JP2013127297A - Differential device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a differential device capable of suppressing the enlargement of the device equipped with a clutch mechanism and an actuator while forming an input member into divided structure.SOLUTION: The differential device 1 includes: a differential mechanism 11 having an input member 3, a pair of output members 5, 7 and an intermediate member 9; the clutch mechanism 15 intermittently transmitting the transmission torque of the differential mechanism 11 by the operation of a clutch member 13; and the actuator 17 operating the clutch member 13. The input member 3 includes a cylindrical part 19 that can hold various members, a first end wall 23 fixed to one axial side of the cylindrical part 19, and a second end wall 25 formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical part 19. The clutch member 13 is arranged on the first end wall 23 side and engaged with the input member 3 in an integrally rotatable manner, and the output member 7 is freely connected/disconnected to/from the input member 3. The actuator 17 is arranged to axially face the first end wall 23.

Description

  The present invention relates to a differential device applied to a vehicle.

  Conventionally, as a differential device, an input member to which driving torque is input, a pair of output members that are arranged to be relatively rotatable and output driving torque input to the input member, and an input member and a pair of output members are connected. A differential mechanism that transmits driving torque input to the input member to the pair of output members via the intermediate member, and between the input member, the pair of output members, and the intermediate member. A clutch mechanism that includes the arranged clutch member, and that interrupts transmission torque between the two members by operation of the clutch member; and an actuator that operates the clutch member to at least one of the first position and the second position. Something is done (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for the purpose of reducing vehicle weight and running resistance, attention has been paid to the size of constituent members and materials used in a differential device, and the reduction in size and weight has been promoted. In a differential apparatus such as the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, the pinion as an intermediate member is made to disperse a predetermined driving torque and use a high-strength material to shift from a 2-pinion type to a 3-pinion or 4-pinion type. Miniaturization is achieved. Thereby, the occupation space of the several pinion accommodated in the differential case as an input member can be omitted, and the outer diameter of a differential case can also be reduced in size.

  However, the harmful effect of increasing the number of pinions occurred. Conventionally, in the 2-pinion type, an opening was formed in the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the differential case based on one piece, and a pinion and a pair of side gears as a pair of output members could be incorporated from this opening. In the 4-pinion type, since the pinion holding shape in the differential case is dispersed in the circumferential direction of the differential case, it is difficult to form an opening shape into which the pinion and the pair of side gears can be incorporated on the outer periphery of the differential case.

  For this reason, the differential case needs to be divided into at least two parts so that various members can be incorporated, and various structures for dividing the differential case have been proposed.

  Further, in the differential apparatus provided with the clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism includes a non-rotating member, so that it is naturally disposed outside the differential case. The differential device is housed in a carrier housing which is a non-rotating stationary member.

  For this reason, the differential device needs to be disposed in a space-saving manner without interfering with the carrier housing.

JP 2008-14419 A JP 2010-78137 A

  However, in the differential apparatus like the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, an actuator is disposed on the flange portion side of the differential case, and a divided portion of the differential case is provided on the opposite side to the flange portion. The structure of such a split part is simple and compact, but the actuator located on the inner peripheral side of the flange part of the differential case protrudes outward in the axial direction of the differential case, causing a problem of interference with the carrier housing. As a result, the mountability in the carrier housing deteriorated.

  On the other hand, in the differential apparatus like the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a split portion is provided on the flange portion side of the differential case, and an actuator is disposed on the opposite side to the flange portion. The structure on the flange side is a general divided structure that has been conventionally used. However, since the split surface of the flange part has a large diameter, machining formation is not easy, and the drive torque input to the differential case is reduced. It needs to be received by one flange part that is integrally formed with the cylindrical part and transmitted to the pinion. To input a large driving torque, it is necessary to further increase the diameter of the flange part or increase the axial thickness. There is a problem of interference with the carrier housing, and the mounting property in the carrier housing is deteriorated as in the case of Patent Document 1.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a differential apparatus that can suppress an increase in size of the apparatus, while having a structure in which an input member is divided in a differential apparatus including a clutch mechanism and an actuator.

