Drive train component

Abstract

A driveline component has a differential having a differential gear set mounted in a differential case. The differential gear set has a first side gear and a second side gear and one or more pinions engaged with the first side gear and the second side gear. The differential gear set is configured to limit inward advancement of the first side gear and the second side gear such that backlash will always exist between the pinion gear and each of the first side gear and the second side gear.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on January 10, 2019, with application number 201910022765.8 and title "Transmission System Components". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a drivetrain component having a differential assembly having a differential gear set configured to limit the inward propulsion of a pair of side gears. Background Technology

[0003] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] One type of automotive axle assembly is called a split-axle axle and uses a bevel gear differential and a disengaged clutch. One side gear of the differential can be driven to a first vehicle drive wheel via a first output shaft. The other side gear of the differential can be driven to a second output shaft. The second output shaft can be driven to the input of the disengaged clutch, and the output of the disengaged clutch can be driven to a third output shaft, which is driven to the second vehicle drive wheel. The disengaged clutch can be configured to selectively engage the second and third output shafts.

[0005] When the differential case is stationary and the differential side gear rotates together with the drive wheels, undesirable noise, vibration, and acoustic harshness (“NVH”) can occur. This can occur in at least one of these situations when the conical differential side gear is pushed to zero backlash with its mating differential pinion, for example, when the half-shaft constant velocity joint is pushed inward to cause axial movement of the side gear. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for an improved axle assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, rather than a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0007] In one embodiment, this teaching provides a differential assembly including a housing, a first pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, and a first spacer. The housing is adapted to be supported for rotation about a first axis of rotation. The first pinion may be disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing to rotate with the housing about the first axis of rotation and relative to the housing about a first pinion axis transverse to the first axis of rotation. The first pinion may include a plurality of first pinion teeth. The first side gear may be supported within the housing for rotation about the first axis of rotation relative to the housing. The first side gear may include a plurality of first side gear teeth and a first protrusion. The first side gear teeth may engage meshingly with the first pinion teeth. The first protrusion may be radially inward of the first pinion teeth and may extend axially inward toward the first pinion axis than the first side gear teeth. The second side gear may be supported within the housing for rotation about the first axis of rotation relative to the housing and the first side gear. The second side gear may include a plurality of second side gear teeth and a second protrusion. The second side gear teeth may engage meshingly with the first pinion teeth. The second protrusion may be radially inside the first pinion tooth and may extend axially inward toward the first pinion axis further than the second side gear tooth. The first spacer may be disposed around the first pinion axis. The contact between the first spacer and the first and second protrusions may inhibit axial movement of the first and second side gears relative to the first pinion in the inward direction toward the first pinion.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer can be fixedly connected to the first pinion.

[0009] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer may be integrally formed with the first pinion.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first pinion may include a recess, and the first spacer may be received in the recess.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer may be press-fitted into the recess.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the differential assembly may further include a pin disposed around the axis of the first pinion. The first pinion may be disposed around the pin. The first spacer may define a first hole and a second hole. The pin may extend through the first hole. The second hole may be coaxial with the first axis of rotation.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the differential assembly may further include a second pinion and a second spacer. The second pinion may be disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing to rotate with the housing about the first axis of rotation and to rotate relative to the housing about the first pinion axis. The second pinion may include a plurality of second pinion teeth that mesh with the first side gear teeth and the second side gear teeth. The second spacer may be disposed about the first pinion axis. Contact between the second spacer and the first and second protrusions may inhibit axial movement of the first and second side gears relative to the second pinion in an inward direction toward the second pinion.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the contact between the first spacer and the first protrusion and the second protrusion can prevent the first pinion tooth from contacting the first side gear tooth and the second side gear tooth in the case of zero backlash.

