Drive axle, differential, and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a drive axle, a differential and a vehicle, the drive axle comprising: a driving part; and a differential arranged along a second axis; wherein the differential comprises: a driven part; an output end; a clutch part capable of moving along the direction of the second axis between a locking position and an unlocking position, when the clutch part is located at the locking position, the clutch part is connected with the driven part, the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed are equal; when the clutch part is located at the unlocking position, the clutch part is separated from the driven part. The drive axle and the vehicle of the application comprise the differential arranged along the direction of the second axis, the differential has a locking function, so that the drive axle can adjust whether to enable the differential function according to needs, the clutch part moves along the direction of the second axis, the overall structure reduces power loss caused by other directional components, improves transmission efficiency, reduces occupied space, and makes the internal structure of the differential more compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle axles, and in particular to a drive axle, a differential, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to ordinary commercial vehicles, heavy-duty commercial vehicles require the transmission of greater torque, necessitating the selection of more powerful engines. This places higher demands on the transmission system, with the drive axle playing a crucial role. The inter-wheel differential in the drive axle is designed to adjust the speed difference between the left and right drive wheels. When the vehicle is turning or driving on uneven surfaces, the inter-wheel differential assembly is needed to differentiate the speeds of the left and right drive wheels, ensuring proper steering. In related technologies, the components of the inter-wheel differential are not aligned in the same direction, resulting in forces in directions other than the axial direction and causing unnecessary power loss. Furthermore, differentials with differential lock functions are not compact, and complex differential lock structures occupy significant interior space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drive axle, differential, and vehicle that have differential lock function, save space, and have high transmission efficiency to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] A drive axle for a vehicle, the vehicle including a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle disposed along a second axis, the drive axle including: a drive member configured to rotate about the first axis; and a differential disposed along the second axis; wherein the differential includes:

[0005] The driven member is connected to the driving member to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the driving member;

[0006] Planetary carrier; connected to the driven member via a transmission;

[0007] A planetary gear, which is drivenly connected to the planet carrier, and whose opposite ends along the second axis are respectively drivenly connected to the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle; and

[0008] A clutch is configured to move along a second axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch is in the locked position, the clutch is drive-connected to the planetary carrier; when the clutch is in the unlocked position, the clutch is disengaged from the planetary carrier.

[0009] In one embodiment, a coupling is provided between the differential and the second wheel axle, which is connected to the driving member along a first axis. The second wheel axle passes through the coupling along the second axis, and the second axis intersects with the first axis.

[0010] In one embodiment, the differential further includes an output terminal, which includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal spaced apart along a second axis; one end of the inner side of the first output terminal is connected to the first wheel axle, and the other end of the inner side of the first output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; one end of the inner side of the second output terminal is connected to the first wheel axle, and the other end of the inner side of the first output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; the clutch is connected to the outer side of one of the first output terminal or the second output terminal, and is movable relative to the first output terminal or the second output terminal along the second axis.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the clutch is in the locked position, the clutch can connect the driven member to one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, so that both the first output terminal and the second output terminal can rotate synchronously with the driven member; when the clutch is in the unlocked position, the clutch is disengaged from the driven member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the clutch has a first spline portion and the driven member has a second spline portion. When the clutch is in the locked position, the first spline portion and the second spline portion are connected in a driving connection.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first output end includes a first gear ring, and the second output end includes a second gear ring, wherein the first gear ring and the second gear ring are respectively connected to opposite ends of the planetary gear along the second axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, the driven member has a first internal tooth portion along the second axis, and the planet carrier is driven to the first internal tooth portion to rotate around the second axis under the drive of the driven member; the planetary gear includes a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear arranged in a direction parallel to the second axis, the first planetary gear meshing with the first gear ring, and the two ends of the second planetary gear meshing with the first gear ring and the first planetary gear respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment, a planetary gear shaft is further included, which is arranged in a direction parallel to the second axis, and the planetary gears are connected to the planet carrier via the planetary gear shaft.

[0016] In one embodiment, the driven member is provided with a connecting hole, and the planetary gear includes a body portion and a meshing portion disposed on the body portion, the body portion passing through the connecting hole.

