Inter-axle differential and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of vehicle transmission technology and discloses an inter-axle differential and a vehicle. The inter-axle differential includes two bevel gears, a planetary gear assembly and two brackets. The planetary gears and thrust pieces are sequentially sleeved on the shaft ends of the connecting shaft. The thrust piece presses against the end faces of the planetary gears. The two brackets are buckled and arranged in a ring around the connecting shaft, replacing the traditional closed shell to achieve lightweight. In addition, the gears of the differential are all exposed, making it easier for lubricating oil to enter the contact pairs such as the gear train and the connecting shaft, thereby reducing wear. The multiple joints of the brackets are alternately connected with the multiple connecting parts in sequence. The connecting parts of the two brackets are fitted so that the joints can be tightly pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the thrust piece. The joints of the two brackets can be buckled to form a polygonal hole. The polygonal hole is used to clamp and fix the thrust piece, thereby fixing the connecting shaft and the planetary gears to prevent the thrust piece from rotating, thereby avoiding relative displacement between the thrust piece and the bracket and between the thrust piece and the connecting shaft to cause wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle transmission, and in particular to an inter-axle differential and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A differential is a mechanism that enables the left and right, or front and rear, drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It primarily consists of left and right axle gears, planetary gears, and a differential housing. Its function is to enable the left and right wheels to roll at different speeds when the vehicle is turning or driving on uneven roads, achieving differential speed. Traditional differentials consist of a housing, left and right axle gears, planetary gear shafts, and two planetary gears. However, a two-planetary gear differential transmits relatively low torque and cannot meet heavy load requirements. Therefore, heavy-duty commercial vehicles, small trucks, and other vehicles with high load requirements use four-planetary gear differentials.

[0003] The common four-planet differential structure uses a cross-shaped, integrated planetary gear shaft, with a planetary gear mounted on each journal. Each planetary gear meshes simultaneously with the left and right half-shaft gears. To accommodate the cross-shaped planetary gear shafts, the differential housing is divided into two semi-enclosed housings, left and right, along the center of the planetary shaft hole. The four journals of the planetary gear shafts are embedded in the holes formed by corresponding grooves on the end faces of the two half-shells of the differential. However, the use of a closed or semi-enclosed housing as a differential support makes it difficult for lubricating oil to enter the gear train and cross-shaft contact pairs due to the high position of the inter-axle differential on the drive axle and the closed housing, resulting in insufficient lubrication. In addition, the closed housing itself is made of a lot of materials, resulting in high weight and high cost.

[0004] Therefore, an inter-axle differential and a vehicle are urgently needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an interaxle differential and a vehicle, wherein a bracket of the interaxle differential replaces a closed housing to achieve lightweighting, and the gears of the differential are all exposed, so that lubricating oil can more easily enter the contact pairs such as the gear train and the connecting shaft, while avoiding wear caused by relative displacement between the thrust member and the bracket, and between the thrust member and the connecting shaft.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] Inter-axle differential, including:

[0008] two bevel gears;

[0009] A planetary gear assembly is located between the two bevel gears, and includes a connecting shaft, a planetary gear, and a thrust piece. The connecting shaft is coaxially arranged with the two bevel gears, and the planetary gear and the thrust piece are sequentially sleeved on the shaft end of the connecting shaft. The thrust piece presses against the end surface of the planetary gear, and the planetary gear is drivingly connected to the two bevel gears.

[0010] Two brackets, the two brackets are buckled and arranged around the connecting shaft, the brackets include multiple connecting parts and multiple coupling parts, the multiple coupling parts are alternately connected with the multiple connecting parts in sequence, the connecting parts of the two brackets fit together so that the coupling parts can be tightly pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the thrust piece, the coupling part is a U-shaped structure, the coupling parts of the two brackets can be buckled to form a polygonal hole, and the polygonal hole is used to clamp and fix the thrust piece.

[0011] Preferably, the thrust member includes a sleeve portion and a thrust portion, the sleeve portion is sleeved on the axial end of the connecting shaft, the thrust portion is pressed against the end face of the planetary gear, and along the circumferential direction of the axial end of the connecting shaft, the outer periphery of the sleeve portion is a polygonal structure, and the outer periphery of the sleeve portion is in contact with the joint portion.

[0012] Preferably, the thrust portion has a spherical surface, and the thrust portion and the end surface of the planetary gear are abutted and fitted via the spherical surface.

[0013] Preferably, the spherical surface is provided with a recessed portion, and the recessed portion is used to accommodate lubricating oil.

