# US 10,308,113 B2 · Differential gear > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,308,113 B2 - Document ID: US10308113B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/641,530 - Filed: 2017-07-05 - Published: 2017-10-19 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2015-02-23 - Assignees: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd. - Applicants: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd. - Inventors: Hideyuki Inose; Yasuo Yamanaka; Yasushi Nagamori - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10308113B2 ## CPC - B60K 23/04: for differential gearing - B60K 17/165: {provided between independent half axles (B60K17/18, B60K17/20 take precedence)} - B60K 23/08: for changing number of driven wheels {, for switching from driving one axle to driving two or more axles (B60K17/3515 takes precedence)} - F16D 27/108: with axially movable clutching members - F16D 27/112: with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs - F16D 27/118: with interengaging jaws or gear teeth - F16H 48/08: comprising bevel gears - F16H 48/24: using positive clutches or brakes - F16H 48/34: using electromagnetic or electric actuators - B60K 2023/0858: {with electric means, e.g. electro-hydraulic means} - B60Y 2400/421: Dog type clutches or brakes - B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES - F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES - F16H: GEARING - B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ## Abstract A differential device is provided with an outer case receiving torque; a differential gear set so geared as to allow differential motion between first and second axles; a clutch including an inner case supporting the differential gear set, and a clutch ring drivingly engaged with the outer case to transmit the torque from the outer case and axially movable to disconnectably connect with the inner case, the clutch ring having an end section led out of the outer case; a first spring creating a repulsive force in a disconnecting direction; a second spring creating a repulsive force in a connecting direction; and an actuator including a plunger so disposed as to exert a thrust force axially on the end section of the clutch ring, and a solenoid driving the plunger in a direction to make the clutch ring disconnect from or connect with the inner case. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A differential device, comprising: an outer case configured to receive torque and that is rotatable about an axis; a differential gear set housed in the outer case and combinable with first and second axles, the differential gear set being so geared as to allow differential motion between the first and the second axles; a clutch including an inner case supporting the differential gear set, and a clutch ring drivingly engaged with the outer case to transmit the torque from the outer case and axially movable to disconnectably connect with the inner case, the clutch ring having an end section led out of the outer case; a first spring creating a repulsive force in a direction to make the clutch ring disconnect from the inner case; a second spring creating a repulsive force in a direction to make the clutch ring connect with the inner case; and an actuator including a plunger so disposed as to exert a thrust force axially on the end section of the clutch ring, and a solenoid driving the plunger, in response to input of an electric power, in a direction to make the clutch ring disconnect from or connect with the inner case. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The differential device of claim 1, wherein the solenoid comprises a core at least partly made of a material having magnetism so as to conduct a magnetic flux generated in accordance with the electric power and that encloses the solenoid, and the second spring is repulsively interposed between the core and the plunger. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The differential device of claim 1, wherein the plunger, the core and the second spring are so dimensioned that the plunger abuts the core to rest. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The differential device of claim 2, wherein the core comprises a gap, and the plunger is disposed adjacent to the gap and movable from a position to cover the gap in part and a position to cover the gap totally. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The differential device of claim 2, wherein the second spring is repulsively interposed between the plunger and an outer face of the core. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The differential device of claim 1, wherein the clutch ring further comprises a pressure plate capable of being in contact with the plunger. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The differential device of claim 6, wherein the first spring is repulsively interposed between the pressure plate and the outer case. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The differential device of claim 6, wherein the plunger or the second spring is so dimensioned as to prevent the plunger from being in contact with the pressure plate when the clutch ring is connected with the inner case. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The differential device of claim 1, wherein the second spring is repulsively loaded in the plunger.