Abstract: A differential gear device for a vehicle capable of improving durability without causing vibration and noise is provided. At least a part of a supporting portion 68 of a pinion shaft 56 that supports a pinion gear 60 and at least a part of a fitting hole 66 of the pinion gear 60 into which the pinion shaft 56 is inserted respectively have tapered surfaces 70 and 72 each having a diameter decreasing toward an outer circumference of the supporting portion or the pinion gear. Driving force is transmitted from a differential case 50 to side gears 58l and 58r through the pinion shaft 56 and the pinion gear 60 rotatably supported. Here, the pinion gear 60 is moved outward in the axial direction of the pinion shaft 56 according to the engagement reaction force between the pinion gear 60 and the side gears 58l and 58r.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a differential apparatus for a vehicle obtaining efficiently differential restricting force necessary and enough for a stable running performance and reducing the total cost and the total length of the apparatus. The differential apparatus for the vehicle comprises a differential mechanism having a planet carrier 2A rotated by driving torque from a driving source, an planetary gear 2B rotated for self-rotation around own axis by receiving rotational force of the planet carrier 2A, and a sun gear 2C and an internal gear 2D differentially distributing the rotational force to a pair of output shafts by receiving the rotational force of the planet carrier 2A from the planetary gear 2B, and a differential restricting mechanism 2 having an inner clutch plates 3A and an outer clutch plates 3B restricting a differential of the differential mechanism 3.

Abstract: A planetary carrier, formed of a cylindrical body, that receives a drive torque from a drive power source and differentially distributes the drive torque to a pair of output shafts, the planetary carrier including a gear holding portion that rotatably holds a planetary gear having two large and small gear portions, of which pitch circle diameters differ from each other. The gear holding portion has a first supporting surface that slidably supports tooth tip surfaces of the gear portion, of which the pitch circle diameter is larger, on a portion except on the radially inner side with respect to the carrier, and a second supporting surface that slidably supports tooth tip surfaces of the gear portion, of which the pitch circle diameter is smaller, on a portion except on the radially outer side with respect to the carrier.

Abstract: A vibration damping device is equipped with a mass body disposed spaced apart from a rotational center axis of a rotary shaft by a certain distance, and a rolling bearing that rotatably supports the mass body with respect to the rotary shaft and holds a support posture of the mass body with respect to the rotational center axis of the rotary shaft constant.

Abstract: A transmission system with continuously variable transmission ratio includes an input shaft (2), an output shaft (4) and preferably also a differential gearset comprising at least three parallel shafts (2, 4, 12). The system also includes first and second motor/generators comprising first and second rotors (16, 32) and first and second stators (20, 26; 36, 26), respectively. The first and second rotors (16, 32) are connected to respective shafts. The electrical connections of the first and second stators are connected together. A controller (45) is arranged to control the flow of electrical power between the first and second stators. At least a portion (26) of the first stator is connected to at least a portion (26) of the second stator.

Abstract: A drive system for dual wheels of road rollers. The drive system is characterized by having a substantially T-shaped main structure housing a drive shaft substantially perpendicular to two drive and reduction devices. And each of the two devices is associated with a respective dual wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for motor vehicles with at least one longitudinal output or transverse output differential gear, with an input shaft, and with a means for controlled torque distribution to the two output shafts. A quick-response, structurally advantageous drive device is thus achieved in that the differential gear is a self-locking differential gear and in that a speed-regulation drive, which changes the differential-side speed of 1:1 in the plus or minus direction based on dynamic performance parameters, is integrated into one of the output shafts, or in that speed-regulation drives, which alternately change the differential-side speed of 1:1 in the plus direction or in the negative direction based on dynamic performance parameters, are integrated into two output shafts.

Abstract: A differential gear casing of flower pot construction has an outer surface which is configured for receiving a crown wheel, whereby the crown wheel can be pressed onto the outer surface by different amounts for different applications. The outer surface is free from projections such that the crown wheel can be mounted on the outer surface from any axial direction. The outer surface defines a band on the differential gear casing and is parallel with a central axis of the differential gear casing. The crown wheel is secured to the differential gear casing using an axial weld line. In other embodiments, the crown wheel and/or a cover for the differential ear casing are secured in place using axial and/or radial weld lines.

