JP2007071223A - Differential device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To position an output shaft with a C-shaped clip without miniaturizing an actuator. <P>SOLUTION: The differential device stored in a carrier 3 includes a differential case 19, a pinion 5, a differential mechanism 15 including a pinion 5 and side gears 11 and 13 relatively and rotatably connected with the pinion 5, and a differential limit device 17 of the differential mechanism 15. The differential limit device 17 includes an electromagnetic actuator 29. A ring gear 21 which a drive torque enters is fixed on a flange 23 of the differential case 19. The electromagnetic actuator 29 includes an electromagnetic coil 25 and a plunger 27. The electromagnetic coil 25 is arranged at a ring gear 21 side, and is supported by the carrier 3. The differential case 19 constitutes a part of a magnetic path of the electromagnetic coil 25. The plunger 27 is supported by the differential case 19. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a differential apparatus.

The differential device described in Patent Document 1 includes a differential case, a bevel gear type differential mechanism coupled to the differential case, a differential limiting mechanism, and an actuator that operates the differential limiting mechanism. The drive mechanism is composed of a side gear connected to the output shaft, a pinion gear meshed with the side gear, and a pinion shaft supported by the differential case and supporting the pinion gear. The ring gear to be input is fixed.
JP 2004-100924 A

  In the differential device configured as described above, when the output shaft is positioned on the side gear of the differential mechanism using a C-clip (C-shaped retaining ring), the pinion shaft is extracted before the positioning (outward in the radial direction). In this case, the ring gear fixed to the differential case and the tip of the pinion shaft may interfere with each other.

  In such a case, arrange the actuator on the ring gear side and move the position of the differential mechanism (pinion shaft) away from the ring gear (by offsetting the center of the differential device and the center of the differential mechanism) and the ring gear and pinion. Prevents shaft interference.

  However, if the actuator is disposed on the ring gear side, the bearing that supports the differential case and the actuator may interfere with each other, and the number of models (differential devices) on which the actuator can be mounted is limited accordingly.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a differential device that enables positioning of an output shaft by a C clip.

  The differential apparatus according to claim 1 is an input member that is housed in a carrier and is rotatable by an input driving torque; a differential member to which the driving torque from the input member is transmitted; and a torque transmission unit that receives and transmits the driving torque. A first and second output member coupled to the differential member via a differential member, the differential mechanism being coaxially rotatable with the input member; and limiting the differential rotation of the differential mechanism The differential limiting device includes an actuator that controls differential limiting of the differential mechanism, the input member includes a differential case that houses the differential mechanism, and the differential case is A ring gear to which driving torque from the engine is input is fixed, and the actuator is operated to move in the axial direction by the electromagnetic coil and the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is disposed on the ring gear side so as not to move relative to the differential case in the axial direction, and the differential case is a magnet of the electromagnetic coil. It constitutes a part of a path, and the plunger is supported by the differential case.

  The differential apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the differential member includes an input member that is rotatable by an input drive torque; a differential member that transmits the drive torque from the input member; and a torque transmission unit that transmits and receives the drive torque. A differential mechanism including first and second output members coupled to the member so as to be relatively rotatable; and a differential mechanism that is coaxially rotatable with the input member; and a differential limiting device that limits differential rotation of the differential mechanism; The differential limiting device includes a differential limiting mechanism that limits differential rotation of the differential mechanism, and an actuator that operates the differential limiting mechanism, and the differential limiting mechanism The actuator unit is disposed on the opposite side of the axial direction with respect to the axial center of the differential mechanism, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the operating force of the actuator unit to the differential limiting mechanism unit is provided. The And butterflies.

  The differential device according to claim 3 includes the input member rotatable by input driving torque; the differential member to which the driving torque from the input member is transmitted; and the torque transmission unit that transmits and receives the driving torque. A differential mechanism including first and second output members coupled to the moving member so as to be relatively rotatable; and a differential mechanism that is coaxially rotatable with the input member; and a differential limiting device that limits differential rotation of the differential mechanism The differential limiting device includes an actuator that controls differential limiting of the differential mechanism, the input member includes a differential case that houses the differential mechanism, and the differential case is driven from an engine. Including a flange to which a ring gear for inputting torque is fixed, and the differential member is supported on a support shaft, and the support shaft is moved radially by the differential case at an outer end portion thereof. While being supported by the ability, characterized in that it is detachably supported by a supporting member of the inner end portion disposed on the rotational center side of the differential case.

  A differential apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the differential limiting mechanism is connected to at least one of the output members so as to be integrally rotatable. Of the differential limiting mechanism is provided between at least one of the output members and the first member. A cam mechanism for strengthening the limiting force is provided.

  In the differential device according to the first aspect, the differential actuator is used as a part of the magnetic path of the electromagnetic coil, and the plunger is supported by the differential case, so that the electromagnetic actuator is reduced in size accordingly.

  Therefore, even if the electromagnetic actuator is arranged on the ring gear side, it does not interfere with the bearing, the restriction of the mounted model (differential device) is suppressed, and the positioning of the output shaft by the C clip (C washer) (pinion shaft) With a radially outward movement of).

  In the differential device of claim 2, the differential limiting mechanism portion and the actuator portion constituting the differential limiting device are separated from each other, and these are arranged on the opposite side of the axial direction with respect to the axial center of the differential mechanism. Thus, the actuator portion is reduced in size by separating the differential limiting mechanism portion.

  Therefore, even if the actuator portion is arranged on the ring gear side, it does not interfere with the bearing, the restriction of the mounted model (differential device) is suppressed, and the positioning of the output shaft by the C clip (the radially outer side of the pinion shaft) (With movement) is kept possible.

  In addition, with the downsizing of the actuator unit, the offset between the differential mechanism and the differential unit is no longer necessary, or the offset amount is minimal, which reduces the compatibility of the output shaft and carrier. Can be kept to a minimum.

  4. The differential device according to claim 3, wherein the pinion shaft (support shaft) that supports the pinion (differential member) is supported by a differential case (input member) so that the outer end thereof is movable in the radial direction, and the inner end is supported by the differential case. Since the support member is detachably supported by the support member disposed on the rotation center side, the support member is removed, and the pinion shaft is moved to the outside in the radial direction as much as necessary. ) With a C-clip.

  Furthermore, since the support member can be removed, a sufficient space is obtained at the rotation center of the differential case, and the output shaft can be moved in the axial direction to the position positioned by the C clip. When positioning the pinion shaft, it is not necessary to move the pinion shaft greatly outward in the radial direction. For example, even if the pinion shaft is arranged radially inward of the ring gear, interference between the ring gear fixed to the differential case and the pinion shaft Is avoided.

  Therefore, in the differential device of claim 3, there is no need to offset the differential mechanism and the differential device for the purpose of avoiding interference between the ring gear and the pinion shaft, and even when the actuator is arranged on the ring gear side, Problems associated with the offset between the differential mechanism and the differential device, such as the limitation of the mounted model (differential device) due to interference with the bearing and the reduction in compatibility between the output shaft and the carrier, are essentially avoided.

  The differential device according to claim 4 is provided with a cam mechanism for strengthening the differential limiting force of the differential limiting mechanism, so that the burden on the actuator and its driving force source is reduced, and the cam mechanism is connected to the side gear (output). Unlike the configuration in which the cam mechanism is directly provided on the differential case, the differential case needs to have high hardness, because it is provided between the first member on the member) side and the second member on the differential case (input member) side. Thus, it is possible to manufacture by using an inexpensive material that is easy to process and is freed from the limitations on the processing method and materials used, and for example, it can be manufactured with high productivity and low cost by forging.

<One Embodiment>
A rear differential 1 (one embodiment of the present invention) as a differential device will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the left and right directions are the four-wheel drive vehicle using the rear differential 1 and the left and right directions in FIG.

