Abstract: A differential mechanism of the holdout ring type is characterized by improved annular clutch plates with trapezoidally configured cam teeth for mating with the center cam teeth of the center cam. Each clutch plate has inner cam and outer clutch teeth extending from a planar surface thereof with a gap between the inner and outer teeth receiving a holdout ring. The inner cam teeth have a base wider than the top portion thereof so that there is surface to surface contact with the center cam teeth. This reduces torque in the clutch cam teeth and provides smoother operation and a longer service life to the differential.

Abstract: A power transmitting system having an input shaft, a driven bevel gear, a follower bevel gear and a clutch drive shaft accommodated in longitudinally bisected center casings. Left and right electromagnetic clutches connected to the clutch drive shaft are accommodated in left and right side casings which are connected to the center casings and, such that a driving force from the input shaft is transmitted to left and right wheels through the pair of bevel gears and the left and right clutches. Thus, maintenance of the clutches can be easily performed, and the check and regulation of the meshed states of the bevel gears can be easily performed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The positive acting differential includes a ring structure which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby alleviating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. The ring structure is located within a groove in the respective coupler and elastically retained against a frusto-conical surface to provide a desired frictional drag and positive axial location of the ring structure relative to the coupler. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The positive acting differential includes a ring structure which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby alleviating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. A spacer with attached paddles supports multiple pinion pins. The paddles loosely couple the motion of the pinion pins to the ring structure. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet release one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip, at least one driver and one spacer are slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating a source of asymmetry between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip and a thrust slug, at least one driver and one spacer are slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly, and a thrust slug is fitted within the spacers. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating a source of possible cocking between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a differential assembly which includes a two part pinion pin that allows the pinion pin to be removed for parts service and/or replacement without removing the differential case and ring gear from the differential housing. In differentials in which the ring gear interferes with the removal of the pinion pin, the two part pinion pin allows removal of the pinion pin in two pieces, each being rotated about its axis for insertion or removal to provide the best position for clearance with the ring gear. The two part pinion pin may be advantageously used with differentials of various kinds.

Abstract: In a power transmitting system, a clutch drive shaft driven through bevel gears and by an input shaft is laterally extensive and left and right electromagnetic clutches are disposed between opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft and left and right output shafts, respectively. A clutch body heated during the transmission of a power is disposed at a laterally outer location of the system to provide enhanced heat-radiatability, and an annular solenoid is disposed inside the clutch body. A bearing for supporting each of the opposite ends of the clutch drive shaft is disposed radially inside the solenoid. Thus, the lateral dimension of the power transmitting system is reduced.

Abstract: A differential locking system of an axle driving apparatus wherein left and right axles are rotatably supported within a housing consisting of an upper half housing and a lower half housing. The inner ends of the axles are facing each other and are rotatably inserted within a differential input gear. An engaged plate member is disposed at the right of the differential input gear. Engaged recesses of the differential input gear and engaged recesses of the engaged plate member are connected with each other. A pair of differential pinions are pivoted within the differential input gear, perpendicular to the axles. Both sides of each differential pinion are engaged with differential side gears fixed around the right and left axles, respectively. Pin passing holes are bored in the right differential side gear. A thrust collar is disposed on the right axle outside of the right differential side gear. A shifter fixing the differential locking pins is axially slidably disposed around the thrust collar.

Abstract: A belt drive differential with an output shaft, two planet sprockets rotatably mounted to a carrier to orbit in a circular path about a carrier axis coaxial with the output shaft, a first output sprocket attached to the output shaft, a second output sprocket coaxial with the output shaft, and a toothed power transmission belt connecting the sprockets.

Abstract: A differential assembly which has a split spacer assembly. The spacer assembly aligns a drive member with a coupler member. The coupler member may be attached to a drive wheel axle. The drive member may be coupled to a case which has an outer ring gear. The ring gear may be coupled to a drive shaft. The split spacer assembly includes a first spacer part that is attached to the coupler member and a second spacer part that is coupled to the drive member and the first spacer part. The split spacer provides clear access for machining the teeth on the coupler members with rotary cutters, and allows the design of thicker drive members for maximum structural integrity while allowing the positioning of the C clip retaining the axle as required by the particular preexisting differential.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a secondary drive shaft and secondary driven shafts. The overrunning clutch includes a pinion input shaft in a differential housing that engages with a clutch housing rotatably disposed within the differential housing. At least one race is located adjacent to the clutch housing and is engaged with an output shaft. A cage is located between the race and the clutch housing. The cage is movable with respect to the clutch housing. A first coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent to the cage and is adapted to produce an electromagnetic field when energized which causes the cage to drag with respect to the clutch housing. The dragging of the cage with respect to the clutch housing positions the cage to engage the clutch housing with the race when wheels on a primary drive shaft lose traction. A second coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent adjacent to the cage.

