JP2019086053A - Differential device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve rigidity of a differential device as a whole.SOLUTION: A differential device 10 includes differential gears 20 housed in an input member 7, differential gear supporting members 21, a pair of output gears 31, 32 engaged with each of the differential gears 20, and a plurality of washers 41, 42 disposed between the input member 7 and each of the output gears. The intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w of the pair of output gears 31, 32 respectively have projecting portions 101, 102 projecting to an axial inner side of the output gear with respect to an axial inner end face of the output gear of the intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w, and kept into contact with outer peripheral faces of the differential gear supporting members 21. The plurality of washers 41, 42 are respectively disposed in a manner that at least a part of the washers 41, 42 are overlapped to at least a part of the corresponding projecting portions 101, 102 in a projection plane orthogonal to a rotation axis X1 of the output gears 31, 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a differential gear applied to a vehicle such as a car.

  An input member, a plurality of differential gears accommodated in the input member, and a pair of output gears accommodated in the input member and rotatable around a rotation axis and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears There is conventionally known a technology in which the axially inner ends (tips on the axially inner side) of the respective output gears of the pair of output gears abut each other in the differential gear provided with the (see, for example, the following patent documents) See 1, 2).

  Further, in the differential gear, the axially inner ends (tips on the axially inner side) of the output gears of the pair of output gears are in contact with a differential gear support member (pinion shaft) that supports the differential gear (pinion gear). Techniques for contacting are also known (see, for example, Patent Document 3 below).

German Patent Publication 102011085121A German patent publication 102010033131A Japanese Patent Publication 2009-505002

  However, the differential devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not mention that the rigidity of the entire differential device is improved by bringing the axial inner ends of the output gears of the pair of output gears into contact with each other.

  Further, in the differential device of Patent Document 3, it is mentioned that the rigidity of the entire differential device is improved by bringing the axial inner ends of the output gears of the pair of output gears into contact with the differential gear support member. Absent.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a differential that can contribute to the improvement of the rigidity of the entire differential.

  In order to achieve the above object, one differential gear according to the present invention includes an input member, a plurality of differential gears accommodated in the input member, and the plurality of differential gears accommodated in the input member. A differential gear supporting member for supporting the differential gear, a pair of output gears which are accommodated in the input member and rotatable around a rotation axis, and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears; A plurality of washers disposed between the input member and each of the pair of output gears, each of the pair of output gears being a tooth that meshes with the shaft portion and each of the plurality of differential gears Section and an intermediate wall section connecting the shaft section and the tooth section, each of the intermediate wall sections being closer to the output gear than an axial inner end surface of the output gear of the intermediate wall section It projects axially inward and outside of the differential gear support member Each of the plurality of washers has at least a portion of the protrusion to which at least a portion of the washer corresponds, as viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the output gear. It is arranged to overlap with.

  Also preferably, the contact surface between the differential gear support member and the output gear is a flat surface.

  In order to achieve the above object, another differential device according to the present invention includes an input member, a plurality of differential gears accommodated in the input member, and the input member. A pair of output gears rotatable around a rotation axis and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears, and a plurality of washers disposed between the input member and each of the pair of output gears; And each of the pair of output gears has a shaft, a tooth that meshes with each of the plurality of differential gears, and an intermediate wall that connects the shaft and the tooth. Each of the intermediate wall portions has a convex portion which protrudes inward in the axial direction of the output gear from an axial inner end surface of the output gear of the intermediate wall portion, and each of the convex portions The axially inner ends of the output gear of the convex portion abut each other, and the plurality of Each catcher is viewed in a projection plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said output gear, at least a portion of the washer is arranged so as to overlap with at least a portion of the convex portions corresponding.

  Also preferably, each of the plurality of washers has a whole area in the radial direction of the output gear of the washer overlapping with at least a part of the projection when viewed from a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the output gear. It is arranged as.

  In order to achieve the above object, another differential according to the present invention is accommodated in an input member, a plurality of differential gears accommodated in the input member, and the input member. A differential gear support member for supporting the plurality of differential gears, and a pair of outputs housed in the input member and rotatable around a rotation axis and meshing with each of the plurality of differential gears And a plurality of washers disposed between the input member and each of the pair of output gears, wherein each of the pair of output gears includes a shaft portion and each of the plurality of differential gears. And an intermediate wall connecting the shaft and the tooth, and the differential gear support member faces the intermediate wall of each of the pair of output gears. And at least a portion of the possible outer peripheral surface abuts against each of the intermediate wall portions It has one convex portion, and each of the plurality of washers is viewed from a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the output gear, and at least a part of the washer corresponds to the intermediate wall portion of the corresponding output gear And at least a part of the convex portion of the differential gear support member opposed to the second gear.

