Vehicles and their axles and differentials

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vehicle, its axle, and differential. The differential includes: a driven disc, the inner circumference of which is a first contact surface; two half-shaft connectors, the outer circumference of which is a second contact surface, one being a circular surface and the other being a polygonal surface; two sets of engagement devices, each set of which includes: a rolling element, a rolling retainer, a switching active element, a switching driven element, and a first elastic reset mechanism. The rolling element and the circular surface have a separation position and an engagement position. The switching active element selectively drives the switching driven element to move from the separation position to the engagement position. The first elastic reset mechanism is used to return the rolling element from the engagement position to the separation position. Thus, the differential can control the switching from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode, and control the switching from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode, so that the engagement device can be switched flexibly and with good switching stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a vehicle and an axle and a differential thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, vehicle axles generally use a planetary differential structure. However, planetary differential structures have the following problems: the input power cannot be cut off, and a transfer case must be added when a transfer is required. The existing transfer case structure also has a probability of hitting the teeth or seizing when engaging and disengaging, resulting in poor transfer effect. Moreover, when one side slips and loses power, there is no power output on the other side. To address power loss, a differential lock structure is added, which makes the planetary differential structure more complicated. The existing Fangrong differential lock mechanism has a probability of hitting the teeth or seizing when engaging and disengaging, resulting in poor differential locking effect. Based on this, vehicles with such planetary differential structures will result in poor drivability and a poor driving experience for the driver. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a differential that has stable engagement and does not cause tooth jamming or seizure, thereby ensuring the drivability of the vehicle.

[0004] The present invention further provides a vehicle axle.

[0005] The present invention further provides a vehicle.

[0006] According to the differential of the present invention, a driving gear; a driven plate, the driven plate is provided with a driven gear, the driven gear is meshed with the driving gear, the driven plate is hollow inside and the inner circumference is a first contact surface; two half-shaft connectors, the two half-shaft connectors are arranged inside the driven plate and axially spaced, the outer circumference of the half-shaft connector is a second contact surface, one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is a circular surface and the other is a polygonal surface formed by connecting a plurality of surfaces in sequence; two groups of engagement devices, the two groups of engagement devices respectively correspond to the two half-shaft connectors one by one and are both arranged in the driven plate, each group of the engagement devices includes: rolling elements, rolling cages, switching active elements, switching driven elements and a first elastic reset mechanism, the rolling elements are multiple and arranged Placed on the rolling cage, multiple rolling elements are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple faces of the polygonal surface, and can move along the corresponding faces, thereby having a separation position and a connection position with the annular surface. When the rolling element is in the separation position, the driven disk rotates relative to the half-shaft connector. When the rolling element is in the connection position, the driven disk rotates synchronously with the half-shaft connector. The switching follower is arranged on the rolling cage, and the switching active element selectively drives the switching follower to drive the rolling cage to move, thereby driving the rolling element to move along the corresponding face so that the rolling element moves from the separation position to the connection position. The first elastic reset mechanism is used to restore the rolling element from the connection position to the separation position.

[0007] Therefore, by arranging rolling elements and rolling cages between the half-shaft connector and the driven plate, the switching between the engagement state and the disengagement state between the half-shaft connector and the driven plate can be timely and reliable, and by arranging the switching active element and the first elastic reset mechanism, the switching from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode and the switching from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode can be controlled. The differential arranged in this way can adopt different control switches, which can make the switching of the engagement device flexible and the switching stability good.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the switching active member is an electromagnetic member, and the switching driven member is a metal member. When the switching active member is in the power-on state, it adsorbs the switching driven member so that the switching driven member drives the rolling cage to move, thereby causing the rolling member to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When the switching active member is in the power-off state, the rolling member is in the disengaged position.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the switching follower is provided with a first limiting portion, and a second limiting portion is provided on the outer side of the rolling cage. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are circumferentially limited and allow the switching follower to move axially relative to the rolling cage, thereby driving the rolling cage to move circumferentially.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the switching active member is located axially outside the switching driven member and provides a magnetic attraction force to the switching driven member in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the half-shaft connector, so that the rolling cage drives the rolling member to rotate.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the first limiting portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first protrusions provided on the switching follower and extending toward the rolling cage, and the second limiting portion includes a first groove provided on the outer ring of the rolling cage on a side facing the switching follower and circumferentially spaced, and the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first grooves are matched one-to-one.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, the axle further includes a housing, and the active switching member is fixed to the housing.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, each face of the polygonal face is a plane, each of the rolling elements has a separation position and two engagement positions, and the separation position is located between the two engagement positions.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, the first elastic reset mechanism includes: a first elastic member and a first limiting member, the first limiting member is engaged with the inner circumference of the rolling cage and rotates synchronously with the rolling cage, the first elastic member is sleeved on the half-axle connector and its two ends are respectively engaged with the first limiting member and the half-axle connector.

[0015] In some examples of the present invention, the first limiting member is provided with a plurality of second protrusions that are circumferentially spaced and extend radially outward, and the inner ring of the rolling retainer is provided with a plurality of second grooves that are circumferentially spaced on the side facing the first limiting member, and the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second grooves are matched one-to-one.

[0016] In some examples of the present invention, the first limiting member is constructed in a sheet shape and has a first avoidance groove provided on the outer periphery, the half-axle connecting head is correspondingly provided with a second avoidance groove, and the two ends of the first elastic member are simultaneously stopped on the side walls corresponding to the first avoidance groove and the second avoidance groove.

[0017] The vehicle axle according to the present invention comprises: the differential described above; and an axle body, wherein the axle body is respectively fitted in the two half-axle connectors.

[0018] The vehicle according to the present invention comprises the vehicle axle described above.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a driving system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a controller connecting an engagement device and a differential lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a front differential according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the two front half-shaft connectors in the front axle;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling element in the front axle in the disengaged position;

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling element in the front axle in the engaged position;

[0027] Figure 7 This is the main view of the front half-shaft connector;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the front half-shaft connector;

[0029] Figure 9 is a front view of a switching follower of the coupling device;

[0030] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a switching follower of a coupling device;

[0031] Figure 11 is a front view of the rolling cage of the engaging device;

[0032] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a rolling cage of a joint device;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the front half shaft connector and the rolling retainer;

[0034] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of middle area B;

[0035] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the rolling cage and the first limiting member;

[0036] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the rolling cage and the switching follower;

[0037] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a first elastic member;

[0038] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view of the rear differential;

[0039] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the rear differential with respect to the differential lock device;

[0040] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling element in the rear axle in the disengaged position;

[0041] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling element in the rear axle in the engaged position;

[0042] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the mating parts;

[0043] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a switching follower of a differential lock device;

[0044] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a second limiting member of a differential lock device;

[0045] Figure 25 It is a schematic diagram of the matching of the mating parts and the rolling cage;

[0046] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Enlarged view of middle area C;

[0047] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the rolling cage and the second limit member in the differential lock device;

[0048] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the coordination between the switching follower and the rolling cage in the differential lock device;

[0049] Figure 29 It is a cross-sectional view of the joint device in the front axle;

[0050] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 Cross-sectional view in the AA direction;

[0051] Figure 31 It is a three-dimensional view of the end cap;

[0052] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of steps of a vehicle driving method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 33 1 is a schematic diagram of the steps of a vehicle driving method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Reference numerals:

[0055] Drive system 1000;

[0056] Power unit 100; output shaft 110; front driving gear 111; rear driving gear 112;

[0057] Front axle 200; front driven plate 210; front plate body 211; front driven gear 212; front half shaft 220; front half shaft connector 221; second avoidance groove 2211; shaft hole 222; plane 223;

[0058] Engaging device 230; first rolling element 231; first rolling cage 232; first groove 2321; second groove 2322;

