An electronically controlled transfer case assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to an electronically controlled transfer case assembly, comprising a housing, an input shaft, an intermediate transition shaft, an output shaft, a shifting assembly, and a circulating lubrication assembly. The housing has a chamber, within which the input shaft, intermediate transition shaft, output shaft, circulating lubrication assembly, and shifting assembly are located. The input shaft and intermediate transition shaft transmit power via gear meshing, and the intermediate transition shaft and output shaft also transmit power via gear meshing. A high-speed gear and a low-speed gear are formed on the intermediate transition shaft. The shifting assembly controls the high-speed gear to be fixedly connected to the intermediate transition shaft or the low-speed gear to be fixed to the intermediate transition shaft. The circulating lubrication assembly is used to draw oil from the housing to the top of the chamber for discharge, achieving circulating lubrication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically relating to an electronically controlled transfer case assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the transfer case is a component that transmits power in a car. The transfer case can adjust the high and low gears. Existing transfer cases generally consist of a housing, input shaft, output shaft, transition shaft, and shift assembly. Power transmission and distribution are achieved through the shift assembly shifting gears on the transition shaft and the gear meshing between the input shaft, output shaft, and transition shaft. Existing transfer cases require lubricating oil to be added to about one-third of the case volume for lubrication. However, the transition shaft is located in the upper part of the transfer case and cannot be immersed in lubricating oil, resulting in problems such as high wear and poor smoothness of the shift assembly during shifting. In view of this, this solution was developed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronically controlled transfer case assembly that can achieve circulating lubrication.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an electronically controlled transfer case assembly, comprising a load-bearing housing, an input shaft, an intermediate transition shaft, an output shaft, a shifting assembly, and a circulating lubrication assembly.

[0005] The bearing housing has a chamber, in which the input shaft, intermediate transition shaft, output shaft, circulating lubrication assembly, and shifting assembly are located. The input shaft and intermediate transition shaft transmit power through gear meshing, and the intermediate transition shaft and output shaft also transmit power through gear meshing. A high-speed gear and a low-speed gear are formed on the intermediate transition shaft. The shifting assembly controls the high-speed gear to be fixedly connected to the intermediate transition shaft, or the low-speed gear to be fixed to the intermediate transition shaft.

[0006] A first bevel gear is formed on the input shaft. The circulating lubrication assembly includes a first screw and a connecting post. A second bevel gear is formed at the upward-facing end of the first screw. A third bevel gear and a fourth bevel gear are formed at both ends of the connecting post, respectively. The bearing housing also forms a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity, and a third accommodating cavity. The first accommodating cavity, the second accommodating cavity, and the third accommodating cavity are connected. The second accommodating cavity and the third accommodating cavity are located above the first accommodating cavity. The first screw is rotatably connected within the first accommodating cavity. The second bevel gear is located within the second accommodating cavity. A through hole is formed between the three accommodating cavities and the chamber. The connecting post is located in the through hole. The third bevel gear is located in the chamber and is rotatably connected to the first bevel gear. The fourth bevel gear is located in the third accommodating cavity and is rotatably connected to the second bevel gear. An oil inlet is formed between the first accommodating cavity and the chamber. The oil inlet is located at the bottom of the first accommodating cavity. An oil outlet is formed between the first accommodating cavity and the side wall of the bearing housing. The oil outlet is located at the top of the first accommodating cavity. A through hole is formed at the top of the bearing housing. The through hole is located above the input shaft and is connected to the oil outlet.

[0007] A first input gear and a second input gear are formed on the input shaft. The first input gear has more teeth than the second input gear. The first bevel gear is located between the first input gear and the second input gear.

[0008] The intermediate transition shaft is connected to a high-speed gear and a low-speed gear. The intermediate transition shaft is also fixedly connected to a transmission gear. The high-speed gear, the low-speed gear, and the transmission gear are arranged sequentially from left to right. The number of teeth of the high-speed gear is less than that of the low-speed gear. The high-speed gear meshes with the first input gear, and the low-speed gear meshes with the second input gear.

[0009] A first output gear is formed on the output shaft, and the first output gear meshes with the transmission gear.

