Thrust mechanism and locking differential of locking differential

Abstract

The present invention discloses a thrust mechanism of a locking differential and a locking differential, comprising: an active thrust member and a driven thrust member, both of which are sleeved outside the differential case and distributed in sequence along the axial direction of the differential case, and the driven thrust member and the differential case are circumferentially driven; a push fork, which is rotatably mounted on the differential case around a rotation axis, and the push fork is provided with a pressing portion and a fitting portion on both sides of the rotation axis; an electromagnetic drive member, which is adapted to push the fitting portion to rotate relative to the rotation axis when energized, and the pressing portion is used to push the active thrust member to press the driven thrust member when the fitting portion rotates. According to the thrust mechanism of the locking differential of the embodiment of the present invention, when the push fork is subjected to force, it will push the active thrust member to move axially, thereby pushing the driven thrust member to achieve differential locking of the locking differential, so that the two wheels move at the same speed, prevent the single-side wheel of the vehicle from slipping, and help the vehicle escape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a thrust mechanism for a locking differential and a locking differential having the same structure. Background Technology

[0002] The function of a vehicle differential is to allow the front and rear axles, or the left and right wheels, to rotate at different speeds when the car is turning, ensuring normal turning. However, in complex road conditions, if one wheel loses traction and spins freely, all the car's power will be lost from the spinning wheel, causing the vehicle to become stuck. Therefore, some off-road vehicles are equipped with locking mechanisms in their differentials to improve the vehicle's off-road performance. However, existing locking differentials suffer from several problems, including large size, high cost, and reliance on foreign technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a thrust mechanism for a locking differential that can achieve differential locking of the wheels on both sides, so as to help the vehicle get out of trouble when it is slipping and improve the overall vehicle's passability.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of a locking differential includes: an active thrust member and a driven thrust member, both of which are sleeved on the outside of a differential housing and sequentially distributed along the axial direction of the differential housing; the driven thrust member is circumferentially driven to engage with the differential housing; a push fork rotatably mounted on the differential housing about a rotation axis, the push fork having a pressing portion and a mating portion on both sides of the rotation axis; and an electromagnetic drive member adapted to drive the mating portion to rotate relative to the rotation axis when energized, and the pressing portion being used to push the active thrust member to press against the driven thrust member when the mating portion rotates.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of the locking differential connects the differential housing and the electromagnetic drive unit via a push fork. When the electromagnetic drive unit is energized, the force applied to the push fork causes the push fork to drive the active thrust unit axially, thereby driving the driven thrust unit to lock the locking differential, ensuring that both wheels rotate at the same speed, preventing slippage on one side of the vehicle, and helping the vehicle to get out of trouble. Furthermore, this thrust mechanism can also be configured as an electromagnetic drive mechanism, meaning the driver can manually control the thrust mechanism by operating buttons, resulting in a simple structure, convenient operation, and improved user experience.

[0006] The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: a friction ring, the friction ring being sleeved outside the differential housing, and the friction ring being located on the side of the active thrust member away from the driven thrust member, the pressing portion being connected to the friction ring and adapted to push the friction ring to press the active thrust member toward the driven thrust member.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of the locking differential includes a pressing part configured as a detent pin, the axis of the detent pin being parallel and spaced apart from the rotation axis, the friction ring having a first connecting hole, and the detent pin passing through the first connecting hole to rotatably connect the detent pin with the friction ring.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of a locking differential includes a friction ring comprising a connecting ring portion and a pressing ring portion, the pressing ring portion being bent and connected to the connecting ring portion, the pressing ring portion extending radially along the friction ring, the connecting ring portion extending axially along the friction ring, the pressing ring portion being used to push the active thrust member, and the first connecting hole being provided in the connecting ring portion.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the thrust mechanism of a locking differential, the friction ring has a friction layer on the side facing the active thrust member, and the friction layer is made of a friction material.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of a locking differential includes a main body rod and a shift fork rod. The main body rod has a U-shaped structure and has an open end and a closed end. The shift fork rod is connected to the closed end of the main body rod. The mating part is provided inside the opening of the open end. The mating part is constructed as a shifting groove provided at the closed end.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of the locking differential has a rotating pin on the outer side of the main body rod, and the rotating pin is rotatably connected to the differential housing.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of a locking differential includes an electromagnetic drive component comprising an electromagnet and a moving shaft. The electromagnet is configured to drive the moving shaft to move axially when energized, and the moving shaft is provided with a locking interface for engaging with the mating part.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism of the locking differential is provided with drive mating grooves on the sides of the active thrust member and the driven thrust member facing each other, and a rolling member is provided in the drive mating groove. The rolling member is adapted to drive the active thrust member and the driven thrust member to rotate together when the active thrust member presses against the driven thrust member.

