Patent ID: 6083134
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A differential gear mechanism of the type including a gear case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber; differential gear means disposed in said gear chamber including at least one input gear and first and second output gears; means operable to limit rotation of said first output gear relative to said gear case for common rotation therewith; actuating means for said rotation limiting means, said actuating means including first and second actuating plates comprising a cam and ramp type actuator, wherein relative rotation of said first and second actuating plates from an unactuated condition to an actuated condition is effective to move said rotation limiting means toward an engaged condition; said second actuating plate being disposed, in said unactuated condition, to rotate with said gear case; an electromagnetic actuator disposed adjacent said second actuating plate, and including friction means, operable in response to an electrical input signal to move to an actuated position in frictional engagement with said second actuating plate, effective to cause relative rotation of said actuating plates to said actuated condition; characterized by:(a) said rotation limiting means comprising a locking member disposed adjacent said first actuating plate, and fixed to be non-rotatable relative to said gear case and axially moveable relative to said gear case;(b) a locked member fixed for rotation with said first output gear; and(c) said locking member and said locked member cooperating to define means for locking said members to be non-rotatable relative to each other when said actuating plates rotate to said actuated condition, whereby said first output gear is locked to said gear case.