Abstract: The differential includes a differential housing (7A, 7B). A torque transmission member (5A, 5B) is supported to a differential housing (7A, 7B) for rotating relative to the differential housing. A clutch system (13A, 13B) is configured to interconnect between the torque transmission member (5A, 5B) and the differential housing (7A, 7B) for transmitting a drive torque therebetween.

Abstract: A differential capable of satisfying a demand for an improvement in performance and a reduction in cost in which the pinion shaft 19 is movably disposed in the differential case 2, and sliding bearings 16, 41, 42 are disposed between mutually opposite surfaces of the pair of side gears 13 and the differential case 2 and between mutually opposite surfaces of the pinions 12 and the differential case 2, respectively.

Abstract: A power transfer device includes a casing, a lubricant reservoir in the casing having lubricant therein, and a shaft rotatably supported in the casing. The shaft extends into the lubricant reservoir. A lubricant driving structure is coupled to the shaft for common rotation. The lubricant driving structure includes at least one helically shaped member that extends longitudinally along and circumferentially about the shaft. The at least one helically shaped member is located in the lubricant reservoir. Rotation of the at least one helically shaped member drives the lubricant axially along the shaft and away from the lubricant reservoir. According to other features, an oil propeller wheel is mounted around a shaft in the power transfer device for rotation therewith. The oil propeller wheel communicates with the lubrication in the lubricant reservoir and is operable to direct the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir axially along the shaft toward the differential assembly.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly comprises an input shaft, an output shaft arranged coaxially with respect to each other, differential gearing and a dedicated reversible lubrication pump disposed between the input and output shafts. The reversible gerotor type lubrication pump includes a rotor driven by the input shaft, and an impeller, both disposed within a pump body coupled to a side gear drivingly connected to the output shaft. Thus, the lubrication pump generates lubricant flow only during the differential action between the input shaft and the output shaft, i.e. only when needed and at a flow rate proportional to the speed difference across the differential assembly. An oil flow generated by the lubrication pump is supplied to various components of the inter-axle differential assembly through a gallery of fluid passages.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft assembly for an automotive transmission wherein hydraulic fluid intake ports in the rotating shaft assembly are designed to provide increased hydraulic fluid flow and improved lubrication to mating components served by the shaft lubrication circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fluid intake ports are laterally offset from the center plane of the shaft assembly to increase the angle of entry to fluid entering the intake ports and configured to produce a scooping effect within the fluid surrounding the intake ports upon shaft rotation, which substantially increases hydraulic flow into the shaft and counteracts the inhibitory effect of centrifugal force on fluid flow within the ATF intake ports. In addition, the dimensions of fluid plug orifices and of lubrication outlets on the present shaft assembly have been calibrated to regulate the increased ATF flow and to deliver effective lubrication to the aforementioned mating components.

Abstract: A power train assembly includes an input member drivingly engaged by a power source, at least one output member and at least one gear assembly. The output member is driveably connected to the input member through the gear assembly. A brake assembly is engaged with the output member and a casing is configured to enclose the gear assembly and the brake assembly. The casing includes a main chamber in communication with at least one storage chamber and a reservoir. The storage chamber is adapted to receive a flow of lubrication fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly comprises an input shaft, an output shaft arranged coaxially with respect to each other, a differential gearing and a dedicated reversible lubrication pump disposed between the input and output shafts. The reversible gerotor type lubrication pump includes a rotor driven by the input shaft, and an impeller, both disposed within a pump body coupled to a side gear drivingly connected to the output shaft. Thus, the lubrication pump generates lubricant flow only during the differential action between the input shaft and the output shaft, i.e. when needed. An oil flow generated by the lubrication pump is supplied to various components of the inter-axle differential gearing through a gallery of fluid passages.

Abstract: An axle system includes an axle lubrication level within an axle housing which is lower than a wheel end lubrication level within the wheel end assemblies. An opening through the wheel end assembly housing provides a fluid communication path between the wheel end assembly and the axle housing. A differential assembly rotates adjacent an opening such that lubrication at the wheel end lubrication level is rotated into the opening. The lubricant within the wheel end assemblies is maintained at the wheel end lubrication level. The shaft enters the wheel end assembly housing through a shaft opening which provides a communication path for the lubricant from the wheel end assembly back into the axle housing.

