Electronic locking differential

Abstract

A differential assembly includes a spiral pinion and a side gear with a spiral tooth face. In some cases, the spiral pinion and the side gear are pre-assembled to a housing and then inserted as a unit into the housing of the differential assembly. In some cases, an electronic locking device is assembled to the differential assembly. The locking device includes a locking plate that is biased away from the locking gear. A pin extends through the housing of the differential assembly to actuate the locking plate when an electrical coil is energized.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 595,470, filed November 2, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Traction-adjustable locking differentials typically consist of a gear housing that defines a gear chamber and a differential gear set disposed therein. Locking differentials that require torque sharing among multiple pinions can be found in various types of vehicles (e.g., internal combustion engines, electric motors, hybrid vehicles, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a differential assembly and a method of using the same.

[0004] According to some aspects, a differential assembly includes: a housing; a stator rotatably fixed relative to the housing; a gear set disposed within the housing; and a locking device mounted to the housing. The gear set includes a plurality of helical pinions meshing with helical gears. The helical gears include locking gears. The locking device includes a locking plate, a biasing member, and a plurality of pins. The biasing member biases the locking plate to a disengaged position relative to the locking gears. The pins extend from the locking plate toward the stator through the housing.

[0005] According to other aspects, a differential assembly includes: a housing defining an interior; and an integral retainer sized to fit within the interior. The retainer includes a first abutment surface recessed inwardly from a first shaft end and a second abutment surface recessed inwardly from a second shaft end. The retainer defines a hole extending through the first and second abutment surfaces. The retainer defines a plurality of first grooves extending axially inwardly from the first shaft end and a plurality of second grooves extending axially inwardly from the second shaft end.

[0006] According to other aspects, a differential assembly includes: a housing defining an aperture; an integral retainer sized to fit within the aperture; and a plurality of helical pinions mounted on the retainer. The retainer defines a first recessed surface and a second recessed surface extending outward from a first shaft end and a second shaft end of the retainer. The retainer defines a plurality of first grooves extending axially inward from the first shaft end and a plurality of second grooves extending axially inward from the second shaft end.

[0007] According to other aspects, a method of assembling a differential assembly includes: mounting a plurality of helical pinions to a cage; and inserting the cage and the helical pinions as units into a housing of the differential assembly. In some embodiments, the method further includes mounting a side gear to the cage before inserting the cage into the housing. In some examples, inserting the cage and the helical pinions into the housing includes inserting the side gear, the helical pinions, and the cage as units into the housing.

[0008] Depending on other aspects, the locking gear can be formed separately from the side gear and then rotated and fixed to the side gear to form the face gear of the differential gear set. For example, the face gear of the differential gear set may include a side gear and a locking collar. The side gear includes a body carrying side gear teeth. The body also carries a first portion of a locking interface axially spaced from the side gear teeth. The locking collar is mounted to the side gear. The locking collar carries locking gear teeth. The locking collar also defines a second portion of the locking interface axially spaced from the side gear teeth. The second portion of the locking interface is configured to engage with the first portion of the locking interface to rotate the locking collar relative to the side gear. In some examples, the side gear teeth include helical teeth. In some examples, the locking gear teeth include dog teeth.