[0010] The shifting assembly includes a shift fork shaft, a connecting seat, a shift fork lever, and a sliding toothed sleeve. The shift fork shaft is located inside the chamber and between the output shaft and the intermediate transition shaft. The connecting seat is connected to the shift fork shaft. One end of the shift fork lever is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the other end of the shift fork shaft is fixedly connected to the sliding toothed sleeve. The intermediate transition shaft forms a first toothed ring, which is located between the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear. The sliding toothed sleeve is fitted onto the first toothed ring. The high-speed gear and the low-speed gear have a second toothed ring on the side facing the first toothed ring. The first and second toothed rings are adapted to the sliding toothed sleeve.

[0011] The first accommodating cavity is conical in shape, and its diameter gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0012] The diameter of the first screw gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0013] The circulating lubrication assembly also includes an oil passage chamber located above the bearing housing. The oil passage chamber is connected to two through holes, which correspond to the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear, respectively.

[0014] A metal tube is formed between the oil outlet and the through hole to connect them. One end of the metal tube is connected to the oil outlet, and the other end of the metal tube is connected to the oil cavity.

[0015] The metal tube is set along the circumference of the supporting box.

[0016] The support box has ventilation holes, and ventilation plugs are installed in the ventilation holes.

[0017] The vent plug includes a venting rotating body, a return spring, and a cap. The venting rotating body has a through-hole. The cap covers the upper end of the venting rotating body and includes a sealing groove. The diameter of the sealing groove is larger than the diameter of the upper end of the venting rotating body. An annular groove is formed on the upper surface of the venting rotating body. The inner diameter of the annular groove is larger than the diameter of the vent hole. Multiple return springs are disposed in the annular groove. One end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the annular groove, and the other end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the sealing groove.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. In commercially available transfer cases, the amount of lubricant added is generally one-third of the chamber volume. The intermediate transition shaft is located in the upper middle position of the chamber. The high-speed and low-speed gears on the intermediate transition shaft often lack lubricant. In this invention, the oil inlet is located at the bottom of the chamber. When one-third of the chamber volume of lubricant is added, the lubricant will pass through the oil inlet of the first accommodating chamber and enter the bottom of the first accommodating chamber. When the transfer case starts working, the first screw will rotate with the input shaft under the transmission of the connecting column, drawing the lubricant to the oil outlet of the first accommodating chamber, and then discharge it from the through hole at the top of the chamber, flowing to the high-speed and low-speed gears of the intermediate transition shaft for lubrication. When the transfer case is working, the circulating lubrication component will continuously draw lubricant to the top of the chamber and pour it from top to bottom for lubrication.

[0020] 2. The first accommodating cavity is conical and its diameter gradually decreases from top to bottom. The large space at the bottom of the first accommodating cavity allows for more oil to be introduced, and the gradual decrease in diameter from bottom to top can increase the oil delivery speed. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of an electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the circulating lubrication assembly in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the circulating lubrication assembly in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the vent plug in this invention;

[0026] Figure 6 In this invention Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0027] Markings in the diagram: 1. Carrier housing; 11. Chamber; 12. First accommodating cavity; 121. Oil inlet; 122. Oil outlet; 13. Second accommodating cavity; 14. Third accommodating cavity; 15. Metal pipe; 16. Oil cavity; 17. Through hole;

[0028] 2. Input shaft; 21. First input gear; 22. Second input gear; 23. First bevel gear;

[0029] 3. Intermediate transition shaft; 31. High-speed gear; 32. Low-speed gear; 33. Transmission gear;

[0030] 4. Output shaft; 41. First output gear;

[0031] 5. Gear shift assembly; 51. Shift fork shaft; 52. Connecting seat; 53. Shift fork lever; 54. Sliding toothed sleeve; 55. Electric drive unit;

[0032] 6. Circulating lubrication assembly; 61. First screw; 611. Second bevel gear; 62. Connecting column; 621. Third bevel gear; 622. Fourth bevel gear;

[0033] 7. Vent plug; 71. Vent rotating body; 711. Locking head; 7111. Annular groove; 7112. Annular notch; 712. Insertion part; 713. Arc-shaped protrusion; 714. Air hole; 72. Return spring; 721. Connecting round plate; 73. Cover. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for detailed explanation.

[0035] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides an electronically controlled transfer case assembly, including a load-bearing housing 1, an input shaft 2, an intermediate transition shaft 3, an output shaft 4, a shifting assembly 5, and a circulating lubrication assembly 6.

