Differential, drive axle and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a differential, a drive axle and a vehicle. The differential comprises a planetary gear set, an output member, and a clutch member configured to be movable along a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch member is in the locked position, the clutch member drivingly connects one of the first output member and the second output member with the input member, so that the first output member, the second output member and the input member can rotate synchronously. When the clutch member is in the unlocked position, the clutch member can be separated from the output member. The drive axle and the vehicle of the application comprise a differential arranged along a first axis direction, and the differential has a locking function, so that the drive axle can adjust whether to enable the differential function according to needs. The clutch member moves along the first axis direction, the overall structure reduces power loss caused by other direction components, improves transmission efficiency, reduces occupied space, and makes the internal structure of the differential more compact.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of axle, in particular to a differential, drive axle and vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Compared with ordinary commercial vehicles, the torque to be transmitted inside the heavy commercial vehicle is larger, so a larger power engine needs to be selected, which has a higher requirement on the transmission system, and the drive axle plays a key role in the transmission system. The inter-axle differential in the drive axle is arranged to adjust the speed difference of the front and rear drive wheels. When the automobile is running on uneven road surface or other special working conditions, the inter-axle differential assembly is needed to differentially drive the adjacent drive axle to ensure that the front and rear wheel hubs can roll at different speeds. In the related art, the directions of the components of the inter-axle differential are inconsistent, the inter-axle differential generates a component force in a direction other than the axial direction, causing unnecessary power loss, and the inter-axle differential with the differential lock function has a compact structure, and the complex differential lock structure occupies a large internal space of the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drive axle, differential and vehicle with a differential lock function, space saving and high transmission efficiency in view of the above technical problems.

[0004] In one aspect, a differential is provided, which is arranged along the first axis, and the differential is connected to an input, which can rotate around the first axis; the differential comprises:

[0005] a planetary gear set in transmission connection with the input, the planetary gear set comprising a first transmission part and a second transmission part moving under the action of the input;

[0006] an output comprising a first output and a second output moving around the first axis respectively; the first output is in transmission connection with the first transmission part, and the second output is in transmission connection with the second transmission part;

[0007] a clutch in transmission connection with the input and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the input along the first axis; when the clutch is in the locked position, the clutch connects one of the first output and the second output in transmission with the input, so that one of the first output and the second output can rotate synchronously with the input, and the other can rotate synchronously with the input through the planetary gear set; when the clutch is in the unlocked position, the clutch can be separated from the output.

[0008] In one embodiment, the clutching member includes a first spline portion and a second spline portion, the first spline portion is in driving connection with the input member, the second spline portion is in driving connection with one of the first output member or the second output member when the clutching member is in the locked position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the planetary gear set includes:

[0010] a carrier in driving connection with the input member for rotation about the first axis under driving of the input member;

[0011] a planet gear in driving connection with the carrier, including a first planet gear and a second planet gear arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis, the first planet gear is in meshing connection with the first output member, the second planet gear is in meshing connection with the second output member, the first planet gear and the second planet gear are in meshing connection with each other; the first planet gear forms the first transmission portion, the second planet gear forms the second transmission portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the planetary gear set further includes a planet gear shaft arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis, the planet gear is in driving connection with the carrier through the planet gear shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first output member is arranged outside the second output member, the second output member is arranged at least partially outside the input member, the planetary gear set is arranged between the input member and the second output member.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first output member includes a first ring gear and a first ring gear carrier; the first ring gear is in meshing connection with the first transmission portion, and the clutching member is in driving connection with one end of the first ring gear when the clutching member is in the locked position, and the clutching member is separated from the one end of the first ring gear when the clutching member is in the unlocked position; the first ring gear carrier is connected with the first ring gear at one end, and outputs the first motion to the outside at the other end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second output member includes a second ring gear and a second ring gear carrier; the second ring gear is in meshing connection with the second transmission portion, and the second ring gear carrier is connected with the second ring gear at one end, and outputs the second motion to the outside at the other end.