[0009] Various additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the following description. These inventive aspects may involve individual features as well as combinations of features. It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are not intended to limit the broad inventive concept on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first example differential assembly configured according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the first differential assembly; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the differential assembly; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Axial sectional view of the first differential assembly; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a second example differential assembly configured according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A first perspective view of a first differential assembly, wherein a selected component of the assembly is decomposed outward from each other; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A second perspective view of the first differential assembly, wherein a selected component of the assembly is decomposed outward from each other; Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Axial sectional view of the second differential assembly; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion; Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an example gear assembly, which includes multiple gears mounted to a cage; Figure 12 Is it suitable for and Figure 11 A first perspective view of an example embodiment of a cage used with gear assemblies; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Second perspective view of the cage; Figure 14 yes Figure 12 End view of the cage; Figure 15 yes Figure 12 Side view of the cage; Figure 16 Is it suitable for and Figure 11 A perspective view of an alternative example implementation of a cage used in conjunction with a gear assembly; Figure 17 yes Figure 6 An end view of the differential housing, oriented towards the interior of the housing; Figure 18 It is suitable for use as Figure 1-17 A perspective view of an example side gear and an example locking collar for the gear set in any of the figures; and Figure 19 Showing the assembled Figure 18 The locking gear. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Exemplary aspects of this disclosure will now be referenced in detail, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0012] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, differential assemblies 100, 200 have first ends 102, 202 and opposing second ends 104, 204, from which a first half-shaft (not shown) extends and a second half-shaft (not shown) extends. Differential assemblies 100, 200 include housings 106, 206 that accommodate gear sets 112, 212 (e.g., see...). Figure 2 and Figure 7 The gear set controls the rotation of the first and second half-shafts relative to housings 106 and 206. Housings 106 and 206 include flanges 108 and 208 to which a rotor (not shown) can be attached to apply torque. In some examples, one or more end caps 110 and 210 are attached to housings 106 and 206 to enclose gear sets 112 and 212. In some examples, differential assemblies 100 and 200 include limited-slip differential assemblies. Details of gear sets 112 and 212 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,133,146, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0013] According to certain aspects of this disclosure, differential assemblies 100, 200 include electronic locking devices 120, 220 for selectively locking rotation of the first and second half-shafts. In some embodiments, locking devices 120, 220 include electrical coils 125, 225 disposed at stators 114, 214, which are rotationally fixed relative to a surrounding frame (not shown) in which housings 106, 202 are mounted. When torque is applied from the rotor, housings 106, 206 rotate relative to stators 114, 214 and relative to the frame. Gear sets 112, 212 include locking gears 122, 222 configured to selectively engage locking plates 124, 224.

[0014] Locking gears 122 and 222 are carried by side gears. In some examples, locking gears 122 and 222 are integrally formed with the side gears. In other examples, locking gears 122 and 222 are separate parts mounted to the side gears. Figure 18 and Figure 19An exemplary helical gear 300 is shown, comprising a side gear 302 and locking gears 122, 222. The side gear 302 carries side gear teeth 304 (e.g., helical teeth), and a locking collar 310 carries locking gear teeth 312 (e.g., dog teeth) forming the locking gears 122, 222. The side gear 302 includes a body 306 extending axially outward from the side gear teeth 304. The locking collar 310 is configured to be mounted to the body 306 for rotational fixation relative to the body 306. For example, the body 306 may define a first portion 308 of an interlocking interface, and the locking collar 310 may define a second portion 314 of the interlocking interface. When aligned, the first portion 308 and the second portion 314 engage to rotate the locking collar 310 to the side gear 302 (e.g., see...). Figure 19 In some examples, the first portion 308 includes a radially outwardly extending gear ring, and the second portion 314 includes inner ring teeth. In some examples, the locking collar 310 slides axially on the body 306 until the second portion 314 of the interface engages with the first portion 308. In other embodiments, the helical gear 300 may be formed as a single part, or may otherwise be formed from multiple parts.

[0015] Locking plates 124, 224 are rotatably secured to housings 106, 206 (e.g., through engagement between lugs 127, 227 of locking plates 124, 224 and recesses 129 of housings 106, 206). Locking plates 124, 224 are axially movable relative to housings 106, 206 and relative to gear sets 112, 212 between a locked position and a disengaged position. When in the locked position, locking plates 124, 224 engage with locking gears 122, 222, causing locking gears 122, 222 to be rotatably secured to housings 106, 206. In some examples, locking plates 124, 224 and locking gears 122, 222 include canine teeth that mesh with each other when engaged. When in the disengaged position, locking plates 124, 224 and locking gears 122, 222 are sufficiently spaced apart to allow relative rotation therebetween. In some embodiments, locking plates 124, 224 are biased to the disengaged position. In some examples, biasing members 126, 226 (e.g., one or more wave springs) bias locking plates 124, 224 away from locking gears 122, 222 toward a disengaged position.

