Abstract: A drive assembly for use between an axle differential and a sideshaft comprises an intermediate shaft that is rotatably supported around a rotation axis and has a first end fixedly connected to an output gear of the axle differential and a second end fixedly connected at least indirectly to the sideshaft. A controllable coupling unit comprises a coupling cage with outer plates and a coupling hub with inner plates. The coupling cage is rotatably supported around the rotation axis relative to a bearing support. The coupling hub is connected to the intermediate shaft. The outer plates and the inner plates are arranged so as to axially alternate and jointly form a plate package. The coupling cage extends in the axial direction from the differential carrier to the bearing support and is sealed by first and second rotary seals.

Abstract: A differential is provided that includes a case, a cam side gear disposed proximate a first end of the case, and a side gear disposed proximate a second end of the case. The side gears have respective hubs. The differential further includes a first clutch pack disposed around the hub of the side gear. The differential further includes an annular engaging member disposed between the side gear and the case.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an axle clutch between two half-axles in a motor vehicle is provided. The control system includes two solenoids and a pressure sensor in communication with a controller and a valve assembly. One of the solenoids provides a flow of fluid to engage the axle clutch. The valve assembly cooperates with another of the solenoids to disengage the axle clutch under certain conditions.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a housing with an interior chamber in which a two-piece split-center driver is located. The split-center driver is positioned on opposite sides of a cross-pin assembly. A pair of axially spaced output shafts extend from the interior chamber and are coupled to a pair of side gears. The split-center driver gear and a centered cam member are arranged co-axially about the adjacent ends of the output shafts, and annular clutch members are operable to disconnect an overrunning output shaft.

Abstract: A differential is provided that includes a first and second side gear and a reaction block disposed between the first and second side gear. The differential further includes an engagement mechanism configured to have at least a portion of the engagement mechanism that is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position and a lock-out mechanism that is configured to engage the portion of the engagement mechanism. The lock-out mechanism is mounted to the reaction block. A reaction block for a differential in which a lock-out mechanism is mounted on the reaction block is also provided.

Abstract: A device for use with a vehicle transmission system includes a housing having a clutch provided therein and a first member extending from the housing and configured for coupling to a vehicle differential. The first member includes a generally hollow tube configured to carry a rotatable shaft therein. The device does not include a second member for directly coupling the device to a transmission housing or to the differential.

Abstract: A fluctuating gear ratio limited slip differential assembly is provided that includes a differential case and a pair of side gears disposed within the differential case. Each of the side gears may have a tooth with a first tooth flank. The differential assembly may further include a pinion shaft disposed within the differential case and a plurality of pinions supported by the pinion shaft. The pinions may be configured for engagement with the pair of side gears and each of the pinions may have a tooth with a second tooth flank. The first and second tooth flanks are configured to cause movement of the plane of action defining all contact points between the first tooth flank of the side gears and the second tooth flank of the pinions in a predetermined and/or controlled manner.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: A differential for a vehicle having a first output shaft and a second output shaft for wheels is provided. The differential includes an input member for inputting a driving force from an outside of the differential, a first face gear and a second face gear, both of which can be rotated by the input member, the first face gear and the second face gear being rotatable together with the first output shaft and the second output shaft and a pinion member that meshes with both the first face gear and the second face gear so as to allow a differential motion between the first face gear and the second face gear.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for performing switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes and locking and unlocking of differential mechanism by an operational shaft can include a driving device comprising a reversible motor, a rotational member rotationally driven by the motor and provided with a contacting member. A spring can be arranged on the rotational member, a connecting member can be arranged to be abutted by one end of the spring so as to be rotated by the rotational member via the coil spring, and a driving shaft can be rotatably arranged relative to the rotational member and engaged by the operational shaft in its rotational direction and adapted to be rotated by the rotational member via the connecting member. A stay can be engaged by the driving shaft in its rotational direction and provided with a contacting member.

