Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A locking mechanism for a vehicle differential, said mechanism comprising:
• a locking coupler (1) displaceably mounted on a cover plate (29) of said differential, said locking coupler (1) having a plurality of pins (36) configured thereon;
• a sub-assembly comprising a fulcrum (3) attached to a left brake-cum-bearing cage (13) of said differential, and a fork (2) having a first operative end thereof pivotably mounted on said fulcrum (3), said fork (2) configured to abut said coupler (1) in an inoperative configuration; and
• an actuating member (4), a first operative end of which is attached to a second operative end of said fork (2);
wherein said actuating member (4) is configured to be linearly displaced to pivot said fork (2) about said fulcrum (3) and cause a predetermined linear displacement of said coupler (1) for facilitating engagement of said pin (36) with a differential side gear (31) of the differential to prevent relative motion between said differential gear and said cover plate (29) and brake the differential action, thereby locking said differential.
2. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (4) is configured to be rotatably displaced to pivot said fork (2) about said fulcrum (3) to cause a predetermined linear displacement of said coupler (1).
3. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a slot (37) is configured at said second operative end of said fork (2) to facilitate bolting of said actuating member (4) with said fork (2).
4. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (4) is housed in a rear differential housing (34) of the differential.
5. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, which includes a first resilient member (5) disposed at a second operative end of said actuating member (4), said first resilient member (5) configured to ensure that said actuating member (4) regains its original position after being released.
6. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, which includes a second resilient member (9) mounted in between said coupler (1) and said cover plate (29), said second resilient member (9) configured to allow said coupler (1) to regain its original position when said actuating member (4) is released.
7. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (4) is coupled to an actuating unit (35) configured to pull or rotate said actuating member (4).
8. The mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein said actuating unit (35) is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuation unit, a hydraulic actuation unit, a pneumatic actuation unit, and an electromagnetic actuation unit.
9. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (4) is provided with an oil seal (7) configured to prevent oil leakage from said rear differential housing (34).
, Description:FIELD
The preset disclosure relates to the field of vehicle differentials.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A differential is a device configured to transmit the power from the driveshaft to the drive wheels, and allow the drive wheels to turn at different rotational speed while still receiving power from the engine. Typically, the rotational speeds of the drive wheels can be adjusted independent of each other considering the different distances travelled by the left and right wheels. The drive torque is symmetrically distributed to both drive wheels, without any yawing moment. However, when the frictional potential of the two drive wheels are different, the propulsive forces transmitted to the road surface for both drive wheels depends on the smaller of the two. In this case, this comparison can be related to inner wheel compensation in the axle gearbox and inter-axle compensation between different power axles. This means that one drive wheel standing on a surface with less frictional coefficient like ice, will spin, and the other wheel standing on a surface with a relatively higher frictional coefficient like asphalt would not receive more torque than the former. As a result, the vehicle cannot move off. In order to overcome this disadvantage of the differential, the compensating action must be inhibited.
In order to inhibit the compensation action, a differential locking means can be used. The locking system is configured to block the compensating action by essentially "locking" both wheels on an axle together as if on a common shaft, which forces both the drive wheels to turn in unison, regardless of the traction available to each wheel individually.
Conventional locking means is configured to lock and unlock the differential side gear with the differential housing. The conventional mechanism consists of a heavy fork, coupler, spring, spacer, shaft and linkages. When the operator presses the pedal then shaft rotates. A pin, fixed to the shaft, rotates against a V-groove which is provided on the fork. The fork is pushed due to the rotation of the V-groove due to which the coupler is pushed to lock the side gear with the differential housing.
However, the conventional mechanism is not compatible to incorporate all mode of actuation. Further, the provision of V-groove requires large mechanical efforts due to which the existing mechanism becomes bulky, expensive and requires large space for packaging. Additionally, the V-groove reduces the overall reliability because of edge loading.
There is, therefore, felt a need for a locking mechanism which alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential, which is compact.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential, which is reliable.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential, which can be compatible with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic actuating units.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential. The mechanism comprises a locking coupler, a sub-assembly and an actuating member. The locking coupler is displaceably mounted on a cover plate of the differential. The locking coupler has a plurality of pins configured thereon. The sub-assembly comprises a fulcrum and a fork. The fulcrum is attached to a left brake-cum-bearing cage of the differential. The fork has a first operative end thereof pivotably mounted on the fulcrum. The fork is configured to abut the coupler in an inoperative configuration. A first operative end of the actuating member is attached to a second operative end of the fork. The actuating member is configured to be linearly displaced to pivot the fork about the fulcrum and cause a predetermined linear displacement of the coupler for facilitating engagement of the pin with a differential side gear of the differential to prevent relative motion between the differential gear and the cover plate and brake the differential action, thereby locking the differential.
