Particular Gear Shape Or Tooth Interaction Limits Overspeed Patents (Class 475/236)
  • Patent number: 12104684
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an outer differential carrier and a differential case disposed in the outer differential carrier. A ring gear is attached to the differential case using fasteners. An electronic actuation mechanism locks and unlocks the differential assembly. The electronic actuation mechanism includes a stator positioned in a stator housing and an armature. A wire harness is connected to the stator supplying electrical power to the stator. A wire guide is attached to the stator housing. The wire guide includes an attachment section attached to the stator housing and an anti-rotation section. The anti-rotation section contacts the outer differential carrier. The anti-rotation section includes a wire receiving portion positioning the wire harness in an area away from the ring gear and fasteners. A removable cover is attached to the differential assembly, the removable cover is positioned about the electronic actuation mechanism and wire harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Wudy, Mark Shewchuck, Jeffrey Oesch
  • Patent number: 11946535
    Abstract: A clamp building block differential (2) includes a differential cage (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (4), a transverse direction (6) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4), and a vertical direction (8) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4) and transverse to the transverse direction (6), having a cage bottom (12) extending in the longitudinal direction (4) and the transverse direction (6) from which a first cage wall (14) and a second cage wall (16) extend in the vertical direction (8) and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (6), and including a cage column (18) which extends in the vertical direction (8) and which is held on the cage walls (14, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: DOUBLEEAGLE INDUSTRY (CHINA) LIMITED
    Inventor: Martynas Puotkalis
  • Patent number: 11662006
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism in which when a plurality of contact lines between a gear tooth and a pinion tooth is defined on either a tooth surface of the gear tooth of a crown gear or a tooth surface of the pinion tooth of a pinion gear at a predetermined angle around an axis of the pinion gear, and the plurality of contact lines and a center line of a pinion tooth bottom surface of the pinion gear are projected onto a plane, including an axis of a pair of the crown gears, around the axis of the pinion gear, the center line of the pinion tooth bottom surface projected onto the plane includes an inclined line passing through a range between two of the contact lines which are selected from the plurality of contact lines projected onto the plane and by which a contact ratio is 1.0 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoya Osada, Yoshihiko Inukai
  • Patent number: 10571008
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline component having a limited slip differential with a differential gearset and a pair of clutch packs received in a differential case. The differential gearset employs side gears that are meshed with first differential pinions, which are mounted about a first pin axis, and second differential pinions, which are mounted about a second pin axis that is not perpendicular to the first pin axis. The teeth of the first differential pinions are formed with drive side having a first pressure angle. The teeth of the second differential pinions are formed with a coast side having a second pressure angle that is different from the first pressure angle. The teeth of the side gears are asymmetric and have a first side, which is formed with the first pressure angle, and a second side that is formed with the second pressure angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Valente, Douglas J. Chemelli, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 8167764
    Abstract: A power transmitting device that includes a dog ring and a thrust plate. The dog ring is formed of metal and has a plurality of locking features and a set of dog teeth. The locking features are spaced apart around the dog ring and extend in a radial direction. The dog teeth extend in an axial direction. The thrust plate is formed of a polymer and is cohesively bonded to the dog ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Balenda, II, Michael A. Pizzuti
  • Patent number: 8021260
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinori Homan
  • Patent number: 7988584
    Abstract: A power transmitting device includes a case and first and second dogs. The first dog is rotatably disposed in the case about an axis and includes a set of first dog teeth. The second dog is movable along the axis and is non-rotatably coupled to the case. The second dog has a set of second dog teeth. One of the sets of first and second dog teeth includes a plurality of pins. Each of the pins extends parallel to the axis and includes a centerpoint and first and second contact surfaces that are defined by first and second radii, respectfully. A width of the pin across the first and second contact surfaces is smaller in length than a sum of a magnitude of the first radius and a magnitude of the second radius. A method for forming a power transmitting device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Balenda, II, Michael A. Pizzuti
  • Patent number: 7810405
