Device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of differential lock

By designing a detection device for differential locks, the torque and sliding sleeve displacement during differential lock lock lock and unlocking are detected, the problem of incomplete detection in the prior art is solved, the detection quality and efficiency are improved, and the damage to parts is reduced.

CN223217068UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-12SHANGHAI GKN DRIVE SYST
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422101729.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-28
Publication Date
2025-08-12
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the differential lock detection device fails to effectively detect the torque and sliding sleeve displacement during locking and unlocking, which easily causes damage to internal parts and fails to evaluate whether the spring stiffness meets the requirements.

Method used

A device including a fixed seat, a first detection assembly and a second detection assembly are designed. The first detection assembly is used to drive rotation in conjunction with the half-axle gear of the differential lock to detect the torque value, and the second detection assembly abuts with the sliding sleeve to detect the displacement value, and evaluates the locking and unlocking functions of the differential lock.

Benefits of technology

Improve the quality and efficiency of differential lock detection, reduce internal parts damage, and avoid locking or unlocking abnormalities caused by abnormal spring stiffness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock comprises a fixed seat, a first detection assembly and a second detection assembly, the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly are slidably arranged on the fixed seat in the vertical direction, and the second detection assembly is located below the first detection assembly. The end portion of the first detection assembly can penetrate through the second detection assembly in the vertical direction to be matched with a half axle gear of the differential lock, and the half axle gear is driven to rotate so as to detect the torque when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions. The second detection assembly abuts against a sliding sleeve of the differential lock and is used for detecting displacement of the sliding sleeve when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions. According to the utility model, the quality and efficiency of the detection of the locking and unlocking functions of the differential lock are effectively improved, the damage to internal parts of the differential lock is reduced, and the abnormal locking or unlocking of the differential lock due to the fact that the rigidity of the spring exceeds a preset requirement is avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle testing, in particular to a device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock. Background Art

[0002] A differential lock is a device used to lock the differential, disabling its differential action and achieving a hard connection between the two wheels. The differential lock locks the differential case and axle shafts together, disabling the differential action and preventing wheel slip and loss of traction. When the vehicle is traveling on slippery surfaces, the differential lock operates by energizing the electromagnetic coil to push the sliding sleeve, overcoming spring pressure and meshing with the axle shaft gears to generate sufficient driving torque. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the differential lock before installation.

[0003] In the prior art, a Chinese utility model patent with authorization publication number "CN206695989U," entitled "Differential Lock Detection Device," specifically discloses that "it includes a solenoid valve, a power supply, a control switch box, an air pipe, and a conductive wiring harness. The power supply is electrically connected to the solenoid valve, with the control switch box connected in series between the power supply and the solenoid valve. The power supply is also electrically connected to a pressure switch via a conductive wiring harness, and the pressure switch is connected in series with an indicator light. One end of the air pipe is connected to an air source, and the other end of the air pipe is connected to the differential lock cylinder via a solenoid valve. The end face of the differential lock piston contacts the pressure switch rod of the pressure switch." This utility model primarily detects whether the differential lock is engaged and released. The drawings in the utility model specification show that the detection device is horizontally mounted. During detection, the detection device fails to consider interference caused by misalignment between the spline shaft and the side gears, which could easily damage the internal components of the differential lock. Furthermore, the technical solution disclosed in this utility model does not involve using torque and sliding sleeve displacement during differential lock engagement and disengagement as indicators for determining differential lock disengagement. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for detecting the locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock, so as to improve the quality and efficiency of differential lock detection and reduce damage to the internal parts of the differential lock.

[0005] The utility model proposes a device for detecting the locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock, comprising a fixed seat, a first detection assembly and a second detection assembly, wherein the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly are both slidably arranged on the fixed seat in a vertical direction, and the second detection assembly is located below the first detection assembly, and an end portion of the first detection assembly can pass through the second detection assembly in a vertical direction to cooperate with a half-shaft gear of the differential lock, driving the half-shaft gear to rotate, so as to detect the torque when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions; the second detection assembly abuts against the sliding sleeve of the differential lock, and is used to detect the displacement of the sliding sleeve when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions.

[0006] Preferably, the first detection assembly includes a first slide, a main shaft, a first drive device and a second drive device, the first slide is slidably arranged on the fixed seat along the vertical direction, the main shaft is arranged on the first slide, and a torque detection device is provided on the main shaft; the first drive device is fixed on the fixed seat, the first drive device is connected to the first slide, the second drive device is arranged on the first slide and connected to the main shaft, and the end of the main shaft cooperates with the half-shaft gear.

[0007] Preferably, the free end of the main shaft is provided with a spline, and the spline cooperates with the side gear.

