Vent Plug Assembly Structure, Driving Axle Assembly and Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of automobile technology, and discloses a vent plug assembly structure, a drive axle assembly, and a vehicle. The vent plug assembly structure is used to connect the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly with the external space, and includes a bridge housing vent plug and a front housing vent plug. The bridge housing vent plug includes a first vent pipe and a first pipe joint. The first pipe joint is installed on the bridge housing of the drive axle assembly and is connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The first vent pipe is cross-connected to the first pipe joint. The vent of the first vent pipe is opened on the side of the first vent pipe away from the bridge housing; the front housing vent plug includes a second vent pipe and a second pipe joint. The second pipe joint is installed on the front housing of the drive axle assembly and is connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The second vent pipe is cross-connected to the second pipe joint. A part of the second pipe joint extends into the second vent pipe. The vent plug assembly structure can realize the ventilation function of the drive axle assembly and can prevent mud and water from entering the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile technology, and in particular to a breather plug assembly structure, a drive axle assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Construction vehicles operate in harsh, often muddy, conditions. The drive axle is the mechanism at the end of the transmission system that converts the speed and torque from the transmission and transmits them to the drive wheels. Due to the insufficient waterproofing of existing drive axle vent plugs, muddy water easily enters the drive axle's inner cavity, where gears are located. The gear oil in these gears deteriorates easily when exposed to water, resulting in a decrease in lubrication performance and ultimately failure of components such as bearings and gears.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vent plug assembly structure, a drive axle assembly and a vehicle to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a vent plug assembly structure that can realize the ventilation function of the drive axle assembly and prevent muddy water from entering the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly.

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The vent plug assembly structure is used to connect the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly with the external space. The vent plug assembly structure includes:

[0007] an axle housing vent plug, the axle housing vent plug comprising a first vent pipe and a first pipe joint, the first pipe joint being mounted on the axle housing of the drive axle assembly and communicating with an inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, the first vent pipe being cross-connected to the first pipe joint, and a vent opening of the first vent pipe being located on a side of the first vent pipe facing away from the axle housing;

[0008] A front shell vent plug includes a second vent pipe and a second pipe joint, the second pipe joint is installed on the front shell of the drive axle assembly and is connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, the second vent pipe is cross-connected to the second pipe joint, and a part of the second pipe joint extends into the second vent pipe.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, the end of the first pipe joint away from the bridge housing is closed to form a closed end, the first vent pipe passes through the first pipe joint at an angle, and the vent faces the closed end.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, a first limiting boss is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first pipe joint, the first pipe joint is installed in the bridge housing, and the first limiting boss is located outside the bridge housing.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, the bridge housing vent plug also includes a first oil shield, the first pipe joint is screwed into the mounting hole of the bridge housing, and the first oil shield is located in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, blocking the front end of the mounting hole.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, a connecting hole communicating with the inner cavity of the second vent pipe is provided on the side thereof, and the second pipe joint is inserted into the connecting hole at an angle.

[0013] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, the front shell vent plug also includes a connecting plug, which is installed on the front shell. The interior of the connecting plug is hollow to form a middle hole, which is connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The second pipe joint is coaxially connected to the connecting plug and is connected to the middle hole.

[0014] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, a connection limiting boss is provided on the outer peripheral side of the connecting plug, the connecting plug is installed in the front shell, and the connection limiting boss is located outside the front shell.

[0015] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, a second limiting boss is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second pipe joint, the second pipe joint is installed in the connecting plug, and the second limiting boss is located outside the connecting plug.

