JP2018021621A - Interruption device and differential device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interruption device and a differential device capable of interrupting connection between rotary members by engagement of an interruption member, and reducing magnetic resistance in a magnetic path of magnetic flux generated by energization to a coil of an actuator generating moving force for moving the interruption member.SOLUTION: An interruption device 10 includes an interruption member 4 having engagement teeth 411 engaged with a second member 22 of a differential case 2 by axial movement, and an actuator 5 for axially moving the interruption member 4. The actuator 5 has a coil 511, and a plunger 53 axially moving with the interruption member 4. The plunger 53 is disposed to be axially relatively movable to a first case member 21 of the differential case 2 through first and second air gaps G, G, magnetic flux is introduced to the plunger 53 from the first air gap Gwhen the coil 511 is energized, and the magnetic flux is led out to the second air gap Gfrom the plunger 53.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an intermittent device and a differential device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a differential device that allows a differential to be distributed between left and right wheels of a vehicle and distributes driving force includes a meshing clutch that limits differential between rotating members that can rotate relative to each other (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  The differential device described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a differential case, a pair of pinion gears pivotally supported on a pinion shaft fixed to the differential case, a pair of side gears that mesh with the pair of pinion gears with a gear shaft orthogonal thereto, and a differential case It has the intermittent member (clutch ring) arrange | positioned so that an axial direction movement is possible by engaging with the hole formed in the rotation direction, and the actuator which moves an intermittent member to an axial direction.

  The intermittent member has meshing teeth that mesh with a ring fixed to one side gear of the pair of side gears, and rotates together with the differential case. The actuator includes a coil, a coil housing made of a soft magnetic material that covers a part of the coil, and a plunger that presses the intermittent member. The coil housing covers the outer peripheral side of the coil, one side in the axial direction, and a part of the inner peripheral side. The plunger is configured by integrally fixing a plunger main body made of a soft magnetic material on the outer periphery of a guide member made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel disposed on the inner peripheral side. In addition, the coil housing is supported by the carrier via a support member, and is disposed so as not to rotate relative to the differential case in the axial direction.

  When the coil is energized, the plunger moves in the axial direction by the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic field loop (magnetic path) that passes through the coil housing, the plunger main body, and the annular projection provided on the side wall of the differential case. Receive. The intermittent member moves in the axial direction in response to the moving operation force, and meshes with a ring fixed to one side gear. As a result, relative rotation between the differential case and the one side gear is restricted, and accordingly, differential rotation between the pair of side gears is also restricted.

JP 2007-92990 A (see paragraphs [0037], [0045], [0047] of the specification)

  In the differential device described in Patent Document 1, since the magnetic field line loops through the coil housing and the differential case in addition to the plunger main body, in addition to the air gap (gap) between the plunger main body, the coil housing, and the differential case, the coil housing and the differential case. An air gap between them is also included in the route. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the number of turns of the coil or supply a large current to the coil, for example, in order to compensate for a decrease in the moving operation force acting on the plunger due to an increase in the magnetic resistance of the magnetic field line loop.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an interrupting device and a differential device capable of interrupting the connection between rotating members by meshing of an intermittent member that moves in the axial direction, and an actuator that generates a moving force that moves the interrupting member. An object of the present invention is to provide an intermittent device and a differential device capable of reducing the magnetic resistance in the magnetic path of the magnetic flux generated by energizing the coil.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is an interrupting device for intermittently connecting a first rotating member and a second rotating member, which are arranged so as to be relatively rotatable around a common rotational axis. Relative rotation with the first rotating member is restricted, and there are meshing teeth meshing with the second rotating member, and the coupling position where the meshing teeth mesh with the second rotating member and the meshing teeth are the first meshing teeth. An intermittent member that can move in the axial direction between a non-engagement position that does not mesh with the two rotating members, and an actuator that moves the intermittent member in the axial direction, and the actuator includes a coil that generates magnetic flux when energized. And a plunger made of a soft magnetic material that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member, wherein the plunger is one of the first and second rotating members and the first and second air. When the coil is energized, the magnetic flux is introduced from one of the first and second air gaps to the plunger, and the plunger An intermittent device is provided in which a magnetic flux is led out to the other air gap and the plunger moves in the axial direction so that at least one of the first and second air gaps becomes narrow.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention restricts relative rotation between the first and second rotating members disposed so as to be relatively rotatable around a common rotation axis and the first rotating member. A meshing tooth that meshes with the second rotating member, and a coupling position where the meshing tooth meshes with the second rotating member and a non-coupling position where the meshing tooth does not mesh with the second rotating member. An intermittent member that is movable in the axial direction, an actuator that moves the intermittent member in the axial direction, and a differential mechanism that outputs a driving force that is input and allows a differential from a pair of output members. In the differential device, the actuator includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux when energized, and a plunger that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member, and the plunger is a member of the first and second rotating members. One of the first and second air gaps is disposed when the coil is energized and is disposed so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction via one rotating member and the first and second air gaps. The magnetic flux is introduced into the plunger, the magnetic flux is led out from the plunger to the other air gap, and the plunger is axially arranged so that at least one of the first and second air gaps is narrowed. To provide a differential.

  According to the present invention, in the intermittent device and the differential device capable of intermittently transmitting the driving force between the rotating members by the meshing of the intermittent member moving in the axial direction, the actuator for generating the moving force for moving the intermittent member is provided. It becomes possible to reduce the magnetic resistance in the magnetic path of the magnetic flux generated by energizing the coil.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the differential gear which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, where (a) shows a non-operating state of the actuator, and (b) shows an operating state of the actuator. It is a disassembled perspective view of the differential gear except an actuator and an interposed member. It is a disassembled perspective view of an actuator and an interposed member. It is the top view which looked at the surface inside the 1st case member of a differential case in the axial direction. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd case member of a differential case. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the differential gear which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing which expands and shows a part of differential device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the differential gear which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the differential case of the differential gear which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the structure of the inside. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the intermittent member of the differential gear which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows a part of differential device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, although embodiment described below is shown as a suitable specific example in implementing this invention, although there are some parts which have illustrated various technical matters that are technically preferable. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a differential device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are partially enlarged views of FIG. 1, in which FIG. 2A shows the non-operating state of the actuator, and FIG. 2B shows the operating state of the actuator. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the differential device excluding the actuator and the interposition member. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator and the interposed member. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the inner surface of the first case member of the differential case as viewed in the axial direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second case member of the differential case.