[0008] Preferably, the second detection assembly includes a second slide, a third driving device and a displacement detection device. The third driving device is arranged on the fixed seat and connected to the second slide. The main shaft can pass through the second slide and cooperate with the half-shaft gear. The displacement detection device is arranged on the second slide. The third driving device can drive the second slide to drive the displacement detection device to abut against the sliding sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, a blocking portion is provided on the second slide in the vertical direction. When the first slide has an overtravel movement, the blocking portion can resist the first slide to prevent the first slide from colliding with the displacement detection device.

[0010] Preferably, the first slide includes a first base, a first support portion for installing the second driving device and a second support portion for installing the main shaft, the first base is slidably arranged on the fixed seat and is connected to the first driving device, the first support portion and the second support portion are both fixed on the first base, and the second support portion is located below the first support portion.

[0011] Preferably, the second slide includes a second base, a third support portion and a fourth support portion, the second base is slidably arranged on the fixed base, the third driving device is connected to the second base, the third support portion is fixed to the second base, the fourth support portion is arranged on the third support portion, the main shaft can pass through the fourth support portion, and the displacement detection device is arranged on the fourth support portion.

[0012] Preferably, a through hole for the main shaft to pass through is formed on the fourth supporting portion, and the displacement detection device is arranged along the circumference of the through hole.

[0013] As described above, the device for detecting the locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] This utility model utilizes a first detection assembly that vertically passes through a second detection assembly and engages with the differential lock's side gears. An external power supply supplies power to the differential lock's electromagnetic coil. The system monitors the torque values corresponding to the differential lock's locked and unlocked states under different operating conditions. Simultaneously, the second detection assembly detects the displacement values of the sliding sleeve corresponding to the differential lock's locked and unlocked states. Finally, based on these torque values and sliding sleeve displacement values, the system assesses whether the differential lock's locking and unlocking functions meet requirements under different operating conditions. This utility model effectively improves the quality and efficiency of differential lock locking and function testing, while minimizing damage to the differential lock's internal components.

[0015] The utility model also monitors different working conditions and, on the one hand, indirectly detects whether the spring is missing through the second detection component, thereby avoiding omission of the spring installation when installing the differential lock; on the other hand, the detection component can also indirectly detect whether the sliding sleeve pressing spring is normal, thereby avoiding abnormal locking or unlocking of the differential lock due to the spring stiffness exceeding the predetermined requirement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A three-dimensional assembly diagram of a device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock provided by one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first detection component provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 main view.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 side view.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Top view of .

[0021] Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second detection component provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 6 main view.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 6 side view.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Top view of .

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 100, fixed seat; 200, first detection component; 210, first slide; 211, first base; 212, first support portion; 213, second support portion; 220, main shaft; 221, spline; 230, first drive device; 240, second drive device; 300, second detection component; 310, second slide; 311, blocking portion; 312, second base; 313, third support portion; 314, fourth support portion; 315, through hole; 320, third drive device; 330, displacement detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. People familiar with this technology can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0028] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for understanding and reading by those familiar with this technology, and are not used to limit the conditions for implementation of the present invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention without affecting the efficacy and purpose of the present invention. At the same time, the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle", etc. quoted in this specification are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Changes or adjustments in their relative relationships should also be considered as the scope of implementation of the present invention without substantially changing the technical content.

[0029] like Figures 1-9As shown, a device for detecting the locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock includes a fixed base 100, a first detection assembly 200, and a second detection assembly 300. The fixed base 100 is fixedly mounted on a workbench. The first detection assembly 200 and the second detection assembly 300 are both slidably arranged on the fixed base 100 in a vertical direction. The sliding arrangement of the first detection assembly 200 and the second detection assembly includes but is not limited to a sliding rail arrangement. A ball screw, a sliding screw, etc. can also be selected to enable the first detection assembly 200 and the second detection assembly 300 to reciprocate up and down in the vertical direction along the fixed base 100. The second detection assembly 300 is located below the first detection assembly 300. The end of the first detection assembly 200 can pass through the second detection assembly 300 in the vertical direction to cooperate with the side gear of the differential lock, thereby driving the side gear to rotate and detecting the torque when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different operating conditions. The second detection assembly 300 abuts against the sliding sleeve of the differential lock to detect the displacement of the sliding sleeve when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different operating conditions.

