CA2252288A1 - Differential locking device - Google Patents
Differential locking device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2252288A1 CA2252288A1 CA 2252288 CA2252288A CA2252288A1 CA 2252288 A1 CA2252288 A1 CA 2252288A1 CA 2252288 CA2252288 CA 2252288 CA 2252288 A CA2252288 A CA 2252288A CA 2252288 A1 CA2252288 A1 CA 2252288A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inner case
- side gear
- differential
- gear
- annular plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H48/00—Differential gearings
- F16H48/20—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices
- F16H48/22—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using friction clutches or brakes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H48/00—Differential gearings
- F16H48/06—Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion
- F16H48/08—Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion comprising bevel gears
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H48/00—Differential gearings
- F16H48/20—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices
- F16H48/24—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using positive clutches or brakes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Retarders (AREA)
Abstract
A differential locking device is for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together. The differential includes an inner case rotatably mounted within an outer case which is secured to the vehicle. A pair of inner pinions are mounted on a shaft for rotation within the inner case. The shaft extends transversely to an axis of rotation of the inner case. A pair of side gears are mounted on opposing sides of the inner case. Each side gear meshes with the pair of inner pinions such that rotation of one side gear in relation to the inner case will rotate the other side gear in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case. A pair of wheel axles are connected to and extend laterally from respective side gears for rotation with the side gear. The differential locking device is an annular plate having inner gear teeth extending radially inwards from an inner edge and outer gear teeth extending radially outward from a periphery of the plate. The inner gear teeth mesh with the inner case while the outer gear teeth mesh with one of the side gears. This will lock the side gear to the inner case and thus restrict rotation of both side gears relative to the inner case. The wheels are each connected to an end of the respective wheel axles which extend from the side gears such that the wheels rotate together.
Description
DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a differential locking device for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together.
BACKGROUND
A differential is a common device installed on many different types of vehicles for transferring drive from one wheel to another. All terrain vehicles including four wheel drive such as Honda models TRX 300, 350, 400 and 450 will generally make use of a differential on both front and back pairs of wheels.
In certain situations the all terrain vehicle may rest on a supporting surface such that one wheel does not contact the supporting surface or the supporting surface is slippery due to mud or water. In such a situation the differential will cause the one wheel to spin freely and the opposing wheel which may have good traction will not rotate and thus will not aid in advancing the vehicle out of the mud or water. It is thus desirable to have both front wheels of a four wheel drive all terrain vehicle rotate together such that the vehicle is less likely to become stuck.
SUMMARY
According to the present invention there is provided a differential locking device for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together, wherein the differential comprises;
an outer case mounted to a frame of the vehicle;
an inner case mounted for rotation within the outer case;
a pair of side gears rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the inner case wherein each side gear meshes with inner pinions such that a rotation of one side gear in relation to the inner case will rotate the other side gear in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case; and a pair of wheel axles connected to and extending laterally from respective side gears such that the wheel axles rotate with the respective side gears;
and wherein the differential locking device comprises a locking member having an inner portion mounted on one of the side gears and an outer portion mounted within the inner case wherein the locking member is a rigid member such that the side gear cannot rotate relative to the inner case.
Preferably the locking member is in the form of an annular plate mounted within the inner case around a periphery of the plate wherein the side gear is inserted through the annular plate and mounted to an inner edge of the plate.
Inner gear teeth preferably extend radially inwards from the inner edge of the annular plate for meshing with teeth on the side gear which is inserted therethrough such that the side gear is secured to the annular plate.
Preferably outer gear teeth extend radially outwards from the periphery of the annular plate for meshing with teeth around an inner face of the inner case such that the annular plate is secured to the inner case.
It is preferred that the annular plate be axially aligned with the inner case and side gear which the plate is mounted on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a front differential of a Honda four wheel drive all terrain vehicle; and Figure 2 is an isometric view of the differential locking device which may be mounted within the differential.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a differential locking device for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together.
BACKGROUND
A differential is a common device installed on many different types of vehicles for transferring drive from one wheel to another. All terrain vehicles including four wheel drive such as Honda models TRX 300, 350, 400 and 450 will generally make use of a differential on both front and back pairs of wheels.
In certain situations the all terrain vehicle may rest on a supporting surface such that one wheel does not contact the supporting surface or the supporting surface is slippery due to mud or water. In such a situation the differential will cause the one wheel to spin freely and the opposing wheel which may have good traction will not rotate and thus will not aid in advancing the vehicle out of the mud or water. It is thus desirable to have both front wheels of a four wheel drive all terrain vehicle rotate together such that the vehicle is less likely to become stuck.