Abstract: A pin retention and assembly system that is used with vehicles, such as, off-road vehicles is provided. The pin retention and assembly system has modular locking pins engaging a collar positionable about a bearing journal of a differential housing. Channels are formed in the bearing journal for receiving the locking pins. The channels aid in maximizing the size of the bearing journal. The locking pins engage the collar to lock the differential housing. In an embodiment, the locking pins and locking apertures in the differential housing are orientated asymmetrically causing the number of locking pins to be independent to the apertures in the side gear.

Abstract: A vehicle differential gear device has: a differential case having a plurality of pinion gear insertion holes and a side gear passage hole; a plurality of shaftless type pinion gears that are rotatably supported in the plurality of pinion gear insertion holes formed in the differential case; and a pair of side gears that are rotatably supported in the differential case, engage with the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, and has an outer diameter greater than that of the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, the side gear passage hole allowing passage of the pair of side gears.

Abstract: A differential lock structure includes a differential and a lock ring, wherein the case of the differential has at least one locking through hole, and an output gear inside the differential having a recess, and the lock ring has a locking through bolt for passing through the locking through hole in the recess, and has a lock device for forcing the lock ring to stay close to the differential, characterized in that: the lock device includes an arbor which circumferentially has a worm gear and the other end has a spline gear, and a fork has a worm gear hole matching to the worm gear at one end and the other end clamps the lock ring, and a motor gear has a spline gear hole matching to the spline gear; when the motor gear rotates, the arbor is rotated, and the fork presses the lock ring close to the differential.

Abstract: A hold-out ring type locking differential for an automobile or other type of motorized vehicle includes a differential case housing a number of components, such as a center driver positioned between holdout rings, clutch members, springs, spring retainers, side gears, and thrust washers. The center driver includes a center cam that engages inner teeth of the clutch members, which in turn include a tooth shape or profile for reducing stress and wear while increasing an operational life of the clutch member. The inner clutch teeth each have a top portion coupled to a base portion at an intersection point. The top portion extends from the intersection point to a free edge surface while the base portion extending from the intersection point continually into a root radius region.

Abstract: A locking differential assembly with a differential case, a gearset, a first dog, a second dog and a thrust member. The differential case has a mounting hub. The gearset is disposed in the differential case and has a side gear. The first dog is coupled to the side gear. The thrust member is slidably supported on the mounting hub and has projections that extend through apertures in the differential case and engage the second dog.

Abstract: A differential gear is equipped with a selectively controllable locking device which is self energizing, i.e. it utilizes the differentiation energy to self-lock on its own accord. The control signal is therefore not needed to lock the locking device but rather to selectively, separately for each of the two possible differentiation directions, control it to not lock itself. This gives the differential gear four different working modes. These are: open regardless of differentiation direction; open in one differentiation direction but self-locking in the other direction; open in the other direction but self-locking in the first one; self locking regardless of differentiation direction. A control unit is supplied with sensor data of the present “driving situation”. The control unit has a steering strategy.

Abstract: A method to prevent chain jump in a drivetrain of a four-wheel drive vehicle including receiving sensed vehicle parameters from sensors in the four-wheel drive vehicle, generating transfer case chain-jump parameters based on the sensed vehicle parameters and sending a command signal to initiate disengagement of a clutch pack in a transfer case of the drivetrain responsive to the generated transfer case chain-jump parameters.

Abstract: An actuator having a linear motor and a plunger that is movable by the linear motor along an axis. The plunger includes an annular flange and a rim that is coupled to an outer periphery of the flange. The annular flange is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of apertures is formed through at least one of the flange and the rim. A locking differential and an axle assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A drive axle for a light vehicle includes a chain drive and a differential, which comprises a differential cage (2) with a long neck (6, 7) at both sides, balance pinion gears (13) and two axle pinion gears (16), with the axle pinion gears (16) being journaled radially and axially in the differential cage (2). Proximal ends of axle shafts (21, 22) are plugged in the axle pinion gears (16) and at the distal ends of the necks (6, 7) in radial bearings (19) of the differential cage (2) and are supported further outwardly in a fixed bearing (33, 34) connected to the vehicle. The axle pinion gears (16) have conical parts (17) at their rear side remote from the balance pinion gears (13) and can cooperate with a conical inner wall of the differential cage (2).

Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an electronic locking differential that employs a locking mechanism having components that are fixed to one another along an axis such that they co-translate with one another when the actuator that effects the locking and unlocking of the differential is operated.

Abstract: An improved hydraulically locking limited slip differential assembly for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a fluid pump external to a differential carrier and arranged for preventing slip between the wheels by selectively pressurizing a differential clutch internal to the carrier, and a controller arranged for selectively activating the fluid pump.

Abstract: An active torque biasing differential includes a housing and an outer annulus disposed within the housing. An inner annulus is contained within the outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of slots. A plurality of vanes are disposed in the slots in the inner annulus. The vanes slidably contact the outer annulus. The vanes include a plurality of orifices formed therein. An electromagnetic coil is placed to apply a magnetic field to a chamber bounded by the outer annulus and inner annulus.

Abstract: A casing structure for a torque transmission device is provided with a ring gear for receiving and transmitting torque with an external member so as to rotate around an axis and a casing rotating with the ring gear. The ring gear is provided with tapped holes. The casing is provided with a main casing having first through holes and a cover having second through holes. Bolts are respectively inserted through the first and second through holes and tightened in the tapped holes so that the casing is fixed to the ring gear. A diameter of the first throughholes differs from a diameter of the second throughholes.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A valve operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulically-actuated clutches selectively and variably provides fluid pressure from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulically-actuated clutches.

Abstract: A differential gear unit for motor vehicles comprises a housing and, therein, a differential gear mechanism, two coaxial gear mechanisms and two controllable friction clutches, the coaxial gear mechanisms transmitting an additional torque to one or other axle shaft according to the degree of engagement of the friction clutches. In order for it also to be possible for very high forces to be absorbed in long-term operation with very low installation space and wear, the coaxial gear mechanisms have in each case one internal gear which is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to one side of the associated friction clutch, and one sun gear which is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the respective output element, and the second element of each coaxial gear mechanism is a sun gear, and a third element is configured as an annular gear which has an external toothing system which meshes with the first element and an internal toothing system which meshes with the second element.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an electric locking differential that can include a one-piece differential case and a locking device. The locking device includes a dog that is nonrotatably but axially slidably received into a pocket that is formed in an end of the differential case. An actuator is mounted on the differential case. Actuation of the actuator moves the dog into engagement with a second dog that is coupled to a side gear of the differential to thereby lock the side gear to the differential case.

Abstract: A lockable differential has one positive-fit clutch (12) actuatable in the opening and closing directions by displacement of a sliding sleeve (4), the sliding sleeve (4) being actuatable by a co-axially disposed piston (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly for being used in the axle drive of a motor vehicle between an axle differential and a sideshaft.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.

Abstract: A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range.

Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of annular clutch members that are normally displaced apart to effect engagement between clutch teeth on the remote ends of the clutch members and corresponding gear teeth on the adjacent ends of a pair of side gears between which the clutch members are colinearly arranged. When one output shaft overruns the other by a predetermined amount, the clutch member associated with the overrunning output shaft is disengaged from its associated side gear. A retaining device retains the clutch members in the disengaged condition until the overrunning condition is terminated. In one embodiment, the retaining device is a cam arm and follower pin arrangement that is connected between the clutch members and operates in conjunction with a pair of friction rings. In a second embodiment, the retaining device comprises a pair of holdout rings that operate between the clutch members and the side gears.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly may include a differential housing rotatable about an axis, a first output assembly, a pinion gear, and a first coupling assembly. The first output assembly may include a first side gear and a first output member. The first side gear may be disposed within the differential housing and may be rotatable about the axis. The first output member may be coupled to the first side gear for rotation therewith. The first coupling assembly may be engaged with the first output assembly and may include a coupling mechanism and a biasing member. The coupling mechanism may extend through an opening in the first output member and may be displaceable relative to the differential housing in a direction generally parallel to the axis. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and may urge the first output assembly into frictional engagement with the differential housing.