[Features of rear differential 1]
The rear differential 1 is housed in a carrier 3 and includes an input member that can be rotated by an input driving torque; a rotatable pinion 5 (differential member); and meshing portions 7 and 9 (torque transmitting portions) that transmit and receive the driving torque. And a first and second side gears 11 and 13 (output members) engaged with the pinion 5 (coupled so as to be relatively rotatable), and a differential mechanism 15 (bevel gear type) that can rotate coaxially with the input member. And a differential limiting device 17 that limits the differential rotation of the differential mechanism 15, and the differential limiting device 17 includes an actuator that controls the differential limitation of the differential mechanism 15, and the input member includes a differential The differential case 19 includes a flange 23 to which a ring gear 21 to which a driving torque from the engine is input is fixed. An annular coil 22 located on the outer peripheral side of the boss portion 31 of the case 19 and a coil housing 71 that annularly covers the outer peripheral side of the coil 22, one side wall in the axial direction, and a part of the inner peripheral side. When a current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 25 and the coil 22 of the electromagnetic solenoid 25, the magnetic force acts on the magnetic field line loop 24 that passes through the coil housing 71 around the coil, the annular plunger 27, and the side wall 20 of the differential case 19. An electromagnetic actuator 29 including a plunger 27 that receives a moving operation force in the axial direction. The electromagnetic solenoid 25 is disposed on the ring gear 21 side and is supported by the carrier 3, the side wall 20 of the differential case 19 constitutes a part of the magnetic path of the electromagnetic solenoid 25, and the plunger 27 is the boss portion 31 of the differential case 19. It is supported on the outer periphery.

  In the above four-wheel drive vehicle, when driving with four wheels, the driving force of the engine is transmitted from the rear wheel side propeller shaft to the rear differential 1 and distributed to the left and right rear wheels when the 2-4 switching mechanism with built-in transfer is connected. In addition, it is transmitted to the front differential via the 2-4 switching mechanism and the front wheel side propeller shaft and distributed to the left and right front wheels.

  In addition, when the vehicle travels on two wheels, if the connection of the 2-4 switching mechanism is released, the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state of rear wheel drive.

[Configuration of rear differential 1]
The differential case 19 is integrally formed, and is disposed inside the carrier 3. The left boss portion 31 is supported by the carrier 3 via the bearing 33, and the right boss portion 35 is supported by the carrier 3 via the bearing. The ring gear 21 is fixed to the flange 23 with bolts, and the differential case 19 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the engine input from the ring gear 21.

  In the differential mechanism 15, the pinion 5 is supported by a pinion shaft 37, and the pinion shaft 37 is engaged with a through hole 39 of the differential case 19 at the outer end, and is prevented from being rotated and prevented by a threaded rod 41. . The rod 41 can be easily pulled out by being threaded, and the pinion shaft 37 can be easily assembled and pulled out (moved outward) by using the threaded rod 41. Further, output shafts 47 and 49 are connected to the spline portions 43 and 45 of the left and right side gears 11 and 13, and the side gears 11 and 13 and the output shafts 47 and 49 are C clips and inner peripheries of the side gears 11 and 13. It is positioned (prevented from coming off) in the axial direction by grooves 51 and 53 provided on the surface.

  The differential limiting device 17 includes an electromagnetic actuator 29, a dog clutch 55, a return spring 57, a controller, and the like.

  The dog clutch 55 is arranged on the back side of the gear portion of the first side gear 11 and the meshing teeth 59 provided on the clutch ring 63 (clutch member) arranged on the axial actuator 29 side so as to be axially movable inside the differential case 19. Engagement teeth 61 formed on a ring integrally fixed by welding are provided facing each other in the axial direction. The clutch ring 63 is disposed so that the leg portion 65 is prevented from rotating by the through hole 67 of the differential case 19 and is movable in the axial direction. When the clutch ring 63 moves to the right as in the lower half of FIG. 1, the dog clutch 55 is engaged, and when the clutch ring 63 moves to the left as in the upper half of FIG. 1, the engagement of the dog clutch 55 is released. The return spring 57 is disposed between the left side gear 11 (meshing teeth 61) and the clutch ring 63 (meshing teeth 59), and urges the clutch ring 63 to the mesh clutch release side (left side).

