Limited slip differential having thermal compensating valve for regulating torque bias
US6413182B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/382
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A limited slip differential for an automotive vehicle includes a torque input differential pinion carrier, two differential side gears and a pair of torque output axle half shafts. The differential also includes at least one friction clutch assembly having first friction clutch plates connected driveably to the differential pinion carrier and second friction clutch plates connected driveably to one of the side gears. An annular pressure chamber is defined in the carrier. An annular piston is movably supported within the pressure chamber and adjacent the friction plates of the friction clutch assembly. The limited slip differential further includes a positive displacement gear pump having pumping elements defining high pressure and low pressure ports whereby pressure in the pressure chamber creates a force on the piston that engages a clutch assembly to effect a friction torque bias in the differential through the friction clutch assembly. The piston includes at least one flow control orifice through which fluid may flow from the high pressure port of the positive displacement gear pump via the annular pressure chamber and a thermal compensating valve that is mounted on the piston a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.