Abstract: A torque-coupling device comprising a hydraulically actuated friction clutch pack and a gerotor pump provided for generating hydraulic pressure actuating the friction clutch pack. The gerotor pump is selectively actuated by a device external to the gerotor pump and the friction clutch pack, such as an electric motor, friction brake, electro-magnetic clutch, friction mechanism utilizing a magneto-rheological fluid, electro-magnetic brake, etc. The externally driven gerotor pump may be further provided with torque-multiplication gearing, and/or an electronic controller to modulate the actuation of the pump in order to provide flexible control of the hydraulic pressure generated by the gerotor pump.

Abstract: To brake a drive output shafts (5) of an electrically powered driving axle, the differential comprises a brake (6) which, when actuated, connects a differential cage (2) and the drive output shaft (5) with a flange (23).

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can be configured to switch between 2-wheel drive mode and 4-wheel drive mode and to lock and unlock a differential device. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise an input shaft connected to a driving power source i.e.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (129) operably associated with a latch member (119) that cooperates with a flyweight mechanism (53) to retard differentiating action in the differential gear mechanism. The lockout mechanism (129) includes a lockout member (131) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (131) permits the latch member (119) to move freely between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (131) prevents the latch member (119) from moving into the locking position.

Abstract: The present invention provides user-selectable locking differential having a carrier coupled to a ring gear. The carrier includes a differential case that supports side bevel gears, which mesh with bevel pinion gears. The differential gear train is lockable by moving a locking ring into engagement with one of the bevel gears. In one embodiment, an expandable membrane seated in an annular groove of the differential case operates to urge the locking ring into engagement with the bevel gear. In another embodiment, a cup having a low-friction surface is placed in the annular groove of the case and a piston moves relative to the cup to urge the locking ring into engagement with the bevel gear. In addition, the locking ring, bevel gear, and the differential case each have engagement features that advantageously reduce the amount of friction between these respective components.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an electric locking differential that can include a one-piece differential case and a locking device. The locking device includes a dog that is nonrotatably but axially slidably received into a pocket that is formed in an end of the differential case. An actuator is mounted on the differential case. Actuation of the actuator moves the dog into engagement with a second dog that is coupled to a side gear of the differential to thereby lock the side gear to the differential case.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an electronic locking differential that employs a locking mechanism having components that are fixed to one another along an axis such that they co-translate with one another when the actuator that effects the locking and unlocking of the differential is operated. A method for assembling a differential is also provided.

Abstract: A front-wheel-drive transaxle unit for a motor vehicle comprises a differential assembly having a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case and a torque-coupling device for selectively restricting differential rotation of the differential mechanism. The torque-coupling device includes a friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally engaging and disengaging the differential case and one of the output shafts, and a selectively controllable clutch actuator assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes at least one first member non-rotatably coupled to the differential case and at least one second member non-rotatably coupled to one of said output shafts. The torque-coupling device provides the differential assembly of the front-wheel-drive transaxle unit with both limited-slip and open differential capabilities.

Abstract: A device for displaceably actuating, in both directions along a longitudinal direction, a crown wheel includes an actuator for actuating the crown wheel to engage and lock a differential. The actuator includes an electromagnetic actuator that provides advantages of pneumatic devices.

Abstract: A power transmitting device, such as a differential, having a housing, input and output shafts, which are rotatably disposed in the housing, a gear set, one or more actuators and/or one or more sensors disposed within the housing, and a connector having a fitting, a seal member and a locking member. The gear set is operable for transmitting rotary power between the input and output shafts. The fitting has a body that extends through a hole formed in the housing. The body includes a plurality of terminals that are electrically coupled to the at least one electrical components. The seal member is disposed between the fitting and the housing to form a seal therebetween. The locking member engages the body and the housing to retain the fitting to the housing. The fitting facilitates electrical connection of the electrical components within the housing with a wire harness that is external to the housing.