[0016] The movement of locking plates 124, 224 relative to locking gears 122, 222 is controlled using electrical coils 125, 225 of stators 114, 214. In some embodiments, stator 114 is axially movable relative to housing 106 between an actuated position and a non-actuated position (see...). Figure 1-5In other embodiments, the stator 214 is axially fixed relative to the housing 206, while the armature 235 is axially movable relative to the housing 206 between an actuated position and a non-actuated position (e.g., see...). Figure 6-10 In some embodiments, the stator 114 is located at the first end 102 of the differential assembly 100 (e.g., see...). Figure 1-5 In other embodiments, the stator 214 and armature 235 are disposed at the second end 204 of the differential assembly 200 (e.g., see...). Figure 6-10 ).

[0017] refer to Figure 1-5 The axial movement of the stator 114 is controlled by energizing the coil 125. Specifically, the housing 106, its end caps, or other components comprise a magnetizable material (e.g., iron). When the coil 125 is energized, it is attracted to the housing 106, causing the stator 114 to move axially toward the housing 106 to an actuated position. One or more pins 128 (e.g., rods or other structures) extend through the housing 106 between the stator 114 and the locking plate 124 (e.g., through an aperture 105). In some examples, the pin 128 is a component separate from the locking plate 124. In other examples, the pin 128 may be integrally formed with the locking plate 124.

[0018] Therefore, when the stator 114 moves to the actuated position, the stator 114 presses against one or more pins 128, which in turn resist the biasing force of the biasing member 126 to press the locking plate 124 toward the locked position. When the coil 125 is de-energized (i.e., closed), the biasing member 126 presses the locking plate 124 away from the locking gear 122 to the disengaged position. The interaction between the locking plate 124 and one or more pins 128 presses the stator 114 back to the non-actuated position. In some examples, the retaining ring 130 or other retaining element restricts the axial movement of the stator 114 away from the housing 106. In some examples, the interaction between the stator 114 and the groove 132 in the outer surface of the housing 106 restricts the axial movement of the stator 114 toward the housing 106. In other examples, the interaction between the locking plate 124 and the locking gear 122 restricts the axial movement of the stator 114 toward the housing 106 (e.g., the locking plate 124 bottoms out on the locking gear 122).

[0019] refer to Figure 6-10The axial movement of the armature 235 is controlled by energizing the coil 225. Specifically, the armature 235 comprises a magnetizable material (e.g., iron). When the coil 225 is energized, it attracts the armature 235, causing it to move axially toward the coil 225 and thus toward the housing 206 to an actuated position. One or more pins 228 (e.g., rods or other structures) extend through the housing 206 (e.g., through an aperture 205) between the armature 235 and the locking plate 224. In some examples, the pin 228 is a separate component from the locking plate 224. In other examples, the pin 228 may be integrally formed with the locking plate 224.

[0020] Therefore, when the armature 235 moves to the actuated position, it presses against one or more pins 228, which in turn resist the biasing force of the biasing member 226 to press the locking plate 224 toward the locked position. When the coil 225 is de-energized (i.e., closed), the biasing member 226 presses the locking plate 224 away from the locking gear 222 to the disengaged position. The interaction between the locking plate 224 and the one or more pins 228 presses the armature 235 back to the non-actuated position.

[0021] In some examples, the retaining ring 230 or other retaining element restricts the axial movement of the armature 235 away from the housing 206. In some examples, the interaction between the armature 235 and the stator 214 restricts the axial movement of the armature 235 toward the housing 206. In other examples, the interaction between the locking plate 224 and the locking gear 222 restricts the axial movement of the armature 235 toward the housing 206 (e.g., the locking plate 224 bottoms out on the locking gear 222).

[0022] refer to Figure 11-19 The gear set 212 of the differential assembly can be inserted as a unit into the housing 206. For example, the gears of the gear set 212 can be assembled externally to the housing 206 at a cage 250 or other frame to form a gear assembly 240. The gear assembly 240 can then be inserted into the housing 206. Pre-assembling the gears at the cage 250 facilitates blind insertion of a gear among the gears. For example, the cage 250 allows the gear set 212 to be mounted within the housing 206 with a sufficiently large opening to accommodate the locking gear 222 and pin 228 of the locking device 220.