[0016] In one aspect, a drive axle of a vehicle is provided, including a middle axle assembly and a rear axle assembly, the middle axle assembly includes:

[0017] a wheel shaft; and

[0018] an input member rotatable about a first axis;

[0019] a first differential including:

[0020] a planetary gear set in transmission connection with the input member, the planetary gear set comprising a first transmission part and a second transmission part in motion under the action of the input member;

[0021] an output member comprising a first output member and a second output member in motion around the first axis respectively; one end of the first output member is in transmission connection with the first transmission part, and the other end is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft; one end of the second output member is in transmission connection with the second transmission part, and the other end is in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly;

[0022] a clutch member in transmission connection with the input member and configured to be capable of moving along the first axis relative to the input member between a locked position and an unlocked position; when the clutch member is in the locked position, the clutch member is in transmission connection between one of the first output member and the second output member and the input member, so that one of the first output member and the second output member is capable of rotating synchronously with the input member, and the other is capable of rotating synchronously with the input member through the planetary gear set; when the clutch member is in the unlocked position, the clutch member is capable of being separated from the output member.

[0023] In one of the embodiments, a shaft coupling is further included, one end of the shaft coupling is in transmission connection with the second input member, and the other end is in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly; the wheel shaft passes through the shaft coupling along a second axis; the second axis is arranged intersecting the first axis.

[0024] In one of the embodiments, a second differential is further included, the front wheel shafts comprise a first front wheel shaft and a second front wheel shaft arranged along a second axis; the second differential is in transmission connection with the first output member at the middle part, and in transmission connection with the first front wheel shaft at one end and with the second front wheel shaft at the other end.

[0025] In one aspect, a vehicle is provided, which is provided with the differential or the drive axle.

[0026] The drive axle and the vehicle of the present application comprise a differential arranged along a first axis direction, the differential has a locking function, so that the drive axle can adjust whether to enable the differential function as needed, the clutch member moves along the first axis direction, the overall structure reduces the power loss caused by the component force in other directions, improves the transmission efficiency, and reduces the occupied space, so that the internal structure of the differential is more compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the drive axle in one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the axle assembly in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 3 Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first differential and an input member in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more clear and easily understood, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced in a number of different ways without some of the specific details described herein, and it is understood that the present application is not limited to the embodiments described below. In other instances, well-known methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present application.

[0031] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that, if there are terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0032] In addition, if the terms "first", "second" appear, these terms are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features referred to. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0033] In the present application, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, if the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connecting", "fixing" and the like appear, these terms should be broadly understood. For example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise specifically limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In the present application, unless specifically stated and limited otherwise, if there is a description of a first feature "on" or "under" a second feature, etc., it can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "over", "above" and "on" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the first feature is higher in horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature "under", "below" and "under" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the first feature is lower in horizontal height than the second feature.

[0035] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed" or "set" on another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intermediate element. If present, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in the present application are only for illustrative purposes and do not represent the only implementation.

[0036] The automobile drive axle is at the end of the automobile power transmission system, used to increase the torque from the transmission shaft, and reasonably distribute power to different drive wheels, in addition, also bears the vertical force, longitudinal force and lateral force acting between the road surface and the frame or the vehicle body.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a drive axle for a vehicle in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The drive axle 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application is used for a vehicle, comprising a middle axle assembly 10, a rear axle assembly 20 and a transmission assembly 30 for transmission connecting the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20. In the embodiment, the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 simultaneously output driving force, and the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 respectively output required power to corresponding wheel assemblies to realize the driving function.

[0038] The middle axle assembly 10 is used for transmitting the force in all directions between the frame and the front wheels and the bending moment and torque generated thereby, and is usually uniformly distributed in the middle of the vehicle. The rear axle assembly 20 is used for transmitting the force in all directions between the frame and the rear wheels and the bending moment and torque generated thereby, and is usually uniformly distributed at the rear end of the vehicle. The middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 in the present application both serve as drive axles for outputting power. The middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 are integrally arranged, so that the arrangement of the transmission mechanism of the automobile drive axle is more compact, facilitating the reduction of the weight of the automobile drive axle, realizing the lightweight design, and at the same time reducing the cost of the automobile drive axle, which is conducive to the realization of mass production and practical application. In other embodiments, a front axle assembly can also be included, which can also serve as a drive axle for outputting power.

