SELF-LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL WITH DISKS AND RINGS

Abstract: Differential comprising disks (1, 2) and rings (3, 4) inside a casing (15) being in full and continuous sliding state of contact with the outer pair of disks (6, 7) coupled to the output shafts. The inner sides of disks (1, 2) and rings (3, 4) are machined, so that the plane surfaces on both sides of configurations (8, 10) and (9, 11) are inclined towards the perimeter under a certain inclination angle, allowing the convergence and divergence of the disks around configurations (8, 10). The outer plane surfaces of disks and rings of the inner pair (1, 2, 3, 4) are in full and continuous contact with the inclined circular planes (12, 13, 14) of the outer pair of disks (6, 7). On the periphery of the ring (3) are fitted plates (5) which can slide in a recess (16) of the inner surface of casing (15). The configuration and arrangement of axles, disks and rings allow the mechanism to move in a peculiar way, with harmonious rotational oscillations and achieving, blocking in the case of partial or total adhesion loss of one driving wheel and the delivery of the remaining or even the whole torque, to the wheel with the greater adhesion.

Description: DESCRIPTION SELF-LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL WITH DISKS AND RINGS The invention refers to the technical section of operation and application of differentials used in ail types of wheeled vehicles. In the conventional in use differential it is well known, that under a specific number of revolutions per minute of the engine, the sum of the speeds on both wheels is constant, consequently when both driving wheels are in traction on the pavement, with different coefficient of friction (μ), then one wheel will accelerate and the other will decelerate with the well known undesirable effects. The one wheel with the lower adhesion will spin, whereas the other wheel does not turn at all. Under these conditions the power transmitted by friction forces on both wheels in minimal and the vehicle is brought to a standstill (Fig.7B). To overcome this difficulty various differential types of reduced adhesion loss were developed, which aim at improving the adhesion, with the variation of torque distribution, on the wheel with the greatest adhesion. While the conventional differential has a ratio of torque distribution 50:50 i.e., ratio of torque distribution 1:1 or sometimes 1,5:1 the reduced adhesion loss differential, alters this torque distribution in favour of the axle with the greater adhesion to the ratio 80:20 or 4:1 and in some cases 6:1. That is to say, while the running free wheel is in a condition of high adhesion loss, the other axle picks up a small speed, passing to a condition with higher coefficient of friction. Because these differentials use an engagement type between the two output axles, namely a clutch with disks fitted on the output axles, where the speed difference is balanced by the friction forces between the two disks, high friction forces occur resulting in the development of high temperatures and the quick wear of the system. These systems also do not react promptly and allow the development of significant speed differences between the axles, resulting in the failure to avoid the spinning of the wheel with the lower adhesion. An evolution of these differentials, are the differentials with cohesive engagement. In this case the disks are perforated and special fluid flows through the disks. The balancing of the axles speeds is achieved by the variation of the fluid pressure and subsequently of the friction forces between the disks. The operation characteristics and the engagement time, vary with the numbers of disks, and the film thickness of the fluid. The advantage of these differentials, compared to the simple engagement differentials, is their reduced weight and inertia. The Torsen type differentials are a peculiar planetary gear system. In the center of the system worm gears form the output towards the axles, while on their perimeter and the inside of the casing three pairs of shafts are fitted with gears meshing with the sun gear and between them. This system has the ability of rapid torque transmission to the axle of the wheel with the greater resistance (greater adhesion). On the other hand the system has problems from the increased weight and inertia, because of the large numbers of gears, and from the high friction levels resulting in wear, high temperatures. The ratio of the delivered torque could reach the value of 6:1. It differs from the reduced adhesion loss differentials, because it has an immediate reaction and does not allow significant speed differences, between the axles and consequently, spinning of the wheel, with the lower adhesion. Some of these disadvantages were reduced by the use of improved metal alloys and the simplification of the system. (Patent eqivex) making the system lighter and simpler, but it still is at a disadvantage concerning the torque distribution, wherein the ratio of the distributed torques reaches up to 3:1 (Fig.7C). Finally with the new RICARDO differential currently under testing the transmission is not achieved through gears