[0017] On one hand, a differential is provided, disposed along a second axis, wherein both ends of the differential are respectively drivenly connected to a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle, and the differential is drivenly connected to a driving member; wherein the differential includes:

[0018] The driven member is connected to the driving member to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the driving member;

[0019] Planetary carrier; connected to the driven member via a transmission;

[0020] A planetary gear, which is drivenly connected to the planet carrier, and whose opposite ends along the second axis are respectively drivenly connected to the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle; and

[0021] A clutch is configured to move along a second axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch is in the locked position, the clutch is engaged with the planetary carrier; when the clutch is in the unlocked position, the clutch is disengaged from the planetary carrier.

[0022] On the one hand, a vehicle is provided, which is equipped with the aforementioned drive axle.

[0023] The drive axle and vehicle of this application include a differential arranged along the second axis. The differential has a locking function, which allows the drive axle to adjust whether the differential function is activated as needed. The clutch moves along the second axis. The overall structure reduces power loss caused by forces in other directions, improves transmission efficiency, and reduces the space occupied, making the internal structure of the differential more compact. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the drive bridge in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the middle bridge component structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure of the bridge component in one embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the differential and drive unit in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not 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 application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] The drive axle is located at the end of the vehicle's power transmission system. It is used to increase the torque transmitted from the drive shaft and to distribute power reasonably to different drive wheels. In addition, it also bears the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral forces acting between the road surface and the vehicle frame or body.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drive axle for a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The drive axle 1 provided in one embodiment of this application, for a vehicle, includes a middle axle assembly 10, a rear axle assembly 20, and a transmission assembly 30 that drives the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20. In this 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 the required power to the corresponding wheel assemblies to achieve the driving function.

[0036] The middle axle assembly 10 transmits the forces and resulting bending moments and torques between the vehicle frame and the front wheels, and is typically evenly distributed in the middle of the vehicle. The rear axle assembly 20 transmits the forces and resulting bending moments and torques between the vehicle frame and the rear wheels, and is typically evenly distributed at the rear end of the vehicle. Both the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly in this application serve as drive axles for outputting power. The integrated arrangement of the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 makes the transmission mechanism of the vehicle drive axle more compact, facilitating weight reduction and lightweight design, while also reducing the cost of the vehicle drive axle, which is beneficial for mass production and practical application. In other embodiments, a front axle assembly may also be included, which can also serve as a drive axle for outputting power.

[0037] 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 rear axle assembly 10 has a similar structure to the rear axle assembly and also includes a wheel differential, coupling, etc. with similar structures, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] The middle axle assembly 10 includes a first input member 12, a drive member 11 connected to the first input member 12, a differential 200, a coupling 100, and a wheel axle 13. The drive member 11 moves under the action of the first input member 12. The first input member 12, the drive member 11, and the coupling 100 are all arranged along a first axis 10a. Specifically, the central axes of the first input member 12 and the drive member 11 coincide with the first axis 10a. The drive member 11 and the first input member 12 rotate about the first axis 10a. Further, the drive member 11 is sleeved on the outside of the first input member 12, and a through hole is formed in the drive member 11 for the first input member 12 to pass through and connect to. The first input member 12 passes through the through hole and extends out from one end of the drive member 11. The middle axle assembly 10 can actively output driving force to the corresponding wheel (not shown in the figure) through the wheel axle 13.

[0039] The driving element 11 is connected to the differential 200, which is connected to one end of the wheel axle 13 that extends out of the coupling 100. Specifically, the differential 200 is coaxially arranged with the wheel axle 13. Wheels are connected to both ends of the wheel axle 13, and the differential 200 allows the wheels at both ends of the wheel axle 13 to rotate at different speeds. The wheel axle 13 includes a first wheel axle 131 and a second wheel axle 132 arranged along the second axis 10b. The differential 200 is arranged along the second axis 10b, and its two ends are connected to the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132. The differential 200 is connected to the driving element.

[0040] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the differential 200 includes a driven member 210, an output end, a clutch member 220, and a planetary gear set 250. The driven member 210 is connected to the driving member 11 and moves around the second axis 10b under the action of the driving member 11. The output end includes a first output end 230 and a second output end 240 spaced apart along the second axis 10b. The first output end 230 is used to output a first speed to the first wheel axle 131, and the second output end 240 is used to output a second speed to the second wheel axle 132. The planetary gear set 250 is disposed between the spaced first output end 230 and the second output end 240, and is used to transmit the power input to the differential 200 to the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132 respectively. When the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132 need to move at different speeds, the planetary gear set 250 can adjust the speed transmitted to the wheel axles by the output end. The clutch 220 is used to lock the differential function of the differential 200. Specifically, the clutch 220 acts on the driving member 11 and the planetary gear set 250 to lock or unlock the differential function of the differential 200. The components of the differential 200 are arranged along the second axis 10b, which reduces power loss caused by forces in other directions and improves the overall transmission efficiency.