SUMMARY
According to the present invention there is provided a differential locking device for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together, wherein the differential comprises;
an outer case mounted to a frame of the vehicle;
an inner case mounted for rotation within the outer case;
a pair of side gears rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the inner case wherein each side gear meshes with inner pinions such that a rotation of one side gear in relation to the inner case will rotate the other side gear in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case; and a pair of wheel axles connected to and extending laterally from respective side gears such that the wheel axles rotate with the respective side gears;
and wherein the differential locking device comprises a locking member having an inner portion mounted on one of the side gears and an outer portion mounted within the inner case wherein the locking member is a rigid member such that the side gear cannot rotate relative to the inner case.
Preferably the locking member is in the form of an annular plate mounted within the inner case around a periphery of the plate wherein the side gear is inserted through the annular plate and mounted to an inner edge of the plate.
Inner gear teeth preferably extend radially inwards from the inner edge of the annular plate for meshing with teeth on the side gear which is inserted therethrough such that the side gear is secured to the annular plate.
Preferably outer gear teeth extend radially outwards from the periphery of the annular plate for meshing with teeth around an inner face of the inner case such that the annular plate is secured to the inner case.
It is preferred that the annular plate be axially aligned with the inner case and side gear which the plate is mounted on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a front differential of a Honda four wheel drive all terrain vehicle; and Figure 2 is an isometric view of the differential locking device which may be mounted within the differential.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a front differential generally indicated by the number 10 for use with a front pair of wheels on a Honda four wheel drive all terrain vehicle.
The differential 10 includes an outer case 12 having first and second sides 14 and 16. A drive pinion 18 connected to a drive shaft 20 is inserted through the second side 16 of the outer case such that the drive pinion is exposed within an inner face of the case.
An inner case 22 is rotatably mounted within the outer case for rotation about an axis 24 extending from the first side 14 to the second side 16 of the outer case. A cap 26 is mounted on a first side 28 of the inner case and a ring gear 30 is mounted on a second side 32 of the inner case for enclosing the inner case.
The ring gear 30 meshes with drive pinion 18 for driving the rotation of the inner case.
A pinion shaft 34 is mounted within the inner case to extend perpendicularly to the axis 24 of the inner case. The pinion shaft 34 is inserted through a pair of apertures in a collar 36 which is aligned axially with the axis 24 of the inner case for mounting the collar 36 within the inner case. A pair of inner pinions 38 are rotatably mounted on opposing ends of the pinion shaft such that they face each other. The collar 36 is mounted on the pinion shaft such that it lies between the inner pinions and adjacent to both inner pinions.
A pair of side gears 40 are mounted adjacent to opposing ends of the collar 36 within the inner case. The side gears 40 each include a pinion 42 extending from an inner face and a gear 44 extending from an outer face. Each pinion 42 of the side gears 40 meshes with both inner pinions 38 such that rotation of one side gear 40 in relation to the inner case will cause the other side gear 40 to rotate in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case about the axis 24 of the inner case.
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a front differential generally indicated by the number 10 for use with a front pair of wheels on a Honda four wheel drive all terrain vehicle.
The differential 10 includes an outer case 12 having first and second sides 14 and 16. A drive pinion 18 connected to a drive shaft 20 is inserted through the second side 16 of the outer case such that the drive pinion is exposed within an inner face of the case.
An inner case 22 is rotatably mounted within the outer case for rotation about an axis 24 extending from the first side 14 to the second side 16 of the outer case. A cap 26 is mounted on a first side 28 of the inner case and a ring gear 30 is mounted on a second side 32 of the inner case for enclosing the inner case.
The ring gear 30 meshes with drive pinion 18 for driving the rotation of the inner case.
A pinion shaft 34 is mounted within the inner case to extend perpendicularly to the axis 24 of the inner case. The pinion shaft 34 is inserted through a pair of apertures in a collar 36 which is aligned axially with the axis 24 of the inner case for mounting the collar 36 within the inner case. A pair of inner pinions 38 are rotatably mounted on opposing ends of the pinion shaft such that they face each other. The collar 36 is mounted on the pinion shaft such that it lies between the inner pinions and adjacent to both inner pinions.
A pair of side gears 40 are mounted adjacent to opposing ends of the collar 36 within the inner case. The side gears 40 each include a pinion 42 extending from an inner face and a gear 44 extending from an outer face. Each pinion 42 of the side gears 40 meshes with both inner pinions 38 such that rotation of one side gear 40 in relation to the inner case will cause the other side gear 40 to rotate in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case about the axis 24 of the inner case.
