Patent ID: 6168545
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A geared differential mechanism for a wheeled vehicle having a torque input gear and two side gears for distributing torque to each of two driven members, the driven members being coaxially aligned, one driven member being connected to one side gear and the other driven member being connected to the other driven member; at least one planetary pinion engaging drivably each side gear; a differential carrier housing rotatably supporting the pinion, the torque input gear being drivably connected to the differential carrier housing; a pair of friction disc clutch packs, each pair having a first disc secured drivably to the differential carrier housing and a second disc secured drivably to one of the side gears; a pair of pressure rings in the carrier housing, one pressure ring surrounding the one side gear, a cam in the one pressure ring defining a ramp surface, the one planetary pinion being located axially adjacent the cam; axial thrust force acting on the one side gear being transmitted through the one pressure ring to the clutch pack for the one side gear thereby developing a friction torque bias in the differential mechanism; and a spring in the differential carrier housing acting on the one pressure ring to oppose the axial thrust force on the one side gear; the spring delaying the development of the friction torque bias as torque of the torque input gear increases whereby unrestricted differential motion of the side gears is effected until a threshold thrust force on the one pressure ring is achieved.