[0036] The carrier housing 1 has a chamber 11, in which the input shaft 2, intermediate transition shaft 3, output shaft 4, circulating lubrication assembly 6, and shifting assembly 5 are located. A vent hole 714 is formed on the carrier housing 1, and a vent plug 7 is provided in the vent hole 714. The carrier housing 1 also forms a first accommodating cavity 12, a second accommodating cavity 13, and a third accommodating cavity 14, which are connected to each other. The second accommodating cavity 13 and the third accommodating cavity 14 are located above the first accommodating cavity 12. A first screw 61 is rotatably connected inside the first accommodating cavity 12. A second bevel gear 611 is located in the second accommodating cavity 13. A through hole is formed between the third accommodating cavity 14 and the chamber 11. An oil inlet hole 121 is formed between the first accommodating cavity 12 and the chamber 11. The oil inlet hole 121 is located at the bottom of the first accommodating cavity 12. An oil outlet hole 122 is formed between the first accommodating cavity 12 and the side wall of the carrier housing 1. The oil outlet hole 122 is located at the top of the first accommodating cavity 12. A through hole 17 is formed at the top of the carrier housing 1. The through hole 17 is located above the input shaft 2 and is connected to the oil outlet hole 122.

[0037] The input shaft 2 has a first bevel gear 23, a first input gear 21 (24 teeth), and a second input gear 22 (20 teeth). The first input gear 21 has more teeth than the second input gear 22. The first bevel gear 23 is located between the first input gear 21 and the second input gear 22. The intermediate transition shaft 3 is connected to a high-speed gear 31 (33 teeth) and a low-speed gear 32 (44 teeth). The intermediate transition shaft 3 is also fixedly connected to a transmission gear 33 (the number of teeth can be set as needed). The intermediate transition shaft 3 has a first gear ring, which is located between the high-speed gear 31 and the low-speed gear 32. Needle roller bearings are connected between the high-speed gear 31 and the low-speed gear 32 and the intermediate transition shaft 3. The side of the high-speed gear 31 and the low-speed gear 32 facing the first gear ring has a second gear ring. The high-speed gear 31, the low-speed gear 32, and the transmission gear 33 are arranged sequentially from left to right. The number of teeth on the high-speed gear is less than that on the low-speed gear 32. The high-speed gear 31 meshes with the first input gear 21, and the low-speed gear 32 meshes with the second input gear 22. A first output gear 41 (76 teeth) is formed on the output shaft 4, and the first output gear 41 meshes with the transmission gear 33.

[0038] The shift assembly 5 includes a shift fork shaft 51, a connecting seat 52, a shift fork rod 53, a sliding gear sleeve 54, and an electric drive unit 55. The shift fork shaft 51 is located inside the chamber 11 and between the output shaft 4 and the intermediate transition shaft 3. The connecting seat 52 is connected to the shift fork shaft 51. One end of the shift fork rod 53 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 52, and the other end of the shift fork shaft 51 is fixedly connected to the sliding gear sleeve 54. The intermediate transition shaft 3 forms a first gear ring, which is located between the high-speed gear 31 and the low-speed gear 32. The sliding gear sleeve 54 is fitted on the first gear ring, and the first gear ring and the second gear ring are adapted to the sliding gear sleeve 54. The electric drive unit 55 is used to drive the shift fork shaft 51 to move. The sliding gear sleeve 54, the first gear ring, and the second gear ring achieve the same angular velocity through a synchronizer.

[0039] The circulating lubrication assembly 6 includes an oil passage chamber 16, a first screw 61, and a connecting post 62. A second bevel gear 611 is formed at the upward-facing end of the first screw 61, and a third bevel gear 621 and a fourth bevel gear 622 are formed at both ends of the connecting post 62, respectively. The first screw 61 is rotatably connected in the first accommodating cavity 12, the second bevel gear 611 is located in the second accommodating cavity 13, a through hole is formed between the third accommodating cavity 14 and the chamber 11, the connecting post 62 is located in the through hole, the third bevel gear 621 is located in the chamber 11 and is rotatably connected to the first bevel gear 621, and the fourth bevel gear 622 is located in the third accommodating cavity 14 and is rotatably connected to the second bevel gear 611. Specifically, the first accommodating cavity 12 is conical, and the diameter of the first accommodating cavity 12 gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the diameter of the first screw 61 gradually decreases from top to bottom. The oil passage chamber 16 is located above the bearing housing 1. The oil passage chamber 16 is connected to two through holes 17, which correspond to the high-speed gear 31 and the low-speed gear 32 respectively. A metal tube 15 connects the oil outlet 122 and the through holes 17. One end of the metal tube 15 is connected to the oil outlet 122, and the other end is connected to the oil passage chamber 16. The metal tube 15 is used for connection because it is more durable; it is primarily made of aluminum alloy. Specifically, the metal tube 15 is arranged along the circumference of the bearing housing 1, saving space.

