Patent ID: 6120408
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A limited slip differential for an automotive vehicle comprising a torque input differential pinion carrier, two differential side gears and torque output axle half-shafts;at least one friction clutch assembly including first clutch friction plates connected drivably to the differential pinion carrier and second clutch friction plates connected drivably to one of the side gears;an annular pressure chamber in the carrier, an annular piston in the pressure chamber adjacent the friction plates of the friction clutch assembly;a positive displacement gear pump having pumping elements defining high pressure and low pressure ports whereby pressure in the pressure chamber creates a pressure force on the piston that engages the clutch assembly to effect a friction torque bias in the differential;the annular pressure chamber communicating with the high pressure part;a slide valve plate movable linearly relative to the piston;guides positioned on opposite sides of the slide valve plate, the guides being fixed relative to the piston;a bimetallic, double-wound actuator coil having one end thereof secured relative to the piston, the other end of the actuator coil being secured to the slide valve plate;the slide valve plate having a flow metering edge positioned over the flow control orifice in the base plate whereby the effective fluid flow area of the orifice is varied as the temperature of the actuator coil changes.