[0059] First switching active member 233; first switching driven member 234; first protrusion 2341; cutting portion 2342; spacing groove 2343;

[0060] First elastic reset mechanism 235; first elastic member 2351; first position limiting member 2352; second protrusion 2353; first stopper 2354; first avoidance groove 2355;

[0061] Bushing 236; partition 237; bowl plug 238;

[0062] Front speed sensor 240; front differential 250; housing 260; main oil chamber 261; primary separation chamber 262; secondary separation chamber 263; breathing port 264; oil return groove 265; air outlet channel 266; return channel 267; oil retaining wall 268; hose 269;

[0063] ABS signal gear 270; bearing 280; end cover 281;

[0064] Front wheel 300;

[0065] Rear axle 400; rear driven plate 410; rear plate body 411; rear driven gear 412; planetary driving gear 413; rear half shaft 420; rear half shaft connector 421; fourth avoidance groove 4211; mating member 422; planetary driven gear 423; rear speed sensor 430; differential lock device 440; second rolling element 441; second rolling cage 442; third groove 4421; second switching active element 443; second switching driven element 444; third protrusion 4441;

[0066] Second elastic reset mechanism 445; second elastic member 4451; second position limiting member 4452; fourth protrusion 4453; second stopper 4454; third avoidance groove 4455;

[0067] Rear differential 460 ; rear wheels 500 ; controller 600 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0069] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 30 A driving system 1000 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, wherein the driving system 1000 provides power to the vehicle and drives wheels to travel on a road. The vehicle may be an all-terrain vehicle.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a drive system 1000 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a power unit 100, a front axle 200, front wheels 300, a rear axle 400, rear wheels 500, and a controller 600. The vehicle may also include: a vehicle frame, wherein the power unit 100, the front axle 200, the rear axle 400, and the controller 600 are all arranged on the vehicle frame, wherein the front axle 200 and the rear axle 400 are arranged in a front-to-back spacing, and the power unit 100 may be arranged between the front axle 200 and the rear axle 400, or a reasonable arrangement position may be selected according to the actual structure of the vehicle frame. Front wheels 300 are respectively provided at both ends of the front axle 200, and rear wheels 500 are respectively provided at both ends of the rear axle 400. The controller 600 may control whether the power unit 100 is engaged with the front axle 200 to transmit power.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the power unit 100 has an output shaft 110. There may be two output shafts 110, and the two output shafts 110 transmit power to the front axle 200 and the rear axle 400, respectively. There are various options for the power unit 100. For example, the power unit 100 may be a fuel engine; another example is that the power unit 100 may be an electric motor, and the electric motor may be an electric generator; another example is that the power unit 100 may be a combination of a fuel engine and an electric motor, and the electric motor may be fixed to the left or right side of the fuel engine, wherein the fuel engine may be fixed to the bottom of the vehicle frame, and the electric motor may be fixed to the right side of the fuel engine.

[0072] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the front axle 200 includes: a front driven disc 210, a front half-shaft 220, a coupling device 230 and a front speed sensor 240. There are two front half-shafts 220, and the two front half-shafts 220 are arranged opposite each other on the left and right. Each front half-shaft 220 includes a front half-shaft connector 221 and a front shaft body. The front half-shaft connector 221 rotates synchronously with the front shaft body. The front driven disc 210 transmits power to the output shaft 110. The end of the output shaft 110 is provided with a front driving gear 111. The front driven disc 210 includes a front disc body 211 and a front driven gear 212. The front driving gear 111 and the front driven gear 212 are meshed. In this way, the power unit 100 can transmit power to the front axle 200 through the output shaft 110. The front driving gear 111 and the front driven gear 212 can respectively be bevel gears.

[0073] There are two sets of coupling devices 230, each disposed between the front driven disc 210 and the front half-shaft connector 221. The two front wheels 300 are connected to the axially outer ends of the two front half-shafts 220, i.e., the axially outer ends of the two front axles. It will be appreciated that when the coupling devices 230 engage the front driven disc 210 and the front half-shaft connector 221, the power output from the power unit 100 can be transmitted to the front wheels 300 via the coupling devices 230 and the front half-shafts 220, thereby driving the vehicle on the road. When the coupling devices 230 disengage the front driven disc 210 and the front half-shaft connector 221, the power output from the power unit 100 cannot be transmitted to the front half-shaft connector 221 via the front driven disc 210, and the two front wheels 300 then function as driven wheels. Among them, the front axle 200 includes: a front differential 250, and the front differential 250 includes: the above-mentioned front driving gear 111, the above-mentioned front driven plate 210, the above-mentioned two front half-shaft connectors 221 and the above-mentioned two sets of coupling devices 230. The specific structure of the front differential 250 will be described in detail in the subsequent content.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front speed sensor 240 is used to detect the speed of the corresponding front half-shaft 220. There may be two front speed sensors 240, and the two front speed sensors 240 can be used to detect the speed of the two front half-shafts 220 respectively, thereby obtaining the speed of the two front wheels 300. Specifically, the front half-shaft connector 221 can be provided with an ABS signal gear 270. The front speed sensor 240 is used to detect the number of rotating teeth of the ABS signal gear 270, thereby transmitting this information to the controller 600 to obtain the speed information of the corresponding front wheels 300.

[0075] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 18As shown, the rear axle 400 includes a rear driven disc 410, a rear half-shaft 420, and a rear speed sensor 430. There are two rear half-shafts 420, and they are arranged opposite each other on the left and right sides. The rear driven disc 410 transmits power to the output shaft 110. A rear driving gear 112 is provided at the end of the output shaft 110. The rear driven disc 410 includes a rear disc body 411 and a rear driven gear 412. The rear driving gear 112 meshes with the rear driven gear 412, so that the power unit 100 can transmit power to the rear axle 400 via the output shaft 110. The rear driving gear 112 and the rear driven gear 412 can each be bevel gear. The rear axle 400 includes a rear differential 460, which includes the aforementioned rear driven disc 410 and two rear half-shaft connectors 421. The specific structure of the rear differential 460 will be described in detail later.

[0076] like Figure 18 As shown, the two rear half shafts 420 transmit power to the rear driven disc 410. The rear driven disc 410 is provided with a planetary driving gear 413. The two rear half shafts 420 each include a rear half shaft connector 421, which is provided with a planetary driven gear 423. The planetary driving gear 413 and the planetary driven gear 423 are meshed to transmit power. It can be understood that when the power unit 100 outputs power, the rear wheels 500 serve as drive wheels.

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rear speed sensor 430 is used to detect the speed of the corresponding rear half-shaft 420. There may be two rear speed sensors 430, each of which can be used to detect the speed of the two rear half-shafts 420, thereby obtaining the speed of the two rear wheels 500. Specifically, the rear half-shaft connector 421 may be provided with an ABS signal gear. The rear speed sensor 430 is used to detect the number of rotating teeth of the ABS signal gear, thereby transmitting this information to the controller 600 to obtain the speed information of the corresponding rear wheels 500.

[0078] like Figure 2As shown, the controller 600 is electrically connected to the engagement device 230, the front speed sensor 240, and the rear speed sensor 430, respectively, to control the engagement device 230 to engage the front driven disc 210 and the front axle shaft 220 when predetermined conditions are met. It will be appreciated that the controller 600 can receive speed information from the two front speed sensors 240 and the two rear speed sensors 430, and then determine the status of the front wheels 300 and rear wheels 500. Based on this information, the controller 600 can determine whether the vehicle's driving state requires switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. If the vehicle's driving state determines that the predetermined conditions are met, the controller 600 can accurately switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on its own judgment without driver intervention, causing the engagement device 230 to engage the front axle shaft connector 221 of the front axle shaft 220 and the front driven disc 210. This switches the vehicle from two-wheel drive mode to four-wheel drive mode, thereby improving vehicle power and driving stability, enabling more stable driving under current road conditions, and preventing damage to internal components, thereby extending the vehicle's service life.