[0014] The present invention also proposes a locking differential.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a locking differential includes a differential housing and a thrust mechanism of the locking differential as described above. The differential housing is provided with a thrust pin, a engagement gear, a planetary gear, and two half-shaft gears. The engagement gear is movably installed in the differential housing. The thrust pin passes through the differential housing along the axial direction of the differential housing. Both half-shaft gears mesh with the planetary gear.

[0016] The locking differential and the aforementioned thrust mechanism have the same advantages over the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking differential according to an embodiment of the present invention when locked;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking differential when it is not locked according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first housing, friction ring, shift fork, and electromagnetic drive component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electromagnetic drive component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the push fork according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the retaining ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a thrust bearing gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a thrust bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first housing from an inner perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing from an external perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the friction ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active thrust member facing away from the driven thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active thrust member near the driven thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a structural schematic diagram of the driven thrust member near the active thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a structural schematic diagram of the driven thrust member on the side opposite to the driven thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the engaging tooth near the driven thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting tooth facing away from the driven thrust member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wave spring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left half-shaft gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] Locking differential 1000,

[0041] Thrust mechanism 100,

[0042] Active thrust component 1, friction surface 11, driven thrust component 2, countersunk hole 21.

[0043] Push fork 3, actuating pin 31, actuating groove 32, main body rod 33, rotating pin 331, and fork rod 34.

[0044] Electromagnetic drive component 4, electromagnet 41, return spring 411, moving shaft 42, card interface 421, wire harness connector 43.

[0045] Friction ring 5, connecting ring portion 51, first connecting hole 511, pressing ring portion 52, friction layer 53, oil reservoir 54.

[0046] Drive groove 6, drive inclined surface 61, rolling element 7,

[0047] The gear assembly includes a gear 201, a second toothed tooth 2011, a flange 2012, a radial tooth 2013, a left half-shaft gear 202, a first toothed tooth 2021, a thrust pin 203, a wave spring 301, a differential housing 400, a first housing 401, a radial tooth groove 4011, a retaining ring groove 4012, a second housing 402, a right half-shaft gear 410, a planetary gear body 420, a planetary gear shaft 430, a thrust bearing 440, a retaining ring 450, a limiting part 4501, a thrust bearing washer 460, and a washer 470. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, the front-back direction in this application refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e., the X direction; the left-right direction refers to the lateral direction of the vehicle, i.e., the Y direction; and the up-down direction refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle, i.e., the Z direction.

[0050] The following is for reference. Figures 1-20 The thrust mechanism 100 of a locking differential according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an active thrust member 1, a driven thrust member 2, a push fork 3, and an electromagnetic drive member 4. It should be noted that, as... Figure 1 As shown, the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 are both sleeved on the outside of the differential housing 400 and distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the differential housing 400, so that the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 can move relative to the differential housing 400. For example, if the active thrust member 1 rotates relative to the differential housing 400, the driven thrust member 2 is installed on the differential housing 400, and the driven thrust member 2 is circumferentially driven by the differential housing 400, that is, the driven thrust member 2 and the differential housing 400 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction of the differential housing 400.

[0051] It should be noted that during vehicle operation, the driving force output by the power source such as the engine can be transmitted to the differential housing 400 through the reducer, and the rotation of the differential housing 400 outputs driving force to the left half-shaft gear 202 and the right half-shaft gear 410 of the vehicle, thereby driving the vehicle to rotate. During this process, the differential housing 400 always drives the driven thrust member 2 to rotate.

[0052] Furthermore, the push fork 3 is rotatably mounted on the differential housing 400 around a rotation axis, and the push fork 3 is provided with a pressing part and a mating part on both sides of the rotation axis. Specifically, the mating part can be used to fix the push fork 3 on the differential housing 400, and the pressing part can be used to transmit the force of the push fork 3 to the active thrust member 1, so that when the push fork 3 is subjected to force, it will push the active thrust member 1 to move axially, and the active thrust member 1 will push the driven thrust member 2 to move axially.

