Differential lock structure with multiple rows of teeth

Abstract

The invention relates to a differential lock structure with multiple rows of teeth, and belongs to the technical field of automobile differential mechanisms. Comprising a differential shell formed by a differential shell body and a differential end cover, a gear transmission set arranged in the differential shell and a multi-row tooth locking assembly. The multi-row tooth locking assembly comprises a pin shaft, a lock sleeve and a spring; the lock sleeve is arranged on the outer side of a half axle gear of the gear transmission set in a sleeving mode and can be meshed with an outer gear ring of the half axle gear. The lock sleeve is further meshed with an inner gear ring of the differential mechanism shell. A plurality of rows of teeth are arranged on the inner ring of the lock sleeve; the pin shaft is arranged in the axial direction of the differential shell, and the inner end of the pin shaft abuts against one end face of the lock sleeve; the other end face of the lock sleeve is correspondingly provided with a spring. And during locking, the inner ring of the lock sleeve is meshed with the outer ring of the half axle gear. According to the technology, a multi-layer annular gear ring meshing mechanism is adopted, a distributed torque transmission path is constructed, the meshing depth of a locking gear is increased through axial superposition gear ring arrangement, the torque capacity of the differential lock is improved, the torque distribution precision is improved, and the locking response time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-row toothed differential lock structure, belonging to the field of automotive differential technology. Background Technology

[0002] When a vehicle is in motion, if one wheel passes over a rough road surface, due to the differential, one wheel will spin freely while the other wheel on the good road surface will not receive torque, causing the car to lose power. Adding a differential lock structure allows both wheels to receive the same power, thus enabling the vehicle to get out of trouble.

[0003] Existing differentials equipped with locking mechanisms typically employ electromagnetic clutches or hydraulic actuators. However, electromagnetic clutches, limited by their short axial travel (only 3-4 mm), result in insufficient effective engagement length for the locking mechanism. This necessitates a large-diameter end-face tooth structure to meet high torque transmission requirements, which not only increases system space and restricts overall layout but also significantly raises manufacturing costs due to the high precision requirements of the end-face teeth. If a hydraulic actuator is used, the effective engagement length of the locking mechanism remains difficult to optimize due to limitations in the differential's internal space, leading to insufficient engagement reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-row toothed differential lock structure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A multi-row toothed differential lock structure includes a differential housing formed by a differential housing and a differential end cover, a gear transmission group disposed within the differential housing, and a multi-row toothed locking assembly; The multi-row toothed locking assembly includes a pin, a locking sleeve, and a spring. The locking sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the half-shaft gear of the gear transmission assembly and can mesh with the outer gear ring of the half-shaft gear. The locking sleeve also meshes with the inner gear ring of the differential housing. The inner ring of the locking sleeve has several rows of teeth, and the outer gear ring of the half-shaft gear has the same number of rows of teeth as the inner ring of the locking sleeve. The pin is arranged axially along the differential housing and its inner end abuts against one end face of the locking sleeve. A spring is correspondingly arranged on the other end face of the locking sleeve. When locked, the pin pushes the locking sleeve toward the spring, compressing the spring; at the same time, the inner ring of the locking sleeve meshes with the outer ring of the half-shaft gear.

[0006] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the gear transmission assembly includes a first half-shaft gear, a second half-shaft gear, two planetary gears and a planetary gear shaft; the first half-shaft gear and the second half-shaft gear are arranged relatively apart in the differential housing; both planetary gears mesh with the first half-shaft gear and the second half-shaft gear simultaneously, and the two planetary gears are arranged relatively apart and connected by a planetary gear shaft.

[0007] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is that: the pin is a stepped shaft structure; the large diameter section of the pin abuts against the locking sleeve; the small diameter section of the pin is slidably disposed in the differential housing.

[0008] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a spring groove for installing a spring is provided on the inner side of the differential end cover, and the spring is installed in the spring groove and corresponds to the lock sleeve.

[0009] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a pressure ring is provided inside the differential housing, and a spring groove is provided on one end face of the pressure ring, and a spring is installed in the spring groove and corresponds to the locking sleeve; a retaining ring for axially limiting the pressure ring is also installed inside the differential housing.

[0010] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is that a number of pins are set and evenly distributed around the central axis of the differential housing.

[0011] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a push plate is fitted onto the outer surface of the differential housing, and the push plate is connected to the outer ends of all the pins.

[0012] A further improvement to the technical solution of this invention is that the spring is selected from helical springs, wave springs, or leaf springs.

[0013] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is that the tooth shape of the inner gear ring of the differential housing includes, but is not limited to, rectangular teeth, circular arc teeth, triangular teeth, and involute teeth.

[0014] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is that the inner gear ring of the locking sleeve and the outer gear ring of the half shaft gear are provided with 2-4 rows of teeth.

[0015] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the technical effects achieved by this invention are as follows: This invention relates to a multi-row toothed differential lock structure. Both the internal gear ring of the lock sleeve and the external gear ring of the half-shaft gear in this structure have multiple rows of teeth, enabling multi-row gear engagement during the meshing of the lock sleeve and the half-shaft gear. By employing a multi-level ring gear meshing mechanism, a distributed torque transmission path is constructed; the axial multi-row stacked gear ring arrangement increases the meshing depth of the locking gear, improving the differential lock torque capacity, thus enhancing torque distribution accuracy, shortening locking response time, and achieving greater torque transmission under limited space conditions, effectively improving transmission efficiency. Compared with traditional large-diameter end-face tooth structures, this technical solution... Figure 1 The multi-row locking gear ring adopts efficient forming processes (such as gear hobbing) and optimized structure, which can significantly reduce manufacturing costs, make the structure lightweight, and improve the market competitiveness of the reducer assembly products.

[0016] The multi-row toothed locking assembly in this technical solution, through the cooperation of the locking sleeve, pin, and spring, enables the locking and unlocking of the locking sleeve, ensuring smooth locking and unlocking and guaranteeing the proper operation of the differential. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the double-row toothed differential lock structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the three-row toothed differential lock structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the right half-shaft locking structure of the three-row teeth of the present invention; Figure 4 This invention relates to a multi-row toothed locking ring structure; Figure 5 It is an existing large-diameter end face tooth structure; The components are: 1. Differential housing; 2. Pin; 3. Half-shaft gear one; 4. Planetary gear shaft; 5. Planetary gear; 6. Half-shaft gear two; 7. Lock sleeve; 8. Spring; 9. Differential cover; 10. Pressure ring; 11. Retaining ring; 12. Push plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front end", "rear end", "both ends", "one end", "the other end", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] This invention is a multi-row toothed differential lock structure applied in automobiles and used in conjunction with a differential. Specifically, it incorporates a differential lock into the differential, giving the differential a locking function.

[0021] The structure mainly includes a differential housing 1 and a differential end cover 9. The differential housing 1 and the differential end cover 9 are joined together to form a differential outer shell. A gear transmission assembly and a multi-row tooth locking assembly are installed in the inner cavity of the differential outer shell. The differential housing and the gear transmission assembly together form the structure of the differential.

[0022] The gear transmission assembly mainly includes half-shaft gear 1 (3), half-shaft gear 2 (6), two planetary gears (5), and planetary gear shaft (4).

[0023] Multi-row locking components are used to lock the differential, enabling it to be locked in scenarios where differential locking is required.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the multi-row toothed locking assembly includes a pin 2, a locking sleeve 7, and a spring 8. The locking sleeve 7 is a ring structure with an outer toothed ring and an inner toothed ring. The locking sleeve 7 is fitted onto the outside of the half-shaft gear, and the outer toothed ring of the locking sleeve 7 meshes with the inner toothed ring of the differential housing 1. The differential housing 1 has an inner toothed ring corresponding to the inner wall of the locking sleeve 7. The inner toothed ring of the locking sleeve 7 can mesh with the outer toothed ring of the half-shaft gear. When the locking sleeve 7 meshes with the outer toothed ring of the half-shaft gear, the differential lock is activated, locking the differential and achieving rigid locking. When the locking sleeve 7 is not meshed with the outer toothed ring of the half-shaft gear, the differential is in an unlocked state. The outer toothed ring of the locking sleeve 7 and the inner toothed ring of the differential housing 1 always remain meshed, ensuring continuous torque transmission.

[0025] To improve the stability of the differential lock's locking state, this technical solution incorporates several rows of teeth on the inner ring of the lock sleeve 7, meaning more than one row of teeth. Typically, 2-4 rows of teeth are used. Correspondingly, the outer gear ring of the half-shaft gear also needs to have the same number of rows of teeth as the inner ring of the lock sleeve 7; this ensures that the lock sleeve 7 and the half-shaft gear are in a meshing state with their toothed rings, achieving stable locking. Specifically... Figure 4 As shown in the figure. This structure can enhance the torque capacity and engagement reliability of the differential lock, and the engagement gear ring can be realized through processes such as broaching and hobbing.

[0026] In the multi-row gear locking assembly, pin 2 moves the lock sleeve 7 toward the half-shaft gear, thereby engaging with the half-shaft gear and transitioning the differential lock from an unlocked to a locked state. Spring 8 in the multi-row gear locking assembly moves the lock sleeve 7 away from the half-shaft gear, disengaging it and opening the differential lock.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, pin 2 is arranged axially along the differential housing 1, with most of its body inside the differential housing 1. The inner end of pin 2 abuts against one end face of the locking sleeve 7. The outer end of pin 2 is connected to the actuator, and pin 2 pushes the locking sleeve 7.

[0028] One end of the locking sleeve 7 abuts against the pin 2, while the other end is correspondingly fitted with a spring 8. When locked, the pin 2 pushes the locking sleeve 7 towards the half-shaft gear and the spring 8, compressing the spring 8. Simultaneously, the inner ring of the locking sleeve 7 meshes with the outer ring of the half-shaft gear. When the external force on the actuator is removed, the spring 8 extends to its original state, simultaneously pushing the locking sleeve 7 away from the half-shaft gear. The spring 8 stores elastic potential energy, which is subsequently released to push the locking sleeve 7.

[0029] In this technical solution, the gear transmission assembly is actually the gear transmission structure of the differential. As shown in the figure, it mainly includes two half-shaft gears, namely half-shaft gear 3 and half-shaft gear 6; two planetary gears 5 and a planetary gear shaft 4. Among them, half-shaft gear 3 and half-shaft gear 6 are arranged opposite each other in the differential housing 1 with a distance between them; the two planetary gears 5 are also arranged opposite each other, and the two planetary gears 5 are located at the two ends of the two half-shaft gears respectively. Both planetary gears 5 are simultaneously engaged with half-shaft gear 3 and half-shaft gear 6. A planetary gear shaft 4 is arranged between the two planetary gears 5, and the two ends of the planetary gear shaft 4 are fixedly connected to the end faces of the two planetary gears 5 respectively. The two planetary gears 5 operate in a synchronous rotation mode.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the pin 2 in this differential lock structure is the driving component for differential locking. Preferably, the pin is a stepped shaft structure. The inner end of the pin 2 is a large-diameter section, which is relatively short. The large-diameter section of the pin 2 abuts against the locking sleeve 4. The small-diameter section of the pin 2 is longer and slides within the differential housing 1. Within the differential housing 1, in the area where the large-diameter end of the pin 2 is located, the inner wall of the differential housing 1 has a limiting surface for the large-diameter end, preventing the pin 2 from sliding outwards too far.

[0031] This structure has two main embodiments depending on the position where the locking component is locked.

[0032] In Example 1, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The locking structure is located on the left side of the differential housing, with the locking sleeve 7 corresponding to the second half-shaft gear 6. A spring groove is provided on the inner side of the differential end cover 9, and a spring 8 is installed in the spring groove. The spring 8 is installed in the spring groove and corresponds to the locking sleeve 7. Multiple springs and spring grooves are arranged around the locking sleeve to ensure smooth pushing of the locking sleeve 7. The end face of the differential cover 9 has a locking and limiting function, fitting against the end face of the locking sleeve 7 to limit the axial travel and maximum locking travel of the locking sleeve 7. After locking, the multiple rows of gears on the outer side of the second half-shaft gear 6 match the multiple rows of gears on the inner side of the locking sleeve 7, forming a locking pair; the tooth profile and locking stage design of the second half-shaft gear 6 are coordinated with the locking sleeve 7 to ensure high torque and transmission efficiency.

[0033] In Example 2, combined with Figure 3The locking structure is located on the right side of the differential housing, with the locking sleeve 7 corresponding to the half-shaft gear 3. At this point, a pressure ring 10 needs to be installed inside the differential housing 1, with the axial position of the pressure ring 10 roughly corresponding to the position of the half-shaft gear 3. A spring groove is provided on one end face of the pressure ring 10, and a spring 5 is installed in the spring groove. A spring 8 is aligned with the locking sleeve 7. Multiple springs and spring grooves are arranged around the locking sleeve to ensure smooth pushing of the locking sleeve 7. In addition, a retaining ring 11 needs to be installed inside the differential housing 1, on the left side of the pressure ring 10. The retaining ring 11 is used to axially limit the pressure ring 10, achieving stable installation. Axial positioning is achieved through the retaining ring 11, while circumferential anti-rotation is ensured by the symmetrical lugs of the pressure ring 10 engaging with the grooves of the differential housing 1. After locking, the multiple rows of gears on the outer side of the half-shaft gear 3 match the gears on the inner side of the locking sleeve 7, forming a locking pair. The tooth profile and locking stage design of the half-shaft gear 3 work in conjunction with the locking sleeve 7 to ensure high torque and transmission efficiency.

[0034] In this differential lock, the pin 2 is the driving component for differential locking. Typically, multiple pins 2 are evenly distributed around the central axis of the differential housing 1. When locking is required, the multiple pins 2 simultaneously push the lock sleeve 7, ensuring uniform force transmission and allowing the lock sleeve 7 to move smoothly.

[0035] Furthermore, a push plate 12 is fitted onto the outer surface of the differential housing 1. The push plate 12 is connected to the outer ends of all the pins 2. At the same time, the push plate 12 is also connected to the actuator, and applies axial thrust to the locking sleeve 7 through the pins 2.

[0036] In specific implementation, spring 8 can be a helical spring, wave spring or leaf spring.

[0037] In specific implementations, the tooth profile of the inner gear ring of the differential housing 1 includes, but is not limited to, rectangular teeth, circular arc teeth, triangular teeth, and involute teeth.

[0038] The basic principle of the locking process of this differential lock is as follows: 1. Power input: The actuator applies axial thrust to the locking sleeve 7 through the pin 2, with the direction pointing towards the half-shaft gear.

[0039] 2. Gear ring engagement: The locking sleeve 7 moves axially, and its inner gear ring meshes with the outer gear ring of the half shaft gear.

[0040] 3. Energy storage: When spring 8 is compressed and contracts, it stores elastic potential energy. 4. Torque transmission: The outer gear ring of the locking sleeve 7 is always engaged with the inner gear ring of the differential housing 1. After locking is completed, the locking sleeve 7 engages with the outer gear ring of the half shaft gear to achieve rigid torque transmission.

[0041] The basic principle of the unlocking process of this differential lock is as follows: 1. Power release: The axial thrust applied by the actuator disappears.