Abstract: A modulating clutch for disposition and use in a motor vehicle drive train includes a disc pack clutch assembly and clutch actuator. The clutch actuator includes an assembly for generating compressive force which is applied to the clutch pack assembly and a preload member which partially engages the clutch pack to provide torque transfer up to a predetermined level without activation of the clutch actuator. Activation of the clutch actuator increases the torque transfer or throughput above the predetermined level. The differential of the present invention thus functions passively as a limited slip differential by allowing torques in excess of the predetermined torque level to slip each axle relative to the driveline input thereby provide a constant, minimum level torque coupling between the driveline and each axle. When the clutch actuator is energized, it may be utilized to control torque transfer at levels above the predetermined level between the input and output of the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A differential device (17) for use in a four wheel drive system, the device including a viscous coupling (29), a ball ramp actuator (31), and a clutch pack (33). Under normal driving conditions, most of the torque is transmitted to the front drive wheels (11), and the device (17) rotates as a unit. If the front wheels (11) begin to slip, the input shaft (15) and input coupling member (35) rotate faster than the output coupling member (43), thus transmitting torque to the output coupling member (43). This torque is transmitted to the first ramp plate (51) of the ball ramp actuator (31), displacing the actuator from its neutral position (FIG. 3), such that the second ramp plate (52) begins to load the clutch pack (33) and transmit torque from the housing (25) to the output shaft (19), and from there to the rear drive wheels (23).

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling (38) for coupling a casing (46) and a pair of axle half shafts (40) of an auxiliary drive axle (36) of a vehicle drivetrain (22) includes a housing (44) for containing hydraulic fluid and the casing (44) rotatively mounted within the housing. A clutch (76) extends between the casing (46) and each of the axle half shafts (40) and is actuable to transfer torque therebetween by the operation of a pair of hydraulic pumps (90) that provide pumped hydraulic fluid to a pair of piston chambers (110) whose pistons (120) actuate the clutch. An outlet port (122) of each piston chamber (110) and an associated temperature compensated valve (124) and a pressure relief valve (126) of each piston chamber control the clutch actuation.

Abstract: A differential drive mechanism comprises a cage (1), which is rotatable about an axis (3) and represents the input, two coaxial output shafts (12, which are rotatable in respect of the cage (1) about the axis (3), a coupling (4) which is connected eccentrically through two output shafts (12) to transmit relative contra-rotational movement between them by connections which permit relative rotation of the coupling (4) and the output shafts (12). The eccentric connection of the coupling (4) on the ouput shafts (12) includes a respective eccentric hole (9) in the inner end (10) of each output shaft (12) in which the associated end (6) of the coupling (4) is received. The ends (6) of the coupling (4) have a part-spherical engagement surface. A slipper (8) affording a complementary part-spherical internal surface is received in each eccentric hole (9) and each engagement surface is in engagement which a respective complementary internal surface.

Abstract: Differential comprising disks (1, 2) and rings (3, 4) inside a casing (15) being in full and continuous sliding state of contact with the outer pair of disks (6, 7) coupled to the output shafts. The inner sides of disks (1, 2) and rings (3, 4) are machined so that the plane surfaces on both sides of configurations (8, 10) and (9, 11) are inclined towards the perimeter under a certain inclination angle, allowing the convergence and divergence of the disks around configurations (8, 10). The outer plane surfaces of disks and rings of the inner pair (1, 2, 3, 4) are in full and continuous contact with the inclined circular planes (12, 13, 14) of the outer pair of disks (6, 7). On the periphery of the ring (3) are fitted plates (5) which can slide in a recess (16) of the inner surface of the casing (15).

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential gear which is capable of constructing an axle supporting structure at a low cost and obtaining a differential limiting effect without adding a special mechanism. In the present invention, each axle is coupled to the main body of the differential gear by regulating movement of each axle in the insertion direction and the counter-insertion direction by both a regulating member engaging with each axle and a regulating member interposed between the end surfaces of the axles. In this case, differential motion is achieved by both grooves provided in a pair of rotating bodies which rotates integrally with drive shafts and a plurality of balls 5 which roll along the grooves, and the differential motion is limited by the reactive force generated between each groove and the rolling bodies. Thus, a differential limiting effect is obtainable without adding a special mechanism.