[0041] The clutch 220 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position along the direction of the second axis 10b. When the clutch 220 is in the locked position, it is connected to the driven member 210, and the first and second speeds output at the output end are equal. When the clutch 220 is in the unlocked position, it is disengaged from the driven member 210, and the first and second speeds output at the output end can be either equal or unequal. By setting the clutch 220, the differential 200 can adjust whether to activate the differential function as needed. Combined with the independent output drive structure of the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 in this embodiment, the inter-axle differential is eliminated, and the differential adjustment function of the inter-wheel differential is added, making the overall control of the vehicle drive axle more comprehensive. Furthermore, the clutch 220 can move along the direction of the second axis 10b. The clutch 220 has a first spline portion 221 and the driven member 210 has a second spline portion 211. When the clutch 220 is in the locked position, the first spline portion 221 and the second spline portion 211 are connected in a transmission manner. When the clutch 220 is in the unlocked position, the first spline portion 221 and the second spline portion 211 are separated.

[0042] In this embodiment, the driving member 11 is a bevel gear, and correspondingly, the driven member 210 is a bevel gear that meshes with the driving member. The driving member 11 and the driven member 210 mesh to transmit the motion of the driving member 11 to the differential 200. Furthermore, the conical tooth surface of the driving member 11 has a 45° inclination angle, and the driven member 210 also includes a conical tooth portion 212 with a 45° inclination angle. After the driving member 11 and the driven member 210 mesh, the first axis 10a and the second axis 10b are perpendicular, that is, the orientation of the driving member 11 and the first output member 12 is perpendicular to the orientation of the differential 200 and the wheel axle 13. In other embodiments, the driving member 11 can also be other structures capable of transmitting power.

[0043] Furthermore, the driven member 210 includes a main body and a conical tooth portion 212, a second spline portion 211, a first internal tooth portion 213, and a receiving hole 214 disposed on the main body. The conical tooth portion 212 is formed on the periphery of the main body. The first internal tooth portion 213 is formed at the central axis of the main body and penetrates the main body. The first internal tooth portion 213 is used to connect to the planetary gear set 250 and drive the planetary gear set 250 to move. In this embodiment, the central axis of the first internal tooth portion 213, the central axis of the main body, and the second axis 10b coincide with each other. The second spline portion 211 is disposed on the side of the main body facing the clutch member 220. Specifically, the second spline portion 211 is located at one end of the conical tooth portion 212. The receiving hole is disposed between the first internal tooth portion 213 of the main body and the conical tooth portion on the periphery. The receiving hole 214 penetrates the main body and is used to accommodate part of the planetary gear set 250 structure, so that the planetary gear set 250 passes through the driven member 210.

[0044] The output terminals include a first output terminal 230 and a second output terminal 240 spaced apart along the second axis 10b. The first output terminal 230 includes a first gear ring 231 and a bearing disposed between the first gear ring 231 and the external structure. The second output terminal 240 includes a second gear ring 241 and a bearing disposed between the second gear ring 241 and the external structure. The first gear ring 231 and the second gear ring 241 are drive-connected to both ends of the planetary gear set 250, and the motion is transmitted to the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132 respectively through the driven member 210 and the planetary gear set 250. One of the first gear ring 231 or the second gear ring 241 is drive-connected to the driven member 210 through the planetary gear set 250, and the other is connected to the clutch member 220.

[0045] The first gear ring 231 has a semi-shell structure, including a first housing 2311 and a first axle hole 2312 and a second internal gear portion (not shown in the figure) formed within the first housing 2311. One end of the first wheel axle 131 passes through and is connected to the first axle hole 2312. The diameter of one end of the first housing 2311 increases, forming a receiving space for accommodating part of the planetary gear set 250, and a second internal gear portion is formed on the inner side of the housing.

