Abstract: A switchable differential drive, preferably for a vehicle driven by an electric motor, has a differential drive housing, a drivable differential carrier rotatably supported in the housing, two axle shaft gears supported therein, which are connected to output shafts extending out of the differential carrier and which are connected to one another via differential gears. A first output shaft is designed directly as an axle shaft and a second output shaft is coaxially supported in the first axle shaft. Two switching couplings are arranged coaxially relative to the latter axle shaft. To obtain a first gear stage, the first switching coupling is engaged, thereby non-rotatingly connecting the output shaft to the axle shaft, while the second switching coupling is open. To obtain a second gear stage with one wheel drive, the second switching coupling is engaged, thereby non-rotatingly connecting the output shaft to the differential drive housing while the other switching coupling is open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an externally controlled lockable differential drive with the load application on its friction assembly being effected via a selectively actuatable rotary drive via a pressure ring. For this purpose, there is provided an actuating ring which is drivable by an electric motor via a pinion and which effects an axial adjustment of the pressure ring. The pressure ring itself cannot be rotatable relative to the housing. End faces of the pressure ring and the actuating ring which face each other are provided with control curves or profiles, which together with interplaced rolling elements, as necessary, displace the pressure ring upon rotation of the actuating ring, and can feature a nonlinear rate of change of the axial component acting on the pressure ring as a function of the angle of rotation of the actuating ring.