Abstract: A differential and axle assembly for an automotive vehicle driveline is disclosed. The assembly includes a differential drive pinion and a drive pinion shaft, the drive pinion shaft being splined to a drive pinion shaft flange. Axial and radial dimensional runout is minimized by spaced, front and rear pilot surfaces at axially spaced ends of the splines for the drive pinion shaft and the drive pinion flange.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an axle housing having a central axis and first and second openings formed through the axle housing opposite to each other, a carrier with a differential bearing support supporting a differential thereon for rotation about the central axis, and an abutment member attached to the axle housing adjacent to the first opening to extend substantially in a direction of the central axis. The carrier is fastened to the axle housing adjacent to the second opening therein. The abutment member engages the differential bearing support and absorbs a gear separating force imparted in operation by the differential and transmitted to the differential bearing support. Thus, the abutment member restrains deflection of the differential bearing support relative to the axle housing resulting from the gear separating force.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting torque in a vehicular differential assembly includes a ring gear surrounding a first axis about which the housing rotates; and a differential housing secured to the ring gear, including a wall surrounding the first axis and formed with a port spaced mutually about the first axis and extending through a thickness of the wall, a periphery of the port being a oval defined by first and second opposed straight edge portions, each straight edge portion located on an opposite side of a second axis, and an arcuate corner portion located at each end of each straight edge portion, the second axis being inclined with respect to the first axis in an angular range from 20 degrees to 50 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential sensor configuration (i.e., location) and calibration method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The method involves determining the speed of the vehicle, determining pulses per minute from each inter-axle differential sensor via the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), where each of the inter-axle differential sensors are connected to an inter-axle differential gear, determining a location of each inter-axle differential sensor from each of the inter-axle differential sensor pulses per minute, and assigning a number of teeth to each of the inter-axle differential gears in calibrating each of the inter-axle differential sensors. The revolutions per minute for each of the inter-axle differential sensors may be utilized to lock the inter-axle differential during slippage of the vehicle, without human intervention.

Abstract: A differential carrier (11) for a differential drive, which differential carrier (11) is supported so as to be rotatable around its longitudinal axis (A) and which is rotatingly drivable, having two output gears (18, 19) supported in the differential carrier coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis (A), and having four differential gears which are rotatably supported on a cross member with four bearing arms extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis (A) and being held in the differential carrier (11) and said differential gears engage said output gears (18, 19), wherein two first cross member bearing arms positioned opposite one another are connected to one another and form at least one central transverse aperture (38) and that two second cross member bearing arms positioned opposite one another are produced separately from one another and, by means of their inner ends (28, 29) are inserted into the at least one transverse aperture (38).

Abstract: A differential gear includes first and second differential mechanisms that are compact in radial and axial directions, the first and second differential mechanisms 5 and 7 arranged side by side along an axis of rotation in a center casing 3 that is rotatably supported, the differential gear 1 configured to form one of first and second coupling configurations, the first coupling configuration that couples the center casing and first and second differential mechanisms in such a way as to transmit rotation of the center casing to the first and second differential mechanisms in parallel, the second coupling configuration that couples the center casing and first and second differential mechanisms in such a way as to transmit rotation of the center casing to one of the first and second differential mechanisms (e.g. a front casing 31) via the other thereof (e.g. a second output gear 61), and at least one of the first and second differential mechanisms including face gears.

Abstract: A differential case is provided including at least one assembly window formed therein for providing access to a chamber interior of the differential case. The assembly window in the differential case is defined by a semi-elliptical segment having ends interconnected by a pair of elongated edge portions of the differential case. The pair of elongated edge portions are interconnected by an arcuate segment. The assembly window has a dimension slightly larger than an outside diameter of a side gear so as to allow angulated entry of the side gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to a longitudinal axis. The assembly window is further shaped to allow entry of the pinion gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to another longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A process for improving the durability of a differential, where the differential has a pinion shaft and a pinion, the pinion shaft having a surface that contacts the surface of the inner diameter of the pinion. The process comprises bonding to the surface of the pinion shaft or the pinion or both, in the region of the interface between the pinion shaft and pinion, a coating having both a lower coefficient of friction and higher seizure resistance than that of the substance of the pinion shaft when in contact with the substance of the pinion.

Abstract: A differential housing includes: a housing main body having an opening and a breather hole, in which a ring gear is accommodated so that a part of the ring gear projects from the opening; and a housing cover closing the opening of the housing main body and having a recessed portion for accommodating a part of the ring gear projecting from the opening to the outside, the recessed portion of the housing cover being formed along a contour line of the part of the ring gear projecting from the opening of the housing main body to the outside.

Abstract: A differential including axle pinions and pinion gears and a body having two parts between which the pinions are mounted. The two parts of the body are provided with complementary guiding surfaces for guiding the two parts in adjustment relative to one another along an input and output axis. One of the two parts includes at least two inner guides for slidably and adjustably mounting a rotatable assembly pin of the pinion gears such that when a relative position of the two parts is adjusted, an axial play of at least the axle pinions or a differential drag torque is adjusted afterwhich the two parts are locked relative to each other.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a differential housing defining a chamber and a pair of aligned openings communicating with the chamber. A pair of output shafts extend through the openings in the differential housing and include end segments located within the chamber. A pair of side gears are positioned within the chamber and fixed to the end segments of the output shaft. Paired sets of pinions are rotatably mounted within the differential housing and placed in meshed engagement with each other and with one of the side gears. A retention assembly interconnects the end segments and includes a spacer having a web positioned between and walls partially encompassing the end segments. The retention assembly includes a ring surrounding the spacer to selectively retain and allow removal of clips engaged with the end segments.

Abstract: A differential unit (102) is provided with a ring gear (10) that meshes with an output gear (21) of a transmission (101), an axle shaft (105) that is connected to front wheels, and a drive gear (11) that is fixed by screws to a plurality of boss portions (3e) and spaced apart from the ring gear (10). A transfer unit (103) disposed rearward of the differential unit (102) is provided with a driven gear (20) that meshes with the drive gear (11). Drive force is transmitted from the driven gear (20) to a propeller shaft (104), and the propeller shaft (104) transmits the drive force to rear wheels. First material-removed portions (12) made of concave portions are formed in an inner circumference of a portion of a case (1) to which the axle shaft (105) is mounted. Second material-removed portions (13) made of concave portions that extend in an axial direction of the axle shaft (105) are formed between the plurality of boss portions (3e).

Abstract: A differential mechanism is arranged below an infinitely variable transmission and a reduction gear mechanism. Front fitting parts and rear fitting parts for fitting suspension arms to a vehicle frame are arranged to the front and rear of the deferential mechanism. Even though the left and right suspension arms swing up and down, or a transmission and a reduction gear mechanism attached on a vehicle frame swing left and right with respect to the suspension arms, there is no interference of the transmission and the reduction gear mechanism with the suspension arms due to a space at the front and the rear of a differential mechanism, so that the vehicle frame can swing left and right and it is also possible to easily constitute a vehicle having an independent suspension.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention involves a drive apparatus with a housing, a first and second axle mounted in the housing and a ring gear located within the housing. A brake clutch assembly is located on each axle with a planetary gear arrangement, a drive plate engaged to the planetary gear arrangement, a brake plate mounted on the corresponding axle and an engagement assembly disposed about the drive plate and the brake plate. The engagement assembly is used to selectively engage the drive plate or the brake plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method comprises providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, the clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch, locating a speed sensor such that when the clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of the sliding clutch, and when the clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though the sliding clutch continues to rotate, providing a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle data link, and using the speed sensor-speed and the vehicle speed to determine status of clutch mechanism engagement.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a yoke, attached to a drive shaft, for driving a pinion head. The differential assembly further includes inner and outer pinion bearing assemblies, a separable mounting plate, and a cavity defined by a housing for receiving a pinion assembly. The outer pinion bearing assembly is integrally mounted to the housing, while the inner pinion bearing assembly is secured to the separable mounting plate. The pinion head is straddle mounted between the inner and outer pinion bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A differential having pinion bearings supported on the input yoke is provided. The differential includes a housing having an opening through which a pinion shaft extends. The input yoke is disposed about a portion of the pinion shaft and one or both pinion bearing sets are then disposed about the input yoke. This configuration reduces pinion standout and allows for installation of a pre-assembled bearing pack (i.e., without spacers or shims), but does not reduce the length of the splines on the input yoke or bearing capacity.