[0023] In some embodiments, gear set 212 includes a first side gear 242 and a second side gear 244 that engage with a first half-shaft and a second half-shaft, respectively. Gear set 212 also includes a first set of pinions 246 that engage the first side gear 242 and a second set of pinions 248 that engage the second side gear 244. The pinions 246, 248 are arranged circumferentially around the side gears 242, 244, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,133,146, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] Cage 250 is configured to retain the side gears 242, 244 and pinions 246, 248 of gear set 212. Cage 250 includes a body 252 defining a first portion of the retaining structure, and a differential housing 206 defining a second portion of the retaining structure. The first and second portions engage with each other to secure the cage body 252 within the housing 206. In some embodiments, the cage body 252 is configured to be mounted within the housing 206 in a rotationally fixed position. For example, the first portion of the retaining structure may include guide rails 270 or other protrusions that interact with recesses 290 in the second portion (e.g., see...). Figure 17 In another example, the first portion may define a recess, while the second portion includes a guide rail or other protrusion. In some examples, the retainer 250 or gear assembly 240 is also configured to be mounted in an axially fixed position relative to the housing 206. In one example, one end of the retainer 150 abuts against the locking gear component of the gear set 212, while the other end abuts against the end cap 210 (e.g., see...). Figure 9 ).

[0025] like Figure 12-16 As shown, the body 252 of the cage 250 defines a central bore 254 extending axially through it. In some examples, the body 252 also defines a channel 280 from the bore 254 to the exterior of the cage body 252 between the shaft ends (e.g., see...). Figure 12-15 In such an example, the retainer 250 is oriented within the housing 206 such that the channel 280 is aligned with the window 207 passing through the annular sidewall of the housing 206 (e.g., see...). Figure 6 Alignment. In other examples, the cage body 252 does not define such a channel (e.g., see...). Figure 16 ).

[0026] The body 252 has a first abutment surface 256 recessed inward from a first shaft end of the body 252 and a second abutment surface 258 recessed inward from a second shaft end of the body 252. A hole 254 extends through the first abutment surface 256 and the second abutment surface 258. When the side gears 242, 244 are mounted to the retainer 250, the first side gear 242 is disposed at the first abutment surface 256, and the second side gear 244 is disposed at the second abutment surface 258. In some examples, a spacer 245 may be disposed within the hole 254 between the first side gear 242 and the second side gear 244.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cage body 252 includes one or more grooves 260, 262 configured to receive pinions 246, 248, respectively. The grooves 260, 262 extend radially outward from the body 252. Each groove 260, 262 extends from a axial end of the cage body 252 toward a corresponding stop surface 266, 268 defined by the cage body 252. Each groove 260, 262 receives a corresponding one of the pinions 246, 248. A first set of pinions 246 abuts against a first stop surface 266, and a second set of pinions 248 abuts against a second stop surface 268. The stop surfaces 266, 268 allow the pinions to be properly axially positioned relative to each other and relative to the side gears 242, 244 outside the differential housing 206.

[0028] In some embodiments, the stop surfaces 266, 268 are formed by stop members 282 integrally formed with the cage body 252. In some examples, each stop member 282 defines a recess 284 facing an adjacent one of the grooves 260, 262 to receive pinions 246, 248 of the adjacent grooves 260, 262. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the cage body 252 defines a first groove 262 and an adjacent groove 264. The first groove 262 extends inward from a first axial end of the cage body 252, and the second groove 264 extends inward from a second axial end. Each groove 262, 264 terminates at a corresponding stop member 282, which defines a corresponding stop surface 266, 268. The stop member 282 of the first groove 262 defines a recess 284 facing the adjacent groove 264. The stop member 282 of the second groove 264 defines a recess 284 facing the adjacent groove 262.