Abstract: A brake system (20) includes a differential carrier (22, 121) and output gear (26) operatively connected. At least one carrier rotary friction surface (43) is operatively connected to the differential carrier (22, 121). At least one side gear rotary friction surface (45) is operatively connected to one of the side gears (31, 33). At least one limited rotary friction surface is operatively connected to the case, whereby during a braking operation the carrier rotary friction surface and the side gear rotary friction surface are pressed together causing braking of the differential carrier and the first and second differential side gears (31, 33). The carrier (22, 121) is supported by the first and second differential side gears (31, 33).

Abstract: A torque-coupling assembly comprises a shaft member, a fluidly sealed hollow coupling case containing an amount of a hydraulic fluid therewithin and rotatably mounted about the shaft member a friction clutch assembly disposed within the coupling case for selectively engaging and disengaging the coupling case and the shaft member, and a hydraulic pump disposed within the coupling case for generating a hydraulic fluid pressure to frictionally engage the clutch assembly and supplied with the hydraulic fluid contained in the sealed coupling case. Thus, the torque-coupling assembly of the present invention is self-contained so that it does not require a supply of hydraulic fluid stored outside the frictional clutch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential driven by an input and adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and a hydraulically-actuated clutch for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A torque coupling including a variable-engagement clutch is also provided.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism (11) and improved axle shaft (53) retention arrangement for the axle shaft. The mechanism includes a side gear (27) defining first internal splines, a coupling (35) defining second internal splines (35S), and a rotor (49) of a gerotor pump defining third internal splines (49S). The axle shaft includes external splines (55), an annular groove (57), and a collapsible and expandable retention ring (59) within the groove. The assembly operator aligns the external splines with the third internal splines (49S), then with the second internal splines (35S), and finally, with the first internal splines (27S), before exerting force (“F” in FIG. 3) on the axle shaft to collapse the retention ring by passing it through the third internal splines (49S) until the ring can expand (FIG. 4). The axle shaft is retained as the retention ring engages an inboard end (69) of the third internal splines.

Abstract: A differential having means (35) operable to limit rotation of an output gear (23) relative to a gear case (11), and actuation means (55) for actuating the rotation limiting means, from an unactuated (FIG. 1) to an actuated condition (FIG. 4). The rotation limiting means includes a member (47), toward one axial end of the gear case and moveable between a first position, the unactuated condition of said rotation limiting means, and a second position, the actuated condition. A sensor assembly is adjacent the one axial end of the gear case and includes a sensor element (71) and a wall-like member between the rotation limiting means and the actuation means. The wall-like member includes a non-ferromagnetic portion (73) between the sensor and the moveable member. Movement between the first and second positions results in a corresponding change in the electromagnetic flux (F) coupling the sensor element and the moveable member.

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a housing having an input, a first output, and a second output rotatably mounted in the housing. A friction clutch in the housing limits slip between the first output and the second output, and a mechanism in the housing applies an axial force to the friction clutch. The mechanism includes a rotatable actuating plate and a non-rotatable, back-up plate. A motor that rotates the actuating plate is controlled by an electronic motor control which has a feed back that is responsive to the force applied by the mechanism to the friction clutch. In one embodiment, the feed back measures the angular position of the rotatable actuating plate which is mounted on an angular contact bearing. The stain or slight axial movement of the outer race of the angular contact bearing is measured to provide the feed back to the electronic motor control.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated torque coupling assembly that has an actuator plate mechanism integrated within the pressure relief valve assembly. The actuator plate includes a valve closure member and two alignment pins. The valve closure member is disposed adjacent to a valve seat on the face of the torque coupling assembly. The actuator plate and an associated electro-magnetic solenoid assembly are partially enclosed in a stationary housing that is positioned outside the coupling case. A variable amount of electrical current is applied to the solenoid assembly so that the actuator plate valve closure member engages the associated valve seat. The release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly is selectively based on the magnitude of an electric current supplied to the solenoid assembly.