[0030] During use, the differential lock to be tested is placed on a workbench. An external power supply, capable of providing current under different operating conditions, powers the electromagnetic coil on the differential lock. When testing a locked differential lock, the electromagnetic coil is energized, pushing the sliding sleeve to engage the side gear teeth, overcoming spring pressure. This locks the differential lock. The second detection assembly 300 and the first detection assembly 200 then vertically descend, with the second detection assembly 300 descending until it abuts the sliding sleeve. The displacement of the sliding sleeve is then measured. After the second detection assembly 300 has moved to a predetermined position, the first detection assembly 200 vertically passes through it and engages the side gears of the differential lock. By rotating the side gears, the first detection assembly 200 measures the torque of the differential lock in its locked state. Similarly, when testing an unlocked differential lock, the sliding sleeve is disengaged from the side gear teeth. The torque and displacement of the sliding sleeve are measured using the same method. The testing equipment evaluates whether the locking and unlocking functions of the differential lock meet the requirements under different working conditions based on the measured torque values and displacement values of the sliding sleeve in the locked and unlocked states.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be noted that when the differential lock is locked, i.e., the electromagnetic coil is energized to push the sliding sleeve to overcome the spring pressure and engage the side gear teeth. During this process, if the spring stiffness exceeds the predetermined requirement, the sliding sleeve may have difficulty engaging with the side gear teeth, thereby affecting the differential lock's locking function. When the differential lock is unlocked, if the spring stiffness falls below the predetermined requirement or a spring is missing, the sliding sleeve may engage with the side gear teeth, further affecting the differential lock's unlocking function. Therefore, while detecting the sliding sleeve's displacement, the second detection assembly 300 can also indirectly detect whether the spring stiffness meets the requirements and whether a spring is missing.

[0032] In one embodiment, if Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, the first detection assembly 200 includes a first slide 210, a spindle 220, a first drive device 230, and a second drive device 240. A slide rail is provided on the fixed base 100 along a vertical direction. The first slide 210 is mounted on the slide rail via a slider, enabling reciprocating motion up and down the fixed base 100. The spindle 220 is rotatably mounted on the first slide 210 via a bearing. A torque detection device, preferably a torque sensor, is mounted on the spindle 220. The first drive device 230 is fixed to the fixed base 100 and connected to the first slide 210. The second drive device 240 is mounted on the first slide 210 and connected to the spindle 220. The end of the spindle 22 engages with the side gear. The free end of the spindle 220 is provided with a spline 221, which engages with the side gear. The first drive device 230 includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder, and may also be a motor. The second drive device 240 is preferably a servo motor.

[0033] When in use, the first drive device 230 drives the first slide 210, the main shaft 220 and the second drive device 240 to move vertically downward as a whole, so that the spline 221 at the end of the main shaft 220 cooperates with the half-shaft gear. The main shaft 220 is driven to rotate by the second drive device 240, and then the half-shaft gear is driven to rotate. The torque value generated at this time is measured by the torque detection device.

[0034] Further, if Figure 3-Figure 5As shown, the first slide 210 includes a first base 211, a first support portion 212 for mounting the second drive device 240, and a second support portion 213 for mounting the main shaft 220. The first base 211 is slidably mounted on the slide rail of the fixed base 100 via a slider and is connected to the first drive device 230. The first support portion 212 and the second support portion 213 are both fixed to the first base 211, and the second support portion 213 is located below the first support portion 212 to ensure that the main shaft 220 is in a vertical state. The second support portion 213 is provided with a bearing seat, in which a bearing is installed. The main shaft 220 cooperates with the bearing in the bearing seat to ensure that the second drive device 240 drives the main shaft 220 to rotate.

[0035] During use, the first driving device 230 drives the first base 211 to move downward in the vertical direction, so that the spline 221 at the end of the main shaft 220 can be inserted into the differential lock in the vertical direction to cooperate with the half-shaft gear, thereby preventing the spline 221 from damaging the internal parts of the differential lock during the detection process.

[0036] In one embodiment, if Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the second detection assembly 300 includes a second slide 310, a third drive device 320, and a displacement detection device 330. The third drive device 320 is mounted on the fixed base 100 and connected to the second slide 310. The main shaft 220 can pass through the second slide 310 and engage with the side gear. The displacement detection device 330 is mounted on the second slide 310. The third drive device 320 can drive the second slide 310 to bring the displacement detection device 330 into contact with the sliding sleeve. The third drive device 320 includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder, and may also be a motor. The displacement detection device 330 is preferably a displacement sensor, and multiple displacement sensors may be provided to improve detection accuracy.

[0037] During use, after the differential lock electromagnetic coil is powered by an external power supply device, the third driving device 320 drives the second slide 310 downward, so that the end probe of the displacement detection device 330 abuts against the sliding sleeve, and then the displacement value of the sliding sleeve is measured, which serves as one of the indicators for judging whether the differential lock is qualified.