[0079] It should be noted that the above predetermined condition is not limited to one.

[0080] Alternatively, the speed difference between the two rear wheels 500 is V1, the turning radius speed difference between the two rear wheels 500 is V2, and the safety factor is a. When V1>V2*a, the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to engage the front driven disc 210 and the front axle 220. When V1<V2*a, the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to disconnect the front driven disc 210 and the front axle 220. That is, when the driver is driving the vehicle, if the vehicle's wheel driving state satisfies the condition V1>V2*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode. If the vehicle's wheel driving state satisfies the condition V1<V2*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive mode. Setting such predetermined conditions allows the vehicle to adapt to various adverse road conditions, avoids slipping during cornering, thereby improving vehicle driving stability, preventing damage to the drivetrain and wheels, and extending the vehicle's service life.

[0081] Alternatively, the speed difference between the front wheels 300 and the rear wheels 500 is V3, the average speed of the front wheels 300 and the rear wheels 500 is V4, and the safety factor is a. When V3>V4*a, the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to engage the front driven disc 210 and the front axle shaft 220. When V3<V4*a, the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to disconnect the front driven disc 210 and the front axle shaft 220. That is, when the driver is driving the vehicle, if the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition V3>V4*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode. If the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition V3<V4*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive mode. Setting these predetermined conditions allows the vehicle to adapt to various adverse road conditions, avoids slipping during cornering, thereby improving vehicle driving stability, preventing damage to the drivetrain and wheels, and extending the vehicle's service life.

[0082] The front differential 250 in the front axle 200 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the front differential 250 may include: the aforementioned front driving gear 111 , the aforementioned front driven plate 210 , the aforementioned two front half-shaft connectors 221 and the aforementioned two sets of engagement devices 230 .

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the front disc body 211 of the front driven disc 210 is hollow, and the inner peripheral surface of the front disc body 211 is the first contact surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the half-shaft connector is the second contact surface. One of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is a circular surface, and the other of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is a polygonal surface formed by connecting multiple surfaces in sequence. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the first contact surface is a circular surface, and the second contact surface is a polygonal surface. For another example, the first contact surface is a polygonal surface, and the second contact surface is a circular surface.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the two sets of coupling devices 230 correspond to the two front half-shaft connectors 221 one by one, and both sets of coupling devices 230 are arranged in the front disc body 211 of the front driven disc 210. The two sets of coupling devices 230 are arranged in an axially spaced manner. Figure 3 The two sets of engagement devices 230 are respectively used to selectively engage the corresponding front half-shaft connectors 221 , wherein the two sets of engagement devices 230 can be engaged synchronously under the action of the controller 600 .

[0086] like Figure 3As shown, each group of coupling devices 230 includes: a first rolling member 231, a first rolling retainer 232, a first switching active member 233, a first switching driven member 234 and a first elastic reset mechanism 235. There are multiple first rolling members 231, and multiple first rolling members 231 are arranged in the first rolling retainer 232. The first rolling member 231 can be a roller. A plurality of receiving grooves can be provided in the first rolling retainer 232. The plurality of receiving grooves are arranged at circumferential intervals. The rollers are accommodated in the receiving grooves. The rollers can roll in the receiving grooves and extend out of the receiving grooves on the radial inside and outside.

[0087] Combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of first rolling elements 231 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of facets of the polygonal surface, and the plurality of first rolling elements 231 are capable of moving along the corresponding facets, thereby having separate positions and engaged positions with the annular surface. In other words, the number of first rolling elements 231 can be the same as the number of facets of the polygonal surface, with each first rolling element 231 corresponding to a facet of the polygonal surface.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the first rolling element 231 is in the separation position. At this time, the first rolling element 231 is located at the center of the corresponding polygonal surface. Since the center of each polygonal surface is at the largest distance from the annular surface, there is a gap between the first rolling element 231 and the front disk body 211. The front driven disk 210 and the front half-shaft connector 221 rotate relative to each other without interfering with each other. Figure 6 As shown, the first rolling element 231 is in the engaged position. At this time, the first rolling element 231 is located at a side edge of the corresponding polygonal surface. Since the side edge of each polygonal surface is at the smallest distance from the annular surface, the first rolling element 231 contacts and abuts against the front disc 211, thereby enabling the front driven disc 210 and the front half-shaft connector 221 to rotate synchronously. It is understandable that when the first rolling element 231 is in the disengaged position, there is a gap between the first rolling element 231 and the front disc 211, and there is no contact. At this time, the power of the front driving gear 111 is not transmitted to the front half-shaft connector 221 through the front driven disc 210. In this way, the front disc 211 and the front half-shaft connector 221 can rotate without interfering with each other, and the vehicle is in two-wheel drive mode. When the first rolling element 231 is in the engaged position, it contacts and abuts the front disc 211. In other words, the first rolling element 231 clamps the front disc 211 and the front half-shaft connector 221. At this point, the power of the front driving gear 111 can be transmitted to the front half-shaft connector 221 via the front driven disc 210, allowing them to rotate synchronously. The vehicle is now in four-wheel drive mode. It should be noted that since each polygonal face has two side edge positions, the first rolling element 231 also has two corresponding disengaged positions.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the first switching follower 234 is arranged on the first rolling cage 232, so that the first switching follower 234 can drive the first rolling cage 232 to rotate synchronously. The first switching active member 233 selectively drives the first switching follower 234 to drive the first rolling cage 232 to move, thereby driving the first rolling member 231 to move along the corresponding polygonal surface, so that the first rolling member 231 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The first switching active member 233 has the ability to control the movement of the first switching follower 234. It can control the movement of the first switching follower 234 according to its own state, thereby controlling the first rolling member 231 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position, that is, realizing the conversion from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode. Among them, the controller 600 is electrically connected to the first switching active members 233 of the two sets of engagement devices 230, so that the controller 600 can correspondingly control whether the first switching active member 233 drives the first switching follower 234 to move.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, the first elastic return mechanism 235 is used to return the first rolling element 231 from the engaged position to the disengaged position via the first rolling cage 232. That is, when switching from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode, the first elastic return mechanism 235 can use its own elastic force to drive the first rolling cage 232 to move, thereby moving the first rolling element 231 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, achieving the switch from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode. During this process, the first switching active element 233 no longer controls the first switching passive element 234.

[0091] Therefore, by arranging the first rolling member 231 and the first rolling retainer 232 between the front half-shaft connector 221 and the front disc body 211, the switching between the engaged state and the disengaged state between the front half-shaft connector 221 and the front disc body 211 can be timely and reliable, and by arranging the first switching active member 233 and the first elastic reset mechanism 235, the switching from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode and the switching from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode can be controlled. The front differential 250 arranged in this way can adopt different control switches, which can make the coupling device 230 switch flexibly, with good switching stability, and no jamming phenomenon will occur.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 3As shown, the first switching active member 233 is an electromagnetic member electrically connected to the controller 600. The electromagnetic member can be an electromagnet, which is fixed within the housing 260 of the front axle 200. The electromagnet and the controller 600 can be connected via a wiring harness. The first switching driven member 234 is a metal member. When energized, the first switching active member 233 attracts the first switching driven member 234, causing the first switching driven member 234 to move the first rolling cage 232, thereby moving the first rolling member 231 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When the first switching active member 233 is de-energized, the first rolling member 231 is in the disengaged position. In other words, when the first switching active member 233 is de-energized, the first elastic return mechanism 235 can utilize its elastic force to cause the first rolling cage 232 to move, thereby moving the first rolling member 231 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. This configuration of the first switching active member 233, which controls the position of the first rolling member 231 via electromagnetic force, can result in a simple structure for the coupling device 230, reliable control, and timely state switching. In addition, the first elastic reset mechanism 235 also has the function of keeping the first rolling element 231 in the separated position, so that the first rolling retainer 232 can rotate synchronously with the front half-shaft connector 221 .