[0053] It should be noted that the push fork 3 is rotatably mounted on the electromagnetic drive unit 4. When the electromagnetic drive unit 4 is energized, it will push the mating part to rotate relative to the rotation axis. When the mating part rotates, the pressing part can push the active thrust member 1 to press against the driven thrust member 2, so that the driven thrust member 2 will move axially. Thus, during the axial movement of the driven thrust member 2 along the differential housing 400, the differential housing 400 is circumferentially locked to one of the two half-shaft gears.

[0054] In other words, when the driven thrust member 2 is driven and moves along the axial direction of the differential housing 400, the driven thrust member 2 drives the structural components inside the differential housing 400 to move relative to the differential housing 400 during the movement, so as to lock the differential housing 400 with the left half-shaft gear 202 or the right half-shaft gear 410 and achieve synchronous rotation. If a locking mechanism is provided inside the differential housing 400, the locking mechanism includes a thrust pin 203 and a engagement tooth 201. During the movement, the driven thrust member 2 pushes the thrust pin 203 to move, so as to drive the engagement tooth 201 to mesh with one of the two half-shaft gears, thereby circumferentially engaging the differential housing 400 with the half-shaft gear, and thus achieving synchronous rotation of the two half-shaft gears.

[0055] It should be noted that the above-described implementation of the driven thrust member 2 is merely exemplary. The thrust mechanism 100 described is disposed on the differential housing, but this embodiment of the invention does not impose any restrictions on the layout position of the thrust mechanism 100. That is, the thrust mechanism 100 can be arranged on the right side or the left side of the differential housing 400, and the specific arrangement position can be adjusted according to the vehicle's space requirements. Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention does not impose any restrictions on either of the two half-shaft gears to be locked; the differential housing 400 can be locked with the left half-shaft gear 202, or it can be locked with the right half-shaft gear 410. It is understood that the implementation methods and layout designs described above are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0056] Therefore, when a wheel of a car slips, the existing open differential distributes all power to the wheel with less resistance, allowing the two wheels to rotate relative to each other, thus failing to solve the problem of unilateral wheel slippage. This invention, by setting a thrust mechanism 100, locks the differential function of the locking differential 1000, ensuring that both wheels can output the same torque, thereby avoiding unilateral wheel slippage. Furthermore, the thrust mechanism 100 achieves differential locking through the cooperation of an electromagnetic drive component 4, a push fork 3, an active thrust component 1, and a driven thrust component 2. The electromagnetic drive component 4 can be controlled via a human-machine interface button, making it more convenient and simpler to operate than a mechanical differential lock, and improving driving safety.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thrust mechanism 100 of the locking differential connects the differential housing 400 and the electromagnetic drive 4 via a push fork 3. When the electromagnetic drive 4 is energized, the force applied to the push fork 3 causes the push fork 3 to push the active thrust member 1 to move axially, thereby pushing the driven thrust member 2 to lock the locking differential 1000, ensuring that both wheels rotate at the same speed, preventing slippage of one wheel and helping the vehicle to get out of trouble. Furthermore, the thrust mechanism 100 can also be configured as an electromagnetic drive mechanism, meaning the driver can manually control the thrust mechanism 100 by operating buttons, resulting in a simple structure, convenient operation, and improved user experience.

[0058] In some embodiments, the thrust mechanism 100 of the locking differential further includes a friction ring 5. It should be noted that, as... Figure 1 As shown, the friction ring 5 is a circular ring structure, fitted onto the differential housing 400 and located on the side of the active thrust member 1 opposite to the driven thrust member 2. The pressing part of the push fork 3 is connected to the friction ring 5, thereby pushing the friction ring 5 through the pressing part. This causes the friction ring 5 to be under force, pushing the active thrust member 1 towards the driven thrust member 2. Consequently, the active thrust member 1 pushes the driven thrust member 2 to move axially along the differential housing 400, thereby locking one of the half-shaft gears to achieve differential locking of the differential.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pressing part is constructed as a deflecting pin 31, the axis of the deflecting pin 31 being parallel and spaced apart from the rotation axis. The friction ring 5 is provided with a first connecting hole 511, and the deflecting pin 31 passes through the first connecting hole 511 to rotatably connect the deflecting pin 31 with the friction ring 5. That is, as Figure 3As shown, the push fork 3 has two pressing parts, each constructed as a lever pin 31. The lever pin 31 is made of a cylindrical body, and the two lever pins 31 are symmetrically arranged on the inner side of the end of the push fork 3, such that the axis of the lever pin 31 is parallel to the rotation axis at intervals. Furthermore, the friction ring 5 also has two first connecting holes 511, which are symmetrically arranged on the friction ring 5 to connect with the lever pins 31.

