Differential with disconnect mechanism and lock mechanism

Abstract

A driveline component includes: a first housing arranged to be rotated by a vehicle primary power source; a second housing; a differential gear coupled to the second housing; and first and second clutches defining at least portions of a disconnect mechanism and a lock mechanism. The first clutch has a disengaged state in which the first housing rotates relative to the second housing, and the first clutch has an engaged state in which the second housing is coupled to and rotates with the first housing. The second clutch has a disengaged state in which the first shaft may rotate at a different speed than the second output shaft, and the second clutch has an engaged state in which the first shaft and the second shaft rotate at the same speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a differential for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles include differentials that allow the vehicle's wheels to rotate at different speeds, such as when the vehicle is steering. Some differentials may include locks that are engaged to drive the wheels coupled to the differential with the same torque in a known manner. And some differentials include disconnection devices that allow torque from the vehicle's engine to be selectively supplied or withheld from the wheels coupled to the differential, enabling the vehicle to operate in 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive modes. Under certain operating conditions, significant torque can be transmitted through some components of the differential, which may affect the differential's durability or require larger, heavier, and more robust components to handle the torque loads. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In at least some embodiments, the transmission system components include: a first housing arranged to rotate by a vehicle prime mover; a second housing; a differential gear coupled to the second housing; and a first clutch and a second clutch defining at least portions of a disengagement mechanism and a locking mechanism. The differential gear includes at least one pinion, a first side gear engaging with the pinion, and a second side gear engaging with the pinion. The first clutch has a first clutch member coupled to the second housing and a second clutch member coupled to the first housing. The first clutch has a disengaged state in which the first housing rotates relative to the second housing, and an engaged state in which the second housing is coupled to the first housing and rotates with the first housing. The second clutch has a first clutch member coupled to the first side gear and a second clutch member coupled to the second housing. The second clutch has a disengaged state in which the first clutch member is not engaged with the second clutch member of the second clutch, and the first side gear can rotate at a different speed than the second side gear; and an engaged state in which the first clutch member of the second clutch engages with the second clutch member of the second clutch, and the first side gear and the second side gear rotate at the same speed.

[0004] In at least some embodiments, the first clutch component of the first clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the second housing.

[0005] In at least some embodiments, the first clutch component of the second clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the first side gear.

[0006] In at least some embodiments, the second clutch member of the second clutch rotates together with the second housing and is slidably movable relative to the second housing.

[0007] In at least some embodiments, a first actuator is carried by a first housing and operable to move a second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch, and a second actuator is carried by the first housing and operable to move a second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch. In at least some embodiments, the first actuator is an electromagnetic actuator having a coil that generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a drive member, which in turn drives a second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch. In at least some embodiments, the second actuator is an electromagnetic actuator having a second coil that generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a second drive member, which in turn drives a second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch.

[0008] In at least some embodiments, a differential gear is received inside a first housing, the first housing including a first shaft mount having a first hole aligned with a first side gear opening of a first side gear, such that a first shaft can be received in the first shaft mount and the first side gear, a first actuator being mounted to the first shaft mount, the first housing including a second shaft mount having a second hole aligned with a second side gear opening of a second side gear, such that a second shaft can be received in the second shaft mount and the second side gear, and a second actuator being mounted to the second shaft mount.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, the openings of the first shaft mounting member and the second shaft mounting member are coaxially aligned.

