WO2024105865A1 - Differential device - Google Patents

Differential device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024105865A1
WO2024105865A1 PCT/JP2022/042771 JP2022042771W WO2024105865A1 WO 2024105865 A1 WO2024105865 A1 WO 2024105865A1 JP 2022042771 W JP2022042771 W JP 2022042771W WO 2024105865 A1 WO2024105865 A1 WO 2024105865A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pinion gear
differential case
differential
shaft
gear pair
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2022/042771
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
晃 中村
文男 大島
隆志 脊古
Original Assignee
日立Astemo株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 日立Astemo株式会社 filed Critical 日立Astemo株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2022/042771 priority Critical patent/WO2024105865A1/en
Priority to JP2023512254A priority patent/JP7352049B1/en
Publication of WO2024105865A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024105865A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H48/00—Differential gearings
    • F16H48/38—Constructional details
    • F16H48/42—Constructional details characterised by features of the input shafts, e.g. mounting of drive gears thereon

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a differential device.
  • Differential devices for differentially rotating the left and right wheels of a vehicle, or the front and rear wheels generally use a two-pinion differential device that uses two pinion gears.
  • a four-pinion differential device (differential device) that uses four pinion gears is used to reduce the load on the pinion gears and ensure durability (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
  • Differential devices are incorporated into front-wheel drive transmissions (transaxles) and final drive units that drive the rear wheels.
  • the differential device is equipped with a spherical differential case, a ring gear fitted onto the outside of the differential case, a pair of pinion gears housed within the differential case, a pair of side gears housed within the differential case, and a pinion shaft fitted into the differential case.
  • the pinion gear is arranged so that it can rotate around a rotation axis that is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the differential case.
  • a pair of side gears mesh with the pinion gear are arranged coaxially with the differential case, and are housed within the differential case so that they can rotate relative to the differential case.
  • the pinion shaft supports the pinion gear.
  • the differential case for a two-pinion differential has an opening at a position offset by 90 degrees in the direction of the rotation axis of the differential case from the position where the pinion gears are arranged, in order to incorporate the pinion gears and side gears inside. For this reason, a differential case for a two-pinion differential cannot be used as is for a four-pinion differential.
  • a four-pinion differential does not have an opening in order to obtain the pinion gear seating surface of the differential case, and is configured so that the differential case can be separated in the direction of the rotation axis, and is fastened together with a bolt that secures the ring gear.
  • the ring gear fixing holes through which the ring gear fastening bolts are inserted require high precision in diameter and position, necessitating simultaneous machining of the two differential cases.
  • the present invention was created to solve these problems, and its objective is to provide a four-pinion differential that can reduce the number of parts and cut costs.
  • the differential device includes a differential case that rotates around a first rotation axis and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotation axis, a first pinion gear pair that rotates around a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case, a second pinion gear pair that rotates around a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case, a side gear pair that meshes with the first pinion gear pair and the second pinion gear pair at right angles, rotates around the first rotation axis, and is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the differential case, and at least one pinion gear support member that is disposed on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair and is installed in an opening formed in the differential case on the first rotation axis side of an end face of a pinion gear support shaft that supports the
  • the differential device of the present invention can provide a four-pinion differential device that can reduce the number of parts and cut costs.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a side view showing a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pinion gear support member has been removed.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which a snap ring is attached.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pair of snap rings.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pair of side gears is assembled to a differential case.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pair of side gears is assembled to a differential case.
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the snap ring of the differential gear according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams illustrating the shape of the snap ring.
  • a differential gear 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
  • FIG. In the following description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. Furthermore, in the differential gear 1, parts that are approximately symmetrical will be described together as appropriate. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in the differential gear 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the direction in which the first rotating shaft 3 extends will be described as the left-right direction of the vehicle.
  • the differential device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is incorporated in a final reduction gear (not shown) for reducing the power generated by a prime mover (not shown) arranged at the front of the vehicle and changed in speed by a transmission (not shown).
  • the differential device 1 is a device for differentially rotating the left and right rear wheels by the power transmitted via a drive shaft.
  • the differential device 1 includes a differential case 2, a first pinion shaft 40, a second pinion shaft 50, a side gear pair 31, a first pinion gear pair 41, a second pinion gear pair 51, a thrust washer 52, a pinion gear support member 53, and a snap ring 54.
  • the differential case 2 is a housing that rotates around the first rotating shaft 3 and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotating shaft 3.
  • the differential case 2 is a gear case that can accommodate a so-called four-pinion type that accommodates four pinions consisting of a pair of first pinion gear pairs 41 and a pair of second pinion gear pairs 51.
  • the differential case 2 is a one-point component formed by a single component.
  • the differential case 2 has a spherical shell portion 2a, an opening 2b, a flange portion 2c, a gear storage chamber 2e, a snap ring engagement groove 2f, a fixing hole 2g, a boss portion 2h, a shaft support hole 2i, and a shaft insertion hole 2j.
  • the spherical shell portion 2a is a substantially cylindrical portion that constitutes the gear storage chamber 2e that rotatably houses the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41 and the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • a number of openings 2b are formed in the spherical shell portion 2a.
  • the opening 2b is a window through which the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51 are assembled inside the spherical shell portion 2a, and is closed by the pinion gear support member 53.
  • the opening 2b is a substantially circular insertion hole formed at the location where the third rotating shaft 5 is located on the outer periphery of the spherical shell portion 2a.
  • a snap ring engagement groove 2f is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 2b.
  • the snap ring engagement groove 2f is a groove that engages with the toothed portion 54b formed on the outer periphery of the snap ring 54.
  • the snap ring 54 is attached to the differential case 2 by engaging the toothed portion 54b with the snap ring engagement groove 2f.
  • the snap ring engagement groove 2f is made of a roughly annular (C-shaped) groove.
  • the flange portion 2c is a portion for fixing a ring gear (not shown), which rotates integrally with the differential case 2, to the outer periphery of the differential case 2.
  • the flange portion 2c is formed in an annular shape and protrudes from a position near the left end of the outer periphery of the spherical shell portion 2a.
  • the flange portion 2c has a plurality of fixing holes 2g formed at appropriate intervals for inserting fixing devices (not shown) that fix the ring gear (not shown) to the differential case 2.
  • the ring gear (not shown) is a ring-shaped bevel gear that meshes with a drive pinion gear of a drive pinion shaft (not shown).
  • the drive pinion gear (not shown) is a gear for transmitting the output from the transmission (not shown) to the ring gear (not shown).
  • the drive pinion shaft, which is integrally formed with the teeth of the drive pinion gear, is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the ring gear.
  • the gear storage chamber 2e is a storage section for storing the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • the gear storage chamber 2e is made up of a hollow storage space formed inside the spherical shell portion 2a.
  • the boss portion 2h is a portion onto which a bearing (not shown) that supports the differential case 2 is fitted.
  • the boss portion 2h consists of a pair of left and right cylindrical portions formed to protrude from both the left and right ends of the spherical shell portion 2a.
  • the pair of boss portions 2h are journaled on journal portions of the carrier via a pair of left and right bearings. Therefore, the differential case 2 is journaled in the carrier so as to be freely rotatable about the first rotating shaft 3, with both left and right ends supported via the pair of left and right bearings.
  • a journal hole 2i is formed in the boss portion 2h.
  • the shaft support hole 2i is a hole through which a drive shaft (not shown) is inserted.
  • the side gear pair 31 is spline-fitted to the drive shaft and is disposed in a floating state inside the differential case 2.
  • a shaft insertion hole 2j is formed in the spherical shell portion 2a to support a second rotating shaft 4 that is disposed perpendicular to the shaft support hole 2i (first rotating shaft 3).
  • the first rotating shaft 3 is the rotating shaft of the differential case 2 and also serves as the rotation axis of a pair of side gears 31 spline-connected to the drive shafts.
  • the side gear pair 31 is a pair of gears that mesh at right angles with the first pinion gear pair 41 and the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • the side gear pair 31 is arranged rotatably about the first rotating shaft 3 and arranged rotatably relative to the differential case 2.
  • a thrust washer 32 that biases the side gear pair 31 toward the center O1 is interposed between the side gear pair 31 and the gear storage chamber 2e.
  • the second rotating shaft 4 is a rotating shaft of the first pinion gear pair 41.
  • the first pinion shaft 40 supporting the first pinion gear pair 41 is a shaft member that is disposed perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 3 and extends in the radial direction of the differential case 2. Both ends of the first pinion shaft 40 are fitted into the shaft insertion holes 2j.
  • the first pinion gear pair 41 is a pair of bevel gears that rotate around the second rotating shaft 4.
  • An insertion hole 41a for inserting the first pinion shaft 40 is formed in the first pinion gear pair 41.
  • the first pinion gear pair 41 is rotatably arranged inside the gear storage chamber 2e.
  • a thrust washer 42 that biases the first pinion gear pair 41 toward the center O1 is interposed between the first pinion gear pair 41 and the gear storage chamber 2e.
  • the third rotating shaft 5 is a rotating shaft of the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • the second pinion shaft 50 supporting the second pinion gear pair 51 is a shaft member disposed perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 3 and the second rotating shaft 4.
