preselected degree of angular backlash therebetween.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a torque proportioning differential (10) having a driven carrier (18) rotatable about a central axis (16) and left and right output members (68,72) extending along the axis (16), the improvement comprising: left and right ring gears (44,68); left and right sun gears (56,58); left and right compound planet gear sets (26,28) cross connected between the ring gears (44,48) and the sun gears (56,58), the planet gear sets (26,28) being rotatably mounted on the carrier (18); and left and right sleeve coupling means (78,80) for connecting the respective ring gear (44,48) and sun gear (56,58) to the respective output member (68,72) and being disengageable for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member (68,72).
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a torque proportioning differential (10) having a driven carrier (18) rotatable about a central axis (16) and left and right output members (68,72) extending along the axis (16), the improvement comprising: left and right ring gears (44,68); left and right sun gears (56,58); left and right compound planet gear sets (26,28) cross connected between the ring gears (44,48) and the sun gears (56,58), the planet gear sets (26,28) being rotatably mounted on the carrier (18); and left and right sleeve coupling means (78,80) for connecting the respective ring gear (44,48) and sun gear (56,58) to the respective output member (68,72) and being disengageable for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member (68,72).
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The differential (10) of claim 31 wherein each sleeve coupling means (78,80) includes a sleeve (86) having first, second and third coupling teeth (88,90,92) defined thereon.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
The differential (10) of claim 32 wherein the first and second coupling teeth (88,90) are double helical teeth, and the third coupling teeth (92) are straight teeth.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
The differential (10) of claim 32 wherein each of the sleeves (86) is axially movable between a position of engagement with its respectively associated ring gear (44,48) and a second position of disengagement therewith.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The differential (10) of claim 34 including drag means (94) for applying a rotational retarding force between the sleeves (86) and the carrier (18).
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The differential (10) of claim 35 wherein the sun gears (56,58) are connected to the respective output members (68,72) through a tooth connection (66,76) having a preselected degree of angular backlash.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a torque proportioning differential (110) having a driven carrier (112) rotatable about a central axis (114) and left and right output members (138,140) extending along the axis (114), the improvement comprising: left and right outer bevel gears (122,124); left and right inner bevel gears (126,128); a plurality of sets of interconnected radially outer and inner pinion gears (116,118) cross connecting the outer and inner bevel gears (122,124,126,128) and being rotatably mounted on the carrier (112); and
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a torque proportioning differential (110) having a driven carrier (112) rotatable about a central axis (114) and left and right output members (138,140) extending along the axis (114), the improvement comprising: left and right outer bevel gears (122,124); left and right inner bevel gears (126,128); a plurality of sets of interconnected radially outer and inner pinion gears (116,118) cross connecting the outer and inner bevel gears (122,124,126,128) and being rotatably mounted on the carrier (112); and
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
left and right coupling means (130,134,142,144) for connecting the respective outer and inner bevel gear (122,124,126,128) to the respective output member (138,140) and being disengageable for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member (138,140).
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
left and right coupling means (130,134,142,144) for connecting the respective outer and inner bevel gear (122,124,126,128) to the respective output member (138,140) and being disengageable for delivering a preselected ratio more than 50% and less than 100% of the total input torque to the slower rotating output member (138,140).
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
48 words
The differential (110) of claim 37 wherein each of the left and right coupling means (130,134,142,144) includes an outer coupling element (130) axially slideably connected to the respective outer bevel gear (122,124) and an inner coupling element (134) axially slideably connected to their respective inner bevel gear (126,128).
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
50 words
The differential (110) of claim 38 wherein each of the left and right coupling means (130,134,142,144) includes cam ring means (148) for urging one of the outer and inner coupling elements (130,134) out of driving engagement with the respective output member (138,140) when its rotational speed is retarded relative thereto.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
The differential (110) of claim 39 including left and right blocker means (146) for blocking the respective one of the outer and inner coupling elements (130,134) from reengagement as long as overrunning continues.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-19 | 1989-02-18 | 1989-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-02-18 | 1993-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-19 | 1997-02-18 | 1997-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |