Differential gear device

Abstract

The invention relates to a differential gear arrangement (3) for a vehicle. The differential gear arrangement comprises a ring gear (7), a sun gear (8), a sun gear carrier (10), a side gear (11) and an output shaft (13). The sun gear is carried by the sun gear carrier and is rotatable relative to the sun gear carrier. The sun gear and the side gear are in mesh with each other. The side gear is rotationally connected to the output shaft. The ring gear (7) is arranged to drive the output shaft (13) by rotating the sun gear carrier (10) when the ring gear and the sun gear carrier are rotationally connected to each other. The ring gear (7) and the sun gear carrier (10) are disconnectable from rotational connection to each other by an axial displacement of the sun gear carrier (10) relative to the ring gear (7) and the output shaft (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a differential gear device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicle transmissions typically feature all-wheel drive (AWD) functionality. While AWD vehicles offer high power, they also have high fuel consumption. To reduce fuel consumption when AWD is not needed, a disconnect system is used in the transmission. To minimize losses, the disconnect device needs to disconnect the wheels from the transmission near the wheels; therefore, one approach is to use a disconnect device positioned between the differential and the corresponding wheels.

[0003] This solution can reduce drag and energy consumption in the vehicle, but it will also lead to an increase in the number of parts, increased complexity, and reduced space for the differential. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a differential gear device for a vehicle that allows the wheels of the vehicle to be disconnected from the vehicle's transmission.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a differential gear assembly for a vehicle, which includes a ring gear, a main shaft gear, a main shaft gear carrier, a side gear, and an output shaft. The main shaft gear is carried by the main shaft gear carrier and is rotatable relative to the main shaft gear carrier. The main shaft gear and the side gear mesh with each other. The side gear is rotatably connected to the output shaft. The ring gear is arranged such that when the ring gear and the main shaft gear carrier are rotatably connected to each other, the output shaft is driven by rotating the main shaft gear carrier. The ring gear and the main shaft gear carrier are rotatably disconnected from each other by axial displacement of the main shaft gear carrier relative to the ring gear and the output shaft.

[0006] This invention is based on the understanding that, through this differential gear device, the connection between the vehicle's transmission and the current wheel can be disconnected without using a separate disconnection device. This allows for a more compact design and reduces the number of components.

[0007] Preferably, the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier can be rotatably connected and rotatably disconnected from each other via a dog-tooth clutch, but other solutions are also possible, such as using a magnetic clutch to rotatably connect and disconnect the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier from each other.

[0008] The spindle gear carrier can be displaced by a shift fork driven by a motor or solenoid, or by a linear motor directly connected to the spindle gear carrier. Alternatively, the shift fork or linear motor can be arranged to displace another component that is axially locked to the spindle gear carrier.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the differential gear mechanism, the gear ring is supported by the output shaft and is bearing-supported relative to the output shaft via bearings, thereby enabling mutual rotation between the gear ring and the output shaft. This allows for a compact design where the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier are arranged close to each other.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the differential gear mechanism, a side gear is arranged on a shaft extension that is rotatably connected to the output shaft and is axially displaceable relative to the output shaft via a spline. This allows for power transmission and displacement of the main shaft gear carrier.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the differential gear device, the end of the output shaft is hollow, and the side gear shaft extension is arranged inside the output shaft. This allows for a space-saving connection between the output shaft and the side gear shaft extension.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the differential gear mechanism, the side gear is locked to prevent axial displacement relative to the main shaft gear carrier. Thus, when either the main shaft gear carrier or the side gear shifts, the side gear and the main shaft gear carrier will move together.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the differential gear mechanism, the main shaft gear is configured as a housing that surrounds the main shaft gear and the side gear. Thus, the main shaft gear and the side gear are protected.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the differential gear assembly includes a gear rotatably connected to another output shaft on one side, wherein the main shaft gear and the other side gear mesh with each other, the side gear and the other side gear are arranged opposite to each other, the main shaft gear carrier is axially displaceable relative to the other output shaft, and wherein the output shaft and the other output shaft constitute two half-shafts of the axle. Thus, the left and right wheels of the axle can be disconnected from the transmission by displacing the main shaft gear carrier.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the differential gear device includes a gear ring carrier, wherein the gear ring and the gear ring carrier are attached to each other, and preferably, the gear ring carrier and the main shaft gear carrier are rotatably connected and disconnected relative to each other. Thus, the gear ring can be supported by the gear ring carrier, and the connection to the main shaft gear carrier can be made via the gear ring carrier, allowing for greater freedom in the selection of the connection position.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the differential gear mechanism, the gear ring carrier is supported by the other output shaft and is supported relative to the other output shaft by bearings in a bearing manner, thereby enabling mutual rotation between the gear ring carrier and the other output shaft. This improves strength and stability.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the differential gear mechanism includes another main shaft gear, which is carried by a main shaft gear carrier and is rotatable relative to the main shaft gear carrier, and the other main shaft gear meshes with a side gear. This allows for the transmission of greater power through the differential gear mechanism.

[0018] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle transmission including a differential gear mechanism, and to a vehicle having an all-wheel drive function (AWD), the vehicle including axles equipped with a differential gear mechanism as described herein. The advantages of this vehicle transmission and the vehicle are substantially the same as those described with reference to different embodiments of the differential gear mechanism.

[0019] Other advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention, which are cited as examples, will now be described in more detail.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle transmission including the differential gear device according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2A This is when the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier are connected to each other. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the differential gear mechanism in the image.

[0024] Figure 2B This is when the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier are disconnected from each other. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the differential gear mechanism in the image.

[0025] Figure 3A Showing a model equipped with a shift fork Figure 1 The differential gear device in the middle,

[0026] Figure 3B Showing a device equipped with a linear motor Figure 1 The differential gear device in, and

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a variant of a differential gear transmission. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's transmission 1. The transmission 1 includes a gearbox 2 and a differential gear unit 3. Power can be transmitted from the electric motor 4 (electric motor) to the wheels 5 of the vehicle's wheel axles 6 through the transmission 1.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the differential gear assembly 3 includes a gear ring 7, a (lower) main shaft gear 8 and another (upper) main shaft gear 9, a main shaft gear carrier 10, a (left) side gear 11 and another (right) side gear 12, and a (left) output shaft 13 and another (right) output shaft 14. The main shaft gears 8 and 9 are carried by the main shaft gear carrier 10 and are rotatable relative to it. Each main shaft gear 8 and 9 meshes with the left side gear 11 and the right side gear 12. The left side gear 11 and the right side gear 12 are arranged opposite to each other and are rotatably connected to the left output shaft 13 and the right output shaft 14, respectively, for transmitting power to the wheels 5. The main shaft gear carrier 10 suitably forms a housing surrounding the main shaft gears 8 and 9 and the side gears 11 and 12.

[0030] The gear ring 7, driven by the electric motor 4 via the gearbox 2, is arranged such that when the gear ring 7 and the main shaft gear carrier 10 are rotatably connected to each other, the left output shaft 13 and the right output shaft 14 are driven by rotating the main shaft gear carrier 10.

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the differential gear device 3 in the diagram.

[0032] exist Figure 2A and 2B In the exemplary embodiment shown, the gear ring 7 and the main shaft gear carrier 10 are rotatably connected (connected in a manner that prevents relative rotation) to each other and disengaged from each other rotatably (disengaged from the relative rotational connection) via a dog-tooth clutch 15. Therefore, the gear ring 7 has a set of dog-tooth clutch teeth 16, and the main shaft gear carrier 10 has a set of dog-tooth clutch teeth 17, these two sets of teeth 16 and 17... Figure 2A They mesh with each other to transmit power.

[0033] This state represents the use of all-wheel drive when the gear ring 7 and the main shaft gear carrier 10 are rotatably connected to each other. Both the left output shaft 13 and the right output shaft 14 are driven, forming the so-called half-shafts of the vehicle's wheel axles 6. Additionally, the vehicle's main wheel axles (not shown) can also be driven.

[0034] like Figure 2B As shown, the gear ring 7 and the main shaft gear carrier 10 can be disengaged from each other through axial displacement of the main shaft gear carrier 10 relative to the gear ring 7 and relative to the left output shaft 13 and the right output shaft 14. Figure 2B In, with Figure 2ACompared to its previous position, the main shaft gear carrier 10 has shifted to the right along the axial direction 18. This state, where the gear ring 7 and the main shaft gear carrier 10 are disengaged from each other, indicates that the vehicle's all-wheel drive function is not in use, i.e., it is in a disconnected state. Neither the left output shaft 13 nor the right output shaft 14 is driven.

[0035] Further reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The gear ring 7 is supported by the left output shaft 13 and is supported relative to the left output shaft 13 by bearing 19 in a bearing manner to achieve mutual rotation between the gear ring 7 and the left output shaft 13.

[0036] Each side gear 11, 12 is suitably arranged on a shaft extension 20, 21, which is rotatably connected to the corresponding output shaft 13, 14 and is axially displaced relative to the output shaft 13, 14 via a spline 24. For example, the ends 22, 23 of each output shaft 13, 14 closest to the main shaft gear carrier 10 are hollow, and the side gear shaft extensions 20, 21 are arranged inside the output shaft 13, 14.

[0037] Each of the side gears 11, 12 is locked to prevent axial displacement relative to the main shaft gear carrier 10, but is able to rotate relative to the main shaft gear carrier 10. In other words, when the main shaft gear carrier 10 moves toward and away from the gear ring 7 in the axial direction 18, the left gear 11 with the left gear shaft extension 20, the right gear 12 with the right gear shaft extension 21, and the main shaft gears 8, 9 will follow the linear movement of the main shaft gear carrier 10.

[0038] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram schematically illustrates some examples of the actuation devices used to control the differential gear assembly 3.

[0039] like Figure 3A As shown, the main shaft gear carrier 10 can be displaced by a shift fork 25 that moves along the axial direction 18. The shift fork 25 enables the differential gear device 3 to achieve the following... Figure 2A The connection status shown and as follows Figure 2B The disconnected state is shown. The shift fork 25 can be driven by, for example, a motor (not shown) or solenoid attached to the housing of the differential gear assembly 3. The shift fork 25 engages suitably with the sleeve 26, thereby allowing the sleeve 26 to rotate relative to the shift fork 25. The sleeve 26 can be attached to or form part of the main gear carrier 10. Alternatively, the sleeve can be connected to or part of another component that is axially locked to the main gear carrier 10, such as the right gear shaft extension 21.

[0040] Alternatively, such as Figure 3B As shown, the spindle gear carrier 10 can be moved by a linear motor 27 (e.g., a stepper motor), which is directly connected to the spindle gear carrier 10. The stator portion of the motor is attached to the housing of the differential gear assembly 3. The linear motor 27 enables the differential gear assembly 3 to be moved as shown in the diagram. Figure 2A The connection status shown and as follows Figure 2B The disconnected state is shown. The linear motor 27 can be arranged to drive the spindle gear carrier 10 in the axial direction 18. Alternatively, the linear motor can be arranged to drive another component, such as the right gear shaft extension 21, which is axially locked to the spindle gear carrier 10.

[0041] Figure 4 A variation 3' of the differential gear assembly is shown. Hereinafter, features and components specific to this embodiment will be described primarily, while for the same or corresponding components, reference may be made to the exemplary embodiments described above. The differential gear assembly 3' includes a gear ring carrier 30. The gear ring 7' and the gear ring carrier 30 are attached to each other. The gear ring carrier 30 and the main shaft gear carrier 10' can be rotatably connected and disconnected relative to each other, for example, via a dog-tooth clutch 15'. Therefore, the gear ring 7' and the main shaft gear carrier 10' can be directly rotatably connected to and disconnected from each other, or can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, they are rotatably connected to each other via the gear ring 30 and rotatably disconnected from each other.