Abstract: In a lubrication groove, which is formed in an insertion hole into which is inserted an output shaft, and which winds around the circumference of the insertion hole while advancing in the axial direction of the insertion hole, there is a portion that is farther to the outside than a perpendicular plane that is perpendicular to a center plane of a differential case on which lie the axial centers of the insertion hole and a pinion gear shaft, the perpendicular plane including a line of intersection of the center plane and the insertion hole. That portion is a perpendicular groove portion which is parallel to a plane that is perpendicular to the axial center of the insertion hole. Accordingly, when extracting a core for forming the insertion hole and the lubrication groove from a die, projections formed on the core for forming the lubrication groove will not interfere with the die. As a result, it is possible to form the lubrication groove during casting of the differential case using that core.

Abstract: An axle system includes an axle lubrication level within an axle housing which is lower than a wheel end lubrication level within the wheel end assemblies. An opening through the wheel end assembly housing provides a fluid communication path between the wheel end assembly and the axle housing. A differential assembly rotates adjacent an opening such that lubrication at the wheel end lubrication level is rotated into the opening. The lubricant within the wheel end assemblies is maintained at the wheel end lubrication level. The shaft enters the wheel end assembly housing through a shaft opening which provides a communication path for the lubricant from the wheel end assembly back into the axle housing.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing and forming an inner cavity housing a differential gear mechanism. The differential gear mechanism includes at least one pinion mate gear rotatably supported by a pinion shaft extending through radial bores in the differential case. The pinion mate gear has a back face adapted to cooperate with a complementary pinion seat surface through a thrust washer disposed therebetween. The differential case further includes at least one lubrication passage formed within the differential case adjacent to the radial bore receiving the pinion shaft. The lubrication passage provides fluid communication path for the lubricating oil from an oil reservoir in an axle housing to a space between the pinion seat surface of the differential case and the thrust washer of the pinion mate gear.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly having a lubrication pump is provided. The pump is disposed between the input and output shafts of the differential within a bore defined by a side gear coupled to or integral with the output shaft. The pump includes a housing that defines first and second ports and includes an arcuate groove in a radially outer surface. A pin extends radially inwardly from the side gear and is received within the groove. The groove and pin cooperate to enable rotation of the entire pump relative to the side gear and to thereby exchange the positions of the two ports. In this manner, the assembly provides a reversible pump that provides lubricant only during relative rotation between the input and output shafts of the differential.

Abstract: To put mass production of a sprocket with dog gear by forging to practical use, a worked product is manufactured by a first step of forming by hot forging means a primary workpiece having a shape comprising the sprocket and the dog gear adjacent to each other; a second step of forming a secondary workpiece having accuracy increased by setting the primary workpiece in a cold forging apparatus; and a third step of forming by cutting means a cut-in groove of a fixed depth perpendicularly to an axial direction in a boundary between a dog gear and a sprocket of the secondary workpiece.

Abstract: An outer rotational member has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. An inner rotational member is arranged inside the outer rotational member. Friction-clutch means is provided between the inner rotational member and the outer rotational member and is fastened by a thrust force. An oil lubricates at least the friction-clutch means. An oil space intervenes between the inner rotational member and the outer rotational member. Seal means seals the oil in the oil space. A first oil reservoir is recessed on the inner wall surface of the outer rotational member toward a side of the outer wall surface side.