[0015] In another embodiment, this teaching further provides a differential assembly including a housing, a first pinion, a first spacer, a first side gear, and a second side gear. The housing may be adapted to be supported for rotation about a first axis of rotation. The first pinion may be disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing to rotate with the housing about the first axis of rotation and relative to the housing about a first pinion axis transverse to the first axis of rotation. The first pinion may include a plurality of first pinion teeth. The first spacer may be coupled to the first pinion and disposed about the first pinion axis. The first spacer may include an outer cylindrical surface. The first side gear may be supported within the housing for rotation about the first axis of rotation relative to the housing. The first side gear may include a plurality of first side gear teeth and a first inner surface. The first side gear teeth may engage meshingly with the first pinion teeth. The first inner surface may contact the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer to inhibit axial movement of the first side gear relative to the first pinion in an inward direction toward the first pinion. The second side gear may be supported within the housing for rotation relative to the housing and the first side gear about the first axis of rotation. The second side gear may include a plurality of second side gear teeth and a second inner surface. The second side gear teeth may mesh with the first pinion teeth. The second inner surface may contact the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer to inhibit axial movement of the second side gear relative to the first pinion in an inward direction toward the first pinion.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first inner surface may be located axially between the first cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the first side gear tooth. The second inner surface may be located axially between the first cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the second side gear tooth.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer can be fixedly connected to the first pinion.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer may be integrally formed with the first pinion.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first pinion may include a recess, and the first spacer may be received in the recess.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer may be press-fitted into the recess.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the differential assembly may further include a second pinion and a second spacer. The second pinion may be disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing to rotate with the housing about the first axis of rotation and to rotate relative to the housing about the axis of the first pinion. The second pinion may include a plurality of second pinion teeth that mesh with the first side gear teeth and the second side gear teeth. The second spacer may be disposed about the axis of the first pinion. The contact between the second spacer and the first inner surface and the second inner surface may inhibit axial movement of the first side gear and the second side gear relative to the second pinion in an inward direction toward the second pinion.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the contact between the first spacer and the first inner surface and the second inner surface can prevent the first pinion tooth from contacting the first side gear tooth and the second side gear tooth in the case of zero backlash.

[0023] In another embodiment, this teaching further provides an axle assembly for a vehicle. The axle assembly may include a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a third output shaft, a clutch, and a differential. The first output shaft may be disposed about a first axis of rotation and adapted to be drivably coupled to a first wheel. The second output shaft may be disposed about an output axis. The third output shaft may be disposed about the output axis and adapted to be drivably coupled to a second wheel. The clutch is operable in a first mode, in which the clutch engages the second and third output shafts to rotate together about the output axis. The differential may include a housing, a first pinion, a first spacer, a first side gear, and a second side gear. The housing may be supported to rotate about the output axis. The first pinion may be disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing to rotate with the housing about the output axis and to rotate relative to the housing about a pinion axis perpendicular to the output axis. The first pinion may include a plurality of first pinion teeth. The first spacer may be coupled to the first pinion and disposed about a pinion axis. The first spacer may include an outer cylindrical surface. The first side gear can be supported within the housing to rotate relative to the housing about the output axis. The first side gear may include a plurality of first side gear teeth and a first protrusion. The first side gear teeth can mesh with the first pinion teeth. The contact between the first protrusion and the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer can inhibit axial movement of the first side gear relative to the first pinion in an inward direction toward the first pinion. The second side gear can be supported within the housing to rotate relative to the housing and the first side gear about the output axis. The second side gear may include a plurality of second side gear teeth and a second protrusion. The second side gear teeth can mesh with the first pinion teeth. The contact between the second protrusion and the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer can inhibit axial movement of the second side gear relative to the first pinion in an inward direction toward the first pinion.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer may be integrally formed with the first pinion.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first pinion may include a recess, and the first spacer may be received in the recess.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the contact between the first spacer and the first inner surface and the second inner surface can prevent the first pinion tooth from contacting the first side gear tooth and the second side gear tooth in the case of zero backlash.

[0027] Further applicable fields will become apparent from the description and claims provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only for selected embodiments and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle equipped with an axle assembly constructed according to this teaching.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the axle assembly, showing the differential of the axle assembly;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the differential;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the spacer of the differential;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the side gear of the differential;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a differential constructed according to the second part of this teaching; and

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the differential constructed according to the third construction of this teaching.

[0036] In the various views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1An example of a vehicle having a clutch-type device constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The vehicle 10 may have a powertrain 12 and a drivetrain or transmission system 14. The powertrain 12 may be conventionally constructed and may include a power source 16 and a transmission 18. For example, the power source 16 may be configured to provide propulsion power and may include an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. The transmission 18 may receive propulsion power from the power source 16 and may output power to the transmission system 14. The transmission 18 may have multiple automatically or manually selectable gear ratios. The transmission system 14 in the particular example provided has an all-wheel drive (“AWD”) configuration; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to other transmission system configurations, including four-wheel drive (“4WD”) configurations, two-wheel drive (“2WD”) configurations, rear-wheel drive (“RWD”) configurations, and front-wheel drive (“FWD”) configurations. The transmission system 14 may include a front axle assembly 20, a power take-off unit (PTU) 22, a driveshaft 24, and a rear axle assembly 26.

