THREE-STAGE TORQUE PROPORTIONING DIFFERENTIAL

摘要

2142589 9407054 PCTABS00030 A torque proportioning differential (10) is modified to vary bias ratio in three distinct stages in response to predetermined levels of drive torque. A pair of side gears (26 and 28) carried within a differential housing (12) generate respective thrust forces (44 and 46) that can be opposed by both high-friction gear mounting surfaces (68 and 70) and low-friction gear mounting surfaces (84 and 86). Outer disc springs (72 and 74) transmit a first portion of the thrust forces (44 and 46) to the low-friction gear mounting surfaces (84 and 86). Inner disc springs (64 and 66) transmit together with the outer disc springs (72 and 74) a second portion of the thrust forces (44 and 46) up to a second magnitude. Either the inner disc springs (64 and 66) or the outer disc springs (72 and 74) transmit the remaining portion of the thrust forces (44 and 46) above the second magnitude.