Drive device

Abstract

To provide a drive device in which an accuracy of estimating a temperature of a connection and disconnection portion is maintained without complicating a housing structure.SOLUTION: A drive device 1 includes a housing 3, a pair of rotating members 5,7, a connection and disconnection portion 9, and an actuator 11. In the housing, lubricating oil is accommodated. The pair of rotating members is accommodated in the housing 3 so as to be capable of rotating relative to one another. The connection and disconnection portion connects and disconnects power transmitted between the pair of rotating members 5, 7. The actuator is accommodated in the housing 3 and has an electric component 39 that actuates the connection and disconnection portion 9. The electric component 39 is provided with a temperature sensor 13 that detects a temperature inside the housing 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a driving device includes a housing containing lubricating oil, a gear case and a side gear as a pair of rotating members housed in the housing so as to be rotatable relative to each other, a connecting / disconnecting unit that connects and disconnects power transmitted between the gear case and the side gear, and an actuator that is housed in the housing and has an electromagnetic coil as an electrical component that operates the connecting / disconnecting unit (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this drive device, the electromagnetic coil is electrically connected to a controller that controls the supply of current to the electromagnetic coil via lead wires drawn to the outside of the housing. In this drive device, the on / off state of the on / off unit is controlled by the supply of current to the electromagnetic coil under the control of the controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-211899 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a driving device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the interrupter is measured and the interrupter state is controlled in accordance with the temperature of the interrupter, thereby stabilizing the interrupter's characteristics. However, because the interrupter is a rotating member, a temperature sensor electrically connected to a controller via a lead wire cannot be directly disposed on the interrupter.

[0006] For this reason, a temperature sensor has been placed on a surface near the disconnection outside the housing, which is a stationary component, or in a lubricant reservoir near the disconnection inside the housing, to estimate the temperature of the disconnection. However, when placing a temperature sensor outside the housing, the layout may be limited by surrounding components, and the housing structure becomes complex to ensure space for the temperature sensor. In addition, the surface temperature of the outside of the housing has low accuracy in estimating the temperature of the disconnection inside the housing. On the other hand, when placing a temperature sensor in a lubricant reservoir inside the housing, it is necessary to consider the lubricating environment of the lubricant and to provide a structure for drawing out a new lead wire into the housing.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that can maintain the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the interrupter without complicating the housing structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The drive device of this embodiment comprises a housing containing lubricating oil, a pair of rotating members housed in the housing so as to be rotatable relative to one another, an interrupting unit that interrupts the power transmitted between the pair of rotating members, and an actuator housed in the housing and having an electrical component that operates the interrupting unit, and the electrical component is provided with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drive device that can maintain the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent portion without complicating the structure of the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The drive device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the drive unit 1 according to this embodiment is disposed, for example, between an input mechanism and an output mechanism in a power transmission path of a vehicle. The drive unit 1 has an interrupter 9 that interrupts the transmission of driving force from the input mechanism to the output mechanism. When the interrupter 9 is in a connected state, the drive unit 1 allows the transmission of driving force from the input mechanism to the output mechanism. On the other hand, when the interrupter 9 is in a disconnected state, the drive unit 1 blocks the transmission of driving force from the input mechanism to the output mechanism.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 1 includes a housing 3, a pair of rotary members, that is, a first rotary member 5 and a second rotary member 7, an interrupter 9, an actuator 11, and a temperature sensor 13.

[0015] The housing 3 is a stationary component fixed to the vehicle and is made up of multiple divided components. The multiple divided components are fixed with multiple bolts to form an internal storage space for each component. The housing 3 contains lubricating oil that lubricates and cools the sliding parts of each component and the meshing parts of the gears.

[0016] The first rotating member 5 is formed in a shaft shape, with the portion exposed from the housing 3 formed solid and the portion located inside the housing 3 formed hollow. The first rotating member 5 is rotatably supported by the housing 3 via bearings 15. A seal member 17 is disposed radially between the first rotating member 5 and the housing 3, separating the inside and outside of the housing 3.

[0017] A spline-shaped connecting portion 19 that is connected to the input side mechanism so as to be rotatable together with the mechanism is formed on the outer periphery of the part of the first rotating member 5 that is exposed from the housing 3. The first rotating member 5 receives a driving force from the input side mechanism via the connecting portion 19, and transmits the driving force to the second rotating member 7 via the interrupter portion 9.

