Transmission shaft and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle transmission shafts, in particular to a transmission shaft and a vehicle, the transmission shaft comprises a transmission shaft body, the transmission shaft body comprises a shaft tube and a flange yoke, a plurality of connecting grooves are formed in the outer side circumferential face, close to the shaft tube, of the flange yoke, and a plurality of connecting strips are arranged at the end, close to the flange yoke, of the shaft tube; and the connecting strips are embedded into the connecting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence manner, so that the shaft tube is connected with the flange yoke. The connecting strips on the shaft tube are directly embedded into the connecting grooves in the flange yoke, rivets or other mechanical transition pieces are not needed, the connecting structure is simplified, and the weight of the transmission shaft is reduced. The situation that holes are punched in the axle tube to install the connecting pieces is avoided, and therefore the integrity and the overall strength of the axle tube are kept.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle drive shaft technology, and in particular to a drive shaft and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The driveshaft is a crucial component of an automotive transmission system, primarily used to transmit power from the transmission or transfer case to the drive wheels. It mainly comprises components such as the flange fork, shaft tube, and connecting rod. In existing driveshafts, the connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork is typically achieved mechanically using transition pieces such as rivets. However, this connection requires drilling holes in the shaft tube to first install the connecting piece onto the tube before connecting the flange fork. This not only compromises the integrity of the shaft tube but also increases the overall weight of the driveshaft. Especially when drilling holes in fiber-reinforced shaft tubes, the fibers are interrupted at the drilling location, significantly impacting the overall strength of the shaft tube. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a drive shaft and vehicle to solve the problem that the existing connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork requires the use of a mechanical transition piece, which increases the weight of the drive shaft and affects the integrity of the shaft tube.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the first aspect of this utility model discloses a drive shaft, including a drive shaft body. The drive shaft body includes a shaft tube and a flange fork. The flange fork has multiple connecting grooves on its outer circumferential surface near the shaft tube. The shaft tube has multiple connecting strips at one end near the flange fork, and each connecting strip is embedded in a corresponding connecting groove to connect the shaft tube and the flange fork.

[0005] Optionally, the connecting groove includes a first groove and a second groove, both of which are inclined relative to the length direction of the flange fork, and the inclination direction of the first groove is opposite to that of the second groove, so that the first groove and the second groove intersect to form a mesh structure.

[0006] The connecting strip includes a first connecting strip and a second connecting strip, wherein the first connecting strip is embedded in the first groove and the second connecting strip is embedded in the second groove.

[0007] Optionally, each of the first connecting strips and each of the second connecting strips are interlocked and staggered along the mesh structure.

[0008] Optionally, both the first groove and the second groove are inclined at 45° relative to the length direction of the flange fork.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting groove further includes a fixing groove, which is arranged in a ring along the circumferential direction of the flange fork, and the fixing groove and the connecting groove are connected, with each of the first connecting strips and each of the second connecting strips passing through the fixing groove;

[0010] The connecting strip also includes a fixing strip, which is embedded in the fixing groove to bind the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip.

[0011] Optionally, the inner wall of the connecting groove is provided with multiple grooves.

[0012] Optionally, both the shaft tube and the connecting strip are made of carbon fiber composite material.

[0013] Optionally, the shaft tube and the connecting strip are integrally formed.

[0014] Optionally, the shape of the connecting groove is set to wavy.

[0015] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle that includes the driveshaft described in the first aspect.

[0016] The embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages:

[0017] The connection structure is simplified and the driveshaft weight is reduced by directly engaging the connecting strip on the shaft tube with the connecting groove on the flange fork, eliminating the need for rivets or other mechanical transition parts. This avoids drilling holes in the shaft tube to install connecting parts, thus maintaining the integrity and overall strength of the shaft tube. It fully utilizes the lightweight advantages of carbon fiber composite materials while retaining their strength, thereby reducing the overall weight of the driveshaft. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive shaft body of a drive shaft according to this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flange fork of a drive shaft according to this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drive shaft tube according to this application.