but through a cross fitted on the differential shaft and able to slide and rotate simultaneously. The ball shaped ends of the cross are properly fitted with disks and are connected with the output axles. In this system the variation of torque distribution depends not only on the speed difference but also on the load, whose variation along with the variation of the friction coefficient through the help of an oil film, results in the transmission of the greater torque to the axle with the lower speed. Tests have shown that the amount of the change of the torque distribution ratio depends on the selected speed ranging from 5:1 up to a minimum 2:1. The present invention differs radically from the differential mechanisms, mentioned previously, as clearly results from the arrangement, configuration and operation of its mechanism as described in the following pages. In concerns a new mechanism and method for its drive consisting of a combination of disk pairs and rings in contact, moving in a unique way due to their proper arrangement and shape, their motion delivered always towards an opposite rotation, through two properly set axles located in the center of the differential "axis". The combination of the arrangement, shape and motion of two disk pairs and rings of this mechanism, through properly set axles, located in the center of the differential "axis", allows its operation whether as a conventional differential in the case of normal adhesion of the drive wheels or as a direct engagement drive in the case of any adhesion loss i.e., reduction of friction coefficient of one wheel, in which case the mechanism locks with the respective engagement of the disk pair and rings, achieving the delivery of the remaining torque, of the wheel with adhesion loss, in favour of the wheel with the greater adhesion, and of the whole torque, in the extreme case of minimal or zero coefficient of friction (μ=0), in favour again of the wheel with the greater adhesion. This engagement capability of the mechanism is possible to increase or decrease in the various embodiments, according to manufacturer requirements, through the increase or decrease of the inclination angle of the inclined plane surfaces machined on a pair of disks. Due to the lack of any gears, balls and small machine elements with small contact surfaces or point contacts from the whole mechanism system, and the cooperation only of large engaged surfaces, the mechanism has the advantages, compared with the previously mentioned mechanisms, of friction elimination and high load carrying capacity. It is obvious that all the elements of the differential take part continuously and as a whole in the operation of the mechanism. There isn't namely, in contrast with other systems, partial or incomplete power efficiency of the mechanism. Because it is affordable to manufacture and use small size machine elements, for the mechanism, operating in a small space, the size and the weight of the differential could be substantially reduced, with the inertia forces kept to a minimum. From the previously described, is obvious on the one hand the efficiency, simplicity and reliability of the system and on the other hand the elimination of wear and damage and consequently the increased and fault less system life. In addition to that the manufacture of the various differential components is easily executed with simple machining processes, and its manufacturing cost is definitely lower than any other differential techniques already in use. It can be used on any type of wheeled vehicle, on road, off road, of special type, easily adjustable to the required specifications of any vehicle type. In addition to that, it can be used as a central differential in the case of more than one driving axles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The following description of the drawings wherein like numerals are used to designate like parts of the specific forms embodied in spirit and essential characteristics of this invention and to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive there of. FIG.1 is a front view, side view and down view in cross section of a disk with the arranged shafts and the fitted ring, belonging to the inner pair of disks. FIG.2 is a front view and side view of the other disk of the ring, belonging to the inner pair of disks. FIG.3 illustrates views and cross sections of the inclined disks of the outer pair of disks and a surface configuration with opposite inclination angle. FIG.4 illustrates various views and arrangements of disks and rings of the mechanism, during the simultaneous movement of the inner and outer pair of disks. FIG.5,6 illustrate views in cross section of the mechanism shafts of different shape. FIG.7 illustrates graphs "friction-adhesion loss" for comparison reasons, of the efficiency of existing in use improved mechanisms and the proposing mechanism by these presents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Referring to Drawings 1,2,3,4 an application is illustrated of the controlled direct engagement differential comprising: the disk 1, 2, the rings 3, 4 the plates 5 and the outer pair of disks 6, 7. Proper serration are machined on the disk 1 periphery