A drive axle, an axle drive method and a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drive axle, a vehicle axle drive method and a vehicle, relating to the technical field of vehicles, and realizing setting different speed ratios and gear positions according to vehicle load, road conditions and transportation time requirements to obtain the required speed and traction force. The drive axle includes: a power device, a transmission device and a main shaft. The number of power devices is one or two. The transmission device includes a planetary gear mechanism, a multi-speed gear pair, a plurality of shifting mechanisms and a differential for transmitting power to the axle. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear and a plurality of planet gears meshing with the sun gear; the power device is shaft-connected to the sun gear, the differential is shaft-connected to the main shaft, each planet gear is power-connected to each gear pair of different speeds, each gear pair of different speeds is sleeved on the main shaft, and each shifting mechanism is used for power-connecting the corresponding gear pair of different speeds to the main shaft. The drive axle, the vehicle axle drive method and the vehicle provided by the present invention are used to obtain the required speed and traction force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and particularly to a drive axle, an axle drive method, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A drive axle is a mechanism located at the end of the transmission system that can change the speed and torque from the transmission and transmit them to the drive wheels. The drive axle also has to bear the vertical force, longitudinal force, lateral force, and braking torque acting between the road surface and the frame or body.

[0003] Since the weight range of goods carried by commercial vehicles is very wide, ranging from no-load to 50 tons, 60 tons, and even heavier loads, and the transportation road conditions are diverse, including flat roads, small slopes, large slopes, dry roads, soft roads, muddy roads, etc. When driving on a slope or muddy road, a larger traction force is required, that is, a larger torque is required. The greater the torque, the greater the traction force of the vehicle, and the easier it is to climb the slope smoothly. However, most of the current drive axle systems on the market have a single gear ratio and can only provide a single power flow mode, and cannot take into account both speed and traction at the same time, that is: if a smaller gear ratio is set, the output vehicle speed increases and the output torque decreases, so the traction force for climbing the slope will be insufficient; if a larger gear ratio is set, although the output torque increases, the output speed decreases, affecting the transportation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a drive axle that can set different gear ratios and gears according to vehicle load, road conditions, and transportation time requirements to obtain the required speed and traction force.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A drive axle includes a power device, a transmission device, and a main shaft. The number of the power devices is one or two. The transmission device includes a planetary gear mechanism, a multi-speed gear pair, a plurality of shifting mechanisms, and a differential for transmitting power to the axle. The number of the planetary gear mechanisms is one or two. Each planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear and a plurality of planet gears meshing with the sun gear;

[0007] Each power device is shaft-connected to the sun gear included in the corresponding planetary gear mechanism. The differential is shaft-connected to the main shaft. Each planet gear is power-connected to each gear pair of each gear. Each gear pair of each gear is sleeved on the main shaft, and each shifting mechanism is used to power-connect the corresponding gear pair of each gear to the main shaft.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the drive axle provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0009] Since the planetary gear mechanism of the drive axle provided by the present invention includes a sun gear and a plurality of planet gears meshing with the sun gear, and each power device is axially connected to the sun gear contained in the corresponding planetary gear mechanism, the power device provides power for the transmission device and transmits the power to the planet gears through the sun gear on the planetary gear mechanism. Since each planet gear is power-connected to each gear pair of different gears, and each gear pair of different gears is sleeved on the main shaft, the power can be continuously transmitted to each gear pair of different gears. Each shifting mechanism is used to power-connect the corresponding gear pair of different gears to the main shaft, and the differential is axially connected to the main shaft. The speed ratio of each gear pair is set, and the corresponding gear pair of different gears is engaged with the corresponding shifting mechanism according to the required speed ratio. Each gear pair of different gears will transmit the power to the corresponding shifting mechanism of different gears, and each shifting mechanism will then transmit the power to the differential through the main shaft, and then transmit it to the axle, so as to realize the output of the corresponding torque. Therefore, the drive axle provided by the present invention can set different speed ratios according to the needs of the vehicle condition and road condition, realize the output of multiple torques and speeds, and thus meet the transportation requirements under various vehicle conditions and road conditions. After each power device of the drive axle provided in this embodiment outputs power, the torque output by the power device can be amplified by multiples through the planetary gear mechanism. And a plurality of planet gears contained in each planetary gear mechanism can be power-connected to a plurality of intermediate shafts one by one, and each intermediate shaft can be power-connected to the gear pair of the same gear at the same time. Therefore, for a gear pair, a plurality of planet gears contained in each planetary gear mechanism are power-connected to the gear pair of the same gear, so that while a plurality of planet gears can output amplified torque, multiple powers can also be combined into the gear pair of the same gear. First, the torque is increased and then combined. When a vehicle equipped with the drive axle provided in this embodiment is driving at a high speed or overtaking, the required vehicle speed can be obtained. When climbing a slope and a large traction force is required, the torque can be amplified by multiples through the planetary gear mechanism to obtain a large traction force.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to propose a vehicle axle drive method, including:

[0011] Controlling the power output by at least one of the power devices to be transmitted to the multi-gear pairs through the corresponding planetary gear mechanism;

[0012] Determining the gear position information of the drive axle based on the vehicle speed and traction force requirements of the vehicle and the power output parameters of the power devices in the on state;

[0013] Based on the gear position information of the drive axle, controlling the corresponding shifting mechanism to power-connect the corresponding gear pair to the main shaft, so that the gear pair corresponding to the shifting mechanism is transmitted to the differential through the main shaft, and the differential uses the power to drive the axle to move.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the vehicle axle drive method provided by the present invention are the same as those of the drive axle described in the above technical solution, and will not be elaborated here.

[0015] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising: the drive axle described in the above technical solution is provided in the vehicle.

[0016] For the vehicle provided by the present invention, since the drive axle described in the above technical solution is provided, the beneficial effects are the same as those of the drive axle described in the above technical solution, and will not be elaborated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and constitute a part of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1A is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention with only one power device;

[0019] Figure 1B is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention with two power devices;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission device of an embodiment of the present invention with only one power device;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission device of an embodiment of the present invention with two power devices;

[0022] Figure 4 is a side view of a transmission device of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 is a working principle diagram of a shift mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 is a power transmission route diagram when a first power device of an embodiment of the present invention is started;

[0025] Figure 7 is another power transmission route diagram when a first power device of an embodiment of the present invention is started;

[0026] Figure 8 is a power transmission route diagram when a second power device of an embodiment of the present invention is started;

[0027] Figure 9 is another power transmission route diagram when a second power device of an embodiment of the present invention is started;

[0028] Figure 10 is a power transmission route diagram when a first power device and a second power device of an embodiment of the present invention are started simultaneously;

[0029] Figure 11 Another power transmission route diagram when the first power device and the second power device of the embodiment of the present invention are started simultaneously;

[0030] Reference numerals:

[0031] 1 - Power device, 11 - First power device, 12 - Second power device, 2 - Transmission device, 21 - Planetary gear mechanism, 211 - Sun gear, 212 - Planet gear, 2111 - First sun gear, 2121 - First planet gear, 2112 - Second sun gear, 2122 - Second planet gear, 22 - Gear pair, 221 - First gear, 222 - Second gear, 2211 - First gear of first gear position, 2221 - Second gear of first gear position, 2212 - First gear of second gear position, 2222 - Second gear of second gear position, 2213 - First gear of third gear position, 2223 - Second gear of third gear position, 23 - Shift mechanism, 231 - First shift mechanism, 232 - Second shift mechanism, 233 - Third shift mechanism, 2301 - Check valve seat, 2302 - Gear sleeve, 2303 - Piston, 2304 - Outer piston seal ring, 2305 - First synchronizer, 2306 - Second synchronizer, 2307 - Pressure plate, 2308 - Spring, 2309 - Spring seat, 24 - Differential, 25 - Axle, 3 - Main shaft, 4 - Intermediate shaft, 5 - Bearing, 51 First bearing, 52 - Second bearing, 53 - Third bearing. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0034] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined. The meaning of "several" is one or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle, including a drive axle, which can set different speed ratios and gears according to vehicle load, road conditions, and transportation time requirements to obtain the required speed and traction force. In addition, the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body provided on the drive axle.

[0038] Figure 1A and Figure 1B show two schematic structural diagrams of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a power device 1, a transmission device 2, and a main shaft 3.

