Patent ID: 7357749
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: 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 first and second output gears; means operable to limit rotation of said first output gear relative to said gear case, and actuation means for actuating said rotation limiting means, said actuation means being operable in response to an input, to move said rotation limiting means from an unactuated condition to an actuated condition, said rotation limiting means including a member, disposed toward one axial end of said gear case and moveable in the direction of said axis of rotation between a first position corresponding to said unactuated condition of said rotation limiting means, and a second position corresponding to said actuated condition, characterized by: (a) a sensor assembly being disposed adjacent said one axial end of said gear case and including a sensor element and a wall-like member disposed axially between said rotation limiting means and said actuation means; (b) said wall-like member including a non-ferromagnetic portion disposed axially between said sensor element and said moveable member, whereby movement of said moveable member between said first and said second positions results in a corresponding change in the electromagnetic flux coupling said sensor element and said moveable member.