Abstract: A quiet and smooth, positive acting, no-slip differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The quiet and smooth, positive acting, no-slip differential includes a movable member which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby eliminating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. This moveable member does not prevent all engagement, however, so that re-engagement of the driver and coupler will automatically occur to provide the desired differential locking when called upon to do so. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A differential gear is capable of differentially setting magnitudes of differential limiting forces depending on directions of rotational force transmission. A rotational force of the input-side rotary element is transmitted by way of rolling elements and grooves to the rotary elements. The rolling elements roll along grooves of the rotary elements while reciprocating within elongated holes of the retainer element, thereby permitting the difference in speeds of rotation between the rotary elements. The differential motions of the rotary elements are limited by axial reaction forces generated between the rotary elements and the grooves. At that time, if the directions of the rotational force transmission between the input-side rotary element and the rotary elements differ from each other, then the magnitudes of the axial reaction forces generated between the rotary elements and the grooves will also be different from each other.

Abstract: A twin clutch axle for a motor vehicle defines independent fluid filled chambers: a pair of spaced apart chambers each receiving a respective one of the clutches and a separate, intermediate chamber receiving a hypoid drive gear. Each of the clutches is preferably an electromagnetically operated multiple friction plate assembly and the fluid in the clutch chambers is like or similar to automatic transmission fluid. The separate hypoid drive gear chamber is filled with a gear lubricant or heavy weight oil. The pair of clutch chambers may be sealed and fully independent of one another or may be in fluid communication with one another through, for example, passageways or a common sump. By utilizing separate compartments for the clutches and hypoid drive gear, the lubricants utilized therein can be optimized for friction clutch and gear operation thereby improving the performance and service life of the axle.

Abstract: An axle differential for the secondary driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle includes individual modulatable axle clutches that may be commonly or individually activated to control torque delivery to the secondary drive wheels. The differential includes an input shaft driving a bevel gear set, the modulatable clutches and left and right output shafts. Each of the modulatable clutches include a disc pack clutch assembly having first and second interleaved pluralities of clutch plates, a ball ramp operator and an electromagnetic coil which acts upon the ball ramp operator which applies compressive force to the interleaved clutch plates. An operating program for controlling left-right secondary wheel slip may be utilized with the differential.

Abstract: A locking differential including a pair of clutch members, a pair of associated annular side gears, a drive rod extending between the clutch members, and a pair of spacers arranged between the side gears and drive rod is characterized by a locking pin, disc, E-clip, spring assembly which urges the clutch members outwardly apart toward engaged positions with the side gears. The face of each clutch member contains at least one pin bore for receiving a locking pin and at least one oversized spring bore for receiving a spring. The outer periphery of each clutch member contains a pin access opening communicating with each pin bore. During assembly, a tool can be inserted into the pin access opening to displace the locking pin contained therein, whereby the E-clip may he installed on a locking pin circumferential groove and the associated spring is maintained in compression, thereby to urge the clutch members axially outwardly apart.

Abstract: A locking differential includes annular friction pack clutch assemblies for normally connecting the drive shaft of a vehicle to a pair of axially aligned driven axle shafts. A pair of clutch members are biased apart by a plurality of spring assemblies exch including a locking pin colinearly arranged relative to a helical spring. At one end, the locking pin is slidably mounted in a corresponding pin bore contained in one face of a first clutch member, the other end of the locking pin extending within an oversized spring bore contained in the opposing face of a second clutch member. The helical spring is mounted in the bottom of the oversized bore and is compressed by the pin when the pin is releasably retained in an extended operable position by a removable fastener member, thereby to compress the friction packs between the clutch members and the adjacent casing internal wall surfaces.

Abstract: A gearbox mounted between axles for left and right follower wheels of a vehicle includes a countershaft parallel to the axles. The countershaft is rotated at a speed greater than those of the right axle by speed-increasing gears. The countershaft and the left axle are capable of being connected to each other through first and second shifting gears and a first hydraulic clutch and through third and fourth shifting gears and a second hydraulic clutch. The first and second hydraulic clutches are disposed back-to-back between the first and third shifting gears and therefore, the size of the entire gearbox can be reduced. Moreover, since the first and second hydraulic clutches are mounted on the countershaft which is rotated at the higher speed, the necessary torque transmitting capacities of the first and second hydraulic clutches can be decreased, leading to reduced sizes of the first and second hydraulic clutches.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a plurality of spring biasing assemblies each consisting solely of a helical spring having a spring cap member mounted on one end thereof for isolating the spring from the associated locking pin that extends at one end within the oversized spring bore. The spring cap member has a disc portion the outer diameter of which is at least as great as the outer diameter of the helical spring, and a central plug portion that extends within the spring, whereby the spring bears at one end solely against the cap disc portion and is isolated thereby from the locking pin. The diameter of the cap disc portion is also less than the width of a radially extending access opening that communicates with the oversized spring bore contained in a clutch member, thereby to permit introduction of the spring with the cap mounted thereon into the spring bore via the spring access opening.

