Axle housing

Abstract

An axle housing includes: a differential portion configured to receive a differential; and a pair of elongate leg portions extending from opposite sides of the differential portion. Each leg portion includes a free end configured for mounting the wheel end assembly to the axle housing. Each leg portion is configured to receive a driveshaft for transmitting torque from a differential to a wheel end assembly. At least one of the leg portions includes one or more ribs extending substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the leg portion.

Description

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present teachings relate to an axle housing, a method of manufacturing an axle housing, and an axle. BACKGROUND

[0003] An axle housing houses components of one of the axle assemblies of a vehicle. The axle housing helps to retain oil in the vicinity of critical components of the axle assembly, such as the gears of the differential, thereby helping to maintain a minimum lubrication level of these components.

[0004] Typically, a drive axle housing comprises a differential portion and a pair of elongate leg portions extending from opposite sides of the differential portion. The differential portion is configured to receive a differential of a driveline of a vehicle. Each leg portion comprises a free end configured for mounting a wheel end assembly to the axle housing. Furthermore, each leg portion is configured to house a drive shaft for transmitting torque from the differential to the wheel end assembly.

[0005] It is known to form each leg portion as a rectangular box section having a substantially constant profile along its length. However, such a box section typically requires thick walls to ensure that the box section has sufficient stiffness to withstand the bending and torsional stresses to which it is subjected in use, which significantly increases the mass of such a box section. Furthermore, due to the substantially constant profile of the box section, a large amount of oil is required to sufficiently fill the axle housing to ensure that a minimum level of lubrication is maintained.

[0006] The present teachings seek to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems associated with the prior art.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present teachings, there is provided an axle housing comprising: a differential portion configured to receive a differential; and a pair of elongate leg portions extending from opposite sides of the differential portion. Each leg portion comprises a free end configured for mounting a wheel end assembly to the axle housing. Each leg portion is configured to house a drive shaft for transmitting torque from the differential to the wheel end assembly. At least one of the leg portions comprises one or more ribs extending substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the leg portion.

[0009] Advantageously, the one or more ribs can help to increase a second moment of area of the leg portion, such that for a given bending strength, a thickness of a wall of the leg portion can be reduced, thereby reducing a mass of the axle housing.

[0010] The one or more ribs can be arranged on an underside of the leg portion in the intended orientation of the axle housing to the vehicle.

[0011] Advantageously, the one or more ribs can help to increase a second moment of area of the underside of the leg portion, which in use tends to be subjected to relatively high tensile stresses.

[0012] The at least one leg portion can comprise two or more ribs.

[0013] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to further increase the rigidity of the leg portion.

[0014] The two or more ribs can be spaced apart along an anteroposterior direction of the leg portion.

[0015] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to further increase the rigidity of the leg portion.

[0016] The two or more ribs can be arranged side-by-side along the anteroposterior direction.

[0017] The at least one leg portion can comprise a web joining two of the ribs.

[0018] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to further increase the rigidity of the leg portion, particularly when twisted.

[0019] The one or more ribs can extend along a majority or all of a length of the leg portion.

[0020] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to further increase the rigidity of the leg portion.

[0021] The at least one leg portion can comprise a tubular casing defining a void for receiving the drive shaft therein.

[0022] The one or more ribs and the tubular casing can be formed as a single monolithic piece of material, for example via a casting, forging or stamping process.

[0023] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to further increase the rigidity and strength of the leg portion, and to simplify manufacture of the axle housing.

[0024] The height of the profile of the tubular housing can taper in a direction away from the differential portion. At least one of the one or more ribs can increase in height relative to the tubular housing in said direction away from the differential portion.

[0025] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to reduce the mass of the axle housing while providing sufficient structural rigidity.

[0026] The tapered profile can extend along a majority or all of the length of the leg portion.

[0027] The cross-sectional area of the cavity can taper in a direction away from the differential portion.

[0028] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to reduce the amount of oil required to fill the cavity in order to adequately lubricate the components of the axle within the cavity.

[0029] In the intended orientation of the axle housing to the vehicle, the lower wall of the tubular housing can slope downward in a direction toward the differential portion.