  • the second pinion shaft 50 has a shaft support hole 50a, a pinion gear support shaft 50b, and an end surface 50c.
  • the shaft support hole 50a is a through hole into which the first pinion shaft 40 is inserted.
  • the second pinion shaft 50 supports the second pinion gear pair 51 and the thrust washer 52 so as to be capable of relative rotation, and is supported by the differential case 2 by a pinion gear support member 53 which will be described later.
  • the second pinion gear pair 51 is a pair of left and right bevel gears that rotate around the third rotation shaft 5.
  • An insertion hole 51a for inserting the second pinion shaft 50 is formed in the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • the second pinion gear pair 51 is disposed inside the gear storage chamber 2e so as to be rotatable around the third rotation shaft 5.
  • a pair of front and rear thrust washers 52 are members that are disposed between the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51 and the inner surface of the pinion gear support member 53 to enhance the lubrication performance between the two surfaces that rotate relative to one another.
  • a pair of left and right pinion gear support members 53 are bearing members that support the second pinion shaft 50.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is made of a thick lid-like member having a shaft insertion hole 53a that axially supports the pinion gear support shaft 50b.
  • a snap ring mounting groove 53b for mounting a snap ring 54 is formed on the outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is disposed on the back surface (opposite side to the first rotating shaft 3) of the second pinion gear pair 51 with a thrust washer 52 interposed therebetween, and functions as a support member that supports the second pinion gear pair 51 from the back surface at the opening 2b of the differential case 2.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is a lid-like member that is removably fixed in the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by engaging a snap ring 54 with the snap ring engagement groove 2f. As shown in FIG. 1, the pinion gear support member 53 is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54 within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5.
  • the snap ring 54 is a fastener for removably mounting the pinion gear support member 53 in the opening 2b.
  • the snap ring 54 is a disc spring snap ring having an arc portion 54a, a toothed portion 54b, and a tool locking portion 54c.
  • the arc portion 54a is the portion that engages with the snap ring mounting groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53.
  • the arc portion 54a is made of a flat plate portion formed in an arc shape.
  • the toothed portion 54b has the function of generating a biasing force along the direction of the third rotating shaft 5, and is engaged with the snap ring engagement groove 2f on the differential case 2 side and the snap ring mounting groove 53b on the pinion gear support member 53 side to bias the second pinion gear pair 51 toward the center O1, thereby minimizing the gap at the meshing portion with the side gear pair 31.
  • the toothed portion 54b is made up of a large number of tooth-shaped protrusions formed at appropriate intervals on the outer periphery of the flat arc portion 54a.
  • the toothed portion 54b extends diagonally outward from the outer periphery of the arc portion 54a.
  • the tool engagement portion 54c is a portion into which a tool (not shown) is inserted to attach and detach the snap ring 54 when attaching and detaching the snap ring 54 to and from the snap ring attachment groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53.
  • the differential gear 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above. Next, the effects of the differential gear 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
  • the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51 are housed in the gear storage chamber 2e of the differential case 2, which is formed from a single part. Therefore, the differential case 2 can reduce the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the differential device 1, thereby reducing costs.
  • the four-pinion type differential case 2 can be used in common with a two-pinion type differential case, the four-pinion type differential device 1 can be produced without increasing costs or reducing productivity.
  • a pinion gear support member 53 that supports the second pinion gear pair 51 is disposed in the opening 2b of the differential case 2.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is attached to the opening 2b by engaging a snap ring 54 attached to the snap ring attachment groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53 with the snap ring engagement groove 2f.
  • the engagement position of the snap ring 54 is within the range of the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 (opening 2b) where the pinion gear support member 53 that supports the third rotating shaft 5 fits into the opening 2b.
  • This allows the differential case 2 to have a thinner structure around the opening 2b than when the snap ring 54 is located on the end face (outer surface) of the pinion gear support member 53, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the differential case 2.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is attached to the opening 2b of the differential case 2 at a position closer to the first rotating shaft 3 than the end face 50c of the pinion gear support shaft 50b. This makes it possible to form the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 and the differential case 2 around the opening 2b relatively thin, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the differential case 2.
  • the differential device 1 can reduce the opening portion from inside the differential case 2 to the outside, thereby preventing the lubricating oil stored inside the differential case 2 from being discharged to the outside. As a result, the differential device 1 can improve the lubrication of the meshing portions and sliding contact portions of the first pinion gear pair 41, the second pinion gear pair 51, the side gear pair 31, and the pinion shafts.
  • the differential case 2 houses the first pinion gear pair 41, the second pinion gear pair 51, and the side gear pair 31, rotates about the first rotating shaft 3, and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotating shaft 3. Therefore, the differential case 2 can be configured with a single case body that can accommodate a four-pinion system, and therefore the number of parts and assembly steps can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the pinion gear support member 53 is disposed on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51, and is installed in the opening 2b on the first rotating shaft 3 side of an end face 50c of the pinion gear support shaft 50b that supports the second pinion gear pair 51.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 and the periphery of the opening 2b of the differential case 2 can be formed thin, thereby enabling the differential case 2 to be made smaller and lighter.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 can support the second pinion gear pair 51 journaled on the third rotating shaft 5 from the rear side, thereby supporting the second pinion gear pair 51 so as to rotate in a stable manner.
  • the pinion gear support shaft 50b is a pinion shaft
  • the pinion gear support member 53 seats the back surfaces of the second pinion gear pair 51 and is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by a snap ring 54 within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5.
  • "within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5" refers to within the range of the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 (opening 2b) where the pinion gear support member 53 that supports the third rotating shaft 5 fits into the opening 2b.
  • the pinion gear support member 53 is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54, so that the pinion gear support member 53 can be firmly fixed in the opening 2b without any rattling.
  • the fastener for fixing the pinion gear support member 53 to the opening 2b of the differential case 2 consists of a snap ring 54, the snap ring 54 can be firmly fixed to the middle of the thickness direction of the outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53.
  • the snap ring 54C may have a tool locking portion 54Cc extending radially from the third rotating shaft 5, and the differential case 2C may have a tool locking portion accommodating portion 2Cd that is continuous with the opening 2Cb and communicates between the inside and outside of the differential case 2C.
  • the snap ring 54C has a tool locking portion 54Cc consisting of a protrusion 54Cd extending radially from the third rotating shaft 5, so that the tool locking portion 54Cc of the snap ring 54 expands, making it easy to attach and detach the snap ring 54C.
  • the tool locking portion accommodating portion 2Cd can be easily formed by cutting out a portion of the opening 2Cd to form a lightened portion 2Cn.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when the side gear pair 31 is assembled to the differential case 2A.
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the pinion gear support member 53A seats the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51 and is screwed into the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A, and the annular protrusion 53Ad is crimped and fixed to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am.
  • a female thread portion 2Am is formed on the inner wall of the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A.
  • the pinion gear support member 53A is a lid-shaped member that closes the opening 2Ab.
  • the pinion gear support member 53A attached to the opening 2Ab has a male thread portion 53Ab on its outer circumferential surface into which the female thread portion 2Am screws, and an annular protrusion 53Ad formed on the outer end of the male thread portion 53Ab.
  • the pinion gear support member 53A is positioned so that the thrust washer 52 and the second pinion gear pair 51 are sandwiched between the side gear pair 31 by screwing the male thread portion 53Ab into the female thread portion 2Am.
  • the annular protrusion 53Ad is a locking protrusion for locking the pinion gear support member 53A inserted into the opening 2Ab to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am as a rotation stopper.
  • the annular protrusion 53Ad functions as a rotation stopper for the pinion gear support member 53A by being crimped and fixed to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am after the pinion gear support member 53A is screwed into the opening 2Ab.
  • the side of the pinion gear support member 53A is formed with a tool engagement hole 53Ac and a shaft insertion hole 53Aa into which the second pinion shaft 50 is inserted.
  • the pinion gear support member 53A of the differential device 1A of the second embodiment needs to be screwed together while adjusting the backlash between the second pinion gear pair 51 and the side gear pair 31.
  • the amount of screwing of the pinion gear support member 53A can be easily and suitably obtained.
  • the pinion gear support member 53A may be provided with uniform projections and recesses in the circumferential direction, and a lock plate may be provided to engage with the projections and recesses.
  • the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A may be reduced in inner diameter to an extent that allows the side gear pair 31 and the first pinion gear pair 41 to be inserted therethrough.
  • the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A may be provided with a notch that is larger than the inner diameter of the female thread portion 2Am.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a differential gear 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which a side gear pair 31 is assembled to a differential case 2B.
  • Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing a differential gear 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the differential gear 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a shaft portion 51Bb is provided on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51B and is supported by being inserted into a shaft support hole 53Ba of the pinion gear support member 53B, and in that the pinion gear support member 53B is a ball bearing.
  • the second pinion gear pair 51B of the differential device 1B of the third embodiment has a shaft portion 51Bb protruding from its rear surface
  • the pinion gear support member 53B has a shaft support hole 53Ba that supports the shaft portion 51Bb, and is inserted into the opening 2Bb of the differential case 2B and may be supported within the opening 2Bb by a snap ring 54B provided within the opening 2Bb.