[0010] In at least some embodiments, the transmission system components include: an outer housing arranged to be driven by a vehicle prime mover; an inner housing at least partially received within the outer housing and rotatable relative to the outer housing; a first clutch having a first clutch member connected to the outer housing and a second clutch member connected to or defined by a portion of the inner housing; a differential gear coupled to the inner housing, the differential gear including at least one pinion, a first side gear engaging the pinion, and a second side gear engaging the pinion; and a second clutch having a first clutch member coupled to or defined by the first side gear and a second clutch member coupled to the inner housing. The first clutch has a disengaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are not engaged with each other, and the inner housing is not coupled to the outer housing via the first clutch. The first clutch also has an engaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are engaged with each other, and the inner housing is coupled to the outer housing, and torque from the vehicle prime mover is transmitted to the inner housing via the outer housing. The second clutch has a disengaged position in which the first clutch member of the second clutch and the second clutch member of the second clutch are not engaged with each other, and the first side gear is not connected to the inner housing through the second clutch. The second clutch also has an engaged position in which the first clutch member of the second clutch and the second clutch member of the second clutch are engaged with each other, and the first side gear and the second side gear rotate at the same speed. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments and best modes will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the differential, including the disconnection mechanism and the locking mechanism; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A diagrammatic view of the differential, showing the disconnect mechanism in the disconnected state and the locking mechanism in the unlocked state; Figure 3 This is a diagrammatic view of the differential, showing the disconnect mechanism in the connected state and the locking mechanism in the unlocked state. Figure 4 This is a schematic view of the differential, showing the disconnect mechanism in the engaged state and the locking mechanism in the locked state; and Figure 5 This is a schematic view of the differential, showing the modified actuator used for the locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Please refer to the attached diagram for more details. Figures 1 to 4 The diagram illustrates a drivetrain assembly shown as a differential 10 including a disconnect mechanism 12 and a locking mechanism 14. The disconnect mechanism 12 allows torque to be selectively delivered through the differential 10. In this way, a vehicle including the differential 10 can operate, for example, in a two-wheel drive mode when the disconnect mechanism 12 is disconnected, and in a four-wheel drive mode when the disconnect mechanism 12 is engaged and torque is transmitted through the differential 10. The locking mechanism 14 allows the differential 10 to operate in an open mode that allows the two output shafts 16, 18 to rotate at different speeds and in a locked mode where the output shafts 16, 18 rotate at the same speed. The differential 10 can be used in a variety of vehicles, including those powered by different prime movers or sources (such as a combustion engine, an electric motor, or both), to provide selective four-wheel drive and allow selective locking of the differential 10.

[0013] The differential 10 includes a first housing or outer casing 20, two or more pinions 22, and a pair of side gears 24, 26 arranged to be coupled to rotating shafts 16, 18 that can drive, for example, wheels of a vehicle. Thus, the side gears 24, 26 are coupled to shafts 16, 18 (in...) Figure 1 (Illustrated in the diagram) They rotate together about axis 28, and pinion 22 is rotatable about axis 30 defined by pinion shaft 32 extending through pinion 22. Pinion shaft 32 is connected to a second housing or inner housing 34 rotatable relative to housing 20. Housing 20 is connected to outer gear ring 36 (in...) Figure 1 (Illustrated in the middle) and rotates together with the outer gear ring 36, which is driven by the vehicle's prime mover (e.g., engine, motor, or both).

[0014] The differential 10 includes a first clutch 40 that defines at least a portion of the disengagement mechanism 12 and, when engaged, connects the inner housing 34 to the outer housing 20 such that the inner housing 34 rotates together with the outer housing 20. The first clutch 40 may have any desired configuration and, in at least some embodiments, is an engaging clutch such as a claw clutch. The clutch includes a first clutch member 42 that is not movable in the axial direction (defined by the central axis of the clutch and plunger 60) and a second clutch member 44 that is movable in the axial direction relative to the first clutch member 42 to selectively engage, contact, or engage with the first clutch member 42. The first clutch member 42 and the second clutch member 44 may be annular and coaxial with the side gears 24, 26. The first clutch member 42 may include or be defined by a drive feature (such as teeth or other drive features) formed on or attached to the inner housing 34 or a component attached to the inner housing 34. The second clutch member 44 is coupled to and rotates with the housing 20, is movable relative to the first clutch member 42, and includes a meshing drive feature such as teeth that engages with the teeth of the first clutch member 42 in the engaged position or in the engaged state of the first clutch 40. The second clutch member 44 is in a retracted position in which it is not in contact with the first clutch member 42. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) is driven to the forward position in which the second clutch member 44 contacts the first clutch member 42. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the forward position, the first clutch 40 is engaged and the disengagement mechanism 12 is in the connected state. In the connected state, the inner housing 34 is connected to the outer housing 20, causing the inner housing 34 to rotate together with the outer housing 20.