  The present invention includes an input member to which a drive torque is input, a pair of output members that are disposed so as to be relatively rotatable and output a drive torque that is input to the input member, and the input member and the pair of output members. A differential mechanism provided with an intermediate member provided in the transmission path of the motor, and a clutch provided with a clutch member arranged such that two of the input member, the pair of output members and the intermediate member can be intermittently connected A differential device comprising a mechanism and an actuator for operating the clutch member to at least one of a first position and a second position, wherein the input member houses the pair of output members and the intermediate member A possible cylindrical portion, a first end wall that is separately provided and fixed on one axial side of the cylindrical portion, and a second integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion. With end walls The clutch member is disposed on the first end wall side, engages with the input member so as to be integrally rotatable and relatively movable in the axial direction, and inputs one of the pair of output members or the intermediate member to the input member. The actuator can be intermittently connected, and the actuator is disposed to face the first end wall in the axial direction.

  In this differential device, the input member is a cylindrical portion that can accommodate a pair of output members and an intermediate member, and is provided separately on one axial side of the cylindrical portion and fixed to the end portion side of the cylindrical portion. And a second end wall integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion.

  For this reason, various members can be accommodated in the cylindrical portion from the first end wall side provided separately from the cylindrical portion, and the divided structure of the input member can be formed simply and compactly.

  In addition, since the clutch member is disposed on the first end wall side and the actuator is disposed to face the first end wall in the axial direction, the second end wall integrally formed with the tubular portion or the tubular portion. A flange portion to which driving torque is input can be provided.

  For this reason, the cylindrical portion and the second end wall of the input member do not require the flange portion to have a large diameter or an increased thickness in the axial direction, and can interfere with the non-rotating stationary member. It can suppress, and the mounting property in a non-rotation type stationary side member can be improved.

  Therefore, in such a differential apparatus, in the differential apparatus provided with the clutch mechanism and the actuator, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the apparatus while having a structure in which the input member is divided.

  According to the present invention, in the differential apparatus including the clutch mechanism and the actuator, it is possible to provide a differential apparatus that can suppress an increase in size of the apparatus while having a structure in which the input member is divided.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a power system of a vehicle to which a differential device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is sectional drawing of the differential apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a side view of the 1st end wall of the differential apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (B) is a side view of the long volt | bolt of the fastening member of the differential apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (C) is a side view of the short volt | bolt of the fastening member of the differential apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the cylindrical part seen from the 1st end wall side of the differential apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  First, an example of a power system of a vehicle to which a differential device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle power system includes a drive source 101 such as an engine or an electric motor, a transmission 103 as a speed change mechanism, a transfer 105 having a 2-4 switching mechanism, a front wheel side propeller shaft 107, Front differential 109 that allows differential of left and right wheels on the front wheel side, front axles 111 and 113 each having a hub clutch, front wheels 115 and 117, rear wheel side propeller shaft 119, and rear wheel side left and right wheels It comprises a differential device 1 as a rear differential that allows differential, rear axles 121 and 123, rear wheels 125 and 127, and the like.

  In the vehicle power system configured as described above, the driving force of the driving source 101 is transmitted to the transfer 105 via the transmission 103. The driving force transmitted to the transfer 105 is always transmitted to the differential device 1 via the rear wheel side propeller shaft 119. The driving force transmitted to the differential device 1 is distributed to the rear wheels 125 and 127 via the rear axles 121 and 123.

  Further, when the 2-4 switching mechanism of the transfer 105 selects the four-wheel drive, the driving force transmitted to the transfer 105 is transmitted to the front differential 109 via the front wheel side propeller shaft 107. The driving force transmitted to the front differential 109 is distributed to the front wheels 115 and 117 from the hub clutch locked via the front axles 111 and 113, and the vehicle enters a four-wheel drive state of front and rear wheel drive. Further, when the 2-4 switching mechanism selects the two-wheel drive and when the hub clutch is released, the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state of the rear wheel drive.