In an embodiment, the actuating member is configured to be rotatably displaced to pivot the fork about the fulcrum and cause a predetermined linear displacement of the coupler.
In one embodiment, a slot is configured at the second operative end of the fork to facilitate bolting of the actuating member with the fork.
In another embodiment, the actuating member is housed in a rear differential housing of the differential.
In yet another embodiment, the mechanism includes a first resilient member disposed at a second operative end of the actuating member. The first resilient member is configured to ensure that the actuating member regains its original position after being released.
In still another embodiment, the mechanism includes a second resilient member mounted in between the coupler and the cover plate. The second resilient member is configured to allow the coupler to regain its original position when the actuating member is released.
In another embodiment, the actuating member is coupled to an actuating unit configured to pull or rotate the actuating member.
In yet another embodiment, the actuating unit is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuation unit, a hydraulic actuation unit, a pneumatic actuation unit, and an electromagnetic actuation unit.
In still another embodiment, the actuating member is provided with an oil seal configured to prevent oil leakage from the differential housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A locking mechanism, of the present disclosure, for a vehicle differential will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the locking mechanism of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a fork of the locking mechanism of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a locking coupler of the locking mechanism of Figure 1, having a pin which is configured to engage with differential side gear of the vehicle differential.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
2 – fork
3 – fulcrum
4 – actuating member
5 – first resilient member
6 – threaded plug
8, 14, 18, 22, 30 – bolt
7 – oil seal
9 – second resilient member
11 – pivot point
12 – first bearing
13 – left brake-cum-bearing cage
15 – nut
16 – shaft
17 – right hand brake-cum-bearing cage
19 – second bearing
21 – lock plate
23 – differential housing
24 – spiral gear
25, 31 – differential side gear
26 – pin
28 – pinion
29 – cover plate
33 – shim
34 – rear differential housing
35 – actuating unit
36 – pin
37 – slot
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, or section from another component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
A vehicle differential comprises a differential housing (23) and a rear differential housing (34). A spiral gear (24) is mounted on the differential housing (23) with the help of a plurality of bolts (22) and a lock plate (21). A differential side gear (25) is mounted on the differential housing (23) in such a way that the differential side gear (25) rotates relative to the differential housing (23). A plurality of pins (26) and a plurality of shafts (16) are mounted on the differential housing (23). A pinion (28) is mounted on a pin (26), and is configured to rotate around the pin (26) and the shaft (16). A cover plate (29) is fastened in the differential housing (23) with the help of a plurality of bolts (30). A differential side gear (31) is mounted on the cover plate (29) such that the differential side gear (31) rotates relative to the cover plate (29).
A first bearing (12) and a second bearing (19) is mounted on the cover plate (29) and the differential housing (23) respectively. The outer race of the first bearing (12) is mounted on a left brake-cum-bearing cage (13), and the outer race of the second bearing (19) is mounted on a right hand brake-cum-bearing cage (17). The left brake-cum-bearing cage (13) is mounted on the rear differential housing (34) with the help of a plurality of bolts (14). The right hand brake-cum-bearing cage (17) is mounted on the rear differential housing (34) with the help of a plurality of bolts (18).
The first bearing (12) and the second bearing (19) are configured to be rotated in order to transfer power and rotational motion from the spiral gear (24) to the shafts (16) through the pin (26), the pinions (28), the differential side gears (25, 31). The power and rotational motion is thereafter transferred to the wheels of the vehicle.
The first bearing (12) is provided with a shim (33) configured to control the float and pre-load of the first bearing (12).
It is necessary that the wheels are locked on the axle together to provide a significant traction advantage. This necessity can be fulfilled with the help of a locking mechanism designed to provide the necessary traction.
The present disclosure envisages a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential.
The locking mechanism (hereinafter referred to as ‘mechanism’) comprises a locking coupler (1), a sub-assembly and an actuating member (4).