  An opening 69 drawn with a two-dot chain line is provided in the differential case 19, and each internal component (members 15, 55, 57, 61, 63) is assembled from this opening 69. That is, the differential case 19 employs a one-piece structure.

  The electromagnetic actuator 29 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 25, a coil housing 71 that encloses the electromagnetic solenoid 25, a plunger 27, and the like. The coil housing 71, the plunger 27, and the differential case 19 are made of a magnetic material (for example, JIS 10C), and the magnetic path of the electromagnetic solenoid 25 is formed on these members like a magnetic flux loop 24. The coil housing 71 (electromagnetic solenoid 25) is supported by the carrier 3 via a support member 73, is prevented from rotating, and is disposed so as not to move relative to the differential case 19 in the axial direction.

  The plunger 27 is configured such that a plunger main body 77 is integrally fixed to an outer periphery of a guide member 75 made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel on the inner peripheral side, and the guide member 75 is formed on the outer periphery of the left boss portion 31 (the differential case 19). The tip 79 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction, and the end wall 26 of the leg 65 of the clutch ring 63 can be pressed through a through hole 67 formed in the side wall 20.

  When a current is supplied from the battery to the coil 22 by a command from a controller (not shown), the electromagnetic solenoid 25 is excited, and a magnetic flux loop is generated between the coil housing 71 and the side wall 20 of the plunger body 77. The left boss portion 31 of the differential case 19 that supports the guide member 75 also becomes a part of the magnetic path, the magnetic flux loop is strengthened, the plunger 27 (plunger main body 77) is moved rightward to press the clutch ring 63, and the dog The clutch 55 is engaged to lock the differential of the differential mechanism 15. When the excitation of the electromagnetic solenoid 25 is stopped, the engagement of the dog clutch 55 and the differential lock of the differential mechanism 15 are released by the return spring 57.

[Effect of rear differential 1]
The rear differential 1 has the following effects.

  The coil housing 71 (electromagnetic solenoid 25) is supported by the carrier 3, the differential case 19 is used as a part of the magnetic path of the electromagnetic solenoid 25, and is arranged integrally with the side wall 20 of the differential case 19, thereby providing an electromagnetic actuator 29. However, since the size of the differential device is reduced to that extent, restrictions on models (differential devices) that can be equipped with electromagnetic actuators are suppressed. Further, since the plunger 27 is supported by the differential case 19, the concentricity of the differential case 19 and the plunger 27 is good, and the support and operability are improved.

  Further, even if the electromagnetic actuator 29 is arranged on the ring gear 21 side of the differential case 19, it does not interfere with the bearing 33, and the restriction of models that can be mounted (differential device) is further suppressed. Further, since the interference with the ring gear 21 does not occur even if the pinion shaft 37 is moved in the pulling direction, the positioning of the output shafts 47 and 49 by the C clip (with the pulling of the pinion shaft 37) is kept possible. Yes.

  Further, since the electromagnetic actuator 29 is downsized together with the differential device, the offset between the differential mechanism 15 and the entire rear differential 1 including the electromagnetic actuator 29 becomes unnecessary or the offset amount is minimized. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the decrease in compatibility of the output shafts 47 and 49 and the carrier 3.

Second Embodiment
The rear differential 101 (second embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG. The rear differential 101 is used in place of the rear differential 1 in the above four-wheel drive vehicle. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the members having the same functions as the rear differential 1, and the differences will be described.