Abstract: In a differential cage for a differential gear, a cage member is provided with a cavity machined on an inside and having an installation opening for compensating gears and driving gears. An axle drive gear and a parking lock gear form a one-piece forging together with the cage member.

Abstract: The invention comprises twin double-acting electrical machinery assembly, each being of interactive rotational type, and such that the interactive rotational assembly on the non-outputting side of either double-acting electrical machinery assembly gets coupled to its counterpart interactively by slidably applied damping effect or alternatively by solid coupling technology.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a drive axle includes a pinion gear and ring gear that is operably coupled to a differential assembly. The differential assembly includes first and second case halves that are attached to each other. Each case half is supported by at least one bearing for rotation relative to a non-rotating axle housing. The ring gear comprises an outer circumference portion, which includes a plurality of ring gear teeth in meshing engagement with said pinion gear, and an inner circumference portion, which is fixed for rotation with the second case half about a differential case axis of rotation. The second differential case half includes a tubular portion that is coaxial with the differential case axis of rotation. The tubular defines a stop surface for the ring gear. The ring gear is constrained between the stop surface and one of the bearings to accommodate thrust loads.

Abstract: In order to improve a seizure resistance as well as restricting of a dispersion of a rotation torque, surface roughness of a large diameter side end face (4A) of a tapered roller (4) is defined as a value satisfying both the following conditional expressions (1) and (2). 0.04 ?m?Ra(r)?0.1 ?m??(1) 0.8?Ra(r)/Ra(c)?1.1??(2) where, Ra(r) is an arithmetic average of roughness in a radial direction on the large diameter side end face of the tapered roller, and Ra(c) is an arithmetic average of roughness in a peripheral direction on the large diameter side end face of the tapered roller.

Abstract: A differential drive gear assembly including a differential case driven by a transmission allowing differential rotation between a pair of output axle shafts and facilitating a driving connection to a power take-off unit. The differential case has gear teeth directly formed thereon along an outer peripheral surface. The differential case gear teeth engage a power take off gear to drive an auxiliary device. In the preferred embodiment, the power take of device is a second drive shaft for driving a second axle assembly. Such an arrangement facilitates a simple conversion from an existing two-wheel drive design to a four-wheel drive assembly.

Abstract: A differential carrier housing having both reduced weight and improved strength along the operational load path of the housing is provided. The housing includes a hollow rib that extends from a forward end rearward of an outer bearing for an input shaft to a rear end at a flange on the carrier housing that is connected to an axle housing.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism 3 is provided at one end portion of a housing 2 in a direction of the rotation axis L. The mechanism 3 includes a planetary gear 31 disposed at the housing such that the planetary gear is rotatable about its own axis and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the housing, and an inner gear 33 and a sun gear 34 which are in mesh with the planetary gear. A differential gear mechanism 4 is provided at the other end portion of the housing. The mechanism 4 includes a casing 41 non-rotatably connected to the sun gear, a pair of pinion gears 43 disposed within the casing such that the pinion gears are rotatable about their axes and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the casing, and a pair of side gears 44, which are in mesh with the pinion gears.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes a housing that encloses a parallel gear set and a non-parallel gear set, which are coupled between an input portion and an output portion of the power transfer unit. The parallel gear set includes a driving gear, and idler gear and a driven gear and the idler gear is rotatably supported on a non-rotating support member that extends through the idler gear. Constructed in this manner, reduced lateral compactness of the power transfer unit is achieved.

Abstract: A differential speed transmission for varying the rotational speed of an input shaft relative to an output shaft wherein the differential speed transmission is characterized by: a pair of opposed first stage face gears each having a second stage pinion gear co-rotating therewith, a first stage input pinion disposed between and engaging each of the face gears to effect counter-rotation of the face gears and the second stage pinions, and a second stage face gear engaging each of the second stage pinions for driving the output shaft.