[0039] In this embodiment, the internal structure of the middle axle assembly 10 is described as an example for the drive axle 1. In some embodiments, the middle axle assembly 10 has a similar structure to the rear axle assembly 20, and also includes a differential, coupling, etc. with similar structures, which will not be described in detail here.

[0040] The middle axle assembly 10 includes an input component 12, a first differential 100, a drive component 11, a second differential 14, and a coupling 15. The input component 12 connects to an external power source and is rotatable about a first axis 10a, providing rotational force to the other components of the middle axle assembly 10. The first differential 100 is located between the other components of the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20; the first differential 100 is an inter-axle differential. One end of the first differential 100 is connected to the input component 12, and the other end is connected to the drive component 11 and the coupling 15, respectively, transmitting the motion of the input component 12 to the drive component 11 and, through the coupling 15, to the rear axle assembly 20. The drive component 11 is connected to the second differential 14, which in turn connects to the front wheel axle.

[0041] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the first differential 100 includes a planetary gear set 140, an output component, and a clutch component 110. The planetary gear set 140 is drive-connected to the input component 12 and includes a first transmission section and a second transmission section that move under the action of the input component 12. The output component includes a first output component 120 and a second output component 130 that move about the first axis 10a. The first output component 120 is drive-connected to the first transmission section, and the second output component 130 is drive-connected to the second transmission section. The clutch 110 is drive-connected to the input 12 and configured to move relative to the input 12 along a first axis 10a between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch 110 is in the locked position, it drive-connects either the first output 120 or the second output 130 to the input 12, such that one of the first output 120 and the second output 130 can rotate synchronously with the input 12, and the other can rotate synchronously with the input 12 via a planetary gear set 140. At this time, the first rotational speed output by the first output 120 is equal to the second rotational speed output by the second output 130. When the clutch 110 is in the unlocked position, it can disengage from the output. At this time, the first rotational speed output by the first output 120 and the second rotational speed output by the second output 130 may be equal or unequal. The clutch 110 is used to lock the differential function of the first differential 100. Specifically, the clutch 110 acts on the output component and the planetary gear set 140 to lock or unlock the differential function of the differential. The components of the first differential 100 are arranged along the first axis 10a, which reduces power loss caused by forces in other directions and improves the overall transmission efficiency.

[0042] Further, the clutch 110 comprises a first spline part 111 and a second spline part 112. The first spline part 111 is in transmission connection with the spline structure of the input member 12. When the clutch 110 is in the locked position, the second spline part 112 is in transmission connection with one of the first output member 120 or the second output member 130. In the embodiment, when the clutch 110 is in the locked position, the clutch 110 is in transmission connection with the first output member 120. The first spline part 111 is arranged inside the clutch 110 along the first axis 10a. Correspondingly, the input member 12 is provided with a spline structure which is in connection with the first spline part 111. The clutch 110 is arranged outside the input member 12 and is movable along the first axis 10a on the input member 12 between the locked position and the unlocked position. An end surface of the clutch 110 forms the second spline part 112. Correspondingly, the first output member 120 is provided with a third spline part 121a at an end thereof which faces the clutch 110. When the clutch 110 is in the locked position, the third spline part 121a is in transmission connection with the second spline part 112.

[0043] The output member comprises the first output member 120 and the second output member 130 which are arranged along the first axis 10a. The first output member 120 comprises a first ring gear 121 and a first ring gear carrier 122. The first ring gear 121 is in meshing connection with the first transmission part. When the clutch 110 is in the locked position, the clutch 110 is in transmission connection with one end of the first ring gear 121. When the clutch 110 is in the unlocked position, the clutch 110 is separated from the one end of the first ring gear 121. The first ring gear carrier 122 is connected with the first ring gear 121 at one end and outputs a first movement to the outside at the other end. The first movement is a movement with a first rotational speed around the first axis 10a. The second output member 130 comprises a second ring gear 131 and a second ring gear carrier 132. The second ring gear 131 is in meshing connection with the second transmission part. The second ring gear carrier 132 is connected with the second ring gear 131 at one end and outputs a second movement to the outside at the other end. The second movement is a movement with a second rotational speed around the first axis 10a. Further, the first output member 120 is in transmission connection with the first transmission part at one end and is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft at the other end. The second output member 130 is in transmission connection with the second transmission part at one end and is in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly 20 through the transmission assembly at the other end.