A set of clutch plates 46 is mounted within both first and second sides of the inner case. Each set of clutch plates 46 includes a pair of outer plates 48 each in the form of an annular member with gear teeth extending radially outward from a periphery of the plates and an inner plate 50 in the form of an annular member having gear teeth extending radially inwards from the annular member. The inner plate 50 is mounted between the pair of outer plates 48 such that it lies adjacent to both plates.
The outer plates 48 of each set of clutch plates meshes with inner gear teeth 52 extending radially inwards around an inner face of a respective side of the inner case. The outer plates 48 are thus secured to the inner case and rotate with the inner case.
Each inner plate 50 meshes with the respective gear 44 of the respective side gears 40. The inner plate is thus secured for rotation with the side gear 40.
A set of springs 54 and washers 56 are included on each side of the inner case for securing the gears within the inner case. A wheel axle 58 is inserted in both first and second sides of the inner case. Each wheel axle 58 is mounted within a socket 59 in the outer face of the respective side gear 40 for rotation with the side gear. Bearings 62 are mounted on the first and second sides of the outer case for supporting a portion of the respective wheel axles 58 which are inserted therethrough.
Each wheel axle 58 mounts a wheel 60 on an outer end 61 of the wheel axle.
The sets of clutch plates 46 are arranged such that the outer plates 48 frictionally engage the inner plates 50 for urging the inner plates to rotate with the outer plates. With the outer plates connected to the inner case 22 and the inner plates connected to respective side gears 40 the side gears are urged to rotate with the inner case.
In operation the drive shaft will rotate the drive pinion in a given direction and thus the ring gear and inner case will rotate as well to cause motion of the vehicle. If there is equal resistance applied by the supporting surface beneath the vehicle to each wheel, the wheels will rotate together at the same rate due to the clutch plates urging both wheels to rotate with the inner casing equally. If one wheel is on a slippery surface the opposing wheel will experience a greater force of resistance and thus rotate slower than the wheel on the slippery surface. If the force of resistance is great enough relative to the wheel on the slippery surface the opposing wheel may stop rotating completely while the wheel on the slippery surface will spin freely and the vehicle will not advance from the slippery surface.
Referring to Figure 2 there is illustrated a differential locking device generally indicated by the number 70. The differential locking device replaces one set of clutch plates 46 for locking the wheels such that they rotate together at all times.
The differential locking device comprises a rigid locking member in the form of an annular plate 72. The annular plate 72 includes a set of inner gear teeth 74 extending radially inwards from an inner edge of the annular plate and a set of outer gear teeth 76 extending radially outwards from a periphery of the annular plate. The annular plate 72 is mounted on either the first or second side 28, 32 of the inner case 22 such that the outer gear teeth 76 mesh with the inner gear teeth 52 of the inner case. The side gear 40 is inserted through the annular plate 72 such that the inner gear teeth 74 of the annular plate mesh with the gear 44 on the outer face of the side gear.
The annular plate is aligned axially with the axis 24 of the inner case and the side gear 40.
In operation the annular plate 72 will secure the side gear 40 to the inner case 22 such that the wheel axle extending from the side gear will rotate with the inner case at all times. Due to the arrangement of both side gears being connected to the same pair of inner pinions within the inner case, the side gear 40 opposite to the side gear which is secured by the annular plate will also be secured such that it rotates with the inner case at all times. Thus both wheel axles are connected together and rotate with the inner case in direct response to rotation of the drive shaft when the differential locking device is installed.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
The outer plates 48 of each set of clutch plates meshes with inner gear teeth 52 extending radially inwards around an inner face of a respective side of the inner case. The outer plates 48 are thus secured to the inner case and rotate with the inner case.
Each inner plate 50 meshes with the respective gear 44 of the respective side gears 40. The inner plate is thus secured for rotation with the side gear 40.
A set of springs 54 and washers 56 are included on each side of the inner case for securing the gears within the inner case. A wheel axle 58 is inserted in both first and second sides of the inner case. Each wheel axle 58 is mounted within a socket 59 in the outer face of the respective side gear 40 for rotation with the side gear. Bearings 62 are mounted on the first and second sides of the outer case for supporting a portion of the respective wheel axles 58 which are inserted therethrough.
Each wheel axle 58 mounts a wheel 60 on an outer end 61 of the wheel axle.
The sets of clutch plates 46 are arranged such that the outer plates 48 frictionally engage the inner plates 50 for urging the inner plates to rotate with the outer plates. With the outer plates connected to the inner case 22 and the inner plates connected to respective side gears 40 the side gears are urged to rotate with the inner case.