[0018] The second rotating member 7 is formed in an axial shape parallel to the axis of the first rotating member 5, and is formed hollow with an open portion located on the exterior side of the housing 3 and a closed portion located inside the housing 3. The second rotating member 7 is rotatably supported by the housing 3 via a bearing 21, and is supported rotatably relative to the first rotating member 5 via a bearing 23. A seal member 25 is disposed radially between the second rotating member 7 and the housing 3, separating the interior and exterior of the housing 3.

[0019] A spline-shaped connecting portion 27 that is connected to the output-side mechanism so as to be rotatable together with the second rotating member 7 is formed on the inner periphery of the second rotating member 7. The second rotating member 7 transmits the driving force transmitted via the interrupter portion 9 to the output-side mechanism via the connecting portion 27.

[0020] The connecting / disconnecting unit 9 includes a clutch hub 29, a clutch housing 31, and a plurality of clutch plates.

[0021] Clutch hub 29 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed on the outer periphery side of first rotating member 5. Clutch hub 29 is fixed to an end of first rotating member 5 by joining means such as welding so as to be able to rotate integrally with first rotating member 5. A spline-shaped engaging portion is formed on the outer periphery of clutch hub 29.

[0022] The clutch housing 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the cylindrical portion is disposed on the outer periphery side of the clutch hub 29. The portion of the clutch housing 31 that forms the bottom is formed by a single member that is continuous with the outer periphery of the second rotating member 7, and rotates integrally with the second rotating member 7. A thrust bearing 33 that allows rotation of the clutch housing 31 and supports axial movement of the clutch housing 31 is disposed between the clutch housing 31 and the housing 3. A spline-shaped engaging portion is formed on the inner periphery of the clutch housing 31.

[0023] The multiple clutch plates include multiple inner clutch plates and multiple outer clutch plates. The multiple inner clutch plates are axially movable in an engaging portion of the clutch hub 29 and engaged with the first rotating member 5 so as to be rotatable integrally therewith. The multiple outer clutch plates are arranged alternately in the axial direction relative to the multiple inner clutch plates, are axially movable in an engaging portion of the clutch housing 31 and engaged with the second rotating member 7 so as to be rotatable integrally therewith.

[0024] The connecting / disconnecting unit 9, which has multiple clutch plates, is a controllable friction clutch that involves sliding friction and allows intermediate control of the transmitted torque. A pressure plate is disposed at the end of the multiple clutch plates and is engaged with an engaging portion of the clutch housing 31 so as to be axially movable and integrally rotatable, and operation of the actuator 11 causes the pressure plate to move axially and press against the multiple clutch plates.

[0025] The actuator 11 includes a cam mechanism 35, a speed change mechanism 37, and an electric motor 41 as an electric component 39.

[0026] The cam mechanism 35 is a ball cam mechanism that converts the rotational force generated in the speed change mechanism 37 into an operating force in the axial direction. The cam mechanism 35 includes a fixed ring 43, a cam ring 45, and a cam ball 47.

[0027] Fixed ring 43 is prevented from rotating relative to housing 3 via an engagement portion provided on its outer periphery, restricting its movement in the axial direction. Cam ring 45 is disposed axially opposite fixed ring 43 and is movable and rotatable in the axial direction. A thrust bearing 49 is disposed axially between cam ring 45 and the pressure plate of interrupter 9, allowing relative rotation therebetween and transmitting the axial movement of cam ring 45 to the pressure plate. A plurality of cam surfaces are formed in the circumferential direction on the opposing axial surfaces of fixed ring 43 and cam ring 45.

[0028] Cam balls 47 are interposed between the multiple cam surfaces of fixed ring 43 and cam ring 45. When rotation of cam ring 45 causes a differential rotation between fixed ring 43 and cam ring 45, cam balls 47 generate a cam thrust force that moves cam ring 45 in the connecting direction of intermittent portion 9.

[0029] The speed change mechanism 37 is a planetary gear mechanism that reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor 41. The speed change mechanism 37 includes a gear portion formed on the inner periphery of the fixed ring 43, a gear portion formed on the inner periphery of the cam ring 45, a planetary gear 51, and a carrier 53.