Abstract: A final reduction gear unit comprises a small diameter pinion gear 10, a large diameter ring gear 20 which meshes with the small diameter ring gear 10, a housing for accommodating the two gears, first bearings 26a, 26b for rotatably supporting the large diameter ring gear and second bearings 15a, 15b for rotatably supporting the small diameter pinion gear. Moreover, a gutter member 30 is provided within the housing for receiving the part of lubricating oil thrown up and splash supplied toward the second bearings by the rotation of the large diameter ring gear, and a lubricating oil supply path 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b is formed within the housing which links up with the first bearings at one end and with the gutter member at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A differential axle assembly for providing differential torque transfer between an input shaft and two output shafts is disposed within a housing. Friction discs are splined to each of the output shafts. Reaction discs are splined to a stationery brake housing or trumpet casting in turn fixed relative to the differential housing. A piston or actuator selectively compresses the reaction plates to frictionally engage with the friction plates and apply a braking torque to the output shafts. Grooves are formed in the friction discs to cause lubricating oil to be thrown outward through the friction plates and enter oil cooling channels formed to divert the lubricating oil. The lubricating oil is preferably split off through two oil cooling channels. A first oil channel extends along the differential housing outward toward the wheel. A second oil channel extends inward toward the differential case. The lubricating oil absorbs heat as it flows through the brake.

Abstract: Vehicle differential with a differential housing (5) consisting of two pressed sheet metal halves (6). Each sheet metal half is made with radial, gutter-shaped depressions, which are limited at their outer ends by wall portions (14). A differential pinion shaft (15) is received in the depressions between the sheet metal halves. The wall portions (14) limit the axial movement of the differential pinion shaft.

Abstract: A differential casing is provided which is rotatable about an axis. The differential casing is generally cylindrically shaped and defines a first end surface and a second end surface. A pair of side gears is disposed within the differential casing and is individually rotatable about the axis. At least one pair of pinion bores are also formed in the differential casing and extend substantially through the second end surface of the differential casing. Pinion gears are slidably and rotatably disposed in the pinion bores for transmitting power from the engine to the pair of side gears. The pinion gears have rotational axes that are fixed in relation to the differential casing and are engaged with the pair of side gears. Each pair of pinion gears further include a mutually meshing portion, which extends beyond the second end surface of the differential casing.

Abstract: An device for controlling a level of lubricant in a gear housing of an automotive vehicle that has a sealed interior portion containing lubricant. A gear is rotatably mounted in the housing and rotates through the lubricant. The housing includes at least one wall secured to a bottom portion of the sealed interior portion. The wall defines a first and second space wherein the gear rotates in the first space and displaces the lubricant over the wall into the second space as the gear rotates at high speeds. The wall has an opening of a predetermined size that allows the lubricant to flow back into the first space at a rate greater than the displacement rate at low speeds and less than the displacement rate at high speeds. The gear and housing may be an axle housing, a transmission or other gears and housings.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the temperature of an axle assembly by moving the lubricating fluid from the hotter to the cooler portions of the axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing with a central portion and opposing legs extending from the central portion. A pair of shafts is disposed within the legs. Each of the shafts has an outer surface and first and second opposing ends, with at least a portion of the first ends located within the central portion. A differential gear set is arranged within the central portion and engages the first ends. To cool the lubricant, at least one helical protrusion extends from the outer surface of the shafts at a location adjacent to the differential assembly. The helical protrusions move the lubricating fluid from the first end in the hot central portion of the axle housing to the cooler second end at the extremity of the axle.

Abstract: A lubrication system of an axle assembly comprising a differential carrier, a side bearing assembly, an annular drain-back spacer provided therebetween, and a device for selectively positioning the drain-back spacer relative to the bearing assembly. The drain-back spacer is provided with a drain-back channel formed therethrough. A method is provided for controlling flow of lubricant between a differential gear and an axle tube by selectively adjusting the position of the drain-back channel in order to provide the desired lubricant flow path.

Abstract: A differential drive has a differential carrier rotatably drivably supported around an axis in a drive housing. Two axle shaft gears are arranged in coaxial bores while being supported around the axis so as to be rotatable relative to the differential carrier. A plurality of differential gears are rotatably supported in axis-parallel cylindrical pockets in the differential carrier and rotate with the differential carrier. A first group of differential gears engage one of the axle shaft gears and a second group of differential gears engage the other one of the axle shaft gears. The axle shaft gears and the differential gears are designed as helical gears. The differential gears, on their tooth heads, rotate in the pockets, and the differential carrier has a central portion with the bores for the axle shaft gears and the pockets for the differential gears. Two cover parts axially close the bores and the pockets.

