Patent ID: 6698565
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B60K,F16H

Abstract:
A differential assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:a differential housing; a differential gear assembly mounted within said differential housing; a connector plate adapted to connect to a drive shaft of the vehicle; a clutch pack mounted within said differential housing between and interconnecting said differential gear assembly and said connector plate; and a ball screw assembly adapted to selectively apply axial force to said clutch pack, thereby engaging said connector plate to said differential gear assembly such that rotational movement of said connector plate is transferred through said clutch pack to said differential gear assembly; said ball screw assembly including an electric motor adapted to actuate said ball screw assembly, said electric motor having a stator and a rotor, and including a brake, such that said electric motor can be locked in position to maintain the position of the ball screw assembly when no power is supplied to the electric motor.