[0030] Planetary gear 51 has a different number of teeth than the gear portion of fixed ring 43 and the gear portion of cam ring 45, and meshes with the gear portion of fixed ring 43 and the gear portion of cam ring 45. Carrier 53 supports planetary gear 51 so that it can rotate on its axis. Carrier 53 is provided integrally with rotor 57 of electric motor 41, and is rotated integrally with rotor 57 by rotation of rotor 57. Transmission mechanism 37 decelerates the rotation from electric motor 41 and rotates cam ring 45 of cam mechanism 35.

[0031] The electric motor 41 includes a stator 55 and a rotor 57 .

[0032] The stator 55 is formed in an annular shape and includes a core and an electromagnetic coil. The cores are made of a magnetic material, and multiple cores are arranged circumferentially and are prevented from rotating relative to the housing 3. The electromagnetic coils are wound around the outer peripheries of the multiple cores by a predetermined number of turns, and generate magnetic flux along the axial direction when current is applied. Lead wires (not shown) that extend outside the housing 3 are electrically connected to the ends of the electromagnetic coils. The lead wires are electrically connected to a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of each mechanism installed in the vehicle.

[0033] The rotor 57 is made of a magnetic material and is formed in an annular shape. Axial movement of the rotor 57 is restricted relative to the housing 3 via a restricting portion formed on the outer periphery, and the inner periphery is supported via a bearing 59 so as to be rotatable relative to the first rotating member 5. The rotor 57 is disposed axially opposite the stator 55 with a small gap therebetween that allows magnetic flux to pass through. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the axially opposing surfaces of the rotor 57 and the stator 55, and are arranged alternately in the radial direction in order to increase the area through which magnetic flux passes. The rotor 57 is rotated by magnetic flux generated by energizing the electromagnetic coil of the stator 55.

[0034] In the actuator 11, the electric motor 41 is configured such that a current controlled by a controller is applied to the electromagnetic coil of the stator 55 in accordance with the desired fastening torque at the interrupter 9. When the electromagnetic coil of the stator 55 is energized, the rotor 57 rotates, which is then decelerated by the transmission mechanism 37 and transmitted to the cam mechanism 35. In the cam mechanism 35, the rotation from the transmission mechanism 37 causes the cam ring 45 to rotate, generating a differential rotation between the fixed ring 43 and the cam ring 45. The differential rotation between the fixed ring 43 and the cam ring 45 causes the cam ball 47 to move circumferentially between the cam surfaces. The movement of the cam ball 47 generates an axial cam thrust force, which moves the cam ring 45 in the direction of connecting the interrupter 9. The movement of the cam ring 45 presses multiple clutch plates via a pressure plate, connecting the interrupter 9. Connecting the interrupter 9 enables power transmission between the first rotating member 5 and the second rotating member 7.

[0035] The temperature sensor 13 is provided inside the housing 3 on the stator 55 of the electric motor 41, which serves as the electrical component 39. The temperature sensor 13 only needs to be provided on the stator 55 side, and may be provided, for example, on a fixed portion of the stator 55 that is fixed to the housing 3. By providing the temperature sensor 13 on the stator 55 side, the temperature sensor 13 can be handled as a subassembly of the actuator 11, improving assembly ease. In addition, the temperature sensor 13 may be provided, for example, on a fixed portion of the housing 3 to which the stator 55 is fixed. Lead wires (not shown) that extend outside the housing 3 are electrically connected to the temperature sensor 13. The lead wires are electrically connected to the controller.

[0036] Temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature inside housing 3 and outputs it to the controller. The controller estimates the temperature of intermittent unit 9 from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 13 and controls the supply of electricity to the electromagnetic coil according to the temperature condition of intermittent unit 9. When the controller estimates the temperature of intermittent unit 9, by placing temperature sensor 13 inside housing 3, the estimation accuracy can be significantly improved compared to when temperature sensor 13 is placed on the outer surface of housing 3.