[0015] The differential 10 also includes a second clutch 46 that defines at least a portion of the locking mechanism 14 and, when engaged, connects the inner housing 34 to the side gears 24, 26 and thus shafts 16, 18, such that shafts 16, 18 rotate together with the inner housing 34. The second clutch 46 may have any desired configuration and, in at least some embodiments, is an engaging clutch such as a claw clutch. The second clutch 46 includes a first clutch member 48 that is not movable in the axial direction (defined by the central axis of the second clutch 46 and the plunger 60) and a second clutch member 50 that is axially movable relative to the first clutch member 48 to selectively engage, contact, or engage with the first clutch member 48 and define the engaged position or engagement state of the second clutch 46. The first clutch member 48 of the second clutch 46 may be defined by a drive feature (such as teeth or other drive features) formed on an adjacent side gear (shown as a first side gear) or a component fixed to the side gear. The second clutch member 50 is connected to the inner housing 34 such that the second clutch member 50 rotates together with the inner housing 34 and is slidably movable relative to the inner housing 34.

[0016] In at least some embodiments, the second clutch member 50 may be keyed or splined to the inner housing 34, wherein one or more keys / protrusions are received in axially (e.g., parallel to the central axis) complementary slots to allow axial movement of the second clutch member 50 relative to the inner housing 34 and the side gear. The second clutch member 50 may have a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially extending legs 51 received in openings 53 in the inner housing 34. Figure 1 (A support leg is shown and labeled in the diagram). When the second clutch 46 is engaged, the differential 10 is in a locked mode, and torque is transmitted to the two shafts 16, 18, wherein relative rotational movement between shafts 16, 18 is restricted, causing the two shafts 16, 18 to rotate at the same speed.

[0017] In at least some embodiments, the first clutch 40 is driven by a first actuator 52, and the second clutch 46 is driven by a second actuator 54, which is independently actuated and positioned separately from the first actuator 52. In the embodiment shown in the figures, both clutches 40, 46 are driven by electromagnetic actuators. For ease of description and understanding, components of the two actuators 52, 54 will be given the same reference numerals, as each may have the same design (although this is not required).

[0018] Clutch actuators 52 and 54 have a solenoid with an annular lead coil 58 and a drive member that may include an armature or plunger 60, which may be at least partially received radially inward of the coil 58 and axially overlapped with the coil 58. In at least some embodiments, the plunger 60 is also annular, and the plunger 60 and the coil 58 are arranged coaxially about axis 28 and carried by housing 20. A shaft 16 extends coaxially through a first hole 62 in a tubular first shaft mount 64 of housing 20, over which the coil 58 and plunger 60 of the first actuator 52 are received. Another shaft 18 extends coaxially through a second hole 66 in a tubular second shaft mount 68 of housing 20, over which the coil 58 and plunger 60 of the second actuator 54 are received. Shafts 16 and 18 are coaxially aligned and extend outward from housing 20 in opposite directions (e.g., opposed by 180 degrees).

[0019] The plunger 60 may be formed of a variety of materials, including materials that are magnetically responsive to the magnetic field generated by the coil 58, and at least one other material that may or may not be responsive to the magnetic field. Thus, when the magnetic field is generated by the coil 58, the plunger 60 can be driven from one position to another (e.g., from a retracted position to an advanced position). As used herein, a material is responsive to the magnetic field if a magnetic field of a magnitude generated by a solenoid of the type used in applications such as those described herein could cause displacement of a component made of or comprising such a material.

[0020] When electrical power is supplied to the coil 58 of actuators 52 and 54, a magnetic field is generated, which causes the plunger 60 to move from a first or retracted position relative to the coil 58 and the housing 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) Shift to the second or forward position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 To facilitate the return of plunger 60 from the second position to the first position when no power is supplied to coil 58, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, a biasing member (such as spring 70) can act on plunger 60, or on disc 72 or other components that engage with plunger 60. Figure 1 In the example shown, the disc 72 is connected to the second clutch member 44 and has a portion that can be engaged by the plunger 60, such that the plunger 60 can drive the second clutch member 44 relative to the first clutch member 42. If desired, the disc may include an outer diameter or portion that extends radially outward a sufficient distance to enable sensing of the disc's position, and thus the position of the second clutch member 44 to which the disc is attached.

