Amphibious vehicle comprising an improved decoupler

• US 6,881,107 B2
• Filed: 08/06/2001
• Issued: 04/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
• Original Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
• Inventors: Roycroft, Terence James
• Primary Examiner(s): Olson, Lars A.
• Application Number:
  US10/333,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20040092175A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,352 Days
• Field of Search: 440/12.5, 440/12.51, 440/12.52, 440/12.54, 440/12.57, 192/69.43, 743/59, 464/141, 464/145
• US Class Current: 440/12.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60F 3/0007 Arrangement of propulsion or steering means on amphibious vehicles marine propulsion or steering B63H
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2003/22326 Attachments to the outer joint member, i.e. attachments to the exterior of the outer joint member or to the shaft of the outer joint member
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 23/04 with an additional friction clutch synchro rings per se F16D23/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 23/06 and a blocking mechanism preventing the engagement of the main clutch prior to synchronisation
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 3/223 the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 47/00 Systems of clutches, or clutches and couplings, comprising devices of types grouped under at least two of the preceding guide headings

Abstract

A decoupler for coupling/decoupling drive between a power train output and road wheels or marine drive means in an amphibious vehicle, is integrated with a constant velocity joint, saving space, weight, and cost for low production volumes, and simplifying mounting arrangements. Power train output shaft enters casing through aperture, and terminates in a flange with splines. Baulk ring and synchrocone provide synchromesh action between drive ring and driven CV joint cap. Rod is attached to selector arm, located in slot, allowing coupling and decoupling by an external control, which may be assisted by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The synchromesh parts may be sourced from truck gearboxes. CV joint is mounted in bearings, and may be a Rzeppa type. Groove allows fitment of a conventional dust gaiter.

Claims

1. An amphibious vehicle comprising a power train and a decoupler for coupling/decoupling drive between an output from the vehicle power train and a component to be driven, the coupler including an input means, an output means and means for coupling drive between the input means and the output means characterised in that the decoupler further comprises a synchroniser to synchronise the speed of the input means and the output means when drive between the output and input means is being coupled, and in that the decoupler forms part of an integrated unit also comprising a constant velocity joint.

2. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 1, in which the synchroniser is a synchromesh device comprising a baulk-ring and a cone, the baulk-ring and cone of the synchromesh device providing a graduated drive engagement means.

3. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 2 in which a first set of splines is formed on the input means and a second set of splines is formed on the output means, the decoupler further comprising a drive ring having an inner surface on which is formed a third set of splines which are in permanent driving engagement with the splines on the input means, the drive ring being moveable between a first position in which the splines on the drive ring are in engagement with the splines on the input means but not with the splines on the output means, and a second position in which the splines on the drive ring are in engagement with the splines on the input means but not with the splines on the output means.

4. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 3, in which the cone is provided on the output means and the baulk ring is arranged between the cone and the input means, a fourth set of splines being provided on the baulk ring, the arrangement being such that as the drive ring is moved from the first position to the second position, the splines on the drive ring engage the splines on the baulk ring so that the baulk ring is rotated with the input means and is pushed into frictional contact with the cone.

5. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 1 in which the constant velocity joint comprises the output means.

6. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 1 in which the constant velocity joint is a “

RZEPPA”

type joint.