In operation the drive shaft will rotate the drive pinion in a given direction and thus the ring gear and inner case will rotate as well to cause motion of the vehicle. If there is equal resistance applied by the supporting surface beneath the vehicle to each wheel, the wheels will rotate together at the same rate due to the clutch plates urging both wheels to rotate with the inner casing equally. If one wheel is on a slippery surface the opposing wheel will experience a greater force of resistance and thus rotate slower than the wheel on the slippery surface. If the force of resistance is great enough relative to the wheel on the slippery surface the opposing wheel may stop rotating completely while the wheel on the slippery surface will spin freely and the vehicle will not advance from the slippery surface.
Referring to Figure 2 there is illustrated a differential locking device generally indicated by the number 70. The differential locking device replaces one set of clutch plates 46 for locking the wheels such that they rotate together at all times.
The differential locking device comprises a rigid locking member in the form of an annular plate 72. The annular plate 72 includes a set of inner gear teeth 74 extending radially inwards from an inner edge of the annular plate and a set of outer gear teeth 76 extending radially outwards from a periphery of the annular plate. The annular plate 72 is mounted on either the first or second side 28, 32 of the inner case 22 such that the outer gear teeth 76 mesh with the inner gear teeth 52 of the inner case. The side gear 40 is inserted through the annular plate 72 such that the inner gear teeth 74 of the annular plate mesh with the gear 44 on the outer face of the side gear.
The annular plate is aligned axially with the axis 24 of the inner case and the side gear 40.
In operation the annular plate 72 will secure the side gear 40 to the inner case 22 such that the wheel axle extending from the side gear will rotate with the inner case at all times. Due to the arrangement of both side gears being connected to the same pair of inner pinions within the inner case, the side gear 40 opposite to the side gear which is secured by the annular plate will also be secured such that it rotates with the inner case at all times. Thus both wheel axles are connected together and rotate with the inner case in direct response to rotation of the drive shaft when the differential locking device is installed.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (7)
1. A differential locking device for use with an all terrain vehicle for locking a pair of wheels together which are connected by a differential such that the wheels rotate together, wherein the differential comprises;
an outer case mounted to a frame of the vehicle;
an inner case mounted for rotation within the outer case;
a pair of side gears rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the inner case wherein each side gear meshes with inner pinions such that a rotation of one side gear in relation to the inner case will rotate the other side gear in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case; and a pair of wheel axles connected to and extending laterally from respective side gears such that the wheel axles rotate with the respective side gears;
and wherein the differential locking device comprises a locking member having an inner end mounted on one of the side gears and an outer end mounted on the inner case wherein the locking member is a rigid member such that the side gear cannot rotate relative to the inner case.
an outer case mounted to a frame of the vehicle;
an inner case mounted for rotation within the outer case;
a pair of side gears rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the inner case wherein each side gear meshes with inner pinions such that a rotation of one side gear in relation to the inner case will rotate the other side gear in an opposite direction in relation to the inner case; and a pair of wheel axles connected to and extending laterally from respective side gears such that the wheel axles rotate with the respective side gears;
and wherein the differential locking device comprises a locking member having an inner end mounted on one of the side gears and an outer end mounted on the inner case wherein the locking member is a rigid member such that the side gear cannot rotate relative to the inner case.
2. The differential locking device of Claim 1 wherein the locking member is in the form of an annular plate mounted within the inner case around a periphery of the plate wherein the side gear is inserted through the annular plate and mounted to an inner edge of the plate.
3. The differential locking device of Claim 2 wherein there is provided inner gear teeth extending radially inwards from the inner edge of the annular plate for meshing with teeth on the side gear which is inserted therethrough such that the side gear is secured to the annular plate.
4. The differential locking device of Claim 2 wherein there is provided outer gear teeth extending radially outwards from the periphery of the annular plate for meshing with teeth around an inner face of the inner case such that the annular plate is secured to the inner case.
5. The differential locking device of Claim 2 wherein the annular plate is axially aligned with the inner case.
6. The differential locking device of Claim 2 wherein the annular plate is axially aligned with the side gear the plate is mounted on.
7. The differential locking device of Claim 1 wherein the locking member comprises an annular plate mounted on the side gear which is inserted therethrough by a set of inner gear teeth extending radially inwards from an inner edge of the annular plate and mounted within the inner case by a set of outer gear teeth extending radially outwards from a periphery of the plate wherein the plate is axially aligned with both the inner case and the side gear such that the side gear cannot rotate relative to the inner case.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2252288 CA2252288A1 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 1998-10-30 | Differential locking device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2252288 CA2252288A1 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 1998-10-30 | Differential locking device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2252288A1 true CA2252288A1 (en) | 2000-04-30 |
Family
ID=29425570
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2252288 Abandoned CA2252288A1 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 1998-10-30 | Differential locking device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2252288A1 (en) |
-
1998
- 1998-10-30 CA CA 2252288 patent/CA2252288A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |