Abstract: A limited slip differential for use with an automotive vehicle comprising differential gearing including a pair of differential side gears, one side gear being connected to each of two axle shafts for vehicle traction wheels, a differential carrier housing supporting differential pinions engageable with the side gears, the differential carrier being connected drivably through a drive shaft to the vehicle engine, first and second clutches connecting the differential carrier with each side gear, a mechanical cam mechanism for transferring a clutch-engaging force from the carrier to each of the clutches, thereby establishing a mechanical torque bias in the differential mechanism, and a clutch spring acting on each clutch to partially engage the clutches whereby the clutch-engaging force increases as a function of engine throttle position at a first rate for low engine throttle settings and at a higher rate for advanced engine throttle settings.

Abstract: A limited slip differential having at least one cone clutch element for frictionally engaging an interior surface of the rotatable differential casing. The cone clutch element has a plurality of clutch engagement surfaces which are disposed about the outside surface of the cone clutch element. Recessed areas are interposed between the clutch engagement surfaces.

Abstract: This transmnission differential of the type comprising a two-piece differential case defined by a cup-shaped case member and a side member integrally formed with a ring gear to thereby increase the strength of the ring gear and case. The side member is bolted onto the cup-shaped case member. The pinion gears of this invention are not formed with a spherical portion at its interface with the case because the present invention provides a novel design that does not require the spherical radii because the two-piece case can easily be assembled with resort to these additional machining requirements. The pinion shaft is secured against rotation by a pin trapped in a bore formed in the case when the ring gear side member is mounted to the cup-shaped case member. Because the cup-shaped case member is formed with a flat mating surface, the present invention does not require eyebrows formed into the case for drilling points where the bolt is received in the case.

Abstract: A limited slip differential having a housing with a recess provided in a radial surface of the housing adjacent a clutch pack disposed between the housing and side gear of the differential. A biasing member is provided in the recess to induce frictional engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a limited slip differential, including a casing having a first clutch surface and at least two case parts, including a first case part and a second case part. An axle receiving side gear is disposed in the casing. A cone clutch associated with the side gear is disposed generally concentrically about a longitudinal axis and has a second clutch surface generally parallel with the first clutch surface. The second clutch surface is disposed at an angle of between about 3.degree. and 7.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis. A biasing device, such as a plurality of compression springs, biasingly engages the second clutch surface with the first clutch surface, and effects a preload force of between about -200 to +500 pounds against the side gear in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for an axle system of a vehicle is disclosed which includes internal clutches for connecting a slipping wheel to the drive input of the differential. The differential is also responsive to inertia forces on the vehicle during hard cornering to prevent slippage of the inside wheel during cornering.

Abstract: According to the invention, an output element of a differential is made in two parts (14a, 14b), one (14b) of these two parts being axially mobile under the effect of a torque transmitted through this output element. This axial displacement is used to act either on a friction clutch or preferably on a coupling of the viscocoupler type in order to modify its characteristics.Application particularly to motor vehicles.

Abstract: This device, comprising a housing (10), an input member and two output members (14, 15) as well as a controlled-slip coupling device (23) arranged between two of the said input and output members, is characterized in that the differential comprises at least one member (14) axially movable under the effect of a torque exerted on it, the displacement of this member being utilized to modify the operating characteristics of the controlled-slip coupling.This provides a differential with a slip self-controlled as a function of the torque and of the speed difference between the output members, the law of variation of which is appreciably improved in relation to that of the known devices.

Abstract: Spring retainer plates for a slip limiting differential are disclosed. Each retainer plate is paired with a similar retainer plate and is adapted to exert a preload on the side gear clutching mechanism of the differential by coil springs interposed between the plates. Each retainer plate has a transverse wall which is generally parallel to the axis of the pinion shaft and has parallel side walls. Each parallel side wall has a generally circular aperture through which the pinion shaft passes. By providing a complete circle of metal around the pinion shaft, plate deformation or breakage is minimized.

Abstract: A limited slip differential, comprising a housing (10), two bevel side gears (15, 16), clutch assemblies (21, 22) disposed between the outermost ends of the side gears and the housing, two bevel planet gears (23, 24), thrust members (32) engaging the side gears, and spring means (37) operating on the thrust members to urge them into engagement with the side gears and cause frictional engagement in the clutch assemblies; wherein the bevel planet gears are rotatably supported on a shaft member (25) which extends transversely through the housing and also through a support member (30) which holds the thrust members (32) against rotation, the shaft member also loading the spring means when it is inserted. The arrangement enables the differential to have a housing in one piece, with a lateral opening or openings through which all parts can be introduced into the housing with assembly being completed by insertion of the planet gear support shaft member to load the spring means and hold the suport member in position.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for limiting differential rotation between a differential casing and axles via a frictional connection includes a pinion shaft rotating integrally with the differential casing and a pinion gear attached rotatively to the pinion shaft. A side gear engages with the pinion gear and is mounted loosely with respect to the axles. A first cam portion formed on the side gear engages with a second cam portion formed on a driving member which is spline-engaged with one of the axles, supporting the side gear and supported by and centered on the differential casing. A frictionally connecting clutch is disposed between the driving member and the differential casing.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes four pinions formed of straight bevel gears and a pair of side gears formed of straight bevel gears. A pressure angle of a first surface of each of a plurality of teeth provided on each pinion is formed larger than that of a second surface thereof and pressure angles of third and fourth surfaces of each of a plurality of teeth provided on each side gear are respectively equal to the pressure angels of the first and second surfaces.