Patent ID: 7578759
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A drive train assembly in a snowmobile for transferring torque from an engine to a track; a) an intermediate shaft operatively connected to the engine; b) a drive shaft operatively connected to the intermediate shaft; c) the drive shaft having an outer housing, the outer housing rotatable with the drive shaft; d) a track lug driver operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein torque is transmitted from the engine to the track lug driver and then the track; and e) a torque limiting mechanism operatively connected to the drive train assembly between the drive shaft and the track lug driver, the torque limiting mechanism having a first plate having a first friction surface in contact with a second plate having a second friction surface, the first friction surface operatively connected upstream in the drive train assembly and the second friction surface operatively connected downstream in the drive train assembly; f) the first friction plate operatively connected to the drive shaft and the second friction plate operatively connected to the outer housing; g) a seal between the drive shaft and outer housing, wherein the torque limiting mechanism is an oil bath and is rotatable with the drive shaft; h) the drive shaft and outer housing being torque carrying members; i) a spring positioned proximate the plates allowing torque transmission through the plates, wherein when the torque exceeds a predetermined value, the friction surfaces slip relative to each other, thereby limiting torque transmission as well as still allowing torque transmission at the predetermined level and at a relatively constant level while slipping; and j) track lug drivers operatively connected to the outer housing, wherein the track lug drivers propel the track.