Zexel Torsen Inc.

Mark W Damick

Patrick J Yehl

The disclosed system facilitates the flow of lubrication fluid between the planet gears and their respective housing pockets in a parallel-axis differential. A further set of pockets is formed within the differential housing for receiving and retaining lubrication fluid that is continuously supplied to the housing during vehicle operation. Holes, slots, and grooves direct the lubrication from the fluid-storage pockets to (a) the cylindrical bearing surfaces of the pockets and to (b) the interfaces between the planet-gear pockets and the end faces of their respective planet gears. The fluid-storage pockets are distributed circumferentially about the common axis of the side gears so that the rotational balance of the differential is maintained. The shape and position of the fluid-storage pockets are selected to assure that, in every relative rotational orientation of the housing, at least one of the fluid-storage pockets retains lubricating fluid during those times when the housing is not rotating, thereby assuring adequate differential lubrication upon startup.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

Mark W Damick