[0022] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork of a transmission shaft according to this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork of a drive shaft according to this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork of a drive shaft according to this application;

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1. Shaft tube; 2. Flange fork; 3. Connecting groove; 31. First groove; 32. Second groove; 33. Fixing groove; 4. Connecting strip; 5. Spline sleeve; 6. Spline shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the first aspect of this embodiment provides a drive shaft, including a drive shaft body. The drive shaft body includes a shaft tube 1 and a flange fork 2. The flange fork 2 has a plurality of connecting grooves 3 on its outer circumferential surface near the shaft tube 1. The shaft tube 1 has a plurality of connecting strips 4 at one end near the flange fork 2, and each of the connecting strips 4 is embedded in the corresponding connecting grooves 3 to connect the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2.

[0029] The shaft tube 1, as the main structure of the drive shaft, primarily functions to bear and transmit torque. It is a crucial component of the transmission system, transmitting the power generated by the engine to the drive axle via components such as the gearbox, propelling the vehicle forward or backward. The flange fork 2 is a key component connecting the drive shaft to other parts of the vehicle's drive system. It is typically designed as a fork-shaped structure with specific shape and dimensions to mate with the input end of the drive axle or other transmission components.

[0030] The connecting groove 3 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flange fork 2 near the shaft tube, providing a precise mating surface for the connecting strip 4. The connecting strip 4 is located at one end of the shaft tube 1 near the flange fork 2, and can be inserted and engaged into the connecting groove 3 in a one-to-one correspondence, achieving a tight connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork. Furthermore, the connecting strip 4, acting as a connecting bridge between the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2, can effectively transmit torque and rotational motion, ensuring the normal operation of the drive shaft. Through the connection of the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3, the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2 can be connected without the use of rivets or other mechanical parts, thereby reducing the overall weight of the drive shaft, maintaining the integrity of the shaft tube 1, and avoiding the need for drilling holes in the shaft tube 1.

[0031] The drive shaft body also includes a spline sleeve 5 and a spline shaft 6. The spline sleeve 5 is located between the spline shaft 6 and the shaft tube 1, and the connection method between the spline sleeve 5 and the spline shaft 6 and the shaft tube 1 is the same as the connection method between the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2. A groove is made in the spline sleeve 5, and then a connecting strip 4 is provided on the spline shaft 6 and the shaft tube 1 to connect with the groove on the spline sleeve 5. Specifically, this embodiment takes the connection between the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2 as an example for detailed description.

[0032] like Figures 2-4 As shown, specifically, the connecting groove 3 includes a first groove 31 and a second groove 32. Both the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 are inclined relative to the length direction of the flange fork 2, and the inclination direction of the first groove 31 is opposite to that of the second groove 32, so that the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 interweave to form a mesh structure. The connecting strip 4 includes a first connecting strip and a second connecting strip. The first connecting strip is embedded in the first groove 31, and the second connecting strip is embedded in the second groove 32.

[0033] Both the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 are designed to accommodate and embed the connecting strips 4, i.e., the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip. The specific difference lies in the different inclination directions of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32. Multiple first grooves 31 and second grooves 32 with different directions are sequentially arranged on the circumferential surface of the flange fork 2, allowing them to overlap and interweave to form a mesh-like structure. Thus, when the connecting strips 4, i.e., the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip, are embedded into the first groove 31 and the second groove 32, the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip will form a mesh structure with the same shape as the first groove 31 and the second groove 32.

[0034] The first groove 31 and the second groove 32 interweave to form a mesh structure, increasing the contact area between the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3, thereby improving the stability of the connection. The interweaving mesh structure can more effectively resist forces and torques from all directions, ensuring the stability and reliability of the drive shaft during operation. The formation of the mesh structure allows the connecting groove 3 and the connecting strip 4 to more effectively disperse stress when subjected to shear force, thereby enhancing the shear resistance of the entire drive shaft.

[0035] Furthermore, the first connecting strips and the second connecting strips are interlocked and staggered along the mesh structure. That is, when embedding and arranging the first and second connecting strips, they are embedded in a sequence of first embedding one first connecting strip followed by second embedding one second connecting strip, and at the intersections of the first and second connecting strips, they are alternately staggered, so that the first and second connecting strips are woven into a mesh along the shapes of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32. This is not simply embedding the first and second connecting strips individually into the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 without interfering with each other.

[0036] Through interlocking, the first and second connecting strips can restrain each other, enhancing the overall integrity of the connecting strip 4. The first and second connecting strips form a tighter and more stable connection within the mesh structure, helping to prevent relative movement or loosening of the shaft tube 1 and the flange fork 2 during operation. The interlocking connecting strips 4 can better transmit torque and rotational motion, ensuring that power is smoothly and efficiently transmitted from the shaft tube to the flange fork.

