Granted Patent B2

US 8,430,780 · App. 12/220,028 · Granted Apr 30, 2013

Abstract

Claims (16)

1. A support structure for a differential assembly comprising:

a support ring having a peripheral wall extending between a first face and a second face, the support ring having a non-hollow body;

a bore in the peripheral wall sized and shaped to receive a pinion shaft;

a first aperture in the first face and a second aperture in the second face, the second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture; and

wherein the first face is recessed into the support ring.

2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the support ring is machined from a non-hollow material.

3. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the support ring is die cast.

4. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the first aperture is smaller in size than the bore.

5. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the bore is circular and extends a predetermined distance toward the center of the support ring.

6. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the bore terminates into the non-hollow body of the support ring.

7. A differential housing assembly comprising:

a pinion shaft;

a support ring having an outer wall and a non-hollow body, the support ring having a bore formed in the outer wall for receiving at least a portion of the pinion shaft, wherein the support ring has a first aperture and second aperture in fluid communication with the bore; and

wherein the bore extends toward the center of the support ring and terminates within the non-hollow body of the support ring.

8. The differential housing assembly of claim 7 further comprising:

one or more pinion gears attached to the pinion shafts.

Assignments (21)