Abstract:
PCT No. PCT/AU92/00208 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 16, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 16, 1993 PCT Filed May 7, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/19888 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 12, 1992.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. Under normal driving conditions when both wheels have substantial traction, the pinions are permitted to rotate with minimal frictional resistance in response to relative rotation of the side gears (4,5). Under conditions of wheel slip, however, a separating force component tends to urge the pinions away from the side gears and into engagement with the respective locating formations to create a temporary frictional reaction force between the carrier (2) and the outer pinion thrust surfaces (9). The frictional reaction force resists rotation of the pinions relative to the carrier and thereby provides temporary torque bias between the side gears (4,5).
Abstract:
A differential mechanism, of either the locking or limited slip type, including a gear case (11) rotatably disposed within an outer housing (H) and means (37) to limit rotation of side gears (23,25) relative to the gear case (11), this means (37) including a member (41) which is axially moveable between a first position (FIG. 2) and a second position (FIG. 5). The mechanism incudes a sensor assembly (95) and a sensor element (97) disposed adjacent the gear case (11). The axially moveable member (41) includes a sensed portion (89) surrounding an annular outer surface (11S) of the gear case, and disposed between the annular outer surface (11S) and the sensor element (97). Movement of the sensed portion (89) corresponding to changes within the mechanism between, for example, the unlocked and locked conditions, results in the sensor assembly (95) transmitting either a first or second electrical output. Thus, the present invention permits the vehicle control logic to know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.
Abstract:
A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking or limited slip type, including a gear case (11) rotatably disposed within an outer housing (H) and means (37) to limit rotation of side gears (23,25) relative to the gear case (11), this means (37) including a member (41) which is axially moveable between a first position (FIG. 2) and a second position (FIG. 5). The mechanism includes a sensor assembly (95) and a sensor element (97) disposed adjacent the gear case (11). The axially moveable member (41) includes a sensed portion (89) surrounding an annular outer surface (11S) of the gear case, and disposed between the annular outer surface (11S) and the sensor element (97). Movement of the sensed portion (89) corresponding to changes within the mechanism between, for example, the unlocked and locked conditions, results in the sensor assembly (95) transmitting either a first or second electrical output. Thus, the present invention permits the vehicle control logic to know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.
Abstract:
An axle assembly with an electronic locking differential that employs a locking mechanism having components that are fixed to one another along an axis such that they co-translate with one another when the actuator that effects the locking and unlocking of the differential is operated. A method for assembling a differential is also provided.
Abstract:
PCT No. PCT/AU92/00208 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 16, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 16, 1993 PCT Filed May 7, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/19888 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 12, 1992.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. Under normal driving conditions when both wheels have substantial traction, the pinions are permitted to rotate with minimal frictional resistance in response to relative rotation of the side gears (4,5). Under conditions of wheel slip, however, a separating force component tends to urge the pinions away from the side gears and into engagement with the respective locating formations to create a temporary frictional reaction force between the carrier (2) and the outer pinion thrust surfaces (9). The frictional reaction force resists rotation of the pinions relative to the carrier and thereby provides temporary torque bias between the side gears (4,5).