[0039] The number of the above-mentioned power devices 1 can be one as shown in Figure 1A , or two as shown in Figure 1B . For example, the two power devices 1 shown in Figure 1B can be respectively defined as a first power device 11 and a second power device 12. It should be understood that the power device 1 can be classified into an electric motor or an engine according to its type. For Figure 1B , the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 can be both electric motors or engines at the same time, or one can be an electric motor and the other can be an engine. For an electric motor, the electric motor can be a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a switched reluctance motor, or an induction motor, which is not limited herein.

[0040] Such as Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the above transmission device 2 may include a planetary gear mechanism 21, a multi-speed gear pair 22, a plurality of shifting mechanisms 23, and a differential 24 for transmitting power to an axle 25. It should be understood that the drive axle of the embodiment of the present invention may or may not include the axle 25, which is not limited herein. For example, when the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention further includes the axle 25, the axle 25 is power-connected to the differential 24. The axle 25 includes wheels and half shafts provided on the wheels, and the half shafts are power-connected to the differential 24.

[0041] Exemplarily, as Figure 2 shown, for each planetary gear mechanism 21, it may include a sun gear 211 and a plurality of planet gears 212 meshing with the sun gear 211. The number of planetary gear mechanisms 21 may be one or two.

[0042] When the number of planetary gear mechanisms 21 is one, the number of power devices 1 may also be one. At this time, the power device 1 is axially connected to the sun gear 211 included in the planetary gear mechanism 21, the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, each planet gear 212 is power-connected to each gear pair 22 of different speeds, each gear pair 22 of different speeds is sleeved on the main shaft 3, and each shifting mechanism 23 is used to power-connect the corresponding gear pair 22 of different speeds to the main shaft 3.

[0043] As Figure 1A and Figure 2As shown in the figure, since the power device 1 is axially connected to the sun gear 211 of the planetary gear mechanism 21, and the planetary gear mechanism 211 is power-connected to multiple gear pairs 22, each gear pair 22 is sleeved on the main shaft 3, the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, and each shifting mechanism 23 is power-connected to the main shaft 3. Therefore, when the power is provided by the power device 1 to the sun gear 211 on the planetary gear mechanism 21, the sun gear 211 transmits the power to the planetary gear 212 meshing with the sun gear 211, realizing the first power torque increase. The planetary gear 212 then transmits the power to the multiple gear pairs 22. At this time, the gear pair 22 is selected according to the required speed ratio. The shifting mechanism 23 of the corresponding gear pair 22 engages with the gear pair 22. The gear pair 22 transmits the power to the corresponding shifting mechanism 23, and each shifting mechanism 23 then transmits the power to the differential 24 through the main shaft 3, and then to the axle 25, realizing the output of the torque of the corresponding gear. Through power torque increase and then confluence, a small-power power device 1 can be selected, thereby reducing the system volume of the entire drive axle, reducing the weight, and lowering the cost. Therefore, the drive axle provided in this embodiment transmits the power from the power device 1 to the axle 25 by combining the gear speed ratios of the multiple gear pairs 22 in the presence of multiple shifting mechanisms 23, realizing the output of multiple torques and multiple speeds, and solving the problem that the existing drive axles all have a single speed ratio and cannot obtain the required speed and traction force according to the vehicle condition, road condition, and transportation time. Since the planetary gear mechanism 21 is provided on the transmission device 2 in the drive axle provided in this embodiment, when the vehicle equipped with the drive axle provided in this embodiment inputs power, the torque multiple is amplified by the planetary gear mechanism 21. The more the number of planetary gears 212, the greater the output torque, realizing the selection of a small-torque motor as the power device 1.

[0044] When the number of planetary gear mechanisms 21 is two, the number of power devices 1 can also be two. At this time, the power devices 1 and the planetary gear mechanisms 21 are in one-to-one correspondence, and the power devices 1 correspond to the corresponding planetary gear mechanisms 21. For the convenience of subsequent description, the two planetary gear mechanisms 21 can be defined as the first planetary gear mechanism and the second planetary gear mechanism. As Figure 3 shown, for the first planetary gear mechanism, it can include a first sun gear 2111 and multiple first planetary gears 2121. For the second planetary gear mechanism, it can include a second sun gear 2112 and multiple second planetary gears 2122. Whether it is the first planetary gear mechanism or the second planetary gear mechanism, the relationship between the sun gear 211 and the planetary gear 212 it contains can refer to the previous text and will not be elaborated here.