Abstract: A modulating clutch for disposition and use in a motor vehicle drive train includes a disc pack clutch assembly and clutch actuator. The clutch actuator includes an assembly for generating compressive force which is applied to the clutch pack assembly and a preload member which partially engages the clutch pack to provide torque transfer up to a predetermined level without activation of the clutch actuator. Activation of the clutch actuator increases the torque transfer or throughput above the predetermined level. The differential of the present invention thus functions passively as a limited slip differential by allowing torques in excess of the predetermined torque level to slip each axle relative to the driveline input thereby provide a constant, minimum level torque coupling between the driveline and each axle. When the clutch actuator is energized, it may be utilized to control torque transfer at levels above the predetermined level between the input and output of the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An axle differential for the secondary driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle includes individual modulatable axle clutches that may be commonly or individually activated to control torque delivery to the secondary drive wheels. The differential includes an input shaft driving a bevel gear set, the modulatable clutches and left and right output shafts. Each of the modulatable clutches include a disc pack clutch assembly having first and second interleaved pluralities of clutch plates, a ball ramp operator and an electromagnetic coil Which acts upon the ball ramp operator which applies compressive force to the interleaved clutch plates. An operating program for controlling left-right secondary wheel slip may be utilized with the differential.

Abstract: A differential gear drive mechanism comprised of an outer drive gear and a pair of driven gears secured to the output shafts with the driven gears powered by spring biased pawls mounted on the drive gear which alternately engage the driven gears depending upon the direction of rotation of the drive gear.

Abstract: An automatic locking differential of the type having C-clip retainers adapted for mounting in peripheral grooves contained in the adjacent ends of the output shafts includes an annular center driver gear, a center cam member arranged concentrically within the center driver gear, and at least one resilient preload member for biasing a pair of side gears into engagement with an internal annular shoulder on the center cam member, thereby to dampen the rotational play between the center cam and the center driver member. A pair of preload resilient members may be provided at the remote ends of the side gears for axially biasing the side gears together toward engagement with the internal diameter on the center cam member.

Abstract: An axle drive for distributing torque from a propeller shaft to two axle shafts of a motor vehicle axle which is not permanently driven, having two torque transmitting friction couplings which are arranged in the coupling housing and intended to drive the axle shafts, and having two actuating devices for the two friction couplings. There is provided a common pump housing which is non-rotatably connected to the coupling housing and which contains two symmetrically and axially movably arranged pistons delimiting one end of pressure chambers each filled with a highly viscous fluid and connected to a reservoir. Pumping and control members are arranged opposite the pump housing between two end positions so as to be rotatable to a limited extent. The pressure chambers each contain conveying members which are each non-rotatably connected to one of the axle shafts. Rotational faces of a conveying member, together with counter-faces of the pumping and control member, constitute at least one sealed shear channel.

Abstract: A differential mechanism (10) having two output cam members (16, 17) rotatable about an axis (A) each cam member having an annular cam surface of undulating form comprising pairs of mutually inclined surfaces (24, 25; 26, 27). The inclined surfaces are engaged by end surfaces (29, 30) of cam followers (28) so that relative contra rotation of the output cam members (16, 17) causes the cam followers to slide axially. An input element (11-14) engages and supports the followers (28) and moves the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members and a component (11, 14) of the differential which rotates during use of the differential drives oil pump means (70) for forcing oil into the differential.

