A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates the differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a side member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator for moving the slide member to the axial direction. The slide member has a first meshable portion at one end in the axial direction, is allowed to move relative the differential mechanism, and is prevented from rotating relative to the differential mechanism. The differential case has a second meshable portion facing the first meshable portion in the axial direction. When the slide member moves toward the second meshable portion by actuation of the actuator the first meshable portion meshes with the second meshable portion so that the differential case and the slide member are coupled to prevent a relative rotation between the differential case and the slide member.

A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates the differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a side member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator for moving the slide member to the axial direction. The slide member has a first meshable portion at one end in the axial direction, is allowed to move relative the differential mechanism, and is prevented from rotating relative to the differential mechanism. The differential case has a second meshable portion facing the first meshable portion in the axial direction. When the slide member moves toward the second meshable portion by actuation of the actuator the first meshable portion meshes with the second meshable portion so that the differential case and the slide member are coupled to prevent a relative rotation between the differential case and the slide member.

A differential case includes: two supported parts so supported that a differential case is rotatable around a central axis of the differential chamber; and a flange provided between the supported parts and projecting in an outer diameter direction, and welded with a ring gear. The flange includes a bearing surface and a rounded base disposed on one side of the differential case in an axial direction. The bearing surface is in contact with a surface, of the ring gear, disposed on opposite side of a tooth surface of the ring gear, and the rounded base is coupled in a continuous fashion to the bearing surface. A rounded part that disperses stress, generated at the rounded base by gear reaction force derived from the ring gear, is provided in a region between the flange and one of the supported parts disposed on the one side.

A differential case includes: two supported parts so supported that a differential case is rotatable around a central axis of the differential chamber; and a flange provided between the supported parts and projecting in an outer diameter direction, and welded with a ring gear. The flange includes a bearing surface and a rounded base disposed on one side of the differential case in an axial direction. The bearing surface is in contact with a surface, of the ring gear, disposed on opposite side of a tooth surface of the ring gear, and the rounded base is coupled in a continuous fashion to the bearing surface. A rounded part that disperses stress, generated at the rounded base by gear reaction force derived from the ring gear, is provided in a region between the flange and one of the supported parts disposed on the one side.

An axle assembly and method of reworking an axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing and a differential carrier assembly. A central portion of the axle housing has an opening that is defined by an axle flange that has a first mating surface. The differential carrier assembly has a differential mounted on a carrier. The carrier has a carrier flange that has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is sealed to the second mating surface by seal. At least one of the first and second mating surfaces includes a groove.

An axle assembly and method of reworking an axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing and a differential carrier assembly. A central portion of the axle housing has an opening that is defined by an axle flange that has a first mating surface. The differential carrier assembly has a differential mounted on a carrier. The carrier has a carrier flange that has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is sealed to the second mating surface by seal. At least one of the first and second mating surfaces includes a groove.

A net-shaped composite plenum housing body for a differential assembly having a pump is disclosed. The plenum housing body can include a low pressure inlet and a high pressure outlet configured to receive a control valve. The plenum housing body can also define a fluid inlet channel in fluid communication with the low pressure inlet via a first internal port and can be configured to be in fluid communication with an inlet side of the pump when the plenum housing body is assembled onto the differential assembly. The plenum housing body can also define a fluid outlet channel in fluid communication with the high pressure outlet via a second internal port and can be configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet side of the pump when the plenum housing body is assembled onto the differential assembly. The plenum housing body can also be formed as a net-shape fiber reinforced plastic material including chopped fibers, for example, chopped fiberglass fibers, and an epoxy resin.

A net-shaped composite plenum housing body for a differential assembly having a pump is disclosed. The plenum housing body can include a low pressure inlet and a high pressure outlet configured to receive a control valve. The plenum housing body can also define a fluid inlet channel in fluid communication with the low pressure inlet via a first internal port and can be configured to be in fluid communication with an inlet side of the pump when the plenum housing body is assembled onto the differential assembly. The plenum housing body can also define a fluid outlet channel in fluid communication with the high pressure outlet via a second internal port and can be configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet side of the pump when the plenum housing body is assembled onto the differential assembly. The plenum housing body can also be formed as a net-shape fiber reinforced plastic material including chopped fibers, for example, chopped fiberglass fibers, and an epoxy resin.

A differentia may include a metal plate interlocking with a pinion, and at least one permanent magnet fixable to a case of the differential to generate an eddy current in the metal plate upon a relative rotation of the metal plate.

A differentia may include a metal plate interlocking with a pinion, and at least one permanent magnet fixable to a case of the differential to generate an eddy current in the metal plate upon a relative rotation of the metal plate.