  Also preferably, the contact surface between the differential gear support member and the output gear is a flat surface.

  Also preferably, each of the plurality of washers is at least a part of the washer in the circumferential direction of the output gear when viewed in a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the output gear, and the output gear The entire width in the radial direction is arranged to overlap at least a part of the convex portion of the differential gear support member opposed to the intermediate wall portion of the corresponding output gear.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the rigidity of the entire differential device.

Sectional drawing which shows typically the whole structure of the differential device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention (A1-A1 sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 2). A2-A2 line sectional view of FIG. 1 Principal part sectional view of a differential gear according to a second embodiment of the present invention (upper half corresponding view in FIG. 1) Principal part sectional view of a differential gear according to a third embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 3) A perspective view showing a pinion shaft and a pinion gear of a differential gear according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention Principal part sectional view of a differential gear according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 3)

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the attached drawings.

  First, a differential gear 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The automobile includes a transmission case 11 which is disposed beside an engine (not shown) as an on-vehicle power source and accommodates a transmission (not shown) and the differential device 10. In the transmission case 11, inner end portions of left and right first and second output shafts 5a and 5b which are respectively connected to the axles and rotatable about a first axis X1 are inserted. The inner end portions of the first and second output shafts 5a and 5b are coupled to a pair of output portions (first and second side gears 31 and 32 described later) of the differential device 10.

  For example, annular seal members 6a and 6b are mounted between the transmission case 11 and the first and second output shafts 5a and 5b. The seal members 6a and 6b seal between the first and second output shafts 5a and 5b, which rotate relative to the transmission case 11, in a fluid-tight manner. In the present embodiment, an oil pan (not shown) for storing a predetermined amount of lubricating oil is formed at the bottom of the transmission case 11 so as to face the inner space of the transmission case 11. The lubricating oil (lubricant) stored in the oil pan is surrounded by the rotation of the differential case 7 described later and the operation of the reduction gear mechanism 8 transmitting power from the power source to the differential case 7 in the internal space of the transmission case 11. It is scraped up and scattered. The lubricating oil splashes the inside of the transmission case 11 lubricates a mechanical motion part existing inside and outside the differential case 7 described later.

  The differential gear 10 is, for example, a differential case (input member) 7 supported on the transmission case 11 rotatably around a first axis (rotational axis) X1 via first and second bearings 9a and 9b, and the differential case 7 A differential gear mechanism 12 housed inside and a ring member (driven member, input member) 13 fixed (eg, welded) to the outer peripheral end of the differential case 7 are provided.

  The ring member 13 has, for example, a tooth portion 13g formed of helical teeth on the outer peripheral portion. Therefore, the ring member 13 functions as, for example, a final driven gear (input receiving portion). Further, the tooth portion 13g meshes with a tooth portion formed of a helical tooth of the drive gear 81 of the reduction gear mechanism 8 in the transmission. Thus, the power of the engine is transmitted from the transmission to the differential case 7 through the ring member 13.

  The differential case 7 has, for example, first and second cover members 71 and 72 sandwiching the differential gear mechanism 12 in the direction along the first axis X1, that is, the axial direction of the differential case 7 (axial direction of side gears 31 and 32 described later). And a cylindrical ring body 73 disposed between the first and second cover members 71 and 72 and coupled to the outer peripheral end of each of the first and second cover members 71 and 72.

  The first cover member 71 and the second cover member 72 cover, for example, the differential gear mechanism 12 from one side and the other side in the axial direction of the differential case 7. Further, at least one of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 is provided with a through hole (not shown) through which lubricating oil can flow, for example, to allow the inside of the differential case 7 and the transmission case 11 to communicate with each other.

  The first cover member 71 has, for example, a flat first side wall 71c formed in a circular ring shape centered on the first axis X1, and a first side gear 31 described later from the inner peripheral end of the first side wall 71c. And a first boss portion 71b extending outward in the axial direction (that is, the side opposite to the surface facing the second cover member 72). Further, the first boss portion 71b is supported by the transmission case 11 via the first bearing 9a.

  The second cover member 72 has, for example, a flat second side wall portion 72c formed in a circular ring shape centered on the first axis line X1, and a second side gear 32 described later from the inner peripheral end portion of the second side wall portion 72c. And a second boss portion 72b extending outward in the axial direction (i.e., the side opposite to the surface facing the first cover member 71). The second boss 72b is supported by the transmission case 11 via the second bearing 9b.