Abstract: In an longitudinal type automatic transmission having an input shaft having driving gears, an output shaft having driven gears that are engaged with the driving gears to constitute transmission gear trains, and changeover mechanisms for selecting into a transmission gear train for transmitting a power, the automatic transmission is constructed to have the input shaft, the output shaft, and a driving shaft coupled to a final reduction gear, and has a bypass clutch that is arranged over the final reduction gear to transmit a torque to the output shaft while executing the control in a shifting operation and a start clutch for coupling or decoupling an engine and the input shaft. An oil pump for driving the start clutch and the bypass clutch is arranged over the final reduction gear and near the bypass clutch.

Abstract: A differential gear includes a cylindrical power transmission member, two cam members accommodated in an inner space of the power transmission member, and a plurality of cam follower members. Each of the cam follower elements is fitted to a respective one of a plurality of engagement grooves, formed on an inner peripheral surface of the power transmission member in an axially longitudinal direction thereof, such that the each of the cam follower elements partially sticks out of the inner space. The stick-out portions of the cam follower elements are interposed between cam lobes formed on opposing surfaces of the two cam members. Drive power of the power transmission member is distributed to the two cam members via the cam follower elements.

Abstract: A differential drive having a drivable differential carrier 11 which is rotatably supported in a drive housing, which comprises a longitudinal carrier axis, in which two axle shaft gears 28, 29 whose axes extend co-axially relative to the longitudinal carrier axis are arranged and rotatably supported and in which a plurality of differential gears 31 whose axes extend radially relative to the longitudinal carrier axis are arranged and held so as to rotate with said differential carrier 11, wherein the axle shaft gears 28, 29 engage the differential gears 31, 71; and having constant velocity joints 22, 23 which are positioned inside the differential carrier 11 and whose outer joint parts 26, 27 are connected to the axle shaft gears 28, 29 in a rotationally fast way, wherein the outer joint parts 26, 27 and the axle shaft gears 28, 29 connected to the outer joint parts 26, 27 are positioned in the differential carrier 11 with radial play and are operationally engaged with at least three differential gears 31 for

Abstract: A multi-speed ratio apparatus to control output for use, but not limited to, either as a module connected to a transmission or as a stand alone transmission. The multi-speed ratio apparatus is connected to a driving member (such as, for example, an engine, motor, or transmission) and a driven member (such as a shaft, differential, or axle). The apparatus having at least one rotary speed converter, the rotary speed converter having a conjugate pair of cam parts and a reaction disk interconnected between the conjugate pair of cam parts. The reaction disk is capable of operably coupling the conjugate pair of cam parts. Further the apparatus includes a grounding member.

Abstract: A gear assembly (10) for transmitting torque between an input rotatable member (12) and an output rotatable member e.g. differential unit (24) comprises an input gear (14) rotatable with the input member (12), an output gear (20) rotatable with the output member (24), and intermediate gears (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) held simultaneously in mesh with the input gear (14) and output gear (20). Various arrangements are disclosed for sharing the transmitted torque evenly between the paths provided by gears (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). The transmission may provide a reduction ratio and is connected to a low reduction ratio differential gearbox of small size and slim profile.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system the configuration of which is simple and which can be built with minor changes to the existing configuration. The switching system hardly generates any noise and can be individually lubricated in a state separated from the other actuating parts. A vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system according to the present invention is provided with an outer ring connected to a driving shaft and an inner ring connected to a driven shaft. A plurality of engaging/disengaging members are provided for connecting or disconnecting the shafts by being connected or disconnected to/from the respective opposite surfaces. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the drive shaft and the driven shaft in a position in which they are connected and in a position in which they are disconnected.