[0037] The lead wires of the temperature sensor 13 are integrated with the lead wires of the electromagnetic coil and are drawn out from a drawing section provided in the housing 3 to the outside of the housing 3. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new structure for drawing out the lead wires of the temperature sensor 13 from the housing 3, and the structure of the housing 3 does not become complicated. In addition, by providing the temperature sensor 13 in the electrical component 39 arranged inside the housing 3, there is no need to consider the lubrication environment of the lubricating oil, as would be the case if the temperature sensor 13 were to be newly placed in a lubricating oil reservoir.

[0038] Temperature sensor 13 is disposed below the lubricating oil level L inside housing 3. By disposing temperature sensor 13 below the lubricating oil level L, temperature sensor 13 is disposed in the lubricating oil. This allows temperature sensor 13 to detect the temperature of the lubricating oil more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of intermittent part 9 can be further improved.

[0039] Temperature sensor 13 is disposed on the stator 55 side, for example, on the outer surface of stator 55, the outer surface of the fixed portion of stator 55, and the outer surface of the fixed portion of housing 3, so as to be exposed inside housing 3. Temperature sensor 13 exposed inside housing 3 is an oil-resistant temperature sensor and is capable of coming into contact with lubricating oil. By having temperature sensor 13 come into contact with lubricating oil, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be detected more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of intermittent portion 9 can be further improved.

[0040] Here, the temperature sensor 13 may be arranged on the stator 55 side, for example, inside the stator 55, inside the fixed portion of the stator 55, or inside the fixed portion of the housing 3, so as not to be exposed inside the housing 3. The temperature sensor 13 that is not exposed inside the housing 3 cannot come into contact with the lubricating oil. Therefore, the temperature sensor 13 does not need to be oil resistant, which allows for cost reduction of the temperature sensor 13. In addition, by arranging the temperature sensor 13 inside the stator 55 side, the temperature sensor 13 does not interfere with surrounding components, and the durability of the temperature sensor 13 can be improved.

[0041] Such a drive device 1 includes a housing 3 containing lubricating oil, and a pair of rotating members, a first rotating member 5 and a second rotating member 7, housed in the housing 3 so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The drive device 1 also includes an interrupter 9 that interrupts the power transmitted between the first rotating member 5 and the second rotating member 7, and an actuator 11 that is housed in the housing 3 and has an electric component 39 that operates the interrupter 9. The electric component 39 is provided with a temperature sensor 13 that detects the temperature inside the housing 3.

[0042] The temperature sensor 13 is provided on the electrical component 39 housed in the housing 3, and is therefore disposed inside the housing 3. This significantly improves the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent portion 9 compared to when the temperature sensor 13 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 3. Furthermore, by providing the temperature sensor 13 on the electrical component 39, the lead wires of the temperature sensor 13 can be integrated with the lead wires of the electrical component 39 and drawn out from the housing 3 to the outside. This eliminates the need to provide a new structure for drawing out the lead wires of the temperature sensor 13 from the housing 3, and does not complicate the structure of the housing 3. In addition, by providing the temperature sensor 13 on the electrical component 39 disposed inside the housing 3, it is not necessary to consider the lubrication environment of the lubricating oil, as would be the case if the temperature sensor 13 were to be newly disposed in a lubricating oil reservoir.

[0043] Therefore, in such a driving device 1, the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent part 9 can be maintained without complicating the structure of the housing 3.

[0044] The electric component 39 is made up of an electric motor 41 having a stator 55 fixed to the housing 3 and a rotor 57 that is rotated when current is applied to the stator 55. The temperature sensor 13 is provided on the stator 55 side.

[0045] By providing the temperature sensor 13 on the stator 55 side, the temperature sensor 13 can be handled as a sub-assembly of the actuator 11, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0046] The temperature sensor 13 is disposed below the oil surface L of the lubricating oil.

[0047] Therefore, the temperature sensor 13 is disposed in the lubricating oil, and the temperature sensor 13 can detect the temperature of the lubricating oil more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent portion 9 can be further improved.

[0048] The temperature sensor 13 is arranged so as to be in contact with the lubricating oil.

[0049] Therefore, by bringing the temperature sensor 13 into contact with the lubricating oil, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be detected more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent portion 9 can be further improved.

[0050] Moreover, the temperature sensor 13 is disposed inside the stator 55 side so as not to come into contact with the lubricating oil.