[0037] Furthermore, both the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 are inclined at 45° relative to the length direction of the flange fork 2.

[0038] The inclination angles of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 relative to the length direction of the flange fork 2 are 45°, and the inclination angles of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 are opposite, that is, the inclination angles of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 are 45° clockwise and 45° counterclockwise, respectively.

[0039] The 45° tilt angle provides excellent mechanical properties and stability. At this angle, the contact area and friction between the connecting strip 4 and the groove body achieve a better balance, resulting in a more robust connection. When the groove body is set at 45°, it can more effectively disperse the torque and shear force from the drive shaft, preventing excessive stress concentration in any local area and thus reducing the risk of damage caused by stress concentration. Furthermore, the 45° angle is relatively easy to process and install. In addition, this angle is also beneficial for subsequent maintenance and inspection, as workers can more easily observe the condition of the connecting strip 4 and the groove body.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the connecting groove 3 can also be arranged spirally along the circumferential surface of the flange fork 2. The connecting groove 3 can be designed as a spiral, gradually unfolding along the circumference and length direction of the flange fork 2. The connecting strip 4 is correspondingly designed to match the spiral connecting groove, achieving a stable connection between the shaft tube and the flange fork through spiral fitting.

[0041] The helical arrangement provides a continuous and smooth engagement path, ensuring that the connecting strip 4 remains stable within the connecting groove and is not prone to loosening or falling off. The helical structure better adapts to the complex stress distribution generated during drive shaft operation, helping to reduce stress concentration and fatigue damage. The helical arrangement of the connecting groove 3 and the connecting strip 4 can typically be designed and manufactured using standardized methods, reducing production costs. Simultaneously, this arrangement facilitates inspection and maintenance, improving the reliability and availability of the drive shaft.

[0042] In one optional embodiment, the connecting grooves 3 can also be arranged in a composite manner, that is, combining multiple arrangement methods, such as simultaneously creating spiral and cross-grid or other shaped connecting grooves on the flange fork. By combining the advantages of multiple arrangement methods, the composite arrangement can significantly improve the strength and stability of the connection, ensuring the reliability and safety of the drive shaft during operation. The composite arrangement can better adapt to the complex stress distribution generated by the drive shaft during operation, while reducing friction and energy loss at the connection point and improving transmission efficiency.

[0043] Furthermore, the connecting groove 3 also includes a fixing groove 33, which is arranged in a ring along the circumferential direction of the flange fork 2, and the fixing groove 33 communicates with the connecting groove 3, through which each of the first connecting strips and each of the second connecting strips passes. The connecting strip 4 also includes a fixing strip, which is embedded in the fixing groove 33 to bind the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip.

[0044] The fixing groove 33 is arranged in a ring shape along the circumference of the flange fork 2, meaning the included angle of the fixing groove 33 along the length of the flange fork 2 is 90°, and the 90° fixing groove 33 is staggered and connected to each of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32. In this way, each first connecting strip and second connecting strip embedded in the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 will pass through the fixing groove 33. After the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip are embedded in the first groove 31 and the second groove 32, the fixing strip is then embedded in the fixing groove 33, thus binding each first connecting strip and the second connecting strip together. This ensures the stability and reliability of the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip during the operation of the drive shaft.

[0045] Furthermore, the binding effect of the fixing strip effectively prevents the first and second connecting strips from loosening or falling off due to vibration or external force during long-term use, thus ensuring the normal operation of the drive shaft. The use of the fixing strip simplifies the installation process of the drive shaft, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or connectors, and achieving a secure connection between the first and second connecting strips and the flange fork 2, thereby improving installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0046] Furthermore, multiple grooves can be formed on the inner wall of the connecting groove 3.

[0047] The grooves are relatively small grooves, which can be obtained through shot blasting. They are used to increase the roughness of the inner wall of the connecting groove 3.

[0048] By increasing the roughness, the connecting strip 4 can fit more tightly when embedded in the connecting groove 3, making it less prone to loosening or falling off. This tight connection helps improve the shear resistance and torsional stiffness of the entire drive shaft, ensuring its stability and durability during operation. The fine grooves can more effectively disperse the stress on the contact surface between the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3, reducing the degree of local stress concentration. This helps reduce the risk of connection failure due to stress concentration, improving the overall performance and safety of the drive shaft.

