A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a slide member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator for moving the slide member in the axial direction. The actuator is located outside the differential case. The slide member includes a first meshable portion and an engaging portion engaging with a pinion shaft of the differential mechanism. The differential case has a second meshable portion to mesh with the first meshable portion and a wall portion having multiple insertion holes for transmitting a moving force of the actuator to the slide member. The slide member is located between the second meshable portion and the wall portion.

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.

Systems and methods for an interaxle differential (IAD) are provided. In one example, the IAD comprises a locking assembly that includes a friction clutch, the friction clutch includes a clutch pack that comprises plurality of plates configured to engage and disengage to inhibit and permit speed differentiation between a first axle differential and a second axle differential. The IAD further includes a supply lubrication passage that comprises an inlet that receives a lubricant from an enclosure surrounding an input gear of an axle differential and a first outlet flowing the lubricant to a gear coupled to the clutch pack.

Systems and methods for an interaxle differential (IAD) are provided. In one example, the IAD comprises a locking assembly that includes a friction clutch, the friction clutch includes a clutch pack that comprises plurality of plates configured to engage and disengage to inhibit and permit speed differentiation between a first axle differential and a second axle differential. The IAD further includes a supply lubrication passage that comprises an inlet that receives a lubricant from an enclosure surrounding an input gear of an axle differential and a first outlet flowing the lubricant to a gear coupled to the clutch pack.

The present disclosure relates to a limited-slip clutch system and method. In one aspect, the limited-slip clutch actuation system can include a hydraulic pump operated by a variable speed drive wherein the pump can be configured to generate hydraulic flow in a hydraulic circuit including an actuation branch line that actuates a clutch. The circuit may also include a flow regulating valve for regulating a hydraulic fluid flow rate through the hydraulic circuit wherein the flow regulating valve can be configured to prevent the hydraulic fluid flow rate from exceeding a set maximum flow rate regardless of a magnitude of the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit. In operation, the pump speed can be controlled based on a command pressure set point and the measured pressure in the actuation branch line and to minimize operational costs by operating the pump at a transition region of the system pressure-pump speed curve.

A vehicle axle assembly including an electric motor, an electric power source, a mode shift gearset, an actuator and a differential within a housing. The motor can include a first output member. The mode shift gearset can include a second output member and a shift member. The shift member can transmit torque between the first and second output members when the shift member is in a second position. The actuator can be coupled to the shift member to move the shift member between first and second positions. The differential can include a differential case and a differential gearset. The differential case can be drivingly coupled to the second output member to receive rotary power therefrom. The differential gearset can transmit rotary power between the differential case and first and second output shafts.

A modular electronic control system for a differential is described. Such a control system can contain an actuator and sensor in the differential casing and a connection between these elements in the differential casing and a controller outside the differential. The controller can be in the form of a printed circuit board residing in a control housing attached to the differential casing. In alternative embodiments, the controller may also be more distally located in the vehicle, where the controller housing contains means for conducting electrical signals from the interior of the differential casing to the vehicle without containing a printed circuit board. The controller may also contain a thermally conductive portion for dissipating heat generated by the controller.

A modular electronic control system for a differential is described. Such a control system can contain an actuator and sensor in the differential casing and a connection between these elements in the differential casing and a controller outside the differential. The controller can be in the form of a printed circuit board residing in a control housing attached to the differential casing. In alternative embodiments, the controller may also be more distally located in the vehicle, where the controller housing contains means for conducting electrical signals from the interior of the differential casing to the vehicle without containing a printed circuit board. The controller may also contain a thermally conductive portion for dissipating heat generated by the controller.

An actuator assembly with a sensor system that is less sensitive to run-out out of moving parts. The sensing system includes a magnet holding plate, a pressure plate, a sensor target and a sensor assembly. The magnet holding plate includes an aperture defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a raised portion along the inner surface, a biasing member positioned along the inner surface in the raised portion, and a flange positioned on the outer surface. The pressure plate includes an outer surface of the pressure plate is positioned underneath the raised portion of the magnet holding plate, axially between the raised portion and the biasing member. The sensor target is attached to the flange of the magnet holding plate. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing positioned radially outward from the pressure plate and magnet holding plate.

An actuator assembly with a sensor system that is less sensitive to run-out out of moving parts. The sensing system includes a magnet holding plate, a pressure plate, a sensor target and a sensor assembly. The magnet holding plate includes an aperture defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a raised portion along the inner surface, a biasing member positioned along the inner surface in the raised portion, and a flange positioned on the outer surface. The pressure plate includes an outer surface of the pressure plate is positioned underneath the raised portion of the magnet holding plate, axially between the raised portion and the biasing member. The sensor target is attached to the flange of the magnet holding plate. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing positioned radially outward from the pressure plate and magnet holding plate.