Patent ID: 6105465
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A positive acting differential comprising:first and second coaxial couplers for engaging first and second axles coaxial with the couplers, respectively;a pinion pin between the couplers and having its axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the couplers;first and second drivers coaxial with and between the first coupler and the pinion pin, and the second coupler and the pinion pin, respectively;the first and second couplers and the first and second drivers having cooperatively disposed axially engagable teeth distributed around their facingly disposed surfaces;the first and second drivers each partially surrounding the pinion pin and being moveable along the axis of the axles between a first position wherein the teeth on one of the drivers and the adjacent coupler engage, and, unless restricted by engagement with the pinion pin, a second position wherein the teeth on one of the drivers and the adjacent coupler may slide over each other, the teeth on the couplers and the drivers being inclined so that the driver teeth will climb the coupler teeth unless driver motion along the driver axis is restricted by driver engagement with the pinion pin;the drivers being restrained in relative motion about their axis to an angle which is less than the angle of relative angular freedom between either driver and the pinion pin; and,the pinion pin, when driven in rotation about the axis of the drivers and couplers, engaging one or both drivers at a pinion pin to driver engagement angle or angles sufficient to overcome the tendency of the teeth on the respective driver to climb the teeth on the respective coupler when the teeth are engaged;at least one of the drivers having a slot therein through the driver for assembly of an axle retaining C clip into a C clip receiving slot in the axle, the slot being spaced apart from the facingly disposed surface of the driver.