Control system for intermediate differential in four-wheel drive vehicle
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
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 22 Aug 1986
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Part-time four-wheel drive system with steering angle responsive control
Part time four wheel drive vehicle with road surface condition sensor