[0051] Therefore, temperature sensor 13 does not need to be oil resistant, which reduces the cost of temperature sensor 13. In addition, by arranging temperature sensor 13 inside stator 55, temperature sensor 13 does not interfere with surrounding components, and the durability of temperature sensor 13 can be improved.

[0052] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 101 according to this embodiment is, for example, a differential device disposed between left and right wheels in a power transmission path of a vehicle. The drive unit 101 outputs drive force from a drive source to the left and right wheels, and allows the left and right wheels to rotate differentially when a differential rotation occurs between the left and right wheels. The drive unit 101 has an intermittent unit 105 that intermittently connects and disconnects the differential between the left and right wheels. When the intermittent unit 105 is in an engaged state, the drive unit 101 locks the differential between the left and right wheels. On the other hand, when the intermittent unit 105 is in a disengaged state, the drive unit 101 unlocks the differential between the left and right wheels.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the driving device 101 includes a housing (not shown), a differential mechanism 103, a connecting / disconnecting unit 105, an actuator 107, and a temperature sensor 109.

[0055] The housing, not shown, is a stationary component fixed to the vehicle and is made up of, for example, multiple divided components. The multiple divided components are fixed together using fastening means such as multiple bolts to form an internal storage space for accommodating each component. The housing contains lubricating oil that lubricates and cools the sliding parts of each component and the meshing parts of the gears.

[0056] The differential mechanism 103 includes a differential case 111, a pinion shaft 113, a pinion gear 115, and a pair of side gears 117 and 119. The differential case 111 and the side gear 119 form a pair of rotating members.

[0057] The differential case 111 is rotatably supported by a housing via bearings (not shown) at the outer peripheries of bosses 121, 123 formed on both axial sides. A flange 125 to which a ring gear (not shown) is fixed is formed on the differential case 111. The ring gear fixed to the flange 125 meshes with, for example, a power transmission gear (not shown) that transmits driving force from a drive source, and the driving force is input to rotate the differential case 111. The differential case 111 accommodates a pinion shaft 113, a pinion gear 115, a pair of side gears 117, 119, etc.

[0058] The pinion shafts 113 have one long pinion shaft and two short pinion shafts. Both ends of the long pinion shaft are engaged with holes formed in the differential case 111, and the long pinion shaft is rotated integrally with the differential case 111. One end of the short pinion shaft is engaged with a hole formed in the middle of the long pinion shaft, and the other end is engaged with a hole formed in the differential case 111 and is prevented from coming off by a pin, and the short pinion shaft is rotated integrally with the differential case 111. Pinion gears 115 are supported on the outer end sides of the pinion shafts 113, respectively.

[0059] A plurality of pinion gears 115 (four in this example) are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the differential case 111. Each of the plurality of pinion gears 115 is supported on the end side of the pinion shaft 113 and revolves with the rotation of the differential case 111. The pinion gears 115 are rotatably supported on the pinion shaft 113 so as to be rotationally driven when a differential rotation occurs between a pair of meshed side gears 117, 119. The pinion gears 115 transmit the driving force input to the differential case 111 to the pair of side gears 117, 119.

[0060] The pair of side gears 117, 119 are housed in the differential case 111 so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The pair of side gears 117, 119 are each meshed with a pinion gear 115. On the inner circumferential sides of the pair of side gears 117, 119, spline-shaped output portions 127, 129 are provided which output the driving force transmitted to the pair of side gears 117, 119. The output portions 127, 129 are integrally rotatably connected to a pair of output shafts (not shown) which are integrally rotatably connected to left and right wheels, for example.

[0061] The differential between the pair of side gears 117, 119 in the differential mechanism 103 is locked by the connection of the interrupter 105, and the driving force transmitted to the pair of side gears 117, 119 is output evenly to the left and right wheels. The drive unit 101 having the interrupter 105 that interrupts the differential of the differential mechanism 103 in this way is a differential device with a so-called differential lock function.

[0062] The interrupting portion 105 is provided between the side gear 119 and the clutch member 131 .

[0063] The clutch member 131 is formed in an annular shape, and a base formed from a single circumferentially continuous member is arranged axially movable between the wall of the differential case 111 and the back side of the side gear 119. An engagement portion 133 that engages with the differential case 111 so as to be rotatable integrally with the differential case 111 is provided on the clutch member 131 on the wall side of the differential case 111, and an interrupting portion 105 is provided on the clutch member 131 on the back side of the side gear 119.