[0044] The first output member 120 is arranged outside the second output member 130. The second output member 130 is at least partially arranged outside the input member 12. The planetary gear set 140 is arranged between the first output member 120 and the second output member 130.

[0045] The first ring gear 121 is internally provided with a first inner tooth portion 121b which is engaged with the first transmission portion. The first ring gear 121 is formed with a third spline portion 121a at one end thereof which is closer to the clutch 110 and a fourth spline portion 121c at one end thereof which is farther away from the clutch 110. The first ring gear holder 122 is provided with a spline structure which is connected with the fourth spline portion 121c, and the first ring gear holder 122 is in transmission connection with the first ring gear 121. In order to make the transmission connection between the first ring gear holder 122 and the first ring gear 121 more stable, the first ring gear holder 122 and the first ring gear 121 are connected through a first pin 123.

[0046] The first ring gear holder 122 is in a half-shell structure. One end of the first ring gear holder 122 is larger in diameter and is formed with a first input end 1221 which surrounds a first accommodating cavity 1223. The other end of the first ring gear holder 122 is smaller in diameter and is formed with a first output end 1222. A first step portion 1224 is formed between the first input end 1221 which is larger in diameter and the first output end 1222 which is smaller in diameter. The first input end 1221 is provided with a spline structure and is in transmission connection with the fourth spline portion 121c.

[0047] In the embodiment, the second ring gear 131 and the second ring gear holder 132 are in an integrated structure, and the second ring gear 131 is formed at one end of the second ring gear holder 132. The second ring gear 131 is internally provided with a second inner tooth portion which is engaged with the second transmission portion.

[0048] The second ring gear holder 132 is in a half-shell structure. One end of the second ring gear holder 132 is larger in diameter and is formed with a second input end 1321 which surrounds a second accommodating cavity 1323. The other end of the second ring gear holder 132 is smaller in diameter and is formed with a second output end 1322. A second step portion 1324 is formed between the second input end 1321 which is larger in diameter and the second output end 1322 which is smaller in diameter.

[0049] The second ring gear holder 132 is arranged in the interior of the first ring gear holder 122, the second input end 1321 is arranged in the first accommodating cavity 1223, and the second output end 1322 is arranged through the first output end 1222. Further, the length of the second output end 1322 is greater than the length of the first output end 1222, so that the second output end 1322 extends out of the first output end 1222. A bearing is arranged between the second output end 1322 and the first output end 1222, and the bearing can be a needle bearing. A gap is formed between the second step portion 1324 and the first step portion 1224, a spacer 124 is arranged in the gap to prevent wear between the second step portion 1324 and the first step portion 1224, and a bearing is also arranged in the gap, which can be a needle bearing. The spacer 124 and the bearing are arranged side by side between different sides of the second step portion 1324 and the first step portion 1224. A bushing is arranged between the second step portion 1324 and the input member 12.

[0050] The planetary gear set 140 is arranged between the first output member 120 and the second output member 130, and is configured to transmit the power input from the first differential 100 to the front axle 13 and the rear axle assembly 20, respectively. When the front axle 13 corresponding to the axle assembly 10 and the rear axle corresponding to the rear axle assembly 20 need to move at different speeds, the planetary gear set 140 can adjust the speed of the output member. Specifically, the first ring gear 121 and the second ring gear 131 are drivingly connected to the first transmission part and the second transmission part of the planetary gear set 140, respectively, and transmit the movement of the input member 12 input from the first differential 100 to the front axle 13 and the rear axle assembly 20, respectively. The planetary gear set 140 is at least partially located in the first accommodating cavity. The above structure increases the integration of the first differential 100, making the differential more space-saving in the direction of the first axis 10a.