[0039] The front axle assembly 20 can be configured in any desired manner, such as a front beam axle or a stand-alone front drive axle. The output of the transmission 18 can be connected to the input of the front axle assembly 20 to drive the input member 30 of the front axle assembly 20. The PTU 22 can have a PTU input member 32 and a PTU output member 34. The PTU input member 32 can receive rotational power from the input member 30 of the front axle assembly 20, and the PTU output member 34 can transmit the rotational power to the driveshaft 24. The driveshaft 24 can connect the PTU output member 34 to the rear axle assembly 26 so that the rotational power output by the PTU 22 is received by the rear axle assembly 26. The rear axle assembly 26 can be configured in any desired manner, such as a rear beam axle, a stand-alone rear drive axle, or a rear drive module.

[0040] The front axle assembly 20 and the rear axle assembly 26 can be driven continuously to drive the front wheels 40 and the rear wheels 42, respectively. The drivetrain 14 may include one or more clutches to interrupt rotational power transmission through a portion of the drivetrain 14. In the particular example provided, the drivetrain 14 includes a first clutch 46 and a second clutch 48, the first clutch 46 being configured to interrupt rotational power transmission through the PTU 22 (e.g., disengaging the input member 30 of the front axle assembly 20 from the PTU input member 32), and the second clutch 48 being configured to control the rotation of components within the rear axle assembly 26.

[0041] In the specific example provided, the rear axle assembly 26 includes a rear drive module 50 (i.e., a clutch-type device) constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. However, it will be appreciated that the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to a variety of other clutch-type devices (such as power take-off units, front axle assemblies) and any other power transmission components having a differential and split-shaft half-shafts.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The rear drive module 50 is shown in more detail below. In the provided example, the rear drive module 50 is of the type referred to as a split-shaft drive module. The rear drive module 50 may include a housing 210, an input pinion 212, an input member 214, a second clutch 48, a differential assembly 216, a first output shaft 218, a second output shaft 220, and a third output shaft 222. The housing 210 may define a first cavity 224, and the input pinion 212 may be a hypoid gear having a hypoid gear 226, an input pinion shaft 228, and an input pinion flange 230. The input pinion flange 230 may be drivably coupled to the drive shaft 24. Figure 1 A hypoid gear 226 may be disposed within a first cavity 224. An input pinion shaft 228 may be supported by a head bearing 234 adjacent to the hypoid gear 226 and a tail bearing 236 distant from the hypoid gear 226 and adjacent to the input pinion flange 230 and drive shaft 24, for rotation within the housing 210 along a first axis 232. An input member 214 may be a gear ring having a gear face 238. The input member 214 may be supported for rotation within the housing 210 about an output axis or a second axis 242. The second axis 242 may be generally transverse to or perpendicular to the first axis 232. The gear face 238 may meshingly engage with the hypoid gear 226.

[0043] The differential assembly 216 can be any suitable type of bevel gear differential, configured to receive input torque from input member 214 and output differential output torque to first output shaft 218 and second output shaft 220. In the provided example, the differential assembly 216 is an open differential including differential housing 250, differential gear set 252, and pin 254. In the provided example, the differential assembly 216 may include spacer 258. The differential housing 250 can be drivably coupled to input member 214 and configured to rotate together about a second axis 242 within a first cavity 224. The differential housing 250 can be supported within housing 210 by a pair of bearings 260, 262 on opposite axial ends of the differential housing 250. The differential housing 250 can be coupled to input member 214, for example by fasteners (not shown) or welding, to rotate together about the second axis 242. The differential gear set 252 can be configured to transmit rotational power between the differential box 250 and the first output shaft 218 and the second output shaft 220.

[0044] In addition, refer to Figure 3 The differential gear set 252 may include a first side gear 310, a second side gear 314, and a plurality of differential pinions 318 disposed within the differential housing 250. The pinions 318 may be coupled to rotate with the differential housing 250 about a second axis 242 and to rotate relative to the differential housing 250 about a pin 254 (i.e., about the respective first pinion axis FPA and second pinion axis SPA). In one example, the first pinion axis FPA and the second pinion axis SPA coincide. The pin 254 may be substantially perpendicular to the second axis 242 and is mounted to the differential housing 250 to rotate together about the second axis 242. The pinions 318 may rotate independently of each other. In the provided example, the differential gear set 252 includes two pinions 318 disposed on opposite ends of a straight pin 254, although other configurations may be used, such as three or more pinions (not specifically shown) on a respective pin or pin assembly.