[0064] The engagement portion 133 is made up of a plurality of protrusions provided at equal circumferential intervals on the base of the clutch member 131 and a plurality of holes provided at equal circumferential intervals in the axial direction and penetrating the wall of the differential case 111. By engaging the protrusions and the holes in the rotational direction, the clutch member 131 is prevented from rotating relative to the differential case 111, and the clutch member 131 and the differential case 111 can rotate integrally.

[0065] The engaging portion 133 is provided with a cam that moves the clutch member 131 in the direction in which the intermittent portion 105 is connected. The cam has cam surfaces of the same inclination that are formed on opposing surfaces on both circumferential sides of the protrusion and the hole. When the clutch member 131 is moved in the direction in which the intermittent portion 105 is connected and an engagement action in the rotational direction occurs in the intermittent portion 105, the cam surfaces of the cams are engaged by the rotation of the differential case 111. The engagement of the cam surfaces causes the clutch member 131 to move further in the direction in which the intermittent portion 105 is engaged, strengthening the connection of the intermittent portion 105.

[0066] The interrupting portion 105 is provided axially between the clutch member 131 and the back side of the side gear 119, and has a plurality of meshing teeth formed in the circumferential direction on each of the clutch member 131 and the side gear 119 that mesh with each other. When the meshing teeth of the interrupting portion 105 mesh with each other, the clutch member 131 and the side gear 119 are connected so that they can be integrated together, that is, the differential case 111 and the side gear 119 are connected so that they can rotate together, and the differential of the differential mechanism 103 is locked.

[0067] Meanwhile, a biasing member 135 is provided radially inside the interrupter unit 105, axially between the clutch member 131 and the back side of the side gear 119, and constantly biases the clutch member 131 in the direction of disengaging the interrupter unit 105. The biasing member 135 moves the clutch member 131 in the direction of disengaging the interrupter unit 105, disengaging the interrupter unit 105, and unlocking the differential of the differential mechanism 103. The engaging and disengaging state of the interrupter unit 105 is controlled by an actuator 107.

[0068] The actuator 107 includes a conversion mechanism 137 and an electric motor 141 as an electric component 139 .

[0069] The conversion mechanism 137 is a cam mechanism that converts the rotational force of the electric motor 141 into an operating force in the axial direction. The conversion mechanism 137 includes a cam ring 143.

[0070] Cam ring 143 is formed in an annular shape, and its outer surface forms a cam surface that is inclined in the axial direction. Cam ring 143 is provided with a plurality of pressing portions that abut against the axial end surfaces of the protrusions of clutch member 131. Cam ring 143 engages the cam surfaces with rotor 151 of electric motor 141, and is moved in the connecting direction of intermittent portion 105 as rotor 151 rotates. As cam ring 143 moves, clutch member 131 is pressed via the pressing portions, and clutch member 131 is moved in the connecting direction of intermittent portion 105 against the biasing force of biasing member 135, thereby connecting intermittent portion 105. Note that a roller or the like that promotes the axial movement of cam ring 143 may be interposed between the cam surfaces of cam ring 143 and rotor 151.

[0071] The electric motor 141 is housed inside a motor housing 145 that is arranged on the outer periphery of the boss portion 123 of the differential case 111. The motor housing 145 is open on the axial side facing the clutch member 131, and an engaging portion 147 formed integrally with the outer periphery engages with the housing to prevent rotation relative to the housing. The electric motor 141 includes a stator 149 and a rotor 151.

[0072] The stator 149 is formed in an annular shape and includes a core and an electromagnetic coil. The cores are made of a magnetic material, and multiple cores are arranged circumferentially and fixed to the motor housing 145. The electromagnetic coils are wound a predetermined number of times around the outer peripheries of the multiple cores, and generate magnetic flux along the axial direction when current is passed through them. Lead wires 153 extending outside the motor housing 145 are electrically connected to the ends of the electromagnetic coils. The lead wires 153 extending from the motor housing 145 are also extended outside the housing and electrically connected to a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of various mechanisms installed in the vehicle.

