Abstract: A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking Cr limited slip type, including a gear case rotatably disposed within an outer housing and a mechanism to limit rotation of side gears relative to the gear case; this rotation limiting mechanism including a member which is axially moveable between a first position and a second position. The mechanism includes a sensor assembly and a sensor element disposed adjacent the gear case. The axially moveable member includes a sensed portion surrounding an annular surface of the gear case, and disposed between the annular surface and the sensor element, in one embodiment. Movement of the sensed portion corresponding to changes within the mechanism between unlocked and locked conditions results in the sensor assembly transmitting an electrical output. The vehicle control logic can know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking or limited slip type, including a gear case (11) rotatably disposed within an outer housing (H) and means (37) to limit rotation of side gears (23,25) relative to the gear case (11), this means (37) including a member (41) which is axially moveable between a first position (FIG. 2) and a second position (FIG. 5). The mechanism includes a sensor assembly (95) and a sensor element (97) disposed adjacent the gear case (11). The axially moveable member (41) includes a sensed portion (89) surrounding an annular outer surface (11S) of the gear case, and disposed between the annular outer surface (11S) and the sensor element (97). Movement of the sensed portion (89) corresponding to changes within the mechanism between, for example, the unlocked and locked conditions, results in the sensor assembly (95) transmitting either a first or second electrical output.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism including a first output gear (25), and a cam and ramp actuator (55) including first (59) and second (63) actuating plates, relative rotation of which results in axial movement of said first plate (59) toward said first output gear (25). The mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuator (57) operable to cause rotation of the second actuating plate (63), relative to a gear case (11). Both actuating plates (59,63) are disposed external to an end wall (53) of the gear case, the first actuating plate (59) having a plurality of actuation members (85) extending axially through openings (81) in the end wall. A locking plate (41) is disposed adjacent the first output gear (25), and is fixed to be non-rotatable relative to the gear case, but axially moveable therein.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism including a first output gear (25), and a cam and ramp actuator (55) including first (59) and second (63) actuating plates, relative rotation of which results in axial movement of said first plate (59) toward said first output gear (25). The mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuator (57) operable to cause rotation of the second actuating plate (63), relative to a gear case (11). Both actuating plates (59,63) are disposed external to an end wall (53) of the gear case, the first actuating plate (59) having a plurality of actuation members (85) extending axially through openings (81) in the end wall. A locking plate (41) is disposed adjacent the first output gear (25), and is fixed to be non-rotatable relative to the gear case, but axially moveable therein.