[0051] The planetary gear set 140 includes a planetary carrier 141 and a planetary gear 142. The planetary carrier 141 is drivingly connected to the input member 12 to rotate about the first axis 10a under the drive of the input member 12. The planetary gear 142 is drivingly connected to the planetary carrier 141, and the planetary gear 142 includes a first planetary gear 143 and a second planetary gear 144 arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis 10a. The first planetary gear 143 is in meshing connection with the first output member 120, the second planetary gear 144 is in meshing connection with the second output member 130, and the first planetary gear 143 is in meshing connection with the second planetary gear 144. The first planetary gear 143 forms a first transmission part, and the second planetary gear 144 forms a second transmission part.

[0052] The planetary carrier 141 is drivingly connected to the input member 12 and moves under the action of the input member 12. The planetary carrier 141 rotates coaxially with the input member 12, i.e., the planetary carrier 141 and the input member 12 both rotate about the first axis 10a. The middle part of the planetary carrier 141 is formed with a fifth spline part 141a extending in the direction of the first axis 10a, and the fifth spline part 141a is drivingly connected to the outer periphery of the input member 12.

[0053] Further, the input member 12 is sequentially provided with a sixth spline part 12a and a seventh spline part 12b in the direction of the first axis 10a. The clutch member 110 is sleeved on the sixth spline part 12a, and the first spline part 111 is drivingly connected to the sixth spline part 12a. The planetary carrier 141 is sleeved on the seventh spline part 12b, and the seventh spline part 12b is drivingly connected to the fifth spline part 141a. The diameter of the sixth spline part 12a is greater than the diameter of the seventh spline part 12b, so as to form a stepped part between the sixth spline part 12a and the seventh spline part 12b. A gasket is arranged between the stepped part and the planetary carrier 141.

[0054] The planetary gear 142 is drivingly connected to the planet carrier 141. In order to realize the differential motion between the front axle 13 of the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20, the planetary gear 142 comprises a first planetary gear 143 and a second planetary gear 144, the first planetary gear 143 meshes with the first ring gear 121 and the second planetary gear 144 respectively, and the second planetary gear 144 meshes with the second ring gear 131 and the first planetary gear 143 respectively. By the first planetary gear 143 meshing with the first ring gear 121 and the second planetary gear 144 meshing with the second ring gear 131, the first planetary gear 143 revolves around the first ring gear 121 and the second planetary gear 144 revolves around the second ring gear 131, so that the rotational speeds of the first output end and the second output end are the same. The first planetary gear 143 and the second planetary gear 144 revolve around the first axis 10a in different directions while rotating around the first axis 10a, so that the rotational speeds of the first ring gear 121 and the second ring gear 131 are different, and the rotational speeds of the first output end and the second output end are different, so as to eliminate the sliding phenomenon between the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 and realize the differential function of the first differential 100.

[0055] The planetary gear set 140 further comprises a planetary gear shaft 145 arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis 10a, and the planetary gear 142 is drivingly connected to the planet carrier 141 through the planetary gear shaft 145. The planetary gear shaft 145 is arranged in the planetary gear 142, and both ends of the planetary gear shaft 145 are connected to the planet carrier 141, so that when the planet carrier 141 rotates, the planetary gear 142 revolves around the direction parallel to the first axis 10a. The planetary gear 142 and the planetary gear shaft 145 are movably connected, so that the planetary gear 142 rotates around the respective planetary gear shaft 145. The central axis of the planetary gear shaft 145 is parallel to the first axis 10a. By arranging the planetary gear 142 and the planet carrier 141 in the direction of the first axis 10a, the differential is arranged in the direction of the first axis 10a as a whole, and each component rotates around the direction parallel to the first axis 10a, so that there is no transmission in other directions except the direction of the first axis 10a, which reduces the power loss caused by the component force in other directions and improves the overall transmission efficiency. Further, the planetary gear shaft 145 is connected to the planet carrier 141 through the second bolt.

