JP2008190541A - Coupling and differential using same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control torque or the like precisely, suppress generation of sound and vibration, and simplify a structure. <P>SOLUTION: The coupling is provided with inner and outer rotary members 5, 7 for input and output, a motor 29 provided in the outer rotary member 7 which is externally controllable, a deceleration mechanism 31 provided between the inner and outer rotary members 5, 7 and interlocked and connected to the motor 29 controllably. When the motor 29 is controlled, relative rotation between the inner and outer rotation members 5, 7 can be adjusted through the deceleration mechanism 31, and the torque and rotation speed can be directly controlled by the motor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a coupling and differential used in a vehicle or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, differential devices capable of controlling wheel torque, rotation speed, and the like have been used for vehicles in order to improve their motion performance.

  Such a differential device indirectly controls the torque and the number of rotations of a wheel using solid friction, for example, by engaging and controlling a friction multi-plate clutch by electromagnetic force.

  For this reason, in the conventional structure, it is difficult to accurately control the torque and the like due to the variation of the friction coefficient of the friction multi-plate clutch. There are also problems such as the generation of sounds and vibrations peculiar to solid friction. Furthermore, the structure has become complicated.

JP 2006-266485 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that accurate control of torque and the like is difficult, noise and vibration are generated, and the structure is complicated.

  The present invention enables accurate control of torque and the like, suppresses the generation of sound and vibration, and simplifies the structure. A controllable motor and a speed reduction mechanism provided between the inner and outer rotation members and connected to the motor in a controllable manner. The motor controls the motor to control the relative relationship between the inner and outer rotation members via the speed reduction mechanism. The main feature is that the rotation can be adjusted.

  According to the present invention, by controlling the output of the motor, the relative rotation between the inner and outer rotating members can be adjusted via the speed reduction mechanism.

  Therefore, the torque and the number of rotations can be directly controlled by the motor, accurate and smooth control can be performed, generation of abnormal noise and vibration can be suppressed, and the structure can be simplified.

  The purpose of enabling accurate control of torque and the like, suppressing the generation of sound and vibration, and simplifying the structure is realized by a motor and a speed reduction mechanism.

[Coupling device]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A coupling device 1 according to the present embodiment is disposed between, for example, left and right rear wheel axles, and is coupled between rear axles of a front engine and a front drive base (FF base) four-wheel drive vehicle, and includes a center differential device and a rear differential. It functions as a rental device. However, it is possible to function as a center differential device and a front differential device by coupling and arranging between the left and right front wheel axles. Further, it can be provided between the left and right front wheels or the rear wheel of the two-wheel drive vehicle, and can function as a front differential device or a rear differential device. The coupling device 1 is rotatably supported in a carrier, and rotational input from the engine is performed via a drive pinion shaft 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the coupling device 1 has couplings 2 and 4 having a symmetrical structure. The coupling device 1 includes a coupling case 7 that is an outer rotating member. The coupling case 7 is provided between the left and right axle shafts 5 and 5 (axle) which are inner rotating members, and is rotatably supported by the carrier. The coupling case 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is composed of left and right cases 8 and 10 that are divided and formed at an intermediate portion in the direction of the rotational axis, and coupling flanges 9 and 12 provided at opposing portions are coupled by bolts 14. Has been. A ring gear 13 is fastened to the coupling flanges 9 and 12 by bolts 14. The ring gear 13 is engaged with the drive pinion gear 11 of the drive pinion shaft 3. The drive pinion gear 11 and the ring gear 13 are helical gears, but may be hypoid gears as shown in FIG.

  Boss portions 19 are provided at both ends of the coupling case 7 in the direction of the rotation axis via end wall portions 17. The axle shaft 5 is rotatably supported on the boss portion 19.

  One end of the axle shaft 5 is accommodated in the coupling case 7, and the other end is linked and connected to the left and right rear wheels. At one end of the axle shaft 5, a diameter-expanded portion 21 that expands along the end wall portion 17 of the coupling case 7 is integrally provided. An annular extending portion 23 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the enlarged diameter portion 21 along the circumferential direction.

