US 5,389,048 AGranted

Parallel-axis differential with triplet combination gears

AssigneeZexel-Gleason USA, Inc.

InventorLennart S. Carlson

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Abstract

The preferred embodiments of the invention disclose an automotive torque-proportioning differential of the parallel-axis type having two planetary sets of either three or four combination gears in mesh with sun/side gears that receive respective vehicle axle ends. Each respective combination gear in each set is in meshing engagement with both (a) a respective one of the differential's two sun gears and (b) at least one other combination gear of its set. As compared with the planetary gearing of conventional differentials of similar size and torque-proportioning characteristics, the widely-separated sets of planetary gears occupy remarkably less interior space in the housing, permitting (i) the use of unconventionally large housing windows that significantly reduce the weight of the differential and greatly facilitate lubrication of the differential's gearing, and/or (ii) accommodation of C-clip assembly for the axle ends without increasing the exterior dimensions of the differential. In one embodiment, the center combination gear of each planetary set is designed with a larger diameter than the respective diameters of the two outer combination gears of the set.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A differential assembly comprising:

a differential housing;
a pair of sun gears positioned in said housing for receiving a pair of respective axle ends for rotation therewith about a common axis;
only two combination gear sets supported in said housing, each set having two outer combination gears separated by a center combination gear, and each respective combination gear in each set being in meshing engagement with both a respective one of said sun gears and with at least one combination gear of its set, the meshing engagement of said sun and combination gears interconnecting said respective axle ends in a mutual driving relationship;
said combination gears of each set being alternately in meshing engagement with opposite ones of said sun gears so that said two outer combination gears of a first one of said sets are in mesh with a first one of said sun gears, while said center combination gear of said first set is in mesh with the second said sun gear and with both said outer combination gears of said first set;
and said two outer combination gears of the second of said sets being in mesh with the second of said sun gears, while said center combination gear of said second set is in mesh with said first sun gear and with both said outer combination gears of said second set;
and
said sets of combination gears being supported in said housing circumferentially about the common axis of said sun gears and spaced from each other.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.