[0093] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first switching follower 234 is provided with a first limiting portion, and a second limiting portion is provided on the outer side of the first rolling cage 232. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion circumferentially limit each other, thereby driving the first rolling cage 232 to move circumferentially. In other words, the first switching follower 234 and the first rolling cage 232 are limited by the two limiting portions, allowing the first switching follower 234 and the first rolling cage 232 to rotate synchronously. When the first switching active member 233 is energized, the first switching follower 234 can drive the first rolling cage 232 to move, thereby moving the first rolling member 231 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Furthermore, the provision of two limiting portions can reduce the movement of the first switching follower 234 and ensure simple and reliable coordination between the first switching follower 234 and the first rolling cage 232.

[0094] Among them, such as Figure 3As shown, the first switching active member 233 is located axially outside the first switching driven member 234, and the first switching active member 233 provides the first switching driven member 234 with a magnetic attraction in the opposite direction of the movement of the front half-shaft connector 221, so that the first rolling retainer 232 drives the first rolling member 231 to rotate to the engaged position. The outer surface of the first switching driven member 234 can be in contact with the first switching active member 233. When the first rolling member 231 is in the disengaged position, the first switching driven member 234 rotates together with the first rolling member 231, and the first switching driven member 234 frictionally moves on the surface of the first switching active member 233. After the first switching active member 233 is energized, the first switching active member 233 can generate a magnetic attraction in the opposite direction of the movement, thereby causing the first rolling retainer 232 to move relative to the front half-shaft connector 221, further causing the first rolling member 231 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The first switching active member 233 configured in this way can quickly generate resistance to cause the first switching driven member 234 to move in the reverse direction, and does not require the first switching driven member 234 to move axially, so that the coupling device 230 occupies a small axial space and has a more compact structure.

[0095] like Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 16 As shown, the first position-limiting portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first protrusions 2341 disposed on the first switching follower 234 and extending toward the first rolling cage 232. The second position-limiting portion includes circumferentially spaced first grooves 2321 disposed on the outer ring of the first rolling cage 232, facing the first switching follower 234. The plurality of first protrusions 2341 and the plurality of first grooves 2321 correspond one-to-one. The provision of the plurality of first protrusions 2341 and the plurality of first grooves 2321 stabilizes the circumferential position of the first switching follower 234 and the first rolling cage 232, and further stabilizes their synchronous rotation. The ends of the first protrusions 2341 can be semicircular, and the first grooves 2321 can be rectangular. This configuration facilitates insertion of the first protrusions 2341 into the rectangular groove, thereby improving assembly efficiency between the first switching follower 234 and the first rolling cage 232.

[0096] Combine Figure 3 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 17As shown, the first elastic reset mechanism 235 includes: a first elastic member 2351 and a first limiting member 2352, and the first limiting member 2352 rotates synchronously with the first rolling retaining frame 232, the first elastic member 2351 is sleeved on the front half-shaft connecting head 221, and the two ends of the first elastic member 2351 are respectively matched with the first limiting member 2352 and the front half-shaft connecting head 221, and the first limiting member 2352 can play the role of limiting and cooperating with the first elastic member 2351. It can be understood that the first elastic member 2351 is an elastic ring with a notch, and a first stop portion 2354 is provided at both ends of the elastic ring. The first stop portion 2354 is respectively engaged with the first limit member 2352 and the front half-shaft connector 221, so that after the first switching active member 233 is powered off, the first elastic member 2351 can release the stored elastic force, and then drive the first rolling retainer 232 to move relative to the front half-shaft connector 221, so that the first rolling member 231 moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, realizing the switching from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode.

[0097] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the first limiting member 2352 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 2353 that are circumferentially spaced and extend radially outward, and the inner ring of the first rolling retainer 232 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced second grooves 2322 on the side facing the first limiting member 2352. The plurality of second protrusions 2353 and the plurality of second grooves 2322 correspond to each other one by one. The first limiting member 2352 is constructed in a sheet shape, and a first avoidance groove 2355 is provided on the outer periphery of the first limiting member 2352. A second avoidance groove 2211 is also provided at the corresponding position of the front half-shaft connecting head 221, and the first stop portion 2354 of the first elastic member 2351 is stopped on the side walls corresponding to the first avoidance groove 2355 and the second avoidance groove 2211. By providing a plurality of second protrusions 2353 and a plurality of second grooves 2322, the circumferential limitation of the first limiting member 2352 and the first rolling retainer 232 can be stabilized, and can be effectively separated from the first switching follower 234, so that the coupling device 230 can be compact in structure and reasonably arranged.

[0098] Specifically, when the first switching follower 234 drives the first rolling cage 232 to move, it drives the first limiting member 2352 to move, and the first limiting member 2352 then drives one end of the first elastic member 2351 to move toward the other end. Figure 13As shown, until the first rolling element 231 moves to the engagement position, and then the first elastic element 2351 is deformed to generate elastic restoring force, after the first switching active element 233 is powered off, the first elastic element 2351 can release the stored elastic force, thereby causing the first rolling element 231 to move from the engagement position to the separation position. In this way, the first rolling element 231 completes the switching from the separation position to the engagement position and then to the separation position, which is also the process of the vehicle switching from two-wheel drive mode to four-wheel drive mode and then to two-wheel drive mode.

[0099] like Figure 27 As shown, the front axle 200 may further include a housing 260, and the first switching active member 233 is fixed within the housing 260. In other words, the electromagnet is fixed to the inner circumferential wall of the housing 260, which ensures that the electromagnet is securely fixed and facilitates the wiring harness of the electromagnet to pass through the housing 260 and be electrically connected to the controller 600. The electromagnet is annular in shape, and the front half-shaft connector 221 can pass through the annular electromagnet accordingly, thereby preventing the electromagnet from interfering with the rotation of the front half-shaft connector 221.

[0100] Among them, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, each face of the polygonal surface is a flat surface 223, and each first rolling element 231 has a disengaged position and two engaged positions, with the disengaged position located between the two engaged positions. It will be appreciated that when the vehicle is in forward gear and four-wheel drive mode, the first rolling element 231 engages in one engaged position, and when the vehicle is in reverse gear and four-wheel drive mode, the first rolling element 231 engages in the other engaged position. This arrangement of the engagement device 230 allows the vehicle to effectively switch to four-wheel drive mode whether in forward gear or reverse gear, thereby ensuring vehicle stability.

[0101] The front half-shaft connector 221 is connected to the front axle body, and the front axle body and the front half-shaft connector 221 are spline-matched. Specifically, the front half-shaft connector 221 is formed with an axial hole 222, and the inner peripheral wall of the axial hole 222 is provided with an internal spline, and the inner end of the front axle body is provided with an external spline, and the internal spline and the external spline are matched, so that the front half-shaft connector 221 and the front axle body can rotate synchronously, and the outer end of the front axle body is connected to the front wheel 300.