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: A differential apparatus (7) comprises: a differential casting (21) rotated by an engine power; a plurality of pinion gears (65, 66) slidably housed in accommodation holes (63, 64) formed in the differential casing; a pair of side gears (35, 37) geared with each other via the pinion gears, two opposing end surfaces thereof being slid relative to each other, either directly or via a thrust washer (61); and a block member (47, 91, 97) interposed between two inner circumferential surfaces of the two side gears so as to center the side gears, respectively. In particular, at least one oil sump (77,) is formed between the block member and the side gears, to supply lubricant to sliding portions between the bolck member (47, 91, 97) and the side gears (35, 37) and between two opposing end surfaces of the two side gears, by a centrifugal force generated by the rotating differential casing.

Abstract: A tubular member is disposed between a pair of drive pinions at the right and left and shaft insertion holes for insertion of the pinion shafts for axial support of the differential pinions are formed in the tubular member. First lubrication grooves for induction of the lubricating oil to the shaft insertion holes are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member. Second lubrication grooves extending from inside positions of the first lubrication grooves in radial directions of the tubular member toward the axial supporting parts of the differential pinions to reach the attachment parts of washers on the rear surfaces of the differential pinions are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the pinion shafts. The lubricating oil collected by the tubular member is supplied efficiently to the axial supporting parts of the differential pinions with guidance of the first lubrication grooves and the second lubrication grooves.

Abstract: A housing for differential mechanism is formed in two pieces using a cold flow-forming process. Each of the housing portions is formed with an internal hemispherical surface, and semi-circular recesses, which when aligned form circular recesses within which a pinion shaft is seated. A subassembly that includes the pinion shaft, pinion gears, side bevel gears, and a thin plastic liner surrounding the subassembly is located within a lower housing portion so that the pinion shaft is seated in the recesses. The upper housing portion is inserted within the upper portion and welded. A ring gear is joined to a housing portion.

Abstract: A differential assembly which includes a differential housing is disclosed. The differential housing defines an internal component chamber, a fluid housing inlet, and a fluid housing outlet. The differential assembly also includes a spider structure positioned within the internal component chamber. The spider structure has (i) a spider hub and (ii) a spider shaft which extends from the spider hub. The differential assembly further includes a pinion gear positioned within the internal component chamber and around the spider shaft. The differential assembly also includes a bearing assembly positioned within the internal component chamber. The bearing assembly is interposed between the pinion gear and the spider shaft, wherein (i) the spider structure has a fluid spider channel having a fluid spider inlet and a fluid spider outlet, (ii) the fluid housing inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid spider inlet, and (iii) the fluid spider outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid housing outlet.

Abstract: A differential apparatus (7) comprises: a differential casing (21) rotated by an engine power; a plurality of pinion gears (65, 66) slidably housed in accommodation holes (63, 64) formed in the differential casing: a pair of side gears (35, 37) geared with each other via the pinion gears, two opposing end surfaces thereof being slid relative each other, either directly or via a thrust washer (61); and a block member (47, 91, 97) interposed between two inner circumferential surfaces of the two side gears so as to center the side gears, respectively. In particular, at least one oil sump (77, 79; 95; 101) is formed between the block member and the side gears, to supply lubricant to sliding portions between the block member (47, 91, 97) and the side gears (35, 37) and between two opposing end surfaces of the two side gears, by a centrifugal force generated by the rotating differential casing.

Abstract: A helical gear differential includes lubrication passages for circulating lubricating oil to the helical pinion counter bores and the side gear counter bores, thereby to increase the operating life of, and to reduce the operating noise level of, the differential. Openings contained in one of the housing and cover sections introduces lubricating oil into the ends of the associated pinion bores to lubricate the ends of the adjacent pinions, and the oil flows through the housing openings to lubricate the remote ends of the pinions. The adjacent ends of the other pinions are lubricated via second housing openings contained in the walls of housing relieved portions. An improved retaining means including a plate and a split snap ring serve to retain the cross pin spacer member within a transverse bore contained in the housing body section.