[0038] Further, if Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the second slide 310 includes a second base 312, a third support portion 313 and a fourth support portion 314. The second base 312 is slidably arranged on the fixed base 100. The third driving device 320 is connected to the second base 312. The third support portion 313 is fixed on the second base 312. The fourth support portion 314 is arranged on the third support portion 313. The main shaft 220 can pass through the fourth support portion 314. The displacement detection device 330 is arranged on the fourth support portion 314.

[0039] During use, the second base 312, under the action of the third driving device 320, drives the third support part 313 and the fourth support part 314 to move downward, thereby driving the displacement detection device 330 to move downward, so that the probe of the displacement detection device 330 contacts the sliding sleeve, and then measures the displacement value of the sliding sleeve to determine whether the unlocking and locking functions of the differential lock are qualified.

[0040] Furthermore, a blocking portion 311 is provided on the second slide 310 in the vertical direction. When the first slide 210 overtravels in the vertical direction, the blocking portion 311 can resist the first slide 210 to prevent the first slide 210 from colliding with the displacement detection device 330 and causing damage to the displacement detection device 330.

[0041] Further, if Figure 9 As shown, the fourth support portion 314 is provided with a through hole 315 for the main shaft 220 to pass through, and the displacement detection device 330 is arranged circumferentially along the through hole 315. The axis of the main shaft 220 coincides with the through hole 315, so that the main shaft 220 can smoothly pass through the through hole 315 and cooperate with the side gear.

[0042] In summary, the utility model effectively improves the quality and efficiency of differential lock locking and unlocking function detection, reduces damage to internal parts of the differential lock, and avoids abnormal locking or unlocking of the differential lock due to the spring stiffness exceeding the predetermined requirement.

[0043] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed in the present invention are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fixing seat (100), a first detection assembly (200) and a second detection assembly (300), wherein the first detection assembly (200) and the second detection assembly (300) are both slidably arranged on the fixing seat (100) in a vertical direction, and the second detection assembly (300) is located below the first detection assembly (200), and the end of the first detection assembly (200) can pass through the second detection assembly (300) in a vertical direction to cooperate with the half-axle gear of the differential lock, drive the half-axle gear to rotate, and detect the torque when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions; the second detection assembly (300) abuts against the sliding sleeve of the differential lock, and is used to detect the displacement of the sliding sleeve when the differential lock is locked or unlocked under different working conditions.

2. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first detection assembly (200) comprises a first slide (210), a main shaft (220), a first driving device (230) and a second driving device (240); the first slide (210) is slidably arranged on the fixed seat (100) along a vertical direction; the main shaft (220) is arranged on the first slide (210); and a torque detection device is provided on the main shaft (220); the first driving device (230) is fixed on the fixed seat (100); the first driving device (230) is connected to the first slide (210); the second driving device (240) is arranged on the first slide (210) and connected to the main shaft (220); and the end of the main shaft cooperates with the half-shaft gear.

3. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The free end of the main shaft (220) is provided with a spline (221), and the spline (221) is matched with the side gear.

4. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second detection assembly (300) comprises a second slide (310), a third driving device (320) and a displacement detection device (330); the third driving device (320) is arranged on the fixed seat (100) and connected to the second slide (310); the main shaft (220) can pass through the second slide (310) and cooperate with the half-shaft gear; the displacement detection device (330) is arranged on the second slide (310); the third driving device (320) can drive the second slide (310) to drive the displacement detection device (330) to abut against the sliding sleeve.

5. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: A blocking portion (311) is provided on the second slide (310) in a vertical direction. When the first slide (210) experiences overtravel movement, the blocking portion (311) can resist the first slide (210) to prevent the first slide (210) from colliding with the displacement detection device (330).

6. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first slide (210) comprises a first base (211), a first support portion (212) for mounting the second drive device (240), and a second support portion (213) for mounting the main shaft (220); the first base (211) is slidably arranged on the fixed base (100) and connected to the first drive device (230); the first support portion (212) and the second support portion (213) are both fixed on the first base (211), and the second support portion (213) is located below the first support portion (212).

7. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second slide (310) comprises a second base (312), a third support portion (313) and a fourth support portion (314); the second base (312) is slidably arranged on the fixed base (100); the third driving device (320) is connected to the second base (312); the third support portion (313) is fixed to the second base (312); the fourth support portion (314) is arranged on the third support portion (313); the main shaft (220) can pass through the fourth support portion (314); and the displacement detection device (330) is arranged on the fourth support portion (314).

8. The device for detecting locking and unlocking functions of a differential lock according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fourth supporting portion (314) is provided with a through hole (315) for the main shaft (220) to pass through, and the displacement detection device (330) is arranged along the circumference of the through hole (315).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Differential lock detection device

    CN206695989U