  The differential device 1 applied to such a vehicle is equipped with a clutch mechanism 15 that allows or restricts the differential of the differential mechanism 11, and this clutch mechanism 15 is intermittently operated by an actuator 17. When the clutch mechanism 15 is brought into a connected state by the actuator 17, a differential state of the differential mechanism 11 is locked. Such a differential apparatus 1 is a differential apparatus having a so-called differential lock function. Hereinafter, the differential apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The differential device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a differential case 3 as an input member to which driving torque is input, and a side gear 5 as a pair of output members that are disposed so as to be relatively rotatable and output the driving torque input to the differential case 3. , 7 and a pinion 9 as an intermediate member provided in a transmission path between the differential case 3 and the pair of side gears 5, 7, and the drive torque input to the differential case 3 is transmitted via the pinion 9 to the pair of side gears 5. , 7, and a clutch member 13 that can be intermittently disposed between the differential case 3 and the side gear 7, and the transmission torque between the differential case 3 and the side gear 7 is interrupted by the operation of the clutch member 13. The clutch mechanism 15 and the clutch member 13 are operated to at least one of the first position and the second position. And an actuator 17.

  The differential case 3 includes a cylindrical portion 19 that can accommodate the pair of side gears 5 and 7 and the pinion 9, and is provided separately on one axial direction side of the cylindrical portion 19. The axial direction of the cylindrical portion 19 It has the 1st end wall 23 fixed integrally by the fastening member 21 at one side end, and the 2nd end wall 25 integrally formed in the axial direction other side of the cylindrical part 19. FIG. That is, the fixing portion 20 formed so as to integrally couple the tubular portion 19 and the first end wall 23 is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch member 13.

  The clutch member 13 is disposed on the first end wall 23 side, engages with the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3 so as to be integrally rotatable and relatively movable in the axial direction, and engages the side gear 7 with respect to the differential case 3. Can be interrupted.

  Further, the actuator 17 is disposed to face the first end wall 23 in the axial direction.

  In addition, an annular flange portion 27 protruding toward the outer diameter side is integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion 19.

  Further, the fastening member 21 that integrally fixes the first end wall 23 to the tubular portion 19 is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch member 13.

  Further, the first end wall 23 is provided with a recess 29 that is located between the tubular portion 19 and the actuator 17 and accommodates the fastening member 21.

  Furthermore, the actuator 17 has an electromagnet 31, and the first end wall 23 forms a transmission path for lines of magnetic force when the electromagnet 31 is excited.

  Further, a gap 30 is provided between the fastening member 21 and the actuator 17 in the axial direction, and an interlocking member 33 that is integrally connected to the clutch member 13 and can take out the operation of the clutch member 13 outside the differential case 3 is disposed. Has been. In the embodiment, the gap 30 is formed in the space of the recess 29, but each may be formed at a different circumferential position.

  Furthermore, the fastening member 21 is a plurality of bolts that can fasten the first end wall 23 with respect to the tubular portion 19, and the plurality of bolts are equally arranged in the circumferential direction with a plurality of units as one set. Has been.

  In addition, the plurality of bolts have a plurality of types having different shaft lengths for reasons described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the differential device 1 includes a differential mechanism 11, a clutch mechanism 15, and an actuator 17. The differential mechanism 11 includes a differential case 3, a pinion shaft 35, a pinion 9, and a pair of side gears 5 and 7.

  The differential case 3 is rotatably supported by a non-rotating stationary member such as the carrier housing 41 via bearings (not shown) at boss portions 37 and 39 formed on both sides in the axial direction. A first end wall 23 and a second end wall 25 are provided.

  The cylindrical portion 19 accommodates the pinion 9, a pair of side gears 5, 7 and the like inside. The clutch member 13 is engaged with the first end wall 23 and accommodates the clutch member 13 within the axial thickness range. However, the clutch member 13 is partially in the cylindrical portion 19. It may be accommodated. On the one side in the axial direction of the tubular portion 19, an opening 43 for accommodating various members is provided. The opening 43 is closed by the first end wall 23 after accommodating the various members. The

  The first end wall 23 is made of a magnetic material that transmits a line of magnetic force generated by excitation of the electromagnet 31, and a boss portion 39 extends outward in the axial direction. A plurality (three in this case) of recesses 29 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer diameter side of the first end wall 23. A fastening member 21 that fixes the first end wall 23 to the tubular portion 19 is disposed in the recess 29.