[0102] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, the front differential 250 may further include a collinearity retaining member disposed between the two front half-shaft connectors 221 to maintain the axes of the two front half-shaft connectors 221 in a collinear manner. The collinearity retaining member prevents positional deviation of the axes of the two front half-shaft connectors 221, thereby ensuring that the axes of the two front half-shaft connectors 220 and the two front wheels 300 are collinear. This, in turn, ensures operational stability of the front axle 200 and allows the vehicle to travel smoothly on the road.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, the collinearity retaining member can be a sleeve 236, which is disposed within the shaft holes 222 of the two front half-shaft connectors 221. At least one of the front half-shaft connectors 221 can rotate relative to the sleeve 236. The sleeve 236 has a simple structure and can effectively ensure that the axes of the two front half-shaft connectors 221 are collinear, thereby preventing positional deviation of one of the two front half-shaft connectors 221. Moreover, by sleevedly mounting the two front half-shaft connectors 221 on the sleeve 236, axial space of the front axle 200 can be saved.

[0104] One of the two front half-shaft connectors 221 has an interference fit with the shaft sleeve 236, while the other of the two front half-shaft connectors 221 has a clearance fit with the shaft sleeve 236. In other words, the shaft sleeve 236 rotates synchronously with one of the front half-shaft connectors 221 and rotates relative to the other front half-shaft connector 221. Thus, the shaft sleeve 236 can maintain the axis alignment while ensuring that the two front half-shaft connectors 221 do not interfere with each other's movement, thereby improving the structural stability of the front differential 250.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown, a seal is disposed within the shaft hole 222 of each front axle connector 221, located axially outward of the shaft sleeve 236. The seal seals the shaft hole 222 of the front axle connector 221, preventing lubricating oil from flowing out of the housing 260 of the front axle 200, thereby ensuring the internal sealing of the front axle 200. It also prevents foreign matter from entering the housing 260 and prevents rusting of the front axle 200 during storage, thereby ensuring the structural reliability of the front axle 200. Preferably, the seal is a bowl plug 238.

[0106] A step is provided in the shaft hole 222, and the shaft sleeve 236 is located between the step portions of the two front half-shaft connectors 221. The step can stop the shaft sleeve 236, preventing the shaft sleeve 236 from axial movement, stabilizing the axial position of the shaft sleeve 236 and the two front half-shaft connectors 221, and further improving the structural stability of the front differential 250. Figure 4 As shown, each front half-shaft connector 221 is provided with a bearing 280 for support, and the bearing 280 may be a deep groove ball bearing.

[0107] Alternatively, as Figure 3As shown, the front differential 250 may further include a spacer 237, which is sleeved on the shaft sleeve 236 and located between the two front half-shaft connectors 221. The spacer 237 effectively separates the two coupling devices 230, preventing interference caused by axial movement of the two coupling devices 230, thereby further ensuring the operational reliability of the two coupling devices 230.

[0108] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 29 As shown, the housing 260 of the front axle 200 can be provided with a breathing port 264. Within the housing 260, the front disc 211 defines a main oil chamber 261 and a primary separation chamber 262 on either axial side. The main oil chamber 261 and the primary separation chamber 262 are interconnected, and the primary separation chamber 262 is interconnected with the breathing port 264. This allows gas within the front axle 200 to flow through the primary separation chamber 262 and out through the breathing port 264. The housing 260 includes an end cover 281, with the primary separation chamber 262 located within it. The breathing port 264 is provided on the end cover 281.

[0109] A first oil-gas separation device is disposed within the primary separation chamber 262 and is mounted on the front axle connector 221. The first oil-gas separation device separates oil and gas within the primary separation chamber 262, allowing the lubricating oil within the primary separation chamber 262 to precipitate onto the inner circumferential wall of the housing 260 and then flow back into the main oil chamber 261. This reduces the amount of lubricating oil exhaled from the breathing port 264, prevents lubricating oil loss, and ensures reliable lubrication of the front axle 200.

[0110] Specifically, the first oil-gas separation device, namely the above-mentioned first switching follower 234, is arranged on the first rolling cage 232. It can rotate synchronously with the first rolling cage 232 and the front half-shaft connector 221. Then, the first switching follower 234 in the rotating state can continuously stir the air in the first-stage separation chamber 262, so that the lubricating oil in the air can be thrown onto the inner wall of the outer shell 260, thereby reducing the exhalation of the lubricating oil.

[0111] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first switching follower 234 includes: a main body and the above-mentioned first limiting portion, the first limiting portion is perpendicular to the surface of the main body, and a plurality of cutting portions 2342 are formed on the periphery of the main body. The plurality of cutting portions 2342 are mainly used to cut and stir the surrounding air when the first switching follower 234 rotates, so that the lubricating oil in the air is precipitated onto the inner wall of the outer shell 260.

[0112] Specifically, if Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the circumferential end surface of the cutting portion 2342 is an arcuate surface, and a spacing groove 2343 is provided between two circumferentially adjacent cutting portions 2342. The arcuate surface can provide the cutting portion 2342 with a larger cutting edge, thereby better agitating the air. In addition, the spacing between the spacing groove 2343 and the cutting portion 2342 can enhance the agitation of the air to a certain extent.

[0113] Furthermore, if Figure 29 As shown, the ABS signal gear 270 is disposed within the end cap 281 of the housing 260. The ABS signal gear 270 and the end cap 281 define a secondary separation chamber 263. The secondary separation chamber 263 communicates between the primary separation chamber 262 and the breathing port 264. The ABS signal gear 270 is sleeved on the front half-shaft connector 221. The ABS signal gear 270 can correspond to the front speed sensor 240, which can detect the number of rotating teeth of the ABS signal gear 270 to calculate speed information. Air mixed with lubricating oil passes through the primary separation chamber 262 and then flows into the secondary separation chamber 263. The rotating ABS signal gear 270 further agitates the air within the secondary separation chamber 263, causing the lubricating oil in the air to precipitate and eventually flow back into the main oil chamber 261. By setting up the ABS signal gear 270, it can be used to cooperate with the front speed sensor 240, and can also be further used to precipitate lubricating oil in the air, thereby reducing the lubricating oil exhaled from the breathing port 264, and ensuring the lubrication reliability of the moving parts in the front axle 200.

[0114] Among them, such as Figure 30 As shown, an oil return groove 265 is formed at the bottom of the end cover 281. The oil return groove 265 communicates between the secondary separation chamber 263 and the primary separation chamber 262. It will be appreciated that in the direction of rotation of the ABS signal gear 270, lubricating oil continuously precipitates and flows downward, then flows from the oil return groove 265 to the primary separation chamber 262, and then from the primary separation chamber 262 to the main oil chamber 261. The arrangement of the oil return groove 265 facilitates the return of lubricating oil, more effectively reducing lubricating oil loss, thereby improving the lubrication reliability of the front axle 200.

[0115] Optionally, an air outlet channel 266 is formed inside the end cap 281, connecting the air outlet 266 to the secondary separation chamber 263. The air outlet channel 266 and the oil return groove 265 are spaced apart circumferentially from the end cap 281. For example, the air outlet channel 266 can be positioned at the top of the end cap 281, thereby facilitating the upward flow of gas until exhaled through the air outlet 264 and reducing the upward exhalation of lubricating oil. Furthermore, some lubricating oil may adhere to the walls of the air outlet channel 266 before flowing back into the oil return groove 265 of the secondary separation chamber 263.

[0116] Furthermore, if Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the outlet channel 266 is also connected to a return channel 267, which is in communication with the secondary separation chamber 263. That is, during the exhaust process, some lubricating oil can flow back into the secondary separation chamber 263 through the return channel 267, then flow from the oil return groove 265 to the primary separation chamber 262, and finally back into the main oil chamber 261. This further reduces the exhalation of lubricating oil, improves the lubrication reliability of the front differential 250, and extends the service life of the front axle 200. The interior space of the return channel 267 is a negative pressure zone, which can draw some lubricating oil back into the secondary separation chamber 263 by relying on the negative pressure. Furthermore, an arc-shaped boss is provided between the outlet of the return channel 267 and the inlet of the outlet channel 266, forming the inner sidewall of the return channel 267.

