초록 ▼

A controllable differential having a clutch mechanism which transfers a predetermined amount of torque between a rotatable differential casing and a side gear when an initiating force is applied by an electronic actuator. A pair of sensors provide inputs to the electronic actuator which, in turn, ac

A controllable differential having a clutch mechanism which transfers a predetermined amount of torque between a rotatable differential casing and a side gear when an initiating force is applied by an electronic actuator. A pair of sensors provide inputs to the electronic actuator which, in turn, actuates an electromagnet. A clutch mechanism is actuated by the electromagnet and applies an initiating force to the clutch mechanism to initially actuate the clutch mechanism when a predetermined relative rotational condition of the side gears is sensed. The application of the initiating force in combination with the interaction between engagement surfaces and between camming portions fully engages a clutch mechanism to transfer a predetermined controllable amount of torque.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A controllable differential, comprising:a rotatable casing;a pinion gear rotatably supported in said casing;a side gear rotatably supported in said casing, said side gear meshingly engaged with said pinion gear;an output element disposed in said casing and coupled to said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A controllable differential, comprising:a rotatable casing;a pinion gear rotatably supported in said casing;a side gear rotatably supported in said casing, said side gear meshingly engaged with said pinion gear;an output element disposed in said casing and coupled to said side gear;a clutch disposed between said side gear and said rotatable casing, said clutch adapted to transfer torque between said rotatable casing and said side gear, said clutch comprising a cone clutch element having a first frustoconical engagement surface, an insert having a second frustoconical engagement surface, and biasing means adapted to resist axial movement of said cone clutch element and said insert, said cone clutch element disposed between said side gear and said insert, said first frustoconical engagement surface adapted to frictionally engage said second frustoconical engagement surface; andan electrically actuated actuator adapted to apply an initiating force to said clutch in response to the sensed presence of a differentiation condition between said casing and said side gear, said cone clutch element and said insert axially move a predetermined distance in response to the application of said initiating force, whereby said clutch transfers a predetermined amount of torque between said rotatable casing and said side gear in response to said initiating force.