[0073] The rotor 151 is made of a magnetic material and is formed in an annular shape. The rotor 151 is rotatably disposed inside the motor housing 145. The rotor 151 is disposed axially opposite the stator 149 with a minute gap therebetween that allows magnetic flux to pass through. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the axially opposing surfaces of the rotor 151 and the stator 149, and are arranged alternately in the radial direction in order to increase the area through which magnetic flux passes. The rotor 151 is rotated by magnetic flux generated by energizing the electromagnetic coil of the stator 149.

[0074] When connecting / disconnecting portion 105, actuator 107 energizes the electromagnetic coil of stator 149 to rotate rotor 151. The rotation of rotor 151 causes conversion mechanism 137 to move cam ring 143 in the direction to connect connecting / disconnecting portion 105. The movement of cam ring 143 presses clutch member 131 via the pressing portion, and clutch member 131 moves in the direction to connect connecting / disconnecting portion 105 against the biasing force of biasing member 135, thereby connecting connecting / disconnecting portion 105. When connecting connecting / disconnecting portion 105, differential case 111 and side gear 119 become rotatable together, and differential mechanism 103 enters a locked state.

[0075] On the other hand, when disengaging the intermittent unit 105, the actuator 107 stops the supply of current to the electromagnetic coil of the stator 149. By stopping the supply of current to the electromagnetic coil, the biasing member 135 moves the clutch member 131 in the direction of disengaging the intermittent unit 105, thereby disengaging the intermittent unit 105. By disengaging the intermittent unit 105, the differential case 111 and the side gear 119 become rotatable relative to each other, and the differential mechanism 103 enters an unlocked state.

[0076] The temperature sensor 109 is provided inside the housing on a stator 149 of the electric motor 141, which serves as the electrical component 139. The temperature sensor 109 may be provided on the stator 149 side, for example, on the motor housing 145 to which the stator 149 is fixed. By providing the temperature sensor 109 on the stator 149 side, the temperature sensor 109 can be handled as a subassembly of the actuator 107, improving assembly ease. Additionally, the temperature sensor 109 may be provided, for example, near a lead-out portion of the housing from which a lead wire 153 extending from the motor housing 145 is drawn to the outside. The temperature sensor 109 is electrically connected to a lead wire (not shown) drawn to the outside of the housing. The lead wire is electrically connected to a controller.

[0077] Temperature sensor 109 detects the temperature inside the housing and outputs it to the controller. The controller estimates the temperature of intermittent unit 105 from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and controls the supply of electricity to the electromagnetic coil according to the temperature condition of intermittent unit 105. When the controller estimates the temperature of intermittent unit 105, by placing temperature sensor 109 inside the housing, the estimation accuracy can be significantly improved compared to when temperature sensor 109 is placed on the outer surface of the housing.

[0078] The lead wires of the temperature sensor 109 are integrated with the lead wires 153 of the electromagnetic coil and are drawn out from a lead-out portion provided in the housing to the outside of the housing. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new structure for drawing out the lead wires of the temperature sensor 109 from the housing, and the structure of the housing does not become complicated. In addition, by providing the temperature sensor 109 in the electrical component 139 located inside the housing, there is no need to consider the lubrication environment of the lubricating oil, as would be the case if the temperature sensor 109 were to be newly placed in a lubricating oil reservoir.

[0079] Temperature sensor 109 is disposed inside the housing below the lubricating oil level L. By disposing temperature sensor 109 below the lubricating oil level L, temperature sensor 109 is disposed in the lubricating oil. This allows temperature sensor 109 to detect the temperature of the lubricating oil more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of intermittent part 105 can be further improved.

[0080] Temperature sensor 109 is disposed on the stator 149 side, for example, on the outer surface of motor housing 145, so as to be exposed inside the housing. Temperature sensor 109 exposed inside the housing is an oil-resistant temperature sensor and can come into contact with lubricating oil. By having temperature sensor 109 come into contact with the lubricating oil, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be detected more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of intermittent part 105 can be further improved.

[0081] Here, temperature sensor 109 may be arranged on the stator 149 side, for example, inside stator 149 or inside motor housing 145, so as not to be exposed inside the housing. Temperature sensor 109 that is not exposed inside the housing cannot come into contact with lubricating oil. Therefore, temperature sensor 109 does not need to be oil resistant, which allows for cost reduction of temperature sensor 109. In addition, by arranging temperature sensor 109 inside stator 149, temperature sensor 109 does not interfere with surrounding components, and durability of temperature sensor 109 can be improved.