[0060] It is understandable that when the actuating pin 31 passes through the first connecting hole 511, as the push fork 3 rotates, the actuating pin 31 will drive the friction ring 5 to rotate relative to the rotation axis, thereby pushing the active thrust member 1 to press against the driven thrust member 2 to move axially during the rotation, thus achieving differential locking.

[0061] In some embodiments, the friction ring 5 includes a connecting ring portion 51 and a pressing ring portion 52. It should be noted that, as... Figure 11 As shown, the pressure ring portion 52 is bent and connected to the connecting ring portion 51, and the pressure ring portion 52 extends radially along the friction ring 5. That is, the friction ring 5 extends radially at its inner diameter edge to form a pressure ring portion 52 that fits against one end of the active thrust member 1. The inner diameter of the pressure ring portion 52 is the same as the diameter of the connecting ring portion 51, that is, it extends axially towards the active thrust member 1 at the inner diameter edge of the pressure ring portion 52 to form the connecting ring portion 51, and two symmetrical first connecting holes 511 are formed at both ends of the connecting ring portion 51, parallel to the Y-axis. It can be understood that the pressure portion in the push fork 3 connects to the first connecting holes 511 in the friction ring 5, thereby causing the friction ring 5 to move axially along the differential housing 400, and thus allowing the pressure ring portion 52 to push the active thrust member 1.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the friction ring 5 has a friction layer 53 on the side facing the active thrust member 1. The friction layer 53 is made of friction material, and the active thrust member 1 has a friction surface 11 on the side facing the friction ring 5. That is to say, after the friction layer 53 and the friction surface 11 of the active thrust member 1 are in contact, frictional force can be generated between the friction layer 53 and the active thrust member 1, causing the active thrust member 1 to move towards the side of the driven thrust member 2.

[0063] Specifically, when the push fork 3 applies a thrust to the friction ring 5, the friction ring 5 moves axially, allowing the friction layer 53 of the friction ring 5 to come into contact with the friction surface 11 of the active thrust member 1. The friction ring 5 does not rotate relative to the differential, while the active thrust member 1 rotates relative to the differential body. Therefore, when the friction layer 53 contacts the friction surface 11 of the active thrust member 1, the active thrust member 1 experiences a frictional torque opposite to the direction of rotation. Under the action of this frictional torque, relative rotation occurs between the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2, causing the driven thrust member 2 to move axially along the differential housing 400 to achieve differential locking.

[0064] Furthermore, oil reservoirs 54 are provided at intervals in the annulus formed by the friction layer 53, that is, the oil reservoirs 54 are located at the end face contact point where the active thrust member 1 abuts the friction layer 53. Specifically, the oil reservoirs 54 can be constructed as strip-shaped grooves, and the oil reservoirs 54 extend radially outward along the center of the friction layer 53, thereby facilitating the radial flow of lubricating oil to provide lubricating oil when the active thrust member 1 is in contact with the friction layer 53, thus playing a lubricating role. This avoids severe wear of the active thrust member 1 and the friction layer 53. In specific implementations, more oil reservoirs 54 can also be flexibly provided; this embodiment of the invention does not limit this.

[0065] In some embodiments, the actuating fork 3 includes a main body rod 33 and a fork rod 34. It should be noted that, as... Figure 5 As shown, the main body rod 33 has a U-shaped structure with an open end and a closed end, and the shift fork rod 34 has a "Y"-shaped structure. The rod body of the shift fork rod 34 is connected to the closed end of the main body rod 33. The mating part is located inside the opening of the open end, and the mating part is constructed as a shifting groove 32 located at the closed end. The shifting groove 32 is directly opposite the closed end of the main body rod 33, so that the shifting groove 32 can be directly opposite the rotation axis in the vertical direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, a rotating pin 331 is provided on the outer side of the main body rod 33, and the rotating pin 331 is rotatably connected to the differential housing 400. It should be noted that, as... Figure 5 As shown, the rotating pin 331 has a cylindrical structure and there are two of them. The two rotating pins 331 are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the end of the main body rod 33, so as to be rotatably connected to the differential housing 400, ensuring the stability of the main body rod 33, so that when the shift fork rod 34 is subjected to force and rotates, it will drive the main body rod 33 to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0067] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic drive 4 includes an electromagnet 41, a moving shaft 42, and a wiring harness connector 43, and a return spring 411 is also provided inside the electromagnet 41. The electromagnet 41 is configured to push the moving shaft 42 to move axially when energized, and the moving shaft 42 is provided with a locking interface 421 that engages with the actuating groove 32. It should be noted that, as Figure 4As shown, the moving shaft 42 is located on the side of the electromagnet 41 near the push fork 3, and the wiring harness connector 43 is located on the side of the electromagnet 41 away from the push fork 3. The locking interface 421 can engage with the shifting groove 32 to transmit the force of the moving shaft 42 to the shift fork lever 34.