[0030] Advantageously, such a sloped lower wall of the tubular housing can help to drain oil to the differential portion, from which oil can be more easily removed.

[0031] The upper wall of the tubular housing can not be parallel to the lower wall.

[0032] The upper wall can be substantially horizontal.

[0033] In the intended orientation of the axle housing to the vehicle, the lower side of the tubular housing can comprise a dam wall extending into the cavity for retaining oil in the cavity outside of the dam wall.

[0034] Advantageously, the dam wall can help to retain oil toward the free end of the leg portion, at which free end components requiring lubrication can be mounted.

[0035] The dam wall can be adjacent to the free end of the leg portion.

[0036] The one or more ribs can be substantially symmetrical about a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leg portion.

[0037] Advantageously, such a configuration can help to increase the rigidity of the leg portion.

[0038] In the intended orientation of the axle housing to the vehicle, the plane can be substantially vertical.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present teaching, there is provided a method of manufacturing the axle housing according to the first aspect. The at least one leg portion of the axle housing comprises a tubular shell defining a cavity for receiving a drive shaft in the tubular shell. The method comprises:

[0040] forming the tubular shell and the one or more ribs as a single integral piece of material via a casting or stamping process.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present teaching, there is provided an axle comprising the axle housing according to the first aspect.

[0042] The axle can be a drive steer axle or a rigid drive axle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments will now be disclosed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a top isometric view of an axle according to an embodiment in an intended orientation for mounting to a vehicle;

[0045] Figure 2 is a view along the section A-A shown in Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 3 is a bottom isometric view of the axle shown in Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 4 is a view along the section B-B shown in Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the left-hand side of Figure 2 ;

[0049] Figure 6 is a bottom isometric view of an axle according to a further embodiment; and

[0050] Figure 7 is a view along the section C-C shown in Figure 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows an axle 10 for a vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a view along the section A-A shown in Figure 1 . Figure 1 and Figure 2A view of the axle 10 in its intended orientation for installation on a vehicle is shown. In the following text, references to “up,” “down,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” are relative to this intended orientation. Figure 1 A Cartesian coordinate system is also shown, where axis x represents the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to which the axle 10 is mounted, axis y represents the transverse direction of the vehicle, and axis z represents the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0052] Axle 10 is a drive and steering axle. For example, axle 10 may be of the type used in heavy-duty road vehicles or off-road vehicles, such as axles for trucks, buses, agricultural vehicles, mining equipment, military transport or weapons vehicles, or cargo loading equipment for land, air or sea vessels. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle may include a trailer for transporting cargo.

[0053] The axle 10 includes an axle housing 100, a pair of drive shafts 110 (i.e., half shafts), and a differential 112. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive shaft 110 and differential 112 are schematically shown. The axle housing 100 has an upper side 100u and a lower side 100l.

[0054] The axle housing 100 is elongated and mainly along... Figure 2 The longitudinal axis Y1 shown extends in the diagram. The longitudinal axis Y1 is substantially parallel to the transverse direction (y).

[0055] The axle housing 100 includes a driveshaft 104 configured to receive a differential 112 and the vehicle's drivetrain. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The differential portion 102 is schematically shown in the diagram. In the illustrated embodiment, the differential portion 102 includes an aperture 106 through which a driveshaft 104 extends into the differential portion 102. A cover (not shown) is removably mounted to the periphery of the aperture 106 such that the driveshaft 104 extends through the cover. The cover is configured to prevent oil leakage from the internal cavity of the axle housing 100 via the aperture 106. In other embodiments (not shown), an electric motor may be coupled to the axle housing 100 to provide propulsion adjacent to the axle, rather than providing propulsion from a prime mover (such as an internal combustion engine) remote from the axle via the driveshaft 104.

[0056] The axle housing 100 includes a pair of elongated outrigger portions 108 extending from opposite sides of the differential portion 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the outrigger portions 108 are substantially the same, but may differ in alternative embodiments.

[0057] Each leg portion 108 has a longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal axis of each outrigger portion is aligned with the longitudinal axis Y1. Each outrigger portion 108 accommodates one of the drive shafts 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each drive shaft 110 is coupled to the drive shaft 104 via a differential 112, such that torque is transmitted from the drive shaft 104 to the drive shaft 110 via the differential 112.