[0045] The first side gear 310 and the second side gear 314 can be configured to be mounted around the second axis 242 and on opposite axial sides within the differential housing 250, so as to rotate relative to the differential housing 250 about the second axis 242. The pinion 318, as well as the first side gear 310 and the second side gear 314, can be bevel gears. The first side gear 310 can mesh with the pinion 318. The second side gear 314 can mesh with the pinion 318. The inner end of the first output shaft 218 can be non-rotatably connected to the first side gear 310, for example via a mating spline, to rotate together about the second axis 242. Therefore, the first output shaft 218 can be drivably connected to the first side gear 310 and can be connected to rotate with it. The first output shaft 218 can be drivably connected to the rear wheel 42. Figure 1 One of the following. The inner end of the second output shaft 220 can be non-rotatably connected to the second side gear 314, for example, via a mating spline, to rotate together about the second axis 242. Therefore, the second output shaft 220 can be driven to be connected to the second side gear 314 and can be connected to rotate together with it. The third output shaft 222 can be driven to be connected to the rear wheel 42. Figure 1 The other of the two can be selectively driven to the second output shaft 220 via the second clutch 48, as described in more detail below.

[0046] Return to Figure 2 The second clutch 48 can be selectively operated to transmit rotational power from the second output shaft 220 to the third output shaft 222. In the specific example provided, the second clutch 48 is a friction clutch mounted coaxially with the input member 214 and the differential assembly 216 about the second axis 242. Although the second clutch 48 is shown and described herein as a friction clutch, the second clutch 48 can be any suitable type of disengageable clutch, such as a claw clutch.

[0047] In the provided example, the second clutch 48 may include a clutch housing 274, an outer clutch plate carrier 276, an inner clutch plate carrier 278, a plurality of first clutch plates 280, a plurality of second clutch plates 282, a piston 284, a pump 286, and a reservoir 288. The clutch housing 274 may be integrally formed with or partially formed by the housing 210 of the rear drive module 50, or it may be formed separately and mounted to the housing 210. The clutch housing 274 may define a piston chamber 290.

[0048] One of the outer clutch plate carrier 276 and the inner clutch plate carrier 278 may be non-rotatably connected to the third output shaft 222 and the plurality of first clutch plates 280. The other of the outer clutch plate carrier 276 and the inner clutch plate carrier 278 may be non-rotatably connected to the second output shaft 220 and the plurality of second clutch plates 282. In the specific example provided, the outer clutch plate carrier 276 is non-rotatably connected to the second output shaft 220 and the plurality of first clutch plates 280, while the inner clutch plate carrier 278 is non-rotatably connected to the third output shaft 222 and the plurality of second clutch plates 282.

[0049] The inner clutch plate carrier 278 and the third output shaft 222 are supported within the clutch housing 274 by bearings 292 for rotation relative to it. In the provided example, the inner clutch plate carrier 278 includes a set of internal splines that engage in a meshing manner with a set of external splines formed on the third output shaft 222 to non-rotatably connect the third output shaft 222 and the inner clutch plate carrier 278. A second clutch plate 282 may be radially staggered with a first clutch plate 280 between the outer clutch plate carrier 276 and the inner clutch plate carrier 278.

[0050] Piston 284 may be received in piston chamber 290 and configured to translate along a second axis 242. Piston 284 may be configured to move within piston chamber 290 between an extended position and a retracted position relative to a plurality of first clutch plates 280 and a plurality of second clutch plates 282. Pump 286 may be mounted to housing 210 or clutch housing 274. Pump 286 may be fluidly coupled to reservoir 288 and fluidly coupled to piston chamber 290. Reservoir 288 may be configured to store hydraulic fluid. Pump 286 may operate in a first mode to pump hydraulic fluid in a first direction to supply hydraulic fluid from reservoir 288 to piston chamber 290, thereby moving piston 284 from retracted position to extended position. Pump 286 may operate in a second mode to pump hydraulic fluid in a second direction to selectively remove hydraulic fluid from piston chamber 290 to reservoir 288, thereby moving piston 284 from extended position to retracted position.

[0051] Piston 284 can be configured to translate along second axis 242 to selectively compress first clutch disc 280 and second clutch disc 282 against each other, so that second clutch 48 can transmit rotational power between second output shaft 220 and third output shaft 222. It will be appreciated that second clutch 48 can be configured not to transmit rotational power between second output shaft 220 and third output shaft 222 when piston 284 is in the retracted position. Second clutch 48 can also be configured to transmit various levels of torque by changing the position of piston 284 relative to first clutch disc 280 and second clutch disc 282.