Abstract: A differential having pinion bearings supported on the input yoke is provided. The differential includes a housing having an opening through which a pinion shaft extends. The input yoke is disposed about a portion of the pinion shaft and one or both pinion bearing sets are then disposed about the input yoke. This configuration reduces pinion standout and allows for installation of a pre-assembled bearing pack (i.e., without spacers or shims), but does not reduce the length of the splines on the input yoke or bearing capacity.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a drive axle includes an pinion and ring gear input that is operably coupled to a differential assembly. The differential assembly includes first and second case halves that attach to each other at an interface to define a case split line and a differential gear assembly supported by the first and second case halves with the gear assembly being operably coupled to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheels. The ring gear, first case half, and second case half are all connected together via a single bolted joint with the case split line being located behind the ring gear. The differential housing is supported on a pair of tapered roller bearings having a diverging apex configuration to reduce cup rotation. The pinion gear is solely supported by a pair of tapered roller bearings positioned on opposite sides of the ring gear. A two-piece pinion cage supports both pinion bearings and facilitates the setting of preload with the use of external shims.

Abstract: In order to improve a seizure resistance as well as restricting of a dispersion of a rotation torque, surface roughness of a large diameter side end face (4A) of a tapered roller (4) is defined as a value satisfying both the following conditional expressions (1) and (2).

Abstract: A vehicular axle assembly includes an electrical generator for generating electricity to supply power to one or more electrical components therein during operation. The axle assembly includes a hollow housing that rotatably supports a differential mechanism therein. An input shaft is rotatably supported in the axle housing and terminates in a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the differential mechanism that, in turn, rotatably drives a pair of output shafts that extend to respective driven wheels of the vehicle. A stator is supported within the axle housing about the input shaft, while a rotor is supported on the input shaft. When the input shaft is rotated, the rotor generates electrical power that may be used to operate the electrical component, such as a piezo-based device supported on a driveshaft assembly connected to the input shaft.

Abstract: A gear assembly (10) for transmitting torque between an input rotatable member (12) and an output rotatable member e.g. differential unit (24) comprises an input gear (14) rotatable with the input member (12), an output gear (20) rotatable with the output member (24), and intermediate gears (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) held simultaneously in mesh with the input gear (14) and output gear (20). Various arrangements are disclosed for sharing the transmitted torque evenly between the paths provided by gears (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). The transmission may provide a reduction ratio and is connected to a low reduction ratio differential gearbox of small size and slim profile.

Abstract: A limited slip differential having a carrier with a plurality of recesses disposed symmetrically relative to a gear opening. The gear opening having a gear diameter, and each of the plurality of recesses having a recess diameter. The gear diameter intersecting the recess diameter of each of the plurality of recesses at corresponding first and second intersections, an acute angle between a line tangent to the recess diameter at the first intersection and a tangent line of the recess diameter along which first and second chamfers extend is between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 32 degrees.

Abstract: A limited slip differential having a carrier with a plurality of recesses disposed symmetrically relative to a gear opening. The gear opening having a gear diameter, and each of the plurality of recesses having a recess diameter. The gear diameter intersecting the recess diameter of each of the plurality of recesses at corresponding first and second intersections, an acute angle between a line tangent to the recess diameter at the first intersection and a tangent line of the recess diameter along which first and second chamfers extend is between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 32 degrees.

Abstract: In a gearwheel pairing, in which one of a pair of gearwheels has, at least at one side thereof a lid-shaped stop structure for engaging the other gearwheel for retaining it in engagement with the other gear wheel. The arrangement is expediently used in a differential transmission in particular a crown-wheel differential transmission.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both axle shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the side gears of the differential assembly. Both axle shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the two differential side gears (which may be otherwise conventional) and with the axle shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the axle shafts. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: A pinion mounting with direct tapered roller bearing arrangement for differential gear mechanisms includes a first tapered roller bearing and a second tapered roller bearing to provide support for a pinion shaft, the pinion mounting and pinion shaft being removable from the differential gear mechanism without disassembly of other components of the differential gear mechanism. The first tapered roller bearing incorporates a continuous seal and o-ring, with the first tapered roller bearing either mounted to the differential gear mechanism case by retaining a mounting flange on the bearing cup, or threaded into the differential gear mechanism case by threads on the exterior of the bearing cup. A plurality of shims are used to set the bearing preload and to dimensionally set a pinion shaft gear with a ring gear of the differential gear mechanism.