Differential unit with optimized assembly window geometry
US5951431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2188
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A differential case is provided including at least one assembly window formed therein for providing access to a chamber interior of the differential case. The assembly window in the differential case is defined by a pair of opposed circular edge portions of the differential case interconnected by a pair of opposed elongated edge portions of the differential case. The pair of opposed elongated edge portions have a dimension therebetween slightly larger than an outside diameter of a pair of side gears so as to allow angulated entry of the side gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to a longitudinal axis. The pair of opposed circular edge portions include a radius slightly larger than a radius of a pair of pinion gears to allow entry of the pinion gears into the chamber and subsequent alignment relative to another longitudinal axis. As such, the assembly window permits easy assembly of the gear components into the differential case while improving the structural and functional characteristics thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.