  • the second pinion gear pair 51B has a shaft portion 51Bb on the back surface of the bevel tooth-shaped tooth portion 51Bc.
  • the shaft portion 51Bb is made of a cylindrical protrusion that fits into the shaft support hole 53Ba of the pinion gear support member 53B, and is supported by the opening 2Bb via the pinion gear support member 53B.
  • the pinion gear support member 53B is made of a bearing member such as a bearing.
  • the outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53B is fitted into the opening 2Bb, and the outer surface (back side) of the pinion gear support member 53B is held within the opening 2Bb by a snap ring 54B.
  • the differential case 2 can be used as is. It is also possible to omit the machining of the area of the opening 2Bb where the pinion gear support member 53B is attached, and leave the cast rough surface as it is.
  • the pinion gear support member 53B is made of a ball bearing and rotatably supports the shaft portion 51Bb of the second pinion gear pair 51B, thereby functioning as a bearing member for the second pinion gear pair 51B.
  • Reference Signs List 1 1A, 1B Differential device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Differential case 2b, 2Ab, 2Bb Opening 2d Tool locking portion accommodating portion 3 First rotating shaft 4 Second rotating shaft 5 Third rotating shaft 31 Side gear pair 41 First pinion gear pair 50b Pinion gear support shaft 50c End surface 51, 51B Second pinion gear pair 51Bb Shaft portion 53, 53A, 53B Pinion gear support member 53Ba Shaft support hole 54, 54B, 54C Snap ring 54c, 54Ba, 54Cc Tool locking portion

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Abstract

This differential device (1) comprises: a differential case (2) that rotates about a first rotating axis (3) and has a spherical shell shape along the first rotating axis (3); a first pinion gear pair (41) that rotates about a second rotating axis (4) that is perpendicular to the first rotating axis (3), and is disposed inside the differential case (2); a second pinion gear pair (51) that rotates about a third rotating axis (5) that is perpendicular to the first rotating axis (3) and the second rotating axis (4), and is disposed inside the differential case (2); a side gear pair (31) that meshes at a right angle with the first pinion gear pair (41) and the second pinion gear pair (51), rotates about the first rotating shaft (3), and is disposed rotatably with the differential case (2); and a pinion gear support member (53) that is disposed on the rear surface of the second pinion gear pair (51), and is installed in an opening (2b) of the differential case (2) further toward the first rotating axis (3) side than an end surface (5c) of a pinion gear support shaft (5b) that supports the second pinion gear pair (51) on the third rotating axis (5).

Description

差動装置Differential gear
　本発明は、差動装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a differential device.
　車両の左右の車輪の差動や、前後輪の差動を行うための差動装置は、一般的に、ピニオンギヤを２個使用する２ピニオン式の差動装置が用いられている。入力されるトルクが高い場合には、ピニオンギヤに掛かる荷重を低減して耐久性を確保するために、ピニオンギヤを４個使用する４ピニオン式の差動装置（ディファレンシャル装置）が使用されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 Differential devices for differentially rotating the left and right wheels of a vehicle, or the front and rear wheels, generally use a two-pinion differential device that uses two pinion gears. When the input torque is high, a four-pinion differential device (differential device) that uses four pinion gears is used to reduce the load on the pinion gears and ensure durability (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
　差動装置は、前輪駆動用変速機(トランスアクスル)や、後輪を駆動する終減速装置に組み込まれている。差動装置は、球殻形状のデフケースと、デフケースに外嵌されたリングギヤと、デフケース内に収納された一対のピニオンギヤと、デフケース内に収納された一対のサイドギヤと、デフケースに嵌合されたピニオンシャフトと、を備えている。 Differential devices are incorporated into front-wheel drive transmissions (transaxles) and final drive units that drive the rear wheels. The differential device is equipped with a spherical differential case, a ring gear fitted onto the outside of the differential case, a pair of pinion gears housed within the differential case, a pair of side gears housed within the differential case, and a pinion shaft fitted into the differential case.
　ピニオンギヤは、デフケースの回転軸に直行して配置された回転軸を中心に回転可能に配置されている。一対のサイドギヤは、ピニオンギヤと噛合し、デフケースと同軸上に配置されて、デフケースと相対回転可能にデフケース内に収納されている。ピニオンシャフトは、ピニオンギヤを支持している。 The pinion gear is arranged so that it can rotate around a rotation axis that is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the differential case. A pair of side gears mesh with the pinion gear, are arranged coaxially with the differential case, and are housed within the differential case so that they can rotate relative to the differential case. The pinion shaft supports the pinion gear.
　ここで、２ピニオン式差動装置用のデフケースは、内部にピニオンギヤとサイドギヤを組み込むため、ピニオンギヤの配置される位置からデフケース回転軸方向で９０度ずれた位置に開口部を有している。このため、２ピニオン式差動装置用のデフケースを、そのまま４ピニオン式差動装置に用いることができない。一般に、４ピニオン式の差動装置は、特許文献１に記載されているように、デフケースのピニオンギヤ着座面を得るため開口部がなく、デフケースを回転軸方向で分割可能に構成し、リングギヤを固定するボルトで共締めしている。 Here, the differential case for a two-pinion differential has an opening at a position offset by 90 degrees in the direction of the rotation axis of the differential case from the position where the pinion gears are arranged, in order to incorporate the pinion gears and side gears inside. For this reason, a differential case for a two-pinion differential cannot be used as is for a four-pinion differential. Generally, as described in Patent Document 1, a four-pinion differential does not have an opening in order to obtain the pinion gear seating surface of the differential case, and is configured so that the differential case can be separated in the direction of the rotation axis, and is fastened together with a bolt that secures the ring gear.
特開２００７－２７０９４７号公報JP 2007-270947 A
　しかし、特許文献１に記載の４ピニオン式の差動装置は、一方のピニオンシャフト及び２本の他方のピニオンシャフトをデフケースの内部に十字状に組み付ける構成とすると、デフケースが二点構成となる。このため、４ピニオン式の差動装置は、部品点数、加工工数及び組付工数が増えるので、コストアップになるという問題点があった。 However, in the four-pinion differential described in Patent Document 1, when one pinion shaft and the two other pinion shafts are assembled in a cross shape inside the differential case, the differential case has a two-point configuration. As a result, the four-pinion differential increases the number of parts, processing man-hours, and assembly man-hours, resulting in increased costs.
　また、リングギヤ締結ボルトが挿通されるリングギヤ固定孔は、孔径と位置に高い精度が求められるため、二点のデフケースを同時に加工する共加工が必要となる。この他、４ピニオン式の差動装置は、リングギヤを取り付けるまでの工程で、二点のデフケースを仮留めする小ねじを螺合することも必要となるので、生産性が低下するという問題点があった。 In addition, the ring gear fixing holes through which the ring gear fastening bolts are inserted require high precision in diameter and position, necessitating simultaneous machining of the two differential cases. In addition, with a four-pinion differential device, it is necessary to screw in small screws that temporarily fasten the two differential cases together during the process leading up to attaching the ring gear, which poses the problem of reduced productivity.
　この問題点を解消するために、デフケースを一点のままで構成し、さらには、２ピニオン式差動装置のデフケースの部品共通化を可能とすると共に、コストの上昇と生産性の低下を抑制することができる４ピニオン式差動装置が求められている。 To solve this problem, there is a demand for a four-pinion differential that uses a single differential case, allows for the use of common components for the differential case of a two-pinion differential, and prevents increases in costs and decreases in productivity.
　本発明は、このような問題点を解決するために創作されたものであり、部品点数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる４ピニオン式差動装置を提供することを課題とする。 The present invention was created to solve these problems, and its objective is to provide a four-pinion differential that can reduce the number of parts and cut costs.
　前記した課題を解決するために、本発明に係る差動装置は、第１回転軸を中心に回転し、前記第１回転軸の方向に沿う球殻形状を成すデフケースと、前記第１回転軸と直交する第２回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースの内部に配置される第１ピニオンギヤ対と、前記第１回転軸及び前記第２回転軸と直交する第３回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースの内部に配置される第２ピニオンギヤ対と、前記第１ピニオンギヤ対及び前記第２ピニオンギヤ対と直角に噛合し、前記第１回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースと相対回転可能に配置されるサイドギヤ対と、前記第２ピニオンギヤ対の背面に配置され、前記第３回転軸の前記第２ピニオンギヤ対を支持するピニオンギヤ支持軸の端面より前記第１回転軸側にて、前記デフケースに形成された開口部に設置される少なくとも一つのピニオンギヤ支持部材と、を備えている。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the differential device according to the present invention includes a differential case that rotates around a first rotation axis and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotation axis, a first pinion gear pair that rotates around a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case, a second pinion gear pair that rotates around a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case, a side gear pair that meshes with the first pinion gear pair and the second pinion gear pair at right angles, rotates around the first rotation axis, and is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the differential case, and at least one pinion gear support member that is disposed on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair and is installed in an opening formed in the differential case on the first rotation axis side of an end face of a pinion gear support shaft that supports the second pinion gear pair of the third rotation axis.
