Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A system (1; 31) for instantaneously controlling torque distribution between the wheels of a common vehicle axle, the system (1) comprising a pair of axle shafts (3, 4), each connected angularly integral with a respective drive wheel (5) on the vehicle; an input shaft (2) for transmitting torque ( M ); and a differential (6) for transmitting motion from said input shaft (2) to said axle shafts (3, 4); the differential (6) presenting a planet carrier (7) angularly integral with said input shaft (2), and a pair of sun gears (8); characterized by the fact that it comprises first releasable angular connecting means (12) interposed between each said axle shaft (3, 4) and a respective said sun gear (8); and second releasable angular connecting means (13) interposed between each said axle shaft (3, 4) and said planet carrier (7); control means (14) being provided for so controlling said first and second angular connecting means (12, 13) as to continuously vary distribution of said torque ( M ) between said axle shafts (3, 4).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by the fact that said first and second angular connecting means are respectively defined by a first (12) and second (13) clutch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system as claimed in Claim 2, characterized by the fact that said first and second clutches (12, 13) comprise a common bell (16) angularly integral with a respective said axle shaft (3, 4); and respective hubs (17)(18) respectively connected angularly integral with a respective sun gear (8) and with said planet carrier (7).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
A system as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that, for the clutches (12, 13) of each said axle shaft (3, 4), said control means (14) comprise elastic thrust means (19) acting on the first clutch (12); a first actuator (22) acting on the first clutch (12) so as to exert a force in opposition to that exerted by said elastic means (19); and a second actuator (28) acting on the second clutch (13).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system as claimed in Claim 4, characterized by the fact that said control means (14) also comprise thrust means (26) for exerting on the first clutch (12) a force in opposition to that exerted by said elastic means (19), and substantially proportional to the force exerted on the second clutch (13) by said second actuator (28).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (19) provide for closing respective first clutches (12), and said second actuators (28) for closing respective second clutches (13).
Claim 7
Independent Claim
40 words
A system as claimed in Claims 4 and 5, characterized by the fact that said second actuators (28) provide for closing respective said second clutches (13) and simultaneously opening respective said first clutches (12) via respective said thrust means (26).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as claimed in Claim 7, characterized by the fact that each said thrust means comprises a number of second rods (26) interposed between a respective said first (12) and second (13) clutch.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
75 words
A system as claimed in Claims 4 to 8, characterized by the fact that each said clutch (12, 13) is a multiple-disk clutch, and each said actuator (22)(28) comprises an annular hydraulic piston (23)(28); each said first actuator (22) also comprising a number of first rods (25) extending between the respective hydraulic piston (23) and respective said elastic means (19) and operating in such a manner as to open the respective said first clutch (12).