Abstract: A housing for an axle driving apparatus which is partitioned therein through an inner wall into a first chamber for housing therein a hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber for housing therein a drive train for transmitting power outputted from the hydrostatic transmission to axles. An oil filter is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are filled with oil which can flow between the first chamber and the second chamber through an oil filter, whereby the volume of oil, which varies as the temperature of the oil in the first chamber rises or lowers, can be adjusted.

Abstract: A differential apparatus (7) comprises: a differential casing (21) rotated by an engine power; a plurality of pinion gears (65, 66) slidably housed in accommodation holes (63, 64) formed in the differential casing: a pair of side gears (35, 37) geared with each other via the pinion gears, two opposing end surfaces thereof being slid relative to other either directly or via a thrust washer (61); and a block member (47, 91, 97) interposed between two inner circumferential surfaces of the two side gears so as to center the side gears, respectively. In particular, at least one oil sump (77, 79; 95; 101) is formed between the block member and the side gears, to supply lubricant to sliding portions between the block member (47, 91, 97) and the side gears (35, 37) and between two opposing end surfaces of the two side gears, by a centrifugal force generated by the rotating differential casing.

Abstract: A combined bearing and fluid supply unit is disclosed primarily for use in a power transmission system for marine vessels. The unit has a housing having a circular opening. The circular opening is delimited by an inner surface of the housing, and the inner surface is provided with one or more first circumferentially extending channels which respectively accommodate one or more bearings. The bearings are adapted to support a shaft passing through the circular opening. The housing also includes a first bore extending radially from a second circumferentially extending channel in the inner surface of the housing to an outer surface of the housing. This second circumferentially extending channel is adapted to convey fluid passing from the first bore to a first internal passage in the shaft. Preferably, this fluid is used to actuate a clutch carried on the shaft in a given direction.

Abstract: In the case of a driving arrangement for a motor vehicle having a gearing casing which carries a gear box shaft with a gearwheel which is situated in parallel to a geometrical main axis and having a partial casing which carries differential gearing which has a ring gear meshing with the gear wheel and is arranged centrically with respect to the main axis, a storage chamber is provided in the partial casing which is concentric with respect to the main axis.

Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential casing, a pair of side gears and plural pairs of pinion gears. The pinion gears are accommodated in bores formed in the differential casing, respectively. On the side wall of the differential casing a plurality of lubrication holes are formed for introducing the lubrication oil into the differential casing. Each lubrication hole is arranged so that a center thereof is positioned in the vicinity of a meshing point of the pinion gears. In operation, due to the screw pumping effect of the pinion gears, plenty of lubrication oil is introduced into meshing portions of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A clam-shell shaped differential housing including a lower portion for receiving the input shaft and the differential gearing, and an upper portion for enclosing the same within the differential housing. The clam-shell shaped differential housing allows for easy insertion and adjustment of the differential components. In addition, a lubricant reservoir may be formed in the area of the input shaft and pinion bearings to retain the majority of differential lubricant. The clam-shell shaped housing allows a pump to be easily positioned in the reservoir between the inner and outer pinion bearings to pump the lubricant from the reservoir to the differential components through channels formed in the housing. In this manner, the sump of the differential housing remains substantially dry. The pump may also be used to provide hydraulic pressure to a limited slip clutch assembly for the actuation thereof in conjunction with a valve control assembly.

Abstract: In a parallel-axis differential, a pair of sun gears are received in a housing in a coaxial relation. Also, at least a pair of planetary gears are received in the housing in parallel relation with the sun gears. The planetary gears of the pair are in engagement with the pair of sun gears, respectively and also in engagement with each other. A window opening for introducing lubricating oil is formed in the housing. Also, a fin for guiding the lubricating oil toward the window opening is formed on the outer surface of the housing. The fin is situated on the rear side of the window opening with reference to one rotating direction of said housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transmission system whose rotating elements are all stopped upon stopping of the vehicle, and which comprises a lubricating device including an oil sump for storing a lubricating oil and a mechanically operated oil pump which is driven by one of the rotating elements to deliver the pressurized lubricating oil to predetermined lubricating points such as bevel gears of a differential gear device. The lubricating device has a substantially fluid-tight enclosure in which the lubricating points are disposed and which stores, in a substantially fluid-tight manner, a mass of the lubricating oil delivered from the oil pump.

