INBOARD SPRING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CLUTCH ACTUATED DIFFERENTIAL

摘要

The present disclosure relates to a differential including a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation. The differential also includes a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation; left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned; and left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A left clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack and a right clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack. A clutch pre-load spring applies pressure to both the left and right clutch packs without applying pressure to the left and right clutch actuators. The clutch pre-load spring is positioned inboard of the left and right clutch packs. Contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the left clutch actuator causes the left clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the left clutch pack, and contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the right clutch actuator causes the right clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the right clutch pack.

主权项

1. A differential comprising:
a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation; a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation; left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned; left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft; a left clutch pack that prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack; a right clutch pack that prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack; a clutch pre-load spring that applies pressure to both the left and right clutch packs without applying pressure to the left and right clutch actuators, the clutch pre-load spring being positioned inboard of the left and right clutch packs; and wherein contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the left clutch actuator causes the left clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the left clutch pack, and wherein contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the right clutch actuator causes the right clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the right clutch pack.