[0045] As Figure 1BAs shown, the first power device 11 is axially connected to the first sun gear 2111, the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, each first planet gear 2121 is power-connected to each gear pair 22 of each gear, each gear pair 22 is sleeved on the main shaft 3, and each shifting mechanism 23 is used to power-connect the corresponding gear pair 22 of each gear to the main shaft 3. At the same time, the second power device 12 is axially connected to the second sun gear 2112, and each second planet gear 2122 is power-connected to each gear pair 22 of each gear.

[0046] As Figure 1B and Figure 3As shown, when both the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 are started, they are set to the same power output parameters. Since the first power device 11 is shaft-connected to the first sun gear 2111 included in the first planetary gear mechanism, and the second power device 12 is shaft-connected to the second sun gear 2112 included in the second planetary gear mechanism, and the first planetary gear mechanism and the second planetary gear mechanism are power-connected to a multi-speed gear pair 22, each gear pair 22 is idly sleeved on the main shaft 3, the differential 24 is shaft-connected to the main shaft 3, and each shifting mechanism 23 is power-connected to the main shaft 3. Therefore, when the first power device 11 provides power to the first sun gear 2111 on the first planetary gear mechanism and the second power device 12 provides power to the second sun gear 2112 on the second planetary gear mechanism, the first sun gear 2111 and the second sun gear 2112 jointly transmit the power to a plurality of first planet gears 2121 and second planet gears 2122 that mesh with the first sun gear 2111 and the second sun gear 2112, and the first planet gears 2121 and the second planet gears 2122 then transmit the power to the multi-speed gear pair 22. At this time, the gear pair 22 is selected according to the required speed ratio, the shifting mechanism 23 of the corresponding gear pair 22 is engaged with the gear pair 22, the gear pair 22 transmits the power to the corresponding shifting mechanism 23, and each shifting mechanism 23 then transmits the power to the differential 24 through the main shaft 3, and then to the axle 25, realizing the output of the torque of the corresponding gear. In addition, after each power device 1 outputs power, the torque output by the power device 1 can be amplified by multiples through the planetary gear mechanism 21. And a plurality of planet gears 212 included in each planetary gear mechanism 21 can be power-connected to a plurality of intermediate shafts 4 in one-to-one correspondence, and each intermediate shaft can be simultaneously power-connected to the gear pair 22 of the same gear. Therefore, for a gear pair 22, a plurality of planet gears 212 included in each planetary gear mechanism 21 can be power-connected to the gear pair 22 of the same gear through a plurality of intermediate shafts 4, so that while a plurality of planet gears 212 can output amplified torque, they can also combine multiple times of power to the gear pair 22 of the same gear through a plurality of intermediate shafts 4, first increasing the torque and then combining the power. A small-power power device can achieve this, and a small-power power device can also reduce the system volume of the entire drive axle, reduce the weight, and reduce the cost. The two transmission devices 2 provided in the drive axle of this embodiment work together to provide a relatively large power and can output a higher vehicle speed. Therefore, compared with the existing drive axle, a vehicle equipped with the drive axle provided in this embodiment can obtain the required vehicle speed when driving at high speed or overtaking, and can amplify the torque by multiples through the planetary gear mechanism 21 to obtain a larger traction force when climbing a slope and requiring a larger traction force.

[0047] As a possible implementation, such as Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2As shown, each gear pair 22 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a first gear 221 and a second gear 222. The number of the first gears 221 is multiple, and each first gear 221 meshes with the second gear 222; each planetary gear 212 is power-connected to the first gear 221 included in each gear pair 22, and the second gear 222 included in each gear pair 22 is sleeved on the main shaft 3 loosely.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the drive axle of the embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of intermediate shafts 4. Each planetary gear 212 is power-connected to the first gear 221 included in the corresponding gear pair through the intermediate shaft 4, and the plurality of intermediate shafts 4 are arranged in parallel with the main shaft 3.

[0049] Exemplarily, the multi-gear pair 22 may be a two-gear pair 22, or a gear pair 22 with more than two gears, such as three gears, four gears, five gears. It should be understood that the drive axle of the embodiment of the present invention may be a three-gear pair 22, or any gear pair 22 with more than three gears, which is not limited herein.