[0068] Understandably, when the wiring harness connector 43 is connected to the power supply, the electromagnet 41 generates electromagnetic force to drive the moving shaft 42 to move axially. The moving shaft 42 drives the shift fork 34 to rotate around the center line of the rotating pin 331, so that the shift pin 31 pushes the friction ring 5. The friction layer 53 of the friction ring 5 presses against the friction surface 11 of the active thrust member 1, thereby pushing the driven thrust member 2 to move axially to achieve differential locking.

[0069] In some embodiments, both the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 have driving mating grooves 6 on their sides facing each other. Rolling members 7 are provided within the driving mating grooves 6, and the rolling members 7 are adapted to drive the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 to rotate together when the active thrust member 1 presses against the driven thrust member 2. It should be noted that the rolling members 7 are constructed as spherical structures, and the depth of the driving mating groove 6 in the middle is greater than the depth at both ends, so that driving inclined surfaces 61 are formed at both ends of the groove center.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the driving groove 6 is roughly arc-shaped. By making the groove depth in the middle greater than the groove depths at both ends, a driving inclined surface 61 extending from the bottom of the middle to both ends can be formed. Each of the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 has three driving grooves 6, and the driving grooves 6 on the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 are positioned identically on each thrust member. That is, the driving groove 6 on the active thrust member 1 faces one end of the driven thrust member 2, and the driving groove 6 on the driven thrust member 2 faces one end from the main thrust member, and their positions are symmetrical, thus ensuring that the rolling element 7 moving on the driving groove 6 can move normally.

[0071] Understandably, when the electromagnetic drive unit 4 is energized, the active thrust unit 1 and the driven thrust unit 2 move relative to each other, causing the drive ball to move from the middle to the end of the drive mating groove 6 under the action of the drive inclined surface 61. That is, the drive ball can roll on the drive inclined surface 61. During this process, the drive ball can continuously drive the driven thrust unit 2 to move axially, which is beneficial for the driven thrust unit 2 to achieve differential locking after axial movement.

[0072] The present invention also proposes a locking differential 1000.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a locking differential 1000 includes a differential housing 400 and a thrust mechanism 100 of the locking differential described above. The differential housing 400 is provided with a thrust pin 203, a engagement gear 201, a planetary gear, and two half-shaft gears. The engagement gear 201 is movably installed in the differential housing 400. The thrust pin 203 passes through the differential housing 400 along the axial direction. Both half-shaft gears mesh with the planetary gear. The driven thrust member 2 is used to push the thrust pin 203 to drive the engagement gear 201 to mesh with the left half-shaft gear.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the differential housing 400 includes a first housing 401 and a second housing 402. The first housing 401 is disposed adjacent to the right half-shaft gear 410, and the second housing 402 is disposed adjacent to the left half-shaft gear 202. The first housing 401 and the second housing 402 are fixedly connected by a fastener. Thus, the differential housing 400 is constructed as a split structure, which facilitates the individual disassembly and separate molding of each component, and the differential housing 400 can protect the internal components.

[0075] In some embodiments, the locking differential 1000 includes planetary gears, each comprising a planetary gear body 420 and a planetary gear shaft 430. The planetary gear shaft 430 is mounted on the differential housing 400, and the planetary gear body 420 is sleeved on the planetary gear shaft 430 to rotate relative to the differential housing 400. Figure 1 As shown, the planetary gear body 420 meshes with the right half-shaft gear 410 and the left half-shaft gear 202.

[0076] In some embodiments, the locking differential 1000 further includes a locking mechanism, which includes a coupling gear 201. Under the drive of the thrust mechanism 100, the coupling gear 201 can fix the left half-shaft gear 202 to the differential housing 400, or under the drive of the thrust mechanism 100, the coupling gear 201 can fix the right half-shaft gear 410 to the differential housing 400. The driving force is directly transmitted from the differential housing 400 to the right half-shaft gear 410 and the left half-shaft gear 202, thereby locking the differential function of the differential and causing the right half-shaft gear 410 and the left half-shaft gear 202 to rotate at the same speed.