  The differential device 1 is used to allow a driving force of a driving source such as an engine of a vehicle to be distributed to a pair of output shafts while allowing a differential. More specifically, the differential device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right main drive wheels (for example, front wheels) to which the driving force of the driving source is constantly transmitted, and the driving force of the driving source is in accordance with the traveling state. It is mounted on a four-wheel drive vehicle having a pair of left and right auxiliary drive wheels (for example, rear wheels) transmitted in this manner, and is used as a differential device that distributes drive force to the left and right wheels of the auxiliary drive wheels. When the driving force is transmitted only to the main driving wheel, the vehicle is in a four-wheel driving state, and when the driving force is transmitted to the main driving wheel and the auxiliary driving wheel, the vehicle is in a two-wheel driving state. In the four-wheel drive state, the differential device 1 distributes the input driving force to the left and right drive shafts on the auxiliary drive wheel side.

  The differential device 1 includes a differential case 2 rotatably supported by a differential carrier 9 fixed to a vehicle body via a pair of bearings 91 and 92, a differential mechanism 3 accommodated in the differential case 2, a differential case 2 and a differential case 2. An intermittent member 4 that transmits the driving force to the pinion shaft 30 of the mechanism 3 in an intermittent manner, an actuator 5 that moves the intermittent member 4 in the axial direction, and an intermediate member 4 disposed between the intermittent member 4 and the actuator 5. In addition, an interposition member 61 that transmits the moving force of the actuator 5 to the intermittent member 4 and a wave washer 71 as an urging member that urges the intermittent member 4 toward the actuator 5 are provided. Among these, the intermittent member 4, the actuator 5, and the interposition member 61 include the intermittent device 10 that intermittently transmits the driving force between the pinion shaft 30 as the first rotating member and the differential case 2 as the second rotating member. Configure.

  The differential mechanism 3 includes a pinion shaft 30 to which driving force is transmitted from the differential case 2 via the intermittent member 4, a plurality (four) of pinion gears 31 that are rotatably supported around the rotation axis O of the differential case 2, It has a pair of side gears 32 as a pair of output members. The pinion shaft 30 can rotate relative to the differential case 2 around the common rotation axis O when the actuator 5 is not in operation. The differential mechanism 3 outputs the driving force transmitted to the pinion shaft 30 while allowing a differential from the pair of side gears 32. In the following description, the axial direction refers to a direction parallel to the rotation axis O.

  In the present embodiment, the differential mechanism 3 has a pair of pinion shafts 30, two of the four pinion gears 31 are pivotally supported by one pinion shaft 30, and the other two pinion gears 31 are the other. The pinion shaft 30 is pivotally supported. The pinion gear 31 and the side gear 32 are bevel gears, and mesh with each other with the gear shafts orthogonal to each other. The left and right drive shafts are coupled to the pair of side gears 32 so as not to rotate relative to each other. In addition, although the several gear tooth is formed in the pinion gear 31 and the side gear 32, illustration of these gear teeth is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each pinion shaft 30 includes a pair of engaged portions 301 engaged with the intermittent member 4, a pair of pinion gear support portions 302 inserted through the pinion gear 31, and a pair of pinion gear support portions 302. Are integrally formed with a connecting portion 303 that connects the two, and is formed in a shaft shape as a whole. The pair of engaged portions 301 are provided at both ends of the pinion shaft 30, and the connecting portion 303 is provided at the center portion in the axial direction of the pinion shaft 30. The pair of pinion gear support portions 302 is provided between each of the pair of engaged portions 301 and the connecting portion 303 and pivotally supports the pinion gear 31.

  The pair of pinion shafts 30 are meshed with each other at the center in the axial direction. Specifically, the coupling portion 303 of the other pinion shaft 30 is fitted into the recess 300 formed between the pair of pinion gear support portions 302 in the one pinion shaft 30, and the pair of pinion gears in the other pinion shaft 30. The connecting portion 303 of one pinion shaft 30 is fitted in the recess 300 formed between the support portions 302. The pair of pinion shafts 30 are orthogonal to each other when viewed along the rotation axis O of the differential case 2.

  The intermittent member 4 has a cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with the rotational axis O of the differential case 2 and is formed by forging a steel material. Further, the intermittent member 4 can be moved relative to the pair of pinion shafts 30 of the differential mechanism 3 in the direction of the central axis along the rotation axis O of the differential case 2, and relative rotation is restricted.

  The intermittent member 4 includes a first engagement portion 41 having a plurality of engagement teeth 411 provided at one end portion in the central axis direction, an annular inner flange portion 42 provided to protrude inward of the first engagement portion 41, and The pinion shaft 30 integrally has a cylindrical portion 43 formed with an engaging portion 430 that engages in the circumferential direction. The first meshing portion 41 meshes with a second meshing portion 223 (described later) provided in the differential case 2 in the circumferential direction. The inner collar portion 42 receives an urging force of the wave washer 71 with its axial end surface abutting against the wave washer 71. The engaging portion 430 is formed as a groove that penetrates between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical portion 43 and extends in the central axis direction of the intermittent member 4.

  The engaged portions 301 are engaged with engaged portions 301 provided at both ends of the pinion shaft 30. When the engaged portion 301 of the pinion shaft 30 engages with the engaging portion 430 of the intermittent member 4, the intermittent member 4 is relatively movable and relative to the pinion shaft 30 in the central axis direction along the rotation axis O. Cannot rotate. The plurality of pinion gears 31 can rotate (revolve) together with the intermittent member 4 around the rotation axis O of the differential case 2. In the present embodiment, the engaged portions 301 provided at both ends of each of the pair of pinion shafts 30 are engaged with the intermittent member 4, so that four engaging portions 430 are formed in the cylindrical portion 43. Yes.

  A washer 33 is disposed between the back surface 31 a of the plurality of pinion gears 31 and the inner peripheral surface 43 a of the cylindrical portion 43 of the intermittent member 4. In the washer 33, the inner surface 33a facing the back surface 31a of the pinion gear 31 has a partial spherical shape, and the outer surface 33b facing the inner peripheral surface 43a of the cylindrical portion 43 of the intermittent member 4 has a planar shape. When the pinion gear 31 rotates (rotates) around the pinion shaft 30, the back surface 31 a of the pinion gear 31 slides on the inner surface 33 a of the washer 33. Further, when the intermittent member 4 moves in the central axis direction with respect to the pinion shaft 30, the inner peripheral surface 43 a of the cylindrical portion 43 of the intermittent member 4 slides on the outer surface 33 b of the washer 33. The inner peripheral surface 43 a of the cylindrical portion 43 has a flat portion that slides on the outer surface 33 b of the washer 33.

  The interposition member 61 has an annular portion 611 disposed outside the differential case 2 and a plurality of projecting shafts 612 extending from the annular portion 611 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, four protruding shafts 612 are provided on the interposed member 61. The interposition member 61 is made of a nonmagnetic material, and is formed by pressing a steel plate made of, for example, austenitic stainless steel. The tip end portion of the projecting shaft 612 (the end portion on the opposite side to the base end portion on the ring portion 611 side) is bent toward the inner diameter side.