　本発明の差動装置によれば、部品点数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる４ピニオン式差動装置を提供することができる。 The differential device of the present invention can provide a four-pinion differential device that can reduce the number of parts and cut costs.
本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部横断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部縦断面図である。1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す側面図である。1 is a side view showing a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部分解斜視図である。1 is an exploded perspective view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部斜視図である。1 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置を示す図であって、ピニオンギヤ支持部材を取り外したときの状態を示す要部斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pinion gear support member has been removed. スナップリングの取り付け状態を示す要部拡大斜視図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which a snap ring is attached. 一対のスナップリングを示す拡大斜視図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pair of snap rings. 本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部横断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential gear according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置を示す図であって、デフケースにサイドギヤ対を組み付けたときの状態を示す要部横断面図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pair of side gears is assembled to a differential case. 本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部分解斜視図である。FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部横断面図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置を示す図であって、デフケースにサイドギヤ対を組み付けたときの状態を示す要部横断面図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a differential device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a pair of side gears is assembled to a differential case. 本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置を示す要部分解斜視図である。FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion showing a differential gear according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置のスナップリングの変形例を示す図であって、スナップリングの形状を示す概略図である。10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the snap ring of the differential gear according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and are schematic diagrams illustrating the shape of the snap ring.
［第１実施形態］
　本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置１を図１～図８を参照して説明する。
　以下の説明において、同一の要素には同一の符号を付し、重複する説明は省略する。また、差動装置１において、略対称形状の部位については、適宜一緒に説明する。また、第１実施形態では、図１及び図２に示す差動装置１において、第１回転軸３が延在する方向を車両の左右方向として説明する。 [First embodiment]
A differential gear 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.
In the following description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. Furthermore, in the differential gear 1, parts that are approximately symmetrical will be described together as appropriate. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in the differential gear 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the direction in which the first rotating shaft 3 extends will be described as the left-right direction of the vehicle.
≪差動装置≫
　図１及び図２に示す差動装置１は、車両前方に配置された原動機（図示省略）で発生し、変速装置（図示省略）で変速された動力を、減速させるための終減速装置（図示省略）に組み込まれている。差動装置１は、推進軸を介在して伝達された動力によって左後輪と右後輪とを差動回転させるための装置である。その差動装置１は、図１または図２に示すように、デフケース２と、第１ピニオンシャフト４０と、第２ピニオンシャフト５０と、サイドギヤ対３１と、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１と、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と、スラストワッシャ５２と、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３と、スナップリング５４と、を備えている。 Differential gear
The differential device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is incorporated in a final reduction gear (not shown) for reducing the power generated by a prime mover (not shown) arranged at the front of the vehicle and changed in speed by a transmission (not shown). The differential device 1 is a device for differentially rotating the left and right rear wheels by the power transmitted via a drive shaft. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the differential device 1 includes a differential case 2, a first pinion shaft 40, a second pinion shaft 50, a side gear pair 31, a first pinion gear pair 41, a second pinion gear pair 51, a thrust washer 52, a pinion gear support member 53, and a snap ring 54.
＜デフケース＞
　図１、図２あるいは図４に示すように、デフケース２は、第１回転軸３を中心に回転し、第１回転軸３の方向に沿う球殻形状を成す筐体である。デフケース２は、一対の第１ピニオンギヤ対４１と、一対の第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と、から成る４つのピニオンを収容する所謂４ピニオン式に対応可能なギヤケースである。デフケース２は、一つの部品によって形成された１点構成の部品から成る。デフケース２は、球殻部２ａと、開口部２ｂと、フランジ部２ｃと、ギヤ収納室２ｅと、スナップリング係合溝２ｆと、固定孔２ｇと、ボス部２ｈと、軸支孔２ｉと、シャフト挿入孔２ｊと、を有している。 <Differential case>
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the differential case 2 is a housing that rotates around the first rotating shaft 3 and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotating shaft 3. The differential case 2 is a gear case that can accommodate a so-called four-pinion type that accommodates four pinions consisting of a pair of first pinion gear pairs 41 and a pair of second pinion gear pairs 51. The differential case 2 is a one-point component formed by a single component. The differential case 2 has a spherical shell portion 2a, an opening 2b, a flange portion 2c, a gear storage chamber 2e, a snap ring engagement groove 2f, a fixing hole 2g, a boss portion 2h, a shaft support hole 2i, and a shaft insertion hole 2j.
　図１、図２及び図４に示すように、球殻部２ａは、サイドギヤ対３１、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を回転自在に収容するギヤ収納室２ｅを構成する略円筒状の部位である。球殻部２ａには、複数の開口部２ｂが形成されている。 As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the spherical shell portion 2a is a substantially cylindrical portion that constitutes the gear storage chamber 2e that rotatably houses the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41 and the second pinion gear pair 51. A number of openings 2b are formed in the spherical shell portion 2a.
　開口部２ｂは、サイドギヤ対３１、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を球殻部２ａ内に組み込むと共に、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３によって閉塞される窓である。開口部２ｂは、球殻部２ａの外周部において、第３回転軸５が配置される箇所に形成された略円形状の挿通孔から成る。開口部２ｂの内周面には、スナップリング係合溝２ｆが形成されている。 The opening 2b is a window through which the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51 are assembled inside the spherical shell portion 2a, and is closed by the pinion gear support member 53. The opening 2b is a substantially circular insertion hole formed at the location where the third rotating shaft 5 is located on the outer periphery of the spherical shell portion 2a. A snap ring engagement groove 2f is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 2b.
　スナップリング係合溝２ｆは、スナップリング５４の外周部に形成された歯形部５４ｂが係合する溝である。スナップリング５４は、歯形部５４ｂがスナップリング係合溝２ｆに係合されることで、デフケース２に取り付けられる。スナップリング係合溝２ｆは、略環状（Ｃ字状）の溝から成る。 The snap ring engagement groove 2f is a groove that engages with the toothed portion 54b formed on the outer periphery of the snap ring 54. The snap ring 54 is attached to the differential case 2 by engaging the toothed portion 54b with the snap ring engagement groove 2f. The snap ring engagement groove 2f is made of a roughly annular (C-shaped) groove.
　フランジ部２ｃは、デフケース２と一体に回転するリングギヤ（図示省略）をデフケース２の外周部に固定するための部位である。フランジ部２ｃは、球殻部２ａの外周部の左端部寄りの位置に、円環状に突出形成されている。フランジ部２ｃには、リングギヤ（図示省略）をデフケース２に固定する固定具（図示省略）を挿設するための固定孔２ｇが適宜な間隔で複数形成されている。 The flange portion 2c is a portion for fixing a ring gear (not shown), which rotates integrally with the differential case 2, to the outer periphery of the differential case 2. The flange portion 2c is formed in an annular shape and protrudes from a position near the left end of the outer periphery of the spherical shell portion 2a. The flange portion 2c has a plurality of fixing holes 2g formed at appropriate intervals for inserting fixing devices (not shown) that fix the ring gear (not shown) to the differential case 2.
　その不図示のリングギヤは、ドライブピニオンシャフト（図示省略）のドライブピニオンギヤに噛合するリング状の傘歯車である。
　不図示のドライブピニオンギヤは、変速機（図示省略）からの出力をリングギヤ（図示省略）に伝えるための歯車である。ドライブピニオンギヤの歯部が一体形成されたドライブピニオンシャフトは、リングギヤの軸線に直交する方向に沿うよう配置されている。 The ring gear (not shown) is a ring-shaped bevel gear that meshes with a drive pinion gear of a drive pinion shaft (not shown).
The drive pinion gear (not shown) is a gear for transmitting the output from the transmission (not shown) to the ring gear (not shown). The drive pinion shaft, which is integrally formed with the teeth of the drive pinion gear, is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the ring gear.
　図１または図２に示すように、ギヤ収納室２ｅは、サイドギヤ対３１、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を収容するための収容部である。ギヤ収納室２ｅは、球殻部２ａ内に形成された中空状の収容空間から成る。 As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the gear storage chamber 2e is a storage section for storing the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51. The gear storage chamber 2e is made up of a hollow storage space formed inside the spherical shell portion 2a.
　図１～図４に示すように、ボス部２ｈは、デフケース２を軸支するベアリング（図示省略）が外嵌される箇所である。ボス部２ｈは、球殻部２ａの左右両端側から突出するように形成された左右一対の円筒状部位から成る。一対のボス部２ｈは、左右一対のベアリングを介在してキャリアの軸支部に軸装されている。このため、デフケース２は、左右一対のベアリングを介在して左右両端部が支持されて、第１回転軸３を中心としてキャリア内に回転自在に軸支されている。ボス部２ｈ内には、軸支孔２ｉが形成されている。 As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the boss portion 2h is a portion onto which a bearing (not shown) that supports the differential case 2 is fitted. The boss portion 2h consists of a pair of left and right cylindrical portions formed to protrude from both the left and right ends of the spherical shell portion 2a. The pair of boss portions 2h are journaled on journal portions of the carrier via a pair of left and right bearings. Therefore, the differential case 2 is journaled in the carrier so as to be freely rotatable about the first rotating shaft 3, with both left and right ends supported via the pair of left and right bearings. A journal hole 2i is formed in the boss portion 2h.