for mounting the disk inside the respective serrated bore of ring 3. After mounting disk and ring, their outer side appears as a uniform plane, circular, surface. On the inner side of disk 1 a cylindrical configuration of semicircular cross section 8 is machined and ring 3 has diametrically opposite machined the semicircular cross section configurations 9 so that their axis x1 x1 is inclined to the axis xx of the semicylindrical configuration 8 of disk 1. On the periphery of the said ring 3 are fitted diametrically opposite on the extension of the semicylindrical cross sections 9 the shafts 9a, at the ends of these shafts, plates 5 are attached forming a joint. Disk 2 is of equal diameter with disk 1 and is assembled, so that it can move freely inside the bore of ring 4. The inner side of disk 2 has a semicylindrical groove 10 on a diametrical position respective to the semicylindrical configuration 8 of disk 1. The inner side of disk 4 has the semicylindrical grooves 11 on a diametrically opposite position respective to the semicylindrical configurations 9 of ring 3 of disk 1. The inner sides of disks 1, 2 and rings 3, 4 are machined, so that the plane surfaces on both sides of configurations 8, 10 and 9, 11 are inclined towards the perimeter under a certain inclination angle, allowing the convergence and divergence of the disks around configurations 8, 10. The outer plane surfaces of disks and rings of the inner pair 1, 2, 3, 4 are in full and continuous contact with the surfaces 12, 13, 14 of the outer pair of disks. The outer pair of disks 6, 7 is coupled to the output axles of the respective driving wheels. Said disks 6, 7 have a cylindrical shape and their outer plane surfaces slide on the casing 15 during mechanism operation. The inner side of disk 6 comprises: a circular plane surface 12, inclined towards the vertical direction to a φ angle and a concentric circular plane surface 13 inclined towards the vertical direction to a same φ angle, but to a direction opposite to that of surface 12. The inner side of disk 7 forms a uniform circular plane surface 14 inclined to an angle φ equal to the angle φ of disk surfaces 6. The assembling of the mechanism is executed as follows: plates 5 are located on the proper recess 16 of the inner surface of casing 15, sliding on it, during its rotation. Ring 3 with shaft 9a together with plates 5 is fitted on the periphery of disk 1. On the semicylindrical configuration 8 of disk 1 is adapted, through groove 10, disk 2 forming a joint. About this joint wobble converging and diverging both disks 1 2 during transmission of drive. Ring 4 is assembled encircling disk 2. Grooves 11 form with the respective semicylindrical configurations 9 of ring 3 joints. About these joints ring 3 with disk 1 and ring 4 converge and diverge during transmission of drive. Finally disks 6, 7 are assembled and the inclined surface 12 of disk 6 is in full and continuous contact with the outer flat surface of disk 4, the opposite inclined inner surface 13 of same disk 6 is in full and continuous contact with outer surface of disk 2 and the uniform inclination plane surface 14 of disk 7 is in full and continuous contact with the uniform outer plane surface of disk 1 and ring 3. On said surfaces for optimum sliding characteristics proper means for improving these characteristics are applicable. During mechanism operation, we observe the following mode of movement of mechanism disks and rings and their direct controlable engagement in relation to the driving and road surface conditions. With the rotation of the casing, drive is transmitted through sliding plates 5 to the shafts 9a, ring 3, disk 1, ring 4 and disk 2 with the help of their respective joints. Simultaneously this drive is transmitted, through rotation and convergence, divergence (wobbling) of inner pair of disks and rings, to the outer pair of disks 6, 7, wherein their outer plain surfaces slide on the inside surface of the casing. The inner surfaces 12, 13, 14 of said disks as they move, slide in contact with surfaces 4, 2, 1, 3 respectively. Said surfaces of disks 6, 7 during casing rotation are moving with a sequence of convergences, parallel movements, and divergences and as it is obvious they are moving with an opposite sequence of movements compared to that of the inner disks-rings pair surfaces. The opposite inclination of surface 13 of disk 6 as compared to the inclined surface 12 of the same disk, along with angle φ is a characteristic and a necessary requirement for the operation of the present mechanism and also for the engagement and direct torque transmission to the driving wheels in the cases of adhesion loss, as follows: In the case of a drive with normal adhesion the present invention operates as an ordinary differential, for example when the rotational speeds of driving wheels are different, then the rotation of the outer pair of disks, transmitted to the inner pair of disks, is of opposite direction and differing speed for each outer disk comprising the pair resulting in the present engagement system to act as an ordinary differential. In any other case of adhesion loss of a driving wheel i.e., reduction of friction coefficient, the mechanism