DIFFERENTIAL DEVICE

Abstract

A differential device (1) comprising: a differential housing (2) rotating about a first axis of rotation (3) and having a spherical shell along the first axis of rotation (3); a first pinion pair (41) rotating about a second axis of rotation (4) perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (3) and arranged inside the differential housing (2); a second pinion pair (51) rotating about a third axis of rotation (5) perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (3) and the second axis of rotation (4) and arranged inside the differential housing (2); a side gear pair (31) meshing at right angles with the first pinion pair (41) and the second pinion pair (51) in order to rotate about the first axis of rotation (3) and arranged so that it is rotatable relative to the differential housing (2);and a pinion carrier element (53) which is arranged on a rear wall of the second pinion pair (51) and is installed in an opening section (2b) which is formed in the differential housing (2) and is located closer to the first axis of rotation (3) than an end face (5c) of a pinion carrier shaft (5b) which carries the second pinion pair (51) on the third axis of rotation (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a differential device. BACKGROUND

[0002] To establish a differential between the left and right wheels or between the front and rear wheels of a vehicle, a two-pinion differential device with two pinions is generally used as the differential gear. For high-torque applications, a four-pinion differential device (differential) with four pinions is used to reduce the load on the pinions and ensure durability (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] A differential device is installed in a front-wheel drive transmission (transaxle) or in a reduction gear driving the rear wheels. A differential device consists of a spherical shell-shaped differential housing, a ring gear mounted on the differential housing, a pair of pinion gears housed in the differential housing, a pair of side gears housed in the differential housing, and pinion shafts built into the differential housing.

[0004] The pinions are each arranged so that they can rotate about an axis of rotation orthogonal to a rotational axis of the differential housing. The two side gears mesh with the pinions, are arranged on the same axis as the differential housing, and are housed in the differential housing so that they can rotate relative to the differential housing. The pinion shafts support the pinions.

[0005] To install the pinion gears and side gears into the differential case for a two-pinion differential device, the differential case has opening portions at positions offset by 90 degrees from the positions where the pinion gears are arranged in the direction of the rotational axis of the differential case. For this reason, the differential case for a two-pinion differential device cannot be used for a four-pinion differential device. As described in Patent Literature 1, a four-pinion differential device generally does not have opening portions for receiving pinion seating surfaces of differential cases, and the differential cases are designed to be separable in the direction of the rotational axis and fastened to each other with bolts for attaching a ring gear. CITATION LISTPatent literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP2007-270947A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0007] However, if the four-pinion differential device described in Patent Literature 1 is designed with a pinion shaft and two other pinion shafts crosswise installed in the differential cases, the differential cases consist of two components. Therefore, the number of components, the number of manufacturing steps, and the number of assembly steps increase, resulting in higher costs for the four-pinion differential device.

[0008] In addition, the holes required to secure the ring gear, through which the ring gear fixing bolts are inserted, require high precision in terms of hole diameter and position, requiring simultaneous machining of two differential cases. Furthermore, temporarily securing two differential cases requires gradually screwing in small bolts until the ring gear is secured, which is why the four-pinion differential device faces the problem of reduced productivity.

[0009] To solve these problems, a four-pinion differential device has been required whose differential case is composed of a single component and which also allows the differential case component to be used in common with a two-pinion differential device, thereby preventing an increase in cost and a decrease in productivity.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a four-pinion differential device in which the number of components and thus the cost can be reduced. Solution to the problem

[0011] To achieve the above-described object, a differential device according to the present invention comprises: a differential case rotatable about a first rotational axis, the differential case having a spherical shell shape along a direction of the first rotational axis; a first pinion pair rotatable about a second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis, the first pinion pair being arranged inside the differential case; a second pinion pair rotatable about a third rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis, the second pinion pair being arranged inside the differential case; a side gear pair meshing at right angles with the first pinion pair and the second pinion pair, the side gear pair rotating about the first rotational axis and arranged to be rotatable relative to the differential case;and at least one pinion carrier member disposed at a rear side of the second pinion pair and installed in an opening portion formed in the differential case and closer to the first rotation axis than an end surface of a pinion carrier shaft supporting the second pinion pair on the third rotation axis; Advantageous effects of the invention

[0012] The differential device of the present invention makes it possible to provide a four-pinion differential device that can reduce the number of components and achieve a reduction in cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a main part cross-sectional view showing a differential device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a main part longitudinal sectional view showing the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view of the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a main part exploded perspective view showing the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a main part perspective view showing the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a main part perspective view showing the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and showing a state in which a pinion carrier member has been removed. [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an enlarged main part perspective view showing a state in which a snap ring has been attached. [ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pair of snap rings. [ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a main part cross-sectional view showing a differential device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a main part cross-sectional view showing the differential device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a side gear pair is mounted to a differential case. [ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a main part exploded perspective view showing the differential device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a main part cross-sectional view showing a differential device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a main part cross-sectional view showing the differential device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and showing a state in which a side gear pair has been mounted to a differential case. [ Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a main part exploded perspective view showing the differential device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a schematic view showing a modification of the snap ring of the differential device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and showing the shape of the snap ring. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment]

[0013] A differential device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 8 described.

[0014] In the following description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in the differential device 1, parts with substantially symmetrical shapes are described together where appropriate. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a direction in which a first rotation axis 3 extends in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, is described as the left-right direction of a vehicle. << Differential device >>

[0015] The Fig. 1 and Fig. The differential device 1 shown in Figure 2 is incorporated into a final reduction gear (not shown) to reduce the rotational speed generated by an engine (not shown) located at the front of a vehicle, which has been speed-changed by a transmission device (not shown). The differential device 1 is a device for rotating a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel at different speeds, with power being transmitted via a propeller shaft. As shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, the differential device 1 comprises a differential case 2, a first pinion shaft 40, a second pinion shaft 50, a side gear pair 31, a first pinion gear pair 41, a second pinion gear pair 51, thrust washers 52, pinion carrier members 53, and snap rings 54. <Differentialgehäuse>

[0016] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, the differential case 2 is a case that rotates around the first rotational axis 3 and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotational axis 3. The differential case 2 is a gear case that can be used for a so-called four-pinion type, which accommodates four pinions, a pair of first pinion gears 41 and second pinion gears 51. The differential case 2 is a single component formed from one component. The differential case 2 includes a spherical shell portion 2a, an opening portion 2b, a flange portion 2c, a gear case 2e, snap ring engagement grooves 2f, mounting holes 2g, protrusion portions 2h, a shaft receiving bore 2i, and a shaft insertion hole 2j.

[0017] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the spherical shell portion 2a is a substantially cylindrical portion forming the gear housing 2e, in which the side gear pair 31, the first pinion pair 41, and the second pinion pair 51 are rotatably supported. A plurality of opening portions 2b are formed in the spherical shell portion 2a.

[0018] The opening portion 2b is a window that allows the side gear pair 31, the first pinion pair 41, and the second pinion pair 51 to be installed in the spherical shell portion 2a, and is closed by the pinion support member 53. The opening portion 2b consists of a substantially circular insertion hole formed in a portion where a third rotation axis 5 is located in an outer peripheral portion of the spherical shell portion 2a. The snap ring engagement groove 2f is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the opening portion 2b.

[0019] The snap ring engagement groove 2f is a groove into which a toothed portion 54b formed on outer peripheral portions of the snap rings 54 engages. The snap ring 54 is fixed to the differential case 2, with the toothed portion 54b engaging the snap ring engagement groove 2f. The snap ring engagement groove 2f consists of a substantially annular (C-shaped) groove.

[0020] The flange portion 2c is a portion for fixing a ring gear (not shown) rotating integrally with the differential case 2 to an outer peripheral portion of the differential case 2. The flange portion 2c is shaped to protrude annularly at a position closer to the left end portion of the outer peripheral portion of the spherical shell portion 2a. A plurality of fixing holes 2g are formed at appropriate intervals in the flange portion 2c for inserting fixing means (not shown) for fixing a ring gear (not shown) to the differential case 2.

[0021] The ring gear, not shown, is an annular bevel gear that meshes with a drive pinion of a drive pinion shaft (not shown).

[0022] The drive pinion (not shown) is a gear for transmitting power from a transmission (not shown) to the ring gear (not shown). The drive pinion shaft, on which tooth parts of the drive pinion are integrally formed, is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the ring gear.

[0023] As in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, the gear housing 2e is a housing portion for accommodating the side gear pair 31, the first pinion pair 41, and the second pinion pair 51. The gear housing 2e consists of a hollow housing space formed in the spherical shell portion 2a.

[0024] As in Fig. 1 to 4, the boss portion 2h is a portion on which a bearing (not shown) rotatably supporting the differential case 2 is mounted. The boss portions 2h consist of a pair of left and right cylindrical portions shaped to protrude from the left and right end sides of the spherical shell portion 2a. The two boss portions 2h are axially mounted on shaft support portions of a carrier with the pair of left and right bearings interposed therebetween. Therefore, the differential case 2 is supported at the left and right end portions with the pair of left and right bearings interposed therebetween and rotatably supported in the carrier so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis 3. The shaft receiving bore 2i is formed in the boss portion 2h.

[0025] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the shaft receiving bore 2i is a bore through which a drive shaft (not shown) is inserted. The side gear pair 31 is toothed with the drive shaft and is arranged freely floating inside the differential housing 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the shaft insertion opening 2j is formed in the spherical shell portion 2a, which rotatably supports a second rotation axis 4 arranged orthogonally to the shaft receiving bore 2i (first rotation axis 3). <Erste Drehachse>

[0027] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first rotation axis 3 is a rotation axis of the differential case 2 and an axis serving as the rotation axis of the side gear pair 31 meshed with the drive shaft. <seitenradpaar>

[0028] The side gear pair 31 is a pair of gears that mesh perpendicularly with the first pinion pair 41 and the second pinion pair 51. The side gear pair 31 is arranged rotatably about the first rotation axis 3 and is also arranged rotatably relative to the differential case 2. A thrust washer 32 is arranged between the side gear pair 31 and the transmission case 2e, which preloads the side gear pair 31 toward a center O1. <zweite Drehachse>

[0029] As in Fig. 2, the second rotation axis 4 is a rotation axis of the first pinion pair 41. The first pinion shaft 40 supporting the first pinion pair 41 is a shaft member arranged orthogonally to the first rotation axis 3 and extending in the radial direction of the differential case 2. Both end portions of the first pinion shaft 40 are fitted into the shaft insertion hole 2j. <Erstes Ritzelpaar>

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first pinion pair 41 is a bevel gear pair that rotates around the second rotation axis 4. An insertion opening 41a is formed in the first pinion pair 41, through which the first pinion shaft 40 is inserted. The first pinion pair 41 is rotatably arranged inside the gear housing 2e. A thrust washer 42 is inserted between the first pinion pair 41 and the gear housing 2e, which preloads the first pinion pair 41 toward the center O1. <Dritte Drehachse>

[0031] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the third rotation axis is a rotation axis of the second pinion pair 51. The second pinion shaft 50 carrying the second pinion pair 51 is a shaft element arranged orthogonally to the first rotation axis 3 and the second rotation axis 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the second pinion shaft 50 includes a shaft receiving bore 50a, pinion support shafts 50b and end surfaces 50c.

[0032] The shaft receiving bore 50a is a through bore into which the first pinion shaft 40 is inserted and arranged.