  The ring body 73 covers the differential gear mechanism 12 from the radially outer side of the differential case 7 (the radial outer side of the side gears 31 and 32 described later). Further, the connection between the ring body 73 and the first cover member 71 is performed using a plurality of first bolts 74a. Further, the connection between the ring body 73 and the second cover member 72 is performed using a plurality of second bolts 74 b. The connection means between the ring body 73 and the first and second cover members 71 and 72 is not limited to this embodiment, and various connection means other than bolts (for example, welding, caulking, press fitting, etc.) may be used. Good.

  The differential gear mechanism 12 includes, for example, a plurality of (for example, two) pinion gears (differential gears) 20 which are accommodated in the differential case 7 and rotatable around a second axis X2 orthogonal to the first axis X1, and A pinion shaft (differential gear support member) 21 disposed in the differential case 7 on the two axes X 2 and rotatably supporting the pinion gear 20, and supported rotatably around the first axis X 1 by the plurality of pinion gears 20. A pair of side gears (output gears) 31 and 32 (i.e., first side gears (one output gear, the other output gear, one side gear, the other side gear) 31 and second side gears (the other output gear, one) An output gear, the other side gear, and one side gear) 32).

  Each pinion gear 20 has a tooth portion 20g having a plurality of teeth constituted of, for example, bevel teeth. Further, the rear surface (i.e., the end surface on the radially outer side of the side gears 31 and 32) of each pinion gear 20 is rotatably slidably supported on the inner peripheral surface of the ring body 73 via a pinion gear washer 40. The pinion gear washer 40 may be omitted, and the rear surface of the pinion gear 20 may be directly supported by the ring 73 so as to be rotatable and slidable.

  The first side gear 31 is formed in, for example, a flat circular ring shape centering on the first axis X1, a shaft 31j having the first axis X1 as a central axis, a tooth 31g meshing with each of the pinion gears 20, and And an intermediate wall 31w integrally connecting the shaft 31j and the tooth 31g. Further, the tooth portion 31g has a plurality of teeth which are, for example, bevel teeth.

  Further, the intermediate wall portion 31 w integrally has, for example, a convex portion 101 that protrudes inward in the axial direction of the side gear 31 from the axial inner end surface of the side gear 31 of the intermediate wall portion 31 w. And, an axial end surface (end surface) 101t of the side gear 31 of the convex portion 101 is formed, for example, in a plane orthogonal to the first axis X1. Further, the back surface of the intermediate wall portion 31 w (that is, the end surface on the axially outward side of the first side gear 31) is provided with a washer (washer) 41 on the inner side surface of the first side wall portion 71 c of the first cover member 71. And rotatably supported.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 31 j is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the first boss portion 71 b of the first cover member 71 via a clearance. The outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 31j may be rotatably supported by the inner peripheral portion of the first boss portion 71b. On the other hand, the inner peripheral portion of the shaft portion 31j is fitted (for example, spline fitted) so as to be slidable in the axial direction in the first side gear 31 and the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the first output shaft 5a. Ru.

  In addition, the side gear washer 41 is positioned by an annular recess or step provided on at least one of the back surface of the middle wall 31w and the inner side surface of the first side wall 71c (in this embodiment, the back surface of the middle wall 31w). Ru. Further, when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the first axis X1, at least a part (in the present embodiment, all) of the side gear washer 41 is at least a part (in this embodiment, large) of the convex portion 101 It is arranged to overlap with the part).

  In addition to the washer 41 for the side gear, for example, the washer 43 for the side gear may be interposed between the rear surface of the first side gear 31 and the first side wall 71 c of the first cover member 71.

  The second side gear 32 is formed in, for example, a flat circular ring shape centered on the first axis X1, a shaft 32j having the first axis X1 as a central axis, a tooth 32g meshing with each of the pinion gears 20, and And an intermediate wall 32w integrally connecting the shaft 32j and the tooth 32g. In addition, the tooth portion 32g has a plurality of teeth that are configured by, for example, bevel teeth.

  Further, the intermediate wall portion 32 w integrally has, for example, a convex portion 102 projecting inward in the axial direction of the side gear 32 from the axial inner end surface of the side gear 32 of the intermediate wall portion 32 w. And, an axial end surface (end surface) 102t of the side gear 32 of the convex portion 102 is formed, for example, in a plane orthogonal to the first axis X1. The rear surface (that is, the end surface of the second side gear 32 on the axially outer side) of the intermediate wall portion 32 w is rotated via the side gear washer (washer) 42 on the inner side surface of the second side wall portion 72 c of the second cover member 72. It is slidably supported.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 32 j is rotatably supported by the inner peripheral portion of the second boss portion 72 b of the second cover member 72. On the other hand, the inner peripheral portion of the shaft portion 32j is fitted (for example, spline fitted) so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the second output shaft 5b and the second side gear 32 Ru.