[0058] The differential 112 is housed within the differential section 102. The differential section 102 has a greater height in the vertical direction (z) and a greater length in the longitudinal direction (x) relative to the outrigger section 108 in order to accommodate the differential 112.

[0059] Each outrigger portion 108 includes a free end 108a configured to mount a wheel end assembly (not shown) to the free end 108a. Each wheel end assembly may be configured to rotatably support a vehicle wheel that may support a tire. Furthermore, the wheel end assembly may include one or more components that may contribute to wheel braking or changing the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, each free end 108a includes a steering knuckle mounting arrangement 101 at its free end for mounting a steering knuckle to the axle housing 100. Each steering knuckle mounting arrangement 101 includes a pair of opposing arms 103, each arm 103 including a hole 105 for receiving a kingpin of the steering knuckle. A drive shaft 110 housed in each outrigger portion 108 can transmit torque to the wheel end assembly mounted to the free end 108a of the outrigger portion 108 via a universal joint or the like, allowing simultaneous drive and steering. The universal joint can be located in the space defined between the arms 103.

[0060] The free end 108a of each leg portion 108 is configured to rotatably support the distal end of the drive shaft 110 housed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, each free end 108a includes a bearing seat 107 for mounting a suitable rolling element bearing (not shown) or the like for this purpose.

[0061] The axle housing 100 includes vehicle mounting devices 113 for mounting the axle housing 100 to a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle mounting devices 113 include a pair of mounting brackets 115 on each leg portion 108. Each bracket 115 includes one or more holes 117 for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt (e.g., a U-bolt, not shown), for mounting the axle housing 100 to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the axle housing 100 can be mounted to a suspension of a vehicle via the mounting devices 113.

[0062] The vehicle mounting devices 113 include mounting platforms 119 on the upper side 100u of each leg portion 108 for abutting against a vehicle (e.g., a suspension of a vehicle) to which the axle housing 100 is mounted. Each mounting platform 119 is aligned with the pair of mounting brackets 115. In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting platform 119 includes a hole 221 for receiving a fastener for mounting the axle housing 100 to a vehicle.

[0063] Further reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate the lower side 1001 and a view along the cross-section B-B in Figure 1 of the axle housing 100, respectively, each leg portion 108 includes a tubular housing 121 defining a cavity 123 in which the corresponding drive shaft 110 is received. Each leg portion 108 includes four ribs 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d. In the illustrated embodiment, for each leg portion 108, the ribs 114a-114d and the tubular housing 121 are formed as a single integral piece of material (e.g., via a casting, forging, or stamping process, e.g., from a metal such as steel). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the ribs 114a-114d can be formed separately from the tubular housing 121 and mounted to the tubular housing 121 (e.g., via welding).

[0064] Each rib 114a-114d extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1. Advantageously, the ribs 114a-114d help to increase the area second moment of the leg portion 108, thereby increasing the rigidity of the leg portion 108, such that the thickness of the walls of the tubular housing 121 can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in the overall mass of the axle housing 100. In alternative embodiments (not shown), at least one of the leg portions 108 can include one or more, two or more, three or more, or more than four ribs 114a-114d. In such alternative embodiments, one of the leg portions 108 can not include any ribs 114a-114d.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, each rib 114a-d extends vertically outward from the tubular casing 121 ; i.e. along the z-axis.

[0066] The leg portion 108 has a wall thickness T between its inner and outer surfaces, as illustrated in the middle. Figure 4 The provision of the ribs 114a-d enables the average wall thickness T of the leg portion 108 to be reduced relative to a conventional box section type leg portion, without compromising structural integrity. The provision of the ribs 114a-d therefore enables the mass of the leg portion 108 to be reduced.

[0067] The ribs 114a-d on each leg portion 108 comprise a first rib 114a, a second rib 114b, a third rib 114c and a fourth rib 114d. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ribs 114a, 114b are arranged on the lower side 1001 of the leg portion 108, which in use is inclined to experience higher tensile stresses relative to the upper side 100u and therefore benefits most from the increase in stiffness. The third and fourth ribs 114c, 114d are arranged on the upper side 100u of the leg portion 108.