[0021] In at least some embodiments, clutches 40, 46 are engaged when their respective plungers 60 are in the second position, and disengaged when their respective plungers 60 are in the first position. Although in the example shown, plunger 60 is in its second position when power is supplied to coil 58, and plunger 60 moves to the first position when no power is supplied to coil 58, the reverse can be achieved if necessary (e.g., any one or both clutches can be moved to the engaged position by the respective biasing member and disengaged by supplying power to the respective coil 58).

[0022] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the example, coil 58 is connected to shaft mounts 64, 68 and is located inside housing 20 74 (in Figure 2 The outer side of the sleeve 74 (marked in the middle) is where gears 22, 24, 26, inner housing 34, and pinion shaft 32 are received within the interior 74. Coil 58 is received in coil housing 76, which is coupled to a corresponding sleeve 78 having an inner surface received on the outer surface of shaft mounts 64, 68, and wherein plunger 60 is received for sliding movement along the outer surface of sleeve 78. Sleeve 78 may include a radially outwardly extending stop surface 80 that restricts movement of plunger 60 away from its corresponding first clutch member. An annular retaining member 82 (e.g., a clip) may be secured to the outer side of the sleeve 78 of shaft mounts 64, 68 to hold the sleeve on the shaft mount, which also holds the position of coil 58.

[0023] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the coil 58 of the second actuator 54 is received in a coil housing 84, which is coupled to the housing 20 but not to the shaft mount 64. The coil 58 is more "integrated" with the housing 20, and the plunger 60 can slide along the outer surface of the shaft mount 64 without a sleeve 78 between them. Besides the housing of the coil 58, Figure 1 and Figure 5 The actuators 52 and 54 can operate in the same manner, differing only in the magnetic flux path of the generated magnetic field. Furthermore, although electromagnetic actuators 52 and 54 are shown, the clutch can be actuated by (multiple) other mechanisms, such as different linear actuators, or, for example, a motor that moves a portion of the clutch using one or more gears or cams.

[0024] In the example shown, the second clutch member 44 of the first clutch 40 has a portion that extends axially through an opening 87 in the housing 20 (e.g., in...). Figure 2The support leg 86 (marked in the middle) is such that the second clutch member 44 is partially received within the interior 74 of the housing 20 and partially outside the interior 74. The second clutch member 50 of the second clutch 46 is shown as being fully received within the interior 74 of the housing 20, and for moving the second clutch member 50, as... Figure 1 As shown, the drive member 88 is driven by the plunger 60, wherein the drive member 88 may be annular and have an axially extending portion (e.g., a leg) extending through an opening in the housing 20. Alternatively, the drive member 88 may be defined by a plurality of separate components (e.g., pins) extending through the opening in the housing 20 and circumferentially spaced to provide a more uniform actuation force on the second clutch member 50 of the second clutch 46.

[0025] A first disc 90 or washer may be received between the plunger 60 and the pin or(s) other drive members 88 to reduce wear on components during relative rotation. The disc 90 may also improve uniform movement of the pin 88 during the actuator's actuation stroke, and may extend radially beyond the coil 58 housing to allow a position sensor to detect the position of the first disc, which is correlated with the position of the plunger 60 and therefore with the position of the clutch. A second disc 92 may be disposed between the first clutch member 48 of the second clutch and the second clutch 46 to reduce wear on components due to relative rotation.

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the differential 10 is shown with two clutches 40, 46 in their disengaged positions. In the disengaged positions of clutches 40, 46, coil 58 is not powered, plungers 60 are in their first position (i.e., retracted position), and second clutch members 44, 50 are not engaged with first clutch members 42, 48. With the first clutch 40 disengaged, the disengagement mechanism 12 is in the disengaged position, and shafts 16, 18 are not actively driven by the vehicle's power source, and the shafts can rotate relative to the second clutch member 44 and housing 20 of the first clutch 40. With the second clutch 46 disengaged, the locking mechanism 14 is in the unlocked position, and shafts 16, 18 can rotate at different speeds.