[0014] Preferably, the inter-axle differential further comprises a connecting member, the connecting portion is provided with a connecting hole, and the connecting member is passed through the connecting holes of the two connecting portions to fix the two brackets in connection.

[0015] Preferably, there are multiple connecting members and multiple connecting holes, and the multiple connecting members are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple connecting holes.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting shaft includes a universal joint and a plurality of fixing parts. Along the circumferential direction of the universal joint, the plurality of fixing parts are arranged at intervals on the outer periphery of the universal joint. The planetary gears and the thrust members are both provided in plurality, and the plurality of planetary gears and the plurality of thrust members are respectively sleeved on the corresponding fixing parts.

[0017] Preferably, the bracket is integrally formed.

[0018] Preferably, the hardness of the thrust member is greater than the hardness of the planetary gear.

[0019] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention further provides a vehicle, comprising an inter-axle differential assembly, wherein the inter-axle differential assembly comprises a drive shaft and the above-mentioned inter-axle differential, and the inter-axle differential is arranged on the drive shaft.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] The present invention provides an inter-axle differential, wherein a planetary gear assembly is located between two bevel gears. The planetary gear assembly includes a connecting shaft, planetary gears, and a thrust member. The connecting shaft is coaxially arranged with the two bevel gears. The planetary gears and thrust member are sequentially sleeved onto the ends of the connecting shaft, with the thrust member pressing against the end faces of the planetary gears, and the planetary gears are in driving connection with the two bevel gears. Two brackets are interlocked and arranged around the connecting shaft. The brackets replace a closed housing, achieving lightweight design. Furthermore, all the gears of the differential are exposed, allowing lubricant to more easily enter the gear train and the connecting shaft, thereby reducing wear. The brackets include multiple connecting portions and multiple coupling portions. The multiple coupling portions are alternately connected to the multiple connecting portions. The connecting portions of the two brackets are aligned so that the coupling portions can abut against the outer circumferential surface of the thrust member. The coupling portion is U-shaped, and the coupling portions of the two brackets can interlock to form a polygonal hole. The polygonal hole is used to securely engage the thrust member, thereby securing the connecting shaft and the planetary gears and preventing the thrust member from rotating. This prevents wear caused by relative displacement between the thrust member and the brackets, and between the thrust member and the connecting shaft.

[0022] The vehicle provided by the present invention includes an interaxle differential assembly, which includes a drive shaft and an interaxle differential, with the interaxle differential being mounted on the drive shaft. A bracket replaces a conventional enclosed housing, thereby exposing all gears of the interaxle differential assembly. This allows lubricating oil to more easily enter the interaxle differential assembly's gear train and contact pairs, such as the connecting shaft, thereby reducing wear. Two brackets are interlocked and clamped together to secure a thrust member, which in turn secures the connecting shaft and planetary gears, preventing the thrust member from rotating. This prevents wear caused by relative displacement between the thrust member and the bracket, and between the thrust member and the connecting shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an inter-axle differential provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an inter-axle differential provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 An exploded view of an inter-axle differential provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a thrust member provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a thrust member provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Bevel gear;

[0031] 2. Connecting shaft; 21. Universal joint; 22. Fixing piece;

[0032] 3. Planetary gear;

[0033] 4. Thrust member; 41. Socket joint; 42. Thrust portion; 421. Spherical surface;

[0034] 5. Bracket; 51. Connecting portion; 511. Connecting hole; 52. Joint;

[0035] 6. Polygonal hole;

[0036] 7. Connectors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used to refer to positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0041] like Figures 1-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the inter-axle differential includes two bevel gears 1, a planetary gear 3 assembly, and two brackets 5. The planetary gear 3 assembly is located between the two bevel gears 1 and includes a connecting shaft 2, planetary gears 3, and a thrust member 4. The connecting shaft 2 is coaxial with the two bevel gears 1. The planetary gears 3 and thrust member 4 are sequentially sleeved on the ends of the connecting shaft 2. The thrust member 4 presses against the end faces of the planetary gears 3, providing a driving connection between the planetary gears 3 and the two bevel gears 1. The two brackets 5 are interlockingly arranged and annularly disposed around the connecting shaft 2. The brackets 5 include multiple connecting portions 51 and multiple coupling portions 52. The coupling portions 52 are alternately connected to the multiple connecting portions 51. The connecting portions 51 of the two brackets 5 are aligned so that the coupling portions 52 can abut against the outer circumferential surface of the thrust member 4. The coupling portions 52 are U-shaped. The coupling portions 52 of the two brackets 5 interlock to form a polygonal hole 6, which is used to securely engage the thrust member 4.