  In addition, the side gear washer 42 is positioned by an annular recess or step provided on at least one of the back surface of the middle wall 32w and the inner side surface of the second side wall 72c (in this embodiment, the back surface of the middle wall 32w). Ru. Further, when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the first axis X1, at least a portion (in the present embodiment, all) of the side gear washer 42 is at least a portion (in the present embodiment) of the convex portion 102 It is arranged to overlap with the part).

  In addition to the side gear washer 42, for example, the side gear washer 44 may be interposed between the rear surface of the second side gear 32 and the second side wall 72c of the second cover member 72.

  Both end portions of the pinion shaft 21 are fitted and supported, for example, in a pair of support holes 73 h provided in the ring body 73. Then, at least one end of the pinion shaft 21 is fixed to the ring body 73 by the pin 25 inserted in the ring body 73 and the pinion shaft 21 in a detachable manner. The pin 25 is configured such that one end thereof faces the inner surface of the second cover member 72 so as not to come out of the differential case 7.

  Further, on the facing surfaces 21 f 1 and 21 f 2 of the pinion shaft 21 with the convex portions 101 and 102 of the first and second side gears 31 and 32, for example, axially inward in the side gears 31 and 32 from the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft 21. A notch is formed on the side. The notch is formed, for example, in a plane orthogonal to the first axis X1. Therefore, each of axial end surfaces 101t and 102t of the side gears 31 and 32 of the projections 101 and 102 is a surface 21f1 of the pinion shaft 21 facing the projections 101 and 102 of the first and second side gears 31 and 32, respectively. 21f2 is in contact with the surface in a rotatable and slidable manner.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
In the differential gear 10 of the present embodiment, when the ring member 13 and the differential case 7 receive rotational force from the engine via the reduction gear mechanism 8, the pinion gear 20 does not rotate around the second axis X 2. When revolving around the central axis (i.e., the first axis X1) of the differential case 7, the first and second side gears 31, 32 are rotationally driven at the same speed from the differential case 7 via the pinion gear 20. Thus, the driving forces of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 are uniformly transmitted to the left and right first and second output shafts 5a and 5b. When a difference in rotational speed occurs between the first and second output shafts 5a and 5b due to turning of the vehicle, etc., the pinion gear 20 revolves around the first axis X1 while rotating about the second axis X2, The rotational drive force is transmitted while permitting differential rotation from the pinion gear 20 to the first and second side gears 31 and 32. The above is the same as the operation of the conventionally known differential device.

  Further, in assembling the differential device 10 of the present embodiment, for example, a first subassembly in which the back side of the first side gear 31 is supported on the inner side surface of the first cover member 71 via the side gear washer 41 A second subassembly in which the back surface side of the second side gear 32 is supported on the inner surface of the second cover member 72 via the side gear washer 42 and the pinion gear washer 40 on the inner peripheral surface of the ring body 73 While supporting the back surface of the pinion gear 20, the both ends of the pinion shaft 21 passing through the pinion gear 20 are fitted to the support holes 73h of the ring body 73, and the third subassembly held off by the pin 25 is individually separated. Assemble it. Next, the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the first and second subassemblies and the ring body 73 of the third subassembly are mounted on the first and second side gears 31 and 32, respectively. Of the intermediate walls 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 so that each of the projections 101 and 102 abuts on the opposing surfaces 21f1 and 21f2 with the opposing pinion shaft 21, respectively. Be done. Next, the first and second cover members 71 and 72 and the ring body 73 are connected by the first and second bolts 74a and 74b, whereby the differential case 7 is assembled. Thereafter, the ring member 13 is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the differential case 7 by welding or the like, whereby the assembly of the differential gear 10 is completed. Thereafter, the differential case 7 is attached to the transmission case 11 via the first and second bearings 6a and 6b. The transmission case of the differential gear 10 is obtained by inserting the inner end portions of the first and second output shafts 5a and 5b into the inner circumferences of the shaft portions 31j and 32j of the first and second side gears 31 and 32, for example. Assembly to 11 is performed.