  The fastening member 21 is a plurality of bolts that can fasten the first end wall 23 to one axial end of the cylindrical portion 19. The plurality of bolts are a set of a plurality of (in this case, three) units and are equally arranged in the recesses 29 provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of bolts includes a long bolt 21a and a short bolt 21b having different shaft lengths. The long bolt 21a is used in a portion where there is no interference with the pinion shaft 35 when the cylindrical portion 19 is inserted, and the short bolt 21b is a portion where there is an interference with the pinion shaft 35 when the cylindrical portion 19 is inserted. The shaft length is set so as not to interfere with the pinion shaft 35. Further, the fastening member 21 of the portion (here, the central portion) where the interlocking member 33 fixed to the clutch member 13 is located is arranged on the inner side in the axial direction than the portion to which the other fastening member 21 is fastened. A gap 30 for arranging the interlocking member 33 is provided in the axial direction.

  Such a fastening member 21 is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch member 13, and fixes the first end wall 23 to one axial end of the cylindrical portion 19 without interfering with the operation of the clutch member 13. . A second end wall 25 is provided on the opposite side in the axial direction of the tubular portion 19 to which the fastening member 21 is fastened.

  The second end wall 25 is formed as one member continuous with the tubular portion 19 on the other axial side of the tubular portion 19, and a boss portion 37 is extended outward in the axial direction. An annular flange 27 to which a ring gear (not shown) is fixed by fixing means such as bolt fastening or welding is integrally formed on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 19 where the second end wall 25 is located. Yes. The ring gear meshes with a power transmission gear (not shown) that transmits a driving force, and the driving force is transmitted to drive the differential case 3 to rotate. Thus, by not providing the division part of the differential case 3 in the flange part 27, the intensity | strength and rigidity of the flange part 27 can fully be hold | maintained. Further, it is possible to suppress the flange portion 27 from protruding from the arrangement area of the carrier housing 41 adjacent to the hatched portion indicated by the reference numeral 28.

  The cylindrical portion 19 of the differential case 3 accommodates a pinion shaft 35, a pinion 9, and a pair of side gears 5 and 7. The pinion shaft 35 is engaged with the differential case 3 at its end and is prevented from coming off by a pin 45, and is rotationally driven integrally with the differential case 3. The pin 45 where the fastening member 21 is located is prevented from coming off from the differential case 3 by the front end surface of the short bolt 21b. A pinion 9 is supported on the pinion shaft 35.

  The pinion 9 is a 4-pinion type in which four pinions 9 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the differential case 3, and are supported by the pinion shaft 35 and revolved by the rotation of the differential case 3. A spherical washer 47 is disposed between the back side of the pinion 9 and the cylindrical portion 19 of the differential case 3 to receive radial movement that occurs when the pinion 9 revolves. The pinion 9 is rotatably supported by the pinion shaft 35 so as to transmit a driving force to the pair of side gears 5 and 7 and to rotate when a differential rotation occurs between the pair of side gears 5 and 7 engaged with each other. Yes.

  The pair of side gears 5 and 7 are supported by the differential case 3 so as to be relatively rotatable by the boss portions 49 and 51, and mesh with the pinion 9. In addition, thrust washers 53 and 55 are disposed between the side gears 5 and 7 and the differential case 3 to receive the movement of the side gears 5 and 7 in the axial direction due to the meshing reaction force with the pinion 9. The pair of side gears 5 and 7 are provided with spline-shaped connecting portions 57 and 59 on the inner peripheral side, and a drive shaft (not shown) connected to the output side member is connected to the side gears 5 and 7 so as to be integrally rotatable. Then, the driving force input to the differential case 3 is output to the output side member.

