Patent attributes
An improved inter-axle differential locking clutch is provided that aligns the actuator and the clutch member thereby reducing space and material requirements in the axle assembly housing. The clutch also eliminates the need for a pushrod and shift fork thereby reducing tooling and production costs, as well as eliminating issues associated with misalignment of the piston and pushrod, relative rotation of the shift fork and clutch member, and tipping of the shift fork. The clutch includes one or more pistons disposed within either the axle housing or a carrier supporting the input shaft bearing. Fluid pressure actuates the pistons against a clutch member causing selective engagement between the clutch member and either a side gear driven by the inter-axle differential or a differential case housing the differential gears of the inter-axle differential.