    Abstract: An angle drive with two shafts (12, 15) which are drivingly connected to one another and whose axes (A1, A2) intersect one another at an angle, wherein on each of the shafts (12, 15) there is firmly arranged at least one gearwheel (19, 20, 21) and wherein there is provided a hollow gear (17) with an axis of rotation (A3) and wherein the gearwheels (19, 20, 21) engage the hollow gear (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weckerling, Hans-Peter Nett, Colin Zaers, Karl-Heinz Hülsebusch
  • Publication number: 20100113208
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a locking differential includes driving clutch members engaged with driven clutch members in a preloaded configuration to provide a minimum amount of preload there between during low torque conditions. The driving clutch members are biased relative to each other with shear pin/spring assemblies located within bores of the driving clutch members. During assembly of the clutch assembly, the shear pin/spring assemblies may be positively locked down within the bores with a removable tool. In one embodiment, the removable tool is inserted into a small opening extending through the driving clutch member and the tool engages an annular groove on a shear pin of the shear pin/spring assembly. Further, the clutch assembly may include driving clutch members having drainage openings that may help prevent hydraulic lock during operation of the locking differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Randy's Ring & Pinion
    Inventor: Bryan Haugeberg
  • Patent number: 7399248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Aaron Kleinhans, Xiaohong Duan, Zhesheng Li, Clive McKenzie, Brian Andonian
  • Patent number: 7056256
    Abstract: A differential locking section is provided between a pair of output members that respectively mesh with a pair of gears. Since, at least one of the output members is composed of a first output shaft member that meshes with the gear, and a second output shaft member rotatable with and axially movable relative to the first output shaft member, differential locking can be effected by axially moving only the second output shaft member, while the mesh between the first output shaft member and one of gears is leaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Asahi
  • Publication number: 20030139244
    Abstract: This invention relates to a type of fluctuating gear-ratio limited-slip differential, the object of the invention is to provide a type of differential which is characterized by larger fluctuating range in gear ratio and higher torque bias ratio. By means of periodic fluctuation in the gear ratio between the planet and side gears, the torque distribution between two side gears becomes a periodic function of the angle of rotation of the planet gears, so that the slip on one side of the driving wheels is limited. The differential comprises a differential case, a cross or straight pinion shaft fixed within the differential case, plural pinions, and a pair of side gears situated within the differential case engage with the pinion gears with fluctuated gear ratio, the period of the gear ratio between the pinion and side gears involves at least two pitches, and the number of pitches involved in each period are corresponding to the common factor in the number of teeth in both pinion and side gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaochun Wang, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 6017287
    Abstract: An automatic self-locking differential wherein the improvement is made by the independent function provided by a geared integral locking mechanism. This independent function allows either axle to become unlocked and "freewheel," while the opposite axle becomes locked due to a set of gear cam locks. Drive axles are mounted with bevel gears within a rotating differential casing. The bevel gears mesh wit gear cam locks which are mounted on shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Ronnie W. Deese
  • Patent number: 5984822
    Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle including a housing in which a center section is supported. The center section supports a hydraulic pump unit and a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft drivingly connected thereto. A differential assembly is drivingly linked to the motor shaft and is used to drive a pair of axle shafts which are supported by the housing. The differential assembly includes a rotatable gear which is maintained in frictional engagement with at least one bearing surfaces for frictionally inhibiting the rotational movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: John Schreier, Matthew Hansen, Todd Horton, Ron Sporrer
  • Patent number: 5951426
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated limited slip differential which transfers a predetermined amount of clutch torque each time the clutch mechanism is triggered. The differential includes a hydraulic pump mechanism comprising a plurality of fluid supply passages disposed in a side gear and in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the side gear and the clutch mechanism. The hydraulic pump mechanism transfers fluid into the cavity in response to meshing rotation between the pinion gears and the side gears. Sufficiently high differentiation between the output shafts increases the pressure in the cavity to trigger the frictional clutch mechanism with the differential casing to provide braking action between the side gears and the differential casing. The clutch mechanism includes a cone clutch element having a frusto-conical engagement surface which frictionally engages an insert having a complementary frusto-conical engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Auburn Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Forrest
  • Patent number: 5919110