[0027] exist Figure 3In this configuration, the first clutch 40 is in its engaged position, and the second clutch 46 is in its disengaged position. To move the first clutch 40 to its engaged position, the coil 58 of the first clutch actuator 52 is powered to generate a magnetic field, which drives the plunger 60 to its second position (i.e., the forward position), which drives the second clutch member 44 to engage with the first clutch member 42. In this position, the disengagement mechanism 12 is in the engaged state, in which the inner housing 34 is coupled to the outer housing 20 and rotates with the outer housing 20, and torque is transmitted to the shafts 16, 18. Because the locking mechanism 14 is still in the unlocked position (the coil 58 of the second clutch 46 is not powered), the shafts 16, 18 can rotate at different speeds in the open differential mode.

[0028] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the first clutch 40 is in its engaged position, therefore the disengagement mechanism 12 is in the position as described above. Figure 3 The indicated connection state. The second clutch 46 is in its engaged position. To move the second clutch 46 to its engaged position, the coil 58 of the second clutch actuator 54 is powered to generate a magnetic field, which drives the second plunger 60 to its second position (i.e., the forward position), which drives the second clutch member 50 of the second clutch 46 to engage with the first clutch member 48 of the second clutch 46. In this position, the locking mechanism 14 is in the locked position, and the shafts 16 and 18 rotate at the same speed in the locked differential mode.

[0029] As noted above, both the second clutch member 44 of the first clutch 40 and the first clutch member 48 of the second clutch 46 are connected to the inner housing 34. In this way, when the disengagement mechanism 12 is in the engaged position, torque is transmitted through the inner housing 34 and the differential gear to shafts 16 and 18, allowing shafts 16 and 18 to be actively driven by the vehicle's prime mover. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 14 is in the locked position, the torque flow within the device is more balanced, and the disengagement cam ring does not experience the same high load as when the locking mechanism 14 is not connected to the inner housing 34 (e.g., when the first clutch member 48 of the second clutch 46 is not connected to the inner housing 34). When the disconnecting mechanism 12 is engaged and the locking mechanism 14 is locked, the torque applied to the housing 20 flows as follows: a) the first shaft, through the first clutch member 42 of the first clutch 40, the inner housing 34 (via the second clutch member 44 of the first clutch 40), the first clutch member 48 of the second clutch 46 (which is connected to the inner housing 34), and then to the second clutch member 50 of the second clutch 46 and the corresponding side gear; and b) the second shaft, through the first clutch member 42 of the first clutch 40, the inner housing 34 (via the second clutch member 44 of the first clutch 40), the pinion 22, and another side gear. For example, when the vehicle is steering and the side shafts 16, 18 provide counter-torque in the opposite direction on their side gears 24, 26, a locking torque is provided on the second clutch 46, the inner housing 34, and the differential gear, but the first clutch member 42 of the first clutch 40 does not directly bear this locking torque. In this way, the first clutch member of the first clutch 40 is not subjected to the high loads as in other arrangements.

[0030] The forms of the invention disclosed herein constitute the presently preferred embodiments, and many other forms and embodiments are possible. It is not intended to refer to all possible equivalents or derivatives of the invention herein. It will be understood that the terminology used herein is merely descriptive and not limiting, and various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0031] Unless expressly indicated otherwise herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable construction and their common meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the use of singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “the,” etc., should be understood to refer to one or more of the elements indicated in the statement, unless expressly limited to the contrary by the statement of the claims.