  A washer 72 having an L-shaped cross section is disposed between the tip end of the projecting shaft 612 and the cylindrical portion 43 of the intermittent member 4. The washer 72 has a cylindrical tube portion 721 and a disk portion 722 extending inwardly from one axial end of the tube portion 721, and the tube portion 721 is externally fitted to the cylinder portion 43 of the intermittent member 4. ing. The tip end of the projecting shaft 612 abuts on the disk portion 722 of the washer 72.

  The actuator 5 includes a coil 511 that generates magnetic flux when energized, an annular electromagnet 51 having a resin member 512 that covers the coil 511, a coil housing 52 that holds the electromagnet 51, and a plunger 53 that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member 4. And an anti-rotation member 54 that restricts axial movement and relative rotation of the coil housing 52 with respect to the differential carrier 9.

  The electromagnet 51, the coil housing 52, the plunger 53, and the rotation preventing member 54 are disposed outside the differential case 2. The electromagnet 51 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape along the rotation axis O, and the coil 511 is held by the coil housing 52 via the resin member 512. The electromagnet 51 is formed by molding, for example, a coil 511 formed by winding an enamel wire with a resin member 512.

  The plunger 53 moves the intermittent member 4 in a direction in which the first engagement portion 41 is engaged with the second engagement portion 223 of the differential case 2 by a magnetic force generated by energization of the coil 511. In the intermittent member 4, the first engagement portion 41 is engaged with the second engagement portion 223 by the moving force of the actuator 5 transmitted through the interposition member 61.

  Excitation current is supplied to the coil 511 of the electromagnet 51 from a control device (not shown) via an electric wire 513 led out from a boss portion 512a provided on the resin member 512. The actuator 5 operates when an excitation current is supplied to the coil 511. The coil housing 52 is made of a soft magnetic metal such as low carbon steel, and extends in the radial direction from a cylindrical portion 521 that covers the inner peripheral surface of the resin member 512 of the electromagnet 51 from the inside and one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 521. In addition, an annular plate-like wall portion 522 that covers one axial end surface of the resin member 512 is integrally provided. The cylindrical portion 521 has a cylindrical shape with the rotation axis O as the central axis, and is disposed between the differential case 2 and the resin member 512. The wall portion 522 extends outward from one end portion of the cylindrical portion 521.

  The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 521 of the coil housing 52 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the differential case 2 at a portion facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 521. Thereby, the differential case 2 is rotatable with respect to the coil housing 52. The outer diameter of the wall portion 522 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the annular portion 611 of the interposed member 61.

  An anti-rotation member 54 is fixed to an end portion of the cylindrical portion 521 of the coil housing 52 opposite to the wall portion 522. The anti-rotation member 54 is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel, and protrudes in the axial direction from the annular portion 541 disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 521 of the coil housing 52 and the annular portion 541 in two circumferential directions. And a pair of projecting portions 542. The annular portion 541 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 521 of the coil housing 52 by, for example, welding.

  The rotation preventing member 54 prevents the coil housing 52 from rotating by fitting a pair of protrusions 542 into a recess 90 formed in the differential carrier 9. The pair of protrusions 542 prevent the plunger 53 from rotating with respect to the coil housing 52 and the differential carrier 9 by being inserted through an axial insertion hole 532 a formed in the plunger 53. Each protrusion 542 is disposed on the flat plate portion 542a inserted into the insertion hole 532a of the plunger 53 and on the concave portion 90 side of the differential carrier 9 with respect to the insertion hole 532a, and the axial movement of the plunger 53 with respect to the coil housing 52 is performed. And a locking projection 542b for restricting the movement. In the present embodiment, the locking projection 542b is formed by raising a part of the plate portion 542a.

  The plunger 53 is made of a soft magnetic material such as low carbon steel, and is formed to protrude inward from an annular outer ring portion 531 disposed on the outer periphery of the electromagnet 51 and one end portion in the axial direction of the outer ring portion 531. The side plate portion 532 and a flange portion 533 formed so as to protrude outward from the other axial end portion of the outer ring portion 531 are integrally provided. The outer ring portion 531 has a cylindrical shape that covers the electromagnet 51 from the outer peripheral side. Due to the urging force of the wave washer 71, the annular portion 611 of the interposed member 61 is in contact with the flange portion 533.

  The plunger 53 is supported by the electromagnet 51 with the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring portion 531 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the resin member 512 of the electromagnet 51. When the plunger 53 moves in the axial direction, the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 531 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 512. That is, the plunger 53 is supported in the radial direction by the resin member 512 when the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 531 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 512 of the electromagnet 51.

  The side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53 has two insertion holes 532a through which the pair of protrusions 542 of the anti-rotation member 54 are inserted, a through hole 532b through which the boss portion 512a of the electromagnet 51 passes, and a plurality of lubricating oil ( 10 oil holes 532c are formed in the example shown in FIG. The electromagnet 51 is prevented from rotating with respect to the coil housing 52 by the boss portion 512a passing through the through hole 532b.

  The differential case 2 includes a disk-shaped first case member 21 and a bottomed cylindrical second case member 22. The first case member 21 closes the opening of the second case member 22. Between the pair of side gears 32 and the first case member 21 and the second case member 22 in the differential mechanism 3, annular plate washers 34 are respectively disposed. The first case member 21 is made of a soft magnetic material, and as a specific material thereof, for example, carbon steel such as S45C, chromium molybdenum steel such as SCM445, or low carbon steel such as S10C can be suitably used. Lubricating oil (diff oil) for lubricating the differential mechanism 3 is introduced into the differential case 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second case member 22 includes a cylindrical portion 221 that houses the differential mechanism 3 and the intermittent member 4, and a bottom portion 222 that extends inward from one axial end of the cylindrical portion 221. The second engagement portion 223 that meshes with the first engagement portion 41 of the intermittent member 4 and the flange portion 224 that extends outward from the other axial end of the cylindrical portion 221 are integrally provided. The cylindrical portion 221 has a plurality of oil holes 221a through which lubricating oil flows. The bottom portion 222 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 222 a into which a drive shaft connected to the one side gear 32 of the pair of side gears 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable is inserted, and an annular groove 222 b that houses the wave washer 71.

  The second meshing portion 223 includes a plurality of meshing teeth 223 a provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and is provided on the bottom 222 side of the second case member 22. In the present embodiment, a plurality of meshing teeth 223 a are formed so as to protrude in the axial direction from the inner surface of the bottom portion 222. The wave washer 71 urges the intermittent member 4 in a direction in which the intermittent member 4 is separated from the bottom 222 of the second case member 22.