[0033] The second pinion shaft 50 supports the second pinion pair 51 and the thrust washers 52 so that the second pinion pair 51 and the thrust washers 52 are rotatable relative to each other, and is supported in the differential case 2 by the pinion carrier member 53, which will be described later. <Zweites Ritzelpaar>

[0034] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second pinion pair 51 is a pair of left and right bevel gears that rotate about the third rotation axis 5. An insertion hole 51a is formed in the second pinion pair 51, through which the second pinion shaft 50 is inserted. The second pinion pair 51 is arranged within the gear housing 2e and is rotatable about the third rotation axis 5. <druckscheibe>

[0035] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the two front and rear thrust washers 52 are elements arranged between the rear surfaces of the second pinion pair 51 and the inner surfaces of the pinion carrier elements 53 to improve the lubricating performance between the two relatively rotating surfaces. <Ritzelträgerelement>

[0036] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the left and right pinion carrier members 53 are bearing members supporting the second pinion shaft 50. The pinion carrier member 53 is composed of a thick cover-shaped member having a shaft insertion hole 53a, which rotatably supports the pinion carrier shaft 50b. A snap ring mounting groove 53b for mounting the snap ring 54 is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the pinion carrier member 53. The pinion carrier member 53 is disposed on the rear side (the side opposite the first rotation axis 3) of the second pinion pair 51 with the thrust washer 52 interposed therebetween, and functions as a support member that supports the second pinion pair 51 in the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 from the rear side.

[0037] The pinion carrier member 53 is a cover-shaped member that is detachably secured in the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 by engaging the snap ring 54 in the snap ring engagement groove 2f. As shown in Fig. 1, the pinion carrier element 53 is locked in the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54 within a range of a fitting portion in the direction of the third rotation axis 5. <sprengring>

[0038] The snap ring 54 is a fastening means for releasably securing the pinion carrier member 53 in the opening portion 2b, as described above. The snap ring 54 consists of a Belleville spring snap ring having an arcuate portion 54a, a toothed portion 54b, and a tool locking portion 54c.

[0039] As in Fig. 4 or Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the arc portion 54a is a portion that engages the snap ring mounting groove 53b of the pinion carrier member 53. The arc portion 54a is composed of a flat plate portion formed in an arc shape.

[0040] The toothed portion 54b is a portion that functions to generate a preload force along the direction of the third rotation axis 5. The toothed portion 54b engages with the snap ring engagement groove 2f on the differential case 2 and the snap ring mounting groove 53b on the pinion carrier member 53 to preload the second pinion pair 51 toward the center O1, thereby reducing the gap in the engagement portion with the side gear pair 31. The toothed portion 54b is composed of a large number of tooth-shaped protrusions formed at appropriate intervals on an outer peripheral portion of the flat, plate-shaped arc portion 54a. The toothed portion 54b extends obliquely outward from the outer peripheral portion of the arc portion 54a.

[0041] The tool locking portion 54c is a portion into which a tool (not shown) is inserted to fasten or detach the snap ring 54 when the snap ring 54 is fastened to or detached from the snap ring mounting groove 53b of the pinion carrier member 53. <<Wirkungen und Effekte der Differentialvorrichtung> >

[0042] The differential device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is constructed substantially as described above, and the actions and effects of the differential device 1 will be described below with reference to the Fig. 1 to 8 are described.

[0043] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 2, the side gear pair 31, the first pinion pair 41, and the second pinion pair 51 are housed in the gear case 2e of the single-component differential case 2. The differential case 2 therefore makes it possible to reduce the number of components and the number of assembly steps of the differential device 1, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the four-pinion differential case 2 can be used together with a two-pinion differential case, and the four-pinion differential device 1 can be manufactured without increasing costs or reducing productivity.

[0044] In addition, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the pinion carrier elements 53 supporting the second pinion pair 51 are arranged in the opening portions 2b of the differential case 2. The pinion carrier element 53 is secured in the opening portion 2b by the snap ring 54 mounted in the snap ring mounting groove 53b of the pinion carrier element 53 engaging the snap ring engagement groove 2f.