[0056] The first planetary gear 143 comprises a first body part 143a and a first engaging part 143b. The first body part 143a is sleeved outside the planetary gear shaft 145, and a connecting hole is formed in the first body part 143a, and the planetary gear shaft 145 is inserted into the connecting hole, so that the first planetary gear 143 is connected to the planet carrier 141. The first engaging part 143b is a gear formed at both ends of the first body part 143a. In this embodiment, the first engaging part 143b is partially arranged at the middle of the first body part 143a and partially arranged at one end of the first body part 143a, and engages the second planetary gear 144 and the first ring gear 121 respectively. Further, the first engaging part 143b is integrally formed with the first body part 143a. In this embodiment, the first engaging part 143b can be protruded at both ends of the first body part 143a, and in other embodiments, the first engaging part 143b can also be recessed at both ends of the first body part 143a.

[0057] The second planetary gear 144 comprises a second body part 144a and a second engaging part 144b. The second body part 144a is sleeved outside the planetary gear shaft 145, and a connecting hole is formed in the second body part 144a, and the planetary gear shaft 145 is inserted into the connecting hole, so that the second planetary gear 144 is connected to the planet carrier 141. The second engaging part 144b is a gear formed on the second body part 144a. The second engaging part 144b of the second planetary gear 144 is a gear formed at both ends of the first body part 143a. In this embodiment, the second engaging part 144b is partially arranged at the middle of the second body part 144a and partially arranged at one end of the second body part 144a, and engages the first planetary gear 143 and the second ring gear 131 respectively. Further, the second engaging part 144b is integrally formed with the second body part 144a. In this embodiment, the second engaging part 144b can be protruded at both ends of the second body part 144a, and in other embodiments, the second engaging part 144b can also be recessed at both ends of the second body part 144a.

[0058] Further, the planetary gear 142 is provided with at least two groups, each group comprising one first planetary gear 143 and one second planetary gear 144. In this embodiment, the planetary gear 142 is provided with three groups, and the three groups of planetary gears 142 are arranged in central symmetry with respect to the first axis 10a. Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the connecting holes of the planet carrier 141 are provided with six, respectively for connecting the corresponding planetary gears 142.

[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, the clutch 110 is sleeved outside the input member 12, and the clutch 110 is capable of moving along the first axis 10a on the sixth spline portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. The clutch 110 is in transmission connection with the input member 12, and further, the clutch 110 is internally provided with the first spline portion 111, and the input member 12 is correspondingly externally provided with the spline, and the two are connected through the corresponding spline structure. When the clutch 110 is located at the locked position, the clutch 110 is in transmission connection with the first ring gear 121, and the second spline portion 112 and the third spline portion 121a are connected, at this time, the clutch 110, the first ring gear 121, the planet carrier 141 and the second ring gear 131 synchronously rotate coaxially, the planet gears 142 do not perform autorotation, the second output member 130 and the first output member 120 output the same rotating speed, the first motion is the same as the second motion, and the first differential mechanism 100 does not perform the differential function. When the clutch 110 is located at the unlocked position, the clutch 110 moves away from the first ring gear 121 along the first axis 10a, so that the second spline portion 112 and the third spline portion 121a are separated, at this time, the clutch 110 and the input member 12 synchronously rotate, the rotation of the input member 12 is transmitted to the first ring gear 121 and the second ring gear 131 through the planetary gear set 140, when the required torque between the front axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 is different, the planet gears 142 can perform autorotation, so that the second output member 130 and the first output member 120 output different rotating speeds, and the first differential mechanism 100 realizes the differential function.

[0060] In other embodiments, the clutch 110 can also be sleeved outside the first ring gear 121 or other structures, and the clutch 110 is capable of moving along the first axis 10a on the first ring gear 121 between the locked position and the unlocked position, and the first ring gear 121 and the second ring gear 131 are both locked with the input member 12 to perform coaxial rotation.

[0061] The coupling 15 is in transmission connection with the second output member 132 at one end and in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly 20 at the other end. Specifically, the coupling 15 is in transmission connection with the second output end 1322 at one end and in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly 20 through the transmission assembly at the other end. The front axle shaft 13 passes through the coupling 15 along the second axis, and the second axis intersects with the first axis 10a, and in the present embodiment, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis 10a.