is acting as differential of direct engagement, wherein the engaged disk and ring surfaces forced due to their configuration and arrangement to move with an opposite rotational movement and specifically due to the configuration of angle φ, inclined plane surfaces 12, 13, 14, allowing the direct engagement of the mechanism to a degree dependent on the adhesion loss level of the driving wheel. In these cases we observe a direct torque delivery from the spinning driving wheel to the wheel with the greater adhesion. The value of said torque delivered, is proportional to the adhesion loss level. In the case where the friction coefficient is zero (μ=0), the whole torque of the spinning wheel is delivered directly to the wheel with the greater adhesion. The size of angle φ of the inclined surfaces of disks 6, 7 defines the degree of engagement of the mechanism in the cases of adhesion loss, with an indirectly proportional relation. Figures 5,6 illustrate various arrangements of shafts xx and x1 x1 from the described arrangement in Fig. 1,2. Fig.5 shows a crosswise arrangement of shafts, on which converge and diverge the disks of inner and outer pair. Fig.6 shows another embodiment with shafts xx and x1 x2 arranged on a ring. Fig.7 illustrates efficiency graphs A,B,C. On graph A is illustrated the efficiency of the present invention mechanism, where both wheels are in the condition of optimum adhesion loss as compared to the graph B of the ordinary differential and C of the reduced adhesion loss differential.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Controlable direct engagement differential with disks and rings comprising: (a) one at least pair of disks 1,2 located in the center of differential "axis" configurated as follows: (i) disk 1 has diametrically on its inner side the semicylindrical configuration 8, the outer side of said disk being a plane circular surface; (ii) disk 2 has on its inner side the groove 10 of semicylindrical cross section for mating with semicylindrical configuration 8 of disk 1, the outer side of said disk being a plain circular surface; (b) two at least rings 3, 4 encircling disks 1, 2 respectively as follows: (i) ring 3 is mounted on the periphery of disk 1 and its outer side appears with the outer side of disk (1) as a uniform plane.circular, surface; (ii) said ring has on its periphery, diametrically opposite, two cylindrical shafts 9, 9a, which shafts bear on their ends the plates 5, being in contact with the casing inner surface 15 of the mechanism; (Hi) ring 4 encircles disk 2, which can move freely inside the ring bore; (iv) said ring has on its inner surface, diametrically opposite, proper grooves 11 to mate with cylindrical configurations 9 of disk 1; (c) two disks 6,7 with inclined and plane surfaces shaped as follows: (i) disk 6 has a plane and vertical outer side being in contact with the casing inner surface; (ii) said disk has an inner side comprising, a circular plane surface 12, inclined towards the vertical direction to an angle φ and another circular plane surface 13, inclined towards the vertical direction to same angle φ, but to a direction opposite to that of surface 12; (iϋ) disk 7 has a plane and vertical outer side being in contact with the casing inner surface; (iv) the inner side of said disk forms a uniform circular plane surface 14, inclined to an angle φ equal to the angle φ of disk surfaces 6; (v) said inner surfaces 12, 13, 14 of outer pair of disks 6, 7 are in full and continuous contact with the outer plane surfaces of rings and disks 4, 2, 1, 3 of the inner pair respectively; (vi) said configuration and arrangement of disks, rings, shafts, plates defines, in proportion to the vehicle driving conditions, the respective mechanism functions as follows: (vii) in the case of vehicle driving wheels moving with normal adhesion, during the revolution of differental case, plates 5 slide in a proper recess, 16 in the casing inner surface 15; (viii) said movement of plates transmitted through shafts 9, 9a to ring 3 produces the rotation of disks 1, 2 and their respective rings of the inner pair and during their rotation woble namely, convergence and divergence ; (ix) said wobbling of inner pair disks and rings, allows the outer pair of disks 6, 7, through the contact of the respective inclined plain surfaces, to move simultaneously with harmonious, during rotation, convergences, parallel movements, and divergences, respectively opposite to the inner pair of disks movements; (x) said configuration, arrangement and rotational movement of mechanism, allows its operation as an ordinary differential in all the cases of normal driving wheel adhesion; (xi) in cases of abnormal adhesion i.e., reduction of friction coefficient of one driving wheel, the transmitted movement through the axles to the outer pair of disks 6, 7 forces the mechanism to move to an opposite direction and to a direct engagement; (xii) in said cases due to the arrangement of the mechanism components and especially the interaction of plane 13 and angle φ, the mechanism delivers the remaining amount up to the whole amount of spinning wheel torque to the wheel with better adhesion i.e., greater coefficient of friction. 