[0077] In other words, in this embodiment, such as Figure 20 As shown, a first toothed engagement tooth 2021 is provided on the left half-shaft gear 202, and a second toothed engagement tooth 2011 is provided on the engagement tooth 201. The first toothed engagement tooth 2021 and the second toothed engagement tooth 2011 can mesh with each other. In addition, a radial tooth 2013 is also provided on the engagement tooth 201, and a radial tooth groove 4011 is provided on the first housing 401. The radial tooth 2013 can cooperate with the radial tooth groove 4011.

[0078] In actual implementation, such as Figure 17 and Figure 9 As shown, when the engaging tooth 201 moves in the direction of the left half-shaft gear 202 under force, the radial teeth 2013 on the engaging tooth 201 engage with the radial tooth grooves 4011 on the first housing 401, so that the engaging tooth 201 rotates at the same speed as the first housing 401 during rotation. When the first tooth 2021 meshes with the second tooth 2011, the engaging tooth 201 can directly transmit power to the left half-shaft gear 202 via the differential housing 400. After the engaging tooth 201 connects with the left half-shaft gear 202, the engaging tooth 201 circumferentially connects the left half-shaft gear 202 with the first housing 401, and the driving force is directly transmitted from the differential housing 400 to the right half-shaft gear 410 and the left half-shaft gear 202, thereby locking the differential function of the differential. And, as... Figure 17 As shown, a flange 2012 is also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement tooth 201. The flange 2012 can increase the load-bearing strength of the engagement tooth 201, thereby ensuring the stability of the differential speed effect.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 16 As shown, the locking mechanism also includes a thrust pin 203, which passes through the differential housing 400. One end of the thrust pin 203 is connected to the driven thrust member 2, and the other end of the thrust pin 203 is connected to the engagement tooth 201. Under the action of the thrust mechanism 100, the thrust pin 203 moves axially and drives the engagement tooth 201 to engage the first tooth 2021 with the second tooth 2011.

[0080] like Figure 15 As shown, the driven thrust member 2 is provided with a countersunk hole 21, which can cooperate with the thrust pin 203. Specifically, multiple thrust pins 203 can be provided, and multiple thrust pins 203 are all inserted through the differential housing 400. One end of the thrust pin 203 abuts against the countersunk hole 21 on the driven thrust member 2, and the other end of the thrust pin 203 abuts against the engagement tooth 201. When the driven thrust member 2 moves along the axial direction of the differential housing 400, it drives the thrust pin 203 to move along the axial direction of the differential housing 400. The other end of the thrust pin 203 drives the engagement tooth 201 to move, engaging the first tooth 2021 and the second tooth 2011, thereby locking the differential function of the locking differential 1000.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the electromagnetic drive 4 is energized, the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 move relative to each other, so that the rolling member 7 can move on the drive inclined surface 61 and push the driven thrust member 2 to move toward the thrust pin 203. When the electromagnetic drive 4 is not energized, the rolling member 7 rotates simultaneously with the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 at the center position of the drive mating groove 6.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the locking differential 1000 further includes a reset device that drives the engagement gear 201 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The reset device can drive the engagement gear 201 from the locked position to the unlocked position, enabling rapid unlocking of the differential function and improving working efficiency. By providing the reset device, the engagement gear 201 can also remain in the unlocked position when not driven by the thrust mechanism 100, improving the safety of the locking differential 1000.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the reset device can automatically drive the engagement tooth 201 to move toward the unlocked position, so that the engagement tooth 201 is separated from the left half-shaft gear 202, and the differential can normally perform its differential function. The automatic drive of the engagement tooth 201 from the locked position to the unlocked position by the reset device can improve the intelligence and ease of use of the locking differential 1000, and avoid the situation where the differential function of the locking differential 1000 is locked and then forgotten to be unlocked. The reset device can improve the driving safety of the vehicle.

