Cross pin retainer block for a bevel gear differential
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorEarl J. Irwin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A retainer block and pinion cross shaft structure for a bevel gear differential eliminates the need for securing the cross shaft to the differential case by means of a conventional pressed roll pin. The retainer block is slotted and is adapted to be slipped over opposed flat surfaces formed on the central portion of the cross shaft to prevent axial and rotational movement of the cross shaft relative to the retainer block. The retainer block includes opposed end portions which extend axially outwardly into both side gear spline bores. The inner ends of the axle shafts are adapted to engage the opposed end surfaces of the retainer block to maintain the block and cross shaft in a fixed position relative to the differential case.
Claims10
A differential assembly comprising:
- a differential case;
- a pair of side gears rotatably supported within said case about a side gear axis;
- a pinion cross shaft supported by said case and having a pinion axis generally perpendicular to and intersecting said side gear axis;
- a pair of pinion gears rotatably supported within said case about said pinion cross shaft, each of said pinion gears meshingly engaging each of said side gears;
- a retainer block mounted on a central portion of said pinion cross shaft, said retainer block being mounted to said pinion cross shaft in such a manner to limit axial movement of said pinion cross shaft along said pinion axis relative to said retainer block;
- said retainer block including at least one end portion which is received within an opening formed in at least one of said side gears to secure said retainer block relative to said differential case.
A differential assembly comprising:
- a differential case;
- a pair of side gears rotatably supported within said case about a side gear axis;
- a pinion cross shaft supported by said case and having a pinion axis generally perpendicular to and intersecting said side gear axis;
- a pair of pinion gears rotatably supported within said case about said pinion cross shaft, each of said pinion gears meshingly engaging each of said side gears;
- a retainer block provided with a slot for receiving said central portion of said pinion cross shaft, said slot defining an inner surface engageable with said central portion and having a configuration which cooperates with said central portion to limit axial movement of said pinion cross shaft along said pinion axis relative to said retainer block;
- means for securing said retainer block relative to said differential case.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.