Claims

1. A transmission system component, comprising: A first housing, the first housing being arranged to rotate by a vehicle prime mover; Second shell; A differential gear, the differential gear being connected to the second housing, the differential gear including at least one pinion, a first side gear engaging with the pinion, and a second side gear engaging with the pinion; A first clutch has a first clutch member connected to a second housing and a second clutch member connected to the first housing. The first clutch has a disengaged state in which the first housing rotates relative to the second housing, and a engaged state in which the second housing is connected to the first housing and rotates together with the first housing. The second clutch has a first clutch member connected to the first side gear and a second clutch member connected to the second housing. The second clutch has a disengaged state in which the first clutch member of the second clutch is not engaged with the second clutch member of the second clutch, and the first side gear is capable of rotating at a different speed than the second side gear. The second clutch also has an engaged state in which the first clutch member of the second clutch is engaged with the second clutch member of the second clutch, and the first side gear and the second side gear rotate at the same speed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clutch component of the first clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the second housing.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clutch component of the second clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the first side gear.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second clutch component of the second clutch rotates together with the second housing and is slidably movable relative to the second housing.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A first actuator, the first actuator being carried by the first housing and operable to move the second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch; And a second actuator, which is carried by the first housing and operable to move the second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first actuator is an electromagnetic actuator with a coil that generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a drive member, which in turn drives a second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second actuator is an electromagnetic actuator having a second coil, which generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a second drive member, which in turn drives the second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The differential gear is received inside the first housing, which includes a first shaft mount having a first hole aligned with the first side gear opening of the first side gear, such that the first shaft can be received in the first shaft mount and the first side gear, and the first actuator is mounted to the first shaft mount. The first housing also includes a second shaft mount having a second hole aligned with the second side gear opening of the second side gear, such that the second shaft can be received in the second shaft mount and the second side gear, and the second actuator is mounted to the second shaft mount.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The differential gear is received inside the first housing, which includes a first shaft mount having a first hole aligned with the first side gear opening of the first side gear, such that the first shaft can be received in the first shaft mount and the first side gear, and the first actuator is mounted to the first shaft mount. The first housing also includes a second shaft mount having a second hole aligned with the second side gear opening of the second side gear, such that the second shaft can be received in the second shaft mount and the second side gear, and the second actuator is mounted to the second shaft mount.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The openings of the first shaft mounting member and the second shaft mounting member are aligned coaxially.

11. A transmission system component, comprising: An outer casing, the outer casing being arranged to be driven by a vehicle prime mover; An inner housing, which is at least partially received within the outer housing and is rotatable relative to the outer housing; A first clutch, the first clutch having a first clutch member connected to the outer housing and a second clutch member connected to or defined by a portion of the inner housing; A differential gear is connected to the inner housing, the differential gear including at least one pinion, a first side gear engaging with the pinion, and a second side gear engaging with the pinion; The second clutch has a first clutch member connected to or defined by the first side gear, and a second clutch member connected to the inner housing. The first clutch has a disengaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are not engaged with each other, and the inner housing is not connected to the outer housing via the first clutch. The first clutch also has an engaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are engaged with each other, the inner housing is connected to the outer housing, and torque from the vehicle's power source is transmitted to the inner housing via the outer housing. The second clutch also has a disengaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are not engaged with each other, and the first side gear is not connected to the inner housing via the second clutch. Finally, the second clutch has an engaged position in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are engaged with each other, and the first side gear and the second side gear rotate at the same speed.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first clutch component of the first clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the inner housing.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first clutch component of the second clutch is defined by a drive feature formed on a portion of the first side gear.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The second clutch component of the second clutch rotates together with the inner housing and is slidably movable relative to the inner housing.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: A first actuator, the first actuator being carried by the housing and operable to move the second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch; And a second actuator, which is carried by the housing and operable to move the second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The first actuator is an electromagnetic actuator with a coil that generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a drive member, which in turn drives a second clutch member of the first clutch relative to the first clutch member of the first clutch.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The second actuator is an electromagnetic actuator having a second coil, which generates a magnetic field when powered to drive a second drive member, which in turn drives the second clutch member of the second clutch relative to the first clutch member of the second clutch.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The differential gear is received inside the housing, which includes a first shaft mount having a first hole aligned with a first side gear opening of the first side gear, such that the first shaft can be received in the first shaft mount and the first side gear, and the first actuator is mounted to the first shaft mount. The housing also includes a second shaft mount having a second hole aligned with a second side gear opening of the second side gear, such that the second shaft can be received in the second shaft mount and the second side gear, and the second actuator is mounted to the second shaft mount.

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