[0042] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the gear ring carrier 30 is supported by another output shaft 14' (i.e., the right output shaft) and is supported in a bearing manner relative to the right output shaft 14' via a bearing 31, thereby enabling relative rotation between the gear ring carrier 30 (gear ring 7') and the right output shaft 14'. As previously described, the gear ring 7' or the gear ring carrier 30 may be supported by the left output shaft 13' and supported in a bearing manner relative to the left output shaft 13 via a bearing 19', thereby enabling relative rotation between the gear ring carrier 30 (gear ring 7') and the left output shaft 13'.

[0043] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the above description and drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A differential gear device (3) for a vehicle, comprising a gear ring (7), a main shaft gear (8), a main shaft gear carrier (10), a side gear (11), and an output shaft (13), wherein the main shaft gear is carried by the main shaft gear carrier and is rotatable relative to the main shaft gear carrier, the main shaft gear and the side gear mesh with each other, the side gear being rotatably connected to the output shaft, and the gear ring (7) being arranged such that when the gear ring and the main shaft gear carrier are rotatably connected to each other, the output shaft (13) is driven by rotating the main shaft gear carrier (10), wherein, The gear ring (7) and the main shaft gear carrier (10) can be rotatably disconnected from each other by axial displacement of the main shaft gear carrier relative to the gear ring and the output shaft, characterized in that the gear ring (7) is supported by the output shaft (13) and is supported relative to the output shaft by a bearing (19) to achieve mutual rotation between the gear ring and the output shaft.

2. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side gear (11) is arranged on the shaft extension (20), which is rotatably connected to the output shaft (13) and is axially displaced relative to the output shaft (13) by means of a spline (24).

3. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end (22) of the output shaft (13) is hollow, and the shaft extension (20) is arranged inside the output shaft (13).

4. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side gear (11) is locked and cannot be axially displaced relative to the main shaft gear carrier (10).

5. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear ring (7) and the main shaft gear carrier (10) can be rotatably connected to each other via a dog-tooth clutch (15).

6. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main shaft gear carrier (10) forms a housing surrounding the main shaft gear (8) and the side gear (11).

7. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential gear assembly (3) includes a side gear (12) rotatably connected to another output shaft (14), the main shaft gear (8) and the other side gear (12) meshing with each other, the side gear (11) and the other side gear (12) being arranged opposite to each other, the main shaft gear carrier (10) being axially displaced relative to the other output shaft (14), and the output shaft (13) and the other output shaft (14) forming two half-shafts of the vehicle wheel axle (6).

8. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The differential gear device (3) includes a gear ring holder (30), and the gear ring (7) and the gear ring holder (30) are attached to each other.

9. The differential gear device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gear ring carrier (30) and the main shaft gear carrier (10) can be rotatably connected and disconnected relative to each other.

10. The differential gear device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gear ring holder (30) is supported by the other output shaft (14) and is supported relative to the other output shaft (14) by another bearing (31) to enable mutual rotation between the gear ring holder (30) and the other output shaft (14).

11. The differential gear device (3) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The differential gear device (3) includes another main shaft gear (9), which is carried by the main shaft gear carrier (10) and is rotatable relative to the main shaft gear carrier. The other main shaft gear (9) and the side gear (11) mesh with each other.

12. The differential gear device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The main spindle gear carrier (10) can be shifted via a shift fork (25) or a linear motor (27) directly connected to the main spindle gear carrier.

13. A vehicle transmission (1) comprising a differential gear assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. A vehicle with all-wheel drive capability, comprising an axle (6) provided with a differential gear device (3) according to any one of claims 1-12.

Images