[Features of rear differential 101]
The rear differential 101 is connected to a differential case 103 (input member) that can be rotated by an input drive torque; a rotatable pinion 5 (differential member); and meshing portions 7 and 9 (torque transmission units) that transmit and receive the drive torque. Differential mechanism 15 including side gears 11 and 13 (first and second output members) engaged with pinion 5 (coupled so as to be relatively rotatable) and coaxially rotatable with differential case 103; differential mechanism 15 The differential limiting device 105 includes a dog clutch 107 (differential limiting mechanism) that limits the differential rotation of the differential mechanism 15 and an electromagnetic actuator 109 that operates the dog clutch 107. (Actuator part), and the dog clutch 107 and the electromagnetic actuator 109 are opposite to the axial center of the differential mechanism 15 in the axial direction. While arranged, a plurality of push rods 111 (transmission mechanism) for transmitting the operating force of the electromagnetic actuator 109 to the dog clutch 107 is provided,
The dog clutch 107 is provided between a clutch ring 113 (first member) coupled to the side gear 11 so as to be integrally rotatable and a clutch ring 115 (second member) coupled to the differential case 103 so as to be integrally rotatable. In addition, a cam mechanism 117 is provided between the side gear 11 and the clutch ring 113 to operate by receiving a differential torque and reinforce the differential limiting force of the dog clutch 107.

[Configuration of rear differential 101]
The differential limiting device 105 includes the dog clutch 107, the electromagnetic actuator 109, the push rod 111, and a controller.

  The differential case 103 is configured by fixing a casing main body 119 and a cover 121 with bolts 123, and is arranged inside the carrier 3, and left and right boss portions 125 and 127 formed on the casing main body 119 and the cover 121 are used as bearings. The ring gear 21 is fixed to the flange portion 129 with a bolt and is rotationally driven by the driving force from the engine that is input to the ring gear 21.

  The pinion shaft 37 of the differential mechanism 15 is engaged with the through hole 131 of the differential case 103 at the outer end. Output shafts 47 and 49 are connected to the spline portions 43 and 45 of the left and right side gears 11 and 13, respectively. The side gears 11 and 13 and the output shafts 47 and 49 are provided on the inner periphery of the C clip and the side gears 11 and 13, respectively. The grooves 51 and 53 are positioned in the axial direction.

  The clutch ring 113 on the side gear 11 side is connected to the side gear 11 via the cam mechanism 117 so as to be movable in the axial direction, and the clutch ring 115 on the side of the differential case 103 is connected to the differential case 103 by a connecting portion 133 and is restricted from moving leftward. The dog clutch 107 includes a meshing tooth 135 formed on the side gear 11 side clutch ring 113 and a meshing tooth 137 formed on the differential case 103 side clutch ring 115. When the clutch ring 113 moves to the left as in the lower half of FIG. 2, the dog clutch 107 is engaged, and when the clutch ring 113 returns to the right as in the upper half of FIG. 2, the engagement of the dog clutch 107 is released. The return spring 57 is disposed between the clutch rings 113 and 115, and urges the clutch ring 113 to the engagement release side (right side) of the dog clutch 107.

  The cam mechanism 117 is a self-locking cam for the dog clutch 107 and operates when a differential torque is received while the dog clutch 107 is engaged, and the generated cam thrust force causes the clutch ring 113 to engage the dog clutch 107 on the engagement side (left side). The operation force of the electromagnetic actuator 109 (the differential limiting force of the dog clutch 107) is strengthened.

  The electromagnetic actuator 109 includes an electromagnetic coil 25, a coil housing 71, a plunger 139, a guide member 140 fixed to the outer periphery of the plunger 139, and the like. The coil housing 71 and the plunger 139 are made of a magnetic material (S10C). The magnetic path of the electromagnetic coil 25 is formed on these members. The coil housing 71 (electromagnetic coil 25) is positioned in the axial direction with a guide portion 141 fixed to the inner peripheral side of the coil housing 71 sandwiched between a step portion 143 of the differential case 103 and a washer 145 on the bearing side.

  Each push rod 111 passes through the through hole 147 of the differential case 103 and passes between the pinions 5 from the radially outer side of the side gears 11 and 13 so that the clutch ring 113 of the dog clutch 107 can be pressed to the left at each left end. Is arranged. A ring 149 is attached to the right end of each push rod 111, and the guide member 140 of the plunger 139 can press the clutch ring 113 to the left via the ring 149 and each push rod 111.