  Since the couplings 2 and 4 are symmetrical with each other, only one of them will be described, and the other components will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The coupling 2 includes the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5, a motor 29 provided in the coupling case 7, and a speed reduction mechanism 31 provided between the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5. It is arranged on the same axis.

  The motor 29 is an electric motor, and includes a stator 33 as a main body and a rotor 35 as a rotating body. Note that a hydraulic motor may be used as the motor.

  The stator 33 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the coupling case 7 and rotates together with the coupling case 7. The stator 33 is energized and controlled via a brush 37 made of a coil and connected to the coupling case 7.

  The rotor 35 is made of a permanent magnet, and an output shaft 39 is integrally provided at the shaft center portion. The distal end of the output shaft 39 is accommodated in a recess 41 provided at the end of the axle shaft 5 and is rotatably supported by the recess 41 via a bearing. A sun gear 43 is provided on the outer periphery on the front end side of the output shaft 39. The rotor 35 and the stator 33 can arbitrarily select a coil and a permanent magnet. For example, in addition to the above, the rotor 35 can be a coil and the stator 33 can be a coil or a permanent magnet.

  The speed reduction mechanism 31 connects the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5 so as to be capable of rotating output. The speed reduction mechanism 31 includes an input gear 15 provided on the coupling case 7, an output gear 25 provided on the axle shaft 5, and a planetary gear 45 that meshes with the input / output gears 15 and 25.

  The input gear 15 is composed of an internal gear provided on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling case 7 and is disposed on both sides in the rotational axis direction.

  The output gear 25 is an internal gear provided on the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 23 of the axle shaft 5. The output gear 25 is disposed adjacent to the input gear 15 of the coupling case 7. The number of teeth of the output gear 25 is set to be different from the number of teeth of the input gear 15.

  The planetary gear 45 is disposed between the sun gear 43 of the output shaft 39 of the motor 29 and the input / output gears 15 and 25 of the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5 and is provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction. The planet gear 45 is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the planet carrier 47. On the inner side in the circumferential direction of the coupling case 7, the engagement with the sun gear 43 of the output shaft 39 of the motor 29 is interlocked with the output shaft 39. Accordingly, the speed reduction mechanism 31 is linked to the motor 29 so as to operate under control. On the outer side in the circumferential direction, the coupling case 7 and the input / output gears 15 and 25 of the axle shaft 5 are engaged with and connected to the input / output gears 15 and 25. Each gear ratio between the planetary gear 45 and the input / output gears 15 and 25 is set to be different depending on the number of teeth of the input / output gears 15 and 25.

The speed reduction mechanism 31 can reduce or increase the speed of the rotation input of the coupling case 7 in accordance with the control of the motor 29 and can output the rotation.
[Operation of coupling device]
When the motor 29 is not controlled to be energized, the couplings 2 and 4 are in a driving force cutoff state. That is, the output from the engine side is input to the coupling case 7 of the coupling device 1 via the drive pinion shaft 3, the drive pinion gear 11, and the ring gear 13. From the coupling case 7, the input gear 15 of the speed reduction mechanism 31 of the coupling 27 is output to the planetary gear 45.

  In order to transmit torque from the input gear 15 to the output gear 25, the planetary gear 45 and the planet carrier 47 need to handle the reaction force. This reaction force torque is generated by the motor 29, but neither driving torque nor braking torque is generated when the motor 29 is not energized.

  Therefore, the couplings 2 and 4 do not transmit torque and are disconnected. For this reason, regardless of the rotation of the coupling case 7, the left and right rear wheels rotate freely. That is, it becomes a two-wheel drive state.

  On the other hand, when the motor 29 is energized, the sun gear 43 of the output shaft 39 is rotationally driven via the rotor 35. Since the sun gear 43 meshes with the planetary gear 45, the planetary gear 45 and the planet carrier 47 are rotated. Since the planetary gear 45 meshes with the input / output gears 15 and 25 having different numbers of teeth, a very low relative rotation is caused between the input / output gears 15 and 25. Since the input / output gears 15 and 25 that rotate relative to each other are integrally provided with the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5, relative rotation occurs between the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5.