  The first case member 21 integrally includes a disk portion 211 that faces the bottom portion 222 of the second case member 22 in the axial direction, and a flange portion 212 that abuts against the flange portion 224 on the second case member 22 side. Yes. The flange portion 212 of the first case member 21 and the flange portion 224 of the second case member 22 are coupled by a plurality of screws 20. The disk portion 211 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 211a into which a drive shaft connected to the other side gear 32 of the pair of side gears 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable is inserted. Further, the disk portion 211 communicates with the circular groove 211b formed in the axial direction from the outer surface opposite to the surface facing the bottom portion 222 of the second case member 22, and the circular groove 211b. A plurality of through holes 211c penetrating in the axial direction are formed.

  A part of each of the electromagnet 51, the coil housing 52, and the interposition member 61 is accommodated in the annular groove 211 b of the first case member 21. In the interposition member 61, the annular portion 611 is disposed in the annular groove 211 b, and the plurality of projecting shafts 612 are inserted through the plurality of through holes 211 c of the first case member 21, respectively. The interposition member 61 is supported in the radial direction with respect to the first case member 21 by inserting a plurality of projecting shafts 612 into the through holes 211c. In other words, the radial position of the interposition member 61 relative to the first case member 21 is determined by the projecting shaft 612 coming into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 211c.

  A driving force is input to the differential case 2 from an annular ring gear 23 (see FIG. 1) fixed to the flange portions 212 and 224 of the first and second case members 21 and 22. The ring gear 23 is fixed to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 221 of the second case member 21 on the flange portion 224 side. In the present embodiment, the plurality of bolt insertion holes 212 a formed in the flange portion 212 of the first case member 21 and the plurality of bolt insertion holes 224 a formed in the flange portion 224 of the second case member 22 are respectively inserted. The ring gear 23 is fixed so as to rotate integrally with the differential case 2 by a plurality of fastening bolts 24. The fastening bolt 24 has a head portion 241 that abuts on the flange portion 212 of the first case member 21, and a shaft portion 242 with a male screw formed through the bolt insertion holes 212 a and 224 a and screwed into the screw hole 23 a of the ring gear 23. To do.

  The annular portion 611 of the interposed member 61 abuts on the flange portion 533 of the plunger 53 and receives an axial moving force from the plunger 53. When the coil 511 of the electromagnet 51 is energized, a magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic path M indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2B, and the plunger 53 presses the intermittent member 4 via the interposing member 61. Move in the direction.

The flange portion 533 of the plunger 53 is formed to have a larger diameter than the annular portion 611 of the interposed member 61 and projects outward from the annular portion 611. The flange portion 533 is opposed to the axial end surface 211 d on the outer diameter side of the annular groove 211 b of the first case member 21 in the axial direction on the outer diameter side of the annular portion 611. That is, the axial end surface 211d of the first case member 21, between the opposing surfaces 533a of the flange portion 533 opposite to the axial end surface 211d in the axial direction, the first air gap _{G 1} is formed.

  The inner diameter of the side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53 is formed larger than the diameter of the peripheral surface 211 e on the inner diameter side of the annular groove 211 b of the first case member 21. The peripheral surface 211 e is an outer peripheral surface of the disk portion 211 in the first case member 21.

The side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53 is located outside the annular groove 211b (on the bearing 91 side) when the coil 511 is not energized. When the coil 511 is energized and the plunger 53 moves in the direction, the inner peripheral surface 532d of the side plate portion 532 is. Faces the peripheral surface 211e with a predetermined distance in the radial direction. An inner peripheral surface 532 d of the side plate portion 532 is an inner end surface of the plunger 53. That is, a second air gap G <b> ₂ is formed between the peripheral surface 211 e of the first case member 21 and the inner peripheral surface 532 d of the side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53. In other words, the second air gap _{G 2} is, has a circumferential surface 211e of the first case member 21, between the inner peripheral surface 532d of the side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53, in the radial direction by a predetermined distance Is formed.

The first case member 21 and the plunger 53 constitute a magnetic path M of the magnetic flux of the coil 511 and are relatively movable in the axial direction via the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ . In FIG.2 (b), the direction of the magnetic flux in the magnetic path M is shown by the arrow. The magnetic flux of the coil 511 passes through the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ . More specifically, when the coil 511 is energized, the plunger 53 extends from one of the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ (the first air gap G _{1 in the} present embodiment). The magnetic flux is introduced to the other air gap (second air gap G _{2 in the} present embodiment) from the plunger 53. The direction of the magnetic flux in the magnetic path M is determined according to the direction of the current flowing through the coil 511.

In the present embodiment, when the coil 511 is energized, the plunger 53 moves in the axial direction so that the _first air gap G1 is narrowed. It should be noted that the axial length of the outer ring portion 531 is extended and the inner diameter of the side plate portion 532 is reduced, and a part of the side plate portion 532 is axially end face 211f (on the inner diameter side from the annular groove 211b of the first case member 21). You may make it oppose to an axial direction (refer FIG.2 (b)). In this case, the second air gap G ₂ is formed between the side plate portion 532 of the plunger 53 and the axial end surface 211f of the first case member 21, when energized to the coil 511, first and second air The plunger 53 moves in the axial direction so that the gaps G ₁ and G ₂ are narrowed.

The plunger 53 is radially supported by the resin member 512 of the electromagnet 51, the second air gap G ₂ is maintained. Moreover, as is clear from FIG. 2 (a) and (b), and the wall portion 522 and the plunger 53 of the coil housing 52, spaced apart by a first distance greater than the air gap G _1, a cylindrical coil housing 52 the parts 521 and the plunger 53 are spaced apart at distance greater than the second air gap G _2. Thereby, the magnetic flux generated by energizing the coil 511 mainly passes through the plunger 53 and the first case member 21.

(Operation of the differential device 1)
The differential device 1 is in a connected state in which the first meshing portion 41 and the second meshing portion 223 mesh with each other in the circumferential direction by the operation and non-actuation of the actuator 5, and the intermittent member 4 and the differential case 2 are coupled so as not to rotate relative to each other. Then, the discontinuous state in which the intermittent member 4 and the differential case 2 are rotatable relative to each other is switched.

  When the actuator 5 in which no excitation current is supplied to the coil 511 of the electromagnet 51 is operated, the intermittent member 4 moves to the disk portion 211 side of the first case member 21 by the restoring force of the wave washer 71, and the first meshing portion 41 The meshing with the second meshing part 223 is released. When the actuator 5 is not operated, the differential case 2 and the intermittent member 4 can be rotated relative to each other, so that transmission of driving force from the differential case 2 to the pinion shaft 30 of the differential mechanism 3 is interrupted. As a result, the driving force input from the ring gear 23 to the differential case 2 is not transmitted to the drive shaft, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

On the other hand, when an exciting current is supplied to the coil 511 of the electromagnet 51, a magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic path M indicated by a broken line in FIG. Then, due to the magnetic force of the electromagnet 51, the plunger 53 moves in the axial direction so that the _first air gap G1 is narrowed. Thereby, the intermittent member 4 is pressed to the bottom 222 side of the second case member 22, and the first meshing portion 41 and the second meshing portion 223 are meshed. As described above, the intermittent member 4 has an axis between the connecting position where the meshing teeth 411 mesh with the second meshing portion 223 of the differential case 2 and the non-connecting position where the meshing teeth 411 do not mesh with the second meshing portion 223 of the differential case 2. It can move in the direction.