[0052] Return to Figure 3 Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The spacer 258 may have a generally cylindrical shape coaxially arranged around the second axis 242. The spacer 258 may define a first hole 410 extending through it along an axis perpendicular to the second axis 242 and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 254. In an alternative configuration with an additional pinion (not shown), the spacer 258 may have an additional hole to receive a portion of the pin or pin assembly corresponding to the additional pinion. For example, when using four pinions, the spacer 258 may define an additional hole 414 extending through it along another axis perpendicular to both the second axis 242 and the axis of the first hole 410. Although Figure 4 Additional hole 414 is shown, but additional hole 414 is optional when only two pinions are used.

[0053] In the provided example, spacer 258 may define a second hole 418 coaxial with the second axis 242. The second hole 418 may extend through spacer 258, intersecting with the first hole 410, such that the second hole 418 opens at an axial first end 422 and an axial second end 426 of spacer 258. The diameter of the second hole 418 may be larger than the diameter of the inner ends of the first output shaft 218 and the second output shaft 220, such that the inner ends of the first output shaft 218 and the second output shaft 220 can be received in the second hole 418. Pin 254 may extend through spacer 258 via the first hole 410.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first side gear 310 can be similar to the second side gear 314, and therefore Figure 5 The side gears shown are indicated by reference numerals 310 and 314. Each side gear 310, 314 may include an annular base 510, a plurality of bevel gear teeth 514, and an annular hub 518. The annular base 510 may be disposed about a second axis 242 and may have an outer side 522 (relative to pin 254) axially opposite to pin 254 and an inner side 526 axially facing pin 254. The outer side 522 may be opposite to an inward-facing surface of the differential housing 250. The outer side 522 may contact the inward-facing surface of the differential housing 250 in a manner that allows the side gears 310, 314 to rotate relative to the differential housing 250, or a bearing (not specifically shown) may be disposed therebetween. The annular base 510 may be non-rotatably coupled to and disposed around the annular hub 518.

[0055] The annular hub 518 may have a central body 530 and a protrusion 534. The annular hub 518 may be disposed around a second axis 242 and may define a plurality of radially inward splines configured to mate with outward splines defined by a first output shaft 218 or a second output shaft 220. In the provided example, the annular hub 518 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. The central body 530 may be radially inside the annular base 510 and the bevel gear teeth 514, and is fixedly connected to both. The central body 530 may extend axially outside the annular base 510. The portion of the central body 530 outside the annular base 510 is generally cylindrical in shape and may be received in a recess within the differential housing 250 to coaxially position the side gears 310, 314 around the second axis 242. The protrusion 534 may extend axially inward from the central body 530 and may be axially inside the annular base 510.

[0056] The bevel gear tooth 514 may extend radially and axially inward to the central body 530 at approximately an angle to the inner side 526c of the annular base 510. The protrusion 534 may extend axially inward to the innermost axial portion of the bevel gear tooth 514, so that all of the bevel gear tooth 514 is outside the protrusion 534. The protrusion 534 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a radially outward-facing surface 538 and an axially inward-facing surface 542. The protrusion 534 may extend axially inward to the teeth of the pinion 318, so that the protrusion 534 does not engage the teeth of the differential pinion 318.

[0057] The innermost radial surface 362 of each pinion 318 (relative to the second axis 242) may face the outermost radial surface 366 of the spacer 258. The innermost radial surface 362 of each pinion 318 may contact the outermost radial surface 366 of the spacer 258. The axially inward-facing surface 542 of the protrusion 534 may face and contact the outermost surface of the spacer 258, such as the first end 422 or the second end 426. The contact between the protrusion 534 and the first end 422 or the second end 426 of the spacer 258 may inhibit inward movement of the side gears 310, 314. The contact between the pin 254 and the spacer 258 may inhibit axial movement of the spacer 258. Therefore, the spacer 258 can prevent the teeth 514 of the side gears 310, 314 from falling to a minimum on the teeth of the pinion 318, which would otherwise result in zero backlash, such as when adjacent teeth of gear teeth are in contact with each other on two opposing surfaces (e.g., one side of a tooth of the pinion 318 contacts the teeth of the side gears 310 or 314, or alternatively, one side of a tooth of the side gears 310 or 314 contacts the teeth of the pinion 318). For example, when the differential case 250 is stationary and the side gears 310, 314 are in contact with the wheels 40 ( Figure 1When they rotate together, this zero-backlash situation may occur.