[0045] As in Fig. 1, the locking position of the snap ring 54 is within a range (the opening portion 2b) corresponding to the thickness of the pinion carrier member 53, in which the pinion carrier member 53 rotatably supporting the third rotation axis 5 is inserted into the opening portion 2b. For this reason, the differential case 2 allows for a slimming of the structure around the opening portion 2b, compared with the case where the snap ring 54 is disposed on an end surface (an outer surface) of the pinion carrier member 53, thereby reducing the size and weight of the differential case 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the pinion carrier member 53 is mounted in the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 at a position closer to the first rotation axis 3 than the end surface 50c of the pinion carrier shaft 50b. For this reason, since it is possible to make the thickness of the differential case 2 around the pinion carrier member 53 and the opening portion 2b relatively slim, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the differential case 2.

[0047] Furthermore, the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 is closed by the pinion carrier member 53, and the space for an opening portion formed in the differential case 2 can be reduced compared to a conventional differential case. Therefore, the differential device 1 can reduce the size of the opening portion from the inside of the differential case 2 to the outside, and the leakage of a lubricant contained inside the differential case 2 to the outside can be reduced. As a result, the differential device 1 enables an improvement in the lubricating properties of the engaging portions and the sliding contact portions of the first pinion pair 41, the second pinion pair 51, the side gear pair 31, and the pinion shafts.

[0048] As described above, and as in Fig. 1 to 4, the differential device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: the differential case 2 that rotates about the first rotation axis 3 and has a spherical shell shape in the direction of the first rotation axis 3; the first pinion pair 41 that rotates about the second rotation axis 4 orthogonal to the first rotation axis 3 and is arranged inside the differential case 2; the second pinion pair 51 that rotates about the third rotation axis 5 orthogonal to the first rotation axis 3 and the second rotation axis 4 and is arranged inside the differential case 2; the side gear pair 31 that meshes at right angles with the first pinion pair 41 and the second pinion pair 51, rotates about the first rotation axis 3, and is arranged rotatably relative to the differential case 2;and the at least one pinion support member 53 which is arranged on the rear side of the second pinion pair 51 and installed in the opening portion 2b formed in the differential case 2 on the side closer to the first rotation axis 3 than the end surface 50c of the pinion support shaft 50b supporting the second pinion pair 51 on the third rotation axis 5;

[0049] With such a structure, the differential case 2 accommodates the first pinion pair 41, the second pinion pair 51, and the side gear pair 31, rotates around the first rotation axis 3, and has a spherical shell shape along the direction of the first rotation axis 3. Therefore, the differential case 2 can be assembled from a one-piece housing body suitable for a four-pinion type, and the number of components and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, thereby saving costs.

[0050] Furthermore, the pinion carrier member 53 is arranged on the back side of the second pinion pair 51 and installed in the opening portion 2b, which is closer to the first rotation axis 3 than the end surface 50c of the pinion carrier shaft 50b supporting the second pinion pair 51. For this reason, the periphery of the pinion carrier member 53 and the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 can be made slim, thereby reducing the size and weight of the differential case 2.

[0051] Furthermore, the pinion support member 53 can support the second pinion pair 51 rotatably mounted on the third rotation axis 5 from the back side, whereby the second pinion pair 51 can be supported to rotate in a stable state.

[0052] In addition, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the pinion carrier shaft 50b is a pinion shaft, wherein the back side of the second pinion pair 51 is seated on the pinion carrier element 53 and the pinion carrier element 53 is locked relative to the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54 within a range of a fitting portion in the direction of the third rotation axis 5.

[0053] Here, "within a range of a fitting portion in the direction of the third rotation axis 5" refers to a range (the opening portion 2b) of the thickness of the pinion support member 53 in which the pinion support member 53 rotatably supporting the third rotation axis 5 is fitted into the opening portion 2b.

[0054] According to such a construction, the pinion carrier element 53 is locked to the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 by the snap ring 54, whereby the pinion carrier element 53 can be firmly fixed in the opening portion 2b without play.

[0055] In addition, the fastening means for fastening the pinion carrier member 53 in the opening portion 2b of the differential case 2 consists of the snap ring 54, wherein the snap ring 54 can be firmly locked in the center in the thickness direction of the outer peripheral portion of the pinion carrier member 53.