  When the electromagnetic coil 25 is energized, the plunger 139 (guide member 140) presses the clutch ring 113 to the left via the ring 149 and each push rod 111 and engages the dog clutch 107 as described above. The differential of the moving mechanism 15 is locked. The cam thrust force of the cam mechanism 117 operated at this time biases the clutch ring 113 to the left, and keeps the dog clutch 107 engaged.

  When the excitation of the electromagnetic coil 25 is stopped, the engagement of the dog clutch 107 and the differential lock of the differential mechanism 15 are released by the return spring 57.

[Effect of rear differential 101]
The rear differential 101 has the following effects.

  By separating the dog clutch 107 and the electromagnetic actuator 109 constituting the differential limiting device 105 from each other and arranging them on the opposite side of the axial direction with respect to the axial center of the differential mechanism 15 (the dog clutch 107 The electromagnetic actuator 109 is downsized.

  Since the electromagnetic actuator 109 is reduced in size as described above, the offset between the differential mechanism 15 and the rear differential 101 is not required, or the offset amount is minimized, so that the output shafts 47 and 49 and the carrier 3 It is possible to minimize a decrease in compatibility.

  Further, the electromagnetic actuator 109 does not interfere with the bearing, avoids the limitation of the differential device that can be mounted, and positions the output shafts 47 and 49 by the C clip (with the radially outward movement of the pinion shaft 37) ) Is kept possible.

  The miniaturized electromagnetic actuator 109 can also be arranged on the flange portion 129 (ring gear 21) side, and even in such a case, interference with the bearing is prevented, so that a differential device that can be mounted. Is avoided, and the positioning of the output shafts 47 and 49 by the C-clip is maintained.

<Third Embodiment>
The rear differential 201 (a third embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS. The rear differential 201 is used in place of the rear differentials 1 and 101 in the above four-wheel drive vehicle. Hereinafter, the difference is explained while giving the same reference numerals to the members having the same functions as the rear differentials 1 and 101 and quoting them.

[Features of rear differential 201]
The rear differential 201 includes an input member that can be rotated by the driving torque of the input engine; a pinion 5 that is rotatable; and a pinion via the meshing portions 7 and 9 (torque transmitting portion) that transmit and receive the driving torque. A differential mechanism 15 including side gears 11 and 13 (first and second output members) meshed with (coupled so as to be relatively rotatable) and coaxially rotatable with the input member; A differential limiting device 203 that limits the differential rotation. The differential limiting device 203 includes an electromagnetic actuator 109 (actuator) that controls the differential limitation of the differential mechanism 15, and the input member is a differential A differential case 103 that houses the mechanism 15 is included, and the differential case 103 includes a flange 129 to which a ring gear 21 to which driving torque from the engine is input is fixed. 5 is supported on a pinion shaft 205 (support shaft). The pinion shaft 205 is supported by a differential case 103 so that its outer end is movable in the radial direction, and its inner end is a rotation center axis of the differential case 103. A thrust block 207 (support member) disposed on the side is detachably supported.

[Configuration of rear differential 201]
The differential mechanism 15 includes two pinions 5, two pinion shafts 205 disposed on the radial inner side of the ring gear 21 as shown in FIG. 3, and side gears 11 and 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the two pinion shafts 205 are arranged in a straight line, and each pinion shaft 205 engages the outer end portion with the through hole 208 of the differential case 103, and an O-ring 209 attached to the pinion shaft 205. Thus, oil leakage from the through hole 208 is prevented. Further, the tip portion 211 inside the pinion shaft 205 is engaged with and supported by the engaging portion 213 of the thrust block 207. When the tip 211 of each pinion shaft 205 is removed from the engaging portion 213, the thrust block 207 can be taken out. In addition, the thrust block 207 is provided with a flange portion 215 that abuts against the output shafts 47 and 49 and positions itself in the radial direction.

