Abstract: A thrust washer and a differential containing a thrust washer. The differential has a housing, a spider and one or more spider gears. The thrust washer includes a body having an annular shape and a width configured to approximately match with a width of the one or more spider gears. The thrust washer is further configured to engage with the spider to prevent or reduce the thrust washer from rotating relative to the housing when the thrust washer is installed in the differential.

Abstract: A driveline power transmitting component with a differential assembly having a differential input, first and second differential outputs, which are driven by the differential input, a first friction clutch, a first biasing spring and a second friction clutch. The first friction clutch has a friction plate that is non-rotatably but axially slidably coupled to the differential input. The first biasing spring urges the first friction clutch into an engaged condition in which the friction plate of the first friction clutch is frictionally engaged to the first differential output. The second friction clutch has a plurality of first clutch plates, which are axially slidably but non-rotatably coupled to the differential input, and a plurality of second clutch plates that interleaved with the first clutch plates and axially slidably but non-rotatably coupled to the first differential output.

Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential device, and a differential restricting portion configured to restrict a differential operation of the differential device. The differential device includes a differential case which is rotatably disposed, a differential gear which is rotatable while being supported by the differential case and revolves by rotation of the differential case, and a pair of output gears which are meshed with the differential gear and are rotatable relative to each other. The output gears include a gear member provided with a gear portion, and an output member including an output portion configured to output a driving force inputted to the output gears. A cam portion is provided between the gear member and the output member. The differential restricting portion is provided between the differential case and the output member.

Abstract: An actuator assembly with a sensor system that is less sensitive to run-out out of moving parts. The sensing system includes a magnet holding plate, a pressure plate, a sensor target and a sensor assembly. The magnet holding plate includes an aperture defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a raised portion along the inner surface, a biasing member positioned along the inner surface in the raised portion, and a flange positioned on the outer surface. The pressure plate includes an outer surface of the pressure plate is positioned underneath the raised portion of the magnet holding plate, axially between the raised portion and the biasing member. The sensor target is attached to the flange of the magnet holding plate. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing positioned radially outward from the pressure plate and magnet holding plate.

Abstract: A differential device with a limited-slip differential mechanism in which, while preventing full compression of spring members to avoid problems resulting from it, the spring members are configured to be as small in diameter as possible to allow the pressure-contact surfaces of a differential case to be wide for clutch plates, whereby it is possible to prevent problems such as a local increase in surface pressure between the clutch plates and scratches on the clutch plates caused by the inner peripheral edges of the pressure-contact surfaces, and achieve improvement in durability of the differential device.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a differential assembly including a pair of plates and a keeper. A pair of pinion gears can be rotatable within a case for common rotation about a first axis and relative rotation about a second axis. A pair of side gears can meshingly engage the pinion gears, each being coupled for rotation with an output shaft. Each plate can be received in a groove defined by a respective output shaft, and can have a radial width greater than a depth of the groove. The keeper can be axially between the pinion and side gears, and can include releasably coupled first and second bodies, that cooperate to define first and second bores. Each bore can define an inner surface that surrounds a respective one of the plates to prevent its escape from the groove.

Abstract: In a differential device, first and second bearing bosses aligned on a same axis to be rotatably supported by a transmission case are integrally formed on one and another side portions of an integrated differential case housing a differential gear mechanism. Paired sleeves rotatably supported by the bosses are connected liquidtightly to paired left and right side gears of the mechanism. A tube portion is integrally protruded from an outer end of a hub of each gear. The sleeve is screwed and fastened onto an outer periphery of the tube portion. In the gear and sleeve, first and second sealing surfaces are formed respectively to closely adhere to each other by such screwing and fastening, thereby shutting off communication between an inside of the differential case and a screwed portion between the tube portion and sleeve.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting an input gear of a transmission in a motor vehicle, in particular a ring gear, characterized in that a pot-shaped support element (1) is provided, whereby a drive gear to drive the input gear engages into a recess (2) of the support element (1), and, for purposes of bearing the input gear, the support element (1) extends at least partially underneath the input gear radially on the inside.

Abstract: A selectively lockable differential, comprising a plurality of torque sensitive pins, an outer housing, a first side gear comprising first gear teeth, a second side gear comprising second gear teeth, a pinion shaft, two pinion gears rotationally coupled to the pinion shaft, each pinion gear comprising pinion gear teeth coupled to the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, and a collar comprising collar teeth for selectively engaging the gear lugs of the first side gear, the torque sensitive pins operatively coupling the collar to the outer housing.

Abstract: A differential comprises a first side gear and a second side gear facing the first side gear. A pinion gear set can be between the first side gear and the second side gear. A cam plate comprises a ramped side facing a ramped side of the first side gear. A first lock plate comprises a first side abutting a second side of the cam plate. The first lock plate further comprises a toothed side. A second lock plate comprises a toothed side facing the toothed side of the first lock plate.