[0046] The second gear ring 241 has a semi-shell structure, including a second housing 2411 and a second axle hole 2413 and a third internal gear portion 2412 formed within the second housing 2411. One end of the second axle 132 passes through and is connected to the second axle hole 2413. One end of the second housing 2411 has a larger diameter, forming a receiving space for accommodating part of the planetary gear set 250, and a third internal gear portion 2412 is formed inside the housing. The other end passes through the coupling 100 along the second axis 10b.

[0047] The planetary gear set 250 includes a planet carrier 251 and planetary gears 252. The planet carrier 251 is driven by the first internal gear section 213 and moves under the action of the driven member 210. The planet carrier 251 and the driven member 210 rotate coaxially, that is, both the planet carrier 251 and the driven member 210 rotate around the second axis 10b. The planetary gears are driven by the planet carrier 251. In order to realize the differential motion of the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132, the planetary gears 252 include a first planetary gear 2521 and a second planetary gear 2522. The first planetary gear 2521 meshes with the first gear ring 231, and the two ends of the second planetary gear 2522 mesh with the first gear ring 231 and the first planetary gear 2521, respectively. The first planetary gear 2521 meshes with the first ring gear 231, and the second planetary gear 2522 meshes with the second ring gear 241. The first planetary gear 2521 revolves around the first ring gear 231, and the second planetary gear 2522 revolves around the second ring gear 241, so that the output speeds of the first output end 230 and the second output end 240 are the same. While the first planetary gear 2521 and the second planetary gear 2522 revolve around the first ring gear 231 and the second ring gear 241, they rotate in different directions around the second axis 10b, causing the speeds of the first ring gear 231 and the second ring gear 241 to be different. This, in turn, causes the output speeds of the first output end 230 and the second output end 240 to be different, thereby eliminating the slippage between the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132 and realizing the differential function of the differential 200.

[0048] Furthermore, the planetary gear set 250 also includes a planetary gear shaft 253, through which the planetary gear 252 is connected to the planetary carrier 251. The planetary gear shaft 253 passes through the planetary gear 252, and its two ends are connected to the planetary carrier 251, so that when the planetary carrier 251 rotates, it drives the planetary gear 252 to revolve around a direction parallel to the second axis 10b. The planetary gear 252 and the planetary gear shaft 253 are movably connected, so that the planetary gear 252 rotates around its respective planetary gear shaft 253. The central axis of the planetary gear shaft 253 is parallel to the second axis 10b. Through the planetary gear 252 and the planetary carrier 251 arranged along the second axis 10b, the differential 200 is arranged as a whole along the second axis 10b, and all components rotate around a direction parallel to the second axis 10b. This ensures that there is no transmission in any other direction except the direction of the second axis 10b, reducing power loss caused by forces in other directions and improving the overall transmission efficiency.

[0049] The first planetary gear 2521 includes a first body portion 2523 and a first meshing portion 2524. The first body portion 2523 is sleeved on the outside of the planetary gear shaft 253, and a connecting hole is formed inside the first body portion 2523. The planetary gear shaft 253 passes through the connecting hole, so that the first planetary gear 2521 is connected to the planet carrier 251. The first meshing portion 2524 is a gear formed in the first body portion 2523. The first meshing portion 2524 of the first planetary gear 2521 is provided at one end of the first body portion 2523. Further, the first meshing portion 2524 is integrally formed with the first body portion 2523. In this embodiment, the first meshing portion 2524 may protrude from both ends of the first body portion 2523. In other embodiments, the first meshing portion 2524 may also be recessed from both ends of the first body portion 2523.

[0050] The second planetary gear 2522 includes a second body portion 2525 and a second meshing portion 2526. The second body portion 2525 is sleeved on the outside of the planetary gear shaft 253, and a connecting hole is formed inside the second body portion 2525. The planetary gear shaft 253 passes through the connecting hole, so that the second planetary gear 2522 is connected to the planet carrier 251. The second meshing portion 2526 is a gear formed in the second body portion 2525. The second meshing portion 2526 of the second planetary gear 2522 is provided at both ends of the second body portion 2525. Further, the second meshing portion 2526 is integrally formed with the second body portion 2525. In this embodiment, the second meshing portion 2526 may protrude from both ends of the second body portion 2525. In other embodiments, the second meshing portion 2526 may also be recessed from both ends of the second body portion 2525.

