This invention relates to a differential lock assembly which is used in the differential that transmits the motion from the shaft to the spindle and adjusts the rotation balance of more than one wheel on the spindle, enables multiple wheels to rotate at the same speed, is adapted to be easily removed from the differential in case of service.

Prior Art Differentials are a driveline located between gearbox and spindle. When the vehicle takes the bend, the wheels on the outside must rotate more than the inside. The machine element that makes the outer wheels rotate more than the inner ones is differential. The differential transmits the direction of movement from the engine and gearbox to the wheels by changing 90 degrees. The role of the differential is to transmit the direction of movement from the engine to the wheels by turning it 90 degrees. It reduces the speed of movement from the shaft, increasing its momentum (rotating force). When the vehicle is moving in a straight line on the road, it ensures that both wheels rotate equally. It enables the inner wheel to rotate slower and the outer wheel to rotate faster in bends and helps the wheels to rotate easily without friction and the vehicle's swaying.

Many additional parts are mounted on the differentials used today in the production and assembly line. Before the differential is mounted on the vehicle, additional parts must be mounted on them. One of these parts is differential lock. The differential locks used today are used to prevent the differential from rotation at different ratios on both wheels and to give the same rotation ratio to all wheels. The differential lock in the differentials used in the prior art is positioned inside the differential and several parts need to be removed from the differential in order to access the differential lock in case of service.

In the state-of-the-art European Patent application no. EP3477157 refers to the differential lock of a motor vehicle differential, particularly a commercial vehicle. The differential lock has a differential body, specifically a shift fork that can be moved to engage and release the differential lock. The differential lock has a shift sleeve that is attached to the shift body and can be moved together with the shift body. The differential lock has a connecting component that connects the switching body and the switching sleeve to move together, specifically to adjust the clearance between the switching sleeve and the differential. Differential lock specifically can have a simple structure and it saves space and is easy to install.

The differential housing in the state-of-the-art German application no. DEI 0249247 is equipped with an opening that can be removed by a machining operation in a potential connection area covered with a metalwork. The opening may optionally be closed by a cover or differential lock including a coil spring and at least one slide axle wrapped with a gear fork.

In the state-of-the-art United States of America Patent Application no. US2014274529 refers to an improved, integrated electronically controlled hydraulic based torque distribution system and related method. The torque distribution system of the present disclosure includes an electric motor that drives a pump that produces hydraulic pressure that is used to selectively activate a clutch package to transfer torque to the wheels of a motor vehicle.

However, differential lock assembly in the invention that is the subject matter is in a single piece and is mounted from the side of the differential and in cases where it is preferred to be serviced, it can be removed easily and quickly. Aims of the Invention

Object of this invention is to perform a differential lock assembly that provides that differential and differential lock are separable from each other.

Another object of this invention is to perform a differential lock assembly that can be separated from the differential without the need to remove any part of the differential in case of service.

Yet another object of this invention is to perform a differential lock assembly to which a shaft is attached to which a wheel is powered.

Yet another object of this invention is to perform a differential lock assembly that provides complete separation of differential and differential lock from each other.

Yet another object of this invention is to perform a differential lock assembly that allows the disassembly and intervention of the flange and coupling it works with.

Summary of The Invention

At least one lock mechanism, locking element, force transmitter and cover are present in the differential lock assembly realized in order to achieve the object of the present invention and defined in the first claim and other claims dependent on this claim. The cover is an element that holds all the elements together and ensures that the lock mechanism, locking element and force transmitter are kept together and can be easily removed and installed during service.

Detailed Description of The Invention

The differential lock assembly realized to achieve the object of this invention is shown in the attached figures, in which; Figure 1. is a perspective view of the differential lock assembly connected to the differential.

Figure 2. is an exposed perspective view of the differential lock assembly separated from the differential. Figure 3. is a perspective view of the differential lock assembly. Figure 4. is a perspective view of the differential lock assembly from a different angle.

Figure 5. is a perspective view of the differential lock assembly from a different angle. Figure 6. is an exposed perspective view of the differential lock assembly. Figure 7. is a perspective view of the cover. Figure 8. is a perspective view of the cover from a different angle. Figure 9. is a perspective view of the lock mechanism. Figure 10. is a perspective view of the lock mechanism from a different angle. Figure 11. is an exposed perspective view of the lock mechanism. Figure 12. is a perspective view of the locking element. Figure 13. is a perspective view of the force transmitter. Figure 14. is a perspective view of the movement axle.

The parts in the figures are numbered one by one, and the equivalents of these numbers are given below.