[0084] Specifically, such as Figure 19 As shown, the reset device is constructed as a circular wave spring 301, with the wave spring 301 evenly arranged on the engaging teeth 201. One end of the wave spring 301 is connected to the engaging teeth 201, and the other end is connected to the second housing 402. The wave spring 301 is adapted to be compressed by the engaging teeth 201 and the second housing 402 when the engaging teeth 201 move from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the engaging teeth 201 move axially toward the second housing 402, the wave spring 301 is compressed, and the reset device has a tendency to extend, exerting a reverse force on the engaging teeth 201. That is, when the engaging teeth 201 are in the locked position, the reset device has a driving force to drive the engaging teeth 201 to move toward the unlocked position. And, as... Figure 18 As shown, a shim 470 is also provided between the wave spring 301 and the engagement tooth 201 to effectively transmit the elastic force of the wave spring 301 to the engagement tooth 201 through the shim 470, or the engagement tooth 201 effectively transmits the thrust to the wave spring 301 through the shim 470.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the locking differential 1000 further includes a thrust bearing 440, a retaining ring 450, and a thrust bearing washer 460. It should be noted that, as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, the thrust bearing 440, retaining ring 450, and thrust bearing washer 460 are all constructed as annular structures, and are sequentially fitted together axially. Specifically, the thrust bearing 440 is positioned on the side of the active thrust member 1 opposite to the driven thrust member 2, and the thrust bearing 440 and retaining ring 450 are respectively positioned on both sides of the thrust bearing washer 460. The first housing 401 has a retaining ring 450 groove 4012, within which the retaining ring 450 can be disposed, and the retaining ring 450 has a radially protruding limiting portion 4501.

[0086] Understandably, when the retaining ring 450 is fixed to the differential housing 400, the limiting part 4501 prevents the active thrust member 1 from moving axially away from the driven thrust member 2. Furthermore, the side of the active thrust member 1 facing the driven thrust member 2 is fitted onto the differential housing 400, preventing the active thrust member 1 from moving axially towards the driven thrust member 2. Thus, the driven thrust member 2 is restricted from moving towards the active thrust member 1 and can only move towards the engagement gear 201, thereby achieving differential locking.

[0087] The following is for reference. Figure 1 - Figure 20 The working process of the locking differential 1000 of the present invention is described in detail.

[0088] In the initial state, such as Figure 2 As shown, the engagement tooth 201 is in the unlocked position, the electromagnetic drive 4 is not energized, the thrust mechanism 100 has no driving force, the thrust pin 203 passes through the first housing 401, and the axial position of the thrust pin 203 remains unchanged. Since there is no driving force, the axial position of the engagement tooth 201 remains unchanged. The second tooth 2011 on the engagement tooth 201 separates from the first tooth 2021 on the left half-shaft gear 202. The engagement tooth 201 is located in the unlocked position furthest from the second housing 402.

[0089] When the locking differential 1000 needs to be switched from differential mode to locked mode, the electromagnetic drive 4 is energized. At this time, the engine power enters the locking differential 1000 through the drive shaft, the differential housing 400 rotates, and the driven thrust member 2 rotates synchronously with the differential housing 400. As the moving shaft 42 of the electromagnet 41 moves a certain distance toward the electromagnet 41, the moving shaft 42 drives the push fork 3 to rotate around the center line of the rotating pin 331. The actuating pin 31 pushes the friction ring 5 toward the side of the active thrust member 1, so that the friction layer 53 of the friction ring 5 presses against the friction surface 11 of the active thrust member 1. Therefore, the active thrust member 1 is subjected to the frictional torque of the friction ring 5, causing the active thrust member 1 and the driven thrust member 2 to rotate relative to each other. At this time, the rolling member 7 rolls out of the center of the drive mating groove 6, and rolls on the drive inclined surface 61 to push the driven thrust member 2. The driven thrust member 2 moves along the axis of the differential housing 400. The driven thrust member 2 moves along the axis of the first housing 401 toward the second housing 402. The driven thrust member 2 drives the thrust pin 203 to move along the axis of the differential housing 400. The other end of the thrust pin 203 drives the engagement tooth 201 to move along the axis of the first housing 401 toward the second housing 402, meshing the first tooth 2021 and the second tooth 2011, and engaging the radial tooth 2013 with the radial tooth groove 4011 on the differential housing 400, thereby locking the differential function of the locking differential 1000. The engagement tooth 201 is fixedly connected to the left half-shaft gear 202. At this time, the engagement tooth 201 is in the locked position.

[0090] The engagement tooth 201 can move from the locked position to the unlocked position under the action of the wave spring 301. It can be understood that when the engagement tooth 201 moves toward the second housing 402, the wave spring 301 is compressed, accumulating elastic potential energy, and the wave spring 301 has a tendency to extend. When the engagement tooth 201 is in the locked position, there is a driving force to drive the engagement tooth 201 to move toward the unlocked position.