　図１及び図２に示すように、軸支孔２ｉは、ドライブシャフト（図示省略）が挿通される孔である。サイドギヤ対３１は、ドライブシャフトにスプライン嵌合され、デフケース２の内部でフローティング状態に配置されている。
　また、球殻部２ａには、軸支孔２ｉ（第１回転軸３）に直交して配置される第２回転軸４を軸支するシャフト挿入孔２ｊが形成されている。 1 and 2, the shaft support hole 2i is a hole through which a drive shaft (not shown) is inserted. The side gear pair 31 is spline-fitted to the drive shaft and is disposed in a floating state inside the differential case 2.
Further, a shaft insertion hole 2j is formed in the spherical shell portion 2a to support a second rotating shaft 4 that is disposed perpendicular to the shaft support hole 2i (first rotating shaft 3).
＜第１回転軸＞
　図１及び図２に示すように、第１回転軸３は、デフケース２の回転軸であるとともに、ドライブシャフトとスプライン結合されたサイドギヤ対３１の回転軸線となる軸である。 <First Rotation Axis>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first rotating shaft 3 is the rotating shaft of the differential case 2 and also serves as the rotation axis of a pair of side gears 31 spline-connected to the drive shafts.
＜サイドギヤ対＞
　サイドギヤ対３１は、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と直角に噛合する一対の歯車である。サイドギヤ対３１は、第１回転軸３を中心に回転可能に配置されると共に、デフケース２と相対回転可能に配置されている。サイドギヤ対３１とギヤ収納室２ｅとの間には、サイドギヤ対３１を中心Ｏ１方向に付勢するスラストワッシャ３２が介在されている。 <Side gear pair>
The side gear pair 31 is a pair of gears that mesh at right angles with the first pinion gear pair 41 and the second pinion gear pair 51. The side gear pair 31 is arranged rotatably about the first rotating shaft 3 and arranged rotatably relative to the differential case 2. A thrust washer 32 that biases the side gear pair 31 toward the center O1 is interposed between the side gear pair 31 and the gear storage chamber 2e.
＜第２回転軸＞
　図２に示すように、第２回転軸４は、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１の回転軸である。第１ピニオンギヤ対４１を支持する第１ピニオンシャフト４０は、第１回転軸３に直交して配置されて、デフケース２の径方向に延びる軸部材である。第１ピニオンシャフト４０の両端部は、シャフト挿入孔２ｊに嵌合されている。 <Second Rotation Axis>
2, the second rotating shaft 4 is a rotating shaft of the first pinion gear pair 41. The first pinion shaft 40 supporting the first pinion gear pair 41 is a shaft member that is disposed perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 3 and extends in the radial direction of the differential case 2. Both ends of the first pinion shaft 40 are fitted into the shaft insertion holes 2j.
＜第１ピニオンギヤ対＞
　図２に示すように、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１は、第２回転軸４を中心に回転する一対の傘歯車である。第１ピニオンギヤ対４１には、第１ピニオンシャフト４０を挿通するための挿通孔４１ａが形成されている。第１ピニオンギヤ対４１は、ギヤ収納室２ｅの内部に回転自在に配置されている。第１ピニオンギヤ対４１とギヤ収納室２ｅとの間には、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１を中心Ｏ１方向に付勢するスラストワッシャ４２が介在されている。 <First pinion gear pair>
2, the first pinion gear pair 41 is a pair of bevel gears that rotate around the second rotating shaft 4. An insertion hole 41a for inserting the first pinion shaft 40 is formed in the first pinion gear pair 41. The first pinion gear pair 41 is rotatably arranged inside the gear storage chamber 2e. A thrust washer 42 that biases the first pinion gear pair 41 toward the center O1 is interposed between the first pinion gear pair 41 and the gear storage chamber 2e.
＜第３回転軸＞
　図１及び図２に示すように、第３回転軸５は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の回転軸である。第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を支持する第２ピニオンシャフト５０は、第１回転軸３及び第２回転軸４に直交して配置される軸部材である。図４に示すように、第２ピニオンシャフト５０は、軸支孔５０ａと、ピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂと、端面５０ｃと、を有している。 <Third Rotation Axis>
1 and 2, the third rotating shaft 5 is a rotating shaft of the second pinion gear pair 51. The second pinion shaft 50 supporting the second pinion gear pair 51 is a shaft member disposed perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 3 and the second rotating shaft 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the second pinion shaft 50 has a shaft support hole 50a, a pinion gear support shaft 50b, and an end surface 50c.
　軸支孔５０ａは、第１ピニオンシャフト４０が挿入配置される貫通孔である。
　第２ピニオンシャフト５０は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と、スラストワッシャ５２と、を相対回転可能に支持し、後述するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３によりデフケース２に支持されている。 The shaft support hole 50a is a through hole into which the first pinion shaft 40 is inserted.
The second pinion shaft 50 supports the second pinion gear pair 51 and the thrust washer 52 so as to be capable of relative rotation, and is supported by the differential case 2 by a pinion gear support member 53 which will be described later.
＜第２ピニオンギヤ対＞
　図１及び図４に示すように、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１は、第３回転軸５を中心に回転する左右一対の傘歯車である。第２ピニオンギヤ対５１には、第２ピニオンシャフト５０を挿通するための挿通孔５１ａが形成されている。第２ピニオンギヤ対５１は、ギヤ収納室２ｅの内部に第３回転軸５を中心にして回転自在に配置される。 <Second pinion gear pair>
1 and 4, the second pinion gear pair 51 is a pair of left and right bevel gears that rotate around the third rotation shaft 5. An insertion hole 51a for inserting the second pinion shaft 50 is formed in the second pinion gear pair 51. The second pinion gear pair 51 is disposed inside the gear storage chamber 2e so as to be rotatable around the third rotation shaft 5.
＜スラストワッシャ＞
　図１及び図４に示すように、前後一対のスラストワッシャ５２は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面と、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の内面との間に配置することで、相対回転する二つの面の間の潤滑性能を高めるための部材である。 <Thrust washer>
As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a pair of front and rear thrust washers 52 are members that are disposed between the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51 and the inner surface of the pinion gear support member 53 to enhance the lubrication performance between the two surfaces that rotate relative to one another.
＜ピニオンギヤ支持部材＞
　図１及び図４に示すように、左右一対のピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、第２ピニオンシャフト５０を支持する軸受部材である。ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、ピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂを軸支するシャフト挿入孔５３ａを有する厚い蓋状の部材から成る。ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の外周部には、スナップリング５４を装着するためのスナップリング装着溝５３ｂが形成されている。ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面（第１回転軸３と反対側）にスラストワッシャ５２を介在して配置されて、デフケース２の開口部２ｂに、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を背面から支持する支持部材の機能を果たす。 <Pinion gear support member>
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, a pair of left and right pinion gear support members 53 are bearing members that support the second pinion shaft 50. The pinion gear support member 53 is made of a thick lid-like member having a shaft insertion hole 53a that axially supports the pinion gear support shaft 50b. A snap ring mounting groove 53b for mounting a snap ring 54 is formed on the outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53. The pinion gear support member 53 is disposed on the back surface (opposite side to the first rotating shaft 3) of the second pinion gear pair 51 with a thrust washer 52 interposed therebetween, and functions as a support member that supports the second pinion gear pair 51 from the back surface at the opening 2b of the differential case 2.
　ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、スナップリング５４をスナップリング係合溝２ｆに係合させることによって、デフケース２の開口部２ｂ内に着脱可能に固定される蓋状部材である。図１に示すように、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、デフケース２の開口部２ｂに対して、第３回転軸５の方向の嵌合部範囲内で、スナップリング５４により係止されている。 The pinion gear support member 53 is a lid-like member that is removably fixed in the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by engaging a snap ring 54 with the snap ring engagement groove 2f. As shown in FIG. 1, the pinion gear support member 53 is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54 within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5.
＜スナップリング＞
　スナップリング５４は、前記したように、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３を開口部２ｂ内に着脱可能に取り付けるための固定具である。スナップリング５４は、円弧部５４ａと、歯形部５４ｂと、工具係止部５４ｃと、を有する皿バネスナップリングから成る。 <Snap ring>
As described above, the snap ring 54 is a fastener for removably mounting the pinion gear support member 53 in the opening 2b. The snap ring 54 is a disc spring snap ring having an arc portion 54a, a toothed portion 54b, and a tool locking portion 54c.
　図４または図８に示すように、円弧部５４ａは、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３のスナップリング装着溝５３ｂに係合する部位である。円弧部５４ａは、円弧状に形成された平板部から成る。 As shown in Figure 4 or Figure 8, the arc portion 54a is the portion that engages with the snap ring mounting groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53. The arc portion 54a is made of a flat plate portion formed in an arc shape.