1. Differential lock assembly

2. Lock mechanism 2.1. Tank

2.1.1. Recess

2.1.2. Connection cavities

2.2. Axle

2.3. Intermediate element 2.4. Elastic element

3. Locking element 3.1. Groove

3.2. Lock lugs

3.3. Connection lugs

4. Force transmitter

4.1. Lock mechanism connection

4.1.1. Bore

4.2. Locking element connection

4.2.1. Bar

4.2.2. Retention lug

5. Cover

5.1. Opening

5.2. Connection bores

5.3. Seating lug

5.4. Mounting bores

6. Movement axle

6.1. Connecting element

6.2. Force transmission threads A. Differential

Differential lock assembly (1) used in the differential (A) that transmits the movement from the shaft to the spindle and adjusts the rotation balance of more than one wheel placed on the spindle, enables more than one wheel to rotate at the same speed when activated, and is adapted to be easily removed from the differential (A) in case of service (1) basically comprises, at least one lock mechanism (2) that can control the rotation speed of the wheels in two different stages during the transmission of the drive taken from the shaft to the wheels, allowing both wheels to rotate at the same angle when activated, and allowing different rotation speeds of the wheels when not activated, at least one locking element (3) that works synchronously with the lock mechanism (2) and can equalize the rotation speed of both wheels by locking both sides of the spindle by activating the lock mechanism (2), at least one force transmitter (4) that transmits the drive received from the lock mechanism (2) to the locking element (3) when the lock mechanism (2) is activated, at least one cover (5) formed in a way that the lock mechanism (2), the locking element (3) and the force transmitter (4) are kept together and can be serviced without interfering with the differential (A) by sitting on one side of the differential (A) and converting the differential (A) into a whole, adapted to be easily disassembled and assembled from one side of the differential (A) in order to be serviced independently of the differential (A) in case of a failure that may occur in one or more of the locking mechanism (2), locking element (3) and force transmitter (4).

There is at least one lock mechanism (2) in the differential lock assembly (1) in one embodiment of the present invention. Said lock mechanism (2) is activated when locking of the differential (A) is preferred in the differential lock assembly (1) and enables the wheels on both sides of the differential (A) to rotate at the same speed. The lock mechanism (2) in this embodiment of the invention operates on a pneumatic principle and can be activated and deactivated by the effect of air pressure. There is at least one tank (2.1) in the lock mechanism (2) in this embodiment of the invention. Said tank (2.1) is the part where the lock mechanism (2) is kept, and the space (2.1.1) inside of it contains air where the lock mechanism (2) is activated. This space (2.1.1) formed in the tank (2.1) has been drilled in the tank (2.1) so that the lock mechanism (2) can actively operate. In order for the lock mechanism (2) to be mounted on the cover (5) and to form an integrated state with the cover (5) also connection cavities (2.1.2) are drilled in the tank (2.1). Thanks to the connection elements placed in these connection cavities (2.1.2), the lock mechanism (2) and the cover (5) are assembled to each other and thus the lock mechanism (2) and the cover (5) are integrated. There is one axle (2.2) in the lock mechanism (2) in this embodiment of the invention. Said axle (2.2) provides the locking by moving along its central axis with air pressure when the lock mechanism (2) is activated. There is one intermediate element (2.3) around the axle (2.2). Said intermediate element (2.3) is connected to the axle (2.2) and move with the axle (2.2). When the air pressure is formed in the tank (2.1), said air pressure affects this intermediate element (2.3) and ensures the movement of intermediate element (2.3) and therefore the axle (2.2). When the pressurized air in the tank (2.1) is removed, the shaft (2.2) reaches its old position again by means of a flexible element (2.4). The intermediate element (2.3) in this embodiment of the invention is preferably a spring and is wrapped around the axle (2.2). When the force applied by the pressurized air to the axle (2.2) is removed, said flexible element (2.4) brings the axle (2.2) to its previous position.

There is at least one locking element (3) in the differential lock assembly (1) in one embodiment of the present invention. Said locking element (3) operates synchronously with the lock mechanism (2), and when the lock mechanism (2) is activated, it is moved by the force acting on the axle (2.2) located in the lock mechanism (2) and as a result of this movement, it performs a locking so that both wheels rotate at the same speed. There is one groove (3.1) in the locking element (3) in this embodiment of the invention. Said groove (3.1) is located in the middle part of the locking element (3), and there are lock lugs (3.2) formed to perform the locking on one side of the said groove (3.1). These lock lugs (3.2) located in the locking element (3) interact with another structure within the differential (A) that resembles the lock lugs (3.2) and in this way, it enables the differential (A) to lock and the wheels to rotate at the same speed. If the locking element (3) moves in one direction, this locking is performed and if it moves in the opposite direction, the locking process is disabled. There is also connection lugs (3.3) in the locking element (3) other than the lock lugs (3.2). The connection lugs (3.3) are formed in the middle part of the locking element (3) in order to direct the force generated when the locking element (3) is activated to the actuation axle (6) which is connected to one of the wheels and enables the drive to be transferred to the said wheel. In the event that the lock lugs (3.2) interact with the actuation of the locking element (3) after the actuation realized via the lock mechanism (2), the force acting on the locking element (3) is also affected by the actuation axle (6) by means of the connection lugs (3.3).