  When the first meshing portion 41 and the second meshing portion 223 mesh with each other, the driving force input from the ring gear 23 to the second case member 22 of the differential case 2 causes the intermittent member 4, the pair of pinion shafts 30 of the differential mechanism 3, The vehicle is transmitted to the drive shaft via the four pinion gears 31 and the pair of side gears 32, and the vehicle is in a four-wheel drive state.

(Operation and effect of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment described above, the first case member 21 and the plunger 53 are relatively movable in the axial direction via the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G _2. The plunger 53 moves in the axial direction with respect to the first case member 21 by the magnetic flux passing through the second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ . For this reason, compared with the case where the plunger 53 moves with the magnetic flux formed in the magnetic path containing the coil housing 52, for example, the magnetic resistance in a magnetic path can be made small. That is, when the plunger 53 is moved by the magnetic flux formed in the magnetic path including the first case member 21 and the coil housing 52, the first case is added to the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G _2. Although the magnetic resistance of the air gap formed between the member 21 and the coil housing 52 is generated, according to the present embodiment, since this air gap is not generated, the magnetic resistance in the magnetic path can be reduced. .

  Further, if the magnetic path does not include the first case member 21 and the magnetic path is formed only by the coil housing 52 and the plunger 53, the cylindrical portion 561 and the wall portion 562 are arranged so that the coil housing 52 is not magnetically saturated. Although it is necessary to ensure the thickness, according to the present embodiment, since the magnetic path M is configured by the first case member 21 and the plunger 53, the coil housing 52 is thinned to make the differential device 1 and the intermittent device 10. Can be reduced in size and weight.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the plunger 53 is supported in the radial direction by the resin member 512 of the electromagnet 51, the actuator 5 can be configured simply. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the nonmagnetic interposition member 61 is interposed between the plunger 53 and the intermittent member 4, the magnetic flux introduced into the plunger 53 is prevented from leaking to the intermittent member 4 side. be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the differential device 1A according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views showing a part of the differential device 1A in an enlarged manner. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the differential device 1A. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the differential case 2A of the differential device 1A and the internal structure thereof. FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the intermittent member 4A of the differential device 1A.

  The differential device 1A includes a differential case 2A rotatably supported by a differential carrier 9A via a pair of bearings 93, 94, a differential mechanism 3A housed in the differential case 2A, and a differential case 2A and a first of the differential mechanism 3A. The intermittent member 4A capable of intermittently transmitting the driving force to the side gear 37, the actuator 5A for moving the intermittent member 4A, and the intermittent member 4A are interposed between the actuator 5A and the moving force of the actuator 5A. An interposition member 62 that transmits to the intermittent member 4A, a wave washer 73 as an urging member that urges the intermittent member 4A toward the actuator 5A, and a position sensor 100 that outputs an electrical signal indicating the operating state of the actuator 5A are provided. ing. Among these, the intermittent member 4A, the actuator 5A, and the interposition member 62 constitute an intermittent device 10A that intermittently connects the differential case 2A as the first rotating member and the first side gear 37 as the second rotating member.

  The differential mechanism 3A includes a plurality of (five sets in the present embodiment) pinion gear sets 3B formed by meshing the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36, and a first side gear 37 and a second side gear as a pair of output members. 38. The differential case 2A and the first and second side gears 37 and 38 are rotatable relative to the differential case 2A around the common rotational axis O when the actuator 5A is not in operation. The differential mechanism 3A outputs the driving force input from the differential case 2A while allowing the differential from the first and second side gears 37 and 38.

  The first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 are cylindrical, and a spline fitting portion 370 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first side gear 37 so that one drive shaft of the left and right drive shafts is connected so as not to be relatively rotatable. A spline fitting portion 380 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second side gear 38 to which the other drive shaft is connected so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  The differential case 2A is formed with a plurality of holding holes 200 for rotatably holding the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 of each pinion gear set 3B. The first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 revolve around the rotation axis O, and can rotate within the holding hole 200 around the respective central axes as rotation axes.

  The first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 have a common outer diameter, and gear portions 371 and 381 formed of a plurality of inclined teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first side gear 37 has a plurality of meshing meshes with a meshing portion 45 (described later) of the intermittent member 4 </ b> A in an annular wall portion 372 that projects from the gear portion 371 toward the outer peripheral side. Teeth 373 are formed. A center washer 390 is disposed between the first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38. A first side washer 391 is disposed on the side of the first side gear 37, and a second side washer 392 is disposed on the side of the second side gear 38.

  The first pinion gear 35 integrally includes a long gear portion 351, a short gear portion 352, and a connecting portion 353 that connects the long gear portion 351 and the short gear portion 352 in the axial direction. Similarly, the second pinion gear 36 integrally includes a long gear portion 361, a short gear portion 362, and a connecting portion 363 that connects the long gear portion 361 and the short gear portion 362 in the axial direction.

  In the first pinion gear 35, the long gear portion 351 meshes with the gear portion 371 of the first side gear 37 and the short gear portion 362 of the second pinion gear 36, and the short gear portion 352 meshes with the long gear portion 361 of the second pinion gear 36. . In the second pinion gear 36, the long gear portion 361 meshes with the gear portion 381 of the second side gear 38 and the short gear portion 352 of the first pinion gear 35, and the short gear portion 362 meshes with the long gear portion 351 of the first pinion gear 35. . In addition, in FIG. 10, the illustration of the inclined teeth of these gear portions is omitted.

  When the first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 rotate at the same speed, the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 revolve together with the differential case 2 </ b> A without rotating in the holding hole 200. Further, for example, when the rotational speeds of the first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 are different during turning of the vehicle, the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 revolve while revolving in the holding hole 200. As a result, the driving force input to the differential case 2A is distributed to the first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 while allowing a differential.

  The intermittent member 4A is movable in the axial direction between a connecting position where the differential case 2A and the first side gear 37 are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other and a non-connecting position where the relative rotation between the differential case 2A and the first side gear 37 is allowed. It is. FIG. 8A shows a state where the intermittent member 4A is in the non-connected position, and FIG. 8B shows a state where the intermittent member 4A is in the connected position.

  When the intermittent member 4A is in the coupling position, the differential between the differential case 2A and the first side gear 37 is restricted, so that the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 cannot rotate, and the differential case 2A and the second side gear 38 Is also regulated. The intermittent member 4 </ b> A is urged toward the unconnected position by a wave washer 73 disposed between the intermittent member 4 </ b> A and the first side gear 37.

