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Method of shifting a tandem drive axle having an inter-axle differential

  • US 8,523,738 B2
  • Filed: 01/19/2012
  • Issued: 09/03/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of shifting a power distribution unit for a vehicle from a first operating state to a second operating state, the method comprising the steps of:

  • drivingly engaging a first axle assembly with a first output of the power distribution unit;

    drivingly engaging a second axle assembly with a second output of the power distribution unit;

    drivingly engaging an input of the power distribution unit with an output of a power source, the power distribution unit including an inter-axle differential, the first output, the second output, and a first clutching device having a first position and a second position, the first clutching device in the first position locking the inter-axle differential, engaging the first output with the input of the power distribution unit, and disengaging the second output from the inter-axle differential, the first clutching device in the second position unlocking the inter-axle differential and engaging the first output and the second output with the inter-axle differential;

    placing the first clutching device in one of the first position and the second position;

    applying a rotational force to the input of the power distribution unit;

    adjusting the rotational force transferred to the power distribution unit to facilitate moving the first clutching device;

    moving the first clutching device from one of the first position and the second position to a third position, the first clutching device in the third position neither locking the inter-axle differential nor engaging the second output with the inter-axle differential;

    adjusting a rotational speed of the input of the power distribution unit to facilitate moving the first clutching device from the third position;

    moving the first clutching device from the third position to one of the first and second positions; and

    adjusting the rotational force transferred to the power distribution unit.

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