[0029] Examples of this disclosure can be described in terms of the following aspects: Aspect 1. A differential assembly, comprising: case; Stator, which is rotatably fixed relative to the housing; A gear set, disposed within the housing, comprising a plurality of helical pinions meshing with a helical gear, the helical gear including a locking gear; and A locking device is mounted to the housing, the locking device including a locking plate, a biasing member and a plurality of pins, the biasing member biasing the locking plate to a disengaged position relative to the locking gear, and the pins extending from the locking plate toward the stator through the housing.

[0030] Aspect 2. The differential assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the stator is configured to move axially relative to the housing between an actuated position and an inactive position, wherein when positioned in the actuated position, the stator presses the locking plate against the locking gear via the pin against the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0031] Aspect 3. The differential assembly according to aspect 1 further includes an armature configured to move axially relative to the housing between an actuated position and a non-actuated position, wherein, when positioned in the actuated position, the armature presses the locking plate against the locking gear via the pin against the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0032] Aspect 4. The differential assembly according to any one of Aspects 1-3 further includes a cage that holds the gear set.

[0033] Aspect 5. The differential assembly according to aspect 4, wherein the gear set is pre-assembled at the cage before being installed in the housing.

[0034] Aspect 6. The differential assembly according to aspect 4, wherein the gear set and the cage can be mounted as units into the housing.

[0035] Aspect 7. A method of assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising: Multiple helical pinions are mounted to the cage; The cage and the helical pinion are inserted as units into the housing of the differential assembly.

[0036] Aspect 8. The method according to aspect 7 further includes installing a side gear to the cage before inserting the cage into the housing; and wherein inserting the cage and the helical pinion into the housing includes inserting the side gear, the helical pinion, and the cage as a unit into the housing.

[0037] Aspect 9. The method according to aspect 7 or aspect 8 further includes rotating the retainer to align it with the housing before inserting the retainer into the housing.

[0038] Aspect 10. A differential assembly comprising: A housing that defines an interior; An integral retainer, the integral retainer being sized to fit within the interior, the retainer extending between opposing first and second shaft ends, the retainer including a first abutment surface recessed inward from the first shaft end and a second abutment surface recessed inward from the second shaft end, the retainer defining a hole extending through the first and second abutment surfaces, the retainer further defining a plurality of first grooves extending axially inward from the first shaft end and a plurality of second grooves extending axially inward from the second shaft end; and Multiple helical pinions are installed in the first groove and the second groove.

[0039] Aspect 11. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the first groove and the second groove are radially offset relative to the bore.

[0040] Aspect 12. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the first groove is circumferentially offset from the second groove.

[0041] Aspect 13. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend radially outward from the cage.

[0042] Aspect 14. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the cage includes a first stop member terminating the first groove and a second stop member terminating the second groove.

[0043] Aspect 15. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend radially outward from the cage; and wherein the first stop member and the second stop member extend radially outward from the respective first groove and second groove.

[0044] Aspect 16. The differential assembly according to aspect 10 further includes a first side gear and a second side gear respectively mounted on the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

[0045] Aspect 17. The differential assembly according to aspect 16, wherein the first side gear includes a locking gear.

[0046] Aspect 18. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the cage defines a first portion of a retaining structure, and the housing defines a second portion of the retaining structure, wherein the first portion and the second portion engage with each other to secure the cage within the housing.

[0047] Aspect 19. The differential assembly according to aspect 18, wherein a first portion of the retaining structure includes a guide rail; and a second portion of the retaining structure defines a groove.

[0048] Aspect 20. The differential assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the cage further defines a channel from the bore to the outside of the cage between the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

[0049] Aspect 21. The differential assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the helical gear is formed of a plurality of parts.

[0050] Aspect 22. The differential assembly according to aspect 21, wherein the helical gear is formed by a side gear and a locking collar, the side gear being rotatably fixed together with the locking collar.

[0051] Aspect 23. The differential assembly according to aspect 22, wherein the locking collar is configured to slide onto the side gear.

[0052] Aspect 24. The differential assembly according to aspect 17, wherein the locking gear is formed as a part separate from the side gear.

[0053] Aspect 25. The differential assembly according to aspect 24, wherein the locking gear is slidably mounted to the side gear in a rotatably fixed position.