[0016] As a preferred solution of the vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention, the front shell vent plug also includes a second oil shield, which is located in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, connected to the connecting plug, and the shield is provided at the opening of the center hole.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the object is to provide a drive axle assembly, which includes a bridge housing and a front housing, and the bridge housing and the front housing are snapped together to form an inner cavity of the drive axle, including the vent plug assembly structure described in any of the above schemes, the bridge housing vent plug is installed on the bridge housing, and the front housing vent plug is installed on the front housing.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a vehicle comprising the drive axle assembly described in the above solution.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0020] The vent plug assembly structure provided by the present invention is used to connect the inner cavity of a drive axle assembly with the external space, and includes an axle housing vent plug and a front housing vent plug. The axle housing vent plug includes a first vent pipe and a first pipe joint. The first pipe joint is installed on the axle housing of the drive axle assembly and connects to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The first vent pipe is cross-connected with the first pipe joint. Gas in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly can be discharged to the outside through the first pipe joint and the first vent pipe in sequence, thereby achieving a balance of air pressure inside and outside the drive axle assembly. By cross-arranging the first vent pipe and the first pipe joint, the vent port of the first vent pipe is opened on the side of the first vent pipe away from the axle housing. Even if external mud and water enter the first vent pipe, they will not directly enter the first pipe joint. Therefore, the axle housing vent plug can prevent mud and water from entering the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The front housing vent plug includes a second vent pipe and a second pipe joint. The second pipe joint is mounted on the front housing of the drive axle assembly and communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The second vent pipe crosses and connects to the second pipe joint. Gas within the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly can also be discharged to the outside through the second pipe joint and the second vent pipe in sequence, thereby achieving balanced air pressure inside and outside the drive axle assembly. By cross-locating the second vent pipe and the second pipe joint, with a portion of the second pipe joint extending into the second vent pipe, even if external muddy water enters the second vent pipe, it will not directly enter the second pipe joint. Thus, the front housing vent plug can prevent muddy water from entering the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in describing the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the contents of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the structure marked as A;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the structure marked as B;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an axle housing vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded schematic diagram of an axle housing vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a front shell vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the front shell vent plug provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Axle housing; 2. Front housing;

[0033] 100, axle housing vent plug; 110, first vent pipe; 111, vent; 120, first pipe joint; 121, first limiting boss; 130, first oil shield;

[0034] 200, front shell vent plug; 210, second vent pipe; 211, connecting hole; 220, second pipe joint; 221, second limiting boss; 230, connecting plug; 231, middle hole; 232, connecting limiting boss; 240, second oil shield; 241, connecting part; 242, oil shield part; 243, vent groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "right," and "left" are used to refer to positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0039] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] This embodiment provides a breather plug assembly structure, a drive axle assembly, and a vehicle. The vehicle includes the drive axle assembly provided by this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the structure marked as A; Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the structure marked as B. Figure 1-Figure 3 The drive axle assembly provided in this embodiment includes an axle housing 1 and a front housing 2, which are fastened together to form the drive axle's inner cavity. The drive axle assembly also includes a vent plug assembly structure provided in this embodiment. The vent plug assembly structure is configured to connect the drive axle's inner cavity with the external space, thereby ventilating the drive axle's inner cavity and thereby regulating the pressure to a normal range.

[0042] Specifically, the vent plug assembly structure includes an axle housing vent plug 100 and a front housing vent plug 200. The axle housing vent plug 100 is installed on the axle housing 1 and communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly; the front housing vent plug 200 is installed on the front housing 2 and communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly.

[0043] Figure 4 A partial structural cross-section of a drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an axle housing vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 The following is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the axle housing vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The section direction is perpendicular to Figure 5 Section direction. Figure 4-Figure 6 The axle housing vent plug 100 includes a first vent pipe 110 and a first pipe joint 120. The first pipe joint 120 is installed on the axle housing 1 of the drive axle assembly, and the first vent pipe 110 is cross-connected to the first pipe joint 120. The vent port 111 of the first vent pipe 110 is located on the side of the first vent pipe 110 facing away from the axle housing 1. First openings are provided at both ends of the first vent pipe 110 for achieving a ventilation function. If external muddy water enters the first vent pipe 110 through one of the first openings, it can also flow out of the first vent pipe 110 through the other first opening.

[0044] Specifically, the end of the first pipe joint 120 away from the bridge housing 1 is closed to form a closed end. The first vent pipe 110 passes through the first pipe joint 120 at an angle, and the vent 111 faces the closed end. In this embodiment, the first vent pipe 110 is arranged perpendicular to the first pipe joint 120. The vent 111 is arranged directly towards the closed end. The gas in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly can enter the first pipe joint 120, move toward the closed end in the first pipe joint 120, and enter the first vent pipe 110 through the vent 111, and finally be discharged from the two first openings at both ends of the first vent pipe 110. The closed end can prevent external mud and water from directly pouring into the first pipe joint 120 along the axial direction.