  The lubricating oil (lubricant) scattered in the transmission case 11 during the operation of the differential gear 10 is, for example, the first and second output shafts 5 a and 5 b and the first and second side gears 31 and 32. The inside and the outside of the differential case 7 are circulated through the spline fitting portion and through holes (not shown) provided in the first and second cover members 71 and 72. Therefore, the movable part in the differential case 7 can be lubricated by the lubricating oil scattering in the transmission case 11.

  By the way, during operation of the differential gear 10, the differential case 7 receives a large thrust reaction force when, for example, rotational driving force is input from the ring member 13. Then, the thrust reaction force extends to the first and second side gears 31 and 32 whose rear surfaces are supported by the differential case 7. In addition, a meshing reaction force with the pinion gear 20 also acts on the first and second side gears 31 and 32. Therefore, in the conventional differential device, misalignment between the first and second side gears 31 and 32 (for example, both side gears 31 and 32) is caused by the thrust reaction force and the meshing reaction force. (A slight offset of the shaft center of the shaft and a surface shift of the shaft centers of the side gears 31 and 32 slightly inclined) occur, causing a reduction in the transmission efficiency of the differential and an increase in operation noise. There was a fear.

  However, in the present embodiment, each of the intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w of the first and second side gears 31, 32 has an axial direction in the side gears 31, 32 from an axial inner end surface of the side gears 31, 32 in the intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w. It has integrally the convex parts 101 and 102 which protrude inward side. Further, the convex portions 101 and 102 face each other with the pinion shaft 21 interposed therebetween. Further, each of axial end surfaces (end surfaces) 101t and 102t of the side gears 31 and 32 of the convex portions 101 and 102 corresponds to the convex portions 101 and 102 of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 of the pinion shaft 21, respectively. They are in contact with the facing surfaces 21f1 and 21f2 in a rotatable and slidable manner. Further, each of the side gear washers 41 and 42 disposed between the back surface of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w and the side wall portions 71c and 72c of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the differential case 7 has a first axis (Rotational axis) At least a part of the convex parts 101 and 102 of the side gears 31 and 32 to which at least a part (all in the embodiment) of the side gear washers 41 and 42 correspond, as viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to X1. In the embodiment, it is disposed so as to overlap most of them.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 mutually sandwich the pinion shaft 21 in the axial direction in the side gears 31 and 32 via the pinion gear 20. Each of the convex portions 101 and 102 which rotatably engages and protrudes from the axial inner end surface of the side gears 31 and 32 of the intermediate wall portions 31 w and 32 w is rotatably engaged with the pinion shaft 21. As a result, the thrust load is applied from one of the side wall portions 71c (72c) of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the differential case 7 to one side gear washer 41 (42) and one side gear 31 (32), The pinion shaft 21, the other side gear 32 (31), and the other side gear washer 42 (41) can be efficiently transmitted to the other side wall portion 72c (71c) sequentially via the other. Therefore, the rigidity of the differential case 7 and the side gears 31, 32 with respect to the thrust load can be enhanced. Therefore, even if the differential case 7 has a relatively flat structure in the axial direction of the side gears 31, 32, as in the present embodiment, for example, it can contribute to the improvement of the rigidity of the entire differential device 10.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the rigidity of the differential case 7 and the first and second side gears 31 and 32 is enhanced, so that the thrust reaction force that the differential case 7 receives from the ring member 13 and the first and second side gears 31 and 32. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of mutual misalignment (for example, misalignment and / or surface misalignment) of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 due to the meshing reaction force or the like received from each pinion gear 20. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is advantageous in improving the transmission efficiency of the differential device 10 and reducing the operation noise.

  Next, a differential device 10X according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the tip surfaces 101t and 102t of the convex portions 101 and 102 of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 abut against the pinion shaft 21 so as to be rotatably slidable. Indicated. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the annular convex portion 200 protrudes from at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft 21 facing the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32. In addition, the flat portions 31wf and 32wf of the inner end faces of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w in the axial direction of the side gears 31 and 32 can rotate and slide on the tip end surface of the convex portion 200 facing the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w. In contact with In addition, as a modification (not shown) of the second embodiment, the end face of the convex portion 200 opposed to the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w is cut out to be a flat surface, and the side gear 31 of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w It is also possible to put in contact with the flat surface portions 31wf and 32wf of the inner end face in the axial direction of (32, 32) in the state of surface contact.

  Also in the second embodiment, each of the side gear washers 41 and 42 is at least a part in the circumferential direction of the side gears 31 and 32 of the side gear washers 41 and 42 when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the first axis X1. And at least a part of the convex portion 200 of the pinion shaft 21 (more specifically, the convex portion facing the middle wall portions 31w and 32w of the side gears 31 and 32). It is arranged to overlap with the tip surface 200).