[0040] Working principle: When one-third of the volume of lubricating oil is added to chamber 11, the lubricating oil will cover the oil inlet 121 of the first receiving chamber 12 and enter the bottom of the first receiving chamber 12. When the transfer case starts working, the input shaft 2 starts to rotate, and the shift assembly 5 switches to the high-speed gear or low-speed gear, so that the input shaft 2, intermediate transition shaft 3 and output shaft 4 transmit power. When the input shaft 2 rotates, the first bevel gear 23 on the input shaft 2 and the third bevel gear 6 on the connecting column 62... 21 engages in transmission, causing the connecting column 62 to rotate. Since the fourth bevel gear 622 of the connecting column 62 meshes with the second bevel gear 611 of the first screw 61, the first screw 61 also rotates, drawing the lubricating oil located below the first accommodating cavity 12 to the oil outlet 122 of the first accommodating cavity 12, then into the oil chamber 16, and then out through the through hole 17 above the chamber 11, flowing to the high-speed gear 31 and low-speed gear of the intermediate transition shaft 3 for lubrication, thus achieving circulating lubrication.

[0041] The vent plug 7 includes a venting rotating body 71, a return spring 72, and a cover 73. The venting rotating body 71 has a through-hole 714. The cover 73 is fitted onto the upper end of the venting rotating body 71. The cover 73 includes a sealing groove with a diameter larger than the upper diameter of the venting rotating body 71. An annular groove 7111 is formed on the upper surface of the venting rotating body 71. The inner diameter of the annular groove 7111 is larger than the diameter of the venting hole 714. Multiple return springs 72 are provided in the annular groove 7111. One end of the return spring 72 is connected to the bottom of the annular groove 7111, and the other end of the return spring 72 is connected to the bottom of the sealing groove. Specifically, the ventilating rotary body 71 includes a locking head 711 and an extension part 712. The extension part 712 is located below the locking head 711 and is conical in shape. The diameter of the extension part 712 gradually increases from top to bottom. An annular notch 7112 is formed on the edge of the upper surface of the locking head 711 to facilitate air venting. An annular arc-shaped protrusion 713 is formed on the circumference of the extension part 712 to prevent the extension part 712 from being pushed out of the vent hole 714 by the gas. The maximum diameter of the horizontal cross-section arc-shaped protrusion 713 is larger than the diameter of the vent hole 714. When the extension part 712 is pushed by the gas, the arc-shaped protrusion 713 is locked on the lower surface of the vent hole 714.

[0042] The working principle of the vent plug 7: By connecting the return spring 72 between the cover 73 and the upper surface of the vent rotating body 71, the cover 73 is lifted up when the gas is discharged, and the gas is discharged. Then, under the action of the return spring 72, the cover 73 is put back on the vent rotating body 71. This solves the problem that when the gas pressure in the chamber 11 increases, the cover 73 is pushed out after the gas is discharged, making it impossible for the cover 73 to be put back on the vent rotating body.

[0043] Preferably, the upper and lower ends of the return spring 72 are connected to connecting circular plates 721. One connecting circular plate 721 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sealing groove, and the other connecting circular plate 721 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the annular groove 7111. The connecting circular plates 721 provide a larger connection area and a more stable connection.

[0044] Preferably, the vent 714 includes an air inlet and a pressure boosting section. The air inlet is located below the pressure boosting section and is frustoconical in shape, with its diameter gradually increasing from top to bottom. The pressure boosting section is also frustoconical in shape, with its diameter gradually decreasing from top to bottom. The lower surface diameter of the pressure boosting section is smaller than the upper surface diameter of the air inlet. The air inlet is provided to allow gas to be discharged more quickly, and the pressure boosting section is provided to increase the gas flow rate. When the air pressure inside the housing 1 increases, the gas enters from the air inlet and then, as it approaches the pressure boosting section, the lower surface diameter of the pressure boosting section is smaller than the upper surface diameter of the air inlet, resulting in an increase in air pressure and flow rate before the gas is discharged from above the vent 714.