Abstract: An automotive differential assembly for a vehicle having a driving case enclosing a pair of driving members operably coupled with a pair of driven members. The driven members are secured to output shafts and the driving members are forcibly driven by a driving shaft having its opposite ends in engagement with the driving case. The driving shaft passes through eccentric or angled apertures formed by cooperating arcuate surfaces provided in opposing surfaces of the driving members. The driving members and the driven members are urged together respectively by at least four dampening springs providing both axial and radial force which dampens or eliminates sudden impact encountered when the shaft moves back and forth within the apertures. The driving members may be loosely aligned and interrelated by pins and enlarged holes, by pins and laterally opened holes or by a key and keyway or channel construction.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a housing containing a chamber and a pair of opposed openings for receiving a pair of axially spaced output shafts, respectively, a pair of side gears adapted for non-rotatable connection with the respective output shafts, concentrically arranged annular center driver gear and center cam members arranged coaxially about the adjacent ends of the output shafts, and annular clutch members operable by the center cam member to disconnect an overrunning output shaft, characterized in that the center driver gear and center cam members contain radially extending access openings to permit manual mounting of C-clip retainers in peripheral grooves contained in the adjacent ends of the output shafts.

Abstract: A small, inexpensive, comparatively simple differential gear having reliable revolution difference restricting effects includes a rotary casing and a retainer having a common rotation axis. Torque is transmitted to a groove of a pair of rotary members via rolling elements so the rotary members rotate with the casing. When a revolution difference occurs between the rotary members, rolling elements retained in guide slots of the retainer roll along the grooves of the rotary members so there is reciprocal movement within the range of the guide slots. When a force causing a revolution difference between the rotary members is applied from the side of only one of the rotary members, the resulting reaction force restricts the revolution difference between the pair of rotary members. This is because the rolling elements which come to the following side when the revolution difference exists trail the groove which comes to the leading side when a revolution difference occurs in response to their own movements.

Abstract: A differential mechanism having two output cam members rotatable about an axis (X--X), each cam member having a single annular frustoconical cam surface thereon of undulating form comprising pairs of mutually inclined surfaces and a plurality of cam followers having end surfaces engaging the cam surfaces of the output cam members. Relative contra rotation of the output cam members causes the cam followers to slide axially and an input member engages the followers which are slidably supported by the input member and moves the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members. A locking means is also provided for locking the output cam members and/or the input member against relative rotation to lock up the differential mechanism.

Abstract: A differential mechanism has two output cam members rotatable about an axis, each cam member having a single annular cam surface of undulating wave form comprising equal numbers of pairs of mutually inclined surfaces. A plurality of cam followers having end surfaces engage the cam surfaces of the output cam members, the arrangement being such that relative contra rotation of the output cam members causes the cam followers to slide axially. At least two different types of cam followers are provided and the number of followers is an integer multiple of the number of pairs of inclined surfaces. An input member slidably supports the followers and moves the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members. Arrangements are also disclosed for pumping oil into the differential and for locking up the differential.

Abstract: A differential mechanism having two output cam members rotatable about an axis, each cam member having a single annular cam surface of undulating form comprising pairs of mutually inclined surfaces. The inclined surfaces are engaged by end surfaces of followers so that relative contra rotation of the output cam members causes the cam followers to slide axially. An Input element engages and supports the followers and moves the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members. The input element engages with a radially inner portion of each cam follower to move the follower circumferentially relative to the cam output members, and the cam surfaces are inclined away from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A differential drive assembly for differentially transferring rotational power from a source of input power to a pair of output shafts without the use of internal gears. The assembly includes a drive member adapted to be rotatably driven by the source of input power. First and second auxiliary members are provided, each having an inner face located in opposition to a respective planar face of the drive member. The auxiliary members are rotatably and axially moveable with respect to the drive member over a predetermined range. First and second clutch assemblies, preferably constructed of a plurality of interleaved frictional plates, are selectively engageable by movement of the auxiliary members to transfer the rotational power from the drive member to an associated output shaft. Cam mechanisms are provided to axially move a respective auxiliary member such that engagement of a respective clutch assembly may be selectively effected.

Abstract: This invention provides a differential gear that permits a sure differential limitation effect to be obtained with a simple structure and that is both compact in size and low in price. That is, when a rotational difference occurs on a pair of output-side rotary bodies arranged in opposite form to each other on the shaft center of an input-side rotary body, a differential rotation of each output-side rotary body is achieved by interconnecting the rotary motion of each output-side rotary body by means of numerous grooves and numerous balls fitted to these grooves. At this time, when the force necessary to cause a rotational difference is given to each output-side rotary body only from one output-side rotary body, the balls or grooves of the driven side at differential rotation cause the grooves or balls of the driving side to follow their own motion on the other output-side rotary body.