  The actuator 5A includes a coil 551 that generates a magnetic flux when energized, an annular electromagnet 55 having a resin member 552 that covers the coil 551, a coil housing 56 that holds the electromagnet 55, and a plunger 57 that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member 4A. And an anti-rotation member 58 that restricts axial movement and relative rotation of the coil housing 56 with respect to the differential carrier 9A. The electromagnet 55 has a rectangular cross section along the rotation axis O, and the coil 551 is held by the coil housing 56 via the resin member 552.

  The plunger 57 moves the intermittent member 4 </ b> A in a direction in which the meshing portion 45 meshes with the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37 by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil 551. In the intermittent member 4 </ b> A, the meshing portion 45 is meshed with the meshing teeth 373 by the moving force of the actuator 5 </ b> A transmitted through the interposition member 62.

  Excitation current is supplied to the coil 551 of the electromagnet 55 from a control device (not shown) via an electric wire 513 led out from a boss portion 552a provided on the resin member 552. The actuator 5 </ b> A operates when an excitation current is supplied to the coil 551. The coil housing 56 includes a cylindrical portion 561 that covers the inner peripheral surface of the resin member 552 of the electromagnet 55 from the inside, and one of the axial end surfaces of the resin member 552 that protrudes outward from one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 561. And an annular plate-like wall portion 562 covering the portion. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the differential case 2 </ b> A at the portion facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 521.

  An anti-rotation member 58 is fixed to an end portion of the coil housing 56 opposite to the wall portion 562 in the cylindrical portion 561. The rotation preventing member 58 includes an annular portion 581 disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56, a pair of projecting portions 582 projecting in the axial direction from the annular portion 581 at two locations in the circumferential direction, and the projecting portions 582. A folded portion 583 folded at an acute angle from the distal end portion is integrally provided. The annular portion 581 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56, for example, by welding.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56, there are annular recesses 560 into which a plurality of (three in this embodiment) plates 82 made of a non-magnetic material fixed to the differential case 2A by press-fit pins 81 are fitted. Is formed. The coil housing 56 is restricted from moving in the axial direction relative to the differential case 2 </ b> A by fitting the plate 82 into the annular recess 560. The axial width of the annular recess 560 is formed larger than the thickness of the plate 82 so that no rotational resistance is generated between the differential case 2A and the coil housing 56 when the differential case 2A rotates.

  The rotation preventing member 58 is prevented from rotating by a pair of protrusions 582 being locked by a locking portion 901 provided on the differential carrier 9A. The differential carrier 9A is provided with two locking portions 901 for locking the pair of protrusions 582, and FIG. 7 shows one of the locking portions 901. The plunger 57 is prevented from coming off from the rotation-preventing member 58 by the folded-back portion 583, and is prevented from rotating with respect to the differential carrier 9A by the projection 582.

  The plunger 57 is made of a soft magnetic metal such as low carbon steel, and integrally includes an annular outer ring portion 571 disposed on the outer periphery of the electromagnet 55 and a side plate portion 572 facing the electromagnet 55 in the axial direction. . The outer ring portion 571 has a cylindrical shape that covers the electromagnet 55 from the outer peripheral side. The side plate portion 572 protrudes inward from one end portion of the outer ring portion 571 in the axial direction. The plunger 57 is supported by the electromagnet 55 with the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 571 contacting the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 552.

  The side plate portion 572 has two insertion holes 572a through which the pair of protrusions 582 of the anti-rotation member 58 are inserted, a through hole 572b through which the boss portion 552a of the electromagnet 55 passes, and a plurality of lubricant oils (see FIG. 9). Ten oil holes 572c are formed in the illustrated example. One end portion of the interposition member 62 contacts the side plate portion 572.

  The interposition member 62 is made of, for example, a nonmagnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel, and includes a ring-shaped annular portion 621 that contacts the side plate portion 572 of the plunger 57, and three projecting shafts 622 that extend in the axial direction from the annular portion 621. , And a fixed portion 623 that protrudes inward from the tip of the protruding shaft 622 and is fixed to the intermittent member 4A. The interposition member 62 rotates with the differential case 2 </ b> A as the annular portion 621 slides with the side plate portion 572 of the plunger 57. The fixing portion 623 is formed with an insertion hole 620 through which the press-fit pin 83 for fixing to the intermittent member 4A is inserted.

  The differential case 2 </ b> A has a first case member 25 and a second case member 26 fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 20. The first case member 25 is rotatably supported on the differential carrier 9A by a bearing 93, and the second case member 26 is rotatably supported on the differential carrier 9A by a bearing 94.

  The first case member 25 protrudes into the cylindrical part 251 that rotatably holds the plurality of pinion gear sets 3B, a bottom part 252 that extends inward from one end of the cylindrical part 251, and the second case member 26. A flange portion 253 to be applied is integrally provided. An annular recess 250 in which the electromagnet 55 and the coil housing 56 are disposed is formed at a corner between the cylindrical portion 251 and the bottom portion 252.

  The first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 are disposed inside the cylindrical portion 251. The first case member 25 is made of, for example, carbon steel such as S45C, chromium molybdenum steel such as SCM445, or low carbon steel such as S10C.

  The bottom portion 252 of the first case member 25 is formed with a plurality of insertion holes 252a into which the protruding shaft 622 and the fixing portion 623 of the interposition member 62 are inserted. The insertion hole 252a penetrates the bottom 252 in the axial direction. Further, a protrusion 46 (described later) of the intermittent member 4A is inserted into the insertion hole 252a. The intermittent member 4 </ b> A is restricted from rotating relative to the differential case 2 </ b> A by the protrusion 46 being inserted into the insertion hole 252 a. In the present embodiment, three insertion holes 252 a are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 252.

  When an exciting current is supplied to the electromagnet 55, a magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic path M shown in FIG. 8B, and the plunger 57 moves in the axial direction. By the movement of the plunger 57 in the axial direction, the intermittent member 4A is pressed via the interposition member 62 and moves from the non-connection position to the connection position.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the intermittent member 4 </ b> A includes an annular plate-like disc portion 44 in which a plurality (three) of bowl-shaped recesses 440 are formed on one axial end surface 44 a, a first side gear 37, and a shaft A meshing portion 45 formed on the other axial end surface 44b of the disk portion 44 facing in the direction, and a trapezoidal columnar protrusion 46 formed protruding in the axial direction from one axial end surface 44a of the disk portion 44. Are integrated.

  One axial end face 44 a of the disc portion 44 faces the bottom 252 of the first case member 25 in the axial direction. A part of the protrusion 46 is inserted into an insertion hole 252 a formed in the bottom 252 of the first case member 25. The intermittent member 4A is movable in the axial direction with respect to the differential case 2A and cannot rotate relative to the differential case 2A when the protrusion 46 is inserted into the insertion hole 252a of the first case member 25. The insertion hole 252a is wider in the circumferential direction than the circumferential width of the protrusion 46 of the intermittent member 4A. The differential case 2A and the intermittent member 4A have a circumferential width of the insertion hole 252a and a circumferential width of the protrusion 46. Relative rotation is possible within a predetermined angle range corresponding to the difference.