  The differential case 103 is provided with an opening 217 drawn by a broken line in FIG. 3. When the output shafts 47 and 49 are positioned, the thrust block 207 and the C clips 223 and 223 are taken out and assembled from the opening 217.

  The differential limiting device 203 includes the electromagnetic actuator 109, the dog clutch 55, a position switch 219, a controller, and the like.

  The dog clutch 55 is configured by meshing teeth 59 formed on the clutch ring 63 and meshing teeth 61 welded to the right side gear 13. The clutch ring 63 is prevented from rotating toward the differential case 103 and is arranged so as to be movable in the axial direction. When the clutch ring 63 moves to the left as in the lower half of FIG. 3, the dog clutch 55 is engaged and the differential of the differential mechanism 15 is locked, and the clutch ring 63 returns to the right as in the upper half of FIG. The engagement of the dog clutch 55 and the differential lock are released. The return spring 57 urges the clutch ring 63 between the side gear 13 and the clutch ring 63 toward the engagement release side (right side) of the dog clutch 55.

  A pressure plate 221 is bolted to the clutch ring 63 of the dog clutch 55, and the pressing force of the electromagnetic actuator 109 (guide member 140 of the plunger 139) moves the clutch ring 63 to the right via the pressure plate 221. The biasing force of the return spring 57 pushes the plunger 139 back to the right via the clutch ring 63 and the pressure plate 221.

  The position switch 219 is engaged (0FF-ON) with the movement of the pressure plate 221 when the dog clutch 55 is engaged, and displays the differential lock state of the rear differential 201 on the driver's seat.

  As described above, the outer end portion of the pinion shaft 205 that supports the pinion 5 is supported by the differential case 103 so as to be movable in the radial direction, and the inner end portion 211 can be attached and detached by the thrust block 207 disposed on the rotation center side of the differential case 103. After the inner end portion 211 of each pinion shaft 205 is pulled out from the thrust block 207, the thrust block 207 is taken out to the outside, and each pinion shaft is drawn as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. The output shafts 47 and 49 can be positioned on the side gears 11 and 13 of the differential mechanism 15 by the C clip 223 (FIG. 4) by moving the 205 outward in the radial direction as necessary.

[Effect of rear differential 201]
The rear differential 201 has the following effects.

  As described above, since the pinion shafts 205 and 205 are detachably supported by the thrust block 207 disposed on the rotation center side of the differential case 103, the thrust block 207 is taken out, and the pinion shafts 205 and 205 are radially outer as necessary. The output shafts 47, 49 and the side gears 11, 13 can be positioned by the C clip 223 simply by moving them to.

  Further, since the thrust block 207 is configured to be taken out, a sufficient space can be obtained at the center of rotation of the differential case 103. Accordingly, the output shafts 47 and 49 are moved in the axial direction to the position where the side gears 11 and 13 are positioned by the C clip 223. When the output shafts 47 and 49 are positioned, it is not necessary to move the pinion shafts 205 to the outside in the radial direction, and the pinion shafts 205 are arranged on the inside in the radial direction of the ring gear 21 like the rear differential 201. Even if it is, interference with the ring gear 21 and each pinion shaft 205 is avoided.

  Therefore, the rear differential 201 does not need to offset the differential mechanism 15 for the purpose of avoiding interference between the ring gear 21 and the pinion shaft 205, and there is a limitation on the mounted model (differential device) due to interference between the electromagnetic actuator 109 and the bearing. Problems associated with the offset of the differential mechanism 15 such as lowering of the compatibility of the output shafts 47 and 49 and the carrier 3 are essentially avoided.

[Other Embodiments Included within the Scope of the Present Invention]
The differential mechanism applicable to the differential device of the present invention is not limited to a bevel gear type differential mechanism, and may be a differential mechanism using another gear mechanism or a differential mechanism not using a gear mechanism.

  Further, the differential limiting device is not limited to the one that locks the differential, and may be one that continuously and differentially controls the differential limiting force with a friction clutch, for example.