[0042] Specifically, two bevel gears 1 are positioned on either side of the planetary gear 3 assembly. The connecting shaft 2 is a cross shaft. Both bevel gears 1 and the connecting shaft 2 are sleeved onto the same transmission shaft. The planetary gears 3 are first sleeved onto the ends of the connecting shaft 2 through their respective axial holes. Then, the thrust piece 4 is also sleeved onto the ends of the connecting shaft 2 through its corresponding axial holes. The thrust piece 4 abuts against the planetary gears 3 to axially position the planetary gears 3. The bracket 5 is an annular structure. The two brackets 5 are positioned on either side of the planetary gears 3 and are fixedly connected by a snap fit. The two brackets 5 can be arranged around the connecting shaft 2 in the axial direction, replacing the traditional enclosed housing to achieve lightweight design. Furthermore, the differential gears are all exposed, allowing lubricant to more easily enter the gear train and the contact pairs of the connecting shaft 2, thereby reducing wear. The bracket 5 includes a connecting portion 51 and a U-shaped joint portion 52. The two brackets 5 are connected and fixed via the connecting portion 51 using rivets or bolts. The two joint portions 52 interlock to form a polygonal hole 6 that engages and secures the thrust member 4. This polygonal hole 6 clamps the thrust member 4, thereby securing the connecting shaft 2 and the planetary gear 3 and preventing the thrust member 4 from rotating. This prevents wear caused by relative displacement between the thrust member 4 and the bracket 5, and between the thrust member 4 and the connecting shaft 2. Preferably, the bracket 5 can be integrally formed by stamping, casting, or forging, providing high structural strength.

[0043] Further, continue to refer to Figures 1-6 The thrust member 4 includes a sleeve portion 41 and a thrust portion 42. The sleeve portion 41 is sleeved on the axial end of the connecting shaft 2, and the thrust portion 42 is pressed against the end face of the planetary gear 3. Along the circumferential direction of the axial end of the connecting shaft 2, the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 41 is a polygonal structure, and the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 41 is in contact with the joint 52. Specifically, the sleeve portion 41 and the thrust portion 42 both have mounting holes, and the thrust member 4 is sleeved on the shaft end of the connecting shaft 2 through the mounting hole. The thrust portion 42 has a spherical surface 421, and the thrust portion 42 and the end face of the planetary gear 3 are abutted and matched through the spherical surface 421. The inner ring of the sleeve portion 41 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft end of the connecting shaft 2, and the outer ring of the sleeve portion 41 abuts against the inner wall of the polygonal hole 6 of the bracket 5, that is, the bracket 5 fixes the polygonal thrust portion 42 in the polygonal hole 6, thereby fixing the connecting shaft 2 and the planetary gear 3, preventing the thrust member 4 from rotating and causing wear between the thrust member 4 and the bracket 5 and between the thrust member 4 and the connecting shaft 2.

[0044] Further, continue to refer to Figures 1-6 The spherical surface 421 is provided with a recessed portion for accommodating lubricating oil. The spherical surface 421 may also be provided with grooves or holes or concave points with a strip structure to increase the oil holding or oil passing capacity of the thrust member 4, thereby improving the lubrication effect.

[0045] Further, continue to refer to Figures 1-6 The inter-axle differential also includes connectors 7. Connecting holes 511 are defined in the connecting portions 51. Connecting members 7 are inserted through the connecting holes 511 of the two connecting portions 51 to securely connect the two brackets 5. Specifically, the connectors 7 are bolts. There are multiple connectors 7 and multiple connecting holes 511, with each connector 7 corresponding to each of the multiple connecting holes 511. The two brackets 5 are securely connected by the multiple connectors 7, replacing a traditional enclosed housing. This exposes all differential gears, allowing lubricant to more easily enter the gear train and contact pairs such as the connecting shaft 2, thereby reducing wear. Conversely, the two brackets 5 can be quickly disassembled by removing the multiple connectors 7, making operation convenient.

[0046] Further, continue to refer to Figures 1-6 The connecting shaft 2 includes a universal joint 21 and multiple fixing members 22. Multiple fixing members 22 are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the universal joint 21 along the circumferential direction of the universal joint 21. Multiple planetary gears 3 and thrust members 4 are each provided, and each of the multiple planetary gears 3 and thrust members 4 is sleeved on a corresponding fixing member 22. Specifically, the connecting shaft 2 is a cross shaft, and each of the planetary gears 3 and thrust members 4 is provided with four. The four planetary gears 3 and thrust members 4 are respectively sleeved on corresponding fixing members 22. The two brackets 5 are interlocked to form four polygonal holes 6. The four polygonal holes 6 respectively secure corresponding thrust members 4 to prevent the thrust members 4 from rotating in all directions on the connecting shaft 2.