[0082] Such a driving device 101 includes a housing containing lubricating oil, and a differential case 111 and a side gear 119 as a pair of rotating members housed in the housing so as to be rotatable relative to one another. The driving device 101 also includes a connecting / disconnecting unit 105 that connects and disconnects power transmitted between the differential case 111 and the side gear 119, and an actuator 107 housed in the housing and having an electric component 139 that operates the connecting / disconnecting unit 105. The electric component 139 is provided with a temperature sensor 109 that detects the temperature inside the housing.

[0083] The temperature sensor 109 is provided on the electrical component 139 housed in the housing, and is therefore disposed inside the housing. This significantly improves the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent portion 105 compared to when the temperature sensor 109 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing. Furthermore, by providing the temperature sensor 109 on the electrical component 139, the lead wires of the temperature sensor 109 can be integrated with the lead wires 153 of the electrical component 139 and drawn out from the housing to the outside. This eliminates the need to provide a new structure for drawing out the lead wires of the temperature sensor 109 from the housing, and does not complicate the housing structure. In addition, by providing the temperature sensor 109 on the electrical component 139 disposed inside the housing, there is no need to consider the lubrication environment of the lubricating oil, as would be the case if the temperature sensor 109 were to be disposed in a new lubricating oil reservoir.

[0084] Therefore, in such a driving device 101, it is possible to maintain the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent part 105 without complicating the structure of the housing.

[0085] The electric component 139 is made up of an electric motor 141 having a stator 149 fixed to the housing and a rotor 151 that is rotated when current is applied to the stator 149. The temperature sensor 109 is provided on the stator 149 side.

[0086] By providing the temperature sensor 109 on the stator 149 side, the temperature sensor 109 can be handled as a sub-assembly of the actuator 107, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0087] The temperature sensor 109 is disposed below the oil surface L of the lubricating oil.

[0088] Therefore, the temperature sensor 109 is disposed in the lubricating oil, and the temperature sensor 109 can detect the temperature of the lubricating oil more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the intermittent part 105 can be further improved.

[0089] The temperature sensor 109 is arranged so as to be in contact with the lubricating oil.

[0090] Therefore, by bringing temperature sensor 109 into contact with the lubricating oil, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be detected more accurately, and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of intermittent portion 105 can be further improved.

[0091] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 109 is disposed inside the stator 149 side so as not to come into contact with the lubricating oil.

[0092] Therefore, temperature sensor 109 does not need to be oil resistant, which reduces the cost of temperature sensor 109. In addition, by arranging temperature sensor 109 inside stator 149, temperature sensor 109 does not interfere with surrounding components, and the durability of temperature sensor 109 can be improved.

[0093] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0094] For example, the electrical component is an electric motor, but is not limited to this and may be any component, such as an electromagnet.

[0095] Furthermore, the pair of rotating members is not limited to those described above, and for example, the outer case and inner case of a free-running differential may be the pair of rotating members, and any pair of rotating members may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1,101 Drive Unit 3. Housing 5. First rotating member (rotating member) 7 Second rotating member (rotating member) 9,105 Intermittent section 11,107 Actuators 13,109 Temperature Sensors 39,139 Electrical parts 41,141 electric motors 55,149 Stator 57,151 rotors 111 Differential case (rotating member) 119 Side gear (rotating member) L oil level

Claims

1. a housing containing lubricating oil; a pair of rotating members accommodated in the housing so as to be rotatable relative to one another; an interrupting unit that interrupts the power transmitted between the pair of rotating members; an actuator housed in the housing and having electrical components for actuating the disconnecting unit; Equipped with The electrical component is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the housing.

2. the electrical component is an electric motor having a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor that is rotated by energizing the stator, The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor is provided on the stator side.

3. 3. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed below the surface of the lubricating oil.

4. The drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged so as to be in contact with the lubricating oil.

5. The drive device according to claim 2 , wherein the temperature sensor is disposed inside the stator so as not to come into contact with the lubricating oil.

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