  Further, in the second embodiment, the diameter of at least one of the support holes 73h is slightly larger than the diameter of the pinion shaft 21 (therefore, one end of the pinion shaft 21 can be loosely inserted with a slight inclination to the support hole 73h) Ring body 73 is used.

  The other structure of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, so the second embodiment can achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the main components of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as the corresponding main components of the first embodiment.

  Further, when assembling the differential gear 10X, in the assembly of the third assembly, the one end of the pinion shaft 21 is supported from the inner peripheral side of the ring 73 through the pinion gear 20 and the pinion gear washer 40 It is inserted into the hole 73h. Thereafter, one end of the pinion shaft 21 is temporarily protruded from the outer periphery of the ring body 73, and then the other end of the pinion shaft 21 is inserted from the inner peripheral side of the ring body 73 through the pinion gear 20 and the pinion gear washer 40. And the other support hole 73h. Thereafter, the pin 25 is used to prevent the pinion shaft 21 from coming off the ring body 73, and the third assembly is completed. The other assembly steps of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, a differential device 10Y according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the convex portion 200 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft 21 extends annularly along the entire circumference of the pinion shaft 21. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a pair of convex portions 301 and 302 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft 21 facing the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32. The flat end surfaces 301t and 302t opposed to the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the convex portions 301 and 302 are rotated to flat portions 31wf and 32wf of the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w in the axial direction of the side gears 31 and 32. It is slidably in contact. The convex portions 301 and 302 may be formed separately from the pinion shaft 21 and may be fixed (for example, welded) to the pinion shaft 21 later, or may be integrally formed (for example, forged) on the pinion shaft 21. It is also good.

  As a modification (not shown) of the third embodiment, the tip surfaces 301t and 302t facing the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the convex portions 301 and 302 are convexly curved (for example, a spherical surface, a cylindrical surface) What was formed in is also feasible.

  Also in the third embodiment, each of the side gear washers 41 and 42 is at least a part in the circumferential direction of the side gears 31 and 32 of the side gear washers 41 and 42 when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the first axis X1. And at least a part of the convex portions 301, 302 of the pinion shaft 21 facing the intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w of the side gears 31, 32 corresponding to the entire width in the radial direction of the side gears 31, 32 (more specific Are arranged so as to overlap with the tip surfaces of the convex portions 301 and 302).

  The other structure of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, and thus the third embodiment can achieve the same effect as that of the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, the main components of the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as the corresponding main components of the second embodiment. Further, the assembly of the differential device 10Y can also be performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, a pair of pinion gears 20 rotatably fitted and supported at both end portions of one pinion shaft 21 is shown. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the pair of pinion shafts 21A and 21B, which rotatably engage and support the pair of pinion gears 20, are arranged in a cross shape so as to be orthogonal to each other. Further, notch-like concave portions 21Ac and 21Bc which are fitted to each other are respectively formed at the intersections of the intermediate portions of the pinion shafts 21A and 21B. Thereby, mutual interference of the pinion shafts 21A and 21B can be avoided.

  The other structure of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, and thus the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effect as that of the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the main components of the fourth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as the corresponding main components of the second embodiment.

  In the first and third embodiments, when the pinion shafts 21 are provided in a pair to rotatably support the four pinion gears 20, the cross structure of the pinion shafts 21A and 21B shown in the fourth embodiment is applied. It is possible. Also, instead of the cross structure of the pinion shafts 21A and 21B according to the fourth embodiment, even if the pinion shafts 21A and 21B crossed in a cross shape are integrally connected directly or through joint members. Good.

  Next, a differential gear 10Z according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first to fourth embodiments, a pinion shaft (differential gear support) rotatably supporting the pinion gear (differential gear) 20 between the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32. Member) 21 and rotating the tip end faces of the convex portions 101, 102, 200, 301, 302 protruding on either of the opposing surfaces of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w and the pinion shaft 21 to the other surface The one shown to be slidably abutted is shown.

  On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, each pinion gear 22 integrally has, for example, a pinion shaft 22j extending on the second axis X2. The pinion shaft 22 j protrudes radially outward of the side gears 31 and 32 from the rear surface of the pinion gear 22, for example, and is rotatably supported by a support hole 73 h provided in the ring body 73. The pinion shaft 22j and the support hole 73h have substantially the same diameter.

