Patent ID: 6699154
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A differential gear assembly comprising:a differential housing; a pair of side gears substantially axially aligned and spaced apart from each other, each of said side gears being supported by said differential housing for relative rotation therebetween and being adapted to engage an axle shaft; a plurality of pinion gears substantially axially aligned and spaced apart from each other, said pinion gears engaging said side gears and including an outwardly facing first side and an inwardly facing second side; a ring gear mounted generally externally to said differential housing, engaged with said first sides of said pinion gears to support said pinion gears within said differential gear assembly while allowing rotational movement of said pinion gears; and a first support ring adapted to engage said second sides of said pinion gears to at least aid in retaining said pinion gears in engagement with said ring gear, said first support ring including a plurality of holes formed therein and each of said pinion gears including a recess formed within said second side, each one of said plurality of holes being aligned with one of said recesses of one of said pinion gears, said differential gear assembly further including a plurality of pins inserted within said holes and extending into said recesses to rotatably secure said pinion gears to said first support ring; portions formed on said ring gear engaging portions formed on said pinion gears such that said pinion gear is rotatable relative to said ring gear.