  The differential device of the present invention is not a rear differential, but a front differential (a differential device that distributes the driving torque of the prime mover to the left and right front wheels), and a center differential (a differential device that distributes the driving torque of the prime mover to the front and rear wheels). It may be used as

  In claim 2 and claim 3, the actuator is not limited to an electromagnetic actuator, and may be, for example, a fluid pressure actuator that operates with a fluid pressure such as hydraulic pressure or air pressure, or an actuator using an electric motor.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the rear differential 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the rear differential 101 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the rear differential 201 of 3rd Embodiment. 2 is a transverse sectional view of a rear differential 201. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Rear differential (differential device)
3 Carrier 5 Pinion (Differential member)
11, 13 Side gear (first and second output members)
15 differential mechanism 17 differential limiting device 19 differential case (input member)
21 Ring gear 23 Flange 25 Electromagnetic coil 27 Plunger 29 Electromagnetic actuator (actuator)
101 Rear differential (differential device)
103 Differential case (input member)
105 Differential limiting device 107 Dog clutch (Differential limiting mechanism)
109 Electromagnetic actuator (actuator part)
111 Push rod (transmission mechanism)
113 Clutch ring (first member)
115 Clutch ring (second member)
117 Cam mechanism 201 Rear differential (differential device)
203 Differential limiting device 205 Pinion shaft (support shaft)
207 Thrust block (support member)

Claims (4)

Contained in the carrier,
An input member that is rotatable by an input driving torque;
A differential member to which driving torque is transmitted from the input member; and first and second output members that are connected to the differential member in a relatively rotatable manner via a torque transmission unit that transmits and receives the driving torque. A differential mechanism coaxially rotatable with the input member;
A differential limiting device for limiting differential rotation of the differential mechanism,
The differential limiting device includes an actuator that controls differential limiting of the differential mechanism,
The input member includes a differential case that houses the differential mechanism;
The differential case includes a flange to which a ring gear to which driving torque from the engine is input is fixed,
The actuator is an electromagnetic actuator including an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that receives a moving operation force in the axial direction by the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil,
The electromagnetic coil is disposed on the ring gear side and is disposed so as not to move relative to the differential case in the axial direction.
The differential case constitutes a part of the magnetic path of the electromagnetic coil,
The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the plunger is supported by the differential case. An input member that can be rotated by an input driving torque;
A differential member to which driving torque is transmitted from the input member; and first and second output members that are coupled to the differential member through a torque transmission unit that receives and transmits the driving torque. A differential mechanism coaxially rotatable with the input member;
A differential limiting device for limiting differential rotation of the differential mechanism,
The differential limiting device includes a differential limiting mechanism that limits differential rotation of the differential mechanism, and an actuator that operates the differential limiting mechanism.
The differential limiting mechanism portion and the actuator portion are arranged on opposite sides of the axial direction with respect to the axial center of the differential mechanism, and the operating force of the actuator portion is transmitted to the differential limiting mechanism portion. A differential device, characterized in that a transmission mechanism is provided. An input member that is rotatable by an input driving torque;
A differential member to which drive torque from the input member is transmitted, and first and second output members connected to the differential member through a torque transmission unit for transmitting and receiving the drive torque so as to be relatively rotatable. A differential mechanism that is coaxially rotatable with the input member;
A differential limiting device for limiting differential rotation of the differential mechanism,
The differential limiting device includes an actuator that controls differential limiting of the differential mechanism,
The input member includes a differential case that houses the differential mechanism;
The differential case includes a flange to which a ring gear to which driving torque from the engine is input is fixed,
The differential member is supported on a support shaft;
The support shaft has an outer end supported by the differential case so as to be movable in the radial direction, and an inner end supported by the support member disposed on the rotation center side of the differential case in a detachable manner. A differential device. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The differential limiting mechanism is provided between a first member connected to at least one of the output members so as to be integrally rotatable and a second member connected to be integrally rotatable with the input member,
A differential device, wherein a cam mechanism for strengthening a differential limiting force of the differential limiting mechanism is provided between at least one of the output members and the first member.

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