The locking coupler (1) is displaceably mounted on the cover plate (29) of the differential. Preferably, the locking coupler (1) is mounted co-axially on the cover plate (1) with the help of a plurality of bolts (8). The locking coupler (1) has a plurality of pins (36) integrally configured on an operative surface of the locking coupler (1). The sub-assembly comprises a fulcrum (3) and a fork (2). The fulcrum (3) is attached to the left brake-cum-bearing cage (13) of the differential with the help of a plurality of bolts (14) and a plurality of nuts (15). The fulcrum (3) is attached to the left brake-cum-bearing cage (13), such that the rear differential housing (34) is located in between the fulcrum (3) and the left brake-cum-bearing cage (13). A first operative end of the fork (2) is pivotably mounted on the fulcrum (3). The fork (2) is configured to abut the coupler (1) in an inoperative configuration. The actuating member (4) is attached to a second operative end of the fork (2). More specifically, a first operative end of the actuating member (4) is attached to a second operative end of the fork (2).
A slot (37) is configured at the second operative end of the fork (2) to provide additional degree of freedom for facilitating bolting of the actuating member (4) with the fork (2). The actuating member (4) is configured to be linearly displaced to pivot the fork (2) about the fulcrum (3) at a pivot point (11). The pivoting action of the fork (2) causes a predetermined linear displacement of the coupler (1). The displacement of the coupler (1) facilitates engagement of the pin (36) with the differential side gear (31), thereby preventing relative motion between the differential gear and the cover plate (29). As a result the mechanism causes braking of the differential action to facilitate locking of the differential.
In another embodiment, the actuating member (4) is configured to be rotatably displaced to pivot the fork (2) about the fulcrum (3) and cause a predetermined linear displacement of the coupler (1) for facilitating engagement of the pin (36) with a differential side gear (31) of the differential to prevent relative motion between the differential gear and the cover plate (29) and brake the differential action.
The actuating member (4) is housed axially in the rear differential housing (34) with the help of a threaded plug (6) configured with a central hole and an external thread. Further, the actuating member (4) is coupled to an actuating unit (35) that is configured to pull or rotate the actuating member (4) in a desired body direction.
In an operative configuration, the actuating member (4) is linearly displaced or rotated by being pulled or by being rotated by the actuating unit (35) in a desired body direction for example, in left direction. The pulling of the actuating member (4) causes pivoting of the fork in a counter clockwise direction about the pivot point (11). Pivoting of fork linearly displaces the coupler (1) in the right direction. More specifically, the coupler (1) is dislocated from its original position to a predetermined distance which corresponds to the position wherein the pin (36) of the coupler (1) can engage with the differential side gear (31) to prevent the relative motion between the differential side gear (31) and the cover plate (29).
The locking mechanism blocks inter-axle compensating action offered by the two axles of the vehicle by locking the vehicle differential. As a result, the axles become rigid and start working complementary to each other thus, controlling the traction of the vehicle in case of inadequate traction for a wheel or an axle. Further, the mechanism in operative configuration forces both the left and right drive wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed under in all circumstances, without regard to the tractional differences at each drive wheel.
In an embodiment, the actuating member (4) has a stepped configuration configured at a second operative end of the actuating member (4). The mechanism includes a first resilient member (5) disposed at a second operative end of the actuating member (4). The first resilient member (5) is configured to ensure that the actuating member (4) regains its original position after being released. The first resilient member (5) is further configured to maintain the actuating member (4) in such a position that the fork (2) is rested on the left brake-cum-bearing cage (13) to ensure sufficient gap between the coupler (1) and the fork (2). In an embodiment, the gap is very minute and is required to avoid rubbing between the fork (2) and the coupler (1) in the inoperative configuration.
In an embodiment, the first resilient member (5) is a spring.
The mechanism further includes a second resilient member (9) mounted in between the coupler (1) and the cover plate (29). The second resilient member (9) is preferably guided in bolts (8), and is pressed against the coupler (1) and the cover plate (29). The second resilient member (9) is configured to allow the coupler (1) to regain its original position when the actuating member (4) is released.
In one embodiment, the actuating member (4) is provided with an oil seal (7) configured to prevent oil leakage from the rear differential housing (34) at the point where of contact of the actuating member (4).
In on embodiment, the mechanism is compatible with all kinds of actuation mechanisms. In another embodiment, the actuating unit (35) is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuation unit, a hydraulic actuation unit, a pneumatic actuation unit, and an electromagnetic actuation unit. The mechanical actuation unit may comprise a solid linkage mechanism or a cable mechanism.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a locking mechanism for a vehicle differential, that:
• is compact;
• is reliable;
• is cost-effective;
• occupies less space;
• is compatible with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic actuating units.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.