[0058] In addition, refer to Figure 6 This shows a portion of the second-construction axle assembly 24'. Although Figure 6 Only a portion of axle assembly 24' is shown, but axle assembly 24' can be similar to axle assembly 24. Figures 1-5 In addition to those shown or described herein, similar features to axle assembly 24 are shown and described herein with reference to similar, but apostrophized, reference numerals. Figures 1-5 Features of ). Accordingly, similar features will not be repeated in detail here. The axle assembly 24' may include a differential assembly 216' that may be similar to the differential assembly 216, except as otherwise shown or described herein. The differential assembly 216' may be any suitable type of bevel gear differential, which is configured to receive from the input member 214 ( Figure 2 ) Receives input torque and outputs differential output torque to the first output shaft 218 and the second output shaft 220. Figure 2 In the provided example, the differential assembly 216' is an open differential including a differential case 250', a differential gear set 252', and a pin 254'. In the provided example, the differential assembly 216' does not include the spacer 258. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0059] The differential pinion 318' may be similar to the differential pinion 318, except that each differential pinion 318' may include a protrusion or spacer 610 extending radially inward (i.e., axially relative to the protrusion 534' of the first side gear 310' and the second side gear 314' relative to the second axis 242'. The pinion 318' including the spacer 610 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. The spacer 610 may be generally cylindrical in shape surrounding the pin 254'. The spacer 610 may extend radially inward (relative to the second axis 242') at the radially innermost portion of the teeth of the pinion 318'. The spacer 610 may have an outer cylindrical surface 614 that can contact the axially inwardly facing surface 542' of the protrusion 534' of the side gears 310', 314'. In the provided example, spacer 610 can suppress axial movement of side gears 310', 314', thereby suppressing the teeth 514' of side gears 310', 314' from falling to a minimum on the teeth of pinion 318', which would otherwise result in zero backlash, such as when adjacent teeth of gear teeth are in contact with each other on two opposing surfaces (e.g., one tooth of pinion 318' contacts the teeth of side gears 310' or 314' on both sides, or alternatively, one tooth of side gear 310' or 314' contacts the teeth of pinion 318' on both sides). For example, when differential case 250' is stationary and side gears 310', 314' are in contact with wheel 40 ( Figure 1 When they rotate together, this zero-backlash situation may occur.

[0060] In addition, refer to Figure 7 This shows a portion of the second-construction axle assembly 24". Although Figure 7 Only a portion of the axle assembly 24” is shown, but the axle assembly 24” can be similar to the axle assembly 24 ( Figures 1-5 ) and axle assembly 24' ( Figure 6 ), except as otherwise shown or described herein. Similar axle assemblies 24 (with double-placed reference numerals) are shown and described herein with reference to similar but double-placed reference numerals. Figures 1-5 Features of those features of the axle assembly 24' or the axle assembly 24'. Accordingly, similar features will not be repeated in detail here. The axle assembly 24' may include a differential assembly 216' that may be similar to differential assemblies 216, 216', except as otherwise shown or described herein. The differential assembly 216' may be any suitable type of bevel gear differential, which is configured to receive from the input member 214 ( Figure 2 ) receives the input torque and outputs the differential output torque to the first output shaft 218 and the second output shaft 220. Figure 2In the provided example, the differential assembly 216” is an open differential including a differential case 250”, a differential gear set 252”, and a pin 254”. In the provided example, the differential assembly 216” does not include the spacer 258 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, it includes multiple spacers 710, each spacer 710 corresponding to one of the pinions 318.

[0061] The differential pinion 318” can be similar to the differential pinion 318, except that each differential pinion 318” may include a recess 714 in the axial end of the radially inner side (relative to the second axis 242”) of the pinion 318”. In other words, the recess 714 can extend radially outward from the teeth of the pinion 318” (relative to the second axis 242”). The shape of each spacer 710 can be generally cylindrical, arranged around the pin 254”. The spacer can be coaxially received in the recess 714 and can extend radially inward from the radially innermost portion of the teeth of the pinion 318” (relative to the second axis 242”). In the provided example, the spacer 710 is press-fitted into the recess 714, although other configurations may be used. The spacer 710 may have an outer cylindrical surface 718 with an axially inwardly facing surface 542” that can contact the protrusions 534” of the side gears 310”, 314”. In the provided example, the spacer 710 Axial movement of side gears 310” and 314” can be suppressed, thereby minimizing the backlash of teeth 514” on pinion 318”, which would otherwise result in zero backlash, such as when adjacent teeth of gears with two opposing surfaces of the gear teeth are in contact (e.g., one tooth of pinion 318” contacts the teeth of side gears 310” or 314” on both sides, or alternatively, one tooth of side gears 310” or 314” contacts the teeth of pinion 318” on both sides). For example, when differential housing 250” is stationary and side gears 310” and 314” are in contact with wheel 40 ( Figure 1 When they rotate together, a zero-backlash situation may occur. In other words, spacer 710 can be similar to spacer 610, formed separately from the independent pinion 318". Figure 6 ) protrusion.