[0068] The first and second ribs 114a, 114b and the third and fourth ribs 114c, 114d are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart along the fore-aft direction (x). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the ribs 114a-d can have any suitable arrangement.

[0069] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrated, the first and second ribs 114a, 114b are separated along the fore-aft direction (x) by a first wall 150a of the tubular casing 121, which has a thickness T that is less than the thickness of the ribs 114a, 114b. Similarly, the third and fourth ribs 114c, 114d are separated along the fore-aft direction (x) by a second wall 150b of the tubular casing 121, which has a thickness T that is less than the thickness of the ribs 114c, 114d.

[0070] Each leg portion 108 comprises a web 134 that joins the first and second ribs 114a, 114b at a partway along the length of the first and second ribs 114a, 114b. Each web 134 extends primarily perpendicular to the corresponding ribs 114a, 114b (i.e. along the fore-aft direction (x) in the illustrated embodiment). The webs 134 further contribute to improving the torsional stiffness of the leg portion 108, and can be formed as a single integral piece of material with the tubular casing 121, like the ribs 114a-d.

[0071] As Figure 3As shown, the first rib 114a and the second rib 114b extend along most of the length of each outrigger portion 108, wherein the length is defined between the differential portion end 130 and the free end 108a of the outrigger portion 108.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the arrangement of ribs 114a-114d may extend along the full length of each leg portion 108.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the third rib 114c and the fourth rib 114d extend along a small portion of the length of each leg portion 108, but in an alternative embodiment they may extend along most of the length. The third rib 114c and the fourth rib 114d are adjacent to the free end 108a of each leg portion 108.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, each outrigger portion 108 includes a cavity 135 formed by the third rib 114c and the fourth rib 114d, and the second wall 150b. To prevent water retention in each cavity 135, which could lead to corrosion of the axle housing 100, the cavity 135 may be filled or covered with a waterproof material (e.g., epoxy resin). Alternatively, one or both of the ribs 114c, 114d, or the second wall 150b (as long as it allows drainage to the outside of the cavity 123) may be provided with drainage holes for draining water from the cavity 135.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, ribs 114a and 114b are substantially symmetrical about a plane P extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1. Similarly, ribs 114c and 114d are substantially symmetrical about the same plane P. In the illustrated embodiment, plane P is substantially vertical. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), these ribs may be asymmetrical.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 114a-114d and the locations where they connect to the tubular housing 121 have a continuously curved outer profile, thereby helping to minimize stress concentration therein.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, the tubular housing 121 of each outrigger portion 108 has an internal vertical height H that varies along the longitudinal axis Y1. In this embodiment, the height H tapers (gradually decreases) along the longitudinal axis Y1 in the direction away from the differential portion 102 (i.e., the height H decreases as the distance away from the differential portion 102 along the longitudinal axis Y1 increases). Advantageously, such a configuration can help reduce the mass of the axle housing 100.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the ribs 114a-114d relative to the tubular housing 121 increases in a direction away from the differential portion 102 along the lengthwise axis Y1. Advantageously, such a configuration of the ribs 114a-114d helps to offset the reduction in area second moment caused by the tapering of the height H of the tubular housing 121 in order to ensure sufficient structural rigidity of the leg portion 108. In alternative embodiments (not shown), only one or more of the ribs 114a-114d can increase in height relative to the tubular housing 121 in a direction away from the differential portion 102.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the tapering profile extends along a majority of the length of each leg portion 108. In alternative embodiments, the tapering profile can instead extend along the entire length of each leg portion 108. In some embodiments, the height H can taper from the differential portion end 130 to a substantially constant vertical height section, and further taper outside the substantially constant vertical height section.

[0080] The cross-sectional area of each cavity 123 in a plane orthogonal to the lengthwise axis Y1 varies along the lengthwise axis Y1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each cavity 123 tapers in a direction away from the differential portion 102 (i.e. the cross-sectional area decreases as the distance along the lengthwise axis Y1 away from the differential portion 102 increases). Advantageously, such a configuration reduces the internal volume of the axle housing 100, and thus can help to reduce the amount of oil required to fill the cavities 123 to a suitable level to lubricate the components of the axle 10 within the axle housing 100 (primarily the components of the differential 112).