    Abstract: An automatic self-locking differential wherein the improvement is made by the independent function provided by a geared integral locking mechanism. This independent function allows in a vertical manner for the relative resistive axial motion of either of two axial moving pinion shafts to occur in an intermittent fashion. Drive axles are mounted with bevel gears within a rotating differential casing. The bevel gears mesh with pinion gear sets which are mounted on shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ronnie W. Deese
  • Patent number: 5897452
    Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle including a housing in which a center section is supported. The center section supports a hydraulic pump unit and a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft drivingly connected thereto. A differential assembly is drivingly linked to the motor shaft and is used to drive a pair of axle shafts which are supported by the housing. The differential assembly includes a rotatable gear which is maintained in frictional engagement with at least one bearing surfaces for frictionally inhibiting the rotational movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: John Schreier, Matthew Hansen, Todd Horton, Ron Sporrer
  • Patent number: 5863271
    Abstract: A controlled traction cartridge for use in connection with a differential. The catridge generally comprises a shaft, a gear mounted on the shaft and rotatable with respect thereto, and an interior bearing surfaces associated with the shaft. The gear is maintained in frictional engagement with the interior bearing surface for inhibiting the rotation of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: John Schreier, Matthew Hansen, Todd Horton
  • Patent number: 5507702
    Abstract: A torque proportioning differential mechanism (1) for transmitting drive to at least two wheels of a vehicle. The differential includes a carrier (2) adapted to be rotatably driven about a first axis (3) and a plurality of inner peripherally spaced pinion-locating formations (6) defining respective inwardly directed carrier thrust surfaces (7). A pair of spaced apart bevel side gears (4,5) are respectively adapted for connection to the wheels and supported for rotation about a common axis (3) fixed with respect to the carrier. A plurality of peripherally spaced floating shaftless bevel pinions (8) are disposed in meshing engagement with both the side gears (4,5). Each pinion defines a complementary outer pinion thrust surface (9) nestingly disposed closely adjacent a respective one of the locating formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: BTR Engineering (Australia) Limited
    Inventors: Clifford A. Joachim, Stanislaw Spryszynski
  • Patent number: 5461941
    Abstract: A differential mechanism having two output cam members, each having a single annular cam surface with pairs of inclined surfaces. Relative contra rotation of the output cam members cause cam followers to slide axially, and a housing engages the cam followers which are slideably supported by the housing moving the followers circumferentially relative to the output cam members. The two cam output members are thrust axially against the housing during drive of the cam output members through the followers and at least one cam output member acts against the housing through a friction thrust washer. This mechanism allows control of the torque ratio between inside and outside output shafts of a vehicle when turning a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Automotive Products, plc
    Inventor: Alastair J. Young
  • Patent number: 5273499
    Abstract: In a clutch (6) for locking a differential gear for a vehicle, a movable half (60) of the clutch (6) is pushed indirectly via a sliding sleeve (70) and intermediate members (77) in an engaging direction. Then the sliding sleeve (70), with a locking surface (74), retains the intermediate members (77) firmly in a locking position between a bearing surface (64) of the movable half (60) and an axially stationary retaining surface (4). Flanks (52, 62) of clutch teeth (51, 61) of an axially stationary half (50) and of the movable half (60) form in the axle direction a deflection angle (55). The bearing surface (64) and the retaining surface (4) form a wedge angle (65). The locking surface (74) of the sliding sleeve (70) is inclined in an axial direction forming a small releasing angle (75). To open the clutch (6), the sliding sleeve (70) is pulled away. A torque produces through the deflection angle (55) an axial deflection force which then disengages the clutch (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Friedl, Harald Wendl, Max Schuster
  • Patent number: 5183446
    Abstract: Limited slip differential, e.g. for vehicle transmissions, seen in FIG. 1, has a carrier (18) rotating about a first axis in a support casing (12) typically driven by a crown wheel (22) and main drive pinion (24). A pair of output half shafts (14, 16) on said axis have output pinions (28, 30) within the carrier meshing with at least one, and preferably a pair, of planet pinions (32, 34) journalled in the carrier on a second axis normal to first axis to allow differential motion of the output shafts while transmitting drive to both from the rotating carrier in known manner.Controlled shifting of the planet gear(s) relative to the carrier by angular displacement of the second axis in a diametral plane of the first axis from a neutral position to an inhibiting position, e.g. by displacement of a planet gear shaft (36) in slots (38) of the carrier, when the carrier is subjected to drive torque brings formations, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Richard E. Hughes