[0042] 2. Elastic reset: Spring 8 releases potential energy, pushing the locking sleeve 7 and pin 2 to reset in the opposite direction.

[0043] 3. Gear ring separation: The inner gear ring of the locking sleeve 7 disengages from the outer gear ring of the half shaft gear.

[0044] 4. Mechanical limit: The end face of the large diameter end of the pin 2 is fitted with the end face of the differential housing 1 for limit, the unlocking is completed, and the differential function is restored.

[0045] This technology employs a multi-level ring gear meshing mechanism to construct a distributed torque transmission path. By axially stacking the gear rings, the meshing depth of the locking gears can be increased, thereby improving the differential lock torque capacity. This results in improved torque distribution accuracy, shorter locking response time, and the achievement of greater torque transmission under limited space conditions, effectively improving transmission efficiency.

[0046] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-row toothed differential lock structure, characterized in that: The differential housing includes a differential housing (1) and a differential end cap (9), a gear transmission assembly disposed within the differential housing, and a multi-row tooth locking assembly. The multi-row toothed locking assembly includes a pin (2), a locking sleeve (7), and a spring (8); the locking sleeve (7) is mounted on the outside of the half-shaft gear of the gear transmission assembly and can mesh with the outer gear ring of the half-shaft gear; the locking sleeve (7) also meshes with the inner gear ring of the differential housing; the inner ring of the locking sleeve (7) is provided with several rows of teeth, and the outer gear ring of the half-shaft gear is provided with the same number of rows of teeth as the inner ring of the locking sleeve (7); the pin (2) is arranged along the axial direction of the differential housing (1) and its inner end abuts against one end face of the locking sleeve (7); the other end face of the locking sleeve (7) is correspondingly provided with the spring (8); When locked, the pin (2) pushes the locking sleeve (7) toward the spring (8) and compresses the spring (8); at the same time, the inner ring of the locking sleeve (7) meshes with the outer ring of the half-shaft gear.

2. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear transmission assembly includes a first half-shaft gear (3), a second half-shaft gear (6), two planetary gears ((5)) and a planetary gear shaft (4); the first half-shaft gear (3) and the second half-shaft gear (6) are arranged relatively apart in the differential housing; both planetary gears (5) mesh with the first half-shaft gear (3) and the second half-shaft gear (6) at the same time, and the two planetary gears (5) are arranged relatively apart and connected by the planetary gear shaft (4).

3. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pin (2) is a stepped shaft structure; the large diameter section of the pin (2) abuts against the locking sleeve (4); the small diameter section of the pin (2) is slidably disposed inside the differential housing (1).

4. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A spring groove for installing a spring (8) is provided on the inner side of the differential end cover (9), and the spring (8) is installed in the spring groove and corresponds to the lock sleeve (7).

5. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A pressure ring (10) is provided inside the differential housing (1), and a spring groove is provided on one end face of the pressure ring (10). A spring (5) is installed in the spring groove and corresponds to the lock sleeve (7). A retaining ring (11) for axially limiting the pressure ring (10) is also installed inside the differential housing (1).

6. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Several pins (2) are set and evenly distributed around the central axis of the differential housing (1).

7. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A push plate (12) is fitted onto the outer surface of the differential housing (1), and the push plate (12) is connected to the outer ends of all the pins (2).

8. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to any one of claims 1-5 and 7, characterized in that: Spring (8) can be a helical spring, wave spring or leaf spring.

9. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to any one of claims 1-5 and 7, characterized in that: The tooth profile of the inner gear ring of the differential housing (1) includes, but is not limited to, rectangular teeth, circular arc teeth, triangular teeth, and involute teeth.

10. The multi-row toothed differential lock structure according to any one of claims 1-5 and 7, characterized in that: The inner gear ring of the locking sleeve (7) and the outer gear ring of the half shaft gear are provided with 2-4 rows of teeth.

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