Abstract: The disclosed system facilitates the flow of lubrication fluid between the planet gears and their respective housing pockets in a parallel-axis differential. A further set of pockets is formed within the differential housing for receiving and retaining lubrication fluid that is continuously supplied to the housing during vehicle operation. Holes, slots, and grooves direct the lubrication from the fluid-storage pockets to (a) the cylindrical bearing surfaces of the pockets and to (b) the interfaces between the planet-gear pockets and the end faces of their respective planet gears. The fluid-storage pockets are distributed circumferentially about the common axis of the side gears so that the rotational balance of the differential is maintained.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly comprising a rotatable case, a spider having at least one shaft mounted on the case for rotation therewith, a pinion gear rotatably mounted on the shaft and a thrustwasher non-rotatably mounted on the shaft and disposed between the pinion gear and the case. The thrustwasher includes an outer, arcuate side disposed in opposition with the casing and an inner, substantially flat side disposed in opposition with an outward side of the pinion gear. The thrustwasher includes a central opening for accepting the shaft and substantially flat surfaces forming a portion of the opening and cooperating with longitudinally extending flats formed on the shaft for preventing rotation of the thrustwasher relative to the shaft. The thrustwasher is preferably made of powdered metal and includes lubrication channels which cooperate with lubrication passages formed in the shaft so as to permit the flow of lubricant from the shaft across the outward side of the pinion gear.

Abstract: In a parallel-axis differential, pocket pairs are formed in an inner periphery of a housing and planetary gear pairs are rotatably received in the pocket pairs, respectively. With outer peripheral surfaces of the planetary gears (i.e., top faces of helical teeth) being in contact with inner peripheral surfaces of the pockets, the planetary gears are rotated relative to the housing. End portions of the helical teeth located on opposite end portions of each planetary gear are gradually reduced in height toward ends of the planetary gear. By this, top faces of end portions of those helical teeth are slightly convexly curved. The top faces of the end portions of those helical teeth are served as contact surfaces which are brought into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the pockets when the planetary gears are slightly inclined.

Abstract: In the operation of modern day construction machinery, especially those of relatively large size, it is a common occurrence for the bearings in the axle assemblies to wear during the normal course of operation of the machine. As the wear occurs, minute particles become suspended in the fluid circulated within the axle assembly. As the particulate matter increases the wear is also accelerated and failure of one or more components in the axle assembly will frequently occur. The present invention provides an axle assembly with a filter and a cooler and flow control valve to remove the particulate matter and reduce the heat from the fluid circulated within the axle assembly.

Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential casing (21) rotated by an engine drive power; pinion gears (51, 53) slidably and rotatably accommodated in accommodating holes (47, 49) formed in the differential casing (21); a pair of side gears (31, 33) linked with each other via the pinion gears, for transmitting the engine drive power to vehicle wheels differentially; and device (69, 73, 81, 91, 99, 101, 103, 107, 109) for supplying lubricant to sliding surfaces between inner walls of the accommodating holes and the pinion gears.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly has a gear housing, two axle tubes extending outwardly of the gear housing, a lubricant reservoir in the gear housing and a gear assembly rotatably mounted in the gear housing that has a rotatable member that is partially disposed in lubricant in the lubricant reservoir. The drive axle assembly also has a lubricant cooling system that includes a lubricant passage in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via an inlet that is juxtaposed the rotatable member so that the level of lubricant in the lubricant passage is raised when the rotatable member rotates. The lubricant passage has elevated outlets that deliver lubricant to lubricant ducts disposed in the respective axle tubes when the lubricant in the lubricant passage rises above a predetermined level. The lubricant flows away from the gear housing in the lubricant ducts and returns to the reservoir along the interior of the axle tubes which cools the lubricant as it returns to the reservoir.