　歯形部５４ｂは、第３回転軸５方向に沿う付勢力を生じる機能を有することにより、デフケース２側のスナップリング係合溝２ｆとピニオンギヤ支持部材５３側のスナップリング装着溝５３ｂとに係合されることで、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を中心О1側に付勢して、サイドギヤ対３１との噛み合い部の隙間を小さく抑えるための部位である。歯形部５４ｂは、平板状の円弧部５４ａの外周部に適宜な間隔で多数形成された歯形状突起から成る。歯形部５４ｂは、円弧部５４ａの外周部から斜め外方向に延びている。 The toothed portion 54b has the function of generating a biasing force along the direction of the third rotating shaft 5, and is engaged with the snap ring engagement groove 2f on the differential case 2 side and the snap ring mounting groove 53b on the pinion gear support member 53 side to bias the second pinion gear pair 51 toward the center O1, thereby minimizing the gap at the meshing portion with the side gear pair 31. The toothed portion 54b is made up of a large number of tooth-shaped protrusions formed at appropriate intervals on the outer periphery of the flat arc portion 54a. The toothed portion 54b extends diagonally outward from the outer periphery of the arc portion 54a.
　工具係止部５４ｃは、スナップリング５４をピニオンギヤ支持部材５３のスナップリング装着溝５３ｂに着脱させる際に、工具（図示省略）を差し込んで、スナップリング５４を着脱するための部位である。 The tool engagement portion 54c is a portion into which a tool (not shown) is inserted to attach and detach the snap ring 54 when attaching and detaching the snap ring 54 to and from the snap ring attachment groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53.
≪差動装置の作用効果≫
　本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置１は、基本的には以上のように構成されるものであり、次に、図１～図８を参照して、その作用効果を説明する。 <Effects of the differential device>
The differential gear 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above. Next, the effects of the differential gear 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
　図１及び図２に示すように、サイドギヤ対３１、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１は、一部品によって形成されたデフケース２のギヤ収納室２ｅ内に収容されている。このため、デフケース２は、差動装置１の部品点数及び組付工数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる。また、４ピニオン式のデフケース２は、２ピニオン式のデフケースと共用可能であるため、４ピニオン式の差動装置１を、コストアップと生産性の低下を招かず生産することができる。 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side gear pair 31, the first pinion gear pair 41, and the second pinion gear pair 51 are housed in the gear storage chamber 2e of the differential case 2, which is formed from a single part. Therefore, the differential case 2 can reduce the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the differential device 1, thereby reducing costs. In addition, because the four-pinion type differential case 2 can be used in common with a two-pinion type differential case, the four-pinion type differential device 1 can be produced without increasing costs or reducing productivity.
　また、図１及び図４に示すように、デフケース２の開口部２ｂには、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を支持するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３が配置されている。ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３のスナップリング装着溝５３ｂに装着させたスナップリング５４をスナップリング係合溝２ｆに係合させることによって、開口部２ｂ内に取り付けられている。 Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, a pinion gear support member 53 that supports the second pinion gear pair 51 is disposed in the opening 2b of the differential case 2. The pinion gear support member 53 is attached to the opening 2b by engaging a snap ring 54 attached to the snap ring attachment groove 53b of the pinion gear support member 53 with the snap ring engagement groove 2f.
　図１に示すように、スナップリング５４の係止位置は、第３回転軸５を軸支するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３が開口部２ｂに嵌合するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の厚みの範囲（開口部２ｂ）内にある。このため、デフケース２は、スナップリング５４をピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の端面（外側表面）に配置する場合よりも、開口部２ｂ周辺の構造を薄くすることが可能となるので、デフケース２の小型化及び軽量化を図ることができる。 As shown in FIG. 1, the engagement position of the snap ring 54 is within the range of the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 (opening 2b) where the pinion gear support member 53 that supports the third rotating shaft 5 fits into the opening 2b. This allows the differential case 2 to have a thinner structure around the opening 2b than when the snap ring 54 is located on the end face (outer surface) of the pinion gear support member 53, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the differential case 2.
　また、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、ピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂの端面５０ｃより第１回転軸３側寄りの位置で、デフケース２の開口部２ｂに取り付けられている。このため、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３、及び、開口部２ｂ周辺のデフケース２の肉厚を比較的薄く形成することが可能となるので、デフケース２を小型化及び軽量化することが可能となる。 The pinion gear support member 53 is attached to the opening 2b of the differential case 2 at a position closer to the first rotating shaft 3 than the end face 50c of the pinion gear support shaft 50b. This makes it possible to form the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 and the differential case 2 around the opening 2b relatively thin, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the differential case 2.
　また、デフケース２の開口部２ｂは、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３によって閉塞していることによって、デフケース２に形成される開口部分の専有面積を従来のデフケースと比較して小さくすることができる。このため、差動装置１は、デフケース２内から外部への開口部分を小さくすることができるので、デフケース２の内部に貯留される潤滑油が外部へ排出されるのを抑制することができる。その結果、差動装置１は、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１、サイドギヤ対３１及びピニオンシャフトの噛合部や摺接部の潤滑性を向上させることができる。 In addition, because the opening 2b of the differential case 2 is closed by the pinion gear support member 53, the area occupied by the opening formed in the differential case 2 can be made smaller than that of conventional differential cases. As a result, the differential device 1 can reduce the opening portion from inside the differential case 2 to the outside, thereby preventing the lubricating oil stored inside the differential case 2 from being discharged to the outside. As a result, the differential device 1 can improve the lubrication of the meshing portions and sliding contact portions of the first pinion gear pair 41, the second pinion gear pair 51, the side gear pair 31, and the pinion shafts.
　このように、本発明の第１実施形態に係る差動装置１は、図１～図４に示すように、第１回転軸３を中心に回転し、第１回転軸３の方向に沿う球殻形状を成すデフケース２と、第１回転軸３と直交する第２回転軸４を中心に回転し、デフケース２の内部に配置される第１ピニオンギヤ対４１と、第１回転軸３及び第２回転軸４と直交する第３回転軸５を中心に回転し、デフケース２の内部に配置される第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１と直角に噛合し、第１回転軸３を中心に回転し、デフケース２と相対回転可能に配置されるサイドギヤ対３１と、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面に配置され、第３回転軸５の第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を支持するピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂの端面５０ｃより第１回転軸３側にて、デフケース２に形成された開口部２ｂに設置される少なくとも一つのピニオンギヤ支持部材５３と、を備えている。 As such, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the differential device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a differential case 2 that rotates about a first rotational axis 3 and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotational axis 3, a first pinion gear pair 41 that rotates about a second rotational axis 4 that is perpendicular to the first rotational axis 3 and is disposed inside the differential case 2, a second pinion gear pair 51 that rotates about a third rotational axis 5 that is perpendicular to the first rotational axis 3 and the second rotational axis 4 and is disposed inside the differential case 2, and The differential includes a side gear pair 31 that meshes with the pinion gear pair 41 and the second pinion gear pair 51 at right angles, rotates around the first rotating shaft 3, and is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the differential case 2, and at least one pinion gear support member 53 that is arranged on the back side of the second pinion gear pair 51 and is installed in an opening 2b formed in the differential case 2 on the first rotating shaft 3 side of the end face 50c of the pinion gear support shaft 50b that supports the second pinion gear pair 51 of the third rotating shaft 5.
　かかる構成によれば、デフケース２は、第１ピニオンギヤ対４１、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１及びサイドギヤ対３１を収容し、第１回転軸３を中心に回転し、第１回転軸３の方向に沿う球殻形状を成している。このため、デフケース２は、４ピニオン式に対応できる１点構成のケース体で構成することができるので、部品点数及び組付工数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる。
　また、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面に配置され、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を支持するピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂの端面５０ｃより第１回転軸３側にて、開口部２ｂに設置される。このため、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３及びデフケース２の開口部２ｂ周辺を、薄く形成することができるため、デフケース２の小型化及び軽量化を図ることができる。
　また、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、第３回転軸５に軸支された第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を背面側から支持することができるので、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を安定した状態に回転するように支持することができる。 According to this configuration, the differential case 2 houses the first pinion gear pair 41, the second pinion gear pair 51, and the side gear pair 31, rotates about the first rotating shaft 3, and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotating shaft 3. Therefore, the differential case 2 can be configured with a single case body that can accommodate a four-pinion system, and therefore the number of parts and assembly steps can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.
Furthermore, the pinion gear support member 53 is disposed on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51, and is installed in the opening 2b on the first rotating shaft 3 side of an end face 50c of the pinion gear support shaft 50b that supports the second pinion gear pair 51. This allows the pinion gear support member 53 and the periphery of the opening 2b of the differential case 2 to be formed thin, thereby enabling the differential case 2 to be made smaller and lighter.
In addition, the pinion gear support member 53 can support the second pinion gear pair 51 journaled on the third rotating shaft 5 from the rear side, thereby supporting the second pinion gear pair 51 so as to rotate in a stable manner.
