The present invention relates to a mechanism for coupling and uncoupling components of a transmission and controlling the transmission of torque therebetween.
When servicing or diagnosing a transmission it is desirable to disconnect the transmission output shaft and prevent torque from being transmitted to the output shaft. A transmission on a production John Deere tractor includes a sliding collar which couples and uncouples a pair of gears which transmit torque from a planetary transmission shaft to the transmission output shaft. A pivoting shift fork is coupled between the collar and an arm which extends outside the transmission. A long release rod extends to the rear of the tractor and engages a spring-loaded bracket. Because of tolerance stackup it is possible for the fork to rub on the collar during normal operation, and the parts take up space at the rear of the tractor, yet these parts are rarely used.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a simpler torque disconnect device with fewer parts.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention, wherein a torque disconnect mechanism controls transmission of torque from a first shaft to a second shaft in a transmission. The torque disconnect mechanism includes a drive gear rotatably mounted on the first shaft. The drive gear has a first set of drive splines which meshingly engage corresponding splines on the second shaft, and a second set of drive splines. A hub gear is fixed for rotation with the first shaft and includes a set of hub splines. A coupling member is engagable with the drive gear and with the hub gear, and is movable from an engaged position wherein the coupling member couples the hub splines with the second set of drive splines to a disengaged position wherein the hub splines are uncoupled from the second set of drive splines. A plug member is mounted in a housing opening and is engagable with the coupling member. The plug member is movable from a first position holding the coupling member in its engaged position to a second position holding the coupling member in its disengaged position.
A drive gear 40 is rotatably mounted on a portion of the hub gear 26. Drive gear 40 includes a large diameter part 42 on which are formed splines 44. Splines 44 engage corresponding splines 46 on shaft 16. Drive gear 40 also includes a smaller diameter part 48 on which are formed splines 50 which are axially adjacent to splines 32 of hub gear 26.
An annular collar 52 is mounted over the splines 50 and 32. As best seen in
Referring to
With the plug 72 oriented in opening 70 as shown in
To disengage shaft 14 from shaft 16, the plug 72 is removed from opening 70 and a tool (not shown) is inserted through opening 70 and into groove 64, and the tool is then manipulated to slide collar 52 only axially to the right into the disengaged position shown in
While the present invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.
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2685210 | Heisler | Aug 1954 | A |
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Number | Date | Country |
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4020959 | Jan 1991 | DE |
19616356 | Dec 1996 | DE |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20040026205 A1 | Feb 2004 | US |