[0062] In an alternative configuration not specifically shown, the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314' or 310”, 314” may be configured without the protrusions 534, 534', 534” integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314' or 310”, 314” may define a recess (not specifically shown) extending from their inner side to a recess 714 similar to the pinion 318” in the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314', 310”, 314”. A spacer (not specifically shown, but similar to spacer 710) may be formed separately from the remaining side gears 310, 314, 310', 314' or 310”, 314” and may be press-fitted into the recesses of the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314', 310”, 314”. Therefore, the spacers of the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314', 310”, 314” can be adjacent to spacers 258, 610, or 710 to suppress axial movement of the side gears 310, 314, 310', 314', or 310”, 314”.

[0063] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A transmission system component, comprising: A differential case that can rotate around a first axis of rotation; A first pinion is disposed within the differential case, the first pinion is connected to the differential case to rotate together with the differential case about the first rotation axis, and rotates relative to the differential case about a first pinion axis transverse to the first rotation axis, the first pinion including a plurality of first pinion teeth. A first spacer is arranged in a ring around the axis of the first pinion and is connected to the first pinion to rotate with it around the first axis of rotation. The first spacer includes an outer cylindrical surface. A first side gear, received in the differential housing and rotatable relative to the differential housing about the first axis of rotation, includes a plurality of first side gear teeth and a first inner surface, the first side gear teeth engaging meshingly with the first pinion teeth, and the first inner surface being configured to contact the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer to restrict axial movement of the first side gear relative to the first pinion in a first direction toward the first pinion along the first axis of rotation. A second side gear, received in the differential case and rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the differential case and the first side gear, the second side gear includes a plurality of second side gear teeth and a second inner surface, the second side gear teeth engaging meshingly with the first pinion teeth, the second inner surface being configured to contact the outer cylindrical surface of the first spacer to restrict axial movement of the second side gear relative to the first pinion in a second direction along the first axis of rotation toward the first pinion; as well as A second pinion and a second spacer, the second pinion being received in the differential housing, the second pinion being coupled to the differential housing to rotate with the differential housing about a first axis of rotation and relative to the differential housing about a second pinion axis transverse to the first axis of rotation, the second pinion including a plurality of second pinion teeth meshing with the first side gear teeth and the second side gear teeth, the second spacer being arranged in a ring around the second pinion axis and coupled to the second pinion to rotate with it about the second axis of rotation. The first inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the first side gear tooth, and the second inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the second side gear tooth. The first spacer is fixedly connected to the first pinion.

2. The transmission system component according to claim 1, wherein the first spacer is integrally and integrally formed with the first pinion.

3. The transmission component of claim 1, wherein the first pinion includes a recess, and the first spacer is received in the recess.

4. The transmission system component according to claim 3, wherein the first spacer is press-fitted into the recess.

5. The transmission component of claim 1, wherein the contact between the second spacer and the first inner surface is configured to restrict axial movement of the first side gear relative to the second pinion in a first direction along the first axis of rotation toward the second pinion, and wherein the contact between the second spacer and the second inner surface is configured to restrict axial movement of the second side gear relative to the second pinion in a second direction along the first axis of rotation toward the second pinion.

6. The transmission system component according to claim 5, wherein the axis of the first pinion and the axis of the second pinion coincide.

7. The transmission component of claim 6, wherein the first pinion and the second pinion are rotatably mounted on a pin, and the pin is non-rotatably mounted to the differential housing.

8. The transmission component of claim 1, wherein the contact between the first spacer and the first inner surface and the second inner surface prevents the first pinion tooth from contacting the first side gear tooth and the second side gear tooth in the case of zero backlash.

9. The transmission system component according to claim 1, further comprising: A first output shaft is rotatably connected to the first side gear and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the first wheel; The second output shaft is rotatably connected to the second side gear; A third output shaft is disposed around the first axis of rotation and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the second wheel; A clutch capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the clutch engages the second output shaft and the third output shaft to rotate together about a first rotation axis, and in the second mode the clutch rotatably disconnects the second output shaft from the third output shaft.