  Each of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w of the first and second side gears 31 and 32 is, for example, axially inward of the side gears 31 and 32 from the axial inner end surface of the side gears 31 and 32 of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w. It has the convex part 501,502 which protrudes in the side and mutually opposes integrally. The opposing surfaces of the convex portions 501 and 502 in the present embodiment, that is, axial end surface (end surface) 501t and 502t of the side gears 31 and 32 of the convex portions 501 and 502 are, for example, planes orthogonal to the first axis X1. Is formed. Further, axial tip end surfaces (tip surfaces) 501t and 502t of the side gears 31 and 32 of the convex portions 501 and 502 of the present embodiment are in contact with each other so as to be capable of rotational sliding. Further, each of the side gear washers (washers) 41 and 42 disposed between the back surface of the intermediate wall portions 31w and 32w and the side wall portions 71c and 72c of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the differential case 7 is At least a part (this embodiment) of the convex portions 501 and 502 to which at least a part (all in the present embodiment) of the side gear washers 41 and 42 correspond, as viewed on the projection plane orthogonal to the first axis (rotation axis) X1. Most of them are arranged so as to overlap.

  The remaining structure of the fifth embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, so that the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment. However, in the fifth embodiment, in the transmission path of the thrust load from either one side wall 71 c (72 c) of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the differential case 7 to the other side wall 72 c (71 c), The pinion shaft 21 is not interposed. That is, from the side wall portion 71c (72c) of either one of the first and second cover members 71 and 72, the thrust load is one washer 41 (42) for the side gear, one side gear 31 (32), the other side gear The other side gear washer 42 (41) and the other side wall portion 72c (71c) are efficiently transmitted via the other side gear washer 42 (41). In FIG. 6, the main components of the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as the corresponding main components of the first embodiment.

  Further, as a modified example (not shown) of the fifth embodiment, axial end surface (end surface) 301t, 302t of the side gears 31, 32 of at least one of the convex portions 501, 502 has a convex curved surface , Spherical or cylindrical surfaces) are also feasible.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various design change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, in the first to fifth embodiments, the differential gear is housed in a transmission case of a car, but the present invention is not limited to this. The differential according to the invention is not limited to differentials for motor vehicles, but can be implemented as differentials for various mechanical devices.

  Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, the differential device is applied to the transmission system of the left and right wheels of the vehicle, and it is shown that the power is distributed while permitting differential rotation with respect to the left and right drive shafts. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the differential device is applied to the transmission system of the front and rear wheels in a front and rear wheel drive vehicle, and power is distributed while permitting differential rotation to the front and rear drive wheels. Good.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the outer peripheral portion of the differential case 7 is provided with a ring member (driven member, input member) 13 having on the outer peripheral surface a tooth portion 13g serving as an input receiving portion receiving power from a power source. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, as a ring member having a driven portion, driven wheels other than the ring gear (for example, driven sprocket, driven pulley, etc.) may be coupled to the differential case (input member). Further, in the present invention, for example, various power transmission mechanisms connected to a power source on the outer surface of any one of the first and second cover members 71 and 72 of the first to fifth embodiments, or The output member of the reduction mechanism (for example, a planetary gear reduction mechanism) may be coupled.

  In the fifth embodiment, the pinion shaft (differential gear support member) 22 j of the pinion gear (differential gear) 22 is integrally formed with the pinion gear 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the fifth embodiment, the pinion gear (differential gear) 22 and the pinion shaft (differential gear support member) rotatably supporting the pinion gear 22 through are separately provided and extend from the pinion gear 22 of the pinion shaft The two end portions (i.e., the radially inner end portion and the outer end portion of the side gears 31 and 32) may be supported by the ring body 73 or a support portion connected to the ring body 73. In this case, the support portion of the ring body 73 supporting the radial inner end of the side gears 31, 32 of the pinion shaft separate from the pinion gear 22 is the convex portion 501 of the intermediate wall portions 31w, 32w of the side gears 31, 32; It is formed in the shape which does not interfere with 502.

X1 ..... First axis (rotational axis)
7 · · · · · · · · · differential case (input member)
10, 10X, 10Y, 10Z · · · Differential 20, 22 · · · Pinion gear (differential gear)
21, 21A, 21B · · Pinion shaft (differential gear support member)
31, 32 · · · First and second side gears (output gear, side gear, one output gear, other output gear, one side gear, other side gear)
31g, 32g · · · Tooth portion 31j, 32j · · Shaft portion 31w, 32w · · · Intermediate wall portion 41, 42 · · · · · Washer for side gear (washer)
101, 102, 200, 301, 302, 501, 502 ・ ・ ・ convex part

Claims (7)