　また、図１及び図４に示すように、ピニオンギヤ支持軸５０ｂは、ピニオンシャフトであり、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面が着座し、デフケース２の開口部２ｂに対して、第３回転軸５の方向の嵌合部範囲内で、スナップリング５４により係止されている。
　ここで、「第３回転軸５の方向の嵌合部範囲内」とは、第３回転軸５を軸支するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３が開口部２ｂに嵌合するピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の厚みの範囲（開口部２ｂ）内をいう。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pinion gear support shaft 50b is a pinion shaft, and the pinion gear support member 53 seats the back surfaces of the second pinion gear pair 51 and is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by a snap ring 54 within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5.
Here, "within the fitting range in the direction of the third rotating shaft 5" refers to within the range of the thickness of the pinion gear support member 53 (opening 2b) where the pinion gear support member 53 that supports the third rotating shaft 5 fits into the opening 2b.
　かかる構成によれば、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、デフケース２の開口部２ｂにスナップリング５４によって係止されているので、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３を開口部２ｂ内にガタツキ無くしっかりと固定させることができる。
　また、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３は、デフケース２の開口部２ｂに固定するための固定具がスナップリング５４から成るので、スナップリング５４をピニオンギヤ支持部材５３の外周部の厚さ方向の中間にしっかりと固定することができる。 According to this configuration, the pinion gear support member 53 is engaged with the opening 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54, so that the pinion gear support member 53 can be firmly fixed in the opening 2b without any rattling.
In addition, since the fastener for fixing the pinion gear support member 53 to the opening 2b of the differential case 2 consists of a snap ring 54, the snap ring 54 can be firmly fixed to the middle of the thickness direction of the outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53.
　また、第１実施形態の変形例として図１５に示すように、スナップリング５４Ｃは、第３回転軸５から径方向に延在する工具係止部５４Ｃｃを有し、デフケース２Ｃは、開口部２Ｃｂに連続し、デフケース２Ｃの内外を連通して形成される工具係止部収容部２Ｃｄを備えるようにしても良い。 Also, as a modified example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the snap ring 54C may have a tool locking portion 54Cc extending radially from the third rotating shaft 5, and the differential case 2C may have a tool locking portion accommodating portion 2Cd that is continuous with the opening 2Cb and communicates between the inside and outside of the differential case 2C.
　かかる構成によれば、スナップリング５４Ｃが、第３回転軸５から径方向に延在する突起５４Ｃｄから成る工具係止部５４Ｃｃを有することで、スナップリング５４の工具係止部５４Ｃｃが拡大して、スナップリング５４Ｃを容易に着脱することができる。工具係止部収容部２Ｃｄは、開口部２Ｃｄの一部を肉抜きした肉抜部２Ｃｎを切欠形成することで、容易に形成することができる。 With this configuration, the snap ring 54C has a tool locking portion 54Cc consisting of a protrusion 54Cd extending radially from the third rotating shaft 5, so that the tool locking portion 54Cc of the snap ring 54 expands, making it easy to attach and detach the snap ring 54C. The tool locking portion accommodating portion 2Cd can be easily formed by cutting out a portion of the opening 2Cd to form a lightened portion 2Cn.
［第２実施形態］
　次に、図９～図１１を参照して、本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置１Ａについて、第１実施形態に係る差動装置１との相違点を中心に説明する。なお、既に説明した構成は、同じ符号を付してその説明を省略する。 [Second embodiment]
9 to 11, a differential gear 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the differential gear 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that components already described will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
　図９は、本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置１Ａを示す要部横断面図である。図１０は、本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置１Ａを示す図であって、デフケース２Ａにサイドギヤ対３１を組み付けたときの状態を示す要部横断面図である。図１１は、本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置１Ａを示す要部分解斜視図である。 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when the side gear pair 31 is assembled to the differential case 2A. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the differential gear 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
　図９～図１１に示すように、本発明の第２実施形態に係る差動装置１Ａは、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａが、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１の背面が着座し、デフケース２Ａの開口部２Ａｂに対して螺合される点と、環状突起５３Ａｄを雌ねじ部２Ａｍの外側端部にカシメ固定させる点で、第１実施形態と相違している。 As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the pinion gear support member 53A seats the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51 and is screwed into the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A, and the annular protrusion 53Ad is crimped and fixed to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am.
　この場合、デフケース２Ａの開口部２Ａｂの内壁には、雌ねじ部２Ａｍが形成されている。図９及び図１１に示すように、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａは、開口部２Ａｂを閉塞する蓋状の部材である。開口部２Ａｂに取り付けられるピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａには、外周面に、雌ねじ部２Ａｍが螺合する雄ねじ部５３Ａｂと、雄ねじ部５３Ａｂの外側端部に形成された環状突起５３Ａｄと、が形成されている。ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａは、雄ねじ部５３Ａｂを雌ねじ部２Ａｍにねじ込むことにより、サイドギヤ対３１とで、スラストワッシャ５２及び第２ピニオンギヤ対５１を挟持するように配置される。 In this case, a female thread portion 2Am is formed on the inner wall of the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the pinion gear support member 53A is a lid-shaped member that closes the opening 2Ab. The pinion gear support member 53A attached to the opening 2Ab has a male thread portion 53Ab on its outer circumferential surface into which the female thread portion 2Am screws, and an annular protrusion 53Ad formed on the outer end of the male thread portion 53Ab. The pinion gear support member 53A is positioned so that the thrust washer 52 and the second pinion gear pair 51 are sandwiched between the side gear pair 31 by screwing the male thread portion 53Ab into the female thread portion 2Am.
　環状突起５３Ａｄは、開口部２Ａｂに挿入したピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａを雌ねじ部２Ａｍの外側端部に回り止めとして係止させるための係止用突起である。環状突起５３Ａｄは、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａを開口部２Ａｂに螺合した後、雌ねじ部２Ａｍの外側端部にカシメ固定させることで、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａの回り止めとしての機能を果たす。 The annular protrusion 53Ad is a locking protrusion for locking the pinion gear support member 53A inserted into the opening 2Ab to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am as a rotation stopper. The annular protrusion 53Ad functions as a rotation stopper for the pinion gear support member 53A by being crimped and fixed to the outer end of the female thread portion 2Am after the pinion gear support member 53A is screwed into the opening 2Ab.
　ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａの側面には、工具係合穴５３Ａｃと、第２ピニオンシャフト５０が挿入されるシャフト挿入孔５３Ａａと、が形成されている。 The side of the pinion gear support member 53A is formed with a tool engagement hole 53Ac and a shaft insertion hole 53Aa into which the second pinion shaft 50 is inserted.
　かかる構成によれば、第２実施形態の差動装置１Ａのピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａは、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１とサイドギヤ対３１とのバックラッシを調整しながら螺合することが必要となるが、この場合に工具係合穴５３Ａｃにピンの突出する工具を係止することで、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａのねじ込み量を容易且つ好適に得ることができる。 With this configuration, the pinion gear support member 53A of the differential device 1A of the second embodiment needs to be screwed together while adjusting the backlash between the second pinion gear pair 51 and the side gear pair 31. In this case, by engaging a tool with a protruding pin in the tool engagement hole 53Ac, the amount of screwing of the pinion gear support member 53A can be easily and suitably obtained.
　また、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ａは、円周方向に均等な凹凸を設け、その凹凸に係止するロックプレートを設けてもよい。
　デフケース２Ａの開口部２Ａｂは、内部に組み込まれるサイドギヤ対３１及び第１ピニオンギヤ対４１が挿通可能な内径まで小径化してもよい。この場合は、デフケース２Ａの開口部２Ａｂは、雌ねじ部２Ａｍの内径よりも大きい切欠部を設けてもよい。 Also, the pinion gear support member 53A may be provided with uniform projections and recesses in the circumferential direction, and a lock plate may be provided to engage with the projections and recesses.
The opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A may be reduced in inner diameter to an extent that allows the side gear pair 31 and the first pinion gear pair 41 to be inserted therethrough. In this case, the opening 2Ab of the differential case 2A may be provided with a notch that is larger than the inner diameter of the female thread portion 2Am.
［第３実施形態］
　図１２は、本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置１Ｂを示す要部横断面図である。図１３は、本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置１Ｂを示す図であって、デフケース２Ｂにサイドギヤ対３１を組み付けたときの状態を示す要部横断面図である。図１４は、本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置１Ｂを示す要部分解斜視図である。 [Third embodiment]
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a differential gear 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which a side gear pair 31 is assembled to a differential case 2B. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing a differential gear 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
　図１２～図１４に示すように、本発明の第３実施形態に係る差動装置１Ｂは、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１Ｂの背面に軸部５１Ｂｂを設けて、軸部５１Ｂｂをピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂの軸支孔５３Ｂａに挿入して軸支している点と、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂが玉軸受である点で、第１実施形態と相違している。 As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the differential gear 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a shaft portion 51Bb is provided on the back surface of the second pinion gear pair 51B and is supported by being inserted into a shaft support hole 53Ba of the pinion gear support member 53B, and in that the pinion gear support member 53B is a ball bearing.