[0091] When it is necessary to switch the differential from locked to differential mode, such as Figure 1As shown, when the electromagnetic drive component 4 is energized and then de-energized, the driving force disappears. The return spring 411 inside the electromagnet 41 pushes the drive shaft 42 back to its initial state before energization, thereby causing the drive fork 3 to rotate. The friction ring 5 moves away from the active thrust component 1 to separate from it, at which point the friction torque disappears. The wave spring 301 drives the engagement tooth 201 to move away from the second housing 402 along the axial direction of the first housing 401. The engagement tooth 201 drives one end of the thrust pin 203, causing the thrust pin 203 to push the driven thrust component 2 to move away from the second housing 402 along the axial direction of the first housing 401. The driven thrust component 2 drives the rolling component 7 back to its initial position. Under the action of the wave spring 301, the engagement tooth 201 remains in the unlocked position, preparing for the next locking of the locking differential 1000.

[0092] The locking differential 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention, other configurations and designs of the locking differential 1000, such as the design of the planetary gear body 420 and the differential housing 400, and the operation of other components are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking differential thrust mechanism 100, when a wheel slips and cannot get out of trouble, allows the driver to activate the locking differential thrust mechanism 100 by pressing a button, thereby locking both wheels and locking the differential function of the differential. This causes the two half-shaft gears to change from rotating at unequal speeds to rotating at the same speed, thereby using the wheel with traction to generate sufficient driving force. This maintains power output when the car is stuck in mud, slipping, or falling into a pit, allowing the car to start smoothly or continue driving and get out of trouble. Furthermore, the locking differential thrust mechanism 100 has high precision during switching, and the design of the oil reservoir 54 reduces component wear, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0094] 1. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0095] 2. In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0096] 3. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0097] 4. In the description of the present invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them.

[0098] 5. In the description of the present invention, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0099] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0100] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thrust mechanism for a locking differential, characterized in that, include: The differential housing includes an active thrust component and a driven thrust component, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the differential housing and distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the differential housing. The driven thrust component is in circumferential transmission engagement with the differential housing. A push fork is rotatably mounted on the differential housing about a rotation axis, and the push fork is provided with a pressing part and a mating part on both sides of the rotation axis; An electromagnetic drive unit is adapted to drive the mating part to rotate relative to the rotation axis when energized, and the pressing part is used to push the active thrust member to press the driven thrust member when the mating part rotates; It also includes: a friction ring, which is sleeved on the outside of the differential housing and is located on the side of the active thrust member away from the driven thrust member; the pressing part is connected to the friction ring and is adapted to push the friction ring to press the active thrust member toward the driven thrust member. The pressing part is constructed as a deflecting pin, the axis of the deflecting pin is parallel and spaced apart from the rotation axis, the friction ring is provided with a first connecting hole, and the deflecting pin passes through the first connecting hole so that the deflecting pin is rotatably connected to the friction ring.

2. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction ring includes a connecting ring portion and a pressing ring portion. The pressing ring portion is bent and connected to the connecting ring portion, and the pressing ring portion extends radially along the friction ring. The connecting ring portion extends axially along the friction ring. The pressing ring portion is used to push the active thrust member. The first connecting hole is provided in the connecting ring portion.

3. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction ring has a friction layer on the side facing the active thrust member, and the friction layer is made of friction material.

4. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push fork includes a main body rod and a fork rod. The main body rod has a U-shaped structure with an open end and a closed end. The fork rod is connected to the closed end of the main body rod. The mating part is located inside the opening of the open end and is constructed as a pushing groove at the closed end.

5. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 4, characterized in that, A rotating pin is provided on the outer side of the main rod, and the rotating pin is rotatably connected to the differential housing.

6. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic drive component includes an electromagnet and a moving shaft. The electromagnet is configured to drive the moving shaft to move axially when energized. The moving shaft is provided with a snap-fit ​​interface that engages with the mating part.

7. The thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the active thrust member and the driven thrust member have driving mating grooves on their sides facing each other. A rolling element is provided in the driving mating groove. The rolling element is adapted to drive the active thrust member and the driven thrust member to rotate together when the active thrust member presses against the driven thrust member.

8. A locking differential, characterized in that, The differential housing and the thrust mechanism of the locking differential according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the differential housing is provided with a thrust pin, a engagement gear, a planetary gear and two half-shaft gears, the engagement gear is movably installed in the differential housing, the thrust pin passes through the differential housing along the axial direction of the differential housing, and both half-shaft gears mesh with the planetary gear.

Images