  A plurality of meshing teeth 451 protruding in the axial direction are formed in the meshing portion 45 of the intermittent member 4A. The plurality of meshing teeth 451 are formed on a part of the outer peripheral side of the other axial end surface 44b of the disc portion 44, and the axial end surface 44b on the inner side of the meshing portion 45 is not connected to the wave washer 73. It is formed as a flat receiving surface that receives a biasing force to the position.

  The intermittent member 4 </ b> A is pressed by the plunger 57 via the interposition member 62 and moves to the coupling position, whereby the plurality of meshing teeth 451 of the meshing portion 45 mesh with the plurality of meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37. That is, the intermittent member 4A and the first side gear 37 are connected to each other so that they cannot rotate relative to each other when the intermittent member 4A moves toward the first side gear 37 due to the meshing of the meshing teeth 451 and 373. On the other hand, when the intermittent member 4A is moved to the non-connected position by the urging force of the wave washer 73, the meshing teeth 451 and 373 do not mesh with each other, and the intermittent member 4A and the first side gear 37 can be rotated relative to each other.

  A press-fitting hole 460 into which a press-fitting pin 83 for fixing to the interposition member 62 is press-fitted is formed on the distal end surface of the protrusion 46. The intermittent member 4A is fixed so as to move in the axial direction integrally with the interposition member 62 by press-fitting a press-fit pin 83 inserted through the insertion hole 620 formed in the fixing portion 623 of the interposition member 62 into the press-fit hole 460. The Instead of the press-fit pin 83, the fixing portion 623 of the interposition member 62 and the protrusion 46 of the intermittent member 4A may be fastened with bolts.

  The saddle-shaped recess 440 has the deepest axial depth at the central portion in the circumferential direction, and the axial depth gradually decreases toward the end in the circumferential direction. The inner surface 440 a of the bowl-shaped recess 440 is formed as a cam surface that generates an axial cam thrust by relative rotation with the first case member 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom portion 252 of the first case member 25 is formed with three concave portions 252b (one of the concave portions 252b is shown in FIG. 7) formed to be recessed in the axial direction. The sphere 84 disposed in each of these recesses 252b contacts the inner surface 440a of the bowl-shaped recess 440. The diameter of the recess 252b is substantially equal to the diameter of the sphere 84, and the sphere 84 cannot roll within the recess 252b.

  In the intermittent member 4A, an inner surface 440a of the bowl-shaped recess 440 is formed over an angle range larger than a predetermined angular range in which the differential case 2A and the intermittent member 4A can be relatively rotated. When the intermittent member 4A rotates with respect to the differential case 2A, the sphere 84 abuts against the inner surface 440a of the bowl-shaped recess 440, thereby causing a cam thrust force that presses the intermittent member 4A toward the annular wall portion 372 of the first side gear 37. Occur. Thereby, the meshing portion 45 of the intermittent member 4 </ b> A and the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37 are reliably meshed.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the first case member 25, the axial end surface 252 c of the bottom portion 252 faces a part on the inner diameter side of the side plate portion 572 of the plunger 57. Between the facing surfaces 572a and the axial end surface 252c of the side plate portion 572 opposed to the axial end face 252c, a first air gap _{G 1} is formed. The distance between the side plate portion 572 of the plunger 57 and the axial end surface 252c of the first case member 25 is larger than the distance between the side plate portion 572 of the plunger 57 and the axial end surface 561a of the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56. long. That is, the cylindrical portion 561 and the plunger 57 of the coil housing 56, are spaced at wider intervals than the first air gap G _1.

The axial length of the outer ring portion 571 of the plunger 57 is longer than the axial length of the coil housing 56, and the inner peripheral surface 571 a of the outer ring portion 571 is the end opposite to the side wall portion 572 of the plunger 57. The portion of the coil housing 56 faces the outer peripheral surface 562a of the wall portion 562 of the coil housing 56 in the radial direction. Further, when the plunger 57 moves in the axial direction by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55, the inner peripheral surface 571a of the outer ring portion 571 communicates with the annular recess 250 and the bottom surface 251b of the annular groove 251a formed in the first case member 25. And face in the radial direction. The bottom surface 251 b is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the first case member 25. Thus, between the inner circumferential surface of the outer peripheral surface and the plunger 57 of the first case member 25, the second air gap G ₂ is formed in a radial direction with a predetermined distance.

The distance between the outer ring portion 571 of the plunger 57 and the outer peripheral surface 562a of the wall portion 562 of the coil housing 56 is longer than the distance between the outer ring portion 571 of the plunger 57 and the bottom surface 251b of the annular groove 251a. That is, the wall portion 562 and the plunger 57 of the coil housing 56, are spaced at wider intervals than the second air gap G _2. Thereby, the magnetic flux generated by energizing the coil 551 passes mainly through the plunger 57 and the first case member 25. The plunger 57 is radially supported by the resin member 552 of the electromagnet 55, the second air gap G ₂ is maintained.

The first case member 25 and the plunger 57 constitute a magnetic path M of the magnetic flux of the coil 551 and are relatively movable in the axial direction via the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ . In FIG. 8B, the direction of the magnetic flux in the magnetic path M is indicated by an arrow. The magnetic flux of the coil 551 passes through the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ . More specifically, when the coil 551 is energized, the plunger 57 starts from one of the first and second air gaps G ₁ and G ₂ (the first air gap G _{1 in the} present embodiment). The magnetic flux is introduced to the other air gap (second air gap G _{2 in the} present embodiment) from the plunger 57. The direction of the magnetic flux in the magnetic path M is determined according to the direction of the current flowing through the coil 551.

(Operation of differential device 1A)
In the differential device 1A, the differential case 2A and the first side gear 37 are relatively rotated, and the differential case 2A and the first side gear 37 are relatively rotated by the intermittent member 4A by the operation and non-operation of the actuator 5A. The possible unconnected state is switched.

  When the actuator 5 </ b> A is not operated, the exciting current is not supplied to the coil 551 of the electromagnet 55, the intermittent member 4 </ b> A is separated from the annular wall portion 372 of the first side gear 37 by the restoring force of the wave washer 73, and the meshing portion 45 and the meshing tooth 373. Is released. When the actuator 5A is not in operation, the driving force input from the differential case 2A to the first pinion gear 35 and the second pinion gear 36 is output from the first and second side gears 37 and 38 while allowing a differential.

