Differential unit
US5080640A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/343
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A differential unit comprises a differential carrier (12) supported in a housing (11) for rotation; output elements (16, 17) differentially rotatable relative to the carrier and connected to respective output shafts; differential gears connecting the output elements; and a friction assembly comprising respective plates (22, 24) rotationally fast with elements of the differential, the friction assembly being axially loadable to restrict the differential rotation of the output elements. An actuating mechanism for loading the friction assembly comprises abutment and actuating rings angularly and axially movable relative to one another, with cam surfaces provided by circumferentially extending variable depth grooves in the rings with balls therebetween engaging the grooves. In order to avoid unintentional restriction of the differential action, the grooves and balls are arranged so that no frictional self-inhibition of relative movement between the abutment and actuating rings can occur.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.