Differential disconnect assembly
US11231098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D11/14
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved differential for a vehicle is provided which includes a disconnect assembly engaged between a ring gear and pinion gears and/or a gear nest associated with the pinion gears, wherein the disconnect assembly is able to disconnect torsional loading of torque between the ring gear and the pinon gears of the differential. The disconnect assembly selectively connects and disconnects the ring gear and pinon gears by preferably disconnecting from the gear nest disposed therebetween. Disconnection of the ring gear and pinion gears allows the ring gear, differential housing, bearings, and rest of the gear box to stop spinning while the wheels of the vehicle are spinning. The differential pinion gears are mechanically connected to the gear nest such that torque can be transferred from the differential gear nest to the differential pinion gears and then to the differential side gears. A spline ring is supported inside the differential housing and defines a mechanical connection which locks the ring gear and the gear nest to transfer torque therebetween, wherein the mechanical connection may be disconnected to unlock the ring gear and gear nest and disconnect such torsional loading …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.