[0056] In addition, a modification of the first embodiment as shown in Fig. 15, employ a structure in which the snap ring 54C includes a tool locking portion 54Cc extending from the third rotation axis 5 in a radial direction, and the differential case 2C includes a tool locking unit housing portion 2Cd shaped to continue to the opening portion 2Cb and allowing an inside and an outside of the differential case 2C to communicate with each other.

[0057] According to such a construction, the snap ring 54C includes the tool locking portion 54Cc consisting of a projection 54Cd extending radially from the third rotation axis 5. The snap ring 54C can be easily attached and detached by enlarging the tool locking portion 54Cc of the snap ring 54. The tool locking unit housing portion 2Cd can be easily formed by cutting and forming a slimmed portion 2Cn obtained by removing a portion of the opening portion 2Cd. [Second embodiment]

[0058] The following, with reference to Fig. 9 to 11, a differential device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, mainly in terms of differences from the differential device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that previously described structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a main part cross-sectional view showing the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a main part cross-sectional view showing the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a side gear pair 31 has been mounted in a differential case 2A. Fig. 11 is a main part exploded perspective view showing the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] As in the Fig. 9 to 11, the differential device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a rear surface of a second pinion pair 51 is fitted on a pinion carrier member 53A, and the pinion carrier member 53A is screwed into an opening portion 2Ab of the differential case 2A, and an annular projection 53Ad is clamped and fixed to an outer end portion of an internally threaded portion 2Am.

[0061] In this case, the internal thread portion 2Am is formed on an inner wall of the opening portion 2Ab of the differential case 2A. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 11, the pinion support member 53A is a lid-shaped member that closes the opening portion 2Ab. On an outer peripheral surface of the pinion support member 53A, which is fixed to the opening portion 2Ab, there are formed an externally threaded portion 53Ab that is screwed into the internally threaded portion 2Am, and an annular projection 53Ad formed at an outer end portion of the externally threaded portion 53Ab. The pinion support member 53A is arranged to hold a thrust washer 52 and a second pinion pair 51 between the pinion support member 53A and a side gear pair 31 by screwing the externally threaded portion 53Ab into the internally threaded portion 2Am.

[0062] The annular projection 53Ad is a locking projection for locking the pinion carrier member 53A inserted into the opening portion 2Ab with the outer end portion of the internally threaded portion 2Am as a rotation stopper. The annular projection 53Ad functions as a rotation stopper for the pinion carrier member 53A by screwing the pinion carrier member 53A into the opening portion 2Ab and then clamping and securing the pinion carrier member 53A to the outer end portion of the internally threaded portion 2Am.

[0063] In a side surface of the pinion carrier member 53A, tool engagement holes 53Ac and a shaft insertion hole 53Aa are formed into which a second pinion shaft 50 is inserted.

[0064] According to such a construction, it is necessary to screw the pinion carrier member 53A of the differential device 1A of the second embodiment to adjust the clearance between the second pinion pair 51 and the side gear pair 31. However, in this case, by engaging a tool with protruding pins into the tool engagement holes 53Ac, the screwing amount of the pinion carrier member 53A can be adjusted easily and inexpensively.

[0065] In addition, a structure may be used in which projections and recesses are provided on the pinion support member 53A uniformly in a circumferential direction, and a locking plate locked with the projections and recesses.

[0066] The inner diameter of the opening portion 2Ab of the differential case 2A may be reduced to an inner diameter through which the side gear pair 31 and first pinion pair 41 installed therein can be inserted. In this case, a cutout larger than the inner diameter of the internal thread portion 2Am may be provided in the opening portion 2Ab of the differential case 2A. [Third Embodiment]

[0067] Fig. 12 is a main part cross-sectional view showing a differential device 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a main part cross-sectional view showing the differential device 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a side gear pair 31 has been mounted in a differential case 2B. Fig. 14 is a main part exploded perspective view showing the differential device 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As in the Fig. 12 to 14, the differential device 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a shaft portion 51Bb is provided on a rear side of a second pinion pair 51B, the shaft portion 51Bb is inserted into a shaft receiving hole 53Ba of a pinion carrier member 53B and is rotatably supported, and the pinion carrier member 53B is a ball bearing.

