Patent ID: 7104912
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
1. A differential gear mechanism including a gear case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber, differential gearing disposed in said gear chamber including at least one input gear and an output gear adapted to drive an axle shaft, means operable to limit rotation of said output gear relative to said gear case, said means operable to limit rotation comprising a clutch housing, fixed relative to said gear case, a coupling means disposed adjacent said output gear and disposed to be concentric about said axis of rotation, said means operable to limit rotation further comprising a clutch pack including at least one outer friction disc fixed to rotate with said clutch housing and at least one inner friction disc fixed to rotate with said coupling means; a fluid pump disposed axially outboard of said clutch pack and comprising an inner rotor adapted to be driven by said axle shaft; said output gear defining a first set of internal splines, and said inner rotor defining a second set of internal splines, and said axle shaft defining a mating set of external splines, characterized by: (a) said axle shaft defining an annular groove and a retention ring disposed within said annular groove; (b) said annular groove and said retention ring being disposed at an axial location on said axle shaft such that during insertion of said axle shaft, said set of external splines passes through said second set of internal splines, and passes into engagement with said first set of internal splines before said retention ring engages said second set of internal splines, and is collapsed radially inwardly by passing through said second set of internal splines; and (c) said retention ring being permitted to expand radially outward as it exits said second set of internal splines, said retention ring remaining disposed immediately inboard of said second set of internal splines to prevent movement, except in response to at least a predetermined axial force of said axle shaft in an outboard direction.