[0054] Aspect 26. A face gear of a differential gear set, said face gear comprising: A side gear, the side gear comprising a body that carries side gear teeth, the body also carrying a first portion of a locking interface axially spaced from the side gear teeth; A locking collar is mounted to the side gear and carries locking gear teeth. The locking collar also defines a second portion of the locking interface that is axially spaced from the side gear teeth. The second portion of the locking interface is configured to engage with a first portion of the locking interface to rotatably fix the locking collar to the side gear.

[0055] Aspect 27. The face gear according to aspect 26, wherein the side gear teeth include helical teeth.

[0056] Aspect 28. The face gear according to aspect 26 or aspect 27, wherein the locking gear teeth include dog teeth.

[0057] Preferred aspects and embodiments of this disclosure have been described, and modifications and equivalents to the disclosed concepts will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, other types of gear sets (e.g., non-helical gears) may be used with cages for unit mounting into a differential housing. Furthermore, other types of locking devices may be used with gear assemblies including cages. However, it is intended that these modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A differential assembly, comprising: case; Stator, which is rotatably fixed relative to the housing; A gear set is disposed within the housing, the gear set comprising a plurality of helical pinions that mesh with a helical surface gear, the helical surface gear including a locking gear; as well as A locking device is mounted to the housing, the locking device including a locking plate, a biasing member and a plurality of pins, the biasing member biasing the locking plate to a disengaged position relative to the locking gear, and the pins extending from the locking plate toward the stator through the housing.

2. The differential assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The stator is configured to move axially relative to the housing between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. When in the actuated position, the stator presses the locking plate against the locking gear via the pin against the biasing force of the biasing member.

3. The differential assembly of claim 1 further includes an armature configured to move axially relative to the housing between an actuated position and a non-actuated position, wherein, when positioned in the actuated position, the armature presses the locking plate against the locking gear via the pin against the biasing force of the biasing member.

4. The differential assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a cage holding the gear set.

5. The differential assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The gear set is pre-assembled at the cage before being installed in the housing.

6. The differential assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The gear set and the cage can be installed as units into the housing.

7. The differential assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The helical gear includes a locking collar that is rotatably fixed to the side gear, and the locking collar carries the locking gear.

8. A method for assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising: Multiple helical pinions are mounted to the cage; The cage and the helical pinion are inserted as units into the housing of the differential assembly.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising mounting a side gear to the cage before inserting the cage into the housing; and wherein, Inserting the cage and the helical pinion into the housing includes inserting the side gear, the helical pinion, and the cage as a unit into the housing.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising rotating the retainer to align it with the housing before inserting the retainer into the housing.

11. A differential assembly, comprising: A housing that defines an interior; An integral retainer, the integral retainer being sized to fit within the interior, the retainer extending between opposing first and second shaft ends, the retainer including a first abutment surface recessed inward from the first shaft end and a second abutment surface recessed inward from the second shaft end, the retainer defining a hole extending through the first and second abutment surfaces, the retainer further defining a plurality of first grooves extending axially inward from the first shaft end and a plurality of second grooves extending axially inward from the second shaft end; as well as Multiple helical pinions are installed in the first groove and the second groove.

12. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first groove and the second groove are radially offset relative to the hole.

13. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first groove is offset circumferentially from the second groove.

14. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The retainer includes a first stop member terminating the first groove and a second stop member terminating the second groove.

15. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first groove and the second groove extend radially outward from the cage; and wherein the first stop member and the second stop member extend radially outward from the respective first groove and second groove.

16. The differential assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first side gear and a second side gear respectively mounted on the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

17. The differential assembly of claim 16, wherein, The first side gear includes a locking gear.

18. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The cage defines a first portion of the retaining structure, and the housing defines a second portion of the retaining structure, wherein the first portion and the second portion engage with each other to hold the cage within the housing.

19. The differential assembly of claim 18, wherein, The first portion of the retaining structure includes a guide rail; and the second portion of the retaining structure defines a groove.

20. The differential assembly of claim 11, wherein, The retainer also defines a channel that extends from the hole to the outside of the retainer between the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

Images