An input member (7),
A plurality of differential gears (20) housed in said input member (7);
A differential gear support member (21) housed in the input member (7) and supporting the plurality of differential gears (20);
A pair of output gears (31, 32) accommodated in the input member (7) and rotatable around a rotation axis (X1) and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears (20);
A plurality of washers (41, 42) disposed between the input member (7) and each of the pair of output gears (31, 32);
Equipped with
Each of the pair of output gears (31, 32) is
The shaft portion (31j, 32j),
Teeth (31g, 32g) meshing with each of the plurality of differential gears (20);
An intermediate wall (31w, 32w) connecting the shaft (31j, 32j) and the teeth (31g, 32g);
Have
Each of the intermediate wall portions (31w, 32w) is axially inward of the output gear (31, 32) from an axial inner end face of the output gear (31, 32) of the intermediate wall portion (31w, 32w) A projecting portion (101, 102) protruding to the side and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the differential gear support member (21);
Each of the plurality of washers (41, 42) corresponds to at least a portion of the washers (41, 42) when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (X1) of the output gear (31, 32) The differential device is disposed to overlap at least a part of the convex portion (101, 102). The contact surface between the differential gear support member (21) and the output gear (31, 32) is a flat,
The differential according to claim 1. An input member (7),
A plurality of differential gears (22) housed in the input member (7);
A pair of output gears (31, 32) housed in the input member (7) and rotatable about a rotation axis (X1) and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears (22);
A plurality of washers (41, 42) disposed between the input member (7) and each of the pair of output gears (31, 32);
Equipped with
Each of the pair of output gears (31, 32) is
The shaft portion (31j, 32j),
Teeth (31g, 32g) meshing with each of the plurality of differential gears (22);
An intermediate wall (31w, 32w) connecting the shaft (31j, 32j) and the teeth (31g, 32g);
Have
Each of the intermediate wall portions (31w, 32w) is axially inward of the output gear (31, 32) from an axial inner end face of the output gear (31, 32) of the intermediate wall portion (31w, 32w) With projections (501, 502) protruding to the side,
Each of the protrusions (501, 502) is in contact with each other at an axial inner end of the output gear (31, 32) of the protrusions (501, 502),
Each of the plurality of washers (41, 42) corresponds to at least a portion of the washers (41, 42) when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (X1) of the output gear (31, 32) The differential device is disposed to overlap at least a part of the convex portion (501, 502). Each of the plurality of washers (41, 42) is viewed from a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (X1) of the output gear (31, 32), and the output gear (31 of the washer (41, 42) , 32) is disposed so that the entire region in the radial direction overlaps at least a part of the convex portion (101, 102, 501, 502),
The differential device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An input member (7),
A plurality of differential gears (20) housed in said input member (7);
Differential gear support members (21, 21A, 21B) accommodated in the input member (7) and supporting the plurality of differential gears (20);
A pair of output gears (31, 32) accommodated in the input member (7) and rotatable around a rotation axis (X1) and meshed with each of the plurality of differential gears (20);
A plurality of washers (41, 42) disposed between the input member (7) and each of the pair of output gears (31, 32);
Equipped with
Each of the pair of output gears (31, 32) is
The shaft portion (31j, 32j),
Teeth (31g, 32g) meshing with each of the plurality of differential gears (20);
An intermediate wall (31w, 32w) connecting the shaft (31j, 32j) and the teeth (31g, 32g);
Have
The differential gear support members (21, 21A, 21B) are provided on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pair of output gears (31, 32) that can face the intermediate wall portions (31w, 32w) of the pair. At least one convex portion (200, 301, 302) that abuts on each of the intermediate wall portions (31w, 32w);
Each of the plurality of washers (41, 42) has at least a portion of the washer (41, 42), as viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (X1) of the output gear (31, 32). At least one of the protrusions (200, 301, 302) of the differential gear support member (21, 21A, 21B) facing the intermediate wall (31w, 32w) of the corresponding output gear (31, 32) Are arranged to overlap the
Differential. The contact surface between the differential gear support member (21, 21A, 21B) and the output gear (31, 32) is a flat surface.
The differential device according to claim 5. Each of the plurality of washers (41, 42) is the output gear (of the washers (41, 42)) when viewed from the projection plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (X1) of the output gear (31, 32). 31, 32) at least in part and the entire radial width of the output gear (31, 32) corresponds to the intermediate wall (31w, 31w, 31w, 32) of the corresponding output gear (31, 32). 32w) and at least a part of the convex portions (101, 102, 200, 301, 302) of the differential gear support members (21, 21A, 21B) facing each other.
A differential device according to claim 5 or 6.

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