  The differential case 3 of the differential mechanism 11 accommodates a clutch mechanism 15 that is intermittently connected so as to allow or restrict direct power transmission between the differential case 3 and the side gear 7, specifically, differential of the differential mechanism 11. When the clutch mechanism 15 is connected, the differential case 3 and the side gear 7 are connected, and the differential of the differential mechanism 11 is locked. In this state, the driving force input to the differential case 3 is evenly output to the pair of side gears 5 and 7.

  The clutch mechanism 15 includes a clutch member 13 and an intermittent portion 61. The clutch member 13 includes a base 63, an engagement convex portion 65, and meshing teeth 67. The base portion 63 is formed in an annular shape, and is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the boss portion 51 of the side gear 7 so as to be axially movable between the back side of the side gear 7 and the axial direction of the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3. . Further, the outer peripheral surface of the base 63 is supported in the radial direction with respect to the inner peripheral support surface of the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3, and the clutch member 13 is centered. Between the axial direction of the base 63 and the back surface of the side gear 7, an annular return spring 69 of a leaf spring or a web spring that biases the clutch member 13 in the connection release direction of the intermittent portion 61 is disposed. An engagement convex portion 65 is provided on the first end wall 23 side of the differential case 3 of the base portion 63.

  A plurality (three in this case) of engagement convex portions 65 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction as one member continuous with the base portion 63 on the side surface of the base portion 63. Note that the base 63 and the engaging protrusion 65 may be formed separately and fixed integrally. Further, the engaging convex portion 65 may be engaged with a concave portion formed at a plurality of locations on the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 63 and formed on the first end wall. The engagement convex portion 65 of the embodiment is engaged with a plurality of (three in this case) engagement window portions 71 provided so as to open between the rotation directions of the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3 to be a clutch member. 13 is secured to the differential case 3 and is disposed so as to be rotatable integrally with the differential case 3.

  A cam surface having the same inclination is formed on the circumferentially opposing surfaces of the engagement convex portion 65 and the engagement window portion 71. For this reason, when the clutch member 13 is moved in the connecting direction of the intermittence portion 61, the cam surface is engaged by the rotation of the differential case 3, thereby further moving the clutch member 13 in the meshing direction of the intermittence portion 61. The connection of the part 61 is strengthened.

  A plurality of meshing teeth 67 are provided on the side surface of the base 63 on the opposite side across the base 63 of the engagement convex portion 65 in the axial direction, and the back surface of the side gear 7 facing the meshing teeth 67 in the axial direction. On the side, a plurality of meshing teeth 73 are provided, and the meshing teeth 67 and 73 constitute an intermittent portion 61.

  The intermeshing portion 61 is provided between the clutch member 13 and the back side of the side gear 7, and a plurality of meshing teeth 67 and 73 are formed on the clutch member 13 and the back side of the side gear 7 in the circumferential direction and mesh with each other. It has become. When the intermittent portion 61 is engaged with each other, the clutch member 13 and the side gear 7 are connected so as to be integrally rotatable, that is, the differential case 3 and the side gear 7 are connected so as to be integrally rotatable, and the differential of the differential mechanism 11 is locked. . Such an intermittent portion 61 is intermittently operated in a controllable manner by the actuator 17 that moves the clutch member 13.

  The actuator 17 includes an electromagnet 31, a movable member 75, and a first end wall 23. The electromagnet 31 is disposed adjacent to the first end wall 23 in the axial direction on the outer peripheral side of the boss portion 39 of the differential case 3, and includes an electromagnetic coil 77 and a core 79.

  The electromagnetic coil 77 is annularly wound with a predetermined number of turns and molded with resin. The electromagnetic coil 77 is connected to a lead wire 83 that is drawn to the outside and connected to a controller (not shown) via a connector 81, and energization is controlled by the connector controller. A core 79 is disposed around the electromagnetic coil 77.