  That is, the couplings 2 and 4 decelerate or increase the outputs of the motors 29 according to the gear ratios of the planetary gear 45 and the input / output gears 15 and 25, which are the reduction ratios, and the coupling case 7 In contrast, the axle shaft 5 can be driven to rotate relative to the axle shaft 5. Therefore, in the coupling device 1, the necessary differential rotation between the axle shafts 5 can be adjusted via the speed reduction mechanism 31 by controlling the motor 29, and can function as a rear differential device.

  At this time, the output from the engine is output from the coupling case 7 to the output gear 25 via the input gear 15 and the planetary gear 45 of the speed reduction mechanism 31, and the left and right axle shafts can be driven.

  Therefore, with a simple configuration of the motor 29 and the speed reduction mechanism 31, it is possible to function as an active yaw control differential that can freely control the differential rotation of both axle shafts 5 and perform yaw control or the like.

  For example, when turning right or left or turning left or right, by increasing the number of rotations of the outer wheels, differential rotation is actively generated between the left and right rear wheels, and a turning moment is generated forcibly and quickly. be able to. For this reason, the turning performance can be improved.

  In addition, for oversteer, the rotation of the inner wheel can be increased to generate a linear moment to prevent spin.

  At the same time, the differential rotation of the rear wheels with respect to the front wheels can be adjusted by the control of the motor 29, so that it can function as a center differential device.

The motor 29 can be controlled not only to generate torque as described above, but also to absorb torque like a friction plate. In this case, it functions as a generator and can generate electrical energy.
[Effect of Example]
In this embodiment, the coupling case 7 and the left and right axle shafts 5 and 5 are connected by the coupling 27 that can adjust the relative rotation via the speed reduction mechanism 31 by controlling the motor 29. Through the mechanism 31, the coupling case 7 and the axle shaft 5 are decelerated or increased in speed and rotated and output, and the axle shaft 5 relative to the coupling case 7 can be adjusted in relative rotation.
Therefore, the torque and rotation speed of the wheel can be directly controlled by the motor 29, and accurate and smooth control can be performed, generation of abnormal noise and vibration can be suppressed, and the structure can be simplified. it can.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the driving force of the rear wheels relative to the front wheels can be intermittently controlled by the motor 29, and the center differential device and the rear differential device (LSD (LSD) capable of freely controlling the torques of the two axle shafts 5). Limited Slip Differential)).

  In the driving force transmission state of the coupling 27, the left and right rear wheels can be driven mainly by the output from the engine, and only the differential energy for differential between the left and right rear wheels can be borne by the motor 29. . Therefore, the load on the motor 29 can be reduced while the torque and the rotation speed of the wheel can be controlled.

  Further, since the stator 33 of the motor 29 rotates together with the coupling case 7 and the rotor 35 rotates together with the axle shaft 5, the load on the motor 29 can be remarkably reduced, and the overall configuration can be made compact. For this reason, even if the arrangement space is narrow due to the relationship with the peripheral members, etc., it can be assembled easily and reliably.

  In the present embodiment, since the coupling case 7, the axle shaft 5 and the speed reduction mechanism 31 are arranged coaxially, the overall configuration can be made more compact.

  In the present embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 31 includes the output gear 25 of the coupling case 7 and the input gear 15 of the axle shaft 5 and the planetary gear 45 that meshes with the input / output gears 15 and 25, so that the structure is simpler. Can be

  Further, since the maximum differential rotational speed between the left and right wheels is about 30 RPM (revolutions per minute), the differential rotational speed between the coupling case 7 and the axle shafts 5 and 5 is half of the maximum differential rotational speed. It can be about 15 RPM. Therefore, a very large reduction ratio can be used for the reduction mechanism 31.

  For this reason, motor torque can be greatly amplified, and sufficient practicality can be exhibited with a small motor as described above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the differential is generated using the motor 29, application to a hybrid electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle with abundant power sources is easy.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the corresponding components will be described with the same reference numerals or A added to the same reference numerals.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, instead of the sun gear 43 of the first embodiment, a planet carrier 47A that supports the planet gear 45 is integrally provided on the output shaft 39A of the motor 29A.