[0045] More specifically, the axle housing 1 defines a mounting hole for mounting the axle housing vent plug 100. The lower portion of the first pipe joint 120 is provided with external threads that mate with the internal threads of the mounting hole, and the first pipe joint 120 is threadedly engaged with the mounting hole. A first limiting boss 121 is provided on the outer circumference of the first pipe joint 120. The first pipe joint 120 is installed in the axle housing 1. The first limiting boss 121 is located outside the axle housing 1 and serves as a position limiter. In this embodiment, the first limiting boss 121 is an annular boss disposed around the exterior of the first pipe joint 120. In other embodiments, the first limiting boss 121 may also be a plurality of circumferentially spaced protrusions disposed on the exterior of the first pipe joint 120.

[0046] More specifically, the axle housing vent plug 100 further includes a first oil shield 130, which is located within the drive axle assembly cavity and blocks the front end of the mounting hole. This shield is used to prevent gear oil within the drive axle assembly cavity from splashing and clogging the first pipe joint 120. In this embodiment, the first oil shield 130 can be an L-shaped or C-shaped baffle structure integrally formed on the inner wall of the drive axle assembly, achieving the oil shielding function while not affecting the exhaust process within the drive axle assembly cavity.

[0047] Figure 7 A partial structural cross-section of a drive axle assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a front shell vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 The following is a schematic diagram of the exploded view of the front shell vent plug provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The section direction is perpendicular to Figure 8 Section direction. Figure 7-Figure 9 The front housing vent plug 200 includes a second vent pipe 210 and a second pipe joint 220. The second pipe joint 220 is mounted on the front housing 2 of the drive axle assembly and communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The second vent pipe 210 cross-connects with the second pipe joint 220, and a portion of the second pipe joint 220 extends into the second vent pipe 210. Second openings are provided at both ends of the second vent pipe 210 for ventilation. If external muddy water enters the second vent pipe 210 through one of the second openings, it can also flow out of the second vent pipe 210 through the other second opening.

[0048] Specifically, a circular connecting hole 211 is provided on the side of the second vent pipe 210 to communicate with the inner cavity thereof, and the second pipe joint 220 is inserted into the connecting hole 211 at an angle, and the head end of the second pipe joint 220 is higher than the opening of the connecting hole 211, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Through the above arrangement, as long as the liquid level of the muddy water in the second vent pipe 210 is lower than the head end height of the second pipe joint 220, the muddy water will not directly flow into the second pipe joint 220, which can play a certain role in preventing muddy water.

[0049] More specifically, the front housing vent plug 200 further includes a connecting plug 230, which is mounted on the front housing 2. The connecting plug 230 is hollowed out to form a central hole 231, which communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly. The second pipe joint 220 is coaxially connected to the connecting plug 230 and communicates with the central hole 231. The lower section of the second pipe joint 220 is provided with external threads, and the central hole 231 is provided with internal threads. The second pipe joint 220 is threadedly connected to the central hole 231. The lower section of the connecting plug 230 is provided with external threads. The front housing 2 defines a front housing mounting hole, which is provided with internal threads. The connecting plug 230 is threadedly connected to the front housing mounting hole.

[0050] Preferably, a connection limiting boss 232 is provided on the outer circumference of the connection plug 230. When the connection plug 230 is installed in the front shell mounting hole, the connection limiting boss 232 is located outside the front shell mounting hole. The connection limiting boss 232 can serve as a limiter to prevent the connection plug 230 from being screwed too deeply into the front shell 2. In this embodiment, the connection limiting boss 232 is an annular boss provided around the outside of the connection plug 230. In other embodiments, the connection limiting boss 232 can also be a plurality of protrusion structures provided at intervals along the circumference of the outer portion of the connection plug 230.

[0051] Preferably, a second limiting boss 221 is provided on the outer circumference of the second pipe joint 220. When the second pipe joint 220 is screwed into the connecting plug 230, the second limiting boss 221 can be located outside the connecting plug 230, thereby limiting the position and preventing the second pipe joint 220 from being screwed too deeply into the connecting plug 230. In this embodiment, the second limiting boss 221 is an annular boss provided around the outside of the second pipe joint 220. In other embodiments, the second limiting boss 221 may also be a plurality of convex blocks provided at intervals along the circumference of the second pipe joint 220.