[0069] In this way, the second pinion pair 51B of the differential device 1B of the third embodiment can be constructed such that the shaft portion 51Bb protrudes from the rear side, the pinion carrier member 53B includes the shaft receiving hole 53Ba rotatably supporting the shaft portion 51Bb, and is inserted into an opening portion 2Bb of the differential case 2B and held in the opening portion 2Bb by a snap ring 54B provided in the opening portion 2Bb.

[0070] In this case, as in the Fig. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second pinion pair 51B includes the shaft portions 51Bb on the back sides of the toothed portions 51Bc, each having a toothed cone shape. The shaft portion 51Bb consists of a cylindrical projection fitted into the shaft receiving bore 53Ba of the pinion support member 53B and is held in the opening portion 2Bb with the pinion support member 53B interposed therebetween.

[0071] The pinion support member 53B consists of a support member such as a bearing. An outer side surface (the rear wall) of the pinion support member 53B, whose outer peripheral portion is fitted into the opening portion 2Bb, is held in the opening portion 2Bb by the snap ring 54B.

[0072] In the case of a two-pinion differential, the differential case 2B can be used as is generally conventional. The differential case 2B can be designed such that a portion where the pinion carrier member 53B is attached in the opening portion 2Bb is not machined and, as such, has a cast rough material surface.

[0073] According to such a construction, the pinion support member 53B is equipped with a ball bearing and axially and rotatably supports the shaft portion 51Bb of the second pinion pair 51B, so as to function as a support member for the second pinion pair 51B. List of reference symbols 1, 1A, 1B differential device 10 2, 2A, 2B, 2C differential housing 2b, 2Ab, 2Bb opening section 2d tool locking unit housing section 3 first axis of rotation 4 second axis of rotation 5 third axis of rotation 31 pair of side wheels 41 first pinion pair 50b pinion carrier shaft 50c end face 51, 51B second pinion pair 51Bb wave section 53, 53A, 53B pinion carrier element 53Ba shaft mounting bore 54, 54B, 54C snap ring 54c, 54Ba, 54Cc tool locking section QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007-270947A

[0006] < / sprengring> < / druckscheibe> < / seitenradpaar>

Claims

[1] A differential device comprising: a differential case rotating about a first axis of rotation and having a spherical shell along a direction of the first axis of rotation; a first pair of pinions rotating about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and disposed inside the differential case; a second pair of pinions rotating about a third axis of rotation orthogonal to the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation and arranged inside the differential housing; a pair of side gears which, in order to rotate about the first axis of rotation, mesh at right angles with the first pinion pair and the second pinion pair and which are arranged to be rotatable relative to the differential case; and at least one pinion carrier member disposed at a rear side of the second pinion pair and installed in an opening portion formed in the differential case and located closer to the first rotational axis than an end surface of a pinion carrier shaft supporting the second pinion pair on the third rotational axis. [2] The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the pinion carrier shaft has a pinion shaft, wherein the back of the second pinion pair sits on the pinion carrier element, and wherein the pinion carrier member is locked to the opening portion of the differential case within a range of a fitting portion in the direction of the third rotation axis by a snap ring. [3] The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the pinion carrier shaft has a pinion shaft, wherein the back of the second pinion pair sits on the pinion carrier element, and wherein the pinion carrier element is screwed to the opening portion of the differential housing. [4] The differential device according to claim 1, wherein the second pinion pair has a shaft portion protruding from the rear side, wherein the pinion carrier element has the shaft receiving bore which rotatably supports the shaft portion, and wherein the pinion carrier member is inserted into an opening portion of the differential case and held in the opening portion using a snap ring provided in the opening portion. [5] The differential device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the snap ring has a tool locking portion extending radially from the third rotational axis, and wherein the differential case has a tool locking unit housing portion shaped to continue into the opening portion and allowing an inside and an outside of the differential case to communicate with each other.

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