There is at least one force transmitter (4) in the differential lock assembly (1) in one embodiment of the present invention. Said force transmitter (4) is adapted in the differential lock assembly (1) in order to transmit the force generated by the air pressure in the lock mechanism (2) to the locking element (3) and thus to move the locking element (3). There is at least one lock mechanism connection (4.1) in the force transmitter (4) in this embodiment of the invention. Said lock mechanism connection (4.1) is in connection with one end of the axle (2.2) and transfers the force generated by the movement of the axle (2.2) directly to the force transmitter (4). The bore (4.1.1) drilled in the lock mechanism connection (4.1) is the clearance in which the axle (2.2) is located. There is at least one locking element connection

(4.2) on the side of the force transmitter (4) that does not have the locking mechanism connection (4.1) and interacts with the locking element (3). There are two arms (4.2.1) in the said locking element connection (4.2) and the force received by the force transmitter (4) by the locking mechanism connection (4.1) is transferred to the locking element (3) by way of these arms (4.2.1). There is also a retention lug (4.2.2) in the locking element connection (4.2) and this retention lug

(4.2.2) fits into the groove (3.1) and the connection is provided in this way.

There is at least one cover (5) in the differential lock assembly (1) in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention the said cover (5) is formed to hold the lock mechanism (2), the locking element (3) and the force transmitter (4) together uniformly and to move the said elements together. The lock mechanism (2), the locking element (3) and the force transmitter (4) are connected to the cover (5), and if the cover (5) is moved, the said elements can also be disassembled and assembled together with the cover (5). In this embodiment of the present invention, the cover (5) is adapted to be easily disassembled and assembled from one side of the differential (A) and also to show the differential (A) as a whole. There is one opening (5.1) in the cover (5) in this embodiment of the invention. The movement axle (6) is passed through this opening

(5.1). There are also connection bores (5.2) on the cover (5). The connection bores

(5.2) are drilled in the cover (5) to mount the lock mechanism (2) to the cover (5) and are connected rigidly to each other by the lock mechanism (2) and the cover (5) as a result of the connection elements being positioned in the connection bores (5.2). In this embodiment of the invention, the connection bores (5.2) on the cover (5) are located on the seating lug (5.3). There is also mounting bores (5.4) on the cover (5) apart from the connection bores (5.2). The mounting bores (5.4) are drilled on the edges of the cover (5) in order to ensure the connection of the cover (5) to the differential (A). By engaging the connection elements through the mounting bores (5.4), the cover (5) and the differential (A) are connected to each other and an integrated structure is provided.

There is at least one movement axle (6) in the differential lock assembly (1) in one embodiment of the present invention. The movement axle (6) is the axle to which a wheel is connected and interacts with the locking element (3). If the lock mechanism (2) is activated, locking element (3) is also driven. Thus, after the locking element (3) provides the locking, the movement axle (6) is provided to rotate at the same speed with the axle of the other wheel. There is a connecting element (6.1) on the movement axle (6). Said connecting element (6.1) is formed at one end of the movement axle (6) in order to ensure the connection of the wheel connected to the movement axle (6). There are force transmission threads (6.2) on the movement axle (6) apart from the connecting element (6.1). Said force transmission threads (6.2) are formed at the outer part of the movement axle (6) in order to interact with the connection lugs (3.3) and transfer the movement in this way.

The use of the differential lock assembly (1) in an embodiment of the present invention is performed as follows. Before the differential lock assembly (1) is mounted on the differential (A), the lock mechanism (2), the locking element (3) and the force transmitter (4) must be mounted on the cover (5). The differential lock assembly (1) is thus adapted to be mounted on the differential (A) and to make the differential (A) an integrated structure. When the differential lock assembly (1) needs service, the connection elements in the mounting bores (5.4) can be removed and the lock mechanism (2) together with the cover (5), the locking element (3) and the force transmitter (4) can be disassembled uniformly.