Locking differential assembly

• Main Authors: Hillman, Chad Robert, Frazier, Daniel Stanley, Cochren, Steven J, Vandervoort, John Kimmel
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.11.2017
• Subjects: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS INVEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OFTRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GASEXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS, IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GEARING; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A locking differential assembly includes a differential case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber. A first side gear is at a first end of the differential case. A second side gear is at a second end of the differential case opposite the first end for selectable rotation relative to the differential case. At least two pinion gears are rotatably supported in the gear chamber in meshing engagement with the first side gear and the second side gear. A solenoid is at the first end. A plunger is selectably magnetically actuatable by the solenoid. A lock ring is selectably engagable with the second side gear to selectably prevent the side gear from rotating relative to the differential case. At least two relay rods are each connected to the plunger and to the lock ring to cause the lock ring to remain a fixed predetermined distance from the plunger.