[0049] Furthermore, both the shaft tube 1 and the connecting strip 4 are made of carbon fiber composite material.

[0050] The carbon fiber composite shaft tube 1 can reduce its weight while maintaining its strength, thereby reducing the weight of the drive shaft. Furthermore, the connection via the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3 eliminates the need for drilling, thus preserving the integrity of the carbon fiber in the shaft tube 1 and maintaining its overall strength. Therefore, the same carbon fiber composite shaft tube 1, connected using the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3, offers greater strength compared to a shaft tube 1 connected using a transition piece. Simultaneously, eliminating the need for a transition piece also results in a lighter overall drive shaft weight.

[0051] like Figures 5-6 As shown, the shaft tube 1 and the connecting strip 4 are integrally formed.

[0052] When both the shaft tube 1 and the connecting strip 4 are made of the same carbon fiber composite material, the connecting strip 4 can be easily woven into the shaft tube 1, becoming part of the shaft tube 1, thus improving the overall strength. The integrated connection between the shaft tube 1 and the connecting strip 4 avoids the loosening or detachment problems that may occur in traditional connection methods, enhancing the stability and durability of the connection.

[0053] in, Figure 5 Point a shows the state in which the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip of the connecting strip 4 are woven into a mesh along the shape of the first groove 31 and the second groove 32. Figure 5 The image at point b shows the addition of the fixing strip after the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip are connected. Figure 5 The image at point c shows the shaft tube 1 and the connecting strip 4 as an integral unit, with the shaft tube 1 connected to the flange fork 2 via the connecting strip 4 and the connecting groove 3. Figure 6 The image shows the view from inside the shaft tube 1 towards the flange fork 2 in this connected state.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the connecting groove 3 can also be set to a wavy shape.

[0055] The wavy connecting groove 3 allows for numerous misalignments and bends during connection, structural features that contribute to increased strength and durability of the connection. Compared to straight or planar connecting grooves, the wavy connecting groove 3 better resists shear and tensile forces, thereby improving the overall structural stability. When the connecting strips 4 are embedded into the connecting groove 3 in the same shape, the wavy connecting groove 3 provides a stronger interlocking effect.

[0056] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle that includes the driveshaft described in the first aspect.

[0057] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing the present 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the phrase "includes a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes the element.

[0059] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, for those skilled in the art, there will be different forms of changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on this application. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here, and obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A drive shaft, comprising a drive shaft body, characterized in that, The drive shaft body includes a shaft tube (1) and a flange fork (2). The flange fork (2) has multiple connecting grooves (3) on its outer circumferential surface near the shaft tube (1). The shaft tube (1) has multiple connecting strips (4) at one end near the flange fork (2), and each connecting strip (4) is embedded in the corresponding connecting groove (3) to connect the shaft tube (1) and the flange fork (2).

2. The drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting groove (3) includes a first groove (31) and a second groove (32). Both the first groove (31) and the second groove (32) are inclined relative to the length direction of the flange fork (2), and the inclination direction of the first groove (31) is opposite to that of the second groove (32), so that the first groove (31) and the second groove (32) intersect each other to form a mesh structure. The connecting strip (4) includes a first connecting strip and a second connecting strip. The first connecting strip is embedded in the first groove (31), and the second connecting strip is embedded in the second groove (32).

3. The drive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting strips and the second connecting strips are interlocked and staggered along the mesh structure.

4. The drive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first groove (31) and the second groove (32) are both inclined at 45° relative to the length direction of the flange fork (2).

5. The drive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting groove (3) further includes a fixing groove (33), which is arranged in a ring along the circumferential direction of the flange fork (2), and the fixing groove (33) is connected to the first groove (31) and the second groove (32) respectively, and each of the first connecting strips and each of the second connecting strips passes through the fixing groove (33). The connecting strip (4) also includes a fixing strip, which is embedded in the fixing groove (33) to bind the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip.

6. The drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the connecting groove (3) is provided with multiple grooves.

7. The drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the shaft tube (1) and the connecting strip (4) are made of carbon fiber composite material.

8. The drive shaft according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shaft tube (1) and the connecting strip (4) are integrally formed.

9. The drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the connecting groove (3) is set to be wavy.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the drive shaft as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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