Differential drive using epicyclic gear train - has pinions with helical teeth which generate axial locking force

摘要

The differential gear has a housing (34) with two end covers (36,37) which form bearings for co-axial shafts. The housing (34) forms a cage for two sets of pinions (41,42). Each pinion of one set (4) meshes with the internally toothed gear (39) of one output shaft whilst each pinion of the other set meshes with the internally toothed gear (38) of the other shaft. The pinions and gears have helical teeth with each pinion being divided into two sections with teeth of different helix angles in each section. The helix angles cause the pinions to move axially when there is a difference in rotational speed between the two output shafts. The axial movement of the pinions exerts a braking force and the faster moving shaft to equalise the drive to the two output shafts. USE/ADVANTAGE- Differential gear with automatic locking.