　このように、第３実施形態の差動装置１Ｂの第２ピニオンギヤ対５１Ｂは、背面に軸部５１Ｂｂを突設し、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂは、軸部５１Ｂｂを軸支する軸支孔５３Ｂａを有し、デフケース２Ｂの開口部２Ｂｂに挿入されると共に、開口部２Ｂｂ内に設けられたスナップリング５４Ｂによって開口部２Ｂｂ内に支持されていてもよい。 In this way, the second pinion gear pair 51B of the differential device 1B of the third embodiment has a shaft portion 51Bb protruding from its rear surface, and the pinion gear support member 53B has a shaft support hole 53Ba that supports the shaft portion 51Bb, and is inserted into the opening 2Bb of the differential case 2B and may be supported within the opening 2Bb by a snap ring 54B provided within the opening 2Bb.
　この場合、図１２～図１４に示すように、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１Ｂは、傘歯形状の歯形部５１Ｂｃの背面に軸部５１Ｂｂを有している。軸部５１Ｂｂは、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂの軸支孔５３Ｂａに内嵌される円筒状突起から成り、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂを介在して開口部２Ｂｂに支持されている。 In this case, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second pinion gear pair 51B has a shaft portion 51Bb on the back surface of the bevel tooth-shaped tooth portion 51Bc. The shaft portion 51Bb is made of a cylindrical protrusion that fits into the shaft support hole 53Ba of the pinion gear support member 53B, and is supported by the opening 2Bb via the pinion gear support member 53B.
　ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂは、例えば、ベアリング等の軸受部材から成る。外周部を開口部２Ｂｂに内嵌させたピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂは、外側面（背面側）がスナップリング５４Ｂによって開口部２Ｂｂ内に保持されている。 The pinion gear support member 53B is made of a bearing member such as a bearing. The outer periphery of the pinion gear support member 53B is fitted into the opening 2Bb, and the outer surface (back side) of the pinion gear support member 53B is held within the opening 2Bb by a snap ring 54B.
　２ピニオン式差動装置の場合、デフケース２は、そのまま共用可能である。デフケース２Ｂは、開口部２Ｂｂのピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂが装着される部位の加工を省略し、鋳造粗材面のままとすることも可能である。 In the case of a two-pinion differential, the differential case 2 can be used as is. It is also possible to omit the machining of the area of the opening 2Bb where the pinion gear support member 53B is attached, and leave the cast rough surface as it is.
　かかる構成によれば、ピニオンギヤ支持部材５３Ｂは、玉軸受より構成するとともに、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１Ｂの軸部５１Ｂｂを回転自在に軸支することにより、第２ピニオンギヤ対５１Ｂの軸受部材の機能を果たす。 In this configuration, the pinion gear support member 53B is made of a ball bearing and rotatably supports the shaft portion 51Bb of the second pinion gear pair 51B, thereby functioning as a bearing member for the second pinion gear pair 51B.
　　１，１Ａ，１Ｂ　差動装置
　　２，２Ａ，２Ｂ，２Ｃ　デフケース
　　２ｂ，２Ａｂ，２Ｂｂ　開口部
　　２ｄ　　工具係止部収容部
　　３　　　第１回転軸
　　４　　　第２回転軸
　　５　　　第３回転軸
　　３１　　サイドギヤ対
　　４１　　第１ピニオンギヤ対
　　５０ｂ　　ピニオンギヤ支持軸
　　５０ｃ　　端面
　　５１，５１Ｂ　第２ピニオンギヤ対
　　５１Ｂｂ　軸部
　　５３，５３Ａ，５３Ｂ　ピニオンギヤ支持部材
　　５３Ｂａ　軸支孔
　　５４，５４Ｂ，５４Ｃ　スナップリング
　　５４ｃ，５４Ｂａ，５４Ｃｃ　工具係止部 Reference Signs List 1, 1A, 1B Differential device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Differential case 2b, 2Ab, 2Bb Opening 2d Tool locking portion accommodating portion 3 First rotating shaft 4 Second rotating shaft 5 Third rotating shaft 31 Side gear pair 41 First pinion gear pair 50b Pinion gear support shaft 50c End surface 51, 51B Second pinion gear pair 51Bb Shaft portion 53, 53A, 53B Pinion gear support member 53Ba Shaft support hole 54, 54B, 54C Snap ring 54c, 54Ba, 54Cc Tool locking portion

Claims (5)

  1. 　第１回転軸を中心に回転し、前記第１回転軸の方向に沿う球殻形状を成すデフケースと、
    　前記第１回転軸と直交する第２回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースの内部に配置される第１ピニオンギヤ対と、
    　前記第１回転軸及び前記第２回転軸と直交する第３回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースの内部に配置される第２ピニオンギヤ対と、
    　前記第１ピニオンギヤ対及び前記第２ピニオンギヤ対と直角に噛合し、前記第１回転軸を中心に回転し、前記デフケースと相対回転可能に配置されるサイドギヤ対と、
    　前記第２ピニオンギヤ対の背面に配置され、前記第３回転軸の前記第２ピニオンギヤ対を支持するピニオンギヤ支持軸の端面より前記第１回転軸側にて、前記デフケースに形成された開口部に設置される少なくとも一つのピニオンギヤ支持部材と、
    　を備えている、
    　差動装置。     A differential case that rotates around a first rotation axis and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotation axis;
    A first pinion gear pair that rotates around a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case;
    A second pinion gear pair that rotates around a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis and is disposed inside the differential case;
    A pair of side gears that mesh with the first pinion gear pair and the second pinion gear pair at right angles, rotate around the first rotation shaft, and are arranged to be rotatable relative to the differential case;
    At least one pinion gear support member is disposed on a back surface of the second pinion gear pair and installed in an opening formed in the differential case on the first rotating shaft side of an end surface of a pinion gear support shaft that supports the second pinion gear pair of the third rotating shaft;
    Equipped with
    Differential gear.
  2. 　前記ピニオンギヤ支持軸は、ピニオンシャフトであり、
    　前記ピニオンギヤ支持部材は、前記第２ピニオンギヤ対の背面が着座し、前記デフケースの前記開口部に対して、前記第３回転軸の方向の嵌合部範囲内で、スナップリングにより係止されている、
    　請求項１に記載の差動装置。     the pinion gear support shaft is a pinion shaft,
    The pinion gear support member is seated by the back surface of the second pinion gear pair, and is engaged with the opening of the differential case by a snap ring within a fitting range in the direction of the third rotation shaft.
    The differential device according to claim 1 .
  3. 　前記ピニオンギヤ支持軸は、ピニオンシャフトであり、
    　前記ピニオンギヤ支持部材は、前記第２ピニオンギヤ対の背面が着座し、前記デフケースの前記開口部に対して螺合されている、
    　請求項１に記載の差動装置。     the pinion gear support shaft is a pinion shaft,
    The pinion gear support member is seated by the back surfaces of the second pinion gear pair and is screwed into the opening of the differential case.
    The differential device according to claim 1 .
  4. 　第２ピニオンギヤ対は、背面に軸部を突設し、
    　前記ピニオンギヤ支持部材は、前記軸部を軸支する軸支孔を有し、前記デフケースの開口部に挿入されると共に、前記開口部内に設けられたスナップリングによって前記開口部内に支持されている、
    　請求項１に記載の差動装置。     The second pinion gear pair has a shaft portion protruding from a rear surface thereof,
    The pinion gear support member has a shaft support hole that supports the shaft portion, is inserted into an opening of the differential case, and is supported in the opening by a snap ring provided in the opening.
    The differential device according to claim 1 .
  5. 　前記スナップリングは、前記第３回転軸から径方向に延在する工具係止部を有し、
    　前記デフケースは、前記開口部に連続し、前記デフケースの内外を連通して形成される工具係止部収容部を有している、
    　請求項２または請求項４に記載の差動装置。     the snap ring has a tool locking portion extending radially from the third rotation shaft,
    The differential case has a tool locking portion accommodating portion formed to communicate with the inside and outside of the differential case,
    The differential device according to claim 2 or 4.
PCT/JP2022/042771 2022-11-17 2022-11-17 Differential device WO2024105865A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB255952A (en) * 1925-04-30 1926-07-30 Albert Joseph Rath Improvements in and connected with differential gears and particularly differential gears employed in the transmission of power to the axles of motor road vehicles
JPS55142736U (en) * 1979-03-31 1980-10-13
JPS5655140U (en) * 1979-10-05 1981-05-14
US5472385A (en) * 1993-03-09 1995-12-05 Clark Equipment Company Differential
JP2008164124A (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-17 Ｇｋｎ ドライブライン トルクテクノロジー株式会社 Differential gear

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5655140B2 (en) 2011-05-23 2015-01-14 新電元工業株式会社 Semiconductor device manufacturing method and semiconductor device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB255952A (en) * 1925-04-30 1926-07-30 Albert Joseph Rath Improvements in and connected with differential gears and particularly differential gears employed in the transmission of power to the axles of motor road vehicles
JPS55142736U (en) * 1979-03-31 1980-10-13
JPS5655140U (en) * 1979-10-05 1981-05-14
US5472385A (en) * 1993-03-09 1995-12-05 Clark Equipment Company Differential
JP2008164124A (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-17 Ｇｋｎ ドライブライン トルクテクノロジー株式会社 Differential gear

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