  The core 79 is made of a magnetic material so that a magnetic field is formed when the electromagnetic coil 77 is energized, and has a predetermined magnetic path cross-sectional area. The core 79 covers the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the electromagnetic coil 77 and the end surface on one side in the axial direction located on the opposite side of the first end wall 23 of the electromagnetic coil 77. Further, the axially outer end face of the core 79 is positioned outward in the axial direction by a fixing member 85 fixed to the outer periphery of the boss portion 39 of the differential case 3. The core 79 is provided with an anti-rotation portion 80 that engages with the carrier housing 41 and prevents the electromagnet 31 from rotating in the rotational direction. Further, on the outer diameter side of the core 79, an extending portion 87 extending in the axial direction from the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3 is disposed with a sliding contact surface set so that magnetic flux can be transmitted. . A movable member 75 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the electromagnet 31.

  The movable member 75 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the electromagnet 31 so as to be axially movable on the outer periphery of the boss portion 39 of the differential case 3, and includes an annular plunger 89 and a ring member 91. The plunger 89 is made of a magnetic material, and is disposed on the inner diameter side of the electromagnet 31 with an air gap that is a minute gap set so as to allow magnetic flux to pass therethrough. A ring member 91 is integrally fixed to the inner periphery of the plunger 89.

  The ring member 91 is made of a non-magnetic material and prevents magnetic flux from leaking from the inner peripheral side of the plunger 89 to the differential case 3 side. Further, the ring member 91 is disposed on the outer periphery of the boss portion 39 of the differential case 3 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The ring member 91 has an axial direction or the like so as to abut against an axially facing surface of the engagement member 65 of the clutch member 13 in the engagement window portion 71 of the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3. A pressing portion 93 provided in a convex shape on the side is provided. The pressing portion 93 transmits an axial movement operating force by the movable member 75 operated by the electromagnet 31 to the clutch member 13, and presses the clutch member 13 in the connecting direction of the intermittent portion 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sliding contact surface between the core 79 and the extending portion 87 is used to keep the axial relative position between the electromagnet 31 and the first end wall 23 unchanged. However, the electromagnet 31 may change the axial relative position with respect to the first end wall 23 to press the clutch member 13. In this case, a portion that penetrates the engagement window portion 71 such as the engagement convex portion 65 in the axial direction may be formed separately, and a friction suppressing member such as a needle bearing or a thrust washer may be disposed in the relative rotation portion.

  By detecting the operating position of the clutch member 13 that is moved by such a movable member 75, the state of the intermittent portion 61 can be detected. Specifically, the clutch member 13 is axially moved by the movable member 75 between the connection position of the intermittence portion 61 that is the first position and the connection release position of the intermittence portion 61 that is the second position. By detecting the operating position of the clutch member 13, the state of the intermittent portion 61 can be detected, and the state of the differential device 1 can be detected. The operating position of the clutch member 13 is detected by the interlocking member 33 and a position switch 95 that detects the energized state by ON-OFF.

  The interlocking member 33 has an L-shaped cross section in the radial direction, and one end side is fixed to the end surface of the engagement convex portion 65 of the clutch member 13 by a fixing means such as a screw. The interlocking member 33 is disposed in a gap 30 formed between the fastening member 21 and the electromagnet 31 in the axial direction, and is axially moved integrally with the clutch member 13 in conjunction with the axial movement of the clutch member 13. The other end side of the interlocking member 33 forms an annular portion 34, and a position switch 95 is disposed facing the axial direction.

  The position switch 95 is fixed to the carrier housing 41, and the contact portion 97 is in contact with the annular portion 34 on the other end side of the interlocking member 33. The contact portion 97 is turned on and off by the axial movement of the interlocking member 33. The operating position of the clutch member 13 can be detected from the state of the contact point 97 of the position switch 95, and the state of the differential device 1 can be detected.

  In the differential device 1 configured as described above, by effectively using the shortest magnetic flux loop formed by the magnetic flux that passes through the core 79, the plunger 89, and the first end wall 23 of the differential case 3 by excitation of the electromagnet 31, The plunger 89 is moved to the clutch member 13 side, and the ring member 91 presses the clutch member 13 via the pressing portion 93. By the pressing operation of the clutch member 13 by the movable member 75, the clutch member 13 is moved in the connecting direction of the intermittent portion 61 against the urging force of the return spring 69, and the intermittent portion 61 is connected. By the connection of the intermittent portion 61, the side gear 7 and the clutch member 13 are connected so as to be integrally rotatable, the side gear 7 and the differential case 3 are connected, and the differential mechanism 11 is locked.