[0081] As Figure 2 illustrated, the lower wall 160 of the tubular housing 121 of each leg portion 108 slopes downwardly in the direction D (indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2 ). In use, such a sloped lower wall 160 helps to drain oil to the differential portion 102. Advantageously, this helps to maximise the oil that can be removed from the axle housing 100 via the differential portion 102 when the oil is changed, and thus helps to prevent old, used oil from remaining within the leg portion 108, which can contaminate newly added oil, and cause increased wear of the moving components of the axle 10.

[0082] The lower wall 160 of each tubular housing 121 is not parallel to the upper wall 162 of the tubular housing 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper wall 162 of each tubular housing 121 is substantially horizontal. Advantageously, this helps to simplify the mounting of the axle housing 100 to a vehicle.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 illustrated Figure 2The enlarged view of the left-hand side of the axle housing 100 shown shows that the lower side 100l of the tubular housing 121 of each outrigger portion 108 includes an oil baffle wall 140 extending into a cavity 123. The oil baffle wall 140 is arranged to deflect oil 142 (in...) Figure 5 (Indicated by the dashed shading) is retained in the cavity 123 on the axially outer side of the oil baffle 140. Advantageously, the oil baffle 140 helps ensure a minimum level of oil is maintained in the outer section of the outrigger portion 108, where components requiring lubrication, such as bearings 107, can be installed. In the illustrated embodiment, each oil baffle 140 is adjacent to the free end 108a of the outrigger portion 108.

[0084] refer to Figure 4 Each leg portion 108 has a profile with a generally U-shaped inner lower surface 125 and a generally W-shaped outer lower surface 127. Leg portions 108 of this shape can be formed via a casting process. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each leg portion 108 can be formed from two or more pieces of material fixed together (e.g., via welding). Each piece of material can be formed via a stamping process. For example, each leg portion 108 can be formed from an upper stamping section and a lower stamping section. In such an embodiment, ribs 114a-114d can be formed via a stamping process, which can result in the inner lower surface 125 and the outer lower surface 127 having corresponding (e.g., W-shaped) profiles.

[0085] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A vehicle axle 10' according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The view of section CC shown. (Compared to...) Figures 1 to 5 The common features of the axle 10 share common reference numerals, wherein the reference numerals of other embodiments have the suffix ', and for the sake of brevity, descriptions of these common features should not be repeated. Unless otherwise stated, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The 10' axle can share the information mentioned above. Figures 1 to 5 The axle 10 describes any of the features, and vice versa.

[0086] In contrast to the first embodiment, the axle 10' is a rigid drive axle. Thus, the free end 108a' of the support leg portion 108' of the axle housing 100' includes a mounting device 200 for mounting a wheel end assembly (not shown) fixed relative to the axle housing 100'. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 200 includes a pair of flanges 202 projecting from the axle housing 100', the flanges 202 having one or more holes 203 for receiving fasteners therein, for mounting (e.g., disc or drum) brake assemblies to the flanges 220.

[0087] The axle housing 100 includes an opening 205 at each free end 108a' through which the drive shaft 110' protrudes from the axle housing 100. The mounting arrangement 200 includes a plurality of holes 207 in the axle housing 100 that are spaced around each opening 205 for receiving fasteners in the plurality of holes 207 for mounting a wheel spindle to the axle housing 100.

[0088] In contrast to the first embodiment, each leg portion 108' does not include a web 134 because the torsional loads on the leg portions 108' are smaller relative to the drive steer axle of the first embodiment for a comparable sized axle. However, in other embodiments, each leg portion 108' can include a web 134.

[0089] In contrast to the first embodiment, the vehicle mounting arrangement 113' does not include a pair of mounting brackets 115 on each leg portion 108', but can include the pair of mounting brackets 115 in other embodiments depending on the desired suspension configuration. Alternatively, the mounting arrangement 113' includes a pair of opposing mounting platforms 119' on the upper surface 100u' and the lower surface 1001' of each leg portion 108' for abutting a vehicle (e.g., a suspension of the vehicle) to which it is mounted. Each mounting platform 119' includes a hole 221' for receiving a fastener for mounting the axle housing 100' to the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting platforms 119' are configured for mounting to a leaf spring type suspension of a vehicle, but can be configured for mounting to any suitable suspension (e.g., an air suspension) in alternative embodiments.