  In the planetary carrier 47A, a carrier pin 51 is fixed between a pair of support wall portions 49, 49 integrally formed on the outer periphery of the output shaft 39A of the motor 29A. The planet carrier 47 </ b> A supports the planetary gear 45 rotatably between the support walls 49 and 49 by the carrier pin 51.

  In this embodiment, when the output shaft 39A is rotationally driven by the energization control of the motor 29A, the planet carrier 47A is rotationally driven together with the output shaft 39A. Accordingly, the planetary gear 45 rotates by meshing with the input / output gears 15 and 25. By such rotation, the axle shaft 5 can be rotated according to the reduction ratio.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the planetary carrier 47A is provided integrally with the output shaft 39A of the motor 29A, the structure can be simplified.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Note that components corresponding to those of the second embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals or B added to the same reference numerals.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the axle shafts 5B and 5B are connected by a differential gear 53 as a differential mechanism, and the coupling 27B is provided only between the coupling case 7B and one axle shaft 5B. It is provided.

  That is, in the coupling case 7B, an accommodation portion 55 that accommodates the differential gear 53 is formed on one side (10B) of the left and right cases 8B and 10B. The differential gear 53 is of a bevel gear type, and pinion gears 61 and 61 rotatably supported by a pinion shaft 59 are engaged with side gears 57 and 57 provided at end portions of the axle shafts 5B and 5B. It consists of

  The other side of the coupling case 7B has substantially the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments. An axle shaft 5B is inserted through the rotational axis of the coupling case 7B. On the outer periphery of the axle shaft 5B, a diameter-expanded portion 21B that expands along the end wall portion 17B of the coupling case 7B is integrally provided. An output gear 25B is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the enlarged diameter portion 21B.

  A hollow output shaft 39B of a motor 29B is engaged with the outer periphery on the base side of the axle shaft 5B so as to be relatively rotatable. A planet carrier 47B that supports the planet gear 45B is integrally provided on the output shaft 39B of the motor 29B. The planetary gear 45B meshes with the input gear 15B of the coupling case 7B. An annular connecting member 63 is provided between the planetary gear 45B and the output gear 25B adjacent to the input gear 15B. Input / output gears 65 and 67 formed of internal gears having different numbers of teeth are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 63. One input / output gear 65 meshes with the planetary gear 45B, and the other input / output gear 67 meshes with the output gear 25B of the axle shaft 5B.

  In this embodiment, when the energization control of the motor 29B is not performed, the coupling 2B is in a driving force cutoff state, and rotation output is performed from the coupling case 7B to the axle shafts 5B and 5B via the differential gear 53.

  Then, when the energization of the motor 29B is controlled, the rotation of the planetary gear 45B causes a very low relative rotation between the input / output gears 15B and 25B, and the coupling case 7B and the axle shaft 5B are driven. A relative rotation is caused between them.

  Therefore, also in this embodiment, by controlling the motor 29B, the necessary differential rotation between the axle shafts 5B and 5B can be adjusted via the speed reduction mechanism 31B, and the same effect as the above embodiment can be achieved. Can do.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Note that components corresponding to those in the above embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals or C added to the same reference numerals.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a coupling 27C such as a transfer is provided.

  The coupling 27C includes a coupling case 67 as an outer rotating member. The coupling case 67 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and one end is integrally connected to the input shaft 69. The other end of the coupling case 67 is provided with a boss portion 19C via an end wall portion 17C. On the boss portion 19C, an output shaft 71 as an inner rotation member is rotatably supported via a bearing. One end of the output shaft 71 is accommodated in the coupling case 67, and the other end is interlocked and connected to, for example, a propeller shaft.

  In the coupling case 67, a motor 29C and a speed reduction mechanism 31C are provided. The motor 29 </ b> C has a stator 33 fixed to a coupling case 67. The stator 33 </ b> C is energized and controlled by a power transmission coil provided outside the coupling case 67. The stator 33 can be energized and controlled by a brush 37C as shown in FIG. The rotor 35 of the motor 29C is housed in a recess 41C provided at the ends of the input / output shafts 69 and 71 at both ends of the output shaft 72, and is rotatably supported by the recess 41C via bearings 73 and 75. ing.