[0062] The second input member is coaxially connected with the rear axle assembly 20 through the coupling 15. The coupling 15 includes a first end, a second end and a transmission cavity. The first end is connected with the first input member 12, and the second end is connected with the transmission assembly 30. The transmission cavity is located between the first end and the second end, and the transmission cavity is used for accommodating the front axle shaft 13 of the vehicle, that is, the transmission cavity is used for enabling the front axle shaft 13 of the vehicle to pass through the coupling 15 along the second axis 10b. The central axis of the front axle shaft 13 (i.e. the second axis 10b) intersects with the first axis 10a.

[0063] The first end and the second end of the coupling 15 are arranged along the first axis 10a in sequence, so that the first input member 12 and the transmission assembly connected by the coupling 15 are arranged along the first axis 10a, and then the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 are coaxially arranged. The middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 of the present application are coaxially arranged, which requires less layout space in the vehicle, reduces the total weight and manufacturing cost of the vehicle, and at the same time, the drive axle 1 of the present application requires fewer transmission components, improving transmission efficiency.

[0064] The driving member 11 is sleeved outside the second output end, and a gap is provided between the driving member 11 and the second output end. The driving member 11 moves under the action of the first output end. The second output end, the driving member 11 and the coupling 15 are arranged along the first axis 10a. Specifically, the central axis of the second output end and the driving member 11 coincides with the first axis 10a. The driving member 11 forms a through hole for the first input member 12 to pass through and connect, and the second output end passes through the through hole and extends from one end of the driving member 11.

[0065] The middle axle assembly 10 further comprises a second differential 14, and the front axle shaft 13 comprises a first front axle shaft 131 and a second front axle shaft 132 arranged along the second axis. The second differential 14 is drivingly connected to the first output member 120 in the middle, and one end of the second differential 14 is drivingly connected to the first front axle shaft 131, and the other end is drivingly connected to the second front axle shaft 132. Specifically, the second differential 14 is drivingly connected to the first output end in the middle through the driving member 11 and the driven member which mesh with each other. One end of the second differential 14 is drivingly connected to the first front axle shaft 131, and the other end is drivingly connected to the second front axle shaft 132 through the coupling 15, and the second front axle shaft 132 is arranged in the coupling 15. The second differential 14 can make the wheels at both ends of the front axle shaft 13 rotate at different speeds.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the driving member 11 is a bevel gear, and correspondingly, the driven member is a bevel gear meshing with the driving member 11. The driving member 11 meshes with the driven member to transmit the movement of the driving member 11 to the second differential 14. Further, the conical tooth surface of the driving member 11 has an inclination angle of 45°, and the driven member also comprises a conical tooth portion having an inclination angle of 45°. After the driving member 11 meshes with the driven member, the first axis 10a and the second axis 10b are perpendicular. In other embodiments, the driving member 11 can also be other structures that can transmit power.

[0067] The middle bridge assembly further comprises a nut 16, an adjusting ring 18, a flange 17 and an oil seal 19. The end face of the adjusting ring 18 is attached to the outer ring of the bearing, the thread diameter of the adjusting ring 18 is connected to the first reducer 100 shell, and the round hole of the adjusting ring 18 is connected to the shaft diameter of the oil seal 19. The shaft diameter of the flange 17 is matched with the lip of the oil seal, and the spline hole of the flange 17 is connected to the spline shaft of the input member 12. The threaded hole of the nut 16 is connected to the threaded diameter of the input member 12, and the round hole of the flange 17 is connected to the shaft diameter of the input member 12. A circular ring is arranged between the round hole of the flange 17 and the shaft diameter of the input member 12.