Abstract: A differential assembly having a clutch collar actuator mechanism. The clutch collar actuator mechanism includes an actuator and a fork that may pivot about a pivot axis to actuate a clutch collar.

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 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: The invention relates to a differential gear having a differential housing in which two conical compensating gears are rotatably supported about a first axis of rotation and two conical output gears meshing with the compensating gears are rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation oriented at right angles to the first axis of rotation, wherein a spring device is arranged between the differential housing and at least one of the output and/or compensating gears to load it with a spring force.

Abstract: A transmitting torque limiting apparatus, used in a power transmitting apparatus, includes side gears (40) and side gears piece (42) one of which are axially shiftable. The side gears (40) and the side gear pieces (42) respectively have first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b) each being provided with a pressure angle (Alpha). Due to such pressure angle, when an excessive torque is inputted into the power transmitting apparatus, a thrust force (F1) is generated for disengaging the engagement between the first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b). Thus, inputting of the excessive torque into the power transmitting apparatus can be limited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit which enables the rapid conversion of an open differential gear assembly in a golf cart to a limited slip differential gear assembly by replacing the side gears with side gears containing an integrated clutch surface that engage a double wound spring loaded case containing an integrated clutch surface that transmits power away from the slipping wheel and to the wheel having traction.

Abstract: A preloaded differential includes may take the form of a hold-out ring type locking differential having a preloaded thrust assembly that may be insertable in the differential as a one-piece unit. The preloaded thrust assembly includes a pair of thrust members each having complimentarily shaped protruding and recessed portions that interlock after assembly to prevent rotation of the thrust members relative to one another. Further, one or more conical, disc-shaped springs may be located between the thrust members to bias the thrust members directly against side gears positioned within the differential to reduce or prevent radial movement of the side gears. In one embodiment, the thrust members include a friction and thrust contact surface that directly contacts the side gears and the springs are located within a region formed by the interlocking features of the thrust members.

Abstract: A clutch device 2 has a diff case 19 rotatable with drive torque, side gears 11, 13 to which the drive torque is transferred from the diff case 19, a clutch ring 63 held in constant connection to the diff case 19 and axially movable to the side gears 11, 13 to be intermittently coupled thereto, and an electromagnetic actuator 29 operative to axially move the clutch ring 63. The electromagnetic actuator 29 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 25, and a plunger 27 axially movable in response to magnetic force of the electromagnetic solenoid 25 for axially moving the clutch ring 63. The electromagnetic solenoid 25 is disposed on the diff case 19 so as not to relatively move in an axial direction, and the diff case 19 forms a part of a magnetic flux path of the electromagnetic solenoid 25.

Abstract: A locking differential includes an annular center cam member freely rotatably supported within an annular central driver member without the use of any keying device, such as a snap ring, thereby to simply the construction and assembly of the differential, and to reduce cost. The center cam member is longitudinally maintained in place by the biasing forces applied to the clutch members arranged on opposite sides of the central driver member by helical compression springs arranged externally concentrically about the side gears, respectively, and by the holdout rings that are connected with the clutch members. The center cam member and the central driver member have adjacent outer and inner circumferential surfaces, respectively, that are smooth, continuous, and uninterrupted. The holdout rings are rotatably connected at their remote ends with the clutch members by integral annular outer ribs that extend within corresponding grooves contained in the counterbore wall surfaces.

Abstract: A differential device is provided with a case being capable of rotation around a rotation axis; a differential gear set housed in and drivingly coupled to the case, which includes first and second output gears and is configured to differentially transmit the rotation of the case to the first and second output gears; a clutch configured to controllably limit and free a differential motion between the first and second output gears, which is housed in the case; an actuator configured to actuate the clutch; and a notifying member configured to notify whether the differential motion is limited or freed to an exterior of the case.

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 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: 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: A limited slip differential for use in model cars includes a pair of pressure plates installed within a housing and a differential element is located between the pressure plates, so that when the rotation speed of a drive wheel of the model car increases, the differential element will move toward against the pressure plates causing gear racks of the differential element to frictionally contact the shafts of the helical gears on a cross shaft. This lowers the rotation speed of the helical gears, while at the same time separately lowers the rotation speed of the drive wheel, and raises the rotation speed of the other drive wheel allowing the model car to be able to turn at high speed.

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 differential mechanism includes annular wave springs, each spring located between the back of a side gear and the inner surface of a differential casing. The spring is formed with waves that extend around the spring's circumference and radially across its width, each wave having an amplitude formed of angularly spaced peaks and valleys spaced angularly and located between the peaks. When the mechanism transmits torque, each spring is compressed by a thrust force at the mating teeth of the pinion and side gears, thereby producing a spring force that urges the side gears toward the pinions.

