Differential device using a viscous fluid coupling mechanisms

A differential device using a fluid, comprising:

• a differential case driven by a power unit in a rotational motion;
• a pair of sleeves rotatably supported by said case on an axis of rotation of said case and each being connectable at an outer end thereof to one of a pair of rotary output shafts in such a manner as to be rotatable integrally with said output shaft, inner end portions of said sleeves extending into said case to face each other at end faces thereof with a small clearance left therebetween;
• a fluid-tight chamber defined between said sleeves and said case to be filled with a viscous fluid;
• a plurality of drive plates and a plurality of driven plates disposed in said chamber alternately with each other and in an overlapping manner, said drive plates being mounted to be rotatable integrally with said case and slidable in an axial direction, said driven plates being mounted to be rotatable integrally with said sleeves and slidable in an axial direction;
• and
• a plurality of guide rings interposed between said nearby driven plates to maintain said driven plates spaced from each other;
• one of said guide rings being constantly located in a position where said end faces of said sleeves face each other.