Abstract: An improved differential mechanism of the holdout ring type, characterized by the provision of a pair of annular thrust blocks engaged by sets of Belleville disc-spring washers which bias a pair of side gears axially outwardly apart against a pair of annular thrust washers, respectively, non-rotatably supported by the differential housing. By loading the side gears in the axial direction, the side gear radial freedom of movement is restricted, whereby the differential chatter and noise level during operation are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A differential gear is disclosed in which neither the clutching device which connects the output elements to a bearing block, which is set rotating by means of a drive element, nor the output elements, include a toothed rim. Each of the two output elements is provided with one connecting link having connecting points which lie eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the output element and which connect with the clutching device. The clutching device includes a coupling link, which is mounted in the bearing block so as to rotate around an axis, which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the bearing block between the two output elements.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle, having two drivable axles, a first axle being driven permanently by a drive unit and at least a second axle being connectable via a double coupling assembly so as to be externally controllable. The double coupling assembly comprises a common drivable coupling carrier with outer plates and individual sets of inner plates each connected to the axles of the second driving axle. The double coupling is actuated by a common actuating device, thereby permitting both sets of plates of the double coupling to be loaded by the same amount of actuation forces.

Abstract: A differential mechanism having two output cam members, each having a single annular cam surface with pairs of inclined surfaces. Relative contra rotation of the output cam members cause cam followers to slide axially, and a housing engages the cam followers which are slideably supported by the housing moving the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members. The two cam output members are thrust axially against the housing during drive of the cam output members through the followers and at least one cam output member acts against the housing through a friction thrust washer. This mechanism allows control of the torque ratio between inside and outside output shafts of a vehicle when turning a corner.

Abstract: A differential assembly in which a belt links gears on opposite sides of a carrier via idlers, which idlers are spaced to have synchronous interfittment of the belt teeth with the gear teeth and peripherally shaped to turn the belt flat for gear engagement with a minimum arc of partial engagement.

Abstract: A differential drive mechanism comprises a cage, which is rotatable about a first axis and represents the input, two coaxial output shafts which are rotatable with respect to the cage about the first axis, a coupling which is connected eccentrically to the two output shafts to transmit relative contra-rotational movement between them by connections which permit relative rotation of the coupling and the output shafts about a second axis parallel to the first axis and a restraint member which is coupled to the cage and to the coupling such that the coupling is rotatable with respect to the cage about a third axis perpendicular to the axis and capable of reciprocation in a direction perpendicular to the first axis but prevented from movement in a direction parallel to the first axis. The eccentric connections are constituted by a respective eccentric hole in the inner end of each output shaft in which the associated end of the coupling is received.

Abstract: A differential assembly having a driving case enclosing a pair of driving members operably coupled with a pair of driven members. The driven members are secured to output shafts and the driving members are forcibly driven by a driving shaft having its opposite ends in engagement with the driving case. The mid-section of the driving shaft passes through an eccentric or angled aperture formed by cooperating arcuate surfaces provided in opposing surfaces of the driving members. The driving members and the driven members are urged together respectively by double oppositely wound concentric springs bearing against a pin carried in an elongated hole coextensively provided in opposing surfaces of adjacent driving members of both pairs. Inspection and access openings are provided in passageways and in the oblong cross-section of part of the passageways.

Abstract: A torque transmission device of a four-wheel drive vehicle having a pair of drive shafts includes a hydraulic pump for transmitting torque to both drive shafts through a variable oil pressure generated therein according to the difference in rotational speed between both drive shafts, and a multiple disc clutch for transmitting torque to both drive shafts by a frictional coupling power. The hydraulic pump has a casing and a rotor housed therein. The casing is rotated by one of the drive shafts. The rotor is rotated by the other drive shaft through a transmitting member, a hydraulic piston mechanism and a rotary sleeve. The transmitting member has a clutch operating portion for operating the clutch. When the transmitted torque exceeds a predetermined level, the hydraulic piston mechanism is adapted to move the transmitting member to operate the multiple disc clutch with no intermediary of the casing.

Abstract: Proposed are free-wheel clutches (12) for a driven axle of an all-wheel-drive vehicle in which the degree to which the steered wheels (17, 18) are connected to the drive (4) depends on the steering angle. A snap-in catch in the clutches (12), as well as a passive locking device (59, 60), are switched over automatically by the output shafts (13, 14), the output shafts being connected to the steered wheels (17, 18) by double crossed joints (15, 16).

Abstract: This invention provides and improved apparatus and an improved method of adjusting the tractive torque at the driven wheels of a scale model vehicle employing an enclosed friction driven differential. The invention's improvements allow this adjustment to be accomplished without disassembly of the driven axles, or removing any member of the differential's enclosure to gain access to the internal adjusting components.