Abstract: A preloaded differential includes may take the form of a hold-out ring type locking differential having a preloaded thrust assembly that may be insertable in the differential as a one-piece unit. The preloaded thrust assembly includes a pair of thrust members each having complimentarily shaped protruding and recessed portions that interlock after assembly to prevent rotation of the thrust members relative to one another. Further, one or more conical, disc-shaped springs may be located between the thrust members to bias the thrust members directly against side gears positioned within the differential to reduce or prevent radial movement of the side gears. In one embodiment, the thrust members include a friction and thrust contact surface that directly contacts the side gears and the springs are located within a region formed by the interlocking features of the thrust members.

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 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.

Abstract: A transmitting torque limiting apparatus, used in a power transmitting apparatus, includes side gears (40) and side gears piece (42) one of which are axially shiftable. The side gears (40) and the side gear pieces (42) respectively have first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b) each being provided with a pressure angle (Alpha). Due to such pressure angle, when an excessive torque is inputted into the power transmitting apparatus, a thrust force (F1) is generated for disengaging the engagement between the first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b). Thus, inputting of the excessive torque into the power transmitting apparatus can be limited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a limited slip differential with friction using a pressure generating device. The limited slip differential includes a first side pinion gear and a second side pinion gear opposite to each other, a pair of differential pinion gears each of which is rotated in engagement with the first and second side pinion gears friction plates arranged at rear sides of the first and second side pinion gears friction plates arranged at rear sides of the first and second side pinion gears, and a pressure generating device having a cover gear and a piston gear and being constructed such that the cover gear and the piston gear engage with the second side pinion gear and first side pinion gear, respectively, and can be displaced away from each other in a longitudinal direction of the device.

Abstract: A kit and method of using the kit to convert an open differential in a golf cart to a limited slip differential by replacing the side gears with side gears containing an integrated clutch surface that engage a spring loaded case containing an integrated clutch surface.

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 differential locker having a clutch member (1) having a spring retaining aperture (2) for holding a spring (7) in collinear with a pin (3, 4) in a correspondingly positioned further clutch assembly. The spring access through the side (11, 12) of the clutch assembly is provided by a slot (10) passing fully through the side wall of the clutch assembly and extending from an inner face of the clutch member (1).

Abstract: A differential mechanism for transmitting power from an input to an output includes a case containing a side gear, a locking member rotatably secured to the case and axially displaceable relative to the case. The locking member alternately engages the side gear to limit rotation of the side gear relative to the case, and disengages the side gear to permit rotation of the side gear relative to the case. An electromagnetic coil assembly is supported on the case for movement toward and away from the locking member. A first actuator including an electromagnetic coil is supported on the case for moving the locking member toward engagement with the side gear in response to energizing the coil. A second actuator urges the locking member away from engagement with the side gear.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a differential housing including a substantially spherically shaped chamber. A pair of side gears are rotatably positioned in the chamber in driving communication with a pair of pinion gears. A pair of springs are positioned in engagement with the end faces of the side gears to minimize gear lash between the side gears and the pinion gears.

Abstract: A differential mechanism includes annular wave springs, each spring located between the back of a side gear and the inner surface of a differential casing. The spring is formed with waves that extend around the spring's circumference and radially across its width, each wave having an amplitude formed of angularly spaced peaks and valleys spaced angularly and located between the peaks. When the mechanism transmits torque, each spring is compressed by a thrust force at the mating teeth of the pinion and side gears, thereby producing a spring force that urges the side gears toward the pinions.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a differential housing including a substantially spherically shaped chamber. A pair of spherically shaped side gears are rotatably positioned in the chamber in driving communication with a pair of spherically shaped pinion gears. A pair of springs are positioned in engagement with the end faces of the side gears to minimize gear lash between the side gears and the pinion gears.

Abstract: A differential having a differential case, a pair of side gears disposed in the differential case and a biasing element disposed between the side gears to force the side gears against the differential case, creating a torque bias between the side gears and the differential case. The torque bias may also include the torque bias between the biasing element and the side gears. In some embodiments, the differential may include washers disposed between the side gears and the differential case, so that the torque bias may be the sum of the bias created between the side gears and the biasing element, the side gears and the washer, and the washer and the differential case. In an alternative embodiment, the differential includes a pair of pinions rotatably engaging the side gears, wherein the biasing element applies a force to the pinion gears to create a torque bias on the pinion gears, thereby inhibiting the side gears from movement relative to each other until the pinion torque bias is overcome.

Abstract: An axle module having axle shaft electronic torque management is provided. The axle module includes a housing and a differential carrier rotatably supported within the housing. A differential gear set is rotatably supported within the differential carrier and includes an integrated side gear pressure plate. A clutch pack, which contacts the differential gear seat and the differential carrier, is located within the axle module. The axle module also includes a shaft, engaged with the clutch pack, wherein the shaft is movable in an axial direction and engages the differential gear set.