[0068] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. To make the description concise, all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described, but as long as the combinations of the technical features do not contradict, they should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent application scope. It should be noted that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A differential characterized in that, The differential is arranged along a first axis, and is connected to an input member capable of rotating about the first axis; the differential comprises: a planetary gear set in driving connection with the input member, the planetary gear set comprising a first driving part and a second driving part in motion under the action of the input member; and an output member comprising a first output member and a second output member respectively in motion about the first axis; the first output member is in driving connection with the first driving part, and the second output member is in driving connection with the second driving part; a clutch member in driving connection with the input member and configured to be capable of moving along the first axis relative to the input member between a locked position and an unlocked position; when the clutch member is in the locked position, the clutch member drives one of the first output member and the second output member in driving connection with the input member, so that one of the first output member and the second output member is capable of rotating synchronously with the input member, and the other is capable of rotating synchronously with the input member through the planetary gear set; when the clutch member is in the unlocked position, the clutch member is capable of being separated from the output member.

2. The differential of claim 1, wherein, The clutch member comprises a first spline part and a second spline part; the first spline part is in driving connection with the input member; when the clutch member is in the locked position, the second spline part is in driving connection with one of the first output member or the second output member.

3. The differential of claim 1 wherein, The planetary gear set comprises: a carrier in driving connection with the input member to rotate about the first axis under the driving of the input member; a planetary gear in driving connection with the carrier, comprising a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear arranged along a direction parallel to the first axis; the first planetary gear is in internal meshing connection with the first output member, the second planetary gear is in internal meshing connection with the second output member, and the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are in external meshing connection; the first planetary gear forms the first driving part, and the second planetary gear forms the second driving part.

4. The differential of claim 3 wherein, The planetary gear set further comprises a planetary gear shaft arranged along a direction parallel to the first axis; the planetary gear is in driving connection with the carrier through the planetary gear shaft.

5. The differential of claim 1, wherein, The first output member is arranged outside the second output member; the second output member is at least partially arranged outside the input member; and the planetary gear set is arranged between the input member and the second output member.

6. The differential of claim 1, wherein, The first output member comprises a first ring gear and a first ring gear carrier; the first ring gear is in internal meshing connection with the first driving part, and the clutch member is capable of being in driving connection with one end of the first ring gear when the clutch member is in the locked position, and is capable of being separated from one end of the first ring gear when the clutch member is in the unlocked position; one end of the first ring gear carrier is connected to the first ring gear, and the other end outputs a first motion to the outside.

7. The differential of claim 1, wherein The second output member comprises a second ring gear and a second ring gear carrier; the second ring gear is in internal meshing connection with the second driving part; one end of the second ring gear carrier is connected to the second ring gear, and the other end outputs a second motion to the outside.

8. A drive axle for a vehicle, characterized in that The vehicle comprises a middle axle assembly and a rear axle assembly; the middle axle assembly comprises: a wheel shaft; and an input member capable of rotating about a first axis; a first differential comprising: a planetary gear set in transmission connection with the input member, the planetary gear set comprising a first transmission part and a second transmission part in motion under the action of the input member; an output member comprising a first output member and a second output member in motion around the first axis respectively; one end of the first output member is in transmission connection with the first transmission part, and the other end is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft; one end of the second output member is in transmission connection with the second transmission part, and the other end is in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly; a clutch member in transmission connection with the input member, configured to be able to move along the first axis relative to the input member between a locked position and an unlocked position; when the clutch member is in the locked position, the clutch member is in transmission connection with one of the first output member and the second output member and the input member, so that one of the first output member and the second output member can rotate synchronously with the input member, and the other can rotate synchronously with the input member through the planetary gear set; when the clutch member is in the unlocked position, the clutch member can be separated from the output member.

9. The drive axle of a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that Further comprising a shaft coupling, one end of the shaft coupling is in transmission connection with the second input member, and the other end is in transmission connection with the rear axle assembly; the wheel shaft passes through the shaft coupling along the second axis; the second axis intersects with the first axis.

10. The drive axle of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising a second differential, the front wheel shaft comprises a first front wheel shaft and a second front wheel shaft arranged along the second axis; the second differential is in transmission connection with the first output member at the middle part, in transmission connection with the first front wheel shaft at one end, and in transmission connection with the second front wheel shaft at the other end.

11. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The differential of any one of claims 1 to 7 or the drive axle of any one of claims 8 to 10 is provided.

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