Differential side gear with integral shaft
AssigneeDaimlerChrysler AG
InventorsNurudeen B Adeyemi, Steven A Mikel, Jeffrey S Ward, Robert F Bis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A differential assembly is disclosed that is operable to prevent the escape of fluid from the assembly. The differential assembly further allows the transmission to be transported while containing fluid. The differential assembly further allows increased driveshaft lengths for reduced torque steer tendencies and improved constant velocity joint angles. The differential assembly includes a pair of differential side gears each integrally formed to a hollow stub shaft. Plug members disposed within the hollow stub shafts define an enclosed space in the differential housing, thereby preventing fluid escape from the differential assembly and the transmission.
Claims9
A differential assembly comprising:
- a rotatable housing;
- a pinion shaft supported by said housing;
- a pair of pinion gears rotatably supported by said pinion shaft;
- a pair of side gears meshingly engaged with said pair of pinion gears and each integrally formed with a hollow shaft;
- and
- a pair of plug members disposed within said hollow shafts for preventing fluid escape from said differential.
A vehicle powertrain comprising:
- a power source;
- a transmission mechanism connected to said power source;
- and
- a differential assembly drivingly connected to said transmission mechanism and including:
- a housing;
- a pinion shaft supported by said housing;
- a pair of pinion gears rotatably supported by said pinion shaft;
- a pair of side gears meshingly engaged with said pair of pinion gears and each integrally formed with a hollow shaft;
- and
- a pair of plug members disposed within said hollow shafts for defining an enclosed space for preventing fluid escape from said differential.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.