2. Controlable direct engagement differential with disks and rings according to claim 1, wherein disks, rings and shafts of inner pair have the following specific configurations: (i) plates 5 are attached with proper joints at the ends of shafts 9a, having an arc form suitable for sliding in a proper recess inside the case 15; (ii) said shafts 9a are firmly attached to diametrically opposite positions on the extension of semicylindrical configurations 9 on the outer surface of ring 3, whose inner surface bears proper serrations for mounting on the periphery of disk 1; (iii) said disk 1 is properly shaped so that next to the semicylindrical configuration 8 both inner, plane, semicircular surfaces are inclined towards the disk periphery under a desired angle which inclination allows the wobbling of disks 1, 2 about the configuration 8; (iv) said semicylindrical configuration 8 is located along the disk diameter forming an angle with the diametrical axis of the cylindrical shafts 9a of ring 3; (v) disk 2 is configured on the inner side so that semicircular surfaces on both sides next to groove 10 are inclined towards the periphery under an angle equal to that of disk 1 configuration, allowing the wobbling of disks 1, 2 about the diametrical configuration 8 and the respective mating with diametrical groove 10; (vi) ring 4 encircles disk 2, which moves free inside the ring bore; (vii) the inner side of said ring 4 has diametrically opposite configured semicylindrical cross sections 11 for mating with the respective semicylindrical configurations of shafts 9; (viii) the inner side of rings 3, 4, on both sides next to the respective configurations 9 and cross section 11 is configured in an inclined form to an angle equal to the angle of the respective configuration of disks 1, 2; (ix) the outer sides of disks 1, 2 and rings 3, 4 are plane surfaces being in full and continuous contact with surfaces 12, 13, 14 of outer pair of disks 6, 7; 3. Controlable direct engagement differential with disks and rings combination according to claim 1, wherein disks 6, 7 have special configuration, arrangement, movement and operation characteristics as follows: (i) said disks 6, 7 have a plane outer surface sliding during the movement, on the casing inner surface and their inner circular surfaces 12, 13, 14 inclined to a desired angle φ from the vertical position; (ii) said inner surfaces are in contact with the respective outer surfaces 1, 2, 3, 4 of inner pair of disks and rings, sliding during mechanism operation with the following order; (iii) the inclined surface 12 of disk 6 is in contact with the outer plane surface of ring 4 and the inclined, in an opposite way, surface 13, of same disk, is in contact with the outer plane surface of disk 2; (iv) the uniform plane surface 14 of disk 7, inclined to the same angle with said surfaces, is in full contact with the uniform plane outer surface of disk 1 and ring 3; (v) said surfaces of inner and outer pair of disks and rings sliding with each other, during mechanism operation produce an harmonious rotational movement, with the surfaces successively converging, being parallel and diverging, and because of the described specific arrangement, producing a reverse succession of inner pair of disks and rings movement compared to the outer disk pair movement; (vi) said rotational movement allows the present mechanism to operate as an ordinary differential during vehicle motion with driving wheels under normal adhesion; (vii) said configuration, arrangement and disks and rings movement allows the mechanism, in case of any adhesion loss, to operate as a direct drive differential, which delivers instantly the remaining torque of the driving wheel with adhesion loss to the driving wheel with the greater adhesion, because of the equal surface inclination angle φ of speciall arranged components; (viii) in cases of total adhesion loss when the friction coefficient μ=0 the whole torque corresponding to this wheel, is delivered instantly to the wheel with 5 greater adhesion; 4. Controlable direct engagement differential with disks and rings combination, according to claim 3, wherein disk 6 has the special inclined plane 13 configuration of opposite, but equal inclination angle φ compared to plane 12 of same disk; ° (i) said configuration of angle φ inclination is a binding and necessary condition for the operation of the mechanism as a controlable differential and as a direct engagement differential in any case of driving wheel adhesion loss; (ii) said configuration allows the instant delivery of torque in proportion to the adhesion loss of one driving wheel to the other with the greater adhesion; (iii) the size of angle φ defines the desirable engagement degree of the mechanism, in an indirectly proportional manner, namely mechanisms with lower angle have greater engagement degree and vice-versa; (iv) this characteristic properly of said angle φ provides the potential for a large number of multiple applications for the present differential.

Inventors: VALASOPOULOS CHRISTOS, VALASOPOULOS, CHRISTOS
Applicants: VALASOPOULOS CHRISTOS, VALASOPOULOS, CHRISTOS
Application year: 1996
Main classification: F16H48
IPC codes: F16H48