Limited slip differential incorporating bevel pinions

Abstract

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).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.