10. A transmission system component, comprising: A differential case that can rotate around a first axis of rotation; A first pinion is disposed within and connected to the differential housing so as to rotate with the differential housing around the first rotation axis and to rotate relative to the differential housing around a first pinion axis transverse to the first rotation axis. The first pinion includes a plurality of first pinion teeth. A first side gear is received in the differential case and is rotatable relative to the differential case about the first axis of rotation. The first side gear includes a first inner surface and a plurality of first side gear teeth that mesh with the first pinion teeth. The second side gear is received in the differential case and is rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the differential case and the first side gear. The second side gear includes a second inner surface and a plurality of second side gear teeth that mesh with the first pinion teeth. A mechanism for limiting the inward movement of the first side gear and the second side gear in a respective direction along the first axis of rotation toward the first pinion, the inward movement limiting mechanism being configured to ensure that, when the first side gear and the second side gear are positioned closest to each other, there is a non-zero amount of backlash between the first pinion and each of the first side gear and the second side gear; The inward pushing limiting mechanism includes a spacer fixedly coupled to the first pinion, the spacer including an outer cylindrical surface; as well as A second pinion and a second spacer, the second pinion being received in the differential housing, the second pinion being coupled to the differential housing to rotate with the differential housing about a first axis of rotation and relative to the differential housing about a second pinion axis transverse to the first axis of rotation, the second pinion including a plurality of second pinion teeth meshing with the first side gear teeth and the second side gear teeth, the second spacer being arranged in a ring around the second pinion axis and coupled to the second pinion to rotate with it about the second axis of rotation. The first inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the first side gear tooth, and the second inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the second side gear tooth. The spacer is integrally and integrally formed with the first pinion.

11. The transmission system component according to claim 10, further comprising: A first output shaft is rotatably connected to the first side gear and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the first wheel; The second output shaft is rotatably connected to the second side gear; A third output shaft is disposed around the first axis of rotation and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the second wheel; A clutch capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the clutch engages the second output shaft and the third output shaft to rotate together about a first rotation axis, and in the second mode the clutch rotatably disconnects the second output shaft from the third output shaft.

12. A transmission system component, comprising: A differential case that can rotate around a first axis of rotation; A first pinion is disposed within and connected to the differential housing so as to rotate with the differential housing around the first rotation axis and to rotate relative to the differential housing around a first pinion axis transverse to the first rotation axis. The first pinion includes a plurality of first pinion teeth. A first side gear is received in the differential case and is rotatable relative to the differential case about the first axis of rotation. The first side gear includes a first inner surface and a plurality of first side gear teeth that mesh with the first pinion teeth. The second side gear is received in the differential case and is rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the differential case and the first side gear. The second side gear includes a second inner surface and a plurality of second side gear teeth that mesh with the first pinion teeth. A mechanism for limiting the inward movement of the first side gear and the second side gear in a respective direction along the first axis of rotation toward the first pinion, the inward movement limiting mechanism being configured to ensure that, when the first side gear and the second side gear are positioned closest to each other, there is a non-zero amount of backlash between the first pinion and each of the first side gear and the second side gear; The inward pushing limiting mechanism includes a first spacer having an outer cylindrical surface, the first pinion having a recess, and the first spacer being received in the recess. as well as A second pinion and a second spacer, the second pinion being received in the differential housing, the second pinion being coupled to the differential housing to rotate with the differential housing about a first axis of rotation and relative to the differential housing about a second pinion axis transverse to the first axis of rotation, the second pinion including a plurality of second pinion teeth meshing with the first side gear teeth and the second side gear teeth, the second spacer being arranged in a ring around the second pinion axis and coupled to the second pinion to rotate with it about the second axis of rotation. The first inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the first side gear tooth, and the second inner surface is axially located between the outer cylindrical surface and the innermost portion of the second side gear tooth. The first spacer is press-fitted into the recess, so that the first spacer and the recess are firmly engaged.

13. The transmission system component according to claim 12, wherein the axis of the first pinion and the axis of the second pinion coincide.

14. The transmission component of claim 13, wherein the first pinion and the second pinion are rotatably mounted on a pin, and the pin is non-rotatably mounted to the differential housing.

15. The transmission system component according to claim 12, further comprising: A first output shaft is rotatably connected to the first side gear and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the first wheel; The second output shaft is rotatably connected to the second side gear; A third output shaft is disposed around the first axis of rotation and is adapted to be drivenly connected to the second wheel; A clutch capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the clutch engages the second output shaft and the third output shaft to rotate together about a first rotation axis, and in the second mode the clutch rotatably disconnects the second output shaft from the third output shaft.

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