[0051] Furthermore, the planetary gears 252 are provided in at least two sets, each set including a first planetary gear 2521 and a second planetary gear 2522. In this embodiment, the planetary gears 252 are provided in three sets, and the three sets of planetary gears 252 are centrally symmetrically arranged with respect to the second axis 10b. Correspondingly, in this embodiment, there are six receiving holes 214, each for the body portion of the planetary gear 252 to pass through.

[0052] The planetary carrier 251 includes a first planetary carrier 2511 and a second planetary carrier 2512, which are fixedly connected. The first planetary carrier 2511 and the second planetary carrier 2512 have similar structures and can be arranged symmetrically. The first planetary carrier 2511 and the second planetary carrier 2512 are connected by bolts 2513, and correspondingly, the first planetary carrier 2511 and the second planetary carrier 2512 are also provided with threaded holes for the connecting bolts 2513. By setting the first planetary carrier 2511 and the second planetary carrier 2512 as separate components, the various structures of the planetary gear set 250 are easier to install.

[0053] The planetary carrier 251 includes a retaining ring 2514. A corresponding annular groove matching the shape of the retaining ring 2514 is provided on the first planetary carrier 2511 or the second planetary carrier 2512. The retaining ring 2514 connects to the first planetary carrier 2511 or the second planetary carrier 2512 and protrudes relative to the annular groove. The protruding portion of the retaining ring 2514 abuts against the driven member 210, serving to limit the movement of the driving member 210.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clutch 220 is sleeved on the outside of the first gear ring 231, and the clutch 220 can move along the second axis 10b on the first gear ring 231 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The clutch 220 is conventionally connected to the first gear ring 231. Furthermore, the clutch 220 has a spline structure inside, and the corresponding first gear ring 231 has a spline on the outside, and the two are connected by the corresponding spline structure. When the clutch 220 is in the locked position, the clutch 220 is connected to the driven member 210, and the first spline portion 221 and the second spline portion 211 are connected, so that the clutch 220 connects the driving member 210 to the first gear ring 231, and then connects the clutch 220 to the planetary carrier 251. At this time, the clutch 220, the driven member 210, the planetary carrier 251 and the first gear ring 231 rotate coaxially and synchronously. The planetary gear 252 does not rotate on its own axis, and the second gear ring 241 and the first gear ring 231 output the same rotation speed. The differential 200 does not perform differential function. When the clutch 220 is in the unlocked position, the clutch 220 moves away from the driven member 210 along the second axis 10b, causing the first spline portion 221 and the second spline portion 211 to separate. At this time, the clutch 220 and the first gear ring 231 rotate together. The rotation of the driven member 210 is transmitted to the first gear ring 231 and the second gear ring 241 respectively through the planetary gear set 250. When the required torque between the first wheel axle 131 and the second wheel axle 132 is different, the planetary gear 252 can rotate to make the second gear ring 241 and the first gear ring 231 output different speeds, and the differential 200 realizes the differential function.

[0055] In other embodiments, the clutch 220 may also be sleeved on the outside of the second gear ring 241. The clutch 220 is able to move on the second gear ring 241 along the second axis 10b between the locked position and the unlocked position, and adjust the position of the first spline portion 221 to correspond with the second spline portion 211 of the driven member 210.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first planetary gear 2521 also includes a first connecting rod portion, which is the part of the first body portion 2523 excluding the first meshing portion 2524. Since no gear is protruding on the first connecting rod portion, the diameter of the first connecting rod portion is smaller than the diameter of the first meshing portion 2524. In this embodiment, the second planetary gear 2522 also includes a second connecting rod portion, which is the part of the second body portion 2525 excluding the second meshing portion 2526. The second connecting rod portion is located between the two ends of the second meshing portions 2526. Since no gear is protruding on the second connecting rod portion, the diameter of the second connecting rod portion is smaller than the diameter of the first meshing portion. When the planetary gear set 250 is connected, the first connecting rod portion and the second connecting rod portion cause the planetary gear set 250 to have a gap in the middle. The driven member 210 is disposed in this gap, that is, each structure of the planetary gear set 250 passes through the driven member 210, and each gap of the planetary gear set 250 is used to match the body of the driven member 210. The above structure increases the integration of the differential 200, making the differential 200 more space-saving in the direction of the second axis 10b.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, bearings are respectively provided between the planetary gear set 250 and the first gear ring 231 and the second gear ring 241. The bearings can be needle roller bearings, which have a smaller thickness and occupy less space.

