Differential pinions with projections that mate with recesses in ring gear

摘要

A differential 16 comprises a plurality of pinions 24 having projections 30 extending from a first side 26 which engage in recesses 40 in bevel ring gear 36 so that the pinions 24 are supported within the differential while allowing the pinions 24 to rotate. Opposite sides of the pinions 24 are provided with blind holes 44 which engage dowel pins 46 that are, for example, press fitted or welded in support ring 42, thereby preventing the pinions 24 from disengaging from the ring gear 36 when the differential 16 is spinning slowly or stationary. In an alternative embodiment to press fitting or welding the dowel pins 46, a second support ring (48, fig 6) with no though holes may be provided. This construction reduces the size of the differential casing and strengthens the pinions 24 since a though hole for a pinion pin is no longer required. The pinions 24 and ring gear 36 may be manufactured from hardened steel.