[0052] More specifically, the front housing vent plug 200 further includes a second oil shield 240, which is located within the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly and is welded to the end of the connecting plug 230 away from the second pipe joint 220. The second oil shield 240 covers the opening of the central hole 231. The second oil shield 240 prevents the gear oil in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly from splashing and blocking the central hole 231.

[0053] Further, continue to refer to Figure 7-Figure 9 The second oil shield 240 includes a connecting portion 241 and an oil shield 242. The connecting portion 241 is annular, with a diameter larger than that of the central hole 231 and smaller than that of the end of the connecting plug 230, and is welded to the end of the connecting plug 230. The oil shield 242 is a hemispherical shell structure, fixedly connected to the side of the connecting portion 241 facing away from the end of the connecting plug 230, and serves to shield the oil.

[0054] Preferably, to ensure that the ventilation function of the front housing vent plug 200 is not compromised, a vent groove 243 is defined around the circumference of the connecting portion 241. Multiple vent grooves 243 are provided, evenly distributed along the circumference of the connecting portion 241. When the connecting portion 241 is secured to the end of the connecting plug 230, the vent grooves 243 and the end of the connecting plug 230 form a through-hole, through which the central hole 231 communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, ensuring ventilation.

[0055] It should be noted that the drive axle assembly provided in this embodiment can be equipped with only the bridge housing vent plug 100 or only the front housing vent plug 200, or both the housing vent plug 100 and the front housing vent plug 200 as needed, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions thereto.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The vent plug assembly structure is used to connect the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly and the external space, and is characterized by: include: A bridge housing vent plug (100) comprises a first vent pipe (110) and a first pipe joint (120), wherein the first pipe joint (120) is installed on the bridge housing (1) of the drive axle assembly and is connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, the first vent pipe (110) is cross-connected to the first pipe joint (120), and the vent (111) of the first vent pipe (110) is opened on a side of the first vent pipe (110) away from the bridge housing (1); A front housing vent plug (200) comprises a second vent pipe (210) and a second pipe joint (220), wherein the second pipe joint (220) is mounted on the front housing (2) of the drive axle assembly and communicates with the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, the second vent pipe (210) cross-connects with the second pipe joint (220), and a portion of the second pipe joint (220) extends into the second vent pipe (210); The end of the first pipe joint (120) away from the bridge housing (1) is closed to form a closed end, the first vent pipe (110) passes through the first pipe joint (120) at an angle, and the vent (111) faces the closed end.

2. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first limiting boss (121) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first pipe joint (120); the first pipe joint (120) is installed in the axle housing (1); and the first limiting boss (121) is located outside the axle housing (1).

3. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bridge housing vent plug (100) further includes a first oil shield (130), wherein the first pipe joint (120) is screwed into the mounting hole of the bridge housing (1), and the first oil shield (130) is located in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly and blocks the front end of the mounting hole.

4. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting hole (211) communicating with the inner cavity of the second ventilation pipe (210) is provided on the side thereof, and the second pipe joint (220) is inserted into the connecting hole (211) at an angle.

5. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front shell vent plug (200) further comprises a connecting plug (230), the connecting plug (230) being mounted on the front shell (2), the connecting plug (230) being hollow inside to form a central hole (231), the central hole (231) being connected to the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, and the second pipe joint (220) being coaxially connected to the connecting plug (230) and connected to the central hole (231).

6. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A connection limiting boss (232) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the connection plug (230); the connection plug (230) is installed in the front shell (2); and the connection limiting boss (232) is located outside the front shell (2).

7. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second limiting boss (221) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second pipe joint (220), the second pipe joint (220) is installed in the connecting plug (230), and the second limiting boss (221) is located outside the connecting plug (230).

8. The vent plug assembly structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front shell vent plug (200) further includes a second oil shield (240), which is located in the inner cavity of the drive axle assembly, connected to the connecting plug (230), and is located at the opening of the center hole (231).

9. A drive axle assembly, comprising a bridge housing (1) and a front housing (2), wherein the bridge housing (1) and the front housing (2) are fastened together to form an inner cavity of the drive axle, characterized in that: It also includes the vent plug assembly structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the axle housing vent plug (100) is installed on the axle housing (1), and the front housing vent plug (200) is installed on the front housing (2).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that Including the drive axle assembly described in claim 9.

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