  Further, in the disconnection of the interrupting portion 61, by stopping energization to the electromagnet 31, the clutch member 13 is moved in the disconnecting direction of the interrupting portion 61 by the urging force of the return spring 69, and the connection of the interrupting portion 61 is released. Is done. By releasing the connection of the intermittent portion 61, the side gear 7 and the clutch member 13 can be rotated relative to each other, the side gear 7 and the differential case 3 can be rotated relative to each other, and the locked state of the differential mechanism 11 is released. The actuating function is performed.

  In such a differential device 1, the differential case 3 has a cylindrical part 19 that can accommodate the pair of side gears 5, 7 and the pinion 9, and a fastening member 21 that is provided separately on one axial side of the cylindrical part 19. The first end wall 23 is integrally fixed to one end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 19 and the second end wall 25 is integrally formed on the other axial end side of the cylindrical portion 19. Yes.

  For this reason, various members can be accommodated in the cylindrical part 19 from the side of the first end wall 23 provided separately from the cylindrical part 19, and the divided structure of the differential case 3 can be formed simply and compactly.

  In addition, since the clutch member 13 is disposed on the first end wall 23 side and the actuator 17 is disposed opposite to the first end wall 23 in the axial direction, the cylindrical portion 19 or the tube that does not have a split portion. A flange portion 27 to which driving torque is input can be provided on the second end wall 25 integrally formed with the shape portion 19.

  For this reason, since the cylindrical part 19 and the 2nd end wall 25 of the differential case 3 do not have a division | segmentation part, the flange part 27 needs extra diameter enlargement or thickness increase of an axial direction thickness. Therefore, the interference with the carrier housing 41 can be suppressed, and the mounting property in the carrier housing 41 can be improved.

  Therefore, in such a differential apparatus 1, in the differential apparatus provided with the clutch mechanism 15 and the actuator 17, an increase in the size of the apparatus can be suppressed while the differential case 3 has a divided structure.

  Further, an annular flange portion 27 protruding toward the outer diameter side is integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion 19, so that the flange portion is formed on the second end wall 25 side that does not have a divided portion. 27 is positioned, and the fixing means of the ring gear is not limited to the bolt, and various fixing means such as welding can be applied.

  Furthermore, the fastening member 21 that integrally fixes the first end wall 23 to the tubular portion 19 is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch member 13, so that the fastening member 21 interferes with the operation of the clutch member 13. Without this, the intermittent characteristics of the clutch mechanism 15 can be stabilized.

  Further, since the first end wall 23 is provided with a recess 29 that is located between the tubular portion 19 and the actuator 17 and accommodates the fastening member 21, the fastening member 21 interferes with the actuator 17. There is no influence on the arrangement of the actuator 17. In addition, the fastening member 21 does not protrude in the axial direction of the differential case 3, and an increase in the size of the differential device 1 can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, since the first end wall 23 forms a transmission path for lines of magnetic force when the electromagnet 31 is excited, the first end wall 23 transmits the magnetic flux to the first end wall 23 disposed adjacent to the electromagnet 31, so that the shortest The clutch member 13 can be operated by the magnetic flux loop, and the operation responsiveness of the clutch member 13 can be improved.

  Further, a gap is provided between the fastening member 21 and the actuator 17 in the axial direction, and an interlocking member 33 that is integrally connected to the clutch member 13 and can take out the operation of the clutch member 13 outside the differential case 3 is disposed. Therefore, it is possible to detect the accurate operating position of the clutch member 13 while suppressing the axial size of the differential device 1 from being increased, and to accurately detect the state of the differential device 1.

