Differential with torque coupling

摘要

A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly is provided. The torque coupling unit comprises a first member, a second member, a clutching assembly, and a clutch actuator. The first member is in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly. The second member is in driving engagement with an output shaft. The clutch actuator assembly is disposed adjacent the clutching assembly and comprises a roller and ramp assembly. In response to a rotation of a portion of the clutch actuator assembly a portion of the roller and ramp assembly is driven in an axial manner to apply a force to the clutching assembly, causing a first portion of the clutching assembly to be at least variably frictionally engaged with a second portion of the clutching assembly.

主权项

1. A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly, the torque coupling unit comprising:
a first member in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly; a second member in driving engagement with an output shaft; a clutching assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion drivingly engaged with the first member and the second portion drivingly engaged with the second member; a clutch actuator assembly disposed adjacent the clutching assembly, the clutch actuator assembly comprising an actuating ring, a fixed, nonrotatable pressure plate and a thrust bearing between the actuating ring and the clutching assembly, wherein in response to a rotation of a portion of the clutch actuator assembly said thrust bearing is driven in an axial manner by the actuating ring into direct contact with the clutching assembly, causing the first portion of the clutching assembly to be at least variably frictionally engaged with the second portion of the clutching assembly; wherein a non-thrust bearing is located between the actuating ring and the pressure plate to facilitate rotation of the actuating ring with respect to the pressure plate, the non-thrust bearing located radially inboard from a plurality of rollers located between said actuating ring and said pressure plate; and wherein an outer surface of said output shaft is rotatably mounted within a first bearing, said first bearing mounted on an internal surface of a support portion, said support portion located within said clutching assembly first portion and said second portion.