[0117] Also, such as Figure 30 As shown, the breathing port 264 is located at the top of the end cap 281, and an oil retaining wall 268 is provided on the inner side of the end cap 281. The oil retaining wall 268 is located below the breathing port 264. In other words, the breathing port 264 is not directly connected to the chamber below. The oil retaining wall 268 can prevent the lubricating oil from directly entering the breathing port 264 to a certain extent, thereby reducing the exhalation of lubricating oil to at least a certain extent.

[0118] like Figure 30 As shown, the breathing port 264 is provided with an interface, which is connected to a vertically upwardly extending hose 269. The provision of hose 269 can increase the highest point of exhaled air. By providing hose 269, water can be prevented from entering the interior of the front differential 250 through the breathing port 264 in a wading environment, thereby effectively protecting the front differential 250 and improving the reliability of the front differential 250.

[0119] The rear differential 460 of the rear axle 400 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0120] like Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the rear differential 460 of the rear axle 400 of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a rear driven disc 410, two rear half-shaft connectors 421 and a differential lock device 440, the two rear half-shaft connectors 421 and the differential lock device 440 are arranged on the inner side of the rear driven disc 410, wherein there is one differential lock device 440, and the differential lock device 440 selectively locks a corresponding rear half-shaft connector 421 and the rear driven disc 410, thereby achieving a locked state. Once the differential lock device 440 is locked, the corresponding rear half-shaft connector 421 and the rear driven disc 410 will rotate synchronously. Due to the characteristics of the planetary gear differential mechanism, the two rear half-shaft connectors 421 will also rotate synchronously, that is, the two half-shaft connectors 421 and the rear driven disc 410 rotate synchronously, which can avoid the vehicle from slipping when turning or make the vehicle escape from a slipping environment when the vehicle has already slipped, thereby improving the driving stability of the vehicle. In a normal driving state, the differential lock device 440 is in an open state, and the two rear half-shaft connectors 421 are in a differential rotation state.

[0121] Specifically, if Figure 18 As shown, the rear driven disc 410 includes a rear driven gear 412 and a rear disc body 411. The rear driven gear 412 is fixed to one axial side of the rear disc body 411 and meshes with the rear driving gear 112. The rear disc body 411 of the rear driven disc 410 is hollow, and the inner circumferential surface of the rear disc body 411 serves as a third contact surface. A planetary driving gear 413 is disposed within the rear driven disc 410. Two rear half-shaft connectors 421 are disposed within the rear driven disc 410 and are axially spaced apart. The rear half-shaft connectors 421 are provided with planetary driven gears 423, which mesh with either side of the planetary driving gear 413. Thus, the power of the power unit 100 can be transmitted to the rear axle bodies of the two rear half-shafts 420 via the planetary driving gears 413 and the planetary driven gears 423, thereby driving the two rear wheels 500 to rotate on the road.

[0122] Among them, such as Figure 20-22 As shown, a half-shaft connector is correspondingly provided with a fourth contact surface, one of the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface is a circular surface and the other is a polygonal surface formed by connecting multiple surfaces in sequence, and the differential lock device 440 is provided between the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface.

[0123] like Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the differential lock device 440 includes: a second rolling member 441, a second rolling retainer 442, a second switching active member 443, a second switching driven member 444 and a second elastic reset mechanism 445, there are multiple second rolling members 441, and multiple second rolling members 441 are arranged on the second rolling retainer 442, and the multiple second rolling members 441 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple faces of the polygonal surface, and can move along the corresponding faces, thereby having a separation position and a connection position with the annular surface.

[0124] like Figure 20 As shown, when the second rolling member 441 is in the separated position, the second rolling member 441 is located at the center of the corresponding polygonal surface. Since the center of each polygonal surface is at the largest distance from the annular surface, there is a gap between the second rolling member 441 and the rear driven disk 410, and the rear driven disk 410 and the rear half-shaft connector 421 rotate relative to each other without interfering with each other. Figure 21 As shown, the second rolling element 441 is in the engaged position. At this time, the second rolling element 441 is located at a side edge of the corresponding polygonal surface. Since the side edge of each polygonal surface is at the smallest distance from the annular surface, the second rolling element 441 contacts and abuts against the rear driven disc 410, thereby enabling the rear driven disc 410 and the rear axle connector 421 to rotate synchronously. It can be understood that when the second rolling element 441 is in the disengaged position, there is a gap between the second rolling element 441 and the rear disc body 411, and there is no contact. As a result, the rear disc body 411 and the rear axle connector 421 can rotate without interfering with each other, and the vehicle is in normal driving. When the second rolling element 441 is in the engaged position, the second rolling element 441 contacts and abuts against the rear disc body 411. In other words, the second rolling element 441, when in the engaged position, clamps the rear disc body 411 and the rear axle connector 421, allowing them to rotate synchronously, thereby achieving the differential lock function.

[0125] like Figure 3As shown, the second switching follower 444 is disposed on the second rolling cage 442, allowing the second switching follower 444 to rotate synchronously with the second rolling cage 442. The second switching active member 443 selectively drives the second switching follower 444 to drive the second rolling cage 442, thereby driving the second rolling member 441 to move along the corresponding polygonal surface, thereby moving the second rolling member 441 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The second switching active member 443 has the ability to control the second switching follower 444. It can control the movement of the second switching follower 444 based on its own state, thereby controlling the second rolling member 441 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position, thereby achieving the differential locking function. The controller 600 is electrically connected to the second switching active member 443 of the differential lock device 440. The controller 600 can accordingly control whether the second switching active member 443 drives the second switching follower 444 to move. In other words, the controller 600 can selectively control whether the rear axle 400 adopts the differential locking operation based on the actual vehicle conditions.

[0126] The second elastic return mechanism 445 is used to return the second rolling element 441 from the engaged position to the disengaged position via the second rolling cage 442. In other words, when the differential lock function is released, the second elastic return mechanism 445 can use its own elastic force to drive the second rolling cage 442 to move, thereby moving the second rolling element 441 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, thereby realizing the differential lock function. During this process, the second switching active element 443 no longer controls the second switching driven element 444.

[0127] Therefore, by arranging the second rolling member 441 and the second rolling retainer 442 between the rear half-shaft connector 421 and the rear disc body 411, the engagement state and the disengagement state between the rear half-shaft connector 421 and the rear disc body 411 can be switched quickly and reliably, and by arranging the second switching active member 443 and the second elastic reset mechanism 445, the switching of the differential locking function can be controlled. The rear differential 460 arranged in this way can adopt different control switching, which can make the differential lock device 440 flexible to switch, with good switching stability, and no jamming phenomenon.

[0128] Specifically, if Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the second switching active member 443 is an electromagnetic member electrically connected to the controller 600. The electromagnetic member may be an electromagnet, which is fixed within the end cover 281 of the housing 260 of the rear axle 400. The electromagnet and the controller 600 may be connected via a wiring harness. The second switching driven member 444 is a metal member. When energized, the second switching active member 443 attracts the second switching driven member 444, causing the second switching driven member 444 to move the second rolling cage 442, thereby causing the second rolling member 441 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When the second switching active member 443 is de-energized, the second rolling member 441 is in the disengaged position. That is to say, when the second switching active member 443 is in the power-off state, the second elastic reset mechanism 445 can use its elastic force to cause the second rolling retainer 442 to move, thereby causing the second rolling member 441 to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The second switching active member 443 set up in this way controls the position of the second rolling member 441 through electromagnetic force, which can make the differential lock device 440 simple in structure, reliable in control, and timely in state switching.