  In the present embodiment, when the energization control of the stator 33C of the motor 29C is not performed, the planetary gear 45 of the speed reduction mechanism 31C idles and the driving force transmission to the output shaft 71 is cut off.

  When energization control of the stator 33C of the motor 29C is performed, a very low relative rotation is caused between the input / output gears 15 and 25 due to the rotation of the planetary gear 45, and the relative rotation between the coupling case 7C and the output shaft 71 is caused. Cause rotation.

  The output from the engine is output from the coupling case 7C to the output gear 25 via the input gear 15 and the planetary gear 45 of the speed reduction mechanism 31C, and can be transmitted to the rear wheel side.

  Therefore, also in this embodiment, by controlling the motor 29C, the necessary differential rotation between the input / output shafts 69 and 71 can be adjusted via the speed reduction mechanism 31C, and the torque and the number of rotations of the rear wheels relative to the front wheels can be adjusted. Increase / decrease can be controlled.

  In the present embodiment, as in the above embodiment, the torque and rotation speed of the rear wheels relative to the front wheels can be directly controlled by the motor 29C, so that accurate and smooth control can be performed, and abnormal noise and vibration are generated. And the structure can be simplified.

  As described above, in normal LSD (Limited Slip Differential), the effect is not obtained unless the differential occurs or does not occur, and the torque of the wheel that rotates relatively slowly due to the differential limitation is reduced. growing.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the torque of both axle shafts 5 can be freely controlled even if no differential is generated. For this reason, for example, control that increases the torque of the axle shaft 5 that rotates relatively fast is also possible.

It is sectional drawing which shows a coupling apparatus (Example 1). It is sectional drawing which shows a modification (Example 1). It is sectional drawing which shows a coupling apparatus (Example 2). It is sectional drawing which shows a coupling apparatus (Example 3). (Example 4) which is sectional drawing which shows a coupling apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows a modification (Example 4).

Explanation of symbols

1 Coupling device 2, 4 Coupling 5 Intermediate shaft 7, 67 Coupling case
29 Motor 31 Reduction mechanism
69 Input shaft 71 Output shaft

Claims (7)

Internal and external rotating members for input and output;
A motor provided in the outer rotating member and externally controllable;
A speed reduction mechanism provided between the inner and outer rotating members and connected to the motor in a controllable manner.
The coupling, wherein the relative rotation between the inner and outer rotating members can be adjusted via the speed reduction mechanism by controlling the motor. The coupling according to claim 1,
The coupling characterized in that the inner and outer rotating members, the motor, and the speed reduction mechanism are arranged coaxially. The coupling according to claim 1 or 2,
The motor includes a stator attached to the outer rotation member, and a rotor that is linked to the speed reduction mechanism and is rotatable relative to the main body.
Coupling characterized by that. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein
The speed reduction mechanism includes an input / output internal gear provided on the inner and outer rotating members, and a planetary gear meshed with and connected to the internal gears and supported by a planet carrier, and the planetary gear of each internal gear with respect to the planetary gear. The gear ratio is set differently,
The coupling of the motor, wherein the rotor of the motor is linked to the planet carrier. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein
The speed reduction mechanism includes an input / output internal gear provided on the inner and outer rotating members, a planetary gear engaged with and connected to the internal gears and supported by a planet carrier, and a sun gear engaged with and connected to the planetary gear. Provided, the gear ratio of each internal gear to the planetary gear is set to be different,
The coupling of the motor, wherein the rotor of the motor is linked to the sun gear. A differential device comprising the coupling according to claim 1,
The outer rotating member is a differential case and the inner rotating member is a pair of axles;
The coupling is provided between the differential case and one or both of the axles,
A differential device characterized by that. The differential device according to claim 6,
The differential is characterized in that the coupling is provided symmetrically between the differential case and each axle.

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