Control system for intermediate differential in four-wheel drive vehicle

Patent · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5926973

Takahashi, T; Kuramochi, K; Sayou, S

A control system is described for an intermediate differential in drive connection to a power transmission in a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting a drive power from a prime mover of the vehicle to front and rear wheel drive axles. The intermediate differential is provided with a lock mechanism which is operated under control of an actuator to selectively maintain the intermediate differential in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. The control system consists of: first detecting means arranged to detect a steering angle of the dirigible road wheel for producing a first detection signal therefrom when the steering angle of the road wheel exceeds a predetermined value; second detecting means arranged to detect disconnection of the drive power transmitted to the intermediate differential from the prime mover for producing a second detection signal therefrom when transmission of the drive power is disconnected; and means responsive to the first and second detection signals from the detecting means for controlling the actuator in such a manner that the lock mechanism is operated to release the locked condition of the intermediate differential when the steering angle of the road wheel exceeds the predetermined value in a condition where the transmission of the drive power is disconnected.

• Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota
• Patent Number(s): US 4690239
• OSTI ID: 5926973
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330602* -- Vehicle Design Factors-- Engine-Transmission Matching
ACTUATORS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FASTENERS
INCIDENCE ANGLE
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS
SIGNALS
VEHICLES
WHEELS