Abstract: A driven axle assembly for vehicles has a lubricant circulation system, and the axle assembly comprises an axle housing with a main drive and a lubricant liquid in its inside, hollow axle casings fixed to both sides of the axle housing, a hollow wheel hub rotatably connected to each axle housing, the wheel hub having a flange for carrying a vehicle wheel rim as well as, in its inside, a planetary gearing and a multi-plate friction type wet brake, the main drive and the planetary gearing as well as the multi-plate wet brake being interconnected with a drive shaft on both sides of the main drive, respectively, and mechanism for making a lubricant flow within the axle assembly.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission extension housing enclosing an output shaft rotatably supported by a bush at the rear end of the housing which requires lubrication is provided with an orifice for delivering a stream of lubricant under pressure from a source along a first unconfined path in the housing and against a deflecting surface in the housing which intersects the first path and deflects the stream of lubricant to flow along a second unconfined path at an angle to said first path and toward the bush.

Abstract: An improved locking differential for driving a pair of vehicle axles. The differential includes a rotatable case. A differential pinion is supported by the case and meshes with side gears to drive the axles. A clutch assembly is carried by the case and connects the side gear with the case upon actuation. Fluid power actuates the clutch assembly to connect the case and side gear. The improvement comprises the fluid power means having a seal retainer which encircles a portion of the case. The seal retainer has a system for evenly distributes forces applied to the axially extending portion of the case during delivery of pressurized fluid to the clutch assembly to minimize relative movement between the seal retainer and the case. The system comprises oppositely facing surfaces formed in the seal retainer being substantially equal in area to offset oppositely directed forces acting within the seal retainer when pressurized fluid is communicated to the clutch assembly.

Abstract: In the disclosed torque-proportioning type of automotive differential, a parallel-axis planetary gear arrangement interconnects the ends of a pair of coaxial drive axles. The axles are received, respectively, by a pair of sun/side gears having helical teeth and confronting end faces and being interconnected by planetary sets of combination gears. Each combination gear of each planetary set is provided with a narrowed shank portion intermediate two separate and distinct meshing portions in mesh with a respective one of the side gears and/or another combination gear of its respective planetary set. A washer component is positioned with its opposite sides in engagement with the confronting end faces of the side gears and is restrained from rotation by a plurality of radially-extending support regions positioned, respectively, between the shank portions of two combination gears of said planet gear sets.

Abstract: Oil is enclosed in a casing. A power transmitting section and an electromagnetic clutch are contained in the casing. The electromagnetic clutch has an electromagnet fixed to the casing. An oil sump is formed adjacent to the electromagnetic clutch. An oil gutter collects the splashed oil splashed by centrifugal force from the power transmitting section and the electromagnetic clutch and directs the collected oil into the oil sump. The power transmitting section has an oil path for introducing the oil from the oil sump, directing the oil to an area in the vicinity of the electromagnetic clutch, and supplying the oil to the electromagnetic clutch by means of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: A lubricant pump of the gerotor type is mounted concentrically over the output shaft of the leading axle in a tandem drive axle arrangement having in inter-axle power dividing differential. The outer rotor of the pump is connected by an annular drive band to the differential carrier to assure full time pump operation. Passages are provided for flow through an externally mounted filter.

Abstract: A parallel-axis gear differential includes pairs of element gears (34) mounted within pockets (36) formed in a differential housing (10). Each element gear includes a first gear section (38) for meshing with one of two side gears (30 or 32), a second gear section (40) for meshing with the first gear section of its mating element gear, and a stem section (42) for interconnecting the first two gear sections. Associated with each pair of pockets are two passageways (44, 46) for providing respective paths for the flow of lubrication fluid between the exterior of the housing and the respective meshing gear sections (38, 40) of each pair of element gears (34). Further, the shape of each pair of pockets (36) is modified between its apron portions (a) and its opening (b) to increase the space between the pocket and the mating surfaces of the element gears.