Motor vehicle electromagnetic differential lock - operates in two stages using coil field pressing follower plate against holding pads, with magnetic force up to 50 per-cent of torque

摘要

The two-stage motor vehicle differential locking is especially advantageous in difficult driving conditions, e.g. cross-country. The lock can be adjusted by button pressure to a flexible or rigid application. In the first stage several electromagnetic coils generate a magnetic field which presses a follower plate (1) against a holding pad (20). The magnetic force is approximately 50% of the highest possible torque, which in turn provides a flexible connection of both drive wheels with the result that, even with the differential block, road bends can be negotiated. In the open cross-country conditions this provides protection for the vehicle whose drive shafts do not receive impact loads. In addition to the flexible locking a rigid locking can be attained by magnetically actuated bolts, dependent on the driver's button depression. For this purpose a special magnetic coil (5) is energised and the locking bolts (13) are moved into the bores (19) of a plate wheel (17).