  Furthermore, the fastening member 21 is a plurality of bolts that can fasten the first end wall 23 with respect to the tubular portion 19, and the plurality of bolts are equally arranged in the circumferential direction with a plurality of units as one set. Therefore, the influence on the rotation balance of the differential case 3 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the plurality of bolts have a plurality of types having different axial lengths, for example, the fixing between the cylindrical portion 19 and the first end wall 23 is reinforced by the long bolt 21a, and the pinion is formed by the short bolt 21b. While preventing interference with other members such as the shaft 35, as another function, the bolt 45 can be properly used for various purposes such as preventing the pin 45 from coming off.

  In the differential device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator, but is not limited thereto, a hydraulic cylinder / piston mechanism, a motor / gear / cam mechanism, a motor / gear / screw mechanism, Various actuators such as a motor / shift rod mechanism and an air diaphragm can be used.

  In the differential device, the input member is a differential case and the intermediate member is a pinion, and the clutch mechanism is a differential device having a differential lock function for intermittently connecting the differential mechanism. It may be another conceivable differential device such as a so-called free running differential device in which a member is an inner case and a clutch mechanism intermittently transmits power between the outer case and the inner case. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an axle disconnect or the like in which one output member of a pair of output members is divided into two members.

  Moreover, the fastening member which consists of a some volt | bolt was used for the 1st end wall couple | bonded with the axial direction one side end of a cylindrical part as a fixing means. However, as another fixing means, the cylindrical portion and the first end wall can be directly screw-fastened without using a plurality of bolts, and the cylindrical portion and the first end wall can be connected to each other. It is also possible to weld. Although other illustrations are omitted, the fixing means can be appropriately changed in design. In any case, it is preferable for the purpose of the present invention that the fixing portion that couples the cylindrical portion and the first end wall is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch member.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Differential apparatus 3 ... Differential case (input member)
5, 7 ... Side gear (output member)
9 ... Pinion (intermediate member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Differential mechanism 13 ... Clutch member 15 ... Clutch mechanism 17 ... Actuator 19 ... Cylindrical part 20 ... Fixed part 21 ... Fastening member 23 ... 1st end wall 25 ... 2nd end wall 27 ... Flange part 29 ... Recessed part 31 ... Electromagnet 33 ... Interlocking member

Claims (8)

An input member to which driving torque is input, a pair of output members that are arranged to be relatively rotatable and output driving torque input to the input member, and a power transmission path between the input member and the pair of output members A differential mechanism provided with an intermediate member provided on the clutch, and a clutch mechanism provided with a clutch member arranged to be able to intermittently connect between two members of the input member, the pair of output members, and the intermediate member; A differential device comprising an actuator for operating the clutch member in at least one of a first position and a second position;
The input member includes a cylindrical portion that can accommodate the pair of output members and the intermediate member, and a first end wall that is separately provided and fixed on one axial direction side of the cylindrical portion, A second end wall integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion,
The clutch member is disposed on the first end wall side, is engaged with the input member so as to be integrally rotatable and relatively movable in the axial direction, and one of the pair of output members or the intermediate member is connected to the input member. Can be intermittent
The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposed to face the first end wall in the axial direction. The differential device according to claim 1,
An annular flange portion projecting to the outer diameter side is integrally formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion. A differential device according to claim 1 or 2,
The differential device according to claim 1, wherein a fixing portion between the cylindrical portion and the first end wall is disposed on an outer diameter side of the clutch member. A differential device according to claim 3, wherein
The fixing portion includes a fastening member that integrally couples the cylindrical portion and the first end wall;
The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the first end wall is provided with a recess that is positioned between the cylindrical portion and the actuator and that accommodates the fastening member. A differential device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes an electromagnet, and the first end wall forms a transmission path for lines of magnetic force when the electromagnet is excited. A differential device according to claim 4 or 5,
A gap is provided between the fastening member and the actuator in the axial direction, and an interlocking member that is integrally connected to the clutch member and can take out the operation of the clutch member is disposed outside the input member. A differential device characterized by A differential device according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The fastening member is a plurality of bolts that can fasten the first end wall together with the cylindrical portion, and the plurality of bolts are equally arranged in the circumferential direction with a plurality of units as a set. A differential device. The differential device according to claim 7, comprising:
The plurality of bolts have a plurality of types having different shaft lengths.

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