[0050] Such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, the gear pair 22 provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a first gear pair, a second gear pair, and a third gear pair. The first gear pair includes a plurality of first gears 2211 in the first gear position and a second gear 2221 in the first gear position. The second gear pair includes a plurality of first gears 2212 in the second gear position and a second gear 2222 in the second gear position. The third gear pair includes a plurality of first gears 2213 in the third gear position and a second gear 2223 in the third gear position. Since each first gear 221 meshes with the corresponding second gear 222 in the gear position, each planetary gear 212 is shaft-connected to the first gear 2211 in the first gear position, the first gear 2212 in the second gear position, and the first gear 2213 in the third gear position through three intermediate shafts 4, so as to transmit power to the second gear 2221 in the first gear position, the second gear 2222 in the second gear position, and the second gear 2223 in the third gear position through the three intermediate shafts 4. The three intermediate shafts 4 provide power connectors for the planetary gear 212 and the first gear 221, and can ensure that the planetary gear 212 transmits power to the first gear 221 through the intermediate shaft 4. The three intermediate shafts 4 are arranged parallel to the main shaft 3, which can make the first gear 221 mesh more accurately with the corresponding second gear 222 in the gear position. The second gear 222 is sleeved on the housing of the differential 24 through a bearing 5, which can make a gap between the second gear 222 and the main shaft 3, so as to realize engaging the corresponding shift mechanism 23 according to the required speed ratio. At the same time, after each power device 1 outputs power, the planetary gear mechanism 21 can multiply and amplify the torque output by the power device 1. And through the plurality of planetary gears 212 included in each planetary gear mechanism 21, they can be power-connected to the plurality of intermediate shafts 4 one by one, and each intermediate shaft can be simultaneously power-connected to the gear pair 22 in the same gear position. Therefore, for a gear pair 22, the plurality of planetary gears 212 included in each planetary gear mechanism 21 can be power-connected to the gear pair 22 in the same gear position through the plurality of intermediate shafts 4, so that while the plurality of planetary gears 212 can output amplified torque, they can also combine multiple times of power to the gear pair 22 in the same gear position through the plurality of intermediate shafts 4.

[0051] Exemplarily, as Figure 5 shown, each shift mechanism 23 has a first synchronizer 2305 and a second synchronizer 2306, and the second synchronizer 2306 is arranged on the corresponding second gear 222 in the gear position. It should be understood that the first synchronizer 2305 in the shift mechanism 23 can be installed on the housing of the differential 24 through a spline, and the second synchronizer 2306 can be installed on the second gear 222 included in each gear pair 22 through a spline.

[0052] When the first synchronizer 2305 engages with the second synchronizer 2306, the second gear 222 in the gear pair 22 is power-connected to the main shaft 3. Each shifting mechanism 23 is provided on the main shaft 3. The shifting mechanisms 23 can be classified into pneumatic shifting mechanisms, hydraulic shifting mechanisms, or electric shifting mechanisms according to their types. The above-mentioned shifting mechanisms 23 can include a first shifting mechanism 231, a second shifting mechanism 232, and a third shifting mechanism 233. The first shifting mechanism 231, the second shifting mechanism 232, and the third shifting mechanism 233 can be pneumatic shifting mechanisms, hydraulic shifting mechanisms, or electric shifting mechanisms simultaneously, or can be pneumatic shifting mechanisms, hydraulic shifting mechanisms, or electric shifting mechanisms respectively.

[0053] As Figure 5 shown, when the first synchronizer 2305 in each shifting mechanism 23 engages with the second synchronizer 2306, the second gear 222 in each gear pair 22 can output power to the corresponding gear shifting mechanism 23, and then output it to the main shaft 3. Therefore, in order to power-connect each shifting mechanism 23 with the corresponding gear pair 22, it can be achieved by engaging the first synchronizer 2305 with the second synchronizer 2306, achieving the purpose of transmitting power to the main shaft 3.