[0047] Further, continue to refer to Figures 1-6 The hardness of the thrust piece 4 is greater than that of the planetary gear 3. Specifically, the thrust piece 4 is made of a material with a relatively high hardness, thereby reducing the wear of the spherical surface 421 of the thrust piece 4 that cooperates with the planetary gear 3.

[0048] This embodiment also provides a vehicle including an inter-axle differential assembly, which includes a drive shaft and the aforementioned inter-axle differential, with the inter-axle differential being mounted on the drive shaft. Specifically, a bracket 5 replaces a conventional enclosed housing, thereby exposing all gears of the inter-axle differential assembly. This allows lubricating oil to more easily enter the inter-axle differential assembly's gear train and contact pairs, such as the connecting shaft 2, thereby reducing wear. Two brackets 5 are interlocked and clamped together to secure a thrust member 4, thereby securing the connecting shaft 2 and planetary gear 3 and preventing the thrust member 4 from rotating. This prevents wear caused by relative displacement between the thrust member 4 and the bracket 5, and between the thrust member 4 and the connecting shaft 2.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. Inter-axle differential, characterized in that: include: Two bevel gears (1); A planetary gear (3) assembly is located between the two bevel gears (1), and the planetary gear (3) assembly includes a connecting shaft (2), a planetary gear (3) and a thrust piece (4). The connecting shaft (2) is coaxially arranged with the two bevel gears (1). The planetary gear (3) and the thrust piece (4) are sequentially sleeved on the shaft end of the connecting shaft (2). The thrust piece (4) presses against the end face of the planetary gear (3). The planetary gear (3) is transmission-connected to the two bevel gears (1). Two brackets (5), the two brackets (5) are buckled and arranged around the connecting shaft (2), the brackets (5) include a plurality of connecting parts (51) and a plurality of coupling parts (52), the plurality of coupling parts (52) are alternately connected to the plurality of connecting parts (51), the connecting parts (51) of the two brackets (5) are fitted together so that the coupling parts (52) can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the thrust member (4), the coupling parts (52) are U-shaped, the coupling parts (52) of the two brackets (5) can be buckled to form a polygonal hole (6), and the polygonal hole (6) is used to clamp and fix the thrust member (4); The thrust member (4) comprises a sleeve portion (41) and a thrust portion (42), wherein the sleeve portion (41) is sleeved on the shaft end of the connecting shaft (2), and the thrust portion (42) is pressed against the end face of the planetary gear (3), and along the circumferential direction of the shaft end of the connecting shaft (2), the outer periphery of the sleeve portion (41) is in a polygonal structure, and the outer periphery of the sleeve portion (41) is in contact with the coupling portion (52); The thrust portion (42) has a spherical surface (421), and the thrust portion (42) and the end surface of the planetary gear (3) are in abutment engagement via the spherical surface (421); The spherical surface (421) is provided with a recessed portion, and the recessed portion is used to accommodate lubricating oil.

2. The inter-axle differential according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inter-axle differential further comprises a connecting member (7), the connecting portion (51) is provided with a connecting hole (511), and the connecting member (7) is passed through the connecting holes (511) of the two connecting portions (51) to securely connect the two brackets (5).

3. The inter-axle differential according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are multiple connecting members (7), and there are multiple connecting holes (511). The multiple connecting members (7) and the multiple connecting holes (511) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The inter-axle differential according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting shaft (2) includes a universal joint (21) and a plurality of fixing members (22). Along the circumferential direction of the universal joint (21), the plurality of fixing members (22) are arranged at intervals on the outer periphery of the universal joint (21). The planetary gears (3) and the thrust members (4) are both provided in plurality. The plurality of planetary gears (3) and the plurality of thrust members (4) are respectively sleeved on the corresponding fixing members (22).

5. The inter-axle differential according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (5) is integrally formed.

6. The inter-axle differential according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hardness of the thrust member (4) is greater than the hardness of the planetary gear (3).

7. A vehicle including an inter-axle differential assembly, characterized in that: The inter-axle differential assembly includes a transmission shaft and the inter-axle differential according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the inter-axle differential is arranged on the transmission shaft.

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