[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of this invention, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronically controlled transfer case assembly, characterized in that: Includes a housing, input shaft, intermediate transition shaft, output shaft, shifting assembly, and circulating lubrication assembly. The bearing housing has a chamber, in which the input shaft, intermediate transition shaft, output shaft, circulating lubrication assembly, and shifting assembly are located. The input shaft and intermediate transition shaft transmit power through gear meshing, and the intermediate transition shaft and output shaft also transmit power through gear meshing. A high-speed gear and a low-speed gear are formed on the intermediate transition shaft. The shifting assembly controls the high-speed gear to be fixedly connected to the intermediate transition shaft, or the low-speed gear to be fixed to the intermediate transition shaft. A first bevel gear is formed on the input shaft. The circulating lubrication assembly includes a first screw and a connecting post. A second bevel gear is formed at the upward-facing end of the first screw. A third bevel gear and a fourth bevel gear are formed at both ends of the connecting post, respectively. The bearing housing also forms a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity, and a third accommodating cavity. The first accommodating cavity, the second accommodating cavity, and the third accommodating cavity are connected. The second accommodating cavity and the third accommodating cavity are located above the first accommodating cavity. The first screw is rotatably connected within the first accommodating cavity. The second bevel gear is located within the second accommodating cavity. A through hole is formed between the three accommodating cavities and the chamber. The connecting post is located in the through hole. The third bevel gear is located in the chamber and is rotatably connected to the first bevel gear. The fourth bevel gear is located in the third accommodating cavity and is rotatably connected to the second bevel gear. An oil inlet is formed between the first accommodating cavity and the chamber. The oil inlet is located at the bottom of the first accommodating cavity. An oil outlet is formed between the first accommodating cavity and the side wall of the bearing housing. The oil outlet is located at the top of the first accommodating cavity. A through hole is formed at the top of the bearing housing. The through hole is located above the input shaft and is connected to the oil outlet.

2. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first input gear and a second input gear are formed on the input shaft. The first input gear has more teeth than the second input gear. The first bevel gear is located between the first input gear and the second input gear. The intermediate transition shaft is connected to a high-speed gear and a low-speed gear. The intermediate transition shaft is also fixedly connected to a transmission gear. The high-speed gear, the low-speed gear, and the transmission gear are arranged sequentially from left to right. The number of teeth of the high-speed gear is less than that of the low-speed gear. The high-speed gear meshes with the first input gear, and the low-speed gear meshes with the second input gear. A first output gear is formed on the output shaft, and the first output gear meshes with the transmission gear.

3. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shifting assembly includes a shift fork shaft, a connecting seat, a shift fork lever, and a sliding toothed sleeve. The shift fork shaft is located inside the chamber and between the output shaft and the intermediate transition shaft. The connecting seat is connected to the shift fork shaft. One end of the shift fork lever is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the other end of the shift fork shaft is fixedly connected to the sliding toothed sleeve. The intermediate transition shaft forms a first toothed ring, which is located between the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear. The sliding toothed sleeve is fitted onto the first toothed ring. The high-speed gear and the low-speed gear have a second toothed ring on the side facing the first toothed ring. The first and second toothed rings are adapted to the sliding toothed sleeve.

4. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first accommodating cavity is conical in shape, and its diameter gradually decreases from top to bottom.

5. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the first screw gradually decreases from top to bottom.

6. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circulating lubrication assembly also includes an oil passage chamber located above the bearing housing. The oil passage chamber is connected to two through holes, which correspond to the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear, respectively.

7. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: A metal tube is formed between the oil outlet and the through hole to connect them. One end of the metal tube is connected to the oil outlet, and the other end of the metal tube is connected to the oil cavity.

8. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The metal tube is set along the circumference of the supporting box.

9. The electrically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support box has ventilation holes, and ventilation plugs are installed in the ventilation holes.

10. An electronically controlled transfer case assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The vent plug includes a venting rotating body, a return spring, and a cap. The venting rotating body has a through-hole. The cap covers the upper end of the venting rotating body and includes a sealing groove. The diameter of the sealing groove is larger than the diameter of the upper end of the venting rotating body. An annular groove is formed on the upper surface of the venting rotating body. The inner diameter of the annular groove is larger than the diameter of the vent hole. Multiple return springs are disposed in the annular groove. One end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the annular groove, and the other end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the sealing groove.

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