Patent attributes
A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates the differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a side member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator for moving the slide member to the axial direction. The slide member has a first meshable portion at one end in the axial direction, is allowed to move relative to the differential mechanism, and is prevented from rotating relative to the differential mechanism. The differential case has a second meshable portion facing the first meshable portion in the axial direction. When the slide member moves toward the second meshable portion by actuation of the actuator, the first meshable portion meshes with the second meshable portion so that the differential case and the slide member are coupled to prevent a relative rotation between the differential case and the slide member.