[0058] The first input component 12 is coaxially connected to the rear axle assembly 20 via a coupling 100. The coupling 100 includes a first end 101, a second end 102, and a transmission cavity 103. The first end 101 is connected to the first input component 12, and the second end 102 is connected to the transmission assembly 30. The transmission cavity 103 is located between the first end 101 and the second end 102, and is used to accommodate the vehicle's wheel axle 13, i.e., the transmission cavity 103 is used to allow the vehicle's wheel axle 13 to pass through the coupling 100 along the direction of the second axis 10b. The centerline of the wheel axle 13 (i.e., the second axis 10b) intersects with the first axis 10a.

[0059] The first end 101 and the second end 102 of the coupling 100 are sequentially arranged along the first axis 10a, such that the first input component 12 and the transmission assembly 30 connected to the coupling 100 are arranged along the first axis 10a, thereby making the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 coaxially arranged. The coaxial arrangement of the middle axle assembly 10 and the rear axle assembly 20 in this application requires less interior space, reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and manufacturing costs, and at the same time, the drive axle 1 in this application requires fewer transmission components, thus improving transmission efficiency.

[0060] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drive axle for a vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle disposed along a second axis, and the drive axle includes: The driving element is configured to rotate about a first axis; and Differential, disposed along the second axis; The differential includes: The driven member is connected to the driving member to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the driving member; Planetary carrier; connected to the driven member via a transmission; Planetary gears are connected to the planet carrier, and the planetary gears are connected to the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle respectively at opposite ends along the second axis. The output terminal includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal spaced apart along a second axis; one inner end of the first output terminal is connected to the first wheel axle, and the other inner end of the first output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; one inner end of the second output terminal is connected to the second wheel axle, and the other inner end of the second output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; and A clutch is configured to move along a second axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch is in the locked position, it is connected to the planetary carrier and can connect the driven member to one of the first and second output terminals, so that both the first and second output terminals can rotate synchronously with the driven member. When the clutch is in the unlocked position, it is disengaged from the planetary carrier and the driven member.

2. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, A coupling is provided between the differential and the second wheel axle, which is connected to the driving member along the first axis. The second wheel axle passes through the coupling along the second axis, and the second axis intersects with the first axis.

3. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch has a first spline portion, and the driven member has a second spline portion. When the clutch is in the locked position, the first spline portion and the second spline portion are connected in a transmission manner.

4. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first output end includes a first gear ring, and the second output end includes a second gear ring. The first gear ring and the second gear ring are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the planetary gear along the second axis.

5. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driven member is provided with a first internal tooth portion along the second axis, and the planet carrier is connected to the first internal tooth portion to rotate around the second axis under the drive of the driven member; the planetary gear includes a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear arranged in a direction parallel to the second axis, the first planetary gear meshing with the first gear ring, and the two ends of the second planetary gear meshing with the first gear ring and the first planetary gear respectively.

6. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a planetary gear shaft arranged in a direction parallel to the second axis, and the planetary gears are connected to the planet carrier via the planetary gear shaft.

7. The drive axle of the vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven member is provided with a connecting hole, and the planetary gear includes a body part and a meshing part disposed on the body part, with the body part passing through the connecting hole.

8. A differential, characterized in that, The differential is arranged along the second axis and is respectively connected to the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle, and is connected to the driving element; wherein, the differential includes: The driven member is connected to the driving member to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the driving member; Planetary carrier; connected to the driven member via a transmission; Planetary gears are connected to the planet carrier, and the planetary gears are connected to the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle respectively at opposite ends along the second axis. The output terminal includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal spaced apart along a second axis; one inner end of the first output terminal is connected to the first wheel axle, and the other inner end of the first output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; one inner end of the second output terminal is connected to the second wheel axle, and the other inner end of the second output terminal is connected to the planetary gear transmission; and A clutch is configured to move along a second axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the clutch is in the locked position, it is connected to the planetary carrier and can connect the driven member to one of the first and second output terminals, so that both the first and second output terminals can rotate synchronously with the driven member. When the clutch is in the unlocked position, it is disengaged from the planetary carrier and the driven member.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, The drive axle as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.

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