On the other hand, when an exciting current is supplied to the coil 551 of the electromagnet 55, a magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic path M indicated by a broken line in FIG. Then, due to the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55, the plunger 57 moves in the axial direction so that the _second air gap G2 is narrowed. As a result, the intermittent member 4A is pressed toward the bottom 222 of the second case member 22, and the meshing portion 45 of the intermittent member 4A meshes with the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37. As described above, the intermittent member 4 </ b> A has an axis between the coupling position where the meshing teeth 451 mesh with the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37 and the non-coupling position where the meshing teeth 451 do not mesh with the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37. It can move in the direction.

  When the meshing teeth 451 mesh with the meshing teeth 373 of the first side gear 37, the differential device 1 </ b> A enters a differential lock state in which differential rotation between the first side gear 37 and the second side gear 38 is restricted.

  Also by the second embodiment described above, the same operations and effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the plunger 57 and the support structure of the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment are modified. In the following, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 with a focus on differences from the second embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the differential device 1B according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, components that are the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. This differential 1B is configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment except for the portion shown in FIG.

  The actuator 5B according to the present embodiment has a plunger 59 that moves in the axial direction by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55. The plunger 59 is made of a soft magnetic material, and integrally includes a cylindrical outer ring portion 591 disposed on the outer periphery of the electromagnet 55 and an annular side plate portion 592 extending inward from one end portion of the outer ring portion 591. Have. The side plate portion 592 has a first annular portion 593 that axially faces the electromagnet 55 and the cylindrical portion 561 of the coil housing 56 and abuts against the annular portion 621 of the interposition member 62, and is closer to the inner diameter side than the first annular portion 593. The first case member 25 includes a second annular portion 594 having a facing surface 594 c facing the axial end surface 252 c of the bottom portion 252.

  The side plate portion 592 is formed by bending so that the second annular portion 594 is closer to the first case member 25 side than the first annular portion 593, and between the first annular portion 593 and the second annular portion 594. A step surface 592a is formed. The step surface 592a is opposed to the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 621 of the interposed member 62. And the radial movement with respect to the 1st case member 25 of the plunger 59 is controlled because the level | step difference surface 592a of the side-plate part 592 and the annular part 621 of the interposition member 62 engage. That is, in the second embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 571 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 552 and the plunger 57 is supported by the electromagnet 55. However, in this embodiment, the plunger 59 is It is supported in the radial direction by the interposition member 62.

  As described above, the interposition member 62 is fixed to the intermittent member 4A by the press-fit pin 83, and the intermittent member 4A is configured such that the protrusion 46 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion hole 252a. The radial movement with respect to is restricted. Thereby, the radial direction movement with respect to the 1st case member 25 of the interposition member 62 is controlled.

The outer diameter of the electromagnet 55 is set such that a slight gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 552 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 591 of the plunger 59. Thereby, when the plunger 59 moves to an axial direction, it is suppressed that the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 552 wears. The second air gap G < _b > ₂ is maintained by the plunger 59 being supported in the radial direction by the interposed member 62.

  Also according to the third embodiment described above, the same operations and effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Appendix)
The present invention has been described based on the first to third embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is possible to implement.

1, 1A, 1B ... Differential device 10, 10A ... Intermittent device 2 ... Differential case (second rotating member)
2A ... Differential case (first rotating member)
211d, 252c ... axial end face 211e ... peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface)
3, 3A ... differential mechanism 30 ... pinion shaft (first rotating member)
32 ... Side gear (output member)
37 ... 1st side gear (2nd rotation member)
38 ... 2nd side gear (output member)
4, 4A ... intermittent members 411, 451 ... meshing teeth 5, 5A, 5B ... actuators 511, 551 ... coils 512, 552 ... resin members 52, 56 ... coil housings 53, 57, 59 ... plungers 533a, 572a, 594c ... opposite surface 61, 62 ... interposed member 612,662 ... protruding shafts _{G 1} ... first air gap _{G 2} ... second air gap M ... magnetic path O ... rotation axis

Claims (7)

An interrupting device for intermittently connecting the first rotating member and the second rotating member arranged so as to be relatively rotatable around a common rotation axis,
Relative rotation with the first rotating member is restricted, and there are meshing teeth that mesh with the second rotating member, and the coupling position where the meshing teeth mesh with the second rotating member and the meshing teeth are An intermittent member that is movable in the axial direction between a non-connecting position that does not mesh with the second rotating member;
An actuator for moving the intermittent member in the axial direction;
The actuator includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux when energized, and a plunger made of a soft magnetic material that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member,
The plunger is disposed so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction through one of the first and second rotating members and the first and second air gaps.
When the coil is energized, a magnetic flux is introduced from one of the first and second air gaps to the plunger, and a magnetic flux is led from the plunger to the other air gap. And the plunger moves in the axial direction so that at least one of the second air gaps becomes narrower,
Intermittent device. The first air gap is formed between an axial end surface of the one rotating member and an opposing surface of the plunger facing the axial end surface in the axial direction,
The second air gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the one rotating member and the inner peripheral surface of the plunger with a predetermined distance in the radial direction.
The interrupting device according to claim 1. The coil is held in a coil housing made of a soft magnetic material through a resin member,
The coil housing has a cylindrical portion disposed between the one rotation member and the resin member with the rotation axis as a central axis, and an annular plate shape extending in a radial direction from one end portion of the cylindrical portion. And a wall
The coil housing and the plunger are spaced apart at a wider interval than the first and second air gaps;
The intermittent device according to claim 2. The plunger is supported in the radial direction by the resin member to maintain the second air gap.
The intermittent device according to claim 3. An interposition member made of a non-magnetic material is disposed between the plunger and the intermittent member,
The plunger presses the intermittent member via the interposition member;
The interrupting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The interposition member has a plurality of projecting shafts inserted through axial through holes formed in the one rotating member, and radial movement relative to the one rotating member is restricted,
The plunger is disposed outside the one rotating member, and radial movement relative to the one rotating member is restricted by the interposition member.
The intermittent device according to claim 5. A first rotating member and a second rotating member arranged so as to be relatively rotatable about a common rotation axis;
Relative rotation with the first rotating member is restricted, and there are meshing teeth that mesh with the second rotating member, and the coupling position where the meshing teeth mesh with the second rotating member and the meshing teeth are An intermittent member that is movable in the axial direction between a non-connecting position that does not mesh with the second rotating member;
An actuator for moving the intermittent member in the axial direction;
A differential device including a differential mechanism that outputs a driving force that is input and allows a differential from a pair of output members;
The actuator includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux when energized, and a plunger that moves in the axial direction together with the intermittent member,
The plunger is disposed so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction through one of the first and second rotating members and the first and second air gaps.
When the coil is energized, a magnetic flux is introduced from one of the first and second air gaps to the plunger, and a magnetic flux is led from the plunger to the other air gap. And the plunger moves in the axial direction so that at least one of the second air gaps becomes narrower,
Differential device.

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