Abstract: A method of assembling a differential assembly and a biasing element for a differential wherein the biasing element may be added or removed from an assembled differential without having to remove the pinion shaft. The biasing element is generally a W-spring that includes a center opening and open sides that face the same direction to facilitate the addition or removal of the biasing element.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes axle shaft electronic torque management. The axle module includes a housing having a differential carrier rotatably supported therein. The axle module also includes a differential gear set rotatably supported within the differential carrier. A clutch pack contacts the differential gear set and the differential carrier. The axle module also includes a shaft connected to the clutch pack wherein the shaft is axial moveable within the differential carrier and housing.

Abstract: An interaxle differential is provided which includes a side gear, a clutch gear torsionally locked on a first input shaft and axially slidably mounted thereon and an annular piston mounted in a differential casing for urging the clutch gear into engagement with a side gear and a spring to urge the clutch gear to an unlocked position.

Abstract: The differential includes a differential casing configured to be rotatably driven by a motor under a driving force. The differential includes a differential mechanism which includes a pair of first and second side-gears for distributing a torque of the differential casing to first and second output shafts. The differential includes a frictional clutch for interconnecting the first and second output shafts. The frictional clutch includes first and second power-transmitting members connected to first and second output shafts respectively and first and second clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates are connected to the first and second power-transmitting members respectively. The differential includes an actuator for operating the frictional clutch. One output shaft of the first and second output shafts is axially displacable by the actuator under an engagement force to engage the frictional clutch.

Abstract: A differential having a driving member; an input member; first and second rotatable output members; differential gearing operable between the input member and the first and second output members, for transmitting rotation from the input member to the first and second output members and providing for differential rotation of the first and second output members relative to one another; an engaging device operable to establish a driving connection between the driving member and the input member; an inhibiting device operable to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second output members; and an actuating device for causing the operation of the engaging device and the inhibiting device.

Abstract: A differential having a differential case, a pair of side gears disposed in the differential case and a biasing element disposed between the side gears to force the side gears against the differential case, creating a torque bias between the side gears and the differential case. The torque bias may also include the torque bias between the biasing element and the side gears. In some embodiments, the differential may include washers disposed between the side gears and the differential case, so that the torque bias may be the sum of the bias created between the side gears and the biasing element, the side gears and the washer, and the washer and the differential case. In an alternative embodiment, the differential includes a pair of pinions rotatably engaging the side gears, wherein the biasing element applies a force to the pinion gears to create a torque bias on the pinion gears, thereby inhibiting the side gears from movement relative to each other until the pinion torque bias is overcome.

Abstract: Differential gears which obtain adequate differential motion limiting action under heavy loading, and switch between a differential motion condition and a differential motion limiting condition, inside a differential case are provided a pair of left and right pressure rings, which move freely in the direction of the wheel axles but are incapable of relative turning, the inner diameter being larger than that of side gears; a pair of clutch means on the two pressure rings; urging means for urging the two pressure rings such that the two pressure rings clearance narrows; and actuation means for actuating the pressure rings against the force of the urging means, in accordance with the increases in the relative turning torque between the pinion shaft and the differential case during differential motion, and activating the clutch means.

Abstract: A differential assembly having a preload or biased differential case. A beveled thrust washer is disposed between each side gear and the differential case. The beveled thrust washer induces a preload between the side gear and differential case to help ensure that each differential side gear and output half shaft are running at the same speed as the differential case is rotated. The preload or bias is set to be slightly greater than the difference in drag forces acting on each output half shaft. Thus, when the transfer case is engaged to bring the differential case up to speed, the differential gears will be prevented from spinning and the output half shafts will rotate at the same speed coincident with the vehicle road speed. The preload facilitates more desirable engagement of the wheeled hublocks in front wheel steerable wheel axle assemblies in selectable four-wheel drive trains.

Abstract: A limited slip differential assembly comprising a differential case and two side gears rotatably supported within the differential case. Each of the side gears provided with a pre-loaded clutch pack mounted on a hub portion of the side gear. In one embodiment, a lock ring is permanently pressed on the hub portion of the side gear adjacent a collar and the clutch pack for retaining the clutch pack in a predetermined pre-loaded condition. In a second embodiment, an adjustment collar is threaded onto the side gear and a thrust washer having a selected thickness maintains the pre-load condition. In both embodiment, a side gear/clutch pack assembly may be pre-assembled as a pre-loaded self-contained module before the various components of the differential assembly are assembled in the differential case.

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. The total clutch engagement surface area is reduced to between 5% and 15% of the total engagement and recessed surface area of the clutch element to improve the performance of the differential at lower temperatures.