[0054] In one example, each shifting mechanism 23 further includes a gear sleeve 2302 mounted on the housing of the differential 24, a check valve seat 2301 provided on the gear sleeve 2302, and a piston 2303 that forms a power chamber with the gear sleeve 2302. The side wall of the piston 2303 and the inner wall of the gear sleeve can be sealed by a piston outer seal ring 2304. The piston 2303 is disposed between the gear sleeve 2302 and the second gear 222 in each gear pair 22, and the first synchronizer 2305 is disposed between the piston 2303 and the second synchronizer 2306. Each shifting mechanism 23 further includes a pressure plate 2307 that prevents the second synchronizer from moving further, and a spring 2308 that prevents the piston 2303 from moving towards the first synchronizer 2306. The spring 2308 is mounted on a spring seat 2309, and both the pressure plate 2307 and the spring seat 2309 are mounted on the housing of the differential 24.

[0055] During the driving of the vehicle, when the clutch is depressed according to the vehicle condition and road condition requirements to select the required gear, at this time, the check valve seat 2301 opens, and hydraulic power, pneumatic power, or power in any other form enters the power chamber formed by the gear sleeve 2302 and the piston 2303. The power drives the piston to move, drives the first synchronizer 2305 to move, and thus drives the second synchronizer 2306 to move. At this time, a frictional torque is generated, and the second synchronizer 2306 drives the second gear 222 to rotate, realizing power transmission. When the clutch is released, the hydraulic power or gas power in the power chamber is released, and the piston 2303 returns to its initial position under the action of the spring force. The first synchronizer 2305 and the second synchronizer 2306 are disengaged, the frictional torque is released, and the power is disconnected.

[0056] Since the above drive axle further includes an axle 25, and the axle 25 and the differential 24 housing can be selectively connected by splines for power transmission, the axle 25 can transmit power to the half shafts and wheels through the differential 24 and the half shafts power-connected to the differential 24, and thus the required vehicle speed and traction force can be obtained according to the set speed ratio.

[0057] Exemplarily, the gear speed ratios of different gear pairs 22 are different, and the speed ratio between the sun gear 211 and each planet gear 212 is different. When the number of power devices 1 is two and both power devices 1 are in the on state, the power output parameters of the two power devices 1 are the same.

[0058] The speed ratios of the above-mentioned gear pairs 22 for each gear are different, and the speed ratio between the sun gear 211 and the planet gear 212 is different. The required speed ratio can be set according to the requirements of vehicle speed and traction force. The gear speed ratios of different gear pairs 22 are different, that is to say, multiple torque outputs can be provided. The speed ratio between the sun gear 211 and the planet gear 212 is different, and the size of the sun gear 211 is larger than that of the planet gear 212. Therefore, after the power is transmitted from the sun gear 211 to the planet gear 212, the torque output by the power device 1 can be amplified by a multiple, and a small-power power device can be used, that is, a small-torque motor can be selected as the power device 1. And when two power devices 1 are provided, if both power devices 1 are in the on state, the two power devices 1 need to be set with the same power output parameters to provide the same rotational speed to the intermediate shaft 4.

[0059] The power device 1 and the transmission device 2 are mounted on the axle housing of the axle 25 through brackets, ensuring that the power device 1, the transmission device 2 and other related components can work safely and efficiently in a stable and reliable environment.

[0060] To meet the functions of stroke and parking brake, the axle housing of the axle 25 further includes structures and interfaces for installing brakes, brake chambers, mounting brackets and ABS sensor assemblies. To meet the load-bearing function, the drive axle needs to be connected to the vehicle frame, and the drive axle housing includes vehicle suspension system mounting structures and interfaces.

[0061] It should be noted that when the drive axle of the embodiment of the present invention contains two power devices 1, the transmission device 2 is located between the two power devices 1. At the same time, when the transmission device 2 contains two planetary gear mechanisms 21, the multi-gear gear pairs 22, multiple shifting mechanisms 23 and the differential 24 are all located between the two planetary gear mechanisms 21. The layout is compact, the volume of the drive axle can be reduced, and the transmission chain of the whole system is short and the transmission efficiency is high.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an axle drive method, including: controlling the power output by at least one power device 1 to be transmitted to a multi-speed gear pair 22 through a corresponding planetary gear mechanism 21; determining the gear position information of the drive axle based on the vehicle speed and traction requirements and the power output parameters of the power device 1 in the on state; controlling the corresponding shift mechanism 23 to be power-connected to the corresponding gear pair 22 and the main shaft 3 based on the gear position information of the drive axle, so that the gear pair 22 corresponding to the shift mechanism 23 is transmitted to the differential 24 through the main shaft 3, and the differential 24 uses the power to drive the axle 25 to move.

