Gkn Automotive Gmbh

Gkn Driveline International Gmbh

Gkn Viscodrive Gmbh

Bernd Constantin

Werner Krude

Colin Zaers

Ralf Leuschen

A differential assembly is described, in the form of a crown differential for use in a driveline of a motor vehicle. The differential assembly comprises a one-piece differential carrier which is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation and, in a casing portion, comprises no more than two identical openings for mounting sideshaft gears rotatably held in the differential carrier on the axis of rotation, as well as differential gears, which rotate jointly with the differential carrier around the axis of rotation and engage the teeth of the sideshaft gears. With reference to a longitudinal central plane, the openings are arranged so as to be mirror-symmetrical and comprise an axial length corresponding at least to the diameter of the differential gears, and a greatest circumferential extension which, in a radial view, corresponds at least to the diameter of the sideshaft gears.

Differential assembly with assembly openings

A crown gear assembly including a crown gear which is rotatably supported around a first axis (A) and which forms teeth () which are provided with flanks () whose mantle lines extend substantially radially relative to the axis (A), as well as a pinion () which is rotatably supported around a second axis (A) extending perpendicularly relative to the first axis (A), and which forms teeth () which are provided with flanks whose mantle lines extend substantially parallel relative to the axis (A), wherein, on the radial outside of the teeth () of the crown gear, the pinion () is provided with a collar () which is adapted to contact a circumferential face of the crown gear ().

Axially securing gearwheels in crown gear angle drives on one side

A coupling assembly has a friction coupling with friction plates alternately connected to respective ones of first and second coaxial parts which are rotatable relative to one another. A hydraulic actuating device for actuating the friction coupling has an annular chamber formed in one of the first and second parts. The annular chamber is defined by an axially movable piston which acts on the friction plates and containing a conveyor member for effecting fluid shear. The conveying member is connected to the other of the first and second parts. The annular chamber receives a highly viscous fluid, such that a pressure build up is generated to increase torque transmission between the first and second parts. The annular chamber is connected to a compensating chamber with a variable volume force for the highly viscous fluid. The compensating chamber is formed by an axially open annular groove and an axially movable annular element sealing said annular groove. The annular element includes a plate-spring-like conical end wall and annular sealing elements adjoining the plate-spring-like conical end wall.

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Düsseldorf, Germany

Bernd Constantin