[0090] In contrast to the first embodiment, the ribs 114a, 114b do not extend most of the length of the respective leg portion 108', but rather extend about 45% of the length. In some embodiments, the ribs 114a, 114b can extend at least 30% (e.g., at least 40%) of the length of the respective leg portion 108'.

[0091] Similar to the first embodiment, each leg portion 108' includes a tubular housing 121' having a profile with a vertical height H that tapers in a direction away from the differential portion 102' along the lengthwise axis Y1. In contrast to the first embodiment, the tapered profile of each tubular housing 121' does not extend along most of the length of each leg portion 108'. Rather, each tapered profile extends along about 30% of the length of the respective leg portion 108'. In some embodiments, each tapered profile can extend 20% or more (e.g., 30% or more) of the length of the respective leg portion 108'.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer side sections 204, 206 of each tubular housing 121' have a substantially constant height H. The section 208 of each tubular housing 121' interposed between the inner and outer side sections 204, 206 comprises a tapered profile. Each tapered profile section 208 is closer to the respective free end 108a' than the differential portion 102.

[0093] In contrast to the first embodiment, the axle housing 100' does not comprise a bearing 107 at the free end of the leg portion 108'. Accordingly, the axle housing 100' does not comprise the oil barrier 140 of the first embodiment. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the axle housing 100' can comprise a bearing 107 and / or an oil barrier 140 similar to the first embodiment.

Claims

1. An axle housing, comprising: The differential section is configured to receive a differential; and A pair of elongated outrigger sections extending from opposite sides of the differential section. Each outrigger portion includes a free end configured for mounting a wheel end assembly to the axle housing. Each outrigger section is configured to house a drive shaft for transmitting torque from the differential to the wheel-end assembly, and At least one of the outrigger portions includes one or more ribs extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outrigger portion.

2. The axle housing according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more ribs are arranged on the underside of the outrigger portion in the intended orientation of the axle housing when it is mounted to the vehicle.

3. The axle housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one leg portion includes two or more ribs.

4. The axle housing according to claim 3, wherein, The two or more ribs are spaced apart along the front-rear direction of the leg portion; Optionally, the two or more ribs are arranged side by side along the front-back direction.

5. The axle housing according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one leg portion includes a web plate connecting two of the ribs.

6. The axle housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more ribs extend along most or all of the length of the leg portion.

7. The axle housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one leg portion includes a tubular housing defining a cavity for receiving the drive shaft within the cavity.

8. The axle housing according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more ribs and the tubular shell are formed as a single integral part of the material, for example, by casting, forging or stamping processes.

9. The axle housing according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The height of the profile of the tubular housing tapers away from the differential portion, and at least one of the one or more ribs increases relative to the height of the tubular housing in the direction away from the differential portion; optionally, the tapering profile extends along most or all of the length of the outrigger portion.

10. The axle housing according to claim 9, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity tapers in the direction away from the differential portion.

11. The axle housing according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, In the intended orientation of the axle housing when mounted to the vehicle, the lower wall of the tubular housing slopes downward toward the differential portion; optionally, the upper wall of the tubular housing is not parallel to the lower wall, for example, wherein the upper wall is substantially horizontal.

12. The axle housing according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, In the intended orientation of the axle housing for mounting to a vehicle, the lower side of the tubular housing includes an oil baffle extending into the cavity for retaining oil in the cavity outside the oil baffle. Optionally, the oil baffle is located adjacent to the free end of the outrigger portion.

13. The axle housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more ribs are substantially symmetrical about a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leg portion; optionally, the plane is substantially vertical in the intended orientation of the axle housing when mounted to the vehicle.

14. A method for manufacturing an axle housing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one leg portion includes a tubular housing defining a cavity for receiving the drive shaft within the cavity, the method comprising: The tubular housing and the one or more ribs are formed into a single integral part of the material via casting or stamping processes.

15. An axle, the axle comprising an axle housing according to any one of claims 1 to 13; optionally, wherein, The axle is either a drive steering axle or a rigid drive axle.

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