[0063] Before controlling the power output by at least one power device 1 to be transmitted to a multi-speed gear pair 22 through a corresponding planetary gear mechanism 21, the axle drive method further includes: determining whether to start the second power device 12 based on the vehicle speed and traction requirements; if two power devices 1 are started, controlling the power output parameters of the first power device 11 and the second power device 12.

[0064] Figures 6 - 11 Six power transmission route diagrams of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention are shown when the number of gear pairs 22 is two and the speed ratios of the two gear pairs 22 are different. It should be understood that since the number of gear pairs 22 can be multiple, the power transmission route of the drive axle in the embodiment of the present invention can include the six examples shown, or can include more than the six examples shown, which is not limited here.

[0065] For the convenience of subsequent description, the two power devices 1 can be defined as the first power device 11 and the second power device 12, the two-speed gear pairs 22 can be respectively defined as the first-speed gear pair and the second-speed gear pair, the two-speed shift mechanisms 23 can be respectively defined as the first shift mechanism 231 and the second shift mechanism 232, and the two planetary gear mechanisms 21 can be defined as the first planetary gear mechanism and the second planetary gear mechanism. For the first planetary gear mechanism, it can include a first sun gear 2111 and a plurality of first planet gears 2121. For the second planetary gear mechanism, it can include a second sun gear 2112 and a plurality of second planet gears 2122. Whether it is the first planetary gear mechanism or the second planetary gear mechanism, the relationship between the sun gear 211 and the planet gear 212 it contains can refer to the previous text, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] Figure 6 A power transmission route diagram when only the first power device 11 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention is working is shown. Please refer to Figure 6, when the first power device 11 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention works, the first power device 11 provides power to the first sun gear 2111 on the first planetary gear mechanism. The first sun gear 2111 transmits the power to each first planetary gear 2121. Each first planetary gear 2121 transmits the power to the first gear pair through the intermediate shaft 4. At this time, the first shifting mechanism 231 engages with the first gear pair. The first gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0067] Figure 7 The figure shows another power transmission route diagram of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention when only the first power device 11 works. Please refer to Figure 7 , when the first power device 11 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention works, the first power device 11 provides power to the first sun gear 2111 on the first planetary gear mechanism. The first sun gear 2111 transmits the power to each first planetary gear 2121. Each first planetary gear 2121 transmits the power to the second gear pair through the intermediate shaft 4. At this time, the second shifting mechanism 232 engages with the second gear pair. The second gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0068] Figure 8 The figure shows a power transmission route diagram of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention when only the second power device 12 works. Please refer to Figure 8 , when the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention works, the second power device 12 provides power to the second sun gear 2112 on the second planetary gear mechanism. The second sun gear 2112 transmits the power to each second planetary gear 2122. Each second planetary gear 2122 transmits the power to the first gear pair through the intermediate shaft 4. At this time, the first shifting mechanism 231 engages with the first gear pair. The first gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0069] Figure 9 The figure shows another power transmission route diagram of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention when only the second power device 12 works. Please refer to Figure 9, when the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention works, the second power device provides power to the second sun gear 2112 on the second planetary gear mechanism. The second sun gear 2112 transmits the power to each second planetary gear 2122. Each second planetary gear 2122 transmits the power to the second gear pair through the intermediate shaft 4. At this time, the second shifting mechanism is engaged with the second gear pair, and the second gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0070] Figure 10 FIG. shows a power transmission route diagram when the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention work simultaneously. Please refer to Figure 10 , when the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention work simultaneously, the first power device 11 provides power to the first sun gear 2111 on the first planetary gear mechanism, and the second power device 12 provides power to the second sun gear 2112 on the second planetary gear mechanism. The first sun gear 2111 transmits the power to each first planetary gear 2121, and the second sun gear 2112 transmits the power to each second planetary gear 2122. Each first planetary gear 2121 and each second planetary gear 2122 jointly transmit the power to the first gear pair. At this time, the first shifting mechanism 231 is engaged with the first gear pair, and the first gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0071] Figure 11 FIG. shows another power transmission route diagram when the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention work simultaneously. Please refer to Figure 11, when the first power device 11 and the second power device 12 of the drive axle provided by the embodiment of the present invention work simultaneously, the first power device 11 provides power to the first sun gear 2111 on the first planetary gear mechanism, and the second power device 12 provides power to the second sun gear 2112 on the second planetary gear mechanism. The first sun gear 2111 transmits the power to each first planet gear 2121, and the second sun gear 2112 transmits the power to each second planet gear 2122. Each first planet gear 2121 and each second planet gear 2122 jointly transmit the power to the second gear pair. At this time, the second shifting mechanism 232 is engaged with the second gear pair, and the second gear pair transmits the power to the main shaft 3. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the main shaft 3, the main shaft 3 transmits the power to the differential 24. Since the differential 24 is axially connected to the half shaft on the axle 25 through a spline, the power is further transmitted to the axle 25.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, however, in the process of implementing the claimed invention, those skilled in the art can understand and achieve other variations of the disclosed embodiments by viewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "one" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions recited in the claims. Certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific features and their embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the invention defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present invention. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, the present invention is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

[0074] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, and all should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claimed rights.

Claims

1. A drive axle, characterized in that, It includes a power device, a transmission device and a main shaft. The number of the power devices is one or two. The transmission device includes a planetary gear mechanism, multi-gear pairs, a plurality of shifting mechanisms and a differential for transmitting power to an axle. The number of the planetary gear mechanisms is one or two. Each planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear and a plurality of planet gears meshing with the sun gear; Each of the power devices is shaft-connected to the sun gear included in the corresponding planetary gear mechanism. The differential is shaft-connected to the main shaft. Each planet gear is power-connected to each gear pair. Each gear pair is sleeved on the main shaft in an idle manner. Each shifting mechanism is used for power-connecting the corresponding gear pair and the main shaft; Each gear pair includes a first gear and a second gear. The number of the first gears is multiple, and each first gear meshes with the second gear; Each planet gear is power-connected to the first gear included in each gear pair. The second gear included in each gear pair is sleeved on the main shaft in an idle manner. The drive axle further includes a plurality of intermediate shafts. Each planet gear is power-connected to the first gear included in the corresponding gear pair through the intermediate shaft. The plurality of intermediate shafts are arranged parallel to the main shaft; The gear ratios of different gear pairs are different; and / or, the speed ratios between the sun gear and each planet gear are different.

2. The drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second gear is sleeved on the housing of the differential through a bearing.

3. The drive axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each shifting mechanism has a first synchronizer and a second synchronizer. The second synchronizer is arranged on the second gear of the corresponding gear; When the first synchronizer engages with the second synchronizer, the second gear included in the gear pair is power-connected to the main shaft.

4. The drive axle according to claim 1, wherein Each shifting mechanism is arranged on the main shaft; and / or, each shifting mechanism is a pneumatic shifting mechanism, a hydraulic shifting mechanism or an electric shifting mechanism; and / or, The drive axle further includes an axle. The axle is power-connected to the differential. The axle includes wheels and half shafts arranged on the wheels. The half shafts are power-connected to the differential.

5. The drive axle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that When the number of the power devices is two and both of the two power devices are in an on state, the power output parameters of the two power devices are the same.

6. A vehicle axle drive method, characterized in that, Applying the drive axle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method includes: Controlling the power output by at least one of the power devices to be transmitted to the multi-gear pairs through the corresponding planetary gear mechanism; Determining the gear position information of the drive axle based on the vehicle speed and traction force requirements and the power output parameters of the power devices in an on state; Based on the gear position information of the drive axle, controlling the corresponding shifting mechanism to power-connect the corresponding gear pair and the main shaft, so that the gear pair corresponding to the shifting mechanism is transmitted to the differential through the main shaft, and the differential uses the power to drive the axle to move.

7. The axle drive method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before controlling the power output by at least one of the power devices to be transmitted to the multi-gear pairs through the corresponding planetary gear mechanism, the method for driving the axle further includes: Determining whether to start the second power device based on the vehicle speed and traction force requirements; If two of the power units are started, control the power output parameters of at least one of the power units and the power output parameters of the second power unit.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is provided with a drive axle as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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