[0129] like Figure 23 、 Figure 25 and Figure 28 As shown, the second switching follower 444 is provided with a third limiting portion, and a fourth limiting portion is provided on the outer side of the second rolling cage 442. The third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion circumferentially limit each other, thereby driving the second rolling cage 442 to move circumferentially. In other words, the second switching follower 444 and the second rolling cage 442 are limited by the two limiting portions, allowing the second switching follower 444 and the second rolling cage 442 to rotate synchronously. When the second switching active member 443 is energized, the second switching follower 444 can drive the second rolling cage 442 to move, thereby moving the second rolling member 441 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Furthermore, the provision of two limiting portions can reduce the movement of the second switching follower 444 and ensure simple and reliable coordination between the second switching follower 444 and the second rolling cage 442.

[0130] Among them, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the second switching active member 443 is located axially outward of the second switching driven member 444, and the second switching active member 443 provides the second switching driven member 444 with a magnetic attraction in the opposite direction of movement to the rear half-shaft connector 421, so that the second rolling retainer 442 drives the second rolling member 441 to rotate to the engaged position. The second switching driven member 444 rotates together with the second rolling member 441, and the outer surface of the second switching driven member 444 can be in contact with the second switching active member 443. When the second rolling member 441 is in the disengaged position, the second switching driven member 444 moves by friction on the surface of the switching active member. After the second switching active member 443 is energized, the second switching active member 443 can generate a magnetic attraction in the opposite direction of movement, thereby causing the second rolling retainer 442 to move relative to the rear half-shaft connector 421, further causing the second rolling member 441 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The second switching active member 443 configured in this way can quickly generate resistance to cause the second switching driven member 444 to move in the reverse direction, and there is no need for the second switching driven member 444 to move axially, which can make the differential lock device 440 occupy less axial space and have a more compact structure.

[0131] like Figure 22 and Figure 25 As shown, the third limiting portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced third protrusions 4441 provided on the second switching follower 444 and extending toward the second rolling cage 442. The fourth limiting portion includes circumferentially spaced third grooves 4421 provided on the outer ring of the second rolling cage 442, facing the second switching follower 444. The plurality of third protrusions 4441 and the plurality of third grooves 4421 correspond one-to-one. The provision of the plurality of third protrusions 4441 and the plurality of third grooves 4421 stabilizes the circumferential position of the second switching follower 444 and the second rolling cage 442, and further stabilizes their synchronous rotation. The ends of the third protrusions 4441 can be semicircular, and the third grooves 4421 can be rectangular. This configuration facilitates insertion of the third protrusions 4441 into the rectangular grooves, thereby improving assembly efficiency between the second switching follower 444 and the second rolling cage 442.

[0132] Combine Figure 18 and Figure 24 As shown, the second elastic reset mechanism 445 includes: a second elastic member 4451 and a second limiting member 4452, and the second limiting member 4452 rotates synchronously with the second rolling retainer 442, the second elastic member 4451 is sleeved on the rear half shaft connector 421, and the two ends of the second elastic member 4451 are respectively matched with the second limiting member 4452 and the rear half shaft connector 421, and the second limiting member 4452 can play the role of limiting and cooperating with the second elastic member 4451. It can be understood that, as Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the second elastic member 4451 is an elastic ring with a notch, and a second stop portion 4454 is provided at both ends of the elastic ring. The second stop portion 4454 is respectively engaged with the second limit member 4452 and the rear half-shaft connector 421, so that after the second switching active member 443 is powered off, the second elastic member 4451 can release the stored elastic force, and then drive the second rolling retainer 442 to move relative to the rear half-shaft connector 421, so that the second rolling member 441 moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, realizing the differential locking function.

[0133] like Figure 24-27 As shown, the second limiting member 4452 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced fourth protrusions 4453 extending radially outward, and the inner ring of the second rolling retainer 442 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced fourth grooves on the side facing the second limiting member 4452, and the plurality of fourth protrusions 4453 and the plurality of fourth grooves are matched one by one, the second limiting member 4452 is constructed in a sheet shape, and a third avoidance groove 4455 is provided on the outer periphery of the second limiting member 4452, and a fourth avoidance groove 4211 is also provided at the corresponding position of the rear half-shaft connecting head 421, and the second stop portion 4454 of the second elastic member 4451 is stopped on the side walls corresponding to the third avoidance groove 4455 and the fourth avoidance groove 4211. By providing multiple fourth protrusions 4453 and multiple fourth grooves, the second limit member 4452 and the second rolling retainer 442 can be stably limited in the circumferential direction and can be effectively separated from the second switching follower 444, so that the differential lock device 440 can be compact in structure and reasonably arranged.

[0134] Specifically, when the second switching follower 444 drives the second rolling cage 442 to move, it drives the second limiting member 4452 to move, and the second limiting member 4452 then drives one end of the second elastic member 4451 to move toward the other end. Figure 21 As shown, until the second rolling element 441 moves to the engagement position, and then the second elastic element 4451 is deformed to generate elastic restoring force, after the second switching active element 443 is powered off, the second elastic element 4451 can release the stored elastic force, thereby causing the second rolling element 441 to move from the engagement position to the disengagement position. In this way, the second rolling element 441 completes the switching from the disengagement position to the engagement position and then to the disengagement position, which is also the process of the vehicle's rear axle 400 rotating from differential rotation to locked synchronous rotation and then to differential rotation.

[0135] Optionally, the rear axle 400 may further include a housing, within which the second active switching member 443 is fixed. In other words, the electromagnet is fixed to the inner circumferential wall of the housing. This ensures a secure fixation of the electromagnet and facilitates the wiring harness of the electromagnet to pass through the housing for electrical connection with the controller 600. The electromagnet is annular, and the axle connector can pass through the annular electromagnet, thereby preventing the electromagnet from interfering with the rotation of the axle connector.

[0136] Each face of the polygonal surface is a plane, and each second rolling element 441 has a disengaged position and two engaged positions, with the disengaged position located between the two engaged positions. It will be appreciated that when the vehicle is in forward gear and the differential is locked, the second rolling element 441 engages in one engaged position, and when the vehicle is in reverse gear and the differential is locked, the second rolling element 441 engages in the other engaged position. This configuration of the differential lock device 440 allows the vehicle to effectively enter the differential lock state whether in forward gear or reverse gear, thereby ensuring vehicle stability.

[0137] The rear half-shaft connector 421 is connected to the rear axle body, and the rear axle body and the rear half-shaft connector 421 are spline-matched. Specifically, the rear half-shaft connector 421 is formed with an axial hole 222, and the inner circumferential wall of the axial hole 222 is provided with an internal spline, and the inner end of the rear axle body is provided with an external spline, and the internal spline and the external spline are matched, so that the rear half-shaft connector 421 and the rear axle body can rotate synchronously, and the outer end of the rear axle body is connected to the rear wheel 500.

[0138] Specifically, if Figures 19-21 As shown, the outer periphery of the rear axle shaft connector 421 is sheathed with a mating member 422 that moves synchronously. The outer periphery of the mating member 422 serves as the fourth contact surface. In other words, the differential lock device 440 is not directly mounted on the rear axle shaft connector 421, but rather on the mating member 422 mounted on the rear axle shaft connector 421. The provision of the mating member 422 reduces modifications to the rear axle shaft connector 421 and ensures reliable mating between the mating member 422 and the engagement device 230, thereby ensuring the reliability of the differential lock function.

[0139] The fitting member 422 is spline-fitted with the corresponding rear half shaft connector 421. It is understandable that the spline fit allows the fitting member 422 and the corresponding rear half shaft connector 421 to rotate synchronously, and the fit is simple and reliable.

[0140] Optionally, the rear half-shaft connector 421 is provided with an axial retaining ring, which is used to stop the fitting 422. The axial retaining ring is located on the outside of the fitting 422, so that it can effectively prevent the fitting 422 from axially moving relative to the rear half-shaft connector 421, thereby ensuring the reliability of the fitting 422, and further ensuring the reliability of the differential locking function of the differential lock device 440.

[0141] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the controller 600 can also control the differential lock device 440 to lock the rear driven disc 410 and the corresponding rear axle shaft connector 421 when predetermined conditions are met. Once locked, due to the characteristics of the planetary gear differential mechanism, the two rear axle shaft connectors 221 will rotate synchronously. In other words, when the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to engage the front disc 211 and the corresponding front axle shaft connector 221, the controller 600 can also simultaneously control the differential lock device 440 to lock the rear disc 411 and the corresponding rear axle shaft connector 421, thereby simultaneously achieving the four-wheel drive mode and differential lock functions, thereby improving the vehicle's cornering reliability and enabling the vehicle to adapt to various adverse road conditions.

[0142] The differential lock device 440 has the same structure as the engagement device 230. Both the active switching element of the engagement device 230 and the active switching element of the differential lock device 440 are electrically connected to the controller 600 to synchronously control the on / off states of the active switching elements. This configuration of the differential lock device 440 and engagement device 230 simplifies the structure and eliminates the need for multiple design iterations, further reducing the design complexity of the front axle 200 and rear axle 400. Furthermore, the controller 600 can simultaneously control the active switching elements of the engagement device 230 and the differential lock device 440, thereby enabling simultaneous control of the four-wheel drive mode and the differential lock mode, thereby improving vehicle reliability.

[0143] According to the vehicle driving method of the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle adopts the vehicle driving system 1000 of the above embodiment, such as Figure 32 As shown, the driving method includes receiving speed information transmitted by the front speed sensor 240 and the rear speed sensor 430, analyzing and determining whether the speed between the front wheel 300 and the rear wheel 500 meets a predetermined condition, and if so, controlling the coupling device 230 to engage the front driven disc 210 and the front axle 220 by switching the active member. A vehicle employing this driving method can control the coupling device 230 to engage the front driven disc 210 and the front axle connector 221 via the controller 600 when the vehicle's wheel speed meets the predetermined condition, thereby switching the vehicle's drive mode from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. This improves the vehicle's maneuverability and ability to navigate adverse road conditions, allowing the vehicle to operate more stably under current road conditions, and preventing damage to the vehicle's internal components, thereby extending the vehicle's service life. Furthermore, this driving method requires no driver intervention; the controller 600 controls the switching process, eliminating the driver's control steps and reducing vehicle maneuverability.

[0144] Alternatively, as Figure 33As shown, the driving method further includes: when predetermined conditions are met, the controller 600 controls the differential lock device 440 to synchronously lock the rear driven disc 410 and the corresponding rear axle shaft 420. In other words, when the controller 600 controls the engagement device 230 to engage the front disc body 211 and the corresponding front axle shaft connector 221, the controller 600 can also synchronously control the differential lock device 440 to lock the rear disc body 411 and the corresponding rear axle shaft connector 421, thereby simultaneously achieving the four-wheel drive mode and differential lock functions, thereby improving the vehicle's cornering reliability and enabling the vehicle to adapt to various adverse road conditions.

[0145] Alternatively, as Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the predetermined conditions include: V1>V2*a, the speed difference between the two rear wheels 500 is V1, the turning radius speed difference between the two rear wheels 500 is V2, and the safety factor is a. The turning radius speed difference refers to the speed difference between the left and right wheels when the left and right wheels are at the minimum turning radius. That is, when the driver is driving the vehicle, when the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition V1>V2*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode. When the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition V1<V2*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive mode. Setting the predetermined conditions in this way can enable the vehicle to adapt to various harsh road conditions, avoid slipping during turns, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability, preventing damage to the transmission system and wheels, and extending the vehicle's service life.

[0146] Alternatively, if Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the predetermined conditions include: V3>V4*a, the speed difference between the front wheel 300 and the rear wheel 500 is V3, the average speed of the front wheel 300 and the rear wheel 500 is V4, and the safety factor is a. That is, when the driver is driving the vehicle, when the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition of V3>V4*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode; when the vehicle's wheel driving state meets the condition of V3<V4*a, the controller 600 controls the vehicle to switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive mode. Setting the predetermined conditions in this way can enable the vehicle to adapt to various harsh road conditions, avoid turning and slipping, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability, avoiding damage to the transmission system and wheels, and extending the service life of the vehicle.

[0147] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the vehicle drive system 1000 of the above embodiment.

[0148] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0149] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A differential, characterized in that: include: driving gear; A driven disc, wherein the driven disc is provided with a driven gear, the driven gear is meshed with the driving gear, the driven disc is hollow inside and the inner circumference thereof is a first contact surface; Two half-shaft connectors, the two half-shaft connectors are arranged inside the driven disc and axially spaced apart, the outer peripheral surfaces of the half-shaft connectors are second contact surfaces, one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is a circular surface and the other is a polygonal surface formed by sequentially connecting multiple surfaces; and a first elastic reset mechanism for returning the rolling element to the rotationally connected position. a partition plate, the partition plate being located between the two half-shaft connectors; The first elastic reset mechanism includes a first elastic member and a first limiting member, the first limiting member is engaged with the inner periphery of the rolling cage and rotates synchronously with the rolling cage, the first elastic member is sleeved on the half-shaft connector and the two ends are respectively engaged with the first limiting member and the half-shaft connector, the first limiting member is constructed in a sheet shape and a first avoidance groove is provided on the outer periphery, and the half-shaft connector is correspondingly provided with a second avoidance groove, and the two ends of the first elastic member are simultaneously stopped on the side walls corresponding to the first avoidance groove and the second avoidance groove.

2. The differential according to claim 1, characterized in that The switching active member is an electromagnetic member, and the switching driven member is a metal member. When the switching active member is in the power-on state, it adsorbs the switching driven member so that the switching driven member drives the rolling cage to move, thereby causing the rolling member to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When the switching active member is in the power-off state, the rolling member is in the disengaged position.

3. The differential according to claim 2, characterized in that The switching follower is provided with a first limiting portion, and a second limiting portion is provided on the outer side of the rolling cage. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are circumferentially limited and allow the switching follower to move axially relative to the rolling cage, thereby driving the rolling cage to move circumferentially.

4. The differential according to claim 3, characterized in that The switching active member is located axially outside the switching driven member and provides a magnetic attraction force to the switching driven member in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the half-shaft connector, so that the rolling cage drives the rolling member to rotate.

5. The differential according to claim 3, characterized in that The first limiting portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first protrusions arranged on the switching follower and extending toward the rolling cage, and the second limiting portion includes a first groove arranged on the outer ring of the rolling cage on the side facing the switching follower and circumferentially spaced, and the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first grooves are matched one-to-one.

6. The differential according to claim 1, wherein: Each face of the polygonal surface is a plane, and each rolling element has a separation position and two engagement positions, wherein the separation position is located between the two engagement positions.

7. The differential according to claim 1, characterized in that The first limiting member is provided with a plurality of second protrusions that are circumferentially spaced and extend radially outward, and the inner ring of the rolling cage is provided with a plurality of second grooves that are circumferentially spaced on the side facing the first limiting member, and the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second grooves are matched one-to-one.

8. A vehicle axle, characterized in that: include: The differential according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A shaft body, wherein the shaft body is respectively matched in the two half-shaft connecting heads.

9. The vehicle axle according to claim